I am not writing this review because I have read this book. I am
writing it because this book is so hard to find. If this book was so important to John F. Kennedy, why is it not available so those interested in the late President can read it to? Should this book not be reissued for other generations to read? It is just a thought from someone who wants to know more about JFK.

I loved this book. Of the many books on the period which I have read, this is probably my favorite. Melbourne is a fascinating character, and the author gives a masterful account of his life. For a period which can be dry if not properly set forth, I found this book to be a real page turner. Lord Cecil gives a thoroughly interesting account of Melbourne's early life, and in particular his stormy relationship with his wife Lady Caroline. She emerges, as is well documented, as bordering upon lunacy. Her antics are well documented and amusing, although I couldn't help feel a sense of frustration that Melbourne was entirely too tolerant of her behaviour. While Melbourne appears to be somewhat wishy-washy, his amiable nature is precisely the key ingedient for his rise to Prime Minister: everyone liked him. Lord Cecil's insight into the evolution of Melbourne's character is fascinating, and reveals something of a tragic figure. Indeed, the later part of Melbourne's life, is sad. Much of the later part of the work is devoted to Melbourne's close relationship with the young Queen Victoria, and upon her marriage, Melbourne's life become tragically empty. The end of the book gives an account of the loneliness of Melbourne's later years, and it reveals Melbourne as more susceptible to bouts of melancholy. But that is the truth of the matter, and it does not detract from the enjoyment of Lord Cecil's work. Finally, it is interesting to note that this book was cited by President John F. Kennedy as his favorite book. Some have attributed this to the accounts of the behavior of the ruling aristocracy in Britain during the whig era, wherein they ruled during the week and ran to the country for parties and relations. I found these desciptions of the book by some of JFK's contemporaries to be inaccurate. While such events are described generally, as they should be to properly account for the period, the focus of Lord Cecil's work is upon the character and evolution of Melbourne himself. This results i! n a comprehensive and altogether enjoyable account of the period. I highly recommend this book.

This is the book you want to get if you need lots of information on getting your poetry into print or marketing your poetry if you are self-publishing. It has lots of good info and ideas I would not have thought of...A couplet: It's a Great Book, Do take a look!

Thomas Williams' Poet Power!: The Practical Poet's Complete Guide To Getting Published covers every aspect and facet of the process of submitting poetry for publication. Williams explains how the business of publishing works and provides a crash course in the economics of publishing and what it means to the aspiring poet seeking publication. Poet Power! goes on to explain what editors want and the "7 Secrets" of publishable poetry; how to get published in magazines; how to have a volume of poetry published; designing and publishing one's own books of poetry; becoming the editor of one's own chapbook series; selling poetry in bookstores, retail outlets, and catalogs; gaining personal visibility in order to succeed as a published poet; and how to enhanced one's reputation as a published poet in order to achieve worthwhile goals and becoming a spokesperson for poetry in the community. "Must" reading for all aspiring poets yearning to break into print, and for published poets seeking to expand their literary audiences, Poet Power! is reader friendly, authoritative and accurate, comprehensive and practical.

This book deals with the vices as well as the virtues of alienation. The massacre at Colombine High School in Littleton, Colorado, would seem be a manifestation of the vices of alienation, resistance, or disaffection. The author says, without imaginative strategies that shape the motives of alienation in healthy ways, we are doomed to see them manifested in pathological ways. Alienistic literature is still in the public domain, a gesture of respect (for the audience), not of violence. The author sees such works as antidotes to the violent or otherwise pathological impulses of civilization's "discontents."

This book deals with the vices as well as the virtues of alienation. The massacre at Colombine High School in Littleton, Colorado, would seem be a manifestation of the vices of alienation, resistance, or disaffection. The author says, without imaginative strategies that shape the motives of alienation in healthy ways, we are doomed to see them manifested in pathological ways. Alienistic literature is still in the public domain, a gesture of respect (for the audience), not of violence. The author sees such works as antidotes to the violent or otherwise pathological impulses of civilization's "discontents."

This book is divided into two parts: Part One, Theological Foundations, and Part Two, Theological Affirmations. The first part is comprised of six chapters. The first chapter covers the recent history of Pentecostalism with its roots in the holiness movement and fundamentalism, the latter being subdivided into Protestant Orthodoxy and Evangelical Revivalism. Also discussed are the characteristics of early Pentecostalism which includes, of course, the Baptism in the Spirit, and others such as a commitment to evangelism and missions, strong faith, premillennial expectancy, the reality of God's presence, enthusiastic worship, rich fellowship, and biblical authority. The formation of Pentecostal denominations are also discussed, including the formation of the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world. Then the Charismatic Renewal is expounded on, including the "Third Wave" Charismatics, a term that was coined by Peter Wagner. The on-going hermeneutical tension between classical Pentecostals and the larger Evangelical community, on the one hand, and the growing Charismatic community on the other, is noted and forms an important preface to the rest of the book. The next three chapters discuss hermeneutics and how current Pentecostals see the need to argue for Luke's contribution to Pneumatology distinct from the apostle Paul since much of Pentecostal theology, with it's emphasis on empowerment through Spirit Baptism, derives principally from Luke's two texts, Luke and Acts. The Menzies basically argue that "Luke never attributes soteriological functions to the Spirit" (like the apostle Paul does later in his writings) "and that his narrative presupposes a pneumatology excluding this dimension (e.g., Luke 11:13; Acts 8:4 - 17; 19:1 - 7)." To put it positively, "Luke describes the gift of the Spirit EXCLUSIVELY in charismatic terms as the source of power for effective witness" (pg. 70). Chapters 5 and 6 are exegetical replies to James Dunn and Max Turner, respectively. In chapter 6, the Menzies further clarify their position of Luke's understanding of the gift of the Spirit by defining it as "a prophetic enabling that empowers one for participation in the mission of God" (pg. 89). This has three main thrusts: "the gift of the Spirit in Luke-Acts is nonsoteriological (or charismatic), prophetic, and missiological" (pg. 89). Each of these is expounded on.

In Part Two, Theological Affirmations, there are 9 chapters that expound on more specific Pentecostal concerns. Chapter 7 covers the issue of subsequence, chapter 8, the issue of tongues as evidence, and chapter 9, the availability of tongues for all believers. Chapter Ten, Signs and Wonders, addresses itself specifically to Third Wavers who generally consider Spirit Baptism as synonymous with conversion as do many non-Pentecostal Evangelicals. Third Wavers are also known for their emphasis on signs and wonders. The Menzies point out that Luke's perspective on divine enabling is much broader than the Third Wavers narrow focus on dramatic signs and includes the ability to bear bold witness for Christ in the face of persecution (pg. 153). The authors also note Luke's wise and balanced look at signs and wonders.

Chapters 11 (Healing in the Atonement) and 12 (The Providence of God) seem to go together. The former chapter defends the idea of healing in the atonement and does so by utilizing Gustaf Aulen's three approaches to understanding Christ's atonement (in his book "Christus Victor"): the classic view (aka, Christus Victor), the Latin (aka, forensic) view, and the liberal view. Each view is seen as contributing to a full, biblical understanding of Christ's atonement. In addition to this full-orbed view, three propositions are provided and expounded on in order to recognize that physical healing, like all the benefits of salvation, flow from the cross: 1) Jesus is Lord and Savior by virtue of his work on the cross (Rev. 5:9), 2) The salvation provided by Jesus as Lord and Savior is progressive in nature (2 Cor. 3:18), and 3) The salvation provided by Jesus as Lord and Savior is cosmic in nature and includes physical wholeness (Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:42 - 54). Although chapter 11 is insightful, it doesn't really address in detail the controversial question of whether or not God wants all believers instantly healed provided they meet certain so-called biblical conditions (including faith) although the authors do strongly imply both here and in the next chapter (12) that the timing of physical healing (and the culmination of healing in general via the eschaton) is in the providential hands of God. Chapter 12 is short but certainly gives food for thought regarding suffering and faith in general. Chapter 13 discusses essential principles related to spiritual gifts, including the following: 1) gifts are not a badge of spiritual maturity (1 Cor. 12:4), 2) gifts are given so that we may edify others (1 Cor. 12:7), and 3) everyone has something to contribute (1 Cor. 12:11). This chapter prepares one for what is revealed in the next chapter (14) regarding spiritual gifts and their relation to Spirit Baptism, Pentecostal style. Chapter 14 challenges the classical Pentecostal notion that Spirit Baptism is the gateway to the gifts of the Spirit and notes that Third Wavers force classical Pentecostals to reassess their position on this subject. The authors hold that although Spirit Baptism isn't the gateway to EVERY spiritual gift, it IS the gateway to a special cluster of gifts described by Paul as prophetic-type gifts that are associated with special revelation and inspired speech. The last chapter (14) expounds on the role of Spirit baptism and the fruit of the Spirit and basically denies what many Pentecostals affirm: that Spirit Baptism is linked to spiritual maturity. The Menzies note that the Corinthian church abolishes this assumption. However, they do carefully note the "co-relational" (a term provided by John Carter) aspect, an idea I'll leave for readers to discover for themselves.

