This classic of social psychology is based on the idea that people in groups might think differently and by implication less well than they would have thought as individuals on the same issue at the same time. That is probably true for some groups at some times just as it is also probably true that some groups at some times might actually think better than any individual member of that group. In fact, most of the evidence cited in this book supports the idea that group thinking, like thinking in general, goes awry when there is a failure to evaluate all the available evidence for relevance and sufficiency in quality, quantity, and weight. When a group or an individual fails to evaluate the evidence, then the group or the individual reaches a decision not justified by the data and vice versa. Failure to perceive the reality, as demonstrated by evidence, has tremendous adverse consequences as is so well illustrated by Janis' detailed account of the Bay of Pigs fiasco. Correct evaluation of the data, as demonstrated by evidence, has tremendous beneficial consequences as is so well illustrated by Janis' detailed account of the Cuban Misssile crisis. In fact, the fascinating parts of this book relate to the detailed analysis of group decisions in history, a reason enough to buy and read this fine work despite the price. Incidentally, Gilbert Murray has sought to explain the group cohesiveness thing by another myth which he calls "the groping of a lonely-souled gregarious animal to find its herd or its herd-leader." But however we attempt to account for the craving for unity in some groups, it seems to be a deeply rooted human irrational demand. Like James' "sentiment of rationality," it is a sentiment and a need long before it is justified by any discoverable facts. Our duty is to be on guard against it. Groupthink, this classic book, should boost our defenses.

Janis defines groupthink as the "deterioration of mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgment" in the interest of group solidarity.
Pressure to conform. Formal and informal attempts are made to discourage discussion of divergent views. Groups exert great pressure on individual members to conform.
Opposing ideas dismissed. Any individual or outside group that criticizes or opposes a decision receives little or no attention from the group. Group members tend to show strong favoritism toward their own ideas in the manner by which information is processed and evaluated, thus guaranteeing that their ideas will win out.

Irving L. Janis culls together evidence regarding three fiascoes, the Bay of Pigs invasion, Pearl Harbor, and the United States' invasion into North Korea, and contrasts those with the Cuban Missile Crisis and Marshall Plan. The bottom line is that the first three incidents were examples of groupthink, the last two were able to avoid this problem.

Groupthink is the process described by Janis when a group follows a certain set of patterns that result in disastrous consequences. Clearly if the same group patterns were applied to the Cuban Missile Crises that were used in the Bay of Pigs, the world might well have been destroyed by nuclear war. The possible consequences for groups are enormous.

When a group, whether it is a business, church, school, little league, not for profit, or other organization, knows how to avoid groupthink, it can come to a much better decision for the group itself, as well as those the group represents. Janis provides the means to help groups accomplish this very important goal. This is material from which any group can benefit, if they chose to put it into practice.

I recommend this work very highly to anyone who works with groups of any kind.

I read this book about inorganic adhesive section and found very sutable for my work for non-stick coating.

This book, if you can get it (just because you see it here, doesn't mean 'they' can get it for you), is a fantastic overview of all adhesive types. Most chapters are distinguished by polymer type. Plenty of "starting formulas" and the like. I am a relatively young chemist in the industry (3 years), yet I cannot underestimate the value of this manual. My background, although limited as I have said, is as an adhesive formulator for an adhesive manufacturer. Come to think of it, I should point out that this handbook is definately written for formulators, and not so much for end users. Please forgive the brevity and direct nature of my sentence structure and any spelling errors... I have to go watch a good movie that I have been dying to see for a while and don't have time to proof read now. Why did they stop making these books? Is skeist dead? O wait, the movie isn't the one I thought is was. Anyway...some of the stuff is kindof dated...just a little. For instance, I remember (my last employer had this book, I ordered it for my current company) the neoprene chapter refered to grades of neoprene that Dupont killled long ago. Thats just an example, but most info is still relavant. I would hate to say that ALL adheive type are covered, becaues who knows? ya know? I CAN say that my company dealt with about 8 polymer types, and all of those were covered (in spades) in this book. I value this book so much that I have ordered it with my own money, not the company's (so I can take it with me). O, my background again...mostly rubber: neoprenes, SBR's, block copolymers (kraton types), nitriles, PVC, PVA, EVA (VAE), PU, phenolic resins, acrylics, butyl, natural rubber (and synthetic natural ruber (oxymoran?)), more? I work in carriers, either water or solvetn...no hotmelts or 100% solids. I can't think right now...

