The book is an interesting compilation of essays on financial innovation and the convergence of markets. It takes the reader through diverse structures and strategies to take advantage of capital and insurance markets, and shows the benefits of globalization and disintermediation. I found it very useful for practitioners in finance and risk management and for academics.

"I conceive of two sorts of inequality in the human species: one, which I call natural or physical, because it is established by nature and consists in the difference of ages, health, bodily strengths, and qualities of mind or soul; the other which may be called moral or political inequality, because it depends upon a sort of convention and is established, or at least authorized, by consent of men. The latter consists in the different privileges that some men enjoy to the prejudice of others, such as to be richer, more honored, more powerful than they, or even to make themselves obeyed by them."

In 1750, the Academy of Dijon held an essay contest. The question, 'Has the restoration of the sciences & arts tended to purify morals?' The First Discourse (Discourse on the Sciences and Arts) was the winning essay. Rousseau's powerful critique of the enlightenment in modern Europe spit in the faces of the very people that were judging his work. However, Rousseau's arguments and assessment of the enlightenment were so profound that even the elite scholars of the Academy could not deny Rousseau his just recognition for superior writing and understanding of the nature of the sciences and arts and their effects on modern life.

Rousseau's Second Discourse (Discourse on the Origin and Foundations of Inequity) was a follow up to the first. In it, Rousseau delves deeper into the issue of human origins (i.e. the state of nature) and the cause and effects of human inequality.

No other philosopher has be praised and condemned, celebrated and written-off as much as Rousseau. His countless effects on modern life go relatively unknown. Anyone who has read Marx, must ask themselves, what history book was Marx reading. Upon reading Rousseau's Discourses, it become obvious, Marx read Rousseau. However, "Rousseau can still overpower where Marx falls flat." (Allan Bloom, 'The Closing of The American Mind,' 217.)

Rousseau is a must read for anyone who is a student of, or interested in, philosophy, political philosophy, Marxism, or simply has a longing to return to the state of nature and thinks that life would be best if we would all just "go and work in our garden." (Voltaire, 'Candide,' 144.)

This book is oriented as a seminar which makes it more straightforward than any other regular book. Nasio was disciple of Lacan, but he didn't dig all the crazy stuff Lacan said. So, you won't see any crazy mathematical metaphor as in Lacan work. That is, Nasio talks about Lacanian theory without the nonsense of Lacan that was so criticized by Sokal and Brickmont. A Must to Have book.

This well written and beautifully layed-out volume makes you want to try French cooking. If you are intimidated by the "thought of haute cuisine" you will be surprised how simply and thoroughly Mr. Burdick explains the basic techniques needed for each recipe. Even if you don't want to 'cook French' these mouth watering dishes will change how you think about good food. Any cook, whether a beginner or Chef, would do well to have a copy in their kitchen library. Guard it well

I thought this book was quite good. I would recommend it to businessmen.

I READ THIS BOOK AS A CHILD IN FRENCH,AGAIN AS AN ADULT AND I AM WAITING FOR THE ENGLISH VERSION FOR MY CHILDREN TO ENJOY,IT IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOK I EVER READ,YOU CANNOT PUT IT DOWN ONCE YOU START

Taking Chomsky and Halle's "Sound Pattern of English" as a starting point, Durand explains the perceived inadequacies in the theory and how they led to the various schools within the generative tradition collectively known as non-linear phonology. A list of chapter titles should suffice to give prospective readers an idea of the book's scope:

The theory of Distictive Features;

Binarism, full and partial specification, markedness and gestures;

The derivational issue: aspects of the abstractness-concreteness debate;

Underspecification Theory and Lexical Phonology; Metrical Structures;

Autosegmental and Multidimensional Phonology;

An outline of Dependency Phonology.

Note that the book was first published in 1990, so anyone needing information about more recent developments will have to look elsewhere.

A striking compilation of original, lyrical love poetry by William Jay Smith, and impressively illustrated by Jacques Hnizdovsky's fantastic black-and-white woodcuts, The Girl In Glass is a moving, heartfelt compilation of verse. An ideal giftbook for poetry fanciers, The Girl In Glass features brief yet sensual, rhyming verse about love, sex, valentines, weddings, and the heart's desire. Night Music: The Dark air rushes by us like a cry,/Slowly the branches turn and twist and bend;/The stars, dim islands, sink into the sky,/Borne downward in a broad abyss of wind/That closes quietly to draw them under./The night's deep water swirls and mounts and falls;/Rain descends in irons, and the thunder/Cleaves the thick charged air within these walls.//Now through the darkness will a careful prow/With chart and compass gain a scheduled place;/Now hands will calmly bend above a brow,/Now lips will lower to a trembling face;/And love within the constant mounting crests/Will break with equal fury from our breasts.

Jacques Plante was the most innovative goaltender in the history of hockey. His constant study of the art and science of goaltending allowed him to remain one of the top goaltenders in the world well into his forties. In this book he covers his methods, strategies and conditioning. Although some of the information in this book is out of date, i.e. equipment, it is still the foremost book ever written on goaltending. Vladislav Tretiak and Bernie Parent both credit Plante as being their mentor.

I taught goaltending for over ten years, some of my students going on to play pro and college hockey, I myself played at a very high level. This book combined with watching the master at every opportunity was an integral part of my instruction and personal philosophy on goaltending. A must have for any aspiring goaltender.

I came upon this book a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. As an armchair reader of Patristic texts I often use some of Minge's works. I was delighted by the story behind the publishing of these and so many other books in such a short amount of time. Using rather questionable business practices, Minge put out both the Patrologia Latina and the Patrologia Graeca (almost 400 vols). Moreover, he published ten newspapers and over 1000 volumes in just 30 years.

I am not sure that the end justifies the means, but Minge's odd and entertaining saga is a good tale, esp is you are interestind in patristics.

You may also find A Tactful God interesting if you have an interest in liturgical studies. It is the story of Gregory Dom Dix, the litrugical scholar who published the massive Shape of the LIturgy. Enjoy!