This charming little introit to abstract algebra is keyed on a theme of the algebraic equation, and the discovery of the insolubility of the quintic. This includes the history and final plight of the circle-squarers, and some of the history of Galois and Abel, working heroically and heuristically in the early nineteenth century without the recent easier access to the subject now available.
All math is divided into three parts, analysis, algebra, and topology and abstract algebra is no doubt abstract, but less so than analysis, and shows the beautiful hidden sructure behind number systems, from monkey-see monkey-do to counting on your fingers, to the square root of minus one and beyond. The progression from simple groups, to rings, and fields and the rest is a revelation of the complexity behind simple things and it is a pity the educational system cannot bring more to these vistas, where the elegant Galois theory caps the summits. A good book to amateurize with, and with a good mouse-hole entry for a look-see to the ultra-clever Galois theory. Superb.

This book introduces group theory and all the math needed to prove one of the central results of Galois theory, the insolubility of the quintic. This includes prioving many ruler&compass constructions in geometry are impossible.

That sounds heavy but the remarkable thing is anyone who has taken grade 12 math should be able to follow it (with a bit of work) and anyone who has done first year algebra or calculus should be able to follow it all.

Very discursive, with a lot of sentences not just symbols to explain the ideas, and a lot of examples. Nice physical layout too.

A hard core math text written for non-mathematicians, and it succeeds. I also highly recommend it to anyone encountering groups or Galois theory for the first time.

There is a lot of good information here and a lot of good exercises. And at a great price, I highly recommend this little book.

Who are the most relevant actors in international relations? The answer is states for both neorealists and neoliberals though the latter also consider some non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations (MNC) as remarkable units in international politics. Constructivists, on the other hand, pay considerable attention to non-state actors while they also keep states as central actors. Margaret E. Keck and, Kathryn Sikkink present us a well-designed discussion about the significance of non-state actors of world politics in Activist Beyond Borders. First of all, they classify transnational actors into three groups; MNC and international banks that have instrumental goals, epistemic communities that insist on causal ideas and transnational advocacy networks (TAN) that carry principal ideas.Then, they analyze the significance of TAN in international politics by searching for how do TAN work and how do they change conceptions of national interest and principles of policies organizations? Keck and Sikkink mention four fundamental strategies of TAN; information politics, symbolic politics, leverage politics, and accountability politics. They generate information, use symbolic elements, put pressure on states and international organizations, and follow their accountability to international norms. Their effectiveness, however, depend on the issue and actor characteristics that they are targeting. What they do? They cause to reformulation of national interests and they eventually change behavior of states. The principled ideas are the key for TAN and they also lead ideas to transformation of states interests and policies. Activist Beyond Borders has three case studies in the area of TAN; human rights, environment, and violence against women. In these cases, transnational human rights advocacy networks changed authoritarian Latin American governments' notions and policies of human rights. TAN in environment shifted the World Bank's funding policies in corresponding to the protection of environment. TAN in women's rights lead to change state policies in two areas. One of the most significant arguments for IR theory that Keck and Sikkink state is that TAN lead to changes in state understandings of sovereignty. Then states begin to accommodate to re-conceptualized sovereignty at the expense of realist notion of absolute sovereignty. In this sense, they question the realist premises of state interests. They also emphasizes that TAN are important source of new ideas, norms and identities that make repercussions over behavior of states and international organizations. They carry transformative and mobilizing ideas into international system and finally shape fundamentally policies of both state and non-sate actors in world politics. In addition, the authors stress upon the importance of domestic actors for TAN to be successful. Overall, Activists Beyond Borders asserts that TAN endeavor to transform the terms and nature of the debate on fundamentals of international politics.

Margaret Keck and Kathryn Sikink's "Activists Beyond Borders" is almost certainly the most significant book yet to have appeared on the role of activist networks in shaping global politics. It's a joy to read, theoretically rich but never overly dense, and it's also inspiring -- probably why it received the prestigious Grawemeyer World Order Award. The introduction, on "Transnational Advocacy Networks in International Politics," would make an excellent reading for a graduate course on International Relations theory. But the same could be said for almost every chapter in the book. The case-studies build upon the prior research of both authors to present fascinating overviews of the evolution of activist networks in the fields of human rights, the environment, and violence against women. In each instance, the authors are careful to include examples of networks that did *not* crystallize in certain issue-areas, and to explain why some endeavours succeeded while others failed (or were less successful). While the book will be of considerable interest to I.R. scholars, it should also be read by activists, who will learn a great deal about how to maximize their reach and influence.