What an obscure title! I wonder how many people will actualy read this. For those who have put up with this rant.. i would like to conclude as follows: I reccomed this book for adhesvie formulators, especially if you want to know about cross disciplinary adhesives (can I trademark that statement?). i have concluded (with the help of beer) that almost noone will read this. Regardless, it's a damn good book. Unfortunately, its rare too. I ordered it 10 weeks ago from B&N dot com and I STILL haven't received it yet. Geez. Good luck trying to get your copy. again, please forgive my spelling.

-r

i like to review about epoxies adhesive

Well chosen content, although Chapter 19 (Multiple Personality Disorder) was not included in my 1997 copy. Not light reading, but a good choice for a general overview.

This and the Casebook of Clinical Hypnosis (same editors) are complete guides to psychological students and scientists. I recommend it but you should read their another articles in journals.

This book explores almost all types of techniques, aplications and researchs in hypnotic procedures. It's a complete guide (if you have Casebook of Clinical Hypnosis) for those who study and use hypnosis in therapy. You can not understand what is hypnosis if you have never read this book. Thanks Lynn, Kirsh and Rhue!

Os acadêmicos brasileiros das áreas de psicologia, odontologia e medicina interessados em estudar hipnose clínica e experimental podem contactar Danilo Assis Pereira do Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de Brasília. Tel. (61)-307-2625 ramal 617 (Programa Especial de Treinamento).

I've always been a American Sailing Navy buff. Though I don't often get into the nitty gritty of the construction of ships or the actual nature of contruction of the ship itself, I have found that Chappelle's "History" is a fantastic resource as one researches and reads about the American sailing navy. I actually have a near-mint first edition copy of it which I value highly.

Chappelle was while he was alive, the foremost expert in the design and evolution of the American sailing Navy. His knowledge and talent was put to good use in writing a book that is still commonly refered to by naval historians over 50 years since it was written.

I do not believe that many books of a similar nature have been written since, possibly because Chappelle was so thorough in his coverage of the subject when he wrote this book.

The book itself chronicals the evolution of the American sailing Navy, from colonial days, before there even was a navy, to the 1850's when steam began to take over. It includes hundreds of diagrams of ships, illustrations, dimentions, and drawings.

So complete is his data, that I know of at least one modelmaker, who's used Chapelle's data extensively in construction of his models.

If you enjoy sailing, or American sailing Navy history, this book is definately worth a look.

For those who are interested in the technical details of the US Navy sailing ships, this is the book of choice. This is perhaps one of the most complete and thorough research book that covers the history of the sailing ships serving the US Navy. The book's eight chapters plus an appendix covers sail ships that served in the US Navy from the colonial period up to the last one built before the Civil War. Sail ships ranging in sizes from small sloops to large Ship of the Line are covered. Details regarding the design considerations/proposals, dimensions, number/types of guns, tonnage, performance, etc. are included. Detail illustrations are also included.

This book mentions some brief history of some of the sailing vessels but not in detail. So for those who are interested in the history of a particular vessel this is not the book of choice.

Any naval historian, architecture, and those interested in sailing should get this book and will not be disappointed.

Howard Chapelle probably is personally responsible for documenting over a dozen types of uniquely American sailing vessel types and numerous small craft that would have otherwise been lost to the ravages of time and so called, "progress".

Who better to research and write a history of the American Navy during the glory days of sail, 1775-1854. His direct access to Navy documentation, redrawing of original sketches (drawn plans were not the norm in this era), and interpretation of sail plans and rigging, add up to a well written, fascinating account of the early shipbuilder's, Naval Constructors, and misguided politics and shenanigans of our fledgling Navy department.

One can almost come to grips with how the current Department of Defense collectively thinks, and why nothing is ever as simple as it seems it should be.

No matter if you are a student of naval architecture, or just love sailing ships, the wonderful illustrations and informative text are a delight to read and the tables of information invaluable to the scale modeler.

A definate must for every sailor's (or Horatio Hornblower wannabe's) reference shelf.

The greatest thing to come out since the Musical itself, Wonderful, educational, fantastic reproductions of the 19th century musicals!

Richard Fawkes' The History Of The Musical is a flawlessly recorded, 4 cassette, unabridged audiobook showcasing the development of the musical, from its origins in European light opera and operetta to its it's golden age in the American theater. The great song composers and lyricists are presented including Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Lloyd Webber, and Sondheim. The wonderfully narrated text by the award-winning Broadway singer Kim Criswell is enhanced with almost one hundred famous musical extracts. The History Of The Musical is a "must" for personal, academic, and community library music history and audiobook collections.

Surely there must be a medal somewhere out there for Naxos records and for author Richard Fawkes. After two superb sets of tapes and CDs titled "The History of Classical Music" and "The History of Opera," there is now available Mr. Fawkes' "The History of the Musical" (NA422712). Here we have singer/actress Kim Criswell narrating on 4 CDs or tapes just under 320 minutes of exactly what the title promises.

Starting with "The Beggar's Opera" of 1728, the history of the genre is traced up to the time of writing, meaning "Les Miserables." Along the way, we consider operetta, the English Music Hall, American vaudeville, the review, the book show, the familiar, the off-beat, the dead ends, the highly influential. And the London stage gets a good deal of attention also, thereby introducing a lot of material not very well known to those better versed in the American musical.

As with any good effort of this sort, a strong connection is drawn between the changing times and the changing concepts of what a musical should be. The importance of "Show Boat" is not glossed over, for example, nor is the other shock caused by "Pal Joey." The reliance of Lloyd Webber on staging is mentioned but not his lack of more than one fairly memorable melody per show. In general, the tone is upbeat and positive.

But this is a recording. While it could never include all the information found in a book, its dozens of recorded examples are what makes this set priceless. Where possible, the oldest "original cast" recordings are used. On the other hand, there are some strange exceptions such as "Hey there" from "Pajama Game" being sung not by John Raitt but by Ron Raines on the Jay recording. I suspect this is because Criswell is in the cast of that set.

Again, this set is in tape and CD formats. For educational purposes, the CDs offer direct access to any show under discussion--and the CDs are very generously divided into nearly 200 tracks! Very considerate of the producers. The booklet offers a nice little personal essay by Criswell. So if I have any complaint about this set, it is that I wish it were twice as long.

I have read all but one of Patrick McManus's books and love them all. This one is just as funny as the others. The things he writes about remind me of stories my own father would tell me about his misadventures growing up. If you love hunting, fishing, camping, and/or the outdoors in general, you'll like this book. OK, even if you hate the outdoors, you will still find this book funny.

No matter if you are the outdoors type or not this book is funny. Out of all all his books this one is best since he tells of the characters of his youth, plus a little embellishments. Also makes fun of himself most of the time which he is supremely talented at. WOuld also recomend the audio version which gives a touch of humorous sound to the funny words.

Patrick McManus with his hilarious stories make kids and grownups feel write at home. In his book "How I Got this way" he will make you laugh until you shed tears of joy, and read the stories to all your friends and family. This book is so funny I rate it a perfect 10 and I wish I could rate it higher because this book and all the other books he has written are some of the best books I've read. He is one of my favorite authors. If you start reading this or any of Patrick McManus's books you will not be able to put it down. Happy readings

Two sorts of people write about Alaska: 1) those who take their journalistic or literary talent on a whirlwind tour of the state, then compose an account of 'first impressions,' contrasting what they see with what they know of other places, and 2) those who endure Alaska and write from the gut about the beauty and the beast of the place.

Warner is definitely of the latter sort. If you want la-de-da accounts of what people from cities THINK Alaska and Alaskans are, accounts which will maybe confirm your own first impressions of the Great Land, then this book is not for you. If, however, you want to get as close as possible to Alaska without flying a Cessna into a mountainside or freezing on a mudflat, this book is your ticket. I know because I was a resident of Alaska for 20 years, and became well acquainted with the land and the people.

The only common denominator of these well-crafted and diversely set and plotted stories is Alaska. They are not all about pretty topics, nor do the protagonists always survive. But the stories are no stranger than life itself in the Far North, and they are entertaining. A couple of years ago, a visiting German friend of mine picked up this collection and could not put it down for two days until it was finished, which put quite a damper on our visit.

Warner's tales have broader literary value than your run-of-the-mill, sled-and-igloo saga, in that they aptly analyze universal human motivations and emotions under adverse circumstances. Simply put, they are a literary treat. I strongly recommend this book

This collection captures the "real" Alaska. Years ago I was a wildlife biologist in the Alaskan bush, and these stories are haunting and evocative of that time. Any reader interested in how the Great Land affects genuine people at work, at play, and just trying to keep alive or sane when working in the elements will enjoy these. Warner's well-crafted work is wonderful, and imparts a flavor of wild Alaskan and the inevitable adventures on airplanes, boats, as well as the type of characters I met in the Alaskan outback.

In many ways the texture of these stories reminded me of Charles Frazier's best-selling book Cold Mountain. While a very different type of fiction, Warner's work and Frazier's work carefully record the small things that are going on in the natural world around the characters. It is a quality -- one also evident in Hemingway -- that I enjoy and admire.

It is hard to say which story I enjoyed best -- the namesake was wonderful, as was the Journal From the Bay of Islands (in part because my wife and I are big fans of Ecuador). And Fever and Islands of the Four Mountains are superb. We are fortunate that a man with Irving Warner's talents and experience has spent so much time writing these great gems.

I've lived in Alaska for over 20 years, watching it grow from "the last frontier" to a virtual suburb of Seattle. This book brings back memories--and gut feelings--of what life in Alaska was like: the wilderness shorn of romanticism, indifferent to human life or death; the strange and powerful characters with all their mix of good and bad who shaped everyday experience; the reality that must seem mythical to anyone who hasn't lived it. Warner's characters are true-to-life and evoke memories of many people I've known here. "In Memory of Hawks" is a must-read for anyone who wants to recall what Alaska was like in the 70s or who wants to know how it feels to be alive at the fringes of civilization.

This book was one that I would definetley love to keep in the family. Kids of all ages can enjoy as well as adults. This book is something that family's can share together. It not only has a charm to bring people together, but it can also teach lessons. I loved it!

This perticular story has the potintial to inspire millions. I could totaly relate to Irving. I feel as if Irving was me.The story is mystical and heart warming. Irving is an inspireing hero that always win in the end.

This story has action and suspense. It taught ne not to be scared of monsters. I like being able to pretend Irving the dragon is really with me when I am afraid because he is a good dragon.

An excellent short bio of the wondrously talented songwriter who had little musical education yet produced hundreds of great popular songs between 1908 and the end of the century (He died at 101.) As a non-musician, I didn't always understand the author's explanations of why a particular standard broke new lyrical or musical ground, but I found the information riveting anyway. Berlin, the immigrant, became a symbol of the American Dream and deservedly so. Anyone who cherishes American music should read this.

While this book doen't cover as much of Berlin's personal life as does Laurence Bergreen's biography entitled As Thousands Cheer, Furia's biography does cover in great detail the background involved in a number of Berlin's songs. "What'll I Do" was written just after the loss of his mother. However, Berlin said people read too much personal stuff whenever he writes a ballad. I like the fact that the author includes the lyrics of a number of Berlin's songs. Despite being a prolific song writer, Berlin often felt insecure about his ability to continue to write songs. Following his first big hit, "Alexander's Ragtime Band" he always felt he had to continue to follow up with another big hit. He was able to continue to adjust to the music tastes of the country until rock and roll came in the mid-fifties. He became a very private man in his later years and felt people no longer cared about his music. Despite these thoughts, his contributions to American music remain timeless and will remain with us long after the latest fad of music passes by. To think that so many great songs came from this one man simply boggles the mind.

The creativity of Irving Berlin was amazing. This is a story of an interesting life, but also points out that, eventually, time erases foundations just like eroding soil or dripping water. Now, I would like to find a source to hear all of his songs as his number one concern was always quality. At times he would create a song in minutes, but it could also take years. As with most artists, he was continually looking for verification that his output was good. The appendix lists ALL of his tunes as well as other interesting data. A fine read.

I have read this story to several young children, who are entranced by the adventures of this adventuresome iguana and his good friend, the frog. Every time I read it I am entranced by the delightful illustrations -- especially the expressions on the faces of Irving & Freddy, as well as the backgrounds that go from tropical rainforest to Himalayan-type peaks to skyscraper-clogged cities. So the book rates high for both kids & the people who have to read a favorite book over and over and over.

Purchased this book for a 5 year old. He was able to read the story line which he found very interesting as his school has a pet Iguana. The illustrations were beautifully done. Five stars

"I don't know much about childrens books, but I do know about art. And the illustrations that Dorri Olds has created for 'Irving Goes to Town' are delightful eye candy for kids of any age. The pictures carry a narrative line that would be attractive even to people that can't read yet!" --Paul H-O Art critc, Artnet.com Director, galleryBeat Television