Norman Pounds has put together the comprehensive book for understanding medieval Europe through the study of economic systems. The book is designed for the medieval specialist, but a non-specialist would easily understand the material. The first three chapters, which are a chronological introduction to the topic, are absolutely spectacular and could easily stand on their own. The next five chapters deal with the topic thematically. There are chapters on population, agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and towns. Each chapter treats the subject chronologically, and are packed with insight. The final two chapters discuss the economic changes taking place in the Late Medieval period.

Pounds has really mastered the material, including the most comprehensive bibliography ever assembled. Much space is devoted to discussing the evidence and the historiographical debate surrounding each sub-topic. Perhaps the only downfall to Pounds' wonderful work is that it is really limited to the periods from which there is substantial evidence. Outside of Chapter Two, the Early Medieval period is hardly discussed. This is, however, made up for with spectacular analysis in the later periods.

Finally, the graphics alone make this book worth the hunt. There are amazing maps, charts, graphs, and illustrations all over this book, all of which are quite usefull.

This book discusses the period between the end of Roman empire and the Renaissance both as a chronological process and as a series of foci on topics as commerce, manufacturing and population. My reason for warmly recommending this book is that it gives an insight into important developments in the middle ages, for example the role of the monasteries as a kind of early multinationals was an eye opener for me. An other reason is that it explains patterns you can see in present day Europe. The way towns were founded in the 12th and 13th century explains a lot of the spacing of the cities you see today. The development of the plough gives insight in why what parts of the countryside were populated.etc. The list is endless.For me it meant the opening up of a whole new field of interest; economic history. Recommended, also for Americans visiting Europe, who really want to understand what they see in Italy, France and Flanders to mention a few countries. Walking through Troyes is a different experience if you have read this book. For the English centred there is a drawback, for an English book England is relatively sparcely mentioned. The book is well written and has a pleasant style.

Edmund abstracts difficult subject matter...you won't find a better summary of the scientific method anywhere else. Edmund provides a concise summary of the method, its history and the problems it faces today in the science education reform movement (which has wrongfully excluded it). The best value you'll ever get for $5!

Outstanding review of a complex subject.

An excellent book on the life of Hubert H. Humphrey, by the subject himself. I have read others pieces on Humphrey, but this work comes through in his own voice, as if he is sitting there talking to you. As biographies go, I think Carl Solberg's book on the late Vice President is the most thorough on the subject, but Humphrey's account is the most readable. The subject is also well done by Dan Cohen.

This is a great read. Here, Humphrey sums up his life, his beliefs and his goals for the coming years. Those who want to know what our nation should be like ought to read this book.

Humphrey dreamed of an opportunity society in which the public and private good made sure that all of our citizens had access to such basic human needs as health care, a human and living wage, education, day care, family leave, a job and a safe neighobrhood and environment. He dreamed of a society in which we would all be equal, regardless of who we are or what our skin color is. Has his dream come true? Of course not. The 'new right' in America has declared war on all that is good about our government and its humanitarian goals. They have declared war on the workers and unions which Humphrey so adored. They have declared war on basic labor regulations. They ought to read Humphrey's autobiography and grow a heart!

Hubert Humphrey in his last speech before Congerss said something which has touched me and is my political motto:"The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped." We need to make sure that America does not fail the 'moral test of government.'

For those who see Humphrey as a has-been civil rights leader and as LBJ's Vice President, I urge you to read this book and see how radically pro-labor and pro-civil rights he was. It's a good read!

if "Esoteric Sience" (the evolution of the earth) left you with questions, this will answer some...

once you started reading you don't want to stop, (except to recapitulate...)

In this book, Steiner gives a compelling and very astute description of the zodiacal signs and their relationship to the formation of the physical body. This is a book that artists, astrologers and anyone interested in the evolution of the human form will find absolutly facinating.

