I lived in Japan for two and a half years, and cannot speak highly enough of The Nobility of Failure.

In TNOF, Ivan Morris provides a much-needed look at - to most westerners, anyway - one of the oddest aspects of Japanese culture - the self-immolating hero. TNOF offers a rundown of Japanese populist heroes from the past 2,000 years - all of whom are doomed to complete and utter failure - and provides a convincing analysis of why Japanese culture produces such men, and why their failures actually raise their status in the eyes of many of their fellow citizens.

Morris was perhaps the leading Japan scholar of his day, but even he finds many of his subjects bizaare. He deftly, though not necessarily disrespectfully, pokes fun at the absurdity of many of their situations. Not many scholars can make you laugh while they make you think.

An engrossing, very well written book detailing the somewhat peculiar nature of the Japanese "failed hero." In contrast to the Western ideal, the Japanese do not seem to require their heroes to "win" or "succeed." Ten chapters describe ten different historical figures (or groups) throughout Japanese history who fit this oxymoronic label. Anyone interested in Japanese history would find this book at once fascinating, inciteful, and educational.

World War II is on and Chonkin is imprisoned in this sequal to his extraordinary adventures. Chonkin figures less prominently in this sequal. I think, the major character here is the social system itself. Voinovich does not spare anyone or anything: Joseph Stalin, the Soviet military planning, and the prison system--all are criticized. Bumbling bureaucrats continue to bludner like there was no tomorrow. For example, they capture and execute an honest junior officer as a spy, while the real spy continues to work undisturbed. And the bumbling of this sort is pittance in comparison to what has just gone on--the 1937/38 terror. Most outstanding people have been destroyed on no greater basis than wild accusations and Stalin's paranoia. It turns out that the most potent weapon in the war on the cream of society's crop is a simple pencil! Write an accusation on someone who works hard in his field and has his head in the clouds, not paying attention to politics, and that person is soon arrested and executed. Given this absurd atmosphere of repression and the pressure and fear put on the government by war, Chonkin must languish in prison on suspicion of being a descendant of a noble Russian family which is trying to overthrow the government and open the gates to the Germans!

Voinovich's satire is right on target. This book is funny and educational. If you live in a Western democracy you will, at a minimum, reap one important benefit from reading this--you will appreciate even more what you have in your country today. I assigned a number of Russian writers in my Modern Russian Politics class last year, and this is exactly what the impact was. Read Voinovich--his books are humorous and different.

"Pretender to the trone" is the sequel to "The Extraordinary Adventures of Private Iwan Chonkin", and almost as funny (in a grim way)! Those who enjoyed "Iwan Chonkin" should also read this sequel. In the Russian edition I read, they were joined in one volume.

I have read this book several times and have encouraged others to read it. It is a love story for all time. Beautifully portraying Priscilla and Aquila and their time spent together in support of Paul. Today's modern woman might at first bristle at the thought of a woman eating separate from the man and some of the other customs decribed from the time. However, when the reader takes the deeper look and puts the story in perspective of the New Testament time and culture in which it is written, the incredible love story woven between these two will permeate your own relationships and enlarge your heart.

"Priscilla and Aquila" is an amazing book full of romance, history, adventure, and a correct portrayal of two Biblical characters that you only see a quick glimpse of in Scripture. Lois T. Henderson did wonders with this book, making the young couple become real people who went through many trials and tribulations beyond their control. Set in the days of the Apostle Paul's 2nd missionary journey, the author gracefully weaves history and Biblical truth into an intriguing novel. The book begins in the city of Rome, then Corinth, and finally Ephesus, where Priscilla and Aquila glean from Paul's teaching. The three missionaries travel together, work together, and share the common bond of being Jehovites and Followers of the "Way". While reading the book you see a completely different perspective on Paul, his life and ministry for Jesus Christ. It portrays not only Paul's fervor in his ministry but also Priscilla's love for learning and teaching. This book gives so much insight into God's Word and provides several special examples of those who lived to honor God and devoted their very beings to serve Him by stepping out on the limb of strong faith. I definitely recommend this book to those of you who really want to dig deeper into Scripture, who want to experience a book that not only provides incomparable entertainment, but also enlightens an amazing passage of God's Word with two very special, unknown characters.

