This "essay" is a tour d'force of the force of the power of inferential versus deductive reasoning. This is an unique aposteriori argument for the existence of God, but unfolds an argument in a manner wholly different from the past, such as Aquinas, for example. Newman is a very persuasive author, who uses his evidence judiciously and validly. People of faith will find this exposition worth the perspective.

But, this book can stand on its own as a superlative example of brilliant exposition, using Newman's usually elegant style, and enjoying a journey that seems unlikely from its impetus. The first chapter is particularly difficult, but after that, the reading is engaging and remarkable.

Mr. Sica's writing is exceptional. This book is a must read for all those who have ever worked for the government in or around Washington, DC. I hope there is a sequel.

This book is really good, especially for those interested in the universe and its formation. It also comes with a CDRom with video clips and a study guide for students. A useful, and interesting book!

Ethnoarchaeology in Action
By Nicholas David and Carol Kramer

Reviewed by David A. Barrowclough
Department of Archaeology and Wolfson College,
University of Cambridge, UK.

Ethnoarchaeology in Action is something of a welcome departure from the usual format of the Cambridge World Archaeology series. Under the general editorship of Michigan's Norman Yoffee the series has hitherto directed itself to the production of a series of volumes, each of which presents a survey of the archaeology of a region of the world. Volumes such as Phillipson's African Archaeology (1993) and Harding's European Societies in the Bronze Age (2000) serve to provide an up to date account of research integrating recent findings with current interpretation.

Departing from the regional survey, Ethnoarchaeology in Action takes a thematic approach to archaeology. Drawing on numerous case studies from regions as diverse and widespread as Michael Parker Pearson's (1982) study of changing mortuary practices in Cambridge, to Michael Graves' (1994) analysis of material culture boundaries among the Kalinga; from Yvonne Marshall's ethnoarchaeological study of New Zealand eel fisheries, which she used to inform her reading of Maori ethnography and ethnohistory, to Glenn Davis Stone's (1991, 1992) research into the dynamics of settlement among the Kofyar of Nigeria, which demonstrates the relevance of studies in human geography to archaeology.

Few authors could range over such a diverse range of case studies as Nicholas David and Carol Kramer do, with such aplomb and good grace toward their subject. Nicholas David's passion and enthusiasm for his work is what is most striking about the man. He has worked in both Europe and Africa, and since 1984 has directed the Mandara Archaeological Project (1992), upon which he leans for many an example. Despite its name, it is primarily ethnoarchaeological in nature, focusing on the material signatures of practice and agency, to study the world view of the chiefly residences located in the Mandara Mountains of Cameroon.

Carol Kramer was a pioneer in the development of ethnoarchaeology, having excavated Iron Age levels at Dinkha Tepe in Iran, as well as at other sites in Iran, Guatemala and Turkey. Sadly she died in December 2002, aged only 59. Her research on household patterns in an Iranian village (1982), and on the production and distribution of pottery in Rajasthan, India (1997), of which examples are offered in this volume, will surely be a lasting testament to her considerable methodological and theoretical contributions to ethnoarchaeology.

The avowed aim of the book is to avoid producing an encyclopaedia which simply catalogues 'all we know' about ethnoarchaeology. Instead, the authors aim to act as guides through what remains, for many students and practitioners, a poorly understood, if not misunderstood, sub-discipline. On route they challenge the reader to a critical analysis of case studies through which to lead the non-specialist towards an informed understanding of theoretical, methodological and substantive issues in ethnoarchaeology.

The underlying thesis of their book is that 'archaeological interpretation is founded and ultimately depends upon analogy' (2001: 1). The origin and raison d'etre of ethnoarchaeology is the recognition of the need for ethnographic material on which to base analogies. Ethnoarchaeology is defined by the authors as the study of living culture from archaeological perspectives. Conceived of in this way it is neither a theory, nor a method, but a research strategy. It embodies a range of approaches to understanding the relationships of material culture, to culture as a whole. It acknowledges both contexts of material culture, among the living, and as it enters the archaeological record. This understanding is exploited in order to inform archaeological concepts, and to improve interpretation. David and Kramer argue that ethnoarchaeology is therefore of equal interest to both processualist and post-, or anti-, processualist archaeologists.

