The title of this book is really a misnomer. Rather than essays on the changing direction of socialist thought the direction given by Michael Novak rather reeks of "we're all social democrats now".

Michael Novak has achieved some remarkable fame or notoriety depending on your own perspective as the leader of the Capitalism as Moral sect of conservatism in the United States. His major book, the Spirit of Democratic Capitalism, articulates his case for the morality of markets and he has been feted throught the world for his contribution.

This book articulates his reformist vision of the welfare state and in this he finds common cause with the other contributors to this slim volume. Each of the authors accept the basic view that socialism as it was practised in the Soviet Union et al has gone and that increasingly, countries throughout the world are turning to some form of capitalism. Reviewer's Note: There appear's to be a conspiracy of silence among those who are loudest in the capitalism is victorious debate about why Africa has not in general gone along the capitalist route. Indeed Zimbabwe has travelled almost totally in the opposite direction.

Another common theme between Novak and the other's is the acceptance of the need for the State. Far be it for me to question this acceptance but rather simplistically I thought that conservatives were for at least a minimal state as opposed to the more libertarian case for none at all. Perhaps I have read Novak incorrectly but he appears to be satisfied to keep the state as we know it and reform it, a stance shared b y the so-called socialist authors.

But then, for Novak, the state is an instrument of the democratically elected representatives of the people. An instrument which should use it's power to achieve certain political and social objectives. While he decries the so-called breakdown in social society and yearns for the return of stay at home mothers while the married father brings home the weekly paycheck and where there is more order and authority in the world, Novak is signifying the common cause that authoritarian conservatives like him have with the descendents of ethical socialism in Britain.

This book is more about getting policy formers to change the direction of their policies to bring about a new social order. It is about convincing people that all of this freedom that we seeem to be accruing is bad for us if we do not use it with responsibility. It is a project which hijacks liberty in the name of restoring civil society but which requires fewer choices rather than more. In this idyll which never really existed along with that wonderful concept of merrie rural englande but which conservatives want us to return. The American equivalent is no better a sort of Christian conservative equivalent of the Stepford Wives.

This book represents the jealousy and resentement felt by Conservative elites for the growing ability of everyone to exercise choice in the world where before that capacity was limited to the priviledged few. It is a blatant attempt to convince the powerful middle class voter that the only way to protect their position is to restore some order to the world. In fact the more I read books such as this the more I recall the essential Victorian society where people said one thing and did another. A society which could not talk about sex but where prostitution was rife and confined by the customers as far as they could to the ghettos of the poor.

To it's credit it is a well written book and Novak demonstrates his skill as an author and the ability to marshall his arguements to achieve a clearly defined objective. It is certainly a book that everyone should read...and BE WARNED BY.

This story is fast paced, excitting, and full of 007 style adventure. Only it a lot more hard edged than the bond series and more violent.
If Jack Novak was incharge of the drug war we would have a better chance of winning! The author and his character have a healthy, but seldom heard view point in this age of left wing, political correct, do-gooders who only bring society closer to the brink!

I have read the internet version of the book. The book is unique in its stile. It blenders physics' teaching with web site programming technique. The book will be a pioneer in high school and college teaching.

This is a book worthy of it's subject. While the major focus is on Kim Novak's films, there is plenty of well researched biographical information as well. This book offers much more than the usual listing of films and reprints of old reviews --- the author made it a point to view each of Miss Novak's films and he discusses them in great detail, exploring the different way she approached every role.

The book has the ring of truth due to Kleno's keen eye for spotting (and shunning) the kind of phony quotes and false rumors that mar so many celebrity books. At the same time, he does not ignore the areas of conflict and controversey in her personal life that at times negatively impacted her career, and her life. Of particular value are the interviews Kleno conducted with Novak's co-workers, which provide welcome illumination about this reclusive actress. Larry Kleno's painstaking research and thoughtful analysis has produced a book which is essential to anyone interested in the work of Kim Novak.

PUBLISHERS TAKE NOTE: In view of the recent restoration and re-release of Vertigo (including it's inclusion in the AFI's top 100 list), isn't it time for a publisher to issue a reprint of this fine book?

This is a Fantastic book for any age. My children loved it too.

As a former pupil of Dr Novak I can vouch 100% that the work contained in this book is not only practical and easy to follow, but it also takes the student through the evolutionary process of changing how you approach programming.

From simple routines through complicated non-linear mathematical algorithms to writing your own libraries on solving complex number calculations (harder than you would think) Dr Novak holds our hands all the way.

All this said, the book was written with comments from his many pupils who will all agree that there are few more accomplished scientific programmers around today. END

This book began life as the text of seventh annual Institute of Economic Affairs Hayek Memorial Lecture given by Professor Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth in June 1998.

Dr. Sacks approach was based on a debate that Hayek had proposed in 1978 on the question of "was socialism a mistake". Although the debate never took place, Hayek prepared for it by writing a manuscript which ultimately saw the light of day as "The Fatal Conceit".

Beginning from the thesis that the Fatal Conceit's essential premise eas that for the free market or extended order to emerge, a certain kind of morality needed to emerge also. He develops his argument through a scholarly exegesis beforeutimately arriving at a conclusion that the free market has gone too far such that in effect it has become it's own morality and morals/ethics have been subordinated.

This conclusion is challenged by the the three commentators who were asked to write in response due to the reception received by the lecture. Dr. Sacks was also asked to write a rejoinder.

Norman Barry contends, if I understand him correctly, that markets bring about change and that morality must be adaptive and flexible. Thus the issue is not one of no morality but is one of the changing rules which come about ultimately because markets do not have a life of their own. They a rise through the interaction of people in a social process.

Robert Davidson looks at the role of traditions in religion and the necessity to test them against the reality of the world. In another illuminating passage he refers to the division of labor within society and argues that theologians have a role in giving people a vision of hope.

Michael Novak, takes a different approach by looking at what the world owes to Judaism, articulating the notion that it, as Christianity, is not a monolithic tradition.

In his rejoinder, Dr. Sacks takes the opportunity to clarify his position. He argues that he is not against markets, per se, but that he is against the extension of markets into all aspects of life. He fears that such extension will result in social disaster and makes the case that markets and the free society can only succeed within a strong moral framework.

The lecture was described as stimulating. After reading this collection there is clearly much food for thought. In this excellent little book there is much for all of us to think about.

Highly commended for everyone.

This is an excellent book to share with young children, especially those who love to watch tv! The hilarious illustrations are reason enough to purchase this book...and I guarantee both children and adults will enjoy reading it again and again!

Nature and Culture is one of those breakthrough books that makes you wonder how a field could possibly have missed the obvious for so long. Ms. Novak looks at American landscape painting from 1825-1875 from the perspective of what those landscapes meant to contemporaries, by drawing on nonpainting sources.

This is a critical step forward because landscape painting for this group had a theological and philosphical context that is remote to us in these post-Darwinian days. The intent of the artists and the perceptions of the first viewers are in many ways as remote from us in the 21st century as the cave dwellers in Lescaux.

I found this work to be exceptionally well balanced and provocative. I will never again be satisfied to understand a work only from my own perspective and time. Ms. Novak has opened up a whole new world for me that I should have been able to open for myself, as someone trained as a social historian. I humbly thank her for helping me extend my understanding of art beyond where it would otherwise have gone.

Well done! Enjoy!

This book is my favorite devotional ever! Twila does not only encourage listeners with her songs of encouragement, but she also has a way of encouraging her readers through her books. This is her 3rd book/devotional to date. She tells of life experiences and lessons learned with scripture and biblical stories. Also, if you like her music, she has lyrics to many of her songs that pertain to each devotion. In addition, Angie Paris, Twila's sister is the beautiful illustrator of this book. I recommend this to any Christian who needs daily encouragement.