One of the best examples of the emotional extremities. From a surprising sense of loyalty and generosity to an unforgiving cold-hard nature. That's exactly how you have to be when your seated at number one on the rich list of Australia or any rich list for that matter. The book is extremely black and white, just like Kerry Packer himself. Plays hard ball and does not beat around the bush. Paul Barry the author, I think has done a clever recollection of the big man's endeavours as he is a very private man and hates hearing his name in prime time. From the first quote in the book from Kerry Packer's mouth, you get a sense of what he is all about. Inherited a small printing establishment and television station from his father, who said that Kerry would never run the fort. He changed that small media inheritance to a multi billion dollar empire, and still making more. He is impatient at times, suffers horrible mood swings and is dislexic. He always does things differently and looks "beyond the square." He does not expect people to like him and doesn't give a damn what anyone else thinks!

A remarkable bio, of one of Australia's leading business leaders. Worth an update, written about 1993, and this review was writen in 2001, the book is complete with well researched, and objectively portrayed material. The author critically sets out to explore who and what Packer is, and I feel comes to respect Packer. The book is well worth the journey.

Kerry Packer is the businessman' businessman. Takes no prisoners and runs his business with an iron fist. Plays polo. He is the man. I had to get a friend of mine from Australia to find me this book. Thanks Rejskes

...The story follows the main plot of the episode"Sacrifice" almost verbatim. It doesn't leave anything out,but it does have things that weren't in the show. It spices up the paranormal aspect and gives a much more extensive backstory for the Civil War soldier who encounters "Bigfoot" (middle name: Fuzzy) so many years before Fiona. It's a cute book and even if you haven't seen the show the story is easy to follow and the characters are given quite a bit of background. You won't be lost at all.

I thought this book was really great, it is one of my favorite's in the whole So Weird book series. Fi gets lost in the woods while on a camping trip with her family and finds Bigfoot, who tries to save her. Fi finds out that a Civil War hero died just so he could protect Bigfoot, now Fi has to do the same.

This is a great book for those who are fans of the "So Weird" T.V. show.

Clyde Bresee experience as a youth in the South gives us a view that is not shaped by the Southern Culture but comes through as an objective on looker that understood the plight of the slave and the free men. Plantation Life after cotton and war.Priceless.

This book offers a delightful walk through the south of the 1930's. The culture is penetrated through a child's uncluttered horizon. Coupled with a mature sifting of events this book offers wonderful insight into the healing, fragile and unique culture of Charleston. Wonderfully written, this book offers a charming notch of history.

From the New York Times Book Review-- Mr. Bresee is a writer of distinction from whom we must hear more. His prose is transparent, supple and spare; he evokes unhurriedly the smells and textures of the Southern world of his boyhood; his account of the fading landed aristocracy his father worked among is both astringent and forgiving; he is honest in his own baffled hypocrisies over "color." Through the power of Mr. Bresee's writing we travel deep into the heart of a troubled culture and the "unexpected" ambiguous beauty of a childhood lived in it.

Describing the James Island Creek he played in as boy, Mr Bresee writes: "The tide was far out and we stood still for a few moments trying to see everything at once. To have this shoreline for a playground was almost unbelievable. This living, warm thing before us and a stream of moving water! The sloping plane of mud, popping in the hot sun; the black surface skimming with fiddler crabs that vanished like raindrops when we approached."

Those fiddler crabs vanished then -- but they are here, now, caught for us in the fragile but enduring net of langauge.--Andrew Harvey

From The Library Journal-- "Often humorous and even bittersweet, the book is a poignant reflection of the Southern customs, family life, school and race relations."

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer -- "Bresee's prose is cadanced and flowing...a moving look back at his formative years in an alien place."

North and Thomas seek to explain the "rise of the Western world" by illuminating the causal importance of an efficient economic organization that guarantees a wide latitude of property rights and both incentives and protection for economic growth. Although they pay homage to both Marxian and neoliberal theory, they take a theoretical middle ground that privileges the sociopolitical backdrop of economic affairs (as opposed to solely private or class-based activity) and in doing so identifies the roots of modernization as far back as the 10th Century. To justify the novelty and originality of this approach, they write that most analysts have misidentified the symptoms of modern economic growth (technological change, human capital, economies of scale) as the causes. In doing so, previous scholars have failed to answer the question "if all that is required for economic growth is investment and innovation, why have some societies missed this desirable outcome?" (2). Their answer is that some societies (England and the Netherlands) were better than others (France and Spain) at providing an efficient economic organization that could guarantee conditions favorable to per capita economic growth among a rapidly growing population.

These conditions are conceptualized as mechanisms to reduce the gap between "social" and "private" rates of return, the key operating concepts in the analysis. Indeed, any old economic undertaking can provide private gains, but the "social" costs or benefits of this undertaking will affect the society's well-being, and a given discrepancy between the two rates of return means that a third party will absorb benefits or costs of this undertaking (an example would be the lack of intellectual property rights for inventions, leading to copying and piracy by third parties). A lack of strong property rights gives these third parties the institutional incentive or imperative to absorb social costs or benefits, and if private costs exceed private benefits then no rational chooser would ever undertake any risky new private economic activity (trade, inventions, investment, etc.). In a sense, then, the analysis becomes a refreshing neoliberal justification for strong government power.

