The subject clearly is an interesting one: colour, thought and language: how are they connected? Do we percieve colours differently? However, this book is based on Berlin and Kay's approach. In the lates 60s these two scientists suggested that societies acquire colur terms in a certain order. First, a distinction between black and white is made. Red comes next, then blue or green and so on. However, as research findings came in, Berlin and Kay's model had to be changed continously to accomodate new facts. By now it is so complex that it is hardly a model at all. Furthermore, it might have been the case that the scholar's own views influenced their thesis.

Rather than admit they are mistaken the model was kept and twisted around. Lucy's article at the end of the book clearly shows the fallacy of their approach. All the other articles, however, are based on Berlin and Kay's approach and thus rather worthless.

An outstanding edited collection that summarizes the state of research on the linkages among visual neurophysiology and neuropsychology, color perception, color categories, and color naming. Although the emphasis is on the integration of contemporary opponent process theories of color vision and findings from the World Color Survey (WCS) of color terms in a large sample of languages, the volume is unusual in its inclusion of a range of positions, including researchers who strongly question the methods and initial conclusions of the WCS. Several of the individual papers in the collection are among the best brief, clear, and rigorous treatments of important topics in the physiology, psychology, and linguistics of color. The book as a whole is superb case study in how research evolves, in science generally, and in cognitive science more specifically. Advanced undergraduate to graduate level.

I never expected to write a review ..., but if it will save someone the money wasted on this book, it is worth the trouble. I am amazed by the inaccurate, positive Editorial Reviews, though I can understand the Customer Reviews. After all, without knowing your surroundings, you can not easily perceive that you have been mislead.

I have resided in Rio for years and purchased the book for visitors whom I can not attend as fully as I would like. However, this book would only serve to gear my guests towards a disappointing vacation relative to what they could experience.

Although the book is written by a Carioca (a Rio native), she apparently has not been out much in the last couple of years, despite the book's year 2000 copyright.

Only 1 of the Top 10 Disco Clubs may be worthy of being listed, whereas the #1 burned down back around 1996 and the #10 virtually went out of business over a year ago. Her #4 "known to be a tourist hangout" is better known as a whore house. Not 1 of Rio's top dance clubs is actually listed here.

The Top 10 Seafood Restaurants fails to include Satyricon, arguably one of Rio's finest, however the author ackowledges it as "one of the best seafood restaurants in town" in her Top 10 Medium Priced Restaurants (though it is not medium priced). The book is full of similar inconsistencies.

The Top 10 Churrascarias (all you can eat steak houses) lists several that are a la carte only, including the (Australian) Outback Steakhouse, an unnecessary destination considering all the great local establishments.

The Top 10 Fresh Juice Shops fails to include some of Rio's best, as well as most famous and popular.

The Top 10 Wine Bars have little or nothing to do with wine, and at best offer a poor selection. And of course some of these establishments have been closed for years.

Admittedly, the book does include many places worth visiting, though not in the order presented. As a first time visitor in 1987 and a first time resident in 1996, with experience hosting visitors from the USA and elsewhere, my suggestions is look for another guide book.

This was a great book I thought until I got to Rio. I bought this book because it was the most recently published (2000). On more than one occasion the book contained dated material. The best example was the Japanese restaurant that was supposed to be in the hotel where I stayed. I was suprised to find out it closed over 2 years ago. Go with the Lost Planet guide. At least they tell you that their information is two years old.

Excellent book! Forget about the comment that some info in the book are dated. C'mon, you are on vacation. Give me that adventure spirit and go w/ the flow. Who cares if that restaurant in the gringo hotel has been closed for two years as long as the Sugar Loaf, the Cristo and most importantly, the Cariocas are all there!!! If everything is so certain and structured, why wouldn't I have my vacation in our boring american suburb? This book conveys the spirit of Rio, which is intensity w/ fun and action, warm and exciting people and lots of new ideas if you leave your American baggage at home. I have been to Rio seven times in the last three years. I think this book is an accurate representation of Rio and Cariocas, that is, if you are not too ANALytical. :) enjoy!

Leí esta novela porque quería leer algo sobre la guerra sucia y me quedé muy desilusionado con este libro porque aparte de las pocas referencias a la dictadura, la trama se basa en las vidas vacías y patéticas de los personajes, que en mi opinión habrían sido tan desagradables aun si nunca hubiera una guerra sucia. La novela no logra formar la relación entre su pasado y sus acciones al día. No puedo recomendar este libro y me da pena porque muchos cuentos de Valenzuela me han agradado mucho. Sin embargo, esta novela me dejó vacío por lo que no hizo.

I think that Luisa Valenzuela goes beyond all writers today. She's a wonderful person, as well, and, as a writer, she's one of the most interesting and down-to-earth, yet fabulous writer of our time. She is a must, indeed.

this book is one worth skimming, and i skimmed most of it, actually read about 1/10th, and felt i'd gotten the essence of the book.

set in 1971. all about this "perfect" family in rural maine (seemed far from perfect to me) and some visitors they had for a weekend, one of whom was a chilean refugee woman (luisa) who'd gotten out of the country only weeks after the coup in which her family (husband and chidlren) were massacred before her eyes. the real essence of the book is how she interacts with this "ideal" and "happy" family, and the interest is in the juxtaposition of their comfort and happiness and her trauma and misery. it's like completely different worlds colliding, and where it gets good is how one man from the maine world, actually a visitor from new york, is able to enter the world of the chilean woman through his emotional piano playing. this part is fascinating...but remember, the fascinating part is just 1/10th of the book - and the rest is long descriptions about dull happy family routines and dogs and cider-pressing and pinecones.

i think this book could (should?) be condensed into a good 30 page short story.