Hubris: The Inside Story of Spin, Scandal, and the Selling of the Iraq War

Book Description

March 2003: The United States invades Iraq.

October 2006: The world finds out why.

What was really behind the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq? As George W. Bush steered the nation to war, who spoke the truth and who tried to hide it? Hubris takes us behind the scenes at the Bush White House, the CIA, the Pentagon, the State Department, and Congress to answer all the vital questions about how the Bush administration came to invade Iraq.

Filled with new revelations, Hubris is a gripping narrative of intrigue that connects the dots between George W. Bush’s expletive-laden outbursts at Saddam Hussein, the bitter battles between the CIA and the White House, the fights within the intelligence community over Saddam’s weapons of mass destruction, the startling influence of an obscure academic on top government officials, the real reason Valerie Plame was outed, and a top reporter’s ties to wily Iraqi exiles trying to start a war. Written by veteran reporters Michael Isikoff and David Corn, this is the inside story of how President Bush took the nation to war using faulty and fraudulent intelligence. It is a news-making account of conspiracy, backstabbing, bureaucratic ineptitude, journalistic malfeasance, and, especially, arrogance.

Customer Reviews:

The disastrous results of self-assuredness and deficient critical thinking.......2007-10-03

Michael Isikoff and David Cron have put together a compelling, detailed report of the faulty case for going to war with Iraq. If you want to know the story behind the various pieces of faulty intelligence that the Bush administration used to sell the war, this is the book for you.

This is a great case study for what happens when arrogant self-assuredness is married to deficient critical thinking.

It may very well have turned out that we would have eventually had to go to war with Iraq. But there was no compelling reason to do it at the time we did, and the reasons the Bush administration cited for going to war were all faulty and the information to suggest it was faulty was available all along, just ignored.

A news story rehash.......2007-09-11

Unless you haven't read the newspapers for the last 4 years or so, this book is not worth the effort. A rehash of their and others work.

Bloated book with nothing new to offer.......2007-09-06

This title presents the reader with a basic rehash of public reported on stories regarding the administrations rush to war. After reading it, there was hardly anything new, rather there was a summary of all the events that took place regarding the WMD case and the subsequent investigations.

I have to say that the book made no compelling characters stand out, nor did it make anyone, aside from perhaps Karl Rove seem the bad guy. In fact it's annoying habit of making everyone seem equally guilty serves to cut hard edge out of the book. All in all I kept on reading expecting something new to come up or some succinct revelation to appear yet in the end all we saw was a rebroadcast of old news.

Important Stuff Missing.......2007-08-22

I see this is a best-selling book by two prominent journalists. It is shocking, then, that there is no mention in the book of either the "Downing Street Memo" from July 2002 which documents the fact that Bush, at least as far back is middle of 2002 (and many contend even earlier - when the Bushies came into office in January 2001 - wanting war with Iraq), had decided to go to war with the small details like the "cause" or "justification" for the war to be left up to the spin-meisters and Karl Rove.

Neither is the Project for a New American Century (PNAC) mentioned in the book. The PNAC is the Neo-Con, war-mongering think-tank which had advocated war with Iraq as far back as 1997-98.

It is sad that the Mainstream Media and the journalistic establishment has almost completely ignored the Downing Street Memo and the Project for a New American Century in their coverage and analysis of the Iraq war and the Bush administration. An even better book in this regard is Armed Madhouse: From Baghdad to New Orleans--Sordid Secrets and Strange Tales of a White House Gone Wild

Atlas Shrugged.......2007-08-15

Whatever you think of Mike Isikoff's ultimate contentions & analysis regarding the adventures of Team Bush in the Middle East, you gotta admit the title is just killer.

Isn't it? HUBRIS. Wow. Just---wow.

No, stay with me on this: think of your worst, most hated Enemy (no silly, I admire your partisanship you Kos-Sack you, but it can't be Bush---at least not for *this* little mind-exercise).

Now imagine that Enemy getting you fired at work, sneaking into your house & introducing the sneaky snake to your wife (or the Great Oscillating Cavern of Tempation to your hubby), then killing your cat, burning your house down, & dancing up and down on the ashes.