I thought this book of Norman Rockwell's work was a fascinatining look into the typical/almost idealistic life of everyday embarrassing/comical/poignant situations which do commonly occur. The picture I enjoyed the most was "The Gossips" where upon I could imagine the tale behind the laughter and enjoy looking at the different facial expressions and that there was such a great twist to the tale. Thank you for such a great book!.

The book is small, but the illustrations still are reproduced extremely well. The essay alone is worth every penny. If you feel uneasy about your love for the work of Norman Rockwell, this book will give you the courage to like what you really like, without any more appologies. Buy it, read it, enjoy. You will, I guarantee.

There has been much talk in US church leader circles over the last ten years or so about large-scale revival in the US and other English speaking countries and then worldwide. Revival is often the dream of evangelically minded Christians, but what has made this of particular interest is that many prominent, respected and up to now cautious Christian leaders are also now sensing that such an event is near. The 'Transformations' video by George Otis added some support to this view - on a world scale. An important alternative view that is held by a number of other prominent respected and up to now cautious Christian leaders, takes almost the opposite interpretation of events. One that the western church in the US but possibly first in Europe and in particular in England, is facing imminent and severe persecution. Which ever view is true maybe both, there is likely to be a shortage of experienced Christians able to lead, nurture and disciple new believers.

The Essential Survival Guide (ESG) concept in this book is anointed and prophetic. It is designed for those who have recently become Christians, to prepare them to be mature functioning Christians quickly. This could equally take place within, or in the absence of a formal church structure. Certainly if revival, persecution or both come, then existing church structures will be stretched or challenged beyond their likely capability to manage the training and apprenticing of new Christians. Clearly while it is possible, working within the local church structure is to be preferred and strongly encouraged!

It would appear that ESG is aimed at a specific target audience - for example those who have passed through and completed successfully a conversion or immediate post-conversion course. ESG deals effectively with the difficult time between the post-conversion 'honeymoon period', of having to deal with the very real day to day issues of life and that of being fully integrated into a church as a functioning Christian. A time, which is for many a matter of survival, a stage when sadly help of the right kind is too often not available and many new Christians give up. Recent surveys show that between 65 and 80% of all clear converts had given up their new faith within two years! A frightening statistic, one that caused concern and real prayerful soul searching within the churches concerned!

ESG is suitable to be run not by church leaders or church organisations but by recent converts themselves, at a 'grass roots' level, possibly if or when no experienced leaders are available. Clearly a church could mastermind and run a series of ESG cell groups and this could work well. Equally, it could be run in a manner akin to an 'underground' church concept, where no formal church for whatever reason is available to help. We have run it successfully within our church.

ESG is aimed primarily at those who have until their conversion never been in a church and at the young in particular; those aged 18 - 30. It would be suitable for use on a college campus, in the military, in the workplace, in prison, in a home group, or by a local community group. The author clearly has deliberately drawn on his experience of secular life. That of working as a University Professor teaching the full range of students, to develop ESG as a programme that communicates in non-church language, but would appeal to the young of a 'non-church' background.

I recommend this great book - try it! I hope you find it as helpful as we have.

This book is aimed at new Christians - those from a non church background. Studies have shown that a majority of new Christians give up within 2 years. This book seeks to help new Christians relate their faith to the world around them and the problems they encounter every day.

A ten week course that has apparently been used with great success in the military, in schools and colleges, in church cell groups, in corrective institutions and at work. We have just finished it in my church and all gave it the top rating. We plan to use it again soon with a new group of people.

It is well written and easy to follow - it is also very thought provoking as it deals with many of the current big issues of world and faith. But be warned the author clearly believes the Bible to be the inspired word of God!

A good read!

Although now out of print and quite difficult to find this book is a rare gem. Beautifully photographed and rich in historical text concerning the Estancia system in general and 20-odd Estancias in particular. The reader is taken on a journey from Argentina's north to the Pampas outisde Buenos Aires, to Patagonia and finally to the Southern most tip where Argentina meets the icey waters of the South Atlantic. Over all a great "Coffee Table" box and a wonderful read too.

A coffee table book filled with exquisite photographs and detailed historical and cultural insight on Argentina's premier properties -- the estancias. Through this book we catch a glimpse of the Argentine estancias that rivaled the great homes of Europe and also formed the backbone of the Argentine economy.

A must see for anyone interested in all things Argentine. In no other publication can you find such a profusion of photographic, historical and cultural information on Argentine architecture and society.

Additionally, this book is a steal when purchased in the United States -- I have seen it retail in Buenos Aires for up to $140.00 US.

I credit this book hands-down with inspiring and introducing me to the beautiful art of glass etching. Page after page of breathtaking sophisticated etched glass carvings are interspersed with photos of smaller examples easily within reach of a beginner. The authors have had over 25 years in the business and now hold beginner through master level classes at their art studio in New Mexico.

This is a thorough book describing the various methods of etching, the materials, types of glass, types of techniques, etc. For example, etching cream - which is what I'm learning to use as a beginner is only capable of surface etching. Even so, this simple technique can make very beautiful designs on different types of glass. I've been practicing on jelly and juice jars I keep after finishing off said jelly or juice. That way, if or when I mess up it doesn't matter as much like it would had I practiced on an expensive wine glass or bowl. Soon I'll be ready to move on to the next project and type of glass to practice on. The authors discuss in particular detail surface etching, carving and shading. Applying and cutting various types of resists and etching creams, numbering patterns so you know which order to etch for a proper 3-dimensional effect, beveling, how to hold the carving/blasting wand, etc. is all here. Most of these techniques can be done now (at least on a small scale) with a small air compressor like the ones used for airbrush, portable blaster and tabletop sandblasting cabinets. Chapter 8 gives extensive advise on the various types of equipment (from hobbiest tabletop units to industrial room-sized) used for sandblast etching along with each piece of equipment's pros and cons.

I'm looking at one tabletop unit that is moderately priced (less than $270). With this one tabletop unit (which the book shows a photo of and discusses) anyone can start recreating even the most sophisticated designs and projects included in this book for beginners and beyond. Detailed step-by-step photos for each project are shown in each chapter and the patterns for each project are provided in Appendix B. The other Appendices cover a glossary of terms, suppliers of etching machines, stencil sources, sources for glass, further reading and handy reference charts covering Moh's hardness scale, volume/linear/pressure measurements and abrasive grit sizes including microgrit powders. It really presents a very broad overview of everything one needs to get started making beautiful glass etching/carvings.

And I want to stess again that page after page is a visual feast of gallery designs of what professional glass etchers can do. The cover of the book does not even begin to show how beautiful the artwork displayed inside really is. I can not stress this point enough. The artwork shown inside is truly worthy of anyone's coffee table. The fantastic thing is that I'm having a ton of fun learning this beautiful art - and all thanks to this one comprehensive book. Bravo! I want a sequel!

It was a boon to have this book Mr. Dobbins!! I have been able to etch and carve glass successfully and beautifully just with the help of the detailed instructions in the book! Today, if I am successful it is because of this book. Thankyou Mr. Dobbins for putting in your heart and soul into this book!! Aarti Jhawar(India)

Fired of Hatred tells of the history of genocide, ethnic cleasining and forced deportation of ethnic groups in the 20th century. It deals with Nazi Holocaust, the most famous case of 20th century genocide and provides information that people might not know like how the Third Reich considered plans to move Jews to modern-day Israel and other locations like Madagascar. It also deals with genocide in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s which is still fresh in people's minds and helps to show the idea of 'never again' mentioned at the end of the second world war never fully materialized. One of the strong points of fires of hatred is that it sheds light on lesser known examples of genocide in the 20th century like that of the Greeks and Armenians in the Ottaman Empire and the treatment of Germans in Poland and Czechoslovakia after the end of the second world war. It also deals with how the U.S.S.R brutally treated Chechnya an important section to better understand the current conflict in that region.

My only problem with the book is that it doesn't cover enough. It does a good job of covering what it has but neglects important things like the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 which was a large scale.

Naimark's work is tour de force bound to brew controversy among policymakers and historians alike. This is a vital contribution to the burgeoning literature on nationalism...the consequences. Bravo.

I have just completed a 10 day therapeutic session with Dr. Marcus and for the first time in 27 years I am feeling like a normal person. I no longer am "a patient", which is an insidious condition in your mind that can happen suddenly, or very slowly, as it did for me. I spent the last 8 years searching constantly for any kind of relief--from acupuncture to chiropractic to physical therapy and eventually giving in to whatever meds I could get prescribed for me...nothing worked.

Today, 10 days after beginning his treatment, I have a completely new outlook on the remainder of my life. I still have some pain, but it is not overwhelming, nor is it depressing, nor keeping me from living the life I have ahead of me to its fullest. This book helps you adjust your mindset in various ways in very simple, nonsensical ways. It is easy to read, and, when you are ready, easy to follow. I can't praise him or his book any more than this. He's a top-rated doc in Manhattan for the last 3 years and there's a good reason for it. His book will help you get to him or at least his ideas, and to stay with those concepts for as long as it takes to life a full life again.

This book is a good read for those of us who have attempted many different methods and seen countless doctors in an effort to alleviate the suffering at the hands of chronic pain.

The main leap of faith one has to make if this book is to be at all effective is that chronic pain is muscular in nature. How we deal with this knowledge is the key to overcoming chronic pain's hold on us. This is not to say that chronic pain cannot be treated by various medical procedures. Only that if pain persists for long periods of time, a new approach may be needed.

In my own case, after five years of headaches, I finally was diagnosed with feraminal stenosis at C3-C4 and had a dissection and fusion performed. In laymen's terms, two of my nerves roots were constricted where they exited the spine in my neck. The operation basically "cleaned up" the area surrounding the nerves roots. By doing this operation from the front of the neck, a disk is sacrificed and a piece of bone implanted for fusion.

After this operation, I still struggled with very much the same pain as before, once the operative recuperation was complete. My neurosurgeon and I were quite sure that the operation had repaired the damage that had been causing my pain. My neurosurgeon was quick to note this did not necessarily mean that the pain would go away. I was told the pain may be eliminated totally, partially or not at all. Not what one wants to hear but, honest nonetheless.

I give my own history so that others with chronic pain might at least listen to my review of the book and its methods.

Whether one has had treatment of one sort or another to alleviate chronic pain or not, this book is worth a read. I would also recommend that you inform your doctor of this book.

This book attempts, I believe successfully, to have you take control of your pain and life rather than the other way around. The use of medications is not dismissed altogether although it makes a strong case on eventually eliminating painkilling medication along with tranquilizers.

I have found that while using the steps described in the book do require dedication and some effort, it is much less than the energy used by letting chronic pain rule your life.

The book concentrates on three facets of your life. The first is to slowly get the muscles throughout your body moving to the point where some pain reduction occurs which in turn can ease the transition to a life without painkillers and tranquilizers.

The second component of the book's program is where your mind is used as a tool to help reduce chronic pain. This comes in the form of relaxation exercises and using your mind to focus on ways to prevent chronic pain attacts from dominating your life.

The third component of the program is in the area of diet. In a nutshell, it asks that you eat sensibly and eliminate, at least for the short term, caffeine and alcohol from your diet.

I have taken the steps described in this book over the past six months. I can honestly say that while I still suffer from some pain, the pain no longer rules my life. The steps I take daily to combat the pain have allowed me to go back to work, although in a very different field.

In ending, I quote from page 197: "Many people go around half alive, caught in an emotional rut that they never try to analyze. But chronic pain in a strange way, has forced introspection upon you. Pain, which laid you low, can actually be an opportunity to turn your life around, if you have the courage to look at what is bothering you."

If you can find that courage, this book will guide you on a journey that could change your life.