John Quincy Adams blends history and biography in presenting a new study of the statecraft and life of John Quincy Adams, policy-maker in the early American republic. It's recommended reading for high school and college undergraduate students, as well as any non-specialist general radeing studying early American history and politics.

A stunning compilation in words and pictures, focussing on the arts and culture of the Mongols. Filled with sumptuous full-color plates of thankas and artifacts in museums and collections worldwide, this book traces the rise of Tantric Buddhism within Mongolia and the tremendous transformation in Mongol culture as a result. Featuring some of the finest sculptures to be found within the Buddhist artistic tradition, those created by the first Bogdo Gegen Zanabazar, among a multitude of other examples of the heights to which the Mongolians raised tantric art.

This is one of the best books I've found on the general subject of polarized light. I bought it because I wanted a ready desk reference that would put all I needed to know about the Jones and Muller calculus, along with the Poincare sphere, in one source. I also wanted a book that lists the Jones and Muller matrices for all sorts of idealized and real-world optical components. This book has it all, and more.

Chapter one is a quick review of the nature of light, with interesting historical information and a quick blurb on spectroscopy and an interesting table showing the types of atomic/nuclear transitions and the emission wavelength associated with each. This chapter is really just an extension of the preface.

Chapter two introduces the basic concepts of polarization in an electro-magnetic wave, including the equation of the electric field for elliptically polarized light, with extra emphasis on the two extremes (linear and circular polarization). Chapter two includes some useful pictorial examples of polarized light. The authors have been careful to define their terms well. They also have a rather lengthy footnote in chapter two that establishes their conventions for describing circularly polarized light. Also helpful is their inclusion of a list at the end of each chapter containing the mathematical symbols used in the chapter and their meanings.

Chapter three introduces common devices used to control polarized light, including linear polarizers made of dichroic as well as birefringent materials, and those constructed by such techniques as stacks of tilted glass plates. The chapter also introduces the concept of phase plates used to construct retarders, and gives useful physical information for materials commonly used in their construction. Artifacts due to retarders and polarizers are also discussed, along with a rather superficial discussion about depolarizers. The end of the chapter has a neat discussion about Haidinger's brushes and how you can use them to "cure" polarization blindness.

Chapter 4 is among the book's most useful. This chapter introduces the Jones Calculus, Mueller Calculus, and the Poincare sphere. This is the chapter in the book that I find myself returning to most often, along with appendix A (Jones and Stokes vectors of various forms of polarized light), and appendix B (Jones and Mueller matrices for various polarizing or polarization-sensitive optical components). Chapter 4 and appendixes A and B alone are sufficient justification for purchasing the book. The appendices, for example, are quite complete, listing matrices for everything from the general elliptical polarizer to the general elliptical retarder (there are 19 entries for Jones matrices alone).

The authors develop the Jones and Muller calculus in a manner that's easy to follow yet both rigorous and insightful. The book makes no apologies about the use of mathematics, and uses equations and derivations liberally. The level of mathematics is easy, however, being nothing more than linear algebra for the most part. There are also useful examples of how to use the Jones and Muller matrix methods to solve simple problems. The chapter introduces the Jones calculus first, then the Muller calculus, and finishes off with a good discussion and explanation of the Poincare sphere.

Chapter 5 covers the Jones and Muller calculus again, this time with more mathematical involvement and in greater detail. Chapter 5 also describes the Poincare sphere in more detail as well. Chapter 4 aims more at the initial introduction and relatively simple practical applications, while chapter 5 deals with such subjects as the analytical relationship between the coordinates of the Poincare sphere, the Stokes parameters, and the electric vector describing the light.

The first 5 chapters constitute the book's coverage of the general principles of polarization. The rest of the book deals with applied issues relating to polarization. For example, chapter 6 deals with the physics of spectroscopy and polarized light, chapter 7 deals with orientation and photoselection effects, and chapter 8 (the last chapter) covers polarized light in condensed phases.

I bought the book because I wanted a complete and authoritative reference for the general principles of polarization. I was especially looking for a text that succinctly yet accurately and completely introduced the mathematical concepts of the Jones and Muller calculus, and that provided a clear description of the Poincare sphere. Furthermore, I wanted a reference book that listed the transfer matrices (both in the Jones and Muller calculus) for a wide assortment of idealized and real-world optical components that interact with polarized light. The book has been everything I was looking for and is the best I've found on the subject.

If you work with or have an interest in polarized light and it's quantitative analysis, I highly recommend this book.

This is the funniest western I've ever read! My favorite along with Lonesome Dove. I love his country sayings. I laughed out loud and was sorry that the book ended. Didn't know this book existed until I stumbled onto it in a library. A Lewis book is like a John Wayne movie, based on history, spurred with suspense and spiced with humor. The perfect formula for any book. I'd love to have the Lomax set! Why are they out of print???