Got that in mind? Good: now consider the word you would come up with to describe your Enemy's actions. Got that word in mind? Yes? Now: honestly, would it be 'Hubris'?

Yes? Great! Keep reading.

Isikoff has cobbled together an unsurprising critique of Bush war policy, which centers in on the primary flaw of BUSHIDO: the Bush guys, unlike the Clinton guys, did something against Saddam Hussein and Islamic terrorists. Doing something in America these days---whatever it is---is dangerous. Risky.

This isn't really a nation of big tough he-men risking it all to make the world safe for big-D Democracy anymore: it's more like a bunch of trousered knats spending lotsa time flaunting their Lance Armstrong 'livestrong' love bracelets, cycling around in their girly-girly little tightpants, and jogging.

So as you can see, in the New America(tm), the old-fashioned BUSHIDO was doomed from the start. Isikoff's book is lovingly, brutally detailed, & pretty much supports the contention that Bush should have done absolutely nothing. Maybe lobbed a cruise missile or two 'over there', but that's about it. It's also boring.

But never mind that: if you don't groove on the title, you'll really be down with the cover art. Yeah, buy it for Reservoir Dogs-esque cover art. Dig it. Quentin Tarnantino couldn't have crafted a better shot of the BUSHIDO team ambling down a stretch of Dark Territory into the next big gunfight. You can just about hear the strains of "Little Green Bag" as Condi, W., Rummy, & 'Shotgun Dick' Cheney stride down the Road to pull off that one last Job, or to face down that Bad, Bad Man.

HUBRIS! The old Greek tragic flaw that brought down great heroes, like Oedipus, or Agisthus, or Agamemnon, or Jimmy the Greek.

HUBRIS! Fortunately Curious George's case of hubris isn't quite as nasty as, say, Oedipus, whose version of the old greek disease impelled him to whack Dad, nail Mom, and gouge his eyeballs out.

HUBRIS! But it's bad, evidently, really bad, because now we're mired in the much and quicksand and blood and sludge of Iraq, and the world really hates us, a stark turnaround from the morning of 9/11, when the Nasty Cowboy hadn't invaded anybody and the world loved us all.

Why not just say what you want to say, Isikoff? Why not just call your book "Axxholes"? Why 'Hubris'? Why weaken the whiskey? Why not just come out and say what you think, guys? How about "Dumbaxxes"? Or better still, "Lying Nazi Pigs"? Or better still, "Big Ugly Poopyheads"?

Isikoff brings the same eye for detail found in his book "Uncovering Clinton", back in the day when Isikoff was famous for rooting around in Bill Clinton's underwear drawer and saving fluid samples.

Fortunately, we don't get any stained blue dresses here, but we do get the usual whack-a-Bush talking points: basically 1) the Bush administration either manufactured evidence claiming Saddam had a WMD program; 2) All the Kings Men were either too sycophantic or too incompetent to investigate such claims and 3) consequently, we now find ourselves embroiled in the GREATEST MILITARY DISASTER OF ALL TIME! Yeah.

Anyhoo, though, there are a few mysteries raised by all of this Sturm Und Drang, signifying NICHT. Among them:

1)Alright, Isikoff skirts the line of calling Bush a liar, but only barely: the whole point of "Hubris" is that the Administration knew better---so if it wasn't mendacity they were guilty of, it was close to it. So Bush lied, fine.

But if you accept that---that Bush positively *knew* there were no WMDs in Iraq, and pushed for invasion anyway---then didn't he know the later revelation that Saddam didn't have a WMD program would make him look silly, or mendacious, or both? I mean, if he's gonna lie about the WMD program to begin with, why not have a couple of trusty guys in the black helicopters plant a few nukes on the scene, after the fact?

2)If the yardstick by which our success is measured is largely temporal---that is, our troops are still *there* dangit---then why are we still in Europe, Japan, & Korea? God knows Europe is a total basket-case, Japan is cranking out manga---have you seen that stuff, especially with the tentacles?---and they have Video-gamers Anonymous in Korea, so let's bring AlL the boys home, now!

