This is a three volume "heavy" textbook, both in weight but certainly also in the scope of its content and the basis for learning public health from an international perspective. This fourth edition is dedicated to professor Walter W Holland, who was the original founding editor of the textbook first published in 1984. The present editors are affiliated with UCLA School of Public Health, Department of Public Health at the University of Glasgow, Department of Community Health at University of Auckland and National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Tokyo.
The first volume presents the scope, the second presents the methods and the third the practice of public health with a total of 101 chapters from close to 200 international contributors
Each chapter is extensive both in its research, details and scope with relevant references and suggested bibliography. It is truly comprehensive in its international scale and the editors must be congratulated for making a clear, consistent and easy read textbook. The subject of bioterrorism with reference to the antrax scare and other possibilities in the wake of the Twin Tower attack is reviewed from a public health aspect. The index extensive.
My own interests of child public health, adolescence, disability and mental retardation were well rewarded with fine chapters and a scholary discussions of even the current classifications of disability, handicap and intellectual disability. The chapter on adolescence had fine suggestions for health policies on a local and global basis.
This is an important book that should be found at every public health library and at the side of specialists in public health medicine.

...

The third edition of this excellent survey of public health has been available for some time now, I would encourage readers to request that rather than the out-dated second editio

I'm saddened to discover this classic is out of print. Walter Hurst really knew how to weave through the technicalities and legalities of Hollywood Show Biz during the 1970's and 80's. Newcomers to the biz have lost a valuable resource. I certainly benefitted from the sample contracts and forms provided in this and about fifteen other books he published.

Shade and Color is the only book I have found on the market that offers such an update guide to arid-climate plants. The pictures are well done and plentiful.

The majority of the book consists of "Individual Plant Descriptions" -- amazingly comprehensive. The authors have even taken the time and forethought to classify whether or not your plant will do well in not only one but also several desert elevations.

Every important landscape detail is accounted for each type of desert plant. You will know ahead of time the height, width, flower color, and watering needs of each plant.

Anyone living in the Southwest and California that wants to be successful at landscaping needs this book in his/her library. This enlarged text is also an essential reference book for landscapers and landscape maintenance companies.

To be honest with all you gentle readers, I don't much admire War novels, nor do I stand by the title of my review. Generally, I believe War is truly Hell.

But last Winter, in the grips of a bout of quasi-depression-for-teens following a move to the most FLAT province in Canada, I truly thought I was in Hell. An e-mail friend suggested Catch-22 to use up edgy cabin-fever time. Now, let it be known that my attention span for most novels dwindles quickly, especially if the book is slow to pick up. While significantly slower to get 'into' than most of the writing I chase, Catch-22 sucked me in, like Alice down the rabbit hole. It is sharply funny, engaging, and chock full of delightful characters. The main character is a thinker; a young man disheartened by war and his own mortality. His name is Yossarian, and since reading this novel, he has stood out in my mind as being one of the most...sculpted... characters in the history of literature.

Put simply, this book is a satire about World War 2. Coming from a kid sickened by the very idea of war, I can say that this book is worth whatever bills you have to fork over for it. It's not about war, per se, but more about the human condition. In addition, it made me laugh a few times, something that only a few other works of fiction have ever been successful in accomplishing. I finished this book feeling oddly... renewed. If you're looking for something 'new' (or, so old it's new) and engaging, I heartily recommend 'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller.

I was made to read this book as a class assignment way back when and for once I was grateful!Very humorous and deep with an odd kind of spiraling writing style. The "anti-war or not" discussion is always hot on this satire classic and it's my bet the author would be proud of it.To me the war itself was the central Catch-22;the war that no one wishes to fight MUST be fought.Men who do not wish to kill MUST or be killed by other men with no wish to kill them...etc.I don't think it's anti-war necessarily;just against the pure acceptance of the idea without regret.The Armed Forces,war movies,Tom Clancy books,etc. never seem to acknowledge that in every heroic soldier there is probably a little Yossarian wondering how this all happened and why he must be a part of it(I thought Yosarrian found the other characters insane because he was the only one who questioned why they was there).I think it is the genius(and bravery)of writers like Joseph Heller and Kurt Vonnegut to HIGHLIGHT this and keep wars (and war movies...) from becoming like Lieutenant Scieisskopf's parades: all looks and no truth.One of my favorites.Now tell me why I'm wrong!

Catch-22 is not a book America wants to read, especially in her present state of patriotism. One cannot picture Heller's Yossarian sporting a "These Colors Don't Run" T-shirt and waving a flag. Indeed, the opening chapter explicitly refutes any interpretation that suggests Yossarian's actions are rooted in a deep sense of nationalism: an uber-patriotic Texan drives almost all the men out of a hospital ward and back into combat. Catch-22 is a book that challenges the logic of war. It combines wry humor with startlingly affecting anecdotes to force the reader into asking questions. It is the portrait of a man who is dangerously sane, but trapped in the insanity of war by catch-22.
When I started reading Joseph Heller's Catch-22, I had no idea what to expect. I scanned the buzzwords on the back cover..."apocalyptic, bitter, hilarious, monumental, original, subversive, classic." What I found was a moving satire, centered ..., an allegory who manages to retain his humanity. The fact that Heller's Yossarian was indeed so easy to relate to contributed to the book's power. The novel brings you deep into the world of war, as viewed by a soldier. Yossarian's experiences are not entirely realistic, and much of what happens over the course of the novel seems to make no sense at all. In presenting war in such a manner, Heller asks the reader whether the reality of war makes any more sense than does Yossarian's story. Heller says that war itself is a great catch-22, a paradoxical trap that humans walk into time and time again. He questions the logic of the illogical, and asks the reader to try and rationalize the irrational.
Catch-22 is significant because it claims that not only war is a catch-22. The metaphor extends to include life itself. We see that the characters are not merely fighting to survive the war...they are fighting to be immortal. Each has his own way, whether it be by enduring boredom to make time move slower, or by gaining global power through commerce and enterprise. They are all trying to cheat death. Heller's novel reveals many deep and often unpleasant truths, but it does it with humor and style. For this reason, Catch-22 has reached "classic" status and will probably remain a classic for generations to come.
As a book, Catch-22 is flawless. It is moving, witty, and ultimately one of the greatest novels I have ever read. It deserves every one of its five stars. However, to those who are interested in reading it, I warn you to take Heller's work with a grain of salt. Many may find the satire offensive in light of the current global situation. Please do not let current events get in your way. Catch-22 is a wonderful, eye-opening novel; but as with all "subversive" literature, it must be approached with an open mind.

