I feel more than able to comment on this book, as a current student of Braddon-Mitchell's - Philosophy of the Mind course, run at the University of Sydney, Australia. Not only that, but I'm using it as a reference this instant in writing some research material.

This is of course a good reference for students but it has its flaws. I would not wholeheartedly recommend it to the novice philosopher or undergrad student. Not before browsing some other materials.

The book itself is based almost wholly on the way that David would run his course. In fact it does, they mirror one another almost totally. I have followed the course and examined the book and they coincide more than neatly. Whilst this is essentially dynamic, this is where its imperfections may show themselves.

As a lecturer might, there is philosophical bias and a tendency to forget that the subject matter itself is not independent. One might feel at times, that you are being taught the Right theory. There are critiques, but standing from an established point of analysis. I do not feel that it is engaging as Braddon-Mitchell is in his courses and certainly, it can be swamped in some vague sentences. It will require close reading or a good background in the discipline.

It is comprehensive book though, very in depth and reaching to the full extent, matters of cognition. I provide my criticism not to attack the book, but often with reviews, all that is mentioned is its content.

Rather than treating Philosophy and Psychology as diverse subjects it is quite refreshing to see that there are still authors who introduce the subject of the mind to students of Psychology as the deep and absorbing subject that it really is, and show that they do still walk hand in hand, no matter how scientific one of them may have become. Even though David Braddon-Mitchell and Frank Jackson appear to assume that their readers have a grounding in Philosophy as well as Psychology, they do so in a way which would encourage a mere novice to widen their knowledge, this will therefore make the subject of Psychology far more interesting and forfilling, and thereby make the complicated subject of the Human Mind more clear. It is additionally encouraging by the inclusion of a comprehensive glossary so eliminating over-referencing like other texts, but at the same time leads inquisitive students into fresh fields where they can 'graze' on the klnowledge of the subject to their heart's content. Each school of Philosophy is clearly expalined and compared to it's sister, and subjectively ctitisied. It moves from the pre-history of contemporary Philosophy of Mind - Dualism and Behaviourism, and early versions of the identity theory of mind, through discussions on functionalism in its many varieties, consciousness and quili, instrumentalism and the autonomy of Psychology, to topics such as eleminative materialism, individualism and the problems of content and representation. The text according to the authors, was viewed by students of the Philosophy of Psychology before printing, this gives an air of originality to the book, which in turn would be an ideal undertaking for other authors of literature relating to the ever complex subject of Psychology. The nature and level of the discussion within the covers of the book make it and ideal foundation for any undergraduate, and graduate, course in both Psychology and Philosophy. This book is an up-to-date introduction to, and account of, the transition of Philosophy from a dry and sometimes non-understandable subject to a cognitive science where investigation of theories is possible. It clearly provides students of Psychology, and Philosophy, with a clear and coherant picture of the human mind, which can only be expanded.

This book, like Kim's intro to phil. of mind, is very helpful to anyone getting acquainted with the topic. Its presentation on fuctionalism is better than Kim's. Moreover, it includes a chapter on eliminative materialism. Good presentation and useful bibliography. Kim's book is more specific, but this one is extremely helpful too. The two of them, together with Rosenthal's collection of articles, make a very good start-trio to phil. of mind.

the editors boast themselves as modern .in the 6 edition authors did not even mention h. pylori in the pathology of peptic ulcer whereas harrison' 13 edn discussed about it. also the urology chapter is badly written with not even a mention on CA urethra ,peyronie's disease.also the treatments are incomplete.also the concept of GE reflux &its relation to standing & lying is totally wrong(infact opposite).go for a greenfield or asabiston instead.

Surgery as a field, is wide and developing rapidly, probably publishing textbooks is not a good idea anymore. This book hits and misses in trying to collect the basics for surgical knowledge and more.
You'll find many missing points which you can fill from the internet or from magazines or other resources.
Most of the chapters are excellent and are probably all what you might need for your college study like those on trauma, diseases of the thyroid and parathyroid, metabolic response to injury etc.. but there are some which are disasterous like the chapter on breast conditions, but probably the subject itself is complex and controversial anyway.
The text overall is very well written and the structure and design of each chapter is very logical, some figures are not so great though, plus the book needs an update. you might consider supplementing it with Surgical clinics of north amarica for some of the chapters you read.