3)Isn't it a bit of a stretch to contend that Saddam was a WMD virgin, given all the NOOK-lear proms in the region he'd gone too?

I guess that's one mystery too many for me. Poor planning, sure. But Greek Tragedy? I don't think so. I'm for readability, credibility, a touch of nerdability, and truth in advertising: a wonkish analysis would have been just fine in my book.

But from its stupid title, to its mind-bendingly dull writing, to its even duller thesis, to its complete lack of strategic imagination, "Hubris" gets a big fat "F". Or better yet, in the Greek spirit, "P." For Polymachus, Python, or Prometheus, you ask?

None of the above. For "Poop".

JSG

Running and Walking for Women Over 40 : The Road to Sanity and Vanity

Average customer rating:

Good for the beginner
Awesome book for the experienced runner and novice walker
Errors
INSPIRING AND SENSIBLE! BRAVO!
Excellent Resource

Running and Walking for Women Over 40 : The Road to Sanity and Vanity
Kathrine Switzer
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Running & Jogging | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Walking | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Walking | Hiking & Camping | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Running & Jogging | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 0312187777

Book Description

A consistent program of running or walking is the fastest, easiest, and least expensive road to overall fitness and well-being for women and men at any age. For women over forty it can be the key to the most fulfilling years life has in store.Katherine Switzer, a pioneer in women's fitness since 1967, when she became the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon is once again blazing a trail with the very first running and walking program designed specifically for women over forty. Now every woman can benefit from Katherine's highly personal, motivational, and step-by-step advice."For women beginning fitness programs at age forty, fifty, and beyond, the results can be nothing short of dramatic. For the first time they are reaching the body weight and physical conditioning they've always dreamed of. Women who have been reasonably active off their lives can also firnd a new and exciting road of fitness ahead of them after age forty. Some even find themselves outrunning women half their age!" --Katherine Switzer

Customer Reviews:

Good for the beginner .......2007-06-27

If you are just getting into or thinking about a walking/running program this book is for you. If you have been doing both for some time, its a great read, just beyond where you are at in your program. I have given this book to my sister who has just turned 40 and she loved it.

Awesome book for the experienced runner and novice walker.......2005-10-24

As I read this book (I am beginning a walking program), I became very honored to read about all the blood, sweat, and tears Ms. Switzer went through during her career as a runner. She makes you feel you are with her during those times. Her advice is sound, professional, and in your best interest. If you listen to what she tells you, i.e., how your shoes and clothes should fit; how you should start out on your program; and the wonderful advice to "get you out the door," you will have a very long and rewarding running/walking program, that can and will enhance your life. This book has really changed my outlook, my exercise capacity, and pretty much my overall health! Thanks for writing this book, Ms. Switzer. I owe you big time! Sandy, in Florida.

Errors.......2003-01-04

This book comes across as poorly edited and researched. Contains mispelled words and incorrect statements such as "air is 80% oxygen". It is also hard for a beginning runner to relate to a marathoner who has run for almost her entire life.

INSPIRING AND SENSIBLE! BRAVO!.......2002-10-15

I hadn't run for 17 years and never ran more than 3.5 miles. (I'm 40.) With the help of this book, I am up to 5 miles (and counting!). The book is easy to read. The program is easy to follow. However, this book is for people who are basically in good health and who like to exercise. The book will not GIVE you motivation, it will simply help you if you are already somewhat motivated and want to get in better shape. I have followed her advice, gotten great results and enjoyed the process. This book has been worth a million to me!

Excellent Resource.......2002-08-14

I picked up this book after making a decision to get in better shape (even though I'm only 34). I've always hated running, so I'm not sure what prompted me to consider it. Her system for becoming a 30-minute runner definitely works. Both my partner and I made it to 30 minutes (although it took a little longer than ten weeks). I am now running 54 minutes, my partner 45 minutes. I'd recommend this book to anyone (not only women), even if you only use the time charts for becoming a 30 minute walker/runner and not the rest of the book.