"The Shenandoah in Flames," which looks at Phil Sheridan's Valley Campaign of 1864 makes a nice counterpart to "Decoying the Yanks," the earlier volume in the Time-Life Civil War series covering Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign. Jackson pops up in the opening pictorial essay that talks about the Virginia Military Institute, where Jackson was an instructor. "The Valley Imperiled" tells how General Grant decided to move Union forces into the Shenandoah Valley in 1864 to force the Confederates to defend the state's richest farmland. Unfortunately, the commander of the Union forces, Major General Franz Sigel, who had risen to his rank because of politics rather than ability, and who was beaten by Gen. John C. Breckenridge's forces at the Battle of New Market. "'Black Dave's' Orgy of Fire" details the efforts of Sigel's replacement, Major General David Hunter, who had to abandon his attack on Lynchburg and almost lost the Union's hold the Valley. "To the Gates of Washington" finds Confederate commander Jubal Early try to put pressure on the Union capital after forcing Lew Wallace's outnumbered troops to retreat from their defensive position behind the Monocacy River. "I Want Sheridan" obviously tells how Grant finally found the right man for the job, placing the commander of the Army of the Potomac's Cavalry Corps, Major General Philip Sheridan, in command of the four departments in the area. Sheridan proved his worth at the battle of Winchester. "Showdown at Cedar Creek" provides the historical context for the cover picture of Sheridan on his great horse Renzi rallying his troops after a surprise Confederate counterattack, which ended up being the last gasp of the Rebels in the Valley Campaign. When I was young I read a book called "Blow, Bugle, Blow," which told the story of a young Union shoulder who took part in Sheridan's Valley Campaign, so I especially enjoyed reading the "true story" of that event. The back of this volume has a fascinating set of contemporary artwork by James E. Taylor, a artist-correspondent for "Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper." These are reproduced with the original blue tinting, accompanied by Taylor's narrative of the Cedar Creek battle. Like all of the Time-Life Civil War volumes this won is illustrated from start to finish with historic paintings, etchings, and drawings as well as maps of the pivotal battles. I have had this series for years and I still enjoying looking through these volumes from time to time. The episodic approach, where a volume can focus on a particular campaign or battle like this, can be quite effective.

Lewis Grassic Gibbon (or James Leslie Mitchell) has written a novel of Spartacus that is as refreshing as it is clearly one of the forerunners of historical fiction. Opening through the eyes of the eunuch Kleon and his mission to find the heroic leader of the Slaves the novel centers more around Spartacus 'inner circle' and his relationship with Elpinice. Book I is told through Kleon and deals with the period up to the defeat after the Battle of the Lake. Books II and III with Spatracus' victories until we move towards the well-known and inexorable end on the Appian way at the hands of Marcus Licinius Crassus at the end of Book VI. The novel ends as it begins, with Kleon, and his crucifixion
The novel is well written, well-paced and pauses sufficiently to voice greater philospohical views than historical novels of the current generation. It is easy to see why this has been heralded as one of the great novels of its genre.

i was drawn to this book, for an unknown reason....i picked it up, and bought it for 50 cents at a thrift shop. i did't read it right away... i saved it....and then the day came, i was real down; i read this book, and realized that it soounded like every single word that had been running through my mind....put together in a beautiful masterpiece, that i couldn't have said better. it helped me get through the day, so i could live another one. i thank james kavanaugh, for writeing this book, and helping me realize there are others like me, out there, in this world with "IBM eyes".

This book, (along with the others in the series), is the most exhaustive, even-handed, and thoroughly researched account of the conservative resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention that I have found anywhere. Every Southern Baptist and, I believe, every Christian, should read this and the complete series from cover-to-cover. A thoroughly excellent resource and a must have for your personal library.

This card is great. I was surprized to see it on Amazon actually. It is the only reference I need now when I return to old Z80 project for updates, and I've been using it for about 10 years. It shows all the opcodes, timing, even the part pinout. They are also built very well. I have the 68000 card too, and they both have fared well over the past decade. If you're a Z80 assembly programmer, this is the best $10 you can spend. (Ok, another $10 in coffee won't hurt!)

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is one of the most clever and entertaining books yet written. The author's use of language is extremely appealing to the younger readers. These young readers are attracted to this book because of the author's use of many songs. For instance the lullaby sung by the duchess to her child. The Mock Turtle also sang to Alice and the Gryphon a song about the Lobster Quadrille. The author also uses poems that are entertaining and fun to listen to. "You are Old Father William" is one of the many poems. Not only does the author use poems but she also uses commonly known poems and changes the words to fit the character saying them. For instance the Mad-Hatter sings Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in different words saying "Up above the world you fly, Like a tea-tray in the sky." If this isn't a unique way of writing I dont know what is. Another style of her writingthat is appealing is when she creates a picture, using words in a poem, about the poem. Yhis is used on page 37. The words in the book are nbot hard so the book can be enjoyable when it is being read, not stressful. The author brings animals to life which is an interesting style of writing. This is Lewis Carroll's style of writing. The main character in this book is a little girl with blonde hair named Alice. This child is full of fantasies and dreams, which is what the book is about. Alice is very curious and likes to know every little detail. She thinks she is very smart. For example, when Alice is listening to the Dormouse's story she asks questions like "What did they live on," and makes smart comments such as "They could'nt have done that you know, they'd have been ill." She is also a little bit bratty, especially to the Dormouse when she says: "Nobody asked your opinion." These characteristics pull together to make an interesting main character and to create a fabulous story. The theme of the story is sometimes you need to take a break out of every day life and dream of fantasize. This makes your life more interesting even if you dream about things that will never come true. Alice does this when she dreams about changing sizes and listening to talking animals. Dreaming doesn't hurt anyone except the people who don't do it. If nobody ever had dreams life would be extremely stressful and boring. The plot of the story is all about Alice trying to find the white rabbit, which of course is in her dream. Following the white rabbit takes ALice to interesting places, such as the Courtroom filled with animals, and the Duchess' house, along with meeting interestingpeople such as the Cheshire-Cat and the Queen. This amazing cat hes the ability to disappear whenever it wants to and it always smiles. In the end Alice finds the white rabbit and then wakes up from her dream. This is the plot of the story. The story is effective to the reader. This is so because after listening to such acreative dream and fantasy, it inspires people to take a little time out of the day and be creative and dream once in a while. All the parts of this five star story; the writer's style, the main character, the theme, and the plot; come together to create the overall effectiveness of the story. This is why I rated this book five stars.

I really like Alice in Wonderland and its sequel because it is so whimsical. The way Dodgson made fun of Alice so much makes one laugh until tears come pouring down. He based the character Alice, on his friend; a real life Alice. Throughout the book, he constantly makes references to her, or something related to her. For example, when a character asks her the exact day Alice replies May 4th. May 4th is the real life Alice's birthday. Alice walks through Wonderland, and she sees many strange things, but thinks otherwise. If you like poems, you will certainly like Alice in Wonderland and its sequel, for both books contain numerous poems. However, in the book Carroll takes the original poems and creates a parody out of them. Something interesting to know is that all the poems relate to the chapters. These are all minor details, but something to muse over. On the surface, Alice in Wonderland is a book where she meets weird creatures and walks away from them always feeling humiliated, as she thinks she is smarter than she really is. That is most of Alice in Wonderland.

Alice through the Looking Glass is similar to the prequel, yet glaringly different. The whole book revolves around a chess game, and so the character's actions correspond to moves on the chessboard. Alice joins in the game, starts out as a white pawn, and proceeds to move until she becomes a queen. At each square, she meets a new character, but in one chapter, characters from the previous book are in this one too. An important thing to know in this famous classic is that everything is backwards. It makes sense since Alice is on the other side of a mirror, yet she encounters difficulty sometimes in understanding this. But in the end, she manages to become a queen and to checkmate the red king. Both books are very enjoyable, and I strongly advocate both children and adults to read it. Enjoy!! Cheers!!!!! : )

When I was assigned Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass to read for my Victorian Literature class, I was excited. Even though I had heard Alice's Adventures in Wonderland referred to countless times throughout my youth, I had never read the story or seen the movie. I had never heard of Through the Looking Glass, but while reading, I realized that many people who think they are talking about AAIW are actually referring to TTLG. The two texts seem to be conflated in a way that makes them indistinguishable from each other. It is for this reason that I enjoyed reading this edition of the texts. There is only a page separating the two stories, which allows the reader to easily make the transition between them. This small separation also allows the reader to recognize the undeniable connection between the texts and to understand why many people combine them in their minds.
AAIW is about a young girl named Alice whose boring day with her sister is interrupted when a white rabbit runs by her saying, "Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!" Alice's curiosity is aroused, but surprisingly not to a great degree. This is the first hint to the reader that Alice is not an average child, as she seems to believe that a talking rabbit is quite normal. She does become intrigued, though, when the rabbit produces a clock from his pocket, so she follows it down its hole and enters a world of wonder. I loved the story from this point on. It is filled with such unbelievable creatures and situations, but Carroll's writing style made me want to believe in a world that could be filled with so much magic and splendor. There was never a dull moment in the story, and each page was filled with more excitement. I will offer a warning, though. This story is not for those who like a neatly packaged plotline. It is written in a somewhat discontinuous nature and seems to follow some sort of dream logic where there are no rules. However, I enjoyed the nonsensical pattern. Without it, a dimension of the story would be lost. It offers some insight into the mind of a young, adventurous, fearless girl, and Carroll seems to be challenging his readers to be more like Alice.
The second text in this book, TTLG, is again a story about Alice. In this adventure, Alice travels through a wondrous world on the other side of her looking glass. As in AAIW, Alice again encounters absurd creatures, such as live chess pieces and talking flowers. The land she travels through is an oversized chessboard, which gives this story a more structured plot than AAIW. The chess theme provides Alice with sense of what she must accomplish in the looking- glass world, and it provides the reader with a sense of direction throughout the story. Alice's goal is to become a chess queen, so the reader knows that when she becomes queen, the story will be over. However, just because the story has some structure does not mean that it is not just as wild and marvelous as its predecessor. I enjoyed all of the characters. They seem to have an endless supply of advice that people in the 21st century can still learn from. My favorite example is when the Red Queen says, "Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!" Maybe what Carroll is suggesting is that if we read more nonsensical, unbelievable stories like his, we won't be so afraid to be adventurous and fearless like Alice; so that the next time a white rabbit runs by us, we might just see where it leads us.