The book presents a great analysis of how the social indicators can reflect economic development. Being the father of the Human Development Index (UNDP), Dr. Haq has taken a very global view of eradicating poverty.

The book is wonderful for economists, anthropologists, sociologists and even people just interested in how the labyrinth of social development works.

Would certainly recommend both students, academics and social scientists to read the book.

The majority of this collection is from the Southwest or Mexico but interestingly there are similar pieces from less expected places e.g. Eastern US, central Europe, the Philippines. A significant number of the pieces are pictured. The text mixes technical information about the art pieces with information about how they came into the collection. The art itself ranges from primitive to superb folk art - executed in a variety of media. Among the pieces that catch my attention is a crucifix with an angel at Jesus' side and the retablo of Our Lady of Refuge.

This is an excellent volume for those interested in folk devotional art or Mexican / Southwestern art.

This is a wonderful new book by a poet whose lyric style is complex and fulfulling.

After reading Reinventing Public Education, I believe that the only really hope for the future of American education lies in the contracting approach to public education that the authors describe. This is one of the only books on education I have ever read that understands that the problems with public education in this country have less to do with a lack of standards, poor teaching methods, or inequitable funding, than a system which fails to understand that schools are organizations that can only be successful through organic growth rather than government regulation. This book will appeal to both voucher supporters and ardent defenders of a public education system that is committed to educating all its students

This is one of the most important books in the study of Italian Renaissance (14th-16th century). For those who would like a readable but scholarly introduction to the Renaissance, this is it. The book is intended to explain the intellectual origin, spiritual inspiration and mental struggles of the great Renaissance scholars and artists. My professor once said to my class " this book is worth its weight in gold!" Though that might be a slight exageration, the book is certainly a worthwhile read. This book is one of the rare academic but mind racing, heart pounding books that one cannot put down until finish. Don't let the scholarliness intimidate you, push yourself to read it and you will see what I mean.

"Renaissance Thought and the Arts" presents a brilliant introduction into Renaissance culture. The collection of separately published articles, first edited in 1965 and now added by a precious afterword, makes up a well-rounded unit. The late Kristeller, one of the most respected writers on humanism, explains in the first section (ch. 1-3) the concept of Renaissance and provides a fundamental insight into its thought and literature. In the first chapter he argues convincingly against tendences to define Renaissance by a certain set of ideas and exposes the problems that are central to humanistic thought, simultaneously giving an overview over the different literary genres inherited from ancient literature. In the second chapter on the moral philosophy of those times, he emphasizes its impact on the modern concept of human dignity. Thereupon, he demonstrates how humanism, originated and developed in Italy, hence spread out into entire Europe, whereas some scholars had claimed that humanistic ideas emerged in different European countries simultaneous and independently. Some other important aspects of Renaissance philosophy are discussed in the second section (ch. 4-6) on Platonism and Aristotelism, the most impressive essay being that on the place of man in the universe. At the heart of the final section on the arts (ch. 7-10) is the comprehensive study which describes in detail the development of our concept of the arts, and its predecessors in ancient times and the middle Ages. Thus Kristeller profoundly explores the history of the principal problem of aesthetics, that is the essence of art, which he touches also in the afterword on creativity and tradition, prudently distinguishing the significance of each for aesthetic value and appreciation.

Throughout, Kristeller displays an overwhelming richness of insight, stylistic masterhip and exemplaric knowledge that make this book a joy to read. It is useful as a leader during the first steps to understanding Renaissance culture as well as a treasure for any scholar who is concerned with the topics involved.

This comprehensive volume is Monograph No. 18 of Flora Neotropica (1977). Monograph No. 8 of Flora Neotropica (1972) by the same author - equally comprehensive - is entitled "Costoideae (Zingiberaceae)." These two monographs are frequently confused.

The humor in this book is only exceeded by the biting commentary found throughout the text. This is a must read for anyone forced to endure conscription into any army in the world (and there are all kinds of those).

A Requiem For The American Village offers the reader a compelling and insightful series of essays by history professor Paul Conkin on a spectrum of American historical events and personalities. Conkin charts the transformation of the American nation from relatively homogenous, agriculturally based communities to multicultural cosmopolitan industrial and post-industrial cultures with concomitant subordination of an individual's sense of local autonomy to that of a national authority. From "History As a Discipline" to "The Dilemmas of Cultural Pluralism", A Requiem For The American Village offers both students of American history and non-specialist general readers seeking an historical grasp to contemporary political and culture trends an informative, "reader friendly" perspective.

This is an excellent resource for the novice researcher, e.g., thesis and dissertation students. The book introduces the student to what research is generally all about, the various goals, and the various outcomes. The book's explainations and definitions are not overwhelming, but clear, simple, and to the point. And, most importantly, it introduces one to the language of research, such that one can speak intelligently about his/her efforts to conduct research and explore the areas that will lead one to his/her completed research. When a graduate students tells me: "I don't know what this research stuff is really all about; what is research design, what is a variable...?", I give them this book. The student returns with a good overview of the challenges and ready to make a plan.