I wanted to learn about combinatorial optimization for a particular application in cluster analysis, and this book hit the mark. This is a clearly written overview of the application of general dynamic programming to cluster analysis, object sequencing and seriation, and other data analysis problems "in which the arrangement of a collection of objects is absolutely central." [from the Preface]

If you have no knowledge of Polish history, this book is a good place the start. The authors recommend Playground of the Gods if you are looking for a more detailed history of Poland, but I haven't read those yet so I can't "offically" recommend them.

This book covers basic events and ideas that occured in Poland for the past 1000 years. In addition to politics and military events, the authors attempt to list cultural figures, such as Chopin, and how those figures reflected or affected Polish events.

There were few details on events most people normally think about when they think of Poland, such as concentration camps and WWII. However, these issues aren't ignored entirely, just given the same coverage as other events in Polish history.

The Huberts have produced a rich and incisive study of the new artist's book, dealing with the many varieties of verbal/visual interaction being practised today. It also doubles as a reference book for anyone interested in how book artists produce their texts. Granary did a great production job as well.

This audio is worth every penny, especially knowing that the monies go to help feed homless dogs and cats. The four-set audio tapes are not only enjoyable to listen to, but are filled with information. Every dog owner can benefit from these tapes. The character actors who speak on behalf of the dog makes them easy and fun to listen to when driving in the car - even for children! Worth every penny!

Everything you need to know on Engineering an Earth Constructed House. The book does have a few B&W photo's of Earth Buildings but could use allot more for my taste. It should probably be updated with a new addition that includes information on Nader Khalili's book 'Ceramic Houses & Earth Architecture'

ELEANOR OF PALM BEACH is a biography of Eleanor Chase Fatio. Mrs. Fatio was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where she displayed literary talent from the earliest age. By the 1920's, when she herself was only about 20 years old, she already was a best-selling novelist.

Mrs. Fatio's affluent family began wintering in Palm Beach back when that resort was new. At the turn of the 20th Century, the Town of Palm Beach had been created, virtually whole cloth, by railroad and steel magnate Henry Flagler as an escape for the very rich.

Subsequently, Eleanor would marry Maurice Fatio, a Swiss citizen who became a naturalized American. According to letters Eleanor wrote, and which the author includes in this book, theirs was a great love match. Maurice was one of a handful of architects responsible for that opulent look now associated with contemporary Palm Beach, a style which has been adopted widely in affluent American communities.

Unquestionably, Eleanor and Maurice were accomplished and fascinating people. One of this book's greatest flaws is the sparcity of detail it offers; too often, his account is little more than a timeline of where they were and when. The author implies that the Fatio's surviving child gave him access to her mother's papers. At the least, it would have been nice if he would have reprinted the first chapter of one of Eleanor's bestsellers.

Nonetheless, this biography is a fascinating peek at the genesis of Palm Beach through the eyes of two of the people who gave form to the modern town. Thus, it is worthwhile reading, though the ending in inescapably sad.

This second edition has a wonderful overview of the use of electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids. Thoughtful reviews of all of the components: theory, gel compositions, instrumentation, interpretations, and trouble shooting are truly ideal for the practioner. The book is well written and provides a wonderful bibliography. The text of the book is well written and well organized. The table of contents and the index can get a practioner up to speed with clear procedure quickly. The figures are extremely helpful. This should be an excellent lab resource

A book that explains and shows the skills and competencies in the nursing field today. The author goes even more deep than in "From novice to expert". A book that is essencial to all nurses: practice, faculty, research and students.

Valerie Larbaud has written a beautifully crafted and sensitive portrayal of a young's adolescent's experience in school, including a crush on a somewhat older schoolmate. Written with the poignancy of Truffaut's "100 blows" and a precise clarity, this thin volume should be better known. The author, by the way, was a friend of Sylvia Beach and James Joyce, you can discover more about him in Beach's superb "Shakespeare and Co."

This book is a small gem; I recommend it most highly. I hope you can find it!

Vedrine refuses to acknowledge some of the warts of France's foreign policy in the Middle East (eg. history of colonialism, arms deals including nuclear). Yet this is a minor shortcoming in an otherwise forthright representation of France's opposition to America's post-Cold War "hyperpuissance." Read this for insights on why France believes it must counterbalance America's unchallenged military, political and cultural power. Especially relevant given misrepresentations of French views vis-a-vis the Gulf.