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Book reviews for "Phillips,_John" sorted by average review score:

The Wolves of Yellowstone
Published in Paperback by Voyageur Press (2002)
Authors: Michael K. Phillips, Douglas W. Smith, Barry O'Neill, Teri O'Neill, and John D. Variey
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Excellent book
Beautiful pictures, touching and moving story. About the restoration of the wolves.

Excellent book
Beautiful pictures illustrates the many different wolves that were restored to yellowstone (#10, #9etc...). Illustrates the effort the yellowstone had to put in to restore the wolf to its natural habitat. Very interesting to the average wolf lover and those who are interested in what happened in the 1995 restoration of the wolves to yellowstoen.

Experience the re-location with the wolves!
This book brings you right into the experience of bringing the wolves back to Yellowstone where they belong! Find out the behind the scenes activity that brought the sight and sound of the wolf back after an absence of over 60 years. You'll never be the same after reading this. Excellent!!


The Bends: Compressed Air in the History of Science, Diving, and Engineering
Published in Hardcover by Yale Univ Pr (1998)
Author: John L. Phillips
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Excellent, but it's not Sea Hunt or Flipper.
Surprisingly, this is not a book about SCUBA diving or diving accidents, and not what I expected when I bought it. It turned out to be a kind of detective story, where the mystery spans hundreds of years, beginning in later medieval Europe and ends in the present.

The author thoughtfully and carefully traces the the first recognition of the dangers to human life of working in a high-pressure atmosphere. This danger turns out to be mostly at the bottom of rivers. The early book is surprisingly about bridge building, not pearl diving or underwater naval warfare. The history of the bends and the Brooklyn Bridge is especially compelling.

The bends are not what TV and the movies portray. The disease is crippling and horrible. The Brooklyn Bridge's designer John Roebling and his son Washington, who supervised the construction of the bridge, paid a terrible price for their brain child. I had no concept of the debt we owe the many anonymous laborers and engineers that went below the nation's rivers to lay foundations for the more glamorous stonework and steelwork above.

An excellent summary of the history of the bends
A very readable and understandable history of the use of compressed air in industry and medicine. Written for the layman with enough science to intrigue the intellectually curious. One of the few books of science history that is hard to put down.

By far the best book I have ever read.
This is without doubt the best book I've ever read. Phillips meticulously and brilliantly discusses decompression sickness and the like. A must read!!!


Cassadaga: The South's Oldest Spiritualist Community (The Florida History and Culture Series)
Published in Hardcover by University Press of Florida (T) (2000)
Authors: John J., Jr. Guthrie, Phillip Charles Lucas, Gary Monroe, and Raymond Arsenault
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A truely fascinating read
for religious seekers, those curious about spiritual
matters, those interested in Florida's history and
any with a mind to understand religious communities,
this book is a MUST read. The varied articles are
revealing, stimulating, fascinating, well-written,
with marvellous footnotes and bibliography. Oh, if
all university, edited publications could be so good.
If this ever makes it to a reprint or paperback,
more varied and colour photos would just be the icing on the cake.

GREAT BOOK by A GREAT MAN!
Hi, I am Ian Guthrie, nephew of the late John J. Guthrie Jr. I have read this book, i even did a report relating to the occurences and information in it. it is a great text, and it is soooooo good. and my uncle john was a great man. so i would highly reccomend this to people of all ages and all interest. Thanks. -ian


Complete Grilling Cookbook (Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Library)
Published in Hardcover by Time Life (1901)
Authors: Chuck Williams, Williams Sonoma, John Phillip. Carroll, Noel Barnhurst, and Allan Rosenberg
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Summer's Around the Corner
This cook book offered a wide variety of grilled items and practical sauces, rubs and accompanying dishes. It will definitely be used all summer long at our house.

Great Cook book
This is a very good cookbook. The directions are awesome and it has high quality pictures of everything so you know what it should look like when you are done cooking. Lots of good recipies. A+