This book provides an excellent introduction to the world of international politics. It has several very detailed chapters exploring such issues as timber logging, for example, and then goes into detail describing how various groups influence the industry.

The focus of their book is how "advocacy networks", as opposed to the traditional government agencies, effect change. These advocacy networks work alongside and often against governments in often non-traditional methods to achieve a desired result. In the case of timber harvesting, for example, advocacy networks were unsuccessful in persuading governments to alter their poicies so the organizations within that network focused on the consumers of timber. They successfully exposed the objectionable timber harvesting practices of various companies and enabled consumers to exert pressure on timber harvesting companies to change their practices.

When I was diagosed with several allergies my doctor suggested this book. Doctors are often not the best communicators which is why I am glad I had this book as an easy to understand, yet very informative guide. If anyone in your family suffers from allergies I would stronly suggest this book.

I have been diagnosed with a severe allergy problem. After purchasing several books from Amazon and having purused several more at the book store, I can honestly say that this one book is the best written, most complete and scientifically accurate book I have seen for lay people on the subject. It covers everything from how to modify your home environment, to what drugs are available, to what are desensatization shots and what are the results if you take them. It has enabled me to discuss things more intelligently with my doctor. Also I want to warn you there is lot of pseudo-science out there. This book sets things straight about what is the science in allergy diagnosis and treatment and what is just plain nonsense. Read this book before you read anything else. It is quite concise and I found you can jump around and the read the chapters of your choice without being lost.

This is "THE" book my doctor recommended to me. It is written in a most thorough, but extremely easy to understand manner. Its confidence helps allay the fears that come from the mystery of allergies. Interesting, informative and very helpful! -e.s.

When I read this book, it made me remember when I was just a little kid. All the times I had been too little for things that other bigger kids could do, yet I never forgot all the things that I could do because I was little. Things such as the book said, getting a piggyback ride down the stairs, crawling under my bed, and being able to ride in a stroller everywhere. All the younger years that were so easy and yet went by so fast. This book lets me remember all the good times that I had when I was that age. Especially all the times I will never forget, for one, when I would go to weddings or other big things, and be able to dance on my daddy's feet. Or when I would play with my older cousins and they would swing me around and I was so small it would make me feel like I was weightless. Yet now I am too big to do most of those things and I miss that feeling, but I have learned that being older brings great things such as responsibility. So if someone asked me if I knew a good children's book, I would have to say Am I Big or Little? by Margaret Park Bridges.

Written over the course of one night under a reportedly chemical-induced trance with Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" as aural accompaniment, Margaret Park Bridges put the psychedelic literature world on it's gnawed-off ear when her visionary "Am I Big or Little?" hit the bookshelves. Basic in it's premise yet terrifying in it's deeper complexities, Bridges posits bold existential questions rooted soundly in everyday conventions.

Scholars have noted the link between "Am I Big or Little?" to both the works of Lewis Carroll and Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "Kubla Khan." These comparisons are futile, however, as the obvious chemical backdrop of these works bears little resemblance to Bridges' use of the chemical as explicit vehicle to increased mental scope. This is territory previously mined by Aldous Huxley in "The Doors of Perception." The proceedings aren't a hallucination per se. Rather, the hallucination is as much a character in this book as Icarus, Richard Nixon, Andre the Giant, and of course the still undead ghost of soccer great Pele. Plus, since we see the mother spike her own coffee and her daughter's Strawberry Quik long before her daughter's crazy straw find it's intended target, the reader knows that the story flow could lack convention once the deliciously sweet milk has been fully ingested. Particularly unnerving is the mother's first assessment of the girl's size: "You're bigger than a Glock 33 subcompact .357 pistol, but smaller than an LGM-118A Peacekeeper missile armed with 10 Avco MK 21 warheads,way way way smaller." Tracy Dockray's fascinating illustration on this page evokes both the mind-expanding comfort of the mushroom and the terrifying panic of the mushroom cloud. This is obviously material with some weight to it as I found out the first time I read it as a bedtime story to my suddenly very awake three and a half year-old son.

