The "Scientific Revolution" is a fascinating but complex and confusing topic. James Jacob in a simple, clear style "connects the dots" from Greek to near modern science. One caution: if you start highlighting important points the pages become nearly covered in flourescent yellow.

As editor of the series in which the book appears I can say that it is a superb, general account and very accessible to undergraduates.

This is the bible, for lack of a better term, of political science.

I may be biased as several of the articles/definitions are contributions of my past professors, but the consistency of the writing doesn't hint that it is a compilation from many different experts.

In most cases, the contributing authors are the foremost authorities in their respective fields. That is apparent in the quality of this world-class publication.

This book is rather boring through the first half or so. Otherwise, it's a really good book and has some interesting stuff in it about important modern day people.

I'm a big fan of the entire Biblical "Joseph" story and so I was eager to get this book. It is a fast read but unfortunately a disappointing one. There are many awkward phrasings throughout the book that took me a second to understand. While the character of Joseph is nicely cocky in the beginning, such little time is actually spent on his journey to Egypt, his slavery to Potiphar, and his time in prison that it is difficult to understand and empathize with the emotional and psychological changes he shows. Likewise the relationships Joseph develops with Egyptians, especially those he would be close to such as his master and his wife, are treated rather briefly and in his wife's case a bit sexistly. Overall I was very disappointed.

James Shott continues his series with this sequel to Leah about the fortunes of Jacob's favorite son.

As it opens, Leah's misgivings have proven all too warranted. Jacob's blatant favoritism, Joseph's arrogance and the murderous anger of her sons have finally all combined for trouble. Reuben, as Leah predicted too soft natured to keep his brothers in hand, is able to prevent bloodshed but not Joseph's sale into slavery. So begins the wonderful story of Joseph's transformation from spoiled brat to slave to prisoner to the second most powerful man in Egypt and, finally, a reconciliation with his brothers.

Unlike Leah, this is fairly familiar territory but worth a read if like me you love the story. And it includes the zinger at the end of the story that we all tend to forget - that it was Judah and not Joseph whose line carried the Promise - a reminder never to get too cocky even when you're God's golden child.