This book is on the cutting-edge of Pentecostal hermeneutics and is required reading for all those who consider themselves Pentecostal as well as those who think they have a good case against the Pentecostal position. The book is well-reasoned and challenging. Highly recommended.

William and Robert Menizes have turned a significant corner for Pentecostal theology with this book. Pentecostal theology is defined very clearly as centering on the charismatic nature of the gift of the Spirit as Luke understood it, and the reception of the gift subsequent to conversion. Perhaps the most significant contribution is articulating the rationale for Pentecostal theology as being the foundation for a universal expectation of empowered witness.

The major streams of current scholarship, both Pentecostal and Evangelical, on Pentecostal issues is woven together in this book, presenting pastors and Bible students with the most current examination of Pentecostal issues to date.

An outstanding read.

Drawing upon fieldwork in a number of troubled regions, Reno has produced a compelling and insightful examination of political realities within Africa's war-torn states. A valuable alternative to the more common hand-wringing and finger-pointing of most African political appraisals.

In the midst of my research on timber Liberia, I was told that the only person who really knew what was going on in West Africa was William Reno, assistant professor at the University of Florida. When I called him to ask for information, he told me about the book that he published just this year. I tracked it down in the library, and was very relieved (after much fruitless searching) to find a readable and informative explanation of the politics of so called "weak states", along with four case studies on West African Nations. Reno's book provided by far the most comprehensive and readable explanation of the modus operendi of this region.

The first two chapters, entitled "The Distinctive Political Logic of Weak States" and "Africa's Weakest States After the Cold War", outline useful background information on the unique political systems in place in sub-saharan Africa. Reno does an excellent job of balancing his political theory with hist! orical examples. The next four chapters, which subsequantly cover Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and DRC (formerly Zaire), provide detailed analyses of the economic and political situations in these countries. Reno places the factions, the foreign business partners and the conflicting European vs. African interests in a solid context. On Liberia he writes, "The way we think about Liberia is strongly influenced by images of chaos and random violence.... In fact, war in Liberia has followed a clear logic. Warlord pursuit of commerce has been the critical variable in conflicts there. Stongmen have used commerce to consolidate their political power within a coalition of interest among themselves, businesspeople, and local fighters"(p.79).

Reno has combined information gleaned from his travels, dozens of interviews, and unique primary documents to provide a cohesive picture of the West African political system, a challenge of sorts to the conventional World Bank wisdom! that would have all "weak states" conform to its! idea of economic viability. He places in context the confusing behavior of rulers of weak states, with their tendency to avoid bureaucratic efficiency and free market enterprise, to the chagrin of first world observers. Reno writes, "Rulers who face threatening internal behavior intentionally cripple the arms of the state, which weakens the agencies that outsiders prescribe as the best means to mobilize resources to alleviate pressure form the international economy, such as debts, balance-of-payments imbalances, and instruments to enhance state revenues"(p.19). The behavior is necessary, he writes, in order to keep local strongmen in check. The conclusion that he draws from this may cause one to ponder; "The joining of political struggle and accumulation-- even as a violent Kalashnikov lifestyle of protection rackets, forced labor, and fencing of stolen goods-- is as much a candidate for a Weberian capitalist style of life as is a Protestant ethic or a Japane! se way of doing business"(p.30).

Rather than criticising from afar, Reno writes from the vantage of a frist hand observer. His ideas are provocative and well stated, valid for both the ignorant student (myself) and the seasoned researcher.