The authors present an excellent review of the scope and relevance of the discipline, of what has been achieved, most notably in the theoretical approaches of the 1980s and 1990s, and what is left to be done. The range and approaches to problems that can be accommodated under the banner of ethnoarchaeology is very large, as it draws upon science, social science and the humanities. There is room for processualist and post/anti- processualists. What is important is that different styles of ethnoarchaeology are appropriately geared to different sorts of research question.

Adopting a topical approach to the material by subject area, case-studies are offered, which provide ample coverage of the various subjects: fauna and subsistence, artefacts and style, architecture and settlement structure, craft production, trade and exchange, mortuary practices and beliefs. Whilst adopting a topical approach they also manage to maintain an emphasis on the interrelationships between, and the embeddedness of, material culture in peoples' economies, social lives and systems of thought. Where ever possible critical analysis takes the form of contrasting processual and post processual studies, in terms of their approaches, and their ability to 'see' certain dimensions of the behaviour ethnoarchaeologists study.

Ethnoarchaeology in Action by Nicholas David and Carol Kramer represents an optimistic, if not upbeat, take on ethnoarchaeology and its contribution to how archaeologists research and interpret the past. Furnished with examples from around the world, this is a useful reference book for both student and non-specialist practitioner wishing to develop an interest in the subject.

This was one of my very first books in graduate school and it was the key to understanding all of the literature I'll ever need to read. This text fully explains how to break down highly technical research into easily understandable and useful material. Now I feel confident in picking up any piece of research and knowing whether it is a valid and reliable source of information. I can also apply the same methods to testing materials as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by research.

Honestly, I had no idea what I was in for when I bought this book, except the lady in the book store where I purchased it said she'd just bought a copy too. I read this thing every night for about a week, and I found myself actually looking forward to getting back to it each of those nights after ten-hour work days.
This is one of the most amazing stories I've read in a long time, and I read a lot of sci-fi/horror. It could have very easily been a confusing book, because so much goes on in it, but it was so well-written I could picture everything just like I was watching a movie.
I will never look at the whole UFO thing the same way again, not after reading about the likes of Andrew and his copper-skinned Watchmaid Bari, his razor-crazed twin brother Scratch, the menacing Salvatia or Ralston Cooper and his reckless ego. I can't imagine anyone liking this book less than I did, from the seasoned sci-fi bookworm to the average housewife. I am impressed, and I'm going to read it again!

This is a great book on Coaching and Mentoring. It covers a lot of ground on what it takes to manage as a coach in today's corporate milieu. The author displays a keen grasp of the material, along with a good sense of humor, from cover to cover. The examples and case studies in the text always hit their marks. I recommend this book for all coaches and mentors, and all would-be coaches and mentors, too. It's a very thorough introduction to the managing wave of the future. And it's written in a style that is never dull, which is the bane of so many other books on this subject matter.

During my recent university career, I took courses in Medieval politics, History of Art, Philosophy, Religious Studies and Social History - and the book which I turned to time and time again in ALL my studies was David Nicholas' "Evolution of the Medieval World." Glancing at my bookshelf, I see that I have close to 100 books concerning The Middle Ages, yet it is Nicholas' work I always reach for FIRST. Written clearly and comprehensively, Nicholas has sub-divided all his themes into easy-to-find headings and sub-headings, and there is NOTHING he hasn't covered in his quest to make the history of Medieval Europe easy to grasp on both an academic and 'fun' level. David Nicholas' understanding and sympathy with his period is right up there with more 'famous' Medievalists such as Umberto Eco, and for anyone either studying the Middle Ages or just interested in history in general, "The Evolution of the Medieval World" is an absolute 'must-have'.

This excellent Australian publication provides the training physician with a great deal of clinical tips whilst keeping specific topics succinct and up-to-date. It is an invaluable accessory to clinical examination, formal teaching and in-depth study. It should also prove useful for undergraduates.

a wonderful description of the life of jews in czarist russia, and the decision of a young boy to leave for america. when i read (aloud) the last word my daughter wanted to know where the "next" book was so we could hear more of the character's story. truly a gem.