Average customer rating:

Totally defective
As relevant as ever
Succumbing to concupiscience...
Surprisingly pulpy
The Unseen Tragedy

The Bonfire of the Vanities
Tom Wolfe
Manufacturer: Dial Press Trade Paperback
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0553381342
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Amazon.com

After Tom Wolfe defined the '60s in The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test and Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers and the cultural U-turn at the turn of the '80s in The Right Stuff, nobody thought he could ever top himself again. In 1987, when The Bonfire of the Vanities arrived, the literati called Wolfe an "aging enfant terrible."

He wasn't aging; he was growing up. Bonfire's pyrotechnic satire of 1980s New York wasn't just Wolfe's best book, it was the best bestselling fiction debut of the decade, a miraculously realistic study of an unbelievably status-mad society, from the fiery combatants of the South Bronx to the bubbling scum at the top of Wall Street. Sherman McCoy, a farcically arrogant investment banker (dubbed a "Master of the Universe," Wolfe's brilliant metaphorical co-opting of a then-important toy for boys), hits a black guy in the Bronx with his Mercedes and runs--right into a nightmare peopled by vicious mistresses, thin wives like "social x-rays," slime-bag politicos, tabloid hacks, and Dantesque denizens of the "justice" system. If the Coen and Marx brothers together dramatized The Great Gatsby, Wolfe's Bonfire would probably be funnier. Many think his second novel, A Man in Full, is deeper, but Bonfire will never die down.

You might find it interesting to compare the film The Bonfire of the Vanities, a fascinating calamity perpetrated by the geniuses Brian De Palma and Tom Hanks, with The Right Stuff, one of the very best films of the '80s. --Tim Appelo

Book Description

Tom Wolfe’s modern American satire tells the story of Sherman McCoy, a Wall Street “Master of the Universe” who has it all — a Park Avenue apartment, a job that brings wealth, power and prestige, a beautiful wife, an even more beautiful mistress.

Suddenly, one wrong turn makes it all go wrong, and Sherman spirals downward in a sudden fall from grace that sucks him into the ravenous heart of a New York City gone mad during the go-go, racially turbulent, socially hilarious 1980s.

Customer Reviews:

Totally defective.......2007-09-20

The book was defective. chapters repeated themselves or were skipped all together. Evidently there was something wrong with the printing of the book.

As relevant as ever.......2007-08-01

As certain legal cases continue to generate huge headlines with everybody fighting for their camera close-ups, it shows that "The Bonfire of the Vanities" will never become irrelevant.

The novel is an extremely fun read that eviscerates the New York of the 80s, as well as managing to stay relevant in contemporary times. Wolfe's novel peers through the windows of all the social strata to meld an infuriating tale of people pretending to look out for the greater good but only engaging in vicious self-preservation. There aren't many characters in the book whom I found especially likeable and some who I found palatable at first ended up disappointing me. Every twist in the story made things even more unpredictable right up to the epilogue, which I found to be a bit of a let down but a realistic one. My only real question at the end of the story was the subplot about the $350,000 that the Reverend Bacon couldn't account for; Wolfe seemed to drop the ball on that and I wanted to see where it would end up.

This story was originally serialized in "Rolling Stone" magazine (!) in 1984-85 but by the time it saw print as a complete novel, it had changed quite a bit. Sherman McCoy was a writer in the serial, and was a Wall Street financier in the novel. Wolfe tapped into the temper of the times with that canny switch, and makes the putpouring of anger and resentment against McCoy that much more timely.

Succumbing to concupiscience..........2007-05-29

Tom Wolfe understands human nature. He skewers just about every character in this scathing satire, revealing their hidden motives vis a vis their outward actions. Pride seems to be at the root of everyone's shameful conduct in this novel. Tempted to forget about fallen human nature? You'll remember after reading this one; I recognzied my own sordid manipulations and rationalizations in Wolfe's well-crafted characters. The book's not preachy, though, and it's funny; I laughed out loud a number of times.