Population growth serves as a convenient control variable for this analysis, because by holding population growth constant across all the countries concerned, the authors are able to pinpoint their causal variable (parity between private and social rates of return) in the cases where it spurred the rise of capitalism (England and the Netherlands). Population growth serves as a control because the authors show that the rise of the Western World happened only after the second population boom in the period being studied (16th Century) - the fact that it didn't happen during the first population boom (10th through 13th Centuries) means that population growth alone cannot be seen as accountable for modernity. But how did the two population booms differ from each other? Only during the second one were England and the Netherlands able to provide per capita growth by providing a climate of incentives and protections (rule of law, property rights, insurance companies, joint stock companies, etc.) that reduced the gap between private and social returns and laid the groundwork for the industrial revolution to begin.

The evidence provided to back up this causal argument comes in two primary forms: citations of historical scholarship (often quoting large passages out of encyclopedias) that are given a "new" economic spin, and a great deal of quantitative evidence, in the form of graphs and charts, to verify the cycles of population growth and economic growth and recession being identified. The authors admit that the quality of statistical data from the early period under study is rather dubious, but if one can grant the integrity of the historians that uncovered such incomplete and partial data then one can probably take this data as high-quality evidence of the trends being identified.

The authors are intentionally ambiguous about their theoretical implications. Clearly, they seek to refute Marx by showing that technological change alone could not have been the cause of capitalist development, since this change itself was a symptom of both population growth and a favorable institutional climate (what Marx would dismiss as the superstructure). However, it's not clear how much they wish to refute neoliberal theory, since they follow much of its logic regarding the role of incentives in economic growth. They admit that Adam Smith himself went too far in his laissez-faire beliefs, since a weak state would not be able to provide the kinds of efficient economic organization that our authors advocate. But their analysis does not clarify just how strong of a state is required for such organization, especially in the information age economy.

An outstanding book that clearly explains how 'our' current understanding of property rights can be found and more fully understood through the feudal history of western Europe. The breath and sweep of this book is truly impressive. The roots of how nations protect property rights are found in western feudal history. The case is made that economic efficiency, or more specifically economic prosperity, is dependent upon how a society defines and protects property rights. Therefore, differences in economic performance among nations can be in part explained by how that particular nation's notion of property rights evolved. North and Thomas compare and contrast the development of property rights and the resulting economic performance during the feudal period in several nations, such as France and England, to make their point. Transaction costs, intellectual property, and negative and positive externalities are also discussed.

I read this excellent book in preparation for the writing of my senior thesis. It is the most thorough and comprehensive tretment of the economic reasons for the rise of the western world. Every sentence is information dense, and I often found it necessary to reread sentences or even whole paragraphs to digest the wealth of information and analysis. That said, it should be kept in mind that firm backgrounds in both European history and economics are necessary prerequisites for a full appreciation of this book. Moreover, this book is a crucial but nevertheless incomplete explanation for the rise of the western world. In this sense, it has everything on something (economic history), but nothing on anything else. For a broader analysis, see McNeill, "The Rise of the West." (McNeill has something on everything, but everything on nothing. Get it?)

This early collection of short stories by David Brin spans a wide range of styles and subject matter. As a result, it is not the sort of book that reads well in one sitting. But when read one story (or section of stories, as they are loosely organized by theme) at a time, the book is far more enjoyable. Brin's introductory notes on each story are a very nice addition to the stories themselves.

Among the stories, I particularly liked "The Crystal Spheres" with its interesting take on space travel, answer to the "if intelligent life exists in the universe, why haven't they contacted us yet?" question, and its suggestion that the universe is actually protecting us a little bit. I also enjoyed "Tank Farm Dynamo". However, far and away the standout story in this collection is the title story "The River of Time". This is one of my favourite short stories by any author, both for the unique concept of time as a true river with tributaries and currents, and for its tight execution. It made me stop and consider the linearity of time in an entirely new way.

If you can locate a copy of this book, which is sadly out of print again, and you enjoy concept-based stories, it is well worth picking up for the title story alone.

Personally, I thought that all of his ideas (not that I want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it) were cool. My favorite stories in it were: The Crystal Spheres, The Loom of Thessaly, and The River of Time. I am a definite fan of David Brin though, so maybe I'm slightly (just slightly) biased.

If you can manage to get your hands on a copy of this book,grab it. I'm a great fan of Brin's ever since I read Sundiver 4 yearsago.

This collection of short stories is both original and thought-provoking. He is one of a few writers that I have read who can delve into atmospheric theory, Greek legends, and some serious speculative stuff in one science fiction volume, and have it all come off as a cohesive volume of stories.

If you're new to Brin, or if you're a seasoned fan, this book is worth reading 100%. Not as developed as his novels, but of course you can't expect that from short stories. Very satisfying read.