This book takes on a very difficult subject, African fetish statues, and with the help of wonderful photo plates, and a discussion of African American artist Renee Stout's contemporary interpretations of the subject, the work explains brilliantly the meaning of some of the most extraordinary works of art produced by humankind. Have you ever wondered why pins are stuck in voodoo dolls? Read this book and enrich your understanding.

This is an excellent book written by some of the leading authorities on NAFTA and GATT (Including Ralph Nader). Each "chapter" written by a different person is short and to the point. You can read as much or as little as you want, without feeling the need to finish the chapter. This book WILL make you sweat with anger at points. It is an excellent read.

Domhoff has been researching and writing on the power elite for over 30 years -- his books include "The Powers That Be" and "Who Rules America." Now, for the first time, he turns to the question of strategy for progressives. How can we "change the powers that be"?

The audience for the book is the Left. This requires some explanation, given that if you watch Fox News you are led to believe that the Democratic Party is the Far Left. Nonsense! Most Democratic leaders and voters are moderate or liberal. The Left, which Domhoff prefers to call "egalitarians," is barely represented by the Democrats. Those who supported Nader and/or the Greens, those who agree with Noam Chomsky, Michael Moore, Barbara Ehrenreich -- that's the Left. Much bigger than many people think, but not all "liberals" by any means. Democratic socialists, or social democrats, which Domhoff reframes as egalitarians -- a group to really scare the Dittoheads and O'Reillyoids.

What are egalitarians to do given the current dismal situation? The event that spurred Domhoff to write it was the 2000 election. He opens the book with a counterfactual scenario -- what if Nader had run in the Democratic primaries instead of as a Green? It seems quite likely that Gore might have won, and the Democratic party would also be more progressive. Now that we know that Bush was no moderate/conservative after all, but rather a right-wing fanatic, this clearly would have been decisively better, if far from perfect. But Domhoff's whole point is that the Left has to stop making the perfect the enemy of the good if it's going to start winning. The unfortunate reality is that until the electoral rules are changed, a third party has a good chance of being nothing more than a spoiler, as the Greens were in 2000. If the Left doesn't wise up to this, Bush and the Republicans will be the only ones to benefit.

The strategy is an inside/outside strategy, working from within the Democratic party to push it in a progressive direction just as the Christian conservatives have moved the Republicans to the right since Reagan was first elected. Domhoff calls for the formation of Egalitarian Democratic Clubs within the Democratic Party in order to build a permanent organizational infrastructure, rather than just supporting the centrists. Of course the movements (global justice, anti-sweatshop, living wage, anti-war, feminist, anti-racist, LGBT rights, etc) continue to organize and pressure the Dems from the outside as well.

This may sound like nothing new. It's not, but it is sure timely if the Left is to play a constructive role in 2004! The bulk of the book is devoted to what Domhoff sees as necessary changes in the Left's agenda, and much of this is aimed at the tiny remaining Marxist left, so it may not be as relevant to many readers. Domhoff's points include: 1) forget central state planning and focus on equitably regulated markets, 2)promote strategic non-violence -- note to Black Blocs!, 3) make room in the coalition for individuals who are wealthy capitalists -- some are quite progressive!, 4) realize the hierarchical tendency and promote decentralized organization -- note to followers of Big Leaders such as Nader!, 5) drop the blanket opposition to military intervention and support humanitarian intervention -- controversial with many!, 6) drop militant secularism -- many religious activists are very progressive, 7) stop blaming the media and develop an effective egalitarian movement.

Personally, I'm convinced that Domhoff has nailed it. If the Left rallies around the strategy outlined here, its ratio of success to failure will go up dramatically. Other recent books worth consulting for complementary views on Left unity are Todd Gitlin's "Twilight of Common Dreams" and Richard Rorty's "Achieving Our Country."

Combines learning about the Plain Indians with an exciting tale. A great motivator for young boys. I have used it in my classroom and the students are captured in its exciting tale. They never realize they are learning some very factual information on life of the Plains Indian. Great story for young and old alike. Would make a great movie!

This book is a must for all bodybuilders and atheletes who take creatine. it helped me alot, i recommend it to you all.