The Confederacy's Fighting Chaplain: Father John B. Bannon
Published in Hardcover by Univ of Alabama Pr (Txt) (1992)
Authors: Philip Thomas Tucker and Phillip Thomas Tucker
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An Irish Cleric Fighting for Dixie
The Confederacy's Fighting Chaplain, Father John B. Bannon by Phillip Thomas Tucker, is an excellent biography and Civil War History. The book gives the background of Father Bannon, beginning with his education in Ireland and his service in St. Louis. The conflicts which were tearing St. Louis, as well as the nation, apart are well reflected in the life of Bannon as he was making his decision as to how to respond to the gathering storm. Not limiting his narrative to a mere recitation of facts, Tucker acquaints the reader with the factors working on, and the thoughts going on within Bannon's mind which led him to his conclusion that the Confederacy represented the cause of freedom and Christian civilization in America. The chapters covering Bannon's service as chaplain for the First Missouri Confederate Brigade skillfully blend the details of the chaplain's life with the greater history of the War in general. The final section of the book relates Bannon's unique service as a diplomatic agent on behalf of the Confederacy and his role as personal emissary from President Davis to Pope Pius IX. Davis had asked Bannon to undertake a mission to Ireland to attempt to dissuade Irish from enlisting in the Union Army. It was Bannon's initiative to undertake the overture which almost resulted in recognition of the Confederacy by the Vatican. The unique intertwining of Bannon's roles as chaplain and diplomat within the larger story in which he played a part, make this a very worthwhile addition to the Civil War literature

A Different Perspective on the Civil War
The Confederacy's Fighting Chaplain, Father John B. Bannon by Phillip Thomas Tucker, is an excellent biography and Civil War History. The book gives the background of Father Bannon, beginning with his education in Ireland and his service in St. Louis. The conflicts which were tearing St. Louis, as well as the nation, apart are well reflected in the life of Bannon as he was making his decision as to how to respond to the gathering storm. Not limiting his narrative to a mere recitation of facts, Tucker acquaints the reader with the factors working on, and the thoughts going on within Bannon's mind which led him to his conclusion that the Confederacy represented the cause of freedom and Christian civilization in America. The chapters covering Bannon's service as chaplain for the First Missouri Confederate Brigade skillfully blend the details of the chaplain's life with the greater history of the War in general. The final section of the book relates Bannon's unique service as a diplomatic agent on behalf of the Confederacy and his role as personal emissary from President Davis to Pope Pius IX. Davis had asked Bannon to undertake a mission to Ireland to attempt to dissuade Irish from enlisting in the Union Army. It was Bannon's initiative to undertake the overture which almost resulted in recognition of the Confederacy by the Vatican. The unique intertwining of Bannon's roles as chaplain and diplomat within the larger story in which he played a part, make this a very worthwhile addition to the Civil War literature.


Discovering Truth : Bible Basics
Published in Hardcover by Aurora Production, Ltd (01 August, 1999)
Authors: John Lee and Keith Phillips
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BEST AND MOST ACCURATE BIBLE CONCORDANCE
I've used a lot of Bible Concordances but this one is the best and most clear and accurate one maybe even in the whole world.
It's really fun looking up what "is written" in the Bible about certain subjects without spending too much time on finding what you're looking for. I CAN ONLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

Topical Bible concentrating on Biblical Doctrines
Separated into thirty-eight major categories each with numerous subcategories, "Bible Basics" is basically a topical Bible based on the Authorized King James Version of the Bible. But instead of a large, cumbersome comprehensive Topical Bible such as Naves, the author has compiled those topics related to basic Bible theology into a much smaller and manageable volume.

For each category and subcategory the Bible is searched for relevant verses and those are listed within that subcategory. So, instead of searching throughout the Bible for verses related to a particular subject such as baptism they are aready collected for you. As expected, it presents the author's theology and supporting scriptures. Many people and groups differ on the interpretation of various verses and thus we have all the various denominations of today. Still, the author does focus on the most important of basic Bible doctrines such as salvation, the Holy Spirit, Jesus, love, forgiveness, prayer, faith and others.

A well designed book that is easy to use, I highly recommend it for anyone seeking knowledge of the Biblical basis behind many doctrinal beliefs.


Last Hayride
Published in Paperback by Darkhorse Pr (1994)
Authors: John Maginnis, John Maginnis, Lorna Stolzle, and Barbara Phillips
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An Excellent Campaign Novel!
An outstanding book about the campaign season in Louisiana. This book features the comeback of the colorful Edwin Edwards. This is an excellent coverage of Edwards sucessful comeback as the Governor of Louisiana. You are able to witness first hand the fundraising machine that Edward's put into motion to unseat an incumbent Republican governor. Also interesting were the numerous campaign rallies that was put together by the Edward's organization. You would definitely have to say that there is not a better book about elections in Louisian than this one. This is definitely a must read for all students of politics.

Louisiana never changes
This book was written in 1984. However, Louisiana has changed very little since this book was first published. I'd recommend reading The Last Hayride if you're considering a move to Louisiana.


