"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.)

Mr. Letcher's letters were written in a style that gives the reader a "visual" description of pre World War II China. Although some of his opinions may not be politically correct by todays standards, I think he honestly expresses his feelings of the people and surroundings at the time. Some of his predictions regarding the upcoming war are almost right on--however his prediction that California would eventually be captured by the Japanese happily did not come true. Regardless of Mr. Letcher's personal opinions, his letters are well written and gives the reader the feeling of being there. A good story. The editors did a great job of keeping the story on track, and the footnote information was very informative (Their references led me to several other publications which I subsequently read). The copy I read was from the public library. I plan to buy the book for my collection in the near future.

It is a pleasure to prepare these wonderful, tasty and healthy recipies. Try, for instance, the shrimp and brocolli dish and tell me if it is not great. Buono apetitto.

Comprehensive collection of worksheets that can be chosen to include in your child's portfolio to document work that has been covered and competed during the year.

It is a pity that Julie, or the New Heloise is neither better known nor more widely read. It is one of the great novels. Rousseau may be most famous as a philosopher and Julie includes many philosophical passages, discussing issues such as education, virtue and religion, but he shows in this novel that he was both a fine writer and an able storyteller. The ideas he puts into the mouths of his characters are interesting, the debates they engage in are continually fascinating, but it is the story he tells which is truly memorable for it is deeply moving.

The novel consists of a series of letters some quite short, some extending to many pages. The main characters are Julie d'Étange, a young Swiss girl of noble birth and her tutor who has the pseudonym St. Preux. They begin an affair and fall deeply in love. It is this initial relationship of pupil to teacher, developing into passion, which is supposed to remind the reader of the medieval lovers Abelard and Heloise. Moreover both pairs of lovers face difficulties and opposition from family. They experience the joys of love and suffer because of it. These parallels however, should not be overestimated, Rousseau is not retelling an old story and Julie's life is quite different from that of Heloise. The story has numerous twists and turns and many surprises along the way. Other characters interact with the young lovers write letters to them and to each other. Gradually over the course of a long novel one begins to care about these people. It is here that Rousseau's skill as a writer is most evident. I found myself emotionally involved in the story of Julie and St. Preux in a way which was quite unexpected. By the end I had felt much joy and not a little sorrow and had been touched by a novel that can bring forth tears.

The epistolary form works very well, and is used cleverly, even if sometimes a letter is so large it could scarcely fit into an envelope. It has to be said however, that this novel is difficult. It has to be read carefully as it continually refers itself back to previous letters, which means that one is constantly re-reading previous passages. Sometimes it is necessary to read a paragraph over again in order to fully understand it. This is not a novel that can be skimmed, but must be savoured and read over a period of weeks. This fact should not discourage anyone from reading Julie, for it is as rewarding as it is challenging. If it is hard, it is also a pleasure.

The edition of Julie published by the University Press of New England is scholarly and a stunning achievement. The translation of Philip Steward and Jean Vaché is the first full translation into English since the 18th century. It reads well and seems both accurate and fluent. There are over seventy pages of notes, which I found both essential for my understanding of the novel and interesting in the way they expand and explain the various obscure references in the text. Stewart writes a relatively short introduction, which is clear and comprehensible. It is neither overly academic nor dry. My only wish is that it were somewhat longer. Spread throughout the novel are twelve beautiful illustrations depicting scenes from the novel. Finally this edition includes a summary of each letter and a chronology of the events in the novel. I found these very useful as a means of finding my way through what can be a dense and complex correspondence. Julie, or the New Heloise is a truly great novel and this edition does it justice.

In addition to being a wonderful neighbor, Jean Rogers is an incredible writer of children's books. This book transports the reader (of any age) to a world which, for most of us, is just a far-off land. It welcomes us to the beauty of Eskimo customs and celebrations, and warms the heart with the Christmas spirit. It is a definite must-buy for parents or friends of children who will grow up sensitive to the world around them

This cookbook is great for those of us who are busy, but who want healthful and tasty meals. The dishes are quick and easy to prepare and use common pantry items. The nutritional content is provided for each recipe, which is great if you are watching your calorie or fat (or any other) intake. Another feature I like is a "To Your Health" box that provides interesting and pertinent nutritional information about some of the ingredients used in the recipe. I rented this from the library but plan on purchasing it--even though it is out of print now!

