The Great Treasury is based on the syntopicon of the Britannica Great Books of the Western world; the syntopicon is an index of basic, central terms in the great books (the so-called "great ideas"), arranged in alphabetical order from Angel to World. In the syntopicon, each central term is assigned its own chapter, which begins with an introductory essay on the meaning of the term and its various interpretations in the great books, followed by an outline of topics falling under the great idea of the chapter; specific references to passages by the great authors in the series relevant to each topic follow. The Great Treasury mirrors the syntopicon's format, but includes a selection of topics, together with the text of the relevant passages from the great books. The Great Treasury is more than a book of quotations: it serves as a practical guide to the wisdom of the Western world, of particular use to anyone interested in philosophy not merely as a professional academic discipline, but as the ancients viewed it: as a way of life.

The Great Treasury is, without a doubt, the most useful and interesting book I have in my possession (it is my father's, but I "acquire" it from time to time). Brimming with insight into just about everything, this compendium is essential to any scholar or "backyard philosopher" you know. It contains insight from almost every major philosopher, encapsulating many topics (however, there are very, very few female writers). It is also brilliantly indexed, and flipping to your topic of choice is simple and easy. I believe that it is an essential part of everyone's library, and if its presence is missing, then it should be bought.

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in ideas and prepared to distil the essence of what has been thought on major topics. There are thousands of entries. (The index alone is some 350 pages.) It's far more than a book of quotations although that too. Few books contain such extensive extracts running to several pages of normal print -- the type face is fairly small (My eyesight is poor but I had no trouble.) The content has been brilliantly categorized by theme and what I found invaluable was to sweep through history and notice the changing views of philosophers, essayists, and major poets over time.(There are relatively few female writers) Virtually all the major western thinkers are featured. If you are interested in finding out what major thinkers thought, this could be your starting point. It'll take you three months to read through if you tackle the whole thing at a go as I did. Excellent value for money.

In 1928, the St. Francis Dam, 50 miles north of Los Angeles, collapsed, releasing 12 billion gallons of water. The ensuing flood killed at least 450 people, caused millions of dollars of damage, and brought the career of legendary engineer William Mulholland to a tragic end. Charles Outland witnessed the disaster as a Santa Paula teenager. In 1963, he produced the first edition of this book, the most authoritative history of the subject. Virtually forgotten until then, the St. Francis tragedy remains little-known today, despite the fact that, measured in loss of life, it is the worst American civil engineering failure of the 20th Century. Outland's almost minute-by-minute retelling of the story, and his careful technical analysis, make this book highly readable and an invaluable historical record.

Outland's "Man-Made Disaster" (originally published in 1963)is probably the most complete volume of the story of the St. Francis Dam disaster of 1928. Outland's matter-of-fact narrative follows the course of the flood unleashed by the failed dam, providing tragic and heroic anecdotes along it's path of destruction. The book then goes on th tell the story of the 1928 investigation and coroner's inquest. The final chapter contains Outland's own theories as to the dam's collapse...theories that turned out to be very close to the truth as discovered in a modern forensic study made in the late 1980s.

Author Charles Outland was a teenager at the time of the dam's failure and witnessed the events described in his book first hand. The prologue contains a personal memory of an encounter with a flood survivor on the morning after the disaster. It is Outland's personal involvement that gives the text a clarity and emotional context rare in such non-fiction.

This book's original 1963 publication included a run of only 1,000 copies making it difficult to find. However, if you are an afficianado of California history, western water issues, or civil engineering, it is well worth your effort to locate and read "Man-Made Disaster".

I grew up in the Santa Clara river valley as did 3 generations of my family before me. I have heard the personal testimony of my relatives who where there at the scene. Charles Outland's book was like reliving those stories with my uncles and grandparents all over again. His book is the only account thats able to put this incredibly tragic set of events into a truely human perspective. It is also the only book that thoroughly explains the historical roots of the dam, it's principle players and the aftermath of the event. It took me 6 months to find a copy and at $175 it wasn't cheap. But, the content and concise quality of Outlands account made it worth every penny. Only 1000 copies of the First edition were printed so good luck finding one. I have read the revised 2nd edition (5000 copies printed) and consider it an even better historical referance than the first edition. In it, Outland adds a lot of insight and follow up material that were not available in 1963. I highly recomend "A Man Made Disaster" to any body interested in historical non-fiction. Steve Yewell

By far this is Swindler's best work (see also his "Dentition of Living Primates') - the way this book is set-up makes it incredibly easy to use and visually pleasing as well. This oversized volume follows the regional dissection (wonderfully rendered in black and white by Charles Wood) of Papio anubis and Pan troglodytes on one side and Homo sapiens and the accompanying text on the other. When performing multiple primate dissections or comparing structures this is a definite bonus. This is the only volume that I know of that approaches primate anatomy in this way - W.K. Gregory's "Anatomy of the Gorilla" comes close (esp. with the oversized fold-outs of the upper & lower limb done life size) - but doesn't provide the comparitive detail that Swindler & Wood do.