It's new and more . but It's expensive for medical student in the devloping country such as Thailand . however it's a reference book for most surgeons in the world.

Not a very readable book, straight scoop. It does certainly throw a lot of information at you. It's chock full of diagrams and pseudocode, but I haven't been able to make heads or tails out of a significant number of them. Which makes me think that the authors had at least an inkling of what they were writing about, but failed to take the time to develop and refine their explanations and reasoning. Very appearant by detailed selections here and there. They also seem to be hung up on their IBM product experiences; narrowness of scope quikly leading into "train of thought" explanations. A classic "Ugh!" book that makes you feel like you wasted "money."

Here is an example paragraph that I just happened to turn to, but it is indicative of the problems throughout the book. Practically the whole book is like this!:

"Before a user can perform any work, he must establish a session with the workflow management system. The session is initiated by the user starting the appropriate workflow management system client component and providing his user identification and password. If both entries are correct, the workflow management system establishes a session. Within a session, the workflow management system assumes that all requests are coming from the user that who established the session. The session can also be terminated automatically by the workflow management system if the user has not been active for a specified period of time. This measure prohibits unauthorized use of the system if a user forgets to terminate a session." p. 101

See what I mean? I wish to add that I am somewhat dissappointed at Prentice Hall publishers. This book is not an exception, but a continuing trend for them. Their editing efforts sadly put them in the league with SAMS and QUE books, IMO. For excellent tech books, it's still O'Reilly (ORA) and Addison Wesley at the top of the heap!

A really complete book on workflow covering both technical and business aspects. A must-read for anybody who wants a coverage of both practical and theoretical issues of WF Management. More oriented towards technical people than business people and very useful as a basis for lectures on the topic. It could have covered other WFMS and models than only MQ-series in order to be more complete, but as the focus is mainly put on models and architecture the book does not appear as a IBM white paper. Anyway, this is already a very good book on Workflow and the best I've read today.

This is a good book. It covers a wider range of topics and provides more details than any other workflow book I read. The authors target technical people who are interested in building, evaluating, or using workflow systems. The book doesn't provide all the implementation details you would need to build a workflow system, though. But once you read it you'll have a better idea about what it takes to do it.

The first part of the book discusses concepts relevant to workflow management. The authors cover a wide range of topics, from business processes to workflow basics to advanced workflow features like dynamic modification of workflows. However, some concepts don't fit in as nicely as others, which makes it seem unfinished. For example, in Chapter 4 the authors present in great detail a formal workflow metamodel. But 63 pages later they don't show how the reader can use this formal treatment: "One of the advantages of representing a metamodel in a formal manner is that one can prove statements formulated in the corresponding language. In our case, properties of process model graphs can their instances can be derived." The chapter ends with a 1/2 page (sketch of a) process termination proof.

The second part of the book focuses on techniques for implementing workflow systems. Here the authors discuss objects, transactions, advanced workflow functionality, and the architecture of workflow systems and workflow-based applications. These chapters seem more biased by IBM's MQSeries Workflow system (with which both authors have been involved) than claimed in the preface. Therefore, the presentation revolves around the techniques used in IBM's product and shadows other alternatives.

Many discussions in this book are followed by examples in the Flow Definition Language used by MQSeries Workflow. There are two problems with this approach. First, unless the reader uses the same workflow system, I question its value. Second, the FDL examples focus on specification rather than implementation. Probably the majority of readers are interested in the latter (which is missing) rather than the former. In fact, throughout the 2nd part the presentation of different techniques remains on a conceptual level.

Object technology seems an afterthought. While you can find the word "object" quite often, this book doesn't show how workflow management systems can benefit from object-oriented technology. The authors regard objects as components that merely encapsulate the implementations workflow activities. Their treatment ignores the other key features of object-orientation (inheritance and polymorphism). Incidentally, Chapter 6 (Workflow and Objects) is one of the shortest chapters in the book.