Law for the Elephant: Property and Social Behavior on the Overland Trail
Published in Paperback by H E Huntington Library & Art (2003)
Author: John Phillip Reid
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Significant and Entertaining Historical Work
Law for the Elephant is an incredibly well researched work that deserves much attention. If the myth of the lawless trail riders perpetuated by pulp fiction scribes yet infiltrated the ranks of professional historians up until the publication of this work, this book was their death knell.
Reid methodically debunks one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of mid nineteenth century life on the Overland trail. His exhaustive use of primary sources and his meticulous notes must brand this book as the definitive work on the subject of property and social behavior on the overland trail from a legal perspective. The weight of evidence regarding the relative lawfulness of the travelers is such that, as presented, nearly half way through the reader is inexorably swayed to its veracity. Reid presents not a modicum or even generous amount of proof, but a crush of evidence. The fact that he was only able to locate three specific journal entries of lawlessness regarding property, while it does not suggest there was not more, is significantly persuasive. The fact that he is able to logically illustrate that these cases of lawlessness may be shown as examples of how legal theory and values were imbued within the lawbreakers, is doubly clever.
Although not a scintillating read, Reid displays a certain deftness for keeping the readers attention through what could have been far drier material in the hands of one not so gifted with the pen. His assemblage of innumerable primary sources is a praiseworthy accomplishment. Quotes from primary sources are woven consistently and seemingly effortlessly throughout the text, creating a patchwork of storytelling by case study.
This is not to say, however, that this is an entertaining read for laity or even the armchair historian. Reid occasionally slips into legalese that may momentarily obfuscate the read for even the professional historian, but a standard or legal dictionary remedies this. Also, Reid believes the average American on the trail possessed a greater knowledge of the law then than previously thought. Although this may be the case, some of what Reid chalks up to proof of extensive legal knowledge seems no more than ordinary common sense on behalf of the traveler. In a broader sense, to be fair, Reid does not delve deeply into criminality other than in regard to property. But, conventional wisdom suggests that the two are closely linked and thus, Reid obliquely strengthens his argument by this subtle correlation. These few minor criticisms notwithstanding, as a work of legal historical scholarship, Law for the Elephant is nearly flawless and is a significant contribution to the historiography of the overland trail.

A Must for Students of American Legal History.
The Overland Trail that spread to the gold fields of California and Oregon was a trying ordeal; it tested the will and endurance of the American character. The experience of the trail not only shaped America geographically, but socially, politically, and economically as well. The trail also shaped another American institution: law. Law and the Overland Trail is a topic that deserves greater study to determine charaterisitcs of the overland trail and the development of law in America. Law during antebellum America focused on capital speculation and corporate structure, and a bed of safe property law allowed corporate proliferation to occur. Reid examines inherent social and legal developments of the Overland Trail with great detail by examining a plethora of sources. He examines diaries, papers and other records for inferences to legal conduct. Reid explores the use of property law on the Overland Trail. He concludes that property law was something that was inherent to Americans in general, and not something forced upon them by corporate America (p. 335). The trail is unique in American legal history, because it shows how Americans administered law in a lawless land. Reid starts the book with general assumptions about the trail, emigrants and jurisprudence. He notes that the emigrant is a typical American: man women, child, old Young, ethnic, educated and uneducated. This mass of humanity seeking a new existence, in a place presented as a paradise, was not a lawless immoral group as legend, and some scholarship dictates. In assuming so, Reid states that, "Easily overlooked is the possibility that law could be the common denominator, explaining both the definitions people shared and the conduct they followed" (p. 10). Reid examines a common thread: property rights. The remainder of the book examines the interrelationships, uses, and behaviors associated with property and property rights. He notes that the creation, operation, and dissolution of joint stock ventures operated with a high degree of jurisprudence. An interesting aspect explored is the concept of ownership. Except for natural resources such as water, property was an abstract concept. Emigrants abandoned property as the hardships of the trial demanded, to avoid liabilities associated with traveling weight. Emigrants obtained supplies by barter, or by acquiring discarded property (p. 293). Reid notes that the transfer and handling of property, whether by and individual, or partnership was peaceful, and rarely was violence employed as a means of resolution (p. 341-54). Reid concludes by stating, "Instead, they respected the rights of property owners much as if still back east in the midst of plenty. By respect for their neighbor, and their neighbors property, they were, more than not, adhering to a morality of law" (p. 364). Law for the Elephant is an excellent macro interpretation of property, legal, and social relations of California gold rush emigrants. Another advantage the work provides us is an understanding of why current views of property came to be. The research is well covered, and the readability of the book is excellent. The book not only provides generalizations about law and the Overland Trail, but gives insight into how emigrants acted at the micro level as well.


