This is a top-notch biblical reference and a must-have for your language shelf. Obviously, you don't want to become too dependent on it; but it can certainly get you out of a bind when you are stuck in a corner.

This lexicon makes most sense compared with the others I've studied with, it's got all forms of biblical apearances of each word listed, and is well readable. Its an older (1/2 previous century, from memory) lexicon, which imo means it may well be less fashionable.

This book is a critical review of the movie career of Antionioni. It helped me to understand the Great Teatrology of the Antonioni's work - L'Aventurra, La Notte, Eclipse and Red Desert much better. Director is researching the same themes of loneliness, impossibility of love and connections in the modern world full of dehumanizing technology. Landscapes and architecture, subtle variations of mood, breeze and movement ... and sadness.

I was amazed by Chatman's bibliography list. He'd read anything and everything there is to read about Antonioni. The books follow movies frame by frame with critical acclaim given to all aspects of Antonioni's art. Must read!!!

I was amazed by Chatman's bibliography list. He'd read anything and everything there is to read about Antonioni. The books follow movies frame by frame with critical acclaim given to all aspects of Antonioni's art. Must read!!!

I have long believed that any organization without a cogent strategy is vulnerable. Too much strategic thinking these days is driven, in my opinion, by a desire to appeal to Wall Street investment bankers and analysts or by a dot.bomb-fueled fear of failure.

Strategy is a two-headed prong. It is creative enough to fashion a vision, while being disciplined enough to drive the vision into reality.

Mike Freedman defines the word as the 'framework of choices that determine the nature and direction of an organization.' It is a definition I like. The word 'framework' establishes boundaries and scope. 'Choices' are about products, services, markets and capabilities. 'Nature' describes the character of any organization. 'Direction' is the organization's course determined by choices about future products, services, customers and markets.

Notice that a decision is not strategic simply because it is long-term or involves mega-dollar expenditures. While these can be made within the strategic framework, only those decisions that change the framework are strategic.

Freedman says there are three critical aspects to a strategy:

1.A strategic vision is based on facts, informed assumptions and critical what-if thinking.
2.The vision must be communicated throughout the organization.
3.Its implementation must be monitored.

I particularly enjoyed the section on Strategic Master Project Planning. Freedman says the purpose of master project plan is to assess the necessary strategic initiatives, integrate the existing operation projects, identify project priority and interdict those projects which are out of line with the strategic vision.

This is a great book. As always, organizations that desire to survive and thrive will have to mast the art of strategy creation and implementation. The Kepner-Tregoe five phase model on which Freedman bases this book is a great foundation for organizations and managers who wish to begin the journey.

I have always been impressed by the work of the Kepner Tregore team because their methodologies really work. My first encounter with their work was the mastering and application of their decision making and problem solving strategies in the late 70's/early 80's, while I was a practising engineer. Subsequent fruitful encounters include Tregore's Vision at Work and Top Management Strategy (both of which are great works) when I was a General Manager. This book should have been available when I was still working in the corporate world. Anyway, I am very pleased to have bought and perused this wonderful book, which I will now add to my Strategic Thinking and Strategic Leadership bookshelf. I particularly enjoyed digesting the authors' practical approach to strategy formulation, which has been extensively covered in the book. The attendant case studies - field-tested - have been well selected and the process of working out their integrated model to help readers to understand - and eventually apply - has also been well crafted. I also like their way of posing pertinent questions to think through some of the process steps. All practising managers must get hold of this book. In terms of depth and breadth in the strategic thinking process, as well as the clarity in writing and presentation, I would rate this book in the same genre as Michel Robert's strategic thinking books. Across the board, the authors' writing in the book is crisp and succinct, and I really appreciate authors who write this way.

As a native Montanan and one who was mandated to memorize Lewis and Clark trivia to get her high school diploma I started the book with trepidation. I was more than surprised to love this book! I have read it twice and bought one for a friend. This book takes details and facts and puts life, love and laughter into them. Read this book- it makes you feel good and brings a bit of nature inside.

Skookum. Backtracking is a skookum adventure. Long explains that in the Chinook language skookum means big or powerful. This account of a trek backtracking the route of the Lewis and Clark expedition is just that. The book is a fascinating blend of history, biology, ecology, and philosophy that took me, a confirmed lover of comfort, along on the trip.

Long and his wife retrace portions of the trail and report on the status of several of the wildlife and plant species that Lewis and Clark described in their original journals. We learn about the black-tailed prairie dog, the grizzly bear, the American bison, the Missouri River beaver, the Westslope cutthroat, the Columbia sharptail grouse, the Whitebark pine and the Clark's nutcracker, the wolf and the coyote, the White sturgeon and the Great Plains cottonwood. We learn why and how these animals and plants matter today.

Long, although his view is clear, does not resort to the adversarial language that pushes opposing forces further apart. He reminds us that, "There is too much at stake for us to give pessimism a chance. There is still too much to be lost."

Grouse dancing at dawn on some remote and windswept lek. After reading this book I want to see for myself.

Banneker is such a great role model for middle-schoolers! And Ms. Litwin has done a superb job of recreating life in his time. Any young person, but especially an African-American, will be thrilled by this fine and historically accurate biography of a self-taught free black man who helped create our nation's capital and who corresponded with Thomas Jefferson about slavery.

Are you interested in a great bioagraphy on a phenomenal free African American? Well, then this book is for you. It is worded simple enough to really understand and challenging enough to keep you interested. With great pictures, this non-fiction is a must read for informational purposes(reports, etc.) and for pleasure!

Benjamin Banneker:Surveyor, Astronomer, Publisher, Patriot, by Charles A. Cerami has expanded our knowledge of this renowned 18th century African American. To those familiar with the contributions of blacks to American society, Benjamin Banneker's accomplishments are well known. He was a free black man, son of an African, his grandmother, an indentured servant from England. He built a wooden clock using a pocket watch as a guide. Later on in life, he parlayed his scientific and mathematical skills into the creation of an almanac. He then went on to become an integral part of the team that surveyed the area that was to become the nation's capitol. He wrote letters to Thomas Jefferson critical of the latter's racist views, and even received a response. The author covers this ground well. We are aware of how stunning Banneker's achievements are, given that he was a black man living in a nation where the vast majority of black people toiled in slavery. Even a free black was a degraded, stigmatized creature in white eyes. The author, however, lifts Banneker out of this limiting context to elevate him into the company of truly original thinkers. Thus, Banneker becomes more than a brilliant black man who rose above his station to live the life of the mind, a pursuit which, if he were white, would not have garnered much attention. Banneker made an assertion that no one had made up that point (at least not with his degree of logic). He speculated on the existence of life on other worlds. The author presents an excerpt from Banneker's writings as proof that this humble black farmer was far ahead of his time. Indeed, such a revolutionary thought would not be adopted by scientists as a credible theory until well into the 20th century. Charles Cerami's work is of monumental importance because now we have a new insight into the depth of Benjamin Banneker's intellect. Hopefully, this book will be so widely read that Banneker's role as the man who memorized the plans to Washington, D.C. will not be his ultimate achievement in the popular imagination. Hopefully, scientists, historians and lay enthusiasts will recognize the significance of Banneker's thinking in regard to the possibility of life beyond our precious, little world.

I can't believe the genius of Benjamin Banneker, the man. I always knew his name through his famous letter to Thomas Jefferson. In the pages of this fascinating biography, I discovered his excellence in so many professions, especially astronomy. His speculations on light and stars were revolutionary and opened the door to modern astronomy. He is a true American hero.

I thought that it was a good book because I like biographies. I especially liked the part when he went to the Latin School and he couldn't say the poem because the school master gave Ben the wrong poem. I recommend this book to you if you like to read biographies. I also recommend this book if you think that a president's life would be interesting.

us historians of our past...I highly recommend this biography of a young printer, Benjamin Franklin. Stevenson talks about the bigger of Ben's life, however going into smallest details in ocations(In my opinion: Like all biographers should.)This is a small price for a large book and may be ordered from Amazon.com!

The Library of America should be commended for preserving the works of Benjamin Franklin. This is the finest compilation of Franklin's writings still in print.

The book is organized and presented in chronological order. The first section contains Franklin's writings between 1722-1726. This section contains the famous "Silence Dogood" works. The second section consists of writings between 1726-1757. This section contains the "Busy Body" pieces and the writings from the Philadelphia Gazette, amongst other works. The third section consists of writings which date between 1757-1775. The fourth section consists of writings between 1776-1785. The fifth section consists of writings between 1785-1790. And the final two sections are "Poor Richard's Almanack" and "The Autobiography."

Moreover, the sections contain personal letters between Franklin and other notable men such as David Hume, Lord Kames, John Pringle, Benjamin Rush, etc. Also, religious writings, philosophy, political writings and the like are present in this single volume. In fact, there is about 1500 pages of just Franklin's writings. Additionally, in the back of the book, there is a very detailed chronology of Franklin's life describing notable things which occurred between his birth and death.

This is a great text for those who are wanting a very detailed volume of Franklin's writings. However, it is also a great compilation for those who simply want to sit down and get a sample of the works of Franklin to find out what type of man he was, what he believed, what he taught, his sense of humor and the like.

This book has been one of the best investments that I have made in my collection of American Revolutionary (Founders) history. I highly recommend this work.

Many of Benjamin Franklin's biographers follow up their treatments of his life and work with an edited collection of his writings, as if to concede that he is his own best presenter. Any reader interested in Franklin should therefore set the biographies aside for a time and turn first to this superb Library of America compilation of Franklin's writings. Spanning his life from his early humorous writings (penned at the age of 16) to letters he wrote in the last year of his life (at 84), it is the single best, because most comprehensive, introduction to Franklin.

Carl Van Doren ended his classic biography of Franklin by describing him as "a harmonious human multitude." The phrase has become shorthand for those who try to encompass Franklin's activities as printer, journalist, polemicist, political thinker, writer, economist, demographer, scientist (or "natural philosopher" in the 18th-century phrase), lobbyist, diplomat, and sage. More recent Fra! nklin scholars, such as Esmond Wright and Robert Middlekauff, concede his complexity, but doubt the harmony holding together his various interests, activities, priorities, friendships, and hostilities; they also note that Franklin's genial exterior cloaked a massive and implacable egotism and an unsuspected capacity for strong and often bitter emotion.

All these facets of Franklin emerge from this superbly-edited volume. J. A. Leo Lemay, one of the nation's leading scholars of Franklin's life and work, has produced a volume fully worthy of Franklin and the Library of America series; it will be indispensable to all future students of Benjamin Franklin, of colonial and Revolutionary America, and of the foundations of American literature, science, politics, and government. -- Richard B. Bernstein, Adjunct Professor of Law, New York Law School; Daniel M. Lyons Visiting Professor in American History, Brooklyn College/CUNY (1997-1998); Book Review Editor for Constitutional Books,! H-LAW; and Senior Research Fellow, Council on Citizenship ! Education, Russell Sage College.