Some additional comments:

- There are a few places where the authors provide basic background information which probably should be left out. For example, Section 10.1.1 on Availability introduces MTBF and MTTR. In my opinion, unless this discussion is tied into workflow (which is not), it doesn't belong to this book. But this may not be the case for someone who hasn't encountered these concepts.

- The travel reservation example from Appendix A is too simple. As in the previous chapters, the authors spend a great deal with the FDL specification. I would have liked to see a more elaborate example that convinces the reader about the benefits of workflow technology. For example, does the 2nd part of the travel reservation process really require workflow, or merely a batch system?

To summarize, Production Workflow has an intrinsic bias that stems from the authors' experience with the FlowMark and MQSeries Workflow systems. Both these systems use persistent queues and relational database technology. The uninitiated reader may be led to believe that there are no other technologies for building workflow systems, when in fact this is not true. However, the experienced reader should be able to filter out the bias and project the ideas discussed in the book into different contexts.

As far as the quality of the book is concerned, it looks like a rushed job from the publisher's side. I have found quite a few typos, errors, and inconsistencies which should have been fixed by the copy editors.

If you don't have Gaston's Vol 1-3 (now out of print), this is a must buy. Sadly, it is limited to Reinhold's red mark items (both marked and unmarked)and contains no new molds or decorations. A change of format for a Gaston book as items are divided by decoration rather then type of object. Values are with each photo, a nice change! For the experiences collector there is nothing new, but if you don't have the first three books by Gaston, you will find much to appreciate in this volume. Avid "red mark" collectors will enjoy having so much,all in one source.

My interest in R.S. Prussia porcelain was kindled recently by researching a chocolate pot that had belonged to my great aunt, leading to my discovery of Mary Frank Gaston's scholarly and fascinating first and second books on the subject, now out of print. Regrettably, I have been unable to locate a copy of her Third Series book. But I was hooked--and a quick perusal of "Popular Lines" immediately compelled me to purchase this volume. I have been amply rewarded. Historical material from the earlier books has been carried forward and updated, along with indispensable information on mold and pattern identification and an educational chapter on fakes, repairs, and reproductions. Estimated values are helpfully provided in the caption for each illustration. Not only does this beautifully illustrated volume supplement Gaston's earlier books, but it serves quite admirably as a stand-alone reference for the novice. A highly enjoyable, key feature of this edition is the grouping of illustrations by decoration, such that one can view, all in one place, a variety of different items that are similarly decorated. A cautionary note: this volume concentrates solely on R.S. Prussia, so that E.S. and other allied marks illustrated in the earlier books are omitted here. The serious student of R.S. Prussia might want to acquire the entire series of Gaston books. In summary, this handsome and informative reference work on R.S. Prussia porcelain serves as an excellent distillation of, and supplement to, its predecessors.

This book provides lots of great color pictures, not only of R.S. Prussia items but of the marks. It also has a section on reproductions. This is a very well done resource.

I had high hopes for this book. It touched on a little-known aspect of not only the Korean War but the complicated role of China in US foreign policy as well. It was also an important opportunity to demonstrate the importance of covert ops in war by someone who was there.

Unfortunately, "Raiders" was 90% chummy tales of the men and their antics in the barracks. It was much closer to a "Hogan's Heroes" sort of tale, i.e., "then Bobby got drunk and sank the boat, ha ha, and then the commander transferred him..." Who cares? Details of operations were non-existent and the role they played in the larger strategic conflicts was ignored. I found the book laborious to get through. Way too much time is spent describing the personality quirks of the men involved and they're presented in a blizzard of names that a reader will have difficulty keeping track of.

The writer also desperately tries to tell his story in a dry, straight-shooter-damn-the-politicians Clint Eastwood kind of way. It fails, unfortunately, to bring life to the book. All in all, save your money.

Frank Holober's account of the CIA paramilitary operations on the southeastern coast of China is unusually insightful. By focusing on the men who ran the operation, he humanizes the story in a way few CIA insiders-turned-authors have managed. It makes for an entertaining, as well as informative, read -- a rare find within this usually dry-as-toast genre. I recommend it to all history buffs as well as readers newly venturing into the intricacies of Cold War activity. It's a gem for anyone's bookshelf.

