This volume makes important contributions to our understanding of the Chinese revolution. . . . The entrenchment of networks of loyalty among local leaders and higher level officials of the emerging party-state is a central element of the authors' analysis. As the state extended its control over both the urban and rural economies, it increasingly monopolized the allocation of scarce resources. . . . Given the authors' trenchant critique of the Communist party's economically irrational commitment to rapid, large-scale collectivization, it is unfortunate that they have not addressed the implications of their work for the decollectivizing rural reforms of the post-Mao era, when many aspects of the peasant household economy have been restored. Perhaps there is a sequel in the making

It has been two years since I read this book, but I see it hasn't had a review yet, and I think it deserves one, so I add my two bits.

A very detailed analysis of the developments in rural Chinese society over a period of massive upheaval. Provides tremendous insight into the social mechanisms at play, and the interplay of contemporary political movements with the traditional power structures in rural China. For anyone interested in or involved in rural development in China, a drama which is still going on in the 21st century, a must read. Also recommended for anyone interested in the interactions between policy-directed, centrally planned development and the way society responds to it.

Would like to see a similar follow up on the years between the cultural revolution and the present.

After reading this book, I was surprised that it didn't garner more attention. Friedman's world is that of the "everyman," and his keen ear for dialogue, his subtle rendering of the despair lurking behind polished suburban surfaces, and his dense and arresting realism approach the intensity of Ray Carver. For an unaffected look into the psyche of the middle class--and modern man as a whole--this collection of short stories is an important work. Dark, unsettling, and inexplicably compelling like the best of the minimalist genre, "If Defeated Allege Fraud" is short fiction at its finest.

An incredibly well written and expertly researched book!

I highly recommend this book to those seeking an introduction to communication research methods. This book is creative and well organized. Concepts are explicated with "real studies" and the concepts' definitions are clearly conveyed. The numerous examples highlight the breadth and depth of research in the field of communication studies while helping the reader to answer the "so what" questions about research methods. I enjoy using this book with my undergraduate research methods classes and my students speak favorably about their experience using it.

In this second biography of Larry Fine(The first book to recall Mr.Fine's life was:"A Stroke Of Luck!".Larry's memiors.Which are sadly out of print.)"Stooge In The Middle"looks at the life and career of one member of "The Three Stooges"from the viewpoint of Larry's brother former druggist:Dr.Morris Feinberg.The book looks at his childhood in Philadelphia,Pa.to the accident in his father's jewelry store that introduced him to violin playing lessions(an early form of physical thearpy).Which became his introduction to show business.First as a Charlie Chaplin imitator at local amusement Parks , as a member of a Duplicate version of Gus Edwards' vaudeville kiddie act:"Fun In Hi Skool!"and as a member of several comedy teams:EG:"Fine And Dandy"and "The Haney Sisters & Fine!".Before he married one of the Haney Sisters(Mabel Haney) and he was accepted a job as a performer and MC at The Rainbow Gardens Nightclub in Chicago,Ill in 1925.Where Larry first met:Ted Healy,Moe And Shemp Howard and he was invitied to join "Ted Healy And His Gang!"(The original name of Mr.Healy's act).The book goes onto to look at the boys'difficult relationship with Mr.Healy(Whose drinking,obnoxious pranks and his pay inequity forced the team to part company with Healy.Following some turbulent years working in vaudeville,burlesque,nightclubs,Broadway musicals and some work in the movies).The book relates how Larry almost signed the trio to a contract with Universal Pictures for some feature length comedies.But Moe's deal with Columbia Pictures was signed first.Making Larry's Pact with Universal invalid and The boys began their 24 years with The Studio that featured Hollywood's Stature Of Liberty like symbol.And their other projects that kept the team in the public eye after the unfair dismissal from Columbia Pictures and Larry's years of retirement,following the stroke that forced him to leave the group.For those..who want to read a pleasant and engaging biography of a truly funny and nice man.That has no hint of scathology in it? This is the one book to have.Kevin S.Butler.

Moe Howard often said that Larry was probably the best actor out of all the Stooges. Few can deny Larry was the unsung Stooge who never got much of the spotlight from Moe, Curly, et al. This book, written by Larry's younger brother, traces the natural born entertainer's life from birth until his tragic death. I wouldn't call this hard hitting, as the author was not a professinal writer but a loving brother, thus many of Larry's financial problems due to gambling are glossed over. But I can forgive that. In an era of trashy, tell all celebrity books, this is a breath of fresh air. It's a quick read and loaded with photographs spanning the entire Stooges' career. This is a must have for any Stooge fan.

I have been watching the stooges since the late 50's, and have always liked Larry. I enjoyed watching his reactions to different situations. This book is enjoyable and pretty informative to boot. Larrys little brother Morris gives an insiders view of Larry, from early childhood to his untimely death in 74. If you are a stooges fan, then definately get this book, you will not be sorry you did. It is a welcome addition to my stooges library. Quick reading and lots of pictures, plenty of information . A must read for all stooges fans.

The Eyewitness Guides are an oustanding series, so I bought this one without a second thought. Alas, this seems more like a placeholder than a serious attempt at writing a guidebook - a kind of "watch this space" advertisement masquerading as a book. It's so thin, in fact, that the cover seems to sag; the spine is thicker than the pages! The coverage of Oahu is decent, so if you only plan to go to Honolulu, the book might be worthwhile. But the coverage of Kauai (where we spent most of our time) and the Big Island were very poor. I'd very highly recommend the "Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" for Kauai instead.

I am a big fan of Dorling Kindersley Travel Guides, so I was greatly disappointed when I received this pamphlet sized guide to all of Hawaii. It contained slightly more information than I would expect from airport brochures on arrival. With roughly 10 picture covered pages per island, the guide is attractive, but not very useful.

I always use the Eyewitness travel books when I travel to new places. These books are concise and very reader-friendly. The Hawaii guide was extremely useful in planning our honeymoon in Hawaii: we used it to plan all of our activities and were very pleased with the results. Some things are outdated (such as times of Lu'au on Kauai), but overall this book is great.