What is the message that Bridges is trying to convey in "Am I Big or Little?" It's impossible to say, and I would say that Bridges herself can't answer this question herself, nor would she want to. Read for yourself and to your young ones and establish scary new frontiers of knowledge and philosophy of your own.

This is a terrific book that doesn't just talk about the sizes, big and small, but the possibilities. The child has a enormous amount of fun being both big and little, with the story focusing on the things that she can do. The book is written as a conversation between the child and her mother. It reminds me a little of "The Runaway Bunny". The conversation is not as protective but the love shows through. It also reads smoothly so it is a good book to read aloud.

If you need to write for or speak to an audience, quotes are often a good attention grabber or an excellent way to make a point.

While Bartlett's takes from the world over, this book's focus is on American quotations. Sampling people from all walks of life and all periods of our short history, the American Heritage Dictionary of American Quotations has something for most any subject or major American historical topic a browser might seek to find. The fact that they are American thoughts is helpful in reaching the audiences most of us deal with here in these United States.

With subject, author and key word indices, these 5,000 quotations are well organized and presented in a useful format.

The American Heritage Dictionary of American Quotations is a very useful reference as a writer or public speaker. I never fail to marvel at the amount of work that must have gone into compiling this reference! It is very comprehensive and thorough. I enjoy spending time going through and reading all the interesting quotes by all these famous American people. It is a wonderful tool to have around, and I highly recommend owning a copy.

A wonderful aid for speakers, writers, or anyone generally intersted in the wisdom, humor, and insight of great Americans.

I have heard several people say that they felt great conflict in their religious lives and that learning about the bible from Dr. Ralph turned them around. Dr. Ralph helped them come to terms with the misinformation or mis-interpretation they've been suffering from. Dr. Ralph's views are not her own. This approach to scripture is not something new. In fact, it is the contextualist approach to scripture that the Catholic Church teaches and has been teaching for years.

An excellent read for recovering ex-athiests like myself. If your an athiest or agnostic who is considering Christanity, I highly recommend it and Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism by John Shelby Spong. Addresses all the important questions about the Bible in a calm, rational, erudite, and non-condescending manner. A must read for Christian apologists as well.

Ms. Ralph gives an excellent exposition of the genres in the Bible. Her discussions lead to a deeper understanding about what the Bible is trying to teach about the relationship between God and Man. It is a text type book so that it is at times a hard read. It is not for casual reading, you'll fall asleep while reading it if you are looking for a light read. However, if you are after the knowledge, it is a very worthwhile effort.

This story is told by an Asian-American girl whose family owns a Chinese food restaurant. The narrator is frustrated and discouraged by the separation of American culture and her own culture. ("No one wants Chinese food on the Fourth of July, I say.") However, as five o'clock arrives, so do a few surprises.

Wong's simple tale and Chodos-Irvine's striking illustrations combine to form an endearing story about how the combination of different cultures forms the true culture of America.

Reading Level: Grades 1-2

I purchased this book for my daughter, who is adopted from China, and 2.5 years old. She loves it! It is an easy fun read. It nicely brings out the importance that other cultures bring to form the "American culture". The pictures are lovely,too.

"Apple Pie 4th of July" combines a story by Janet S. Wong with pictures by Margaret Chodos-Irvine. The story is narrated by an Asian-American girl whose family runs a Chinese restaurant. She is annoyed at her folks for keeping the store open on July 4th: "No one wants Chinese food on the Fourth of July, I say." But is she right or wrong? Read the book to find out!

The enjoyable story is perfectly complemented by Chodos-Irvine's colorful illustrations, which have an elegantly stylized quality to them. I especially liked the pictures of the family at work in the restaurant. "Apple Pie" is a wonderful story about entrepreneurship, and about how different cultural traditions contribute to the unique mix that is the United States.

This is a very well-structured, well-written book set in an alternate version of Queen Elizabeth I's reign. The settings are finely drawn, the characters are engaging, and the plot is gripping. I reread this book about once a year just for the pleasure of it, and I snapped up this hardcover when it came out. If you like alternate history and fantasy, and don't mind them mixed together, read this book. If you just want to read about people living in Elizabethan England, read this book. And if you just have to have any book with Shakespeare as a character... you, too, have some reading ahead of you.

