This long out-of-print anthology of pre-Smithian writings is a treasure. It contains selections from Aristotle, Xenophon, Aquinas, Oresme, Molinaeus, Bodin, Serra, Mun, von Hornick, Cantillon, Galiani, Hume, Quesnay, Turgot, and von Justi. Each of these writers covers the sprectrum of ideological thought ranging from statism, or proto-mercantilism, to non-statism, or proto-libertarian. The only criticism that I can make about this book is that many of the selections are actually excerpts and not the entire essay or treatise. That said, this would still be an invaluable tool if you are interested in the history of economic thought. That is if you can find a copy.

In this day and age where what seems to make it in this worldis that and those people who conform to the do's and don'ts ofcorporate America, or perhaps I ought say america with a small"a", FM is a most refreshing change that renews my belief that there are still original thinkers out there making personal and important statements that are not only artistic, but personal, cultural, politically relevant, psychologically astute and desperately needed. It is hard to hold onto the hope that individuals can grow up in this world, develop and hold onto and feel good about an authentic sense of self - so kudo's to Lisa Adams for creating this book, and for those whos work appears. I am always impressed by the work of Lauren Hartman who seems to really have found a path to her authentic self - may she never lose that, and may this book inspire others to find theirs.

Great Book! Well written and very understandable! I was able to get up to speed on WORD in no time! I learned more spending two days with my nose in this book than I did taking a class on word! It was money well spent! I know more about word now than my secretary does ... she hates that!

This new tome from notorious occultist Crowley was originally two books with Evangeline Adams as its author. According to the introduction by H. Beta, Crowley was in New York for sometime and met with Adams whom they were to write a book on astrology together. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Adams took the material that Crowley wrote, reworked, omitted and added her own material and eventually became an authority on the subject. The two books by Adams, "Your Place in the Sun" and "Your Place Among the Stars" (written 1927 and 1930 respectively) are essentially the works of Aleister Crowley. This edition by Samuel Weiser brings back Crowley's original writings in their original form and in one book. In a similar format as Magick Book 4, 'The General Principles of Astrology' is bound in a nice maroon hardcover cloth book with a sigil embossed on the cloth cover in metallic gold (looks like a modified Mercury symbol). Crowley's writing at many times is elusive even for the most astute occultist, however, as in Magick 4, he is making great efforts to be clear to a larger audience. The text was written in 1915 before the discovery of Pluto, so for some astrologers that may be your only set back.

In my opinion and from what I know of Crowley, the work is largely unfinished, however, what is presented is entirely a workable system. Crowley probably had the least amount of faith in astrology as a science among all the occult arts, but because he was so verse in many subjects, he is not one to let it be unexplored. Astrology seems as vast a subject as Kabbalah, as so much is written about it, that it seems that no one person can legitimately claim authority. My preference is Alan Leo's work even though much of his work is before Pluto as well. Crowley stands as a modern authority on much occult work that this was a book I could trust in giving a clear exposition on the subject.

The book is broken up similarly to the many astrology books out there on the market today. Beginning general aspects of the houses, different signs to be aware of and their meanings and a correspondence with his tarot deck. Then a discourse on the meanings of the planets, rising signs, sun signs with each of their attributes and characteristics. After a large section taken up by each planey in a sign, he ends with 100 or so famous people and their horoscopes. So in my opinion, Crowley could have easily enlarged this already big work (596 pages!). In sum, the book is well presented and will look sharp on any bookshelf, and for any serious astrologer to consider this excellent entry into the large world of the study of the astros.

For the past two years the Montessori preschool where I am a volunteer has placed this book on display in October. What a wonderful book for 4-year-olds! The illustrations are a pleasure and add their own content to the story. It happens that the families are Afro-American, and an adult reader might conclude that Tommy is being raised by a single parent, but neither of these circumstances is central to the book, which is about adults looking after their children in matter-of-fact, but nurturing ways. You can't finish this without a smile, and you'll not object to reading it aloud as often as a young child would consider necessary.

Some quotations from Adam Starchild's wonderful afterword to this book are appropriate:

"Children today are starved for the image of real heroes. Celebrities are not the same thing as heroes. Heroes existed way before celebrities ever did, even though celebrities now outshine heroes in children's consciousness." "Worshiping celebrities leaves children with a distinctly empty feeling -- it doesn't teach that they'll have to make sacrifices if they want to achieve anything worthwhile. No- talents become celebrities all the time. The result is that people don't seem to care about achievement or talent -- fame is the only objective."

"... Despite immense differences in cultures, heroes around the world generally share a number of traits that instruct and inspire people. A hero does something worth talking about, but a hero goes beyond mere fame or celebrity. The hero lives a life worthy of imitation. If they serve only their own fame, they may be celebrities but not heroes. Heroes are catalysts for change. They create new possibilities. They have a vision, and the skill and charm to implement their vision."

"Heroes may also be fictional. Children may identify with a character because of the values projected. People tend to grow to be like the people that they admire, but if a child never has any heroes what images will he copy? Adults need heroes too, but the need is even more urgent for children because they don't know how to think abstractly. But they can imagine what their hero would do in the circumstances, and it gives them a useful reference point to build abstract thinking skills."

Founding father of economic conservatism, Smith nevertheless sympathized with the working class and scorned landlords and other capitalists whom he deemed incapable of heeding public regulations. Today his books are frequently quoted yet seldom read. Smith was far less optimistic than many people assume; though he considered capitalism the basis for personal freedom, he expected that both the propertied class and the workers would push for their narrow self-interests.

This is a great book to ponder through. Great for University students to broaden their horizon.

Rodríguez Lluesma sets Smith's thought against a context stemming from the Elightented ideas in Philosophy, Law and social theory which, even today, shape our minds. It is a real must for anyone interested in the origins of social and economic thought. And it is well written too.

This little book is as much fun to read as watching one of your favorite films. Not only is it entertaining and informative, but it manages to be comprehensive and highly discriminating at the same time. The authors are fully aware of the "auteurs" who count, of the films that matter. I've read hundreds of film books, and I can guarantee that you won't find a better value.