Surprisingly pulpy .......2007-05-17

This is the first Tom Wolfe novel I've read, and I had a preconceived notion of southern literature along the lines of Styron or Faulkner. This novel is more Olivia Goldsmith than Carson McCullers, and I have to admit I loved it. Wolfe's detailed inner dialogues were addicting, and I followed each of the characters with varying degrees of sympathy, admiration or disgust, but never boredom. He describes the world of his story to such an exact amount of detail that I feel like I could now write a novel of New York in the '80's (or at least Tom Wolfe's version of it). I was hoping desperately for a neat and happy ending, and I was both pleasantly surprised and disappointed with the resolution. Quick, satisfying read.

The Unseen Tragedy .......2007-03-23

Tantalizingly fascinating, The Bonfire of the Vanities is a deeply detailed and yet enthralling account of the entwining ways in which the forces of opportunistic politics, ugly racism, greedy Wall Street, gullible public sentiments, sinister profit motive and compelling lust interacted in New York City of 1980's. It is an outstanding work of fiction so vividly depicted and so richly crafted that you might feel yourself in the middle of action. The author's creativity with words and ideas while narrating very plausible events and developments adds remarkable color and candor to the plot. Phrases such as `laboratory of human relations', `big breasted eyes', and "master of universe', are so apt in their effect that you find yourself longing for more.

At the script level, The Bonfire of the Vanities is a tragedy of a Wall Street bonds trader whose sheer misfortune causes his downfall though he does not endear himself to the readers by his philandering and vain ways that he feels he is entitled too. It also is the tragedy of an unfortunate black boy who gets killed for no fault of his, of a spouse whose only fault is that she has aged the best way she could and a 6 year old girls who `loses' her father to bizarre sequences of New York life. At a broader plane though, The Bonfire of the Vanities is the tragedy of the `Greatest City on the Planet', a city that has scaled every possible height and yet whose inhabitants have not overcome even the very basic vices that plague the human race. Powered by the avarice for lust, weaved around the gluttony for pride, fired by the envy of the have not's and the wrath of the racially deprived, New York is tortured by the sloth of conscience. Rarely has this tragedy been better depicted than in this landmark novel.

Average customer rating:

Very informative
Useful and Insightful
The best of the best!
Amazing insights
Almost useless

The Power of Face Reading (2nd Edition)
Rose Rosetree
Manufacturer: Women's Intuition Worldwide.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

New Thought | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0965114511

Book Description

A how-to on the ancient art of physiognomy, updated and practical. Rosetree's system of Face Reading Secrets ® is designed to open your heart, even as it provides knowledge with uncanny accuracy.

Customer Reviews:

Very informative.......2007-07-03

I ordered three face reading books to try to get as much information as I could. This book by far was the best. She adds a bunch of humor. This book is very well written and easy to read. I recommend this to all who are curious about what the face means. I am very pleased.

Useful and Insightful.......2005-12-10

After reading The Power of Face Reading, I am shocked by the response from "Almost Useless". In her book Rosetree asserts that we all have various challenges as well as styles with which we excell at, and I think Rosetree does an excellent job of expressing our different styles for work, spending money, communication, etc. with great compassion and depth. This is not a "too positive spin on every negative interpretation"; it's more a realistic way of looking at our strenghts and weaknesses.

I also firmly disagree with "Almost Useless"'s assertion that some of the interpretations are "just inaccurate." I have done many readings after reading the book, for friends and people that I've just met, and everyone remarks how surprisingly accurate they are! Rosetree also points out that the traits of our face reveal our propensity for a certain style of being. We are all human and can choose to behave in other ways as we choose. Knowing what are preferences are can help us use them with more strength, and to also gain understanding for the strengths and propensities of others. Brilliant for relationships!

In terms of "putting it all together" for doing face readings, I found this to be no problem. Like I said, I started doing readings for friends and new people I met right away. Rosetree also explicity states to set an intention to be of service, and begin with the features that strike you the most, and then notice what you notice next and go from there. This is what I've adhered to and what has made my readings so successful.

Lastly, I would be cautious with the review titled "Gems for Tabliod and Intellectuals." I might chuckle at these having not read the book. Rosetree's book provides much more depth than these quotes reveal. The book shows us that there are many ways to be in the world, and the beauty is that we can choose. I find it powerfully useful to know my style preferences at my very core.