Road to Top Flight is well written and entertaining. It describes the restoration of an early Corvette. Although all automobile restorations share certain characteristics: the need to restore an engine, detail the passenger compartment, and so on, this book is very Corvette specific. As the title suggests the book is oriented towards show-quality restoration. It does not contain helpful advice on partial restorations. Since it is assumed the car is stripped to the bare frame and rebuilt from there, the book does not contain advice on more modest restoration geared towards improving drivability, appearance and safety. If you were looking for advice on a planning decision like whether to fix the rust in the fenders or redo the brakelines first, this book will not help you. The author did not perform the restoration himself, and consequently the book does not have "how-to" details. This does not detract from the book as pleasure-reading, but it limits the books utility for detailed planning. There are some excellent photographs. Summary: this well-written book tells the story of one Corvette's restoration in a lively way. However, it falls short as a general restoration planning guide.

There are plenty of "how-to" restoration manuals. This is the only complete planning guide in print today

An extremely useful guide to vintage car collectors and restorers. Helps you know the value of what was done or not done to the car. John Kreutzer, V.P. Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc

With a copy of this guide at hand, I've tried several times to read the whole thing front to back in order to digest all of the information and be able to come up with a coherent plan to visit New Zealand, but I find the writing dense and unentertaining. Perhaps the subject matter is difficult-- as a primarily outdoor destination, New Zealand may not lend itself easily to a list of places to see and things to do. Nevertheless, in despair at wading through this long but boring tome, I have ordered the Lonely Planet guides in the hopes that they will be more readable.

Just returned from a 21-day journey to Kiwi-country, and used the Rough Guide extensively. From Dunedin to Auckland, the book spells out excursions, accommodations and lifestyle samples in various price ranges better than most other guide books.

Format is simple to read, easy to find just what you need. We were turned on to some great motels and B&Bs, excellent eateries and a few adventure tours along the way. Maps of cities were quite helpful. Other books have prettier pictures, but this one does the best job of finding stuff to DO in NZ.

This review refers to the 2000 2nd Ed.

This first edition of the New Zealand Rough Guide has taken its place as the best overall travel book for the country. As with others in its series, this Rough Guide gives a thorough description of all the cultural and recreational aspects that a first time or a seasoned traveler "downunda" should know. For the basic information concerning accommodation or eating, the Rough Guide follows its practice of offering choices for every price level but it doesn't act as listing agent for each and every hostel, hotel, B & B or cafe. In that regard, the Rough Guides encourage the traveler to look for him or herself instead of following the standardized tourist formula.

But it's heavy on the activities for specific woderful areas like Kaikoura, the Otago Peninsula, Wanaka and many, many more. The color photographs are an appealing addition, also.

I would recommend these books to first graders that are excelled readers. For my daughters reading level, the chapter books at school seem to encourage children to talk back to teachers or parents, mock or play tricks on others and lie. The Jewel Princess series are wonderful fantasy tales with a good moral ending. Thank you Jahnna and Malcom!

This wonderful book is about Sabrina telling her friend, Atlanta, secret.Can their friendship be saved? This book is great for children who love adventure.

A good book showing what happens when you lie

The author, Ernest Mason Satow, wrote a book in 1905 which still nowdays is a masterpiece. In his fifth edition, Lorde Gore-Booth, editor, and Desmond Pakenham, assistant editor, include in this referecial book the kind of cartesian information about United Nations that Lorde Mason would consider of deserving all his honours. Read this book must be not so much as a diplomatic decision but a decison of any human being in a diplomatic mission.

Mansell begin to write a book in 1905 which still nowdays is a masterpiece. In his fifth edition, Lorde Gore-Booth, editor, and Desmond Pakenham, assistant editor, include in this referecial book the kind of cartesian information about United Nations that Lorde Mansell would consider of deserving all his honours, not so much as diplomat but as an human being in a diplomatic mission.

Satow's book is the master piece for the "diplomatist" of not only 20th Century but also of the 21st. Satow and his Guide, indeed is the materialisation of the mystic bond that the diplomats of the world have towards each other by virtue of their special profession.

A very cool book, especially about his experiences spending a night alone in the great pyramid. Don't expect scholarly, scientific-type writing. This is a personal work, full of thoughts and observations of a culture rapidly being erased by the West. Very interesting, especially the story about the fakir/magician who can suspend his body for days, weeks, even years at a time.

In this book the author Dr. Paul Brunton, explains the 'trance' like state attained by various people in Egypt, while making references to India. He provides a glimpse of the mystic rites that used to take place in Ancient Egypt for people who had the desire and strength to become initiates in those times.

Those of you who have read Rudolph Steiner's book 'The Gospel of St. John' in the chapter 'The Raising of Lazarus' will be able to link the explanation provided there with the explanation of Jesus's message that these rites are no longer required to become one with God.

An excellent book........my quest continues.

I found that book absolutely interesting even if I did not give much credit to the spiritual experiences of the author. Although I think Paul Brunton has invented some of the content, I admire his talent of writer. He has a great imagination and his book gave me many hours of pure pleasure. The way he describes atmospheres is worth buying the book.