I'm the cover illustrator, and I don't always like everything I read. Often, even if I liked a story the first time, I don't like it when I have to read it about the fifth time to check on the color of someone's shirt. Or I start noticing the lapses in historical detail or logic or characterization.

This book I still read for pleasure, even after I finished the cover. I read a lot of alternate history, and this surely ranks among the best.

This is the best work of historical fantasy, and one of the best works of historical fiction, which I have ever read. Although the universe (an alternate history Elizabethan England where magic works and where Sydney and Marlow survived the events which killed them in our time line) is fantasy, the approach is basic science fiction "what if", extrapolated on a magical rather than physcial technology. Rather than overlaying modern concepts of magic onto their characters and history, the authors present magic as it was understood by the various classes of Tudor England, and in so doing create a world that feels like reality and avoid the one-dimensionality common to much contemporary fantasy. All this, and a great read, too.

I have long been an admirer of the artwork of Leo and Diane Dillon, who did a lot of covers for the works of Harlan Ellison. So it is because of the Dillons that I picked up this alphabet book in which Margaret Musgrove introduces young readers to twenty-six African peoples by depicting a custom important to each. While some of the customs are unique to a particular people, others are shared throughout the continent, but Musgrove assures her readers that all of these customs reflect African values or philosophies. From the Ashanti weavers who make a beautiful cloth called "kente" to the leaping Zulu dancers saluting their new chief, we learn about these customs. Each entry is accompanied by a gorgeous illustration by the Dillons, who show as much concern for detail and accuracy as the author. Musgrove lived in studied in Ghana where she did extensive research for this volume. For their part the Dillons did considerable further research as well. One of most interesting aspects about their pictures for this book is that most of the paintings include a man, woman, child, their living quarters, an artifact and a local animal. While there is admittedly a degree of artificiality to some of these compositions, there is obviously a concerted effort to provide as much detail in the illustrations as possible. No wonder I have been a big fan of the Dillon's work for thirty years. A map in the back of the volume shows where each of these peoples lives in Africa, which shows that the focus here is on the sub-Sahara peoples rather than the Arab influenced Northern Africa. I can easily see a grade school class studying Africa looking at a couple of pages each day to get a unique sense of the peoples of Africa. Certainly each page could work as a poster; something for teachers to think about when they are planning their unit on Africa.

"Ashanti to Zulu" presents 26 African tribes, from A to Z, and lets children learn something about the culture and customs of each one. Aside from being a learning experience, the book is visually eye-popping; the illustrations are so gorgeous you'll want to blow them up and frame them. The book won a well-deserved Caldecott Medal for the best illustrated children's book of 1977. It's a great book for helping children to learn about some of the peoples of our least-known populated continent, and the pictures will hold the kids mesmerized. It's a volume that belongs on every youngsters bookshelf.

An A-to-Z alphabet book for children in which the examples for the letters are twenty-six different tribes in Africa, exhibiting some of their varied traditions and customs. Hence, children learn of other peoples. It was illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon and it won the 1977 Caldecott Medal for best illustration in a book for children.

Everybody knows (or I hope so) that Margaret Millar was the wife of Kenneth Millar (a.k. Ross Mc Donald). The husband is well-known, but the wife deserves reading, as evidenced by this book, one of her best. Mrs Millar, aside of incredible twist-endings, offers a deep psychological insight of amazing characters haunted by their past - a reccurent theme of her works. If you like it (how could you not?) hurry up reading such masterpieces like "How Like An Angel", "Rose's Last Summer" or "A Stranger in My Grave". Millar is one of the genre's best plotters.

Margaret Millar writes like an angel. I am so glad to have discovered her and that the publishing world is "rediscovering" such a great talent. Her plotting and characterizations hold their own with the well known British writers. The denouement will not shock readers in the year 2000 as it did readers in 1962. Apart from that quibble, this is a perfect novel of suspense.

More than a mystery this is a gothic chiller with a modern twist. Even more than 40 years after it was written, it still holds its spell. Helen Clarvoe is being stalked by a female psycho, who might or might-not be a childhood friend. Meanwhile Evelyn Merrick (or someone who claims to be her) is closing in on Helen, a wealthy heiress absconded in a hotel in L.A.

Who's the hunter? Who's the prey?

This horrifying story will grab you and won't let go till the gory, devastating and haunting conclusion... but do not peek! The narrative will take you there.