The best of the best!.......2005-12-03

I know this book. I know this author. Rose Rosetree is a woman of the highest integrity and she is a great force. She's been on this path for many years, researching ancient studies and particularly refining the hidden traits found in faces. Each one of her books is a gift. But the wisdom contained in this one, The Power of Face Reading, showers the reader with clues and tips on discovering the very essence of, say, co-workers, first dates, celebrities, politicians -- any person with whom you might come face to face. For those with a sense of wonder and a hunger to know more, this is an easy read.

Amazing insights.......2005-12-02

I found this book, like all the ones I've read by Rose Rosetree, to be witty, insightful, and very useful. When reading this book, keep in mind that reading faces isn't just a formula, which is a point that Ms. Rosetree makes. The whole face needs to be considered, since it is a reflection of the soul as a whole. I use face reading often, and it's amazing how accurate it is. In addition to the companion book WRINKLES ARE GOD'S MAKEUP, I strongly suggest reading AURA READING THROUGH ALL YOUR SENSES. Combining aura reading with face reading is a very powerful tool and provides a far more complete picture.

Almost useless.......2005-05-02

The author tries so hard not to offend anybody, that she puts too positive spin on every possibly negative interpretation and overemphasizes what would already be considered as a positive one. Also, I found the most interpretations just inaccurate. Examples from nose chapter:
short nose - workaholic
long nose - talent for planning and strategy
straight nose - you work systematically
arched nose - creativity
...
Ok, of course you are supposed to interpret everything and put it all together, eliminating contradictions on the way, but the book falls short on instructions how to do that. There should be a chapter titled "putting it together" where the author should explain the process of face reading: what to look first? how to determine basic information about a person and go from there? Instead the book focuses on details without giving you the big picture.

Average customer rating:

Juneau 2nd grader
Wonderful!
"Rice Anyone?"
Outstanding book
Problem Solving with Children's Literature

The King's Chessboard (Picture Puffins)
David Birch
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Royalty | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0140548807

Customer Reviews:

Juneau 2nd grader.......2007-03-23

This book is okay. It takes place in India. The wiseman tricks the king. He tricks the king by asking him for more rice than there is in the world, but the king doesn't realize it.
You might like this book if you like math.

Wonderful!.......2006-03-24

I facilitate a Game Theory and Multicultural Math workshop for ages 9-12 and used this book during our study of the Tower of Hanoi. This book offered a wonderful way to open the discussion of exponential possibility. The illustrations and story are capturing and make the concept of exponents easy to grasp. Further, it takes place in India which was perfect for the math around the world teme. Loved it!

"Rice Anyone?".......2005-06-20

Have you ever paid the price for being a little too nice? "The King's Chessboard" was about a proud king in Deccan, India who paid the price for rewarding a wise man that didn't want to be rewarded. The King asked the wise man what would his reward be. The wise man said serving the King was his reward, but the King insisted on rewarding the servant. So, the wise man asked for one grain of rice. Then, each day for 64 days the wise man would recieve twice as much than the day before for each square on his chessboard. Things soon got out of hand because they were now giving the wise man tons of rice. By the end of the period they would have given out 274,877,906,944 tons of rice. The King had to stop the wise man from recieving these huge amounts of rice. In the end, the king would learn how easy it is for pride to make a fool of someone, even a king.

Outstanding book.......2005-01-26

My 7 year old, mathematically gifted son loves this story. First of all, he loves chess; and secondly, he loves numbers (and the related concepts) even more. Thus this book has the best of both worlds for him.

The most important lesson here, IMHO, is the book teaches that pride can get in the way of good judgement.

The story also teaches the important concept of one-to-one relationships (ie, functions) with numbers. Any math teacher will tell you, it's not the numbers per se that are important, but the relationships and interactions that are important.

Lastly, the story illustrates the math concept of geometric progression, how after a few turns, little number 'explode' into big ones.

Overall, excellent story that teaches both social values and mathematical concepts.