This book, which focuses on a little-known U.S. campaign to diminish Chinese capabilities at the height of the Korean War, provides a fascinating and entertaining insight into how U.S. covert operations were conducted in the early days of the Cold War, and the bravery and camaraderie of those involved in these operations. A VERY enjoyable and insightful read.

I was surprised that so much material from a previous collection ('Selected letters of Raymond Chandler', ed. McShane, 1981)is repeated in this book. Maybe I didn't do my homework, but I don't recall this fact being mentioned in promotions or reviews. When you're paying (as I did) [price] for a book, it's disappointing to keep coming across previously published letters. Chandler's writing is still great, but I'm sure he'd have something to say about this practice.

What a fun collection this is! Another book of letters by another famous author I read recently was embarrassingly boring--it never should have been printed. But Chandler's style and pithy observations make this collection a treat. Though a loner and a lush, he maintained cordial relations with his colleagues, and his comments on the passing scene are keen. From acerbic observations on life in southern California, to wry descriptions of his cat's habits, to sometimes generous and sometimes acerbic appraisals of agents, publishers, and fellow writers, his prose is absolutely sparkling.

His coverage of Oscars night in the mid-Forties for The Atlantic magazine is a masterpiece of scorn for the glitterati. Around the same time he accurately dismisses the new medium of television's supposed threat to the book industry. People who tune in to watch "fourth-rate club fighters rub noses on the ropes are not losing any time from book reading." Just as frequently, Chandler comes across as thoughtful and a good friend--not at all Marlowe-ish, though you get the feeling he could be a tough guy if need be. If you read only one book of collected letters of a famous author this year, etc.

Chandler had probably never seen most of the people with whom he corresponded in his letters, but his opinions on everything from the plight of the writer in Hollywood to the merits of housecats are not only witty and memorable, but also indicate an extremely thoughtful man and first-rate analytical mind. The only problem I had with Hiney's editing is that a bit more could have been explained--although some of the context of each letter is provided, additional information would have been helpful. I believe I would have appreciated Chandler's observations even more had this been the case.

I am forced to demur in regards to the other posted reviews of Professor Tupper's monograph. I was a student at Southern Seminary during the last days of Dr. Tupper's professorship there and I can attest to the fact that this work accurately reflects the content of his teaching at that time. Dr. Tupper's thesis can be summed up neatly in the following: "In times of greatest human need, God always does the best that God can." While that sentiment may work for your local State Farm agent, it can in no way serve as a historically and/or biblically informed definition of divine providence (unless the human language has lost all definiteness of meaning). Tupper has abandoned confidence in the sovereign Lord of the Old and New Testaments, not because the biblical texts supporting the time-honoured doctrine of God's sovereign providence have changed or have been misread. Rather, Tupper has given up on orthodox theology at this point because it does not complement his life-experience (and, of course, that is an infallible basis for understanding ultimate reality). Tupper's methodology throughout this tome is not worthy of the term "scholarship": his "exegesis" of relevant texts is sloppy and his theologizing is largely anecdotal. This is a sadly maudlin piece of self-expression that speaks much more to the nature of the author than it does to the nature of God.

Tupper's book takes me back to the wonderous days of seminary as I attempted to capture his passion on paper during his lectures on providence. These pages contain what I failed to document. He asks the questions all seeking Christians ask when facing the hard issues in life. After reading Tupper's book, no Christian would ever again say in an off handed manner "it is God's will". Dr. Tupper's gentle and insightful use of scripture deepens our understanding of God's loving activity in our lives. A must read for pastors.

This review will not do this book justice, because it was just so wonderfully written. Tupper brings conviction and integrity to the Christian church and the Baptist tradition with this book, which the Southern Baptist Convention did not like at all. None of what he said in the book was necessarily new as much as it was well written. If you ever wanted a book to read on Providence, you could do no better than this book.