"Most of the Good Stuff: : Memories of Richard Feynman
Published in Hardcover by Springer Verlag (1993)
Authors: Laurie M. Brown, John S. Rigden, and Richard Phillips Feynman
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The Most Personally Satisfying of All the Feynman Books
Divided into seven sections (The Early Years, At Los Alamos, The Cornell Years, The Research Physicist at Caltech, The Teacher at Caltech, The Public Physicist and Consultant, and Feynman--The Man), this fine book presents Richard Feynman as he was seen by those closest to him--his friends and colleagues. To their credit, they present him as they knew him, the qualities with the flaws.

The book is especially successful in communicating Feynman's way of thinking, the processes he used in attacking problems. The essay entitled "Richard Feynman and the Connection Machine" by W. Daniel Hills is notably successful in this regard, and by itself justifies the purchase of the book. I found it especially interesting that Feynman was fascinated, as I am, by the potential of cellular automata for modeling fluids. Readers with the same interest should also consider purchasing Seek! by Rudy Rucker.

Five or so essays by other physicists who knew Feynman contain mathematics that is proably beyond the ability of the average reader (certainly mine), but even these contain gems of insight that reward readers who wade through them.

All in all, a most satisfying experience.

Anyone who has followed Feynman should read this
Fascinating and insiteful lectures from many of the great people in the world of physics. Amusing anecdotes, touching tributes, and glimpses into the private life of a genius who was also extremely human and persevered through very painful personal problems to help create the atomic bomb while his wife was seriously ill, yet keeping his spirits up and his sense of humor. Never a person to rest on his laurels Feynman is shown in this book as a person who listened intently to other people's theories, no matter how odd they sounded and never assumed anything was right or wrong until he worked it out for himself from first principles. It's all here, his life, his work, his friends, family and colleagues - but most of all his spirit.


The Perspectives of Psychiatry (The Johns Hopkins Series in Contemporary Medicine and Public Health)
Published in Paperback by Johns Hopkins Univ Pr (1986)
Authors: Paul R. McHugh and Phillip R. Slavney
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excellent for psych and non-psych majors
These perspectives have helped me to learn more about my patients and improve their overall treatment. The theories are laid out in a clear, understandable manor, so the non-psychiatrist may learn. P.S. Dr.McHugh is a gem!

A Masterful Coherent Synthesis of Psychiatry
The field of psychiatry may at first appear bewildering. People are complicated. The variety of ways in which thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can go awry are plentiful. The history of psychiatry has seen a number of attempts at reductionism in the face of this complexity, most notably that of the psychoanalytic school, the behaviorists, and the biological psychiatrists. These monolithic viewpoints have each distorted psychiatry, emphasizing some important features of mental life and its abnormalities while giving short shrift to others. Further the acrimony between adherents of these schools have left psychiatric trainees as well as the general public uncertain of what to believe about the nature of mental illness. In this book Drs. McHugh and Slavney have done a masterful job of making clear what we know in psychiatry and how we know it. Paul McHugh has been chairman of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins from 1977-2000; Phillip Slavney was director of residency training in the Hopkins psychiatry department for most of that time, and now directs consultation psychiatry there. Their book describes four perspectives of psychiatry, or ways of seeing disturbance of mental life, and shows how each is especially illuminating for particular types of psychiatric issues. The disease perspective is most useful for explaining major mental illnesses such as dementia, schizophrenia,and bipolar disorder. It is the most clearly biological, and invokes medications for treatment and laboratory methods for research. The life story perspective is most useful for a person who has suffered a setback and is demoralized. It emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual and the meaning that people's experiences have for them. The behavioral perspective concerns things people do that get them into trouble. Drug and alcohol abuse are the most common of these, but eating disorders and sexual disorders are included as well. Treatment in this perspective prioritizes stopping bad behaviors over understanding them. The dimensional perspective looks at the vulnerabilities that people have as a result of their lifelong traits. These vulnerabilities may arise out cognitive limitations or out of features of personality such as being impulsive or being a worrier. McHugh and Slavney draw on both their vast knowledge of the literature of psychiatry, psychology, and neuroscience, and their long experience of evaluating and treating patients in order to make the case for their perspectival approach to the field. They succeed impressively, I think, for two reasons. One reason is that the approach is such an intelligent and sensible one. The other reason is that they have had the benefit of 15 years between the first edition of their book and this second edition. Major changes and additions were made between the two and the result is greater clarity, especially in the opening chapters, as well as a fuller discussion of themes that were only touched on in the original edition. For example, new chapters were written in the behavioral perspective section on suicide and on hysteria. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand where psychiatry stands today. But more than that, it is essential because it makes clear on what psychiatry stands, i.e. what sets of reasoning have gotten us where we are. With this clarity the path towards new insights and new discoveries becomes navigable. In short, this book is a gem.


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