Kurt Vonnegut's book Slaughterhouse Five is a unique and interesting anti-war book.There has never been a book written quite like this one. The story doesn't unfold like most other stories. It takes place in a series of different times and places. The places are Dresden, Iliam New York, and an alien planet to mention a few. The main theme of the book is very clear even if the time and places that it takes place in isn't. That theme is war is pointless and so is life sometimes. The constant changing of time and place give the reader a very exciting and adventurous ride through the life of Billy Pilgrim. The story is told in a new way giving it a fresh life. If you ever find the time to read a Kurt Vonnegut book this should be the one. It is truly original and creative with a dark sense of humor that appeals to almost anyone.

Slaughterhouse-Five is not simply an "anti-war novel," but an intricate masterpiece that not only shows the horrors of war and its effects, but is also a reflection of reality on its various levels. In order to fully grasp every detail's significance this novel should be read various times. It's fun to re-read a book and get something new out of it that first time readers would inevitably miss, due to the book's complex nature. Although it seems to be a collage of random paragraphs at first, if you read closely enough you can pick out completely logical associations that a man like Billy would make. It's a quick read packed with Vonnegut's dry humor and war memories. I loved it!!!

I was amazed by the effect that this book had on me,when I read it in order to take an exam on Contemporary American Fiction. At first I thought that this would be another boring book of the Uni's library,but I was pleasantly shocked by this excellent book.It refers to matters of life and death allegorically,but the main message is clearly exposed: PEOPLE SHOULD NEVER STAY "STUCK IN TIME",stuck in their misery and desperation by the tragic events they had to go through,BUT ALWAYS SEARCH FOR THE "PLANET TRALFAMADORE" INSIDE THEIR HEARTS.This means that an inner "revolution" has to take place,so as for people to be free from the nightmares that torment them after the experience of a war or a major destruction,such as the conflagration of Dresden. LIFE GOES ON AND PEOPLE SHOULD FIND THE PLEASURE THEY DESERVE IN IT.

As did Gilbert Moxley Sorrel (Longstreet), staff officer Walter Taylor offers his insights of the War of Southern Independence. Indeed, Taylor has rightful claim to his judgements, as his acquaitance with Lee offered him first-hand knowledge of events. However, I caution future readers that this is NOT a memoir or diary per se - Taylor rarely gives any unique slants to anything, and more often than not, seems occupied with setting the "numbers straight" - many, many, many tables and charts are provided giving the numbers available for this battle and that battle, etc...I suggest this book only for serious students of the war - and more particularly, those wanting "first-hand" data on "numbers." Of final interest, though, is Taylor's disdain for Hiram U. Grant (accurately recognizing Grant as a true butcher - merely throwing big numbers at an under-manned, under-supllied army) and the insertion of a speech given upon the anniversary of Genl Lee's birthday (albeit NOT written, or presented by Taylor himself)

Taylor's approach to covering the history of the Confederate struggle is encouraging to read. Though the title of this book tends to be a bit misleading. It should be called Four years of Confederate history. Taylor tends to describe battle movements and give calculations as to the manpower of divisions, brigades and regiments to a dragging sense. This books I recommend highly for those trying to get an accurate count of soldiers available for each battle, how many were casualties, after battle net amounts,etc.. Rarely are daily affairs of Lee covered. When I read this book I was disappointed to find out that it wasn't a book about General Lee and his daily livelyhood as I wanted to read about. Since Taylor was Lee's secretary I thought who better than to describe Lee's motives, attitudes, triumphs and defeats? Very rarely did Taylor ever mention Lee in this manner. Not enough to capture the man and tell his story. This book is a quick refresh of battles and movements throughout the war of the Army of Northern Virginia which hardly fits being called Four Years With General Lee. Credit is due to Taylor's ability to calculate total manpower and army positions throughout the four years though falls way short in covering Lee.

Wonderful book describing the massive work and devotion to duty that General Lee adhered to. Written by his A.A.G. A must read for southern patriots.

I had the opportunity to use this book as a junior at Allegheny College in my seminar on Constitutional Interpretation. The information provided in the book is not only thorough but easy to understand as well. The examples provided for the reader are extremely helpful, illustrating the various forms of interpretation used. I recommend this book for any student of the Constitution, no matter what the age.

This book does a very poor job of teaching polymer chemistry. Coverage of most topics is too brief and includes too many mistakes. However, the book is organized in an interesting way, and topics that aren't included in most polymer chemistry books are mentioned briefly -- for example interesting polymer properties such as flame retardancy. In this sense, the book might get students excited about polymer science.