The day after I bought this book, I made a mistake telling a colleague about it, after which it was very difficult to track it down who has it and who is using it in a team of several Radar Engineers. They had all used it as a definitive reference book on any aspect of Radar design - it covers everything that you need to know and want to know right NOW about a Radar clearly and accurately.

If you are a newcomer and designing a Radar then buy a copy of 'Introduction to Radar' by Skolnik, which has a great source of information for the beginners and up and running Design Engineers, i.e. a good primer.

Buy this book! I spent 3 years overseas in the USAF as an Electronic Warfare Systems tech, If you value information on RADAR fundamentals, you will buy this book. It provides the full range from basic theory to applications requiring integral calculus. You Will Learn from this book! The bulk is focussed on radar applications and theory. There are sections on ECM(Electronic Countermeasures). This is the only book that I have found to compile good information in one place...It IS the HANDBOOK. Yes, it's expensive, but it's worth it. Chip in and get a copy for your unit. For ECM troops, If you value your pilot's lives--READ and LEARN!

Have you ever been to a business meeting or social gathering, been introduced to someone then, just five minutes later, can't remember what their name is or what their business is? Read this book and your name and business will be remembered by everyone, whether the gathering is five or fifty or more people.

Everyone is busy. Everyone is on information overload. How would you like to grab the attention of a future prospect in less than 10 seconds. In this book "less is more" is effectively presented. Ivan Misner teaches everyone looking for more business how to turbocharge their referrals with the use of 'memory hooks". A favorable first and lasting impression is the focus of a good memory hook. This book is entertaining as well as informative. Have fun on your way to greater sales.

David Gabbard touches the heart of the matter involving Ivan Illich. He gives the reader insight to a side of Illich not discussed previously. A definite read for all those who are interested in a historical and genealogical synopsis of Illich.

Professor Gabbard truly writes and enticing and intriging book about Ivan Illich. He illustrates beautifully why society has downplayed the work of Ivan Illich.

This is a true masterpiece of Baroque epic poetry. I have been privileged to read the poem in its original language, and i was struck by the poet's mastery of the form, rhythm and language. I can only reccomend this work to your personal library.

This is a great poem, full of deep and poetic writing...It could be reminiscent of some Italian renaissance poetry, but this is a special thing. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in poetry, and this is a work little known outside the Balkans and Southern Europe

As someone frequently traveling in Slovakia, I can only recommend this wonderful collection of pictures about this small, East Central European, young country; as I recognize something from my time spent there in every picture.

The "reader" - text is only 2 pages and a line to each picture - is taken on a pictorial journey through Slovakia: the breathtaking landscape of the Highland, the architecture of it's cities and small towns, the folklore of the villages, the spiritual life through the churches and the glory of the past through the numerous castles and forts.

This book is "magic": If you have not been to Slovakia before, it will certainly convince you going! If You have, it will make you want going back again and again...

Slovakia: A Photographic Odyssey is the collaborative efforts of compiler Eugen Lazistan, essayist Fedor Mikovic, English translator Anna Jureckove, and twenty-seven gifted photographers. A vivid and superbly presented survey of Slovakia's natural wonders, architecture, art, landmarks, and museum treasures, this memorable compendium of photographs is enhanced with a brief and informative account of Slovakia's culture and history. Captions and double-page maps enable the reader to easily locate and identify the physical and artistic wonders of this unique and ancient Easter European country. Ideal for the armchair traveler, Slovakia: A Photographic Odyssey is the next best thing to being there!

This book was a real touching and emotional book. It dealt with the positive sides of losing someone. The author expressed her loss through her writing. If I can recommend a book really worth reading, it is this one.

This is a wonderfull book if you had to deal with loss of your child..A+