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The author does use some antiquated notation, but that is not really a hindrance to the study of the book. The reader will no doubt have some background in differential geometry and topology before attempting this book, so the appropriate translation to more modern notation should be straightforward. Once started, and with a little thought adjustment to the idiosyncracies of the author's writing style, the reader will find a plethora of neat examples and insights into the subject. In particular, part 3 on the cohomology theory of bundles is exceptionally valuable in that it gives the reader a detailed overview of the origin of what are not called Stiefel-Whitney classes. The theory of characteristic classes has of course advanced and matured extensively since this book first appeared, but all of the modern treatments are lacking in that they do not give the reader an appreciation of the fundamentals of the subject. Indeed, the construction of the obstruction to the construction of a cross-section to a bundle is the starting point for many of the ideas in obstruction theory that one finds in differential topology. And yes, the procedures the author uses can be "cleaned-up" and made more concise, but the price one pays in such an endeavor is the loss of an appreciation of the concepts behind the scene.
Since the book is a monograph, there are no exercises, and this is probably the only minus to the book. Also, some knowledge of the German language would be useful to a reader who has it, since the author makes references to papers written in German and much of the terminology in the book shows its roots in the German language. One good example of this is the Reidemeister theory of cohomology groups based on a bundle of coefficients, called Uberdeckung by Reidemeister.
There is no question as to why this book remains in print, and it will no doubt continue to be well into the 21st century. IT is a good example of the idea that something new may not be something better. After finishing it, the reader will be amply prepared to enter into the continually-evolving theory of fiber bundles and their applications, all of which are interesting and important.
... True, more slick machinery has been developed since Steenrod's time, but those big machines are hardly transparent. Steenrod assumes very little of the reader; he even has a quick course in homotopy groups, although he assumes the reader knows the basics of homology/cohomology. Perhaps most importantly, since many of the ideas in the book were new at the time, he doesn't assume that the reader is already comfortable with those ideas. All together this makes a very accessible book indeed.
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The text is extraordinarily well researched, reflecting its scholar-like approach to the subject; nevertheless it is an easy and relaxing read, expecially if you take into account the deep level of accuracy and precise reconstruction of historical events. Specific aspects of submarine technology are carefully dissected: the naval yard organization, the US Navy Bureaus capacity and their (obviously) rivalry in design competence, the development of powerplants and hulls. A particular attention is dedicated to submarine perfomances evolution, how they were estimated conducting tradeoff studies and inspecting foreign submarines and equipment. In a well orchestrated narration, the book provides a detailed insight into technical and political machinations of subs building programs, explaining the different (to tell the truth I should say conflicting) opinions of political leadership, Staff strategic conceptions for the Arm, service Bureaus technical management and , last but not the least, the real requisites of Commanding Officers, the ultimate users ( and the one that took the risks in combat). A true gem in the volume is the data provided in appendices.They cover mainly submarine propulsion and periscope development: since they are vital technologies, shaping the sub operative capability and seagoing perfomance, full studies are presented giving a clear picture of design and manifacturing practices as demanded by the Navy. Weapons, fire control, sonars, tactics, instruments and systems innovations are also covered. For each of them, the author delivers a clarifying view of "how" scientist and builders achieved leaping technological solutions to enhance fighting capabilities. This authoritative content is supported by a fascinating collection of photographs, complemented by extensive use of cross sections, inboard profiles plus drawings and sketches of abortive designs.
There is no doubt at all, this beatiful hardcover volume will adorn your bookcase, barely withstanding the heavy use it will unquestionably get as a reference source.
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I have searched in vain for a resource to buy this book for my own children until finally ordering it from Amazon. Buy this book for your High School student BEFORE he or she takes the SAT. Thanks Amazon.com for being such a great source of hard-to-find books!
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The book uses concrete examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things by realizing who they really are, and what incredible resources God has placed within us or within our grasp After you read it I wouldn't be surprised if you don't want to buy several copies to pass out to your friends!
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Frequently graphic, occasionally disturbing, and always enjoyable.
Warning: This book contains some explicit passages that are definitely adult in nature. Despite my immense liking for it, I have to rate this title 'R' because of the language and sexual explicitness.
The Technocrat/Femocrat war is the best SF description of the USA/USSR ideological cold war, as seen from the perspective of "neutral" Pacificans aka Europeans.
But I'm not sure that Spinrad intended this comparison!
Anyway, the book's great fun!
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Mr. Ford's book reflects a love of the area, combined with excellent directions and documentation of sights. The book is divided into geographic areas, and within those areas, into tours of a day or longer. He has also done an excellent job of rating the difficulty of the tours, and why he has come to those conclusions.
Though I have only cycled a small amount of this area, I would also recommend this book for those who would like to tour by car. I've traveled almost this entire area by car and wish I'd had this guide then. Additionally, I found the photography very well-done--particularly in view of the price of the book.
This book is a valuable resource, and a terrific buy for the price!
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