Related Subjects: Author Index
Book reviews for "Van_Allen,_James" sorted by average review score:

Cosmic Rays, the Sun and Geomagnetism: The Works of Scott E. Forbush
Published in Hardcover by Amer Geophysical Union (1993)
Authors: Scott E. Forbush and James A. Van Allen
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Groundbreaking
Forbush's work is crucial to the understanding of the effects of geomagnetism on physiology. Future discoveries in this field will acknowledge the importance of these investigations.


James Whitcomb Riley: A Life
Published in Hardcover by Indiana University Press (1999)
Authors: Elizabeth J. Van Allen and Elizabeth J. Van Allen
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An alternative
The Kirkus review of James Whitcomb Riley: A Life is hardly a fair one. It criticizes the book because of two opinions of the reviewer that clearly the author had no hope of changing:

1. The facts about Riley are not as interesting as the myths about his life.

2. He was not the author of great literature.

It is, of course, the duty of the serious biographer to present the truest picture possible of the life of the biography's subject. To this end, Elizabeth Van Allen has done a prodigious amount of research in documents relating to the life of Riley. The result is a scholarly but readable and interesting book. She rightly puts to rest the myths about the poet, intriguing though they may be. Furthermore, as a historian, Van Allen discusses the significance of Riley's poetry but does not attempt to defend it as outstanding literature.

Certainly, the biography of Riley will be most popular in Indiana where he is still revered by many, but it also will be of interest to anyone who is interested in American cultural history. In presenting the context for Riley's early years, the author paints a clear picture of life in the Midwest in the second half of the 19th century. As Riley rises to national fame, the reader learns of the role of newspapers as a purveyor of literature in the late 19th century, the national importance of regional literature in that century, and the important role of the national lecture circuit as mass entertainment of the period.

As an immensely popular entertainer on platforms throughout the nation and later through the marketing efforts of his publisher and of Riley himself, before movies, radio, television, or rock and roll, Riley was the 19th century precursor of the 20th century pop culture celebrity. This fact alone makes him a figure worth reading about and the author's authoritative and entertaining book worth buying.

Another evaluation of the book that is recommended is the review by Rich Gotshall in the Indianapolis Star issue of Sunday, November 7, 1999.


924 Elementary Problems and Answers in Solar System Astronomy
Published in Paperback by University of Iowa Press (1993)
Author: James A. Van Allen
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The Cause and Cure of Dropouts: Seven Bell Curves for Each Student
Published in Mass Market Paperback by The Self-Confidence Press (01 May, 1998)
Authors: Arnold B. Skromme, James Van Allen, and M. James Bensen
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The Complete Book of Holograms: How They Work and How to Make Them
Published in Paperback by Dover Pubns (2001)
Authors: Steven A. Feller, Joseph Emil Kasper, and James A. Van Allen
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Elementary Problems and Answers In Solar
Published in Paperback by Focus Publishing R Pullins Co ()
Author: James Van Allen
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Lost in Space With Irwin Allen
Published in Paperback by Pioneer Books (1993)
Author: James Van Hise
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Origins of Magnetospheric Physics
Published in Hardcover by Smithsonian Institution Press (1983)
Author: James Alfred Van Allen
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Related Subjects: Author Index

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