Problem Solving with Children's Literature.......1997-10-01

This book is an excellent resource for elementary teachers to use with math problem solving. Students can use the chess board and rice to solve the problem in the book. Students can measure an ounce of rice and figure how much rice is in a pound. Using this literature in a math class will motivate and enhance learning. I highly recommend it for educators.

Israel at Vanity Fair: Jews and Judaism in the Writings of W.M. Thackeray (Brill's Series in Jewish Studies, Vol 2)

Average customer rating:

Israel at Vanity Fair: Jews and Judaism in the Writings of W.M. Thackeray (Brill's Series in Jewish Studies, Vol 2)
Siegbert Salomon Prawer
Manufacturer: Brill Academic Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

British | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Medieval | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The book seeks, for the first time in any language, to combine Thackeray's many depictions of, and comments on, Jews and Judaism, from Old Testament times to his own present, into a coherent, chronologically ordered narrative. Texts and early versions that have not found their way into the collected editions are considered alongside well-known passages from Barry Lyndon, Vanity Fair, The Newcomes and Rebecca and Rowena. Since Thackeray illustrated many of his own works, graphic illustrations are as carefully chronicled and considered as narrative ones. The writings and drawings examined are set in a fourfold context: Thackeray's own life, psychological make-up, and developing art and opinions; the social history of Britain and its Jews; British and European literary and graphic conventions, traditions, and stereotypes; and the interplay of prejudice or animus with an essential British fair-mindedness that strives to present as truthful a picture as the author's limited perspectives, or satiric and humorous purposes, will allow. The book constitutes a substantial addition to the existing body of studies devoted to the image of Jews and Judaism in the work of influential non-Jewish writers and artists.

A Visit to Vanity Fair: Moral Essays on the Present Age

Average customer rating:

The inside is as interesting as the cover design

A Visit to Vanity Fair: Moral Essays on the Present Age
alan Jacobs
Manufacturer: Brazos Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Religious | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1587430142

Book Description

Jacobs explains the art of the moral essay, then illustrates the actual execution of the moral essay on subjects such as Harry Potter, TV animal documentaries, and luckydipping in the Bible.

Customer Reviews:

The inside is as interesting as the cover design.......2001-12-27

As a new mother, I have time only for short jaunts through a book. This one was perfect and worth the time I spent on it. I appreciated Alan Jacobs' discernment in quoting (and modeling his style after) time-tested writers; despite the subtitle, he avoids the wearisome tendency to employ endless examples from pop culture in making his points. When he does mention the present age--such as in his Harry Potter piece--his perspective is rooted in age-old wisdom.

The book is worth picking up for that essay alone--I wish all Christians boo-hooing Harry would take the time to actually read Rowling's books, with Jacobs' essay in the other hand.

Average customer rating:

This is a magical book.
The Magic Unicorn
Caroline Repchuk
Manufacturer: Marlowe & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1569247854

Customer Reviews:

This is a magical book........1998-12-04

I gave this to my daughter who loves unicorns for her 6th birthday. the pictures are beautiful. She really loves the glitter and hologram effects on each page. this is an enchanting book.

Average customer rating:

With a 19th century nerd as the hero, how can you not love it?
The Human Drama
All's fair in love and "Vanity"
All's "Fair" in love and vanity
Once you get into it you'll enjoy it.

Vanity Fair (Norton Critical Editions)
William Makepeace Thackeray
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Friendship | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Literature & Fiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0393965953

Book Description

This edition of one of the greatest social satires of the English language reproduces the text of the Oxford Thackeray and includes all of Thackeray's own illustrations.

Download Description

On a broad and colourful canvas, extending from urban and rural England to Waterloo and the continental haunts of exiles, Thackeray gives us one of the greatest social-satirical novels in the language - one of the most entertaining and profound, and, in the person of Becky Sharp, we have one of literature's most resourceful, attractive, and amoral characters. Essentially a commentary on hypocrisy and those ethical principles to which society pays lip-service, Vanity Fair (1847-8) invites us to consider which is to blame: the opportunist or the society that makes opportