An Early Encounter with Tomorrow won the 1998 Jacques Barzun Prize in Cultural History from the American Philosophical Society. From the Society's press release, this book meets "the highest standards of imaginative scholarship", "makes available much new information", and "interpretations cross disciplinary lines and point the way to new approaches." "Arnold Lewis demonstrates and analyzes the cultural importance of the Columbian Exposition and of the skyscrapers in Chicago's Loop....The major theme is Chicago's international importance in the transformation of Western culture at the end of the 19th century. Europeans who endtered the Loop walked int a real future, not a vision of one. Exhilarated or disquieted, they acknowledged Chicago's central district as the 'Museum of the present.' The minor theme is the usefulness for historians to study the encounter between the established and the new, the collision between old world assumptions and new world realities, not only in the Loop but also in the Columbian Exposition." From Meredith Clausen's April 1998 review in the American Historical Review, "Carefully researched, well-documented, clearly organized, and beautifully written, Lewis's book should be required reading for anyone in the field of American history, cultural studies, and women's studies as well as architectural history. It is cultural history at its best."

One Hundred Eighty three pages of Ocean Liners is what you will find when you take a look at the title "Great Passenger Ships of the World Today." This hardcover book features photo's of almost all the ships reviewed and a history from their construction to their more recent port of call. Kludas has compiled one of the most concise Ocean Liner books next to the Fifty Famous Liners series from Braynard. An Appendix list the ships in Alphabetical order. Liners that have become floating hotels or featured a rich history but are now laid up are also featured. You'll find Information on the S.S. United States all the way to the maybe less known Aquarama. Because of the timeline included with each ship biography,It was through reading this that we discovered the unlucky history of the now destroyed Achilli Lauro. The title also includes 10 pages of full color pictures and an appendix showing passenger ships withdrawn between 1986 and 1991. Readers will be saddened to see pictures of the Sally Albatross after a fire engulfed her decks. I enjoyed reading this encyclopedia of Great ships, all which registered over 10,000 tons, and refer to it often after a Sea visit to point out ships we've seen in port. My only disappointment is that since this book was written Princess has launched several new ships as well as Disney, and other operators. An update would already be approprite for this book. Nontheless, for the ship enthusiast, "Great Passenger Ships of the World Today" from Arnold Kludas is a great title to have in a personal library.

Very nice text covering pediatric surgery. Covers a multitude of topics w/ good explanations and well drawn pictures outlining the key points of the operation. More oriented to the actual surgery, would recommend something like Ashcraft for more in depth discussion of pathophysiology.

This is the new edition of the "classic" textbook of Pediatric Surgery. It is the most comprehensive text available on the subject, a must for all practicing pediatric surgeons and aspiring pediatric surgeons. Perhaps a bit too comprehensive for non-pediatric surgeons looking for a simple reference book to keep on their shelf. Nevertheless, even in its fifth edition, this remains the "bible" of Pediatric Surgery.

A long overdue updated edition of the Paediatric Surgery 'Bible'.The new panel of authors have maintained the traditionally excellent charecter and readability of the book.It has been throughly updated and many sections rewritten.A extensive and exhautive reference book for all surgeons involved in the care of babies and children.

This book was excellent. Not only is it reputed as having very accurate historical content, but the ficitonal stories running through it were very interesting as well. It is still hard to believe this was Roberts first writing foray. It is very easy to feel for the characters and want to know how everything turns out. I have to say that their plight was often very difficult - to the point where I was feeling quite cold and hungry myself. I live in Vermont and felt quite badly for them travelling during winter under very harsh conditions without polypropelyne, fleece, or wind-blocking layers. Plus a bunch of power bars for emergencies. I will be getting Roberts other books in this series. I'm sure I will enjoy them as much as Arundel. It is easy to tell Roberts has true writing talent.

Ten years ago I discovered an old hardcover copy of BOON ISLAND in my fathers closet. After having read it I desired to read more of this authors work but was regretfully delayed due to my formal scholastic pursuits. Last month I was in a Kennebunkport bookstore and discovered a section abundant of KENNETH ROBERTS' work. I selected ARUNDEL, read it and can't wait to move to the next one. Being an historian I had but little defense and was drawn-in by Roberts' vivid imagery and very accurate historical timeline. Having just visited Arundel I could envision Phoebe sailing along the rugged Maine coast while Steven Nason and Cap Huff prepared to answer the call for troops. The journey up the Kennebec to Quebec was never without adventure; this is where Roberts' talent for his craft shines the most: where other authors would falter, allowing their story to slow, Robert's provides his characters with dynamics that are realistic and not hard to follow. This is a book not to put down for if you do you may not know if Stevie finds Mary Mallison, if revenge is achieved over Gurelac, or what Cap Huff may do next.

Kenneth Roberts is without doubt the finest historical novelist this country has ever produced. His work is the history of America in fictional settings, but it is authentic history, more accurate and reflective of the reality of this nation than most non-fiction works on the subject. Most of the people he writes about in Arundel really existed; and some were portraits of his Maine ancestors, whose stories he tells as exemplars of the people who founded this nation. In addition to being historically accurate to the most minute detail, his writing is poetic and moving. No one who has not read Roberts' work, most especially the "Chronicles of Arundel" (of which this book is one piece) can fully comprehend the American experience and how we came to be the nation we are. "Arundel" was his first novel, and after 65 years it still shines like a beacon to those who want the truth about the American Revolution, what it meant, and why it was fought. This is a book that changes lives. It will waken the dormant patriotism in the hearts of even the most cynical modernist. If you want to know why we are here and what America really stands for, read "Arundel," and then move on to his other work.

"American Country Houses of the Gilded Age" reprints 100 photographs from "Artistic Country-Seats," a book originally published in 1886-87 with commentary by George William Sheldon. This new version of the collection replaces Sheldon's original comments with those of Arnold Lewis. But the real "stars" of the book are the 93 houses and four casinos portrayed in the excellent black-and white photos.

These houses represent some of the most stunning mansions of the late 19th century. Most of these buildings were built in the northeastern United States. Each plate is accompanied by both Lewis' comments and by a first floor plan.

The houses themselves represent many of the popular styles of the era: Tudor, "Shingle," Queen Anne, Chateauesque, Richardsonian Romanesque, Colonial Revival, and Exotic Revival. The crisp photography captures a wealth of beautiful details: covered verandas, stone arches, classical pillars, towers, pinnacles, parapets, half-timbering, castellations, fanciful dormers, and intricate decorative flourishes.

The only disappointing aspect to the book is the fact that only the first floor plans are included. Plans for the other floors would have increased the book's value as a record of social history. Nevertheless, the detailed first floor plans do offer fascinating insights into the lives of the wealthy families of the "Gilded Age." You can imagine yourself wandering through the billiard room or music room of your favorite mansion! If you are fascinated by American home architecture, or if you simply want a taste of this opulent era, you will love this book.

This book let's readers see how the wealthiest people in America lived back in the late 1800's. The floor plans are, although small, completely readable. I do wish the author would have included the floor plans for the second, third, etc. floors. Great photographs and good desrciptions of the homes.

This book features period pictures and information about some of the most amazing houses to be built it the US. It is wonderful to think houses of such detail and quality were built, and so sad to learn how many of them did not survive. This book is a wonderful tribute to them.

Land developer Ken Stafford decides to build a highway access road through the ancient peat bog in Northumberland, much to the dismay of its owner, environmentalists, and several protestors. When a centuries-old body is discovered remarkably intact, many feel that more research and exploration of the area is warranted. Protagonist Arnold Landon, an archeologist, and his assistant Portia are summoned to evaluate the area when a more recent body (that of one of Stafford's most vocal opponents) surfaces shortly thereafter. Now Landon and Portia must also hunt a killer, in addition to hunting for the bog's archeological significance.

There are plenty of twists and mayhem in this story, including some personal conflicts which may raise a few eyebrows, but the story seems to lack a "pulse". It is interesting, believable and very well written, but not very exciting. Although this book did not quite tickle my fancy, I would definitely read another Roy Lewis novel without hesitation. His writing is flawless, and he places fascinating characters in unique plots.

If you like mysteries, this an exceptional book to read. Dead Secret is a great mystery/archeological novel involving very realistic accounts of archeological facts. The best part about this book is the mix of law with the archeology. The use of justice in the novel sets you up for some great surprises as Landon (head of the Museum of Antiquities) finds himself knee deep in a sea of greed and misleading suspects. As Landon hunts the area of Wolfcleugh Woods trying to find more evidence of archeological findings; he gets swept up in the grasp of the greed monsters, Shangri-La enterprises, who need the land to make a back road for a new resort. With time running out, Landon is desperate to find evidence of ancient life, otherwise, he will help the money mad builders win the battle over the land. Of the many mystery books I've read, this book is definately the most attention drawing of them all, a wonderful book from beginning to end. Roy Lewis is definately the master of law and archeological works of fiction.

Pitting profit and greed against research and ecology is a familiar backdrop to a well-written murder mystery. There's a lot of the "good guys" versus the "bad guys" stuff going on, but the author has provided plenty of motives and opportunities, and the convoluted relationships of the numerous suspects provide an entertaining evening of reading.

Set in northern England, Wolfcleugh Woods and the adjacent bog are a mysterious and colorful locale for the latest in the series that features archaeologist Arnold Landon. He and colleague Portia Tyrrell are assigned to evaluate the archeological significance of an area described in the prologue as shrouded in fear and superstition. The land is the center of a local controversy created by a group of greedy and callous developers eager to build a road to their latest luxury resort, tastelessly named Shangri-La. The landowner is playing reluctant host to a group of enthusiastic and ingenuous environmentalists who are determined to prevent the ruination of the forest. Equally adamant is the archeological team who have recently uncovered a well-preserved centuries-old "bog body" and want to continue undisturbed with their digging and research. The machinations of the developers, the politicians, and the Department of Museums and Antiquities who employ Landon are described in venomous detail, and all of the peripheral players live up to maximal stereotypes. Local policeman also live up to expectations, which includes the soon-to-be-retired but experienced DCI Culpeper pitted against the overly-educated wiseacre young colleagues and an intrusive and condescending superior officer. Violence predictably erupts as the land-related disagreements between the antagonists escalate. When other human remains are turned up and Landon himself stumbles upon a body of quite recent origin, both he and Culpeper must change their perspectives and concentrate on discovering the murderer.

Lewis has once again created a nicely suspenseful mystery with multi-dimensional lead characters in a colorful setting - an overall good read.

this rough guide isn pretty much the same as the other guides.. as usual in singapore it contains the usual places.. orchard, little india, sentosa, east coast and the usual touristy places. It does not include the heartlanders area eg. Hougang, Yishun etc. For eg, in woodlands.. it only mention the the zoo.. did you know that's a big Shopping Mall in Woodlands called the Causeway point.. nect to the MRT station.. As for eating places.. it fail to capture the good places for local food.. may interest the food lovers and those adventourous enough to try..

It should include a portion on the heartlanders.. I'm sure some tourist may want to see our locals their way of life.. for eg a tour of an HDB estate (public housing) that may include the market, the coffeeshop, look at the flat inside out.. etc.. the peculiar and distinct characters of the heartlanders.. etc.. otherwise tourists may think S'pore is just of the "place"

This guide is great, at least from a pre-trip standpoint. When it comes to planning a trip to Malaysia, the historical and cultural aspects of the book are above reproach. The authors clearly know their way around the country. But that doesn't translate into using the book when you get to Malaysia. While hotel prices are listed, they're done so using a code system, forcing readers to continue flipping back to the key located early on in the guide. I've relied on Lonely PLanet's guidebook before, and I'll keep doing so - only because its layout is superior to the Rough Guide.

Even if your not planning on taking a trip to Malaysia anytime soon, this book will prove an interesting read for those who love learning about the world. I recently took on the task of writing a paper about Malaysia for a college-level geography class. There were certainly more traditional reference guides at my disposal, but I found this book to be more informative than any other book I used. Unlike most other travel guide series', Rough Guides do an excellent job of not only making sure travelers know where to stay and what to eat, but how NOT to make fools of themselves by ignoring local customs and traditions. This guide through Malaysia is no exception. The section on Singapore and Brunei provide significant, and substantial information, while the chapter on Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur, answered every question a traveler could possibly think of. Every part of the guide proved truly helpful in my research and study. And more than anything, it has inspired me to visit the place that I've learned so much about as a good travel guide should.

This was the text book for my Cognition class at Rutgers University. It's not organized very well, and is extremely confusing. There are frequent spelling and grammar mistakes, and Glass often makes up his own words, which is laughable at times. Glass obviously has a lot of knowledge about Cognitive Psychology, and a little more attention to the flow of paragraphs would make all the difference. Not to mention a good editor.