Have read this book to all my children and am now reading it to my grandchildren. It introduces children to a culture unknown to most through a story know to many....who hasn't spent way too much time looking for missing mittens? It is beautifully illustrated by Rie Munoz. The children love her artistic style and the bright colors. Highly recommended.

Hello!

A few years ago, the Montignac method was only available in French. Now, you can read "Eat Yoursel slim" all over the world... I like this method. It's easy and it worked for all the people I know. I have also subscribed to the virtual consultations which are an interesting extension of the book:

The 12 steps are very instructive and the weekly follow-up makes the diet very motivating!

M. Lachance

I must say that this Method is by far the most effective plan overall for me. I am most grateful...Mr. Montignac has found the key (low glycemic carbs) that gave me great fat loss success where on other programs I met with only moderate success. This is a way of eating I can follow for life! It has worked for me in spite of the fact that I have eaten a little more good fat than is recommended and I do make sure I eat some form of protein with every meal (like cottage cheese with the carb based breakfast or dinner just like the Method recommends.) I do not have cravings, and am satisfied throughout the day (rarely getting hungry before 4 hours or so between meals) and have loads of energy, even at 4:00pm. I am a 42 year old mom who loves to cook and is short on time, with a diagnosed underactive thyroid. Diana Schwarzbein's book and her cookbooks are great companions for me for the Method,(her thoughts on fats in the diet have been of great help to me, too) but I always have to use low glycemic carbs in order for the program to work for me, just as Mr. Montignac has said. Thank you, Mr. Montignac for sharing your Method with America!

My brother recommended the Montignac method to me after he had used it to lose over twenty pounds. I have lost 35 pounds in the past four months. I am never hungry and my overall eating habits are far healthier than they were before starting the diet. As a physician, I was concerned that the extant high protein, high fat, low carbohydrate diets would violate too many principles of healthy eating. By contrast, methode Montignac recommends the careful inclusion of whole grain foods, and essentially unlimited quantities of low glycemic index fruits and vegetables. I would estimate that the percent of calories that I consume in lipids has actually decreased on the method (although, of course there is no calorie counting in the Montignac method). What is great about Montignac is that unlike diets that require severe caloric and quantity restriction or the ingestion of diet shakes, it is so sustainable in the long-term, because it is fundamentally healthy and leaves you well sated after every meal. I have had so many requests to borrow this book that I have had to purchase additional copies.

I needed to start eating healthier and since I know I like Greek and Italian cuisine, I thought the Mediterranean diet might be the way to go. This book explains this healthful way of eating and cooking. The emphasis is on fruits, vegetables, grains, pasta, fish, seafood and poultry. If you're looking for red meat recipes, this is not the book for you. Most of the recipes can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. Complete nutritional information is provided for each recipe.

I don't believe any of the recipes included any salt so, this would be a boon for those of us who are supposed to cut down on salt. There are a number of terrific muffin, bread, and pancake recipes. The soups, salads, fish, seafood, poultry, and especially the veggie recipes provide a wide variety of choices. My one gripe is that there are very few dessert recipes and the few that they've included, with the exception of the pumpkin pie, were not very appealing to me. The pumpkin pie recipe uses a crust made with gingersnaps and graham cracker crumbs which is quite good and makes it much lower in fat and cholesterol.

A co-worker loaned me this cookbook in 1996. I tried a couple recipes, loved them, copied the ISBN info, and returned the book with the intent to buy a copy. I left the job, moved, and lost the info. For years I looked in used bookstores hoping to recognize the book when I saw it. I finally found the ISBN in a folder of old papers and promptly ordered the book.

I have loved every recipe I have made from this book. I have to make myself try new ones because I love my regulars so much! I have trouble making up my own recipes, but with several recipes from here, I often adjust and ad lib based on what ingredients I have on hand.

I recently bought another Prevention recipe book from this series and have enjoyed it as well.