My friend Mark first clued me in to this book. He is really into Jackasses, in fact he is one himself. Considering the fact that Mark is the all-time PHATtest jackass around how could I go wrong? It was really a terriffic book - I especially enjoyed the part the illustrated mark's family tree.

There were even some extra bonus bits of jackassedness that I didn't even know about.

For instance did you know that Mark has his own recording company?

Overall this is a great read for anybody who ever wanted to know more about the world's biggest jackass!

I have always felt like a silver jackass but was afraid no one would understand my feelings.

This reminded me that I am a Silver Jackass and lack all phatness

The rare cover photo and sexy title are the best things about this book. It is a VERY dull read. There is nothing shocking here for any serious fans that would actually buy this book. To Summarize: No, there is no evidence that the mafia influenced Frank getting his breakthrough role in "From Here to Eternity," no, there is no evidence that Frank was a member of the communist party, yes, there is some evidence that Frank had some casual contact with members of organized crime (as has EVERY major Hollywood star), yes, Frank and Kennedy partied together. This book is more of an indictment of Hoover's heavy-handedness as head of the FBI. They just kept digging and digging on Frank, but really found virtually nothing. The biggest things they had on him was that he was arrested when he was 22 for having an affair with a married woman, that he initally told the draft board that he was in perfect health and later pointed out that he had a perforated eardrum (verified as true) and a neurosis about being in crowds (unlikely, but unverified as true or false), and that he fibbed about whether Chicago organized crime figure Sam Giancanna was at a show that Sinatra was also at in Atlantic City. BIG DEAL! The lack of dirt here proves what I always suspected, that Frank Sinatra was merely a vicitm of b.s. tabloids and a paranoid Cold-War government. The "Sinatra Files" reveal that Frank was actually a very stand-up guy and great American citizen.

This book is based on a very interesting premise, Frank Sinatra's FBI files. Unfortunately, it is difficult to convert all the information kept on Sinatra into a readable book. Thus, this book is not one you will sit down with on a Sunday afternoon and read. Its really more of a "browser" book. If you are looking for specific information (Frank's mob connections, relationship with JFK, etc.) then it is an excellent resource. Its by no means a biography.

I feel that the book is for serious Sinatraphiles like myself. If you have just a passing interest in Sinatra, I'd recommend a biography or something along the lines of "The Way You Wear Your Hat" by Bill Zehme. However, if you've devoured book after book on Sinatra and still want more, this will be a valuable addition to your library.

Who else but Frank Sinatra could be accused of being a communist and a mafioso at the same time?

"The Sinatra Files," edited by Tom and Phil Kuntz, is a treasure trove for those of us who are fascinated by the fact the FBI kept Sinatra under surveillance for almost five decades, but who were reluctant to sift through the 1275 pages of raw data available on the net since late 1998.

"The Sinatra Files" neatly collects the FBI data into an extremely readible text beginning in the 40's with an erroneous report that Sinatra paid $40,000 for his 4-F draft status, through the early 80's when he was successful in efforts to get his Nevada Gaming license renewed.

Does "The Sinatra Files" reveal anything new?

Sort of.

Sinatra told the draft board in addition to a punctured eardrum, he also had a fear of crowds and elevators....

In the early 50's when rumors spread through the FBI's halowed halls that Sinatra had Communist affiliations, Frank offered to go undercover to weed out subversives in Hollywood (Frank Sinatra as Herbert Philbrick? Give us a break!)

"The Sinatra Files" is worth reading not only for Sinatraphiles who are fascinated with the famous "dark side" of America's finest popular singer, but with the Cold War hysteria that gripped the nation for three decades.

If you want spine tingling ghost stories from the Civil War skip this book. The plodding writing style makes what should've been some of the spookiest tales you could read seem dull.

Not exactly what I'd call "spine tingling horror." Has a few good stories, but there are better compilations out there.

It was one of the best ghost books I have read. The best short ghost story in the book was the first story. It was about how an army came into the goveners mansion around 1:00 am and had a ballroom dance. Reading some of these stories scared me a little bit but I enjoyed reading them. I have told many friends about this book and they are all asking to borrow it. It is a book that I think others would enjoy if they like reading about old ghost stories from the south.