Benjamin O. Davis Jr. had a distinguished military career. He graduated from West Point in 1936, joined the Army Air Corps, and led a squadron of fighters in World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he continued in service to his country. His service took him to Korea, Taiwan, Germany and the Philippines. Davis rose to the rank of Lieutenant General before his retirement in 1970. What makes Davis' journey so fascinating is that through out his military career he was opposed by those who felt that because of a particular physical characteristic, he was not capable of the job. Benjamin Davis was black. His autobiography, Benjamin O. Davis Jr., American, is a detailed account of his achievements and provides evidence of the success of his philosophy that, 'blacks could best overcome racist attitudes through their achievements.' His story is an inspiring one, though the telling of it is sometimes hampered by the lack of personal detail.
When reading an autobiography the reader evaluates the author as a person, what they did, what obstacles he or she overcame, and what their beliefs and opinions are. Next the reader evaluates how the author tells their story. The title of Davis' book gives us a clue as to the author and his character. It is simply, Benjamin O. Davis Jr. American. It is not 'General Davis,' or 'Black American,' or 'Fighter Pilot,' or any of the other titles he earned. In the title we can discern what he counts as most important, being an American. Perhaps that encompasses the creed of the West Point Military Academy; Duty, Honor, Country. This is ironic in that this same academy treated him so poorly. His persona is of a man with dignity, reserve and dedication to duty. He rarely speaks negatively of anyone with whom he worked. Benjamin Davis Jr. is a great man and his military record is proof of that. He did not need to write a book proving this, it is well documented. However, he was very important to the integration of the military and thus the civil rights movement and so his book helps the reader understand things that are not part of his official record. The purpose of General Davis's autobiography appears to be three fold. First, it is a telling of his extraordinary life. As the leader of a fighter squadron and his rise to Lieutenant General his story is of interest to anyone who is interested in military aviation and military history of these important times. Second, the book shows racism in society and the military and how it was practiced. And thirdly to show how he used achievement to overcome racist attitudes and thus was a factor in the integration of the military. Benjamin Davis focuses on the conviction that, 'blacks could best overcome racist attitudes through their achievements, even if those achievements had to take place within the hateful environment of segregation.' His book is a detailed account of those achievements.
With any good story there are obstacles that the protagonist must over come. His determination is evident as he endures the silencing at West Point and at Ft. Benning. The missions and the deeds of the Tuskegee Airmen in North Africa and Europe are exciting and stimulating. These were dynamic times to be an aviator. Davis' writing style has some faults, though. Too often, especially in the later part of the book, it is dry with little personal detail. At times it seems he is copying from his appointment book: who he met, where he went, or what award he presented.
What makes the book good is tracing the obstacles Davis had to over come to graduate from West Point and to build the first black fighter group. His book is not perfect in that it is dry at times and it leaves the reader wanting to know more of the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of this great man. But to be just, Benjamin Davis set out to be a military man not to be an author. The fact that he writes as well as he does, only increases my admiration for him.

I read this book about 4 years ago. It is a compelling read; one of those kind of books one will want to re-read again and again. The accomplishments of Benjamin Davis, Jr., one of the famous Tuskeegee Airmen, are well documented but not quite as well known. I wish every black person could read this book because what stands out is the excellence of a human being who would not quit. Moreover Gen. Davis, while he stands against racism, does not come across like so many of the racial hacks today (Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, etc.). He comes across as a man who, though black, follows principle more than some political vision of black triumph, which we have degenerated to today. So even though I say I wish every black person would read it to see how blacks can regain the sort of pride we once had without dependence on government, white people (or any other people) can get a lift from this book because what you see is a human being, who just happens to be black, triumphing with pride and dignity. I was so impressed after I read the book that I looked up Gen. Davis' address and wrote to him, asking for a response so that my sons could read it and I could use it as an example to them of a black man who had accomplished something great. To my surprise he responded very kindly. His book sticks in my mind as a great human triumph akin to the spirit of Richard Wright.

Marguerite Henry has a wonderful style of writing that keeps children's attention as they read. This is an excellent biography of a famous artist, and one that any child or adult would truly enjoy (whether or not they were interested in art). Where else can you learn of the ingenuity of a young boy, willing to use hair from his cat's tail to make his own paint brushes. I have read the majority of the books written by Marguerite Henry, and would highly recommend this one as one of her best.

The biography of Benjamin West is a treat for any young person. The author's presentation of Quaker life is informative and accurate, and her style encourages the reader to keep reading. Benjamin West's childhood is well represented as he works, plays, and grows up in colonial America. His strength of character is revealed as he struggles with his desire to paint and draw while living in a culture that views pictures as frivolous and unnecessary. I have read this book with elementary students several times and they are always delighted with the story and learn a great deal about this American artist. Anyone who loves Marguerite Henry's horse stories will enjoy this biography as well.