Patrick James' International Relations and Scientific Progress demonstrates the enduring significance of a system level theory of world politics based on an elaborated notion of structure. Appropriately refined, structural realist perspectives can continue to offer critical insights into the dynamics of international orders. Moreover, development of the system level offers a stable foundation for disciplinary cohesion. By combining enduring insights about international relations with the power offered by modern social scientific tools of analysis, Professor James not only makes an outstanding contribution to understanding international systems, but also provides a landmark in the literature for evaluating and identifying scientific progress in the study of international relations.

International Relations and Scientific Progress demonstrates that the concept of system structure, defined in terms of the distribution of capabilities between states, has great potential for further theoretical and empirical elaboration. Rather than taking the route explored by neoclassical realists and retreating to the unit level, James sets out an elaborated structural model which disaggregates structure into a continuum of capability based elements. The systematic specification of this continuum codifies an extensive body of contemporary research which has, to date, lacked an over-arching framework. It also provides a coherent typology within which to compare the structural features of international systems, and how they might vary historically. Thus, for example, James's argument seems broadly compatible with William Wohlforth's recent claim that structural factors such as the high concentration of American power explain the stability of the international system since the end of the Cold War.

International Relations and Scientific Progress also situates an elaborated structural realist model within broader debates about scientific progress within the discipline. Structural realist theory can survive and even prosper against available alternatives by directly confronting apparent anomalies in a way that coherently builds upon its core insights. James accomplishes this task by meticulously establishing structural realism as a 'scientific research enterprise'. This concept synthesises the insights of cutting edge research on the philosophy of science and social science, and applies these to the evolution of progress within the study of international relations. This process of evaluation builds on the essential philosophical foundations provided by the broad realist tradition of thought. However, the insights of this tradition are given additional coherence and explanatory leverage by their precise integration into sophisticated techniques for theory assessment.

International Relations and Scientific Progress represents a definitive statement about international systems which is likely to alter the basic terms for debate for a generation. It will be an essential purchase for all scholars working within the field.

Ewan Harrison
St Anne's College, Oxford.

We went to Ireland (summer 2001) and every month brought back wonderful memories. The calendar photos are fantastic. We also brought a calender in Dingle but this calendar is much better.

This beautifully bound book (high quality archival paper) is a must for anyone interested in the history of the American left and labor movement. These writings are unavailable in any other published source.

When I read John Alive! I felt a oneness with the characters portrayed in each chapter. I became one with the characters as they expressed their thoughts and feelings. I could relate my own personal experiences and feelings with those developed in each story line. I especially liked the questions written throughout each chapter. I took the time to reflect on my own personal life as it related to the scripture readings and kept a personal journal of my answers. The reflective thoughts written at the end of each chapter are very similar to the questions and feelings that I have experienced in my own life. This book is for those who want a better understanding of the events and biblical messages of the Apostle John's Gospel. I highly recommend it for those who struggle with reading the Bible, as I have.

This is certainly not one of the more insightful books on the subject, and is unfortunately attuned only to those topics of influence that have been better covered elsewhere. For the beginner, esp. those who do not have access to the better studies, this book is not without value. Somewhat recommended.

This is one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time. The main chapters cover C. S. Lewis, R. G. Collingwood, J. R. R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, and J. A. Smith, the teacher of the first two. All of these men were influential, interesting, and taught at Oxford. They were prolific writers and held similar philosophies. The style of James Patrick is worthy of the subject. You will find it well-written, superbly researched, and fun to read. There are in addition a number of nice photographs of the men who appear in the book.

I bought this book because my son (James) is very interested in the Middle Ages, King Arthur, etc. Since he is 7 years old and the book begins when Sir James is 7 years old, he really enjoyed it. The details on weapons, armor, etc. added a great touch and were not only interesting, but educational. The book contains some vocabulary which required explanation, but in general he was fascinated. The illustrations are excellent and we read a few pages at a time each night so we could discuss them in detail. I hope Mr. O'Brien writes more about the adventures of Sir James.

Apart from the gospels and new testament,this is,THE,most rewarding book i have ever read.It stresses with clarity the fundamental importance of becoming aware of our true identity in christ,and equally important of becoming aware of our false self,the self rooted in the ego.The book is a wake up call for all those who would see the spiritual life as a process of self agrandizement.With it's raw honesty and gentleness one gradually becomes ever more aware of just how important the issue of identity is in the spiritual life,and the huge importance merton ascribed to it.This book is a threat to the ego and it's hollow and false little world,that it creates in it's rivalry with god.I advise all christians to read and reread this beautiful book,even if at times,it becomes a little tough.

This book is a wonderful mix of fiction and non-fiction stories. The stories are so well written, the reader is unsure which is which. There is also a blend in some of the stories of both types of story. If anyone can find this book, read it and see for yourself. You will never get rid of it.

This book is a classic "hands on" audit reference; written with the same "how to" style as "Operational Profitability". I highly recommend this book.