I have used this text many times both in the lab and in the classroom and heartily endorse it for anyone working in anatomy, animal sciences, primatology, and physical anthropology. This book is worth its weight in gold and you will find yourself constantly referring to it.

Also useful in this text are the charts at the end of the book covering the musculature and innervation in each genus - priceless in itself. In fact I do not know of another comparitive source for that information - I would often use these charts as handouts in classes. This is a volume that you'll never regret having - you will find yourself using it more often than you thought.

27 years after it was first published an "Atlas of Primate Gross Anatomy" remains the definitive text on catarrhine anatomy. The primary focus of the atlas is the regional anatomy of the baboon with comparative references to Pan and Man (Homo sapiens sapiens). All regions are covered with special emphasis placed on the limbs. The text is clearly written and well referenced by Dr. Swindler and beautifully illustrated in both carbon dust and pen and ink techniques by Charles Wood. This is a mandatory reference book for primate anatomists and veterinarians and is highly recommended for many specialty courses in primatology and human evolutionary anatomy.

Dr. Fred C.Schwarz has finally done it. At least, there is a scholarly book that exposes and indicts those who are willingly followers in the ambit of American Communism. Every policy-maker should have a copy of "Beating The Unbeatable Foe," because it is a critical look at how Communism has evolved into a major threat, and it provides facts on how Red China is using their thesis of dialectical materialism to take over the world. Indeed, in Dr. Schwarz's book, we find out how our American universities have transformed into Marrxist re-education camps and how the hard-core Communists are using religion to further their plans for world conquest. Dr. Schwarz and his Christian Anti-Communism Crusade deserves every American's attention. Indeed, with the help of patriotic men like Dr. Schwarz and Ronald Reagan, we have finally beaten "The Unbeatable Foe."

In writing this autobiography, Dr. Fred Schwarz seeks to fulfill his life motto: THAT TRUTH MAY PREVAIL. This book is a must read for anyone interested in either politics or religion. But don't expect a tedious collection of essays on why communism doesn't work. Most of us in the United States basically agree on that point. Instead, Dr. Schwarz's monumental book is a detailed history of the Christian Anti-Communism Crusade, which he founded in 1953. In a compelling manner, the Australian native explains clearly the reasons for starting the Crusade, and why it received such enthusiastic support amoung the American people. As a committed Christian, Dr. Schwarz also defends the Christian name of his group, showing how communism's self-stated goal was to eliminate God from the human mind. Then he covers and carefully refutes the vicious (and invariably false) character attacks aimed at him by the left-wing press and communist dupes around the world. If you're a big Ronald Reagan fanatic, you'll love this book. Even if you're a dedicated communist, you'll still enjoy the book for its great stories and amazing details about how you lost the cold war. The cost of this book is far less than the cost of not knowing this great slice of history

Buffalo Jones had to deal with horrible weather, a pack of wolves, and other difficulties in his quest to capture buffalo calves. The clever way he outwitted the wolves adds a surprising twist to an exciting story. Especially good for readers 8 to 12 who like true adventure, but older readers (including adults) will enjoy it, too.

Fast-paced and colorful, this book describes one of Jones' expeditions in which he captured buffalo calves to create a captive herd and preserve the species. The difficulties Jones had to overcome make exciting reading, especially the ingenious way he protected the calves from wolves. Great for ages 7 to 10, but older and younger folks will enjoy it, too.

This is the second book that I throw my serious students after I make them read the Voyage. While the subject is serious, there is more than a hint of play throughout, and one can just imagine Darwin observing his own children for clues to discuss as each chapter unfolds. Although this book is of course not nearly as important as the Origin or even Descent, it is essentially part of the Long Argument, and is a great way of bringing behavioural topics to the fore in any discussion of evolution. A pity it is that many modern popularizers of "evolutionary psychology" seem to have missed parts of the form and substance that Darwin expresses here.

Ever since I received Paul EkmanÕs new edition of DarwinÕs classic work, the book has been my constant companion. I carry it with me from room to room, picking it up to read whenever I have a few minutes.

You can open to just about any page and discover yet another gem. Whether you find a bit to read by chance, or whether you like to be guided by the fascinating table of contents and index, or whether you prefer to begin at the beginning, Darwin is always interesting and accessible. In view of our troubled world, I find it helpful to remember that empathy is an essential part of human and animal nature. It seems the study of emotion must lead us toward a deeper understanding of these universal, powerful forces that energize and transform our lives.

ÒExpressionÓ is really an old friend. As a young dance therapist in the 1960s, I was impressed first by DarwinÕs ability to describe the dynamic process of expressive movement. Obviously it is the emotions that motivate and shape the way we move. I learned then that his observations were gathered over a period of 30 years. His subjects included not only all kinds of animals, but also human infants, children and adults from every walk of life and from many different cultures. He approached the study of emotional expression from the perspective of art, literature and inner experience, as well as from muscles and the nervous system. Although it was first published over 125 years ago (1872) DarwinÕs work continues to inspire and inform contemporary research in many fields.

The new edition is simply outstanding. Paul EkmanÕs editing is clearly a Òlabor of love,Ó and at the same time a thorough, original scholarly contribution. I particularly like the way he places DarwinÕs work in a cultural and social/political context. EkmanÕs commentary offers rich resources as he quietly updates, re-frames or differs, yet more than anything, confirms and extends DarwinÕs observations. It is as if Ekman and Darwin were engaged in a kind of dialogue, each learning from the other. Thereader is a privileged witness.

Joan Chodorow

Paul: A Man Of Grace and Grit is an extraordinary work detailing the life of the apostle Paul. The book outlines and explains the biblical and cultural history and signifigance of the life and times of Paul in a way I have never before discovered. I cannot recommend it enough. The book presents history mixed with important lessons mixed with timely analogies. It is a must read for Christians and non-Christians alike. I guarantee that reading it will affect your outlook on life and make you feel uplifted as it did me.

Charles Swindoll's Paul: A man of grace and grit is a fascinating look at one of the New Testament's biggest
contributors. Saul of Tarusus or better known as Paul the apostle is truly a man of grit. Born in a Jewish family.
A devout follower of Judaism. A man devoted to Jewish law and persecuting Christians. Swindoll fleshes out Saul from the book of Acts
in great detail. Saul persecuted Christians as Hitler persecuted Jews during the 1940's. Saul was a man who violently
opposed to Christ, his teachings, and his followers. He hunted them down. Tried them, and stoned them.
Odd that such a man would end up not only worshipping Jesus, but also writing some of the most beautiful words in the New Testament and spreading the gospel.
How strange that such a man who spewed forth such hate toward Christians would turn around and write such a beautiful
testament to love (Letter to Corinthians).

Swindoll's Paul is presented in 22 chapters, that cover everything from Paul's beginnings, meeting with Christ risen, to his ministry, and finally his death. Each chapter refers and reflects to appropriate bible passages, mostly those from Acts.
What was surprising was that each chapter also ended in a reflection. For example, chapter 2: The violent capture of a rebel will, covers Saul's encounter with Christ. Here a violent man is converted into a spokes person for the very person Saul hates the most. Amazing really.
Swindolls refers to this change as "Kicking against God's goads". "To kick against the goads" was a common expression found in both Greek and Latin literature, which rose from the practice of farmers goading their oxen in the fields. Goads were typically made from slender pieces of timber, blunt on one end and pointed on the other. Farmers used the pointed end to urge a stubborn ox into motion. Occasionally, the beast would kick at the goad. The more the ox kicked, the more likely it would stab into the flesh of it leg, causing pain.
Saul's conversion may not have been quick, but with Saul's previous violent lifestyle and Christ haunting words, those words may
have been the "goad" that pushed Saul into Paul and a past of hate into a future of preaching the gospel. Swindoll ends the chapter on a wonderful reflection on what "goads" you? Is God goading you perhaps?
Are you holding onto some rebellious attitude that perhaps the Lord is goading you to let go of?
Each chapter has a reflection like this. Each chapter not only brings us closer to how Paul lived, but also asks us to examine our relationship with God, our loved ones, and even ourselves.
This book is # 6 in the series. I'll have to pick up the previous books, and sincerely hope that Charles Swindoll adds a #7 in the series.

I have had few heroes in my life. This book has brought one home to me. I hung on every word. My book is filled with tabs and notes. The world of Paul is not so much different from what we live today. Searching for God and the Truth, this one book has given me new hope and reinforced the faith I am growing in. Charles Swindoll was able to blend his experience and the experience of others in the study of Paul without distorting the word of God. At the end of 22 chapters I found a new beginning to my life.

Charles Swindoll does an excellent, if not remarkable, job of not only presenting the trials of David in modern day life, but he also vividly illustrates the psalmist's shortcomeings into lessons for today. Without a doubt, this book was written with God's guidance (no slight intended towards Mr. Swindoll), and I recommend this book to be used as a tool for the Christian of today in his/her walk with God. Upon finishing, I not only had renewed insight upon David, but also within myself, and found newborn strength to conquer my own daily struggles. God has annoited this book, of that there is no doubt, and I strongly urge Christians to delve into it.

Chuck Swindoll really challenged me with this book. I learned a lot about my life by learning about the life of David. I face many of the same struggles he did. Swindoll wrote this book as if he were talking to you instead of writing a book. The personal touch helped in gaining a greater understanding of King David.

Every time a pick up a book from Swindoll's "Great Lives from God's Word" series I think that nothing can be better than the last one. Starting with Joseph and then reading Moses gave me the impression that these were his best. Now I've returned back and read David and continue to find that brother Chuck has been blessed with a deep understanding about God's word, God's people and God's ways. As with the other books, Chuck doesn't leave any stone unturned in David's life and digs deep into the things that we can all relate to. I recommend this reading especially to those who are facing the giants in life whether they are physical or spiritual. King David is a great study for all of us seeking to be a "man after God's own heart."

With the Friendly Dickens, Norrie Epstein succeeds in what must surely have been one of her goals: she makes you want to read every Dickens novel you haven't yet read and reread every one you have. Along the way she gives you an overview of Dickens' life and of his times, in an enjoyable, idiosyncratic style that makes highly engaging reading. Want to know how Dickens wrote or why Victorians got off on deathbed scenes? It's in there, along with sections on food, drink, sex, freaks, Dickens' illustrators, a filmography, and more. Of particular interest are the explanation of just why Pickwick was so popular and the musings on Victorian mores versus contemporary ones. About the only thing that could have made this book more complete was a recipe for rum punch.

ANYONE interested in Dickens should own this book. It is vast in scope and full of accessible detail. Each novel is put into unique perspective(from cannibalism and dying children to physical oddities and real-life locales that inspired his tales), the author's life is made personable, the time period is explained (its mores and mannerisms), and modern film/stage performances are analyzed.

The mood is much the same as a Dickens novel. Witty, sentimental, serious, fanciful, morose. Epstein touches upon every facet. There are pictures galore and chapters are concise so you aren't stuck in one place too long. The nitty gritty nutty facts drew me in ~

the 'Pickwick Papers' contains 35 breakfasts, 32 dinners, 10 lunches, 10 teas, 8 suppers, more than 249 references to drinking, and mention of 59 Inns, 33 by name (someone had time on their hands)

There are 13,143 characters created by Dickens

Before he could begin a novel Dickens would take to the city streets of London and walk as fast as he could for hours

The 20 guineas Pip gets in 'Great Expectations' translates to about $4000 TODAY - puts it into perspective.wow!

Miss Epstein has a gift for communicating, in a lively and acessible manner, her knowledge about and enthusiasm for her subject. Her scope ranges from the broad social and economic factors affecting daily life down to such tiny details as the amount of horse manure tons left every year on the streets in Dickens' London. She is just as good about the books themselves, providing fresh and sensible interpretations of novels as familiar as "Great Expectations" and "David Copperfield" or as obscure as "Barnaby Rudge" and "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." Her Dickens filmography is the best we've ever had. This is a useful and delightful book.

This book is not for everyone. If you believe what is happiness,
and you're happy w/ your life w/ no dought, skip this book.
If you doubt everything including your feelings (especially
happiness and satisfaction), then this book provides some idea
to fill up the hole (at least partially).

There is a book by the same author called "the Misterious Stranger" which is much easier to read. It's enjoyable. So I
recommend you guys to try out the misterious stranger first.
Then, if you like the story, and you'd like to know more
about the philosophy behind it, read this one

After having read the first few pages of What Is Man? I knew that I would not be able to let it go just like that. In the form of a dialogue Mark Twain raises a bunch of questions about Mankind and the way the mind works. And without revealing too much I can safely say that these are not regular everyday questions!

Whether or not one finds the questions and ideas raised in the book outrageous or greatly revolutionary, one will still be able to get many hours of reading satisfaction out of it. With his usual wit, Twain has created a beautiful dialogue that in many ways can be compared to that in Plato's The Republic. And I would be amazed if this book doesn't put your brain to work. In my case I spend hours, days and even weeks discussing the book with friends and family. I simply wanted to get other people's conceptions and opinions of the ideas raised.

What Is Man? is not just a great piece of art. It is a somewhat behaviouristic philosophy and a way of looking at Mankind. In my opinion a must in every personal library. In my own case I'll need it as an e-book on my laptop for when I'm on the road and as hard back on the book shelve when I'm sitting in my easy chair relaxing after a long day.

Do you wonder where your thoughts originate? Do you wonder what motivates your, or why you act or react to different situations, or just everyday life? Mark Twain, in the characters of the old man and the young man, present arguments that can change you way of looking at living. It is a must read book, that will cause you to pause...everytime a thought comes to mind and everytime you react to any situation. You will wonder who it really belongs to......take a new look into your own mind. See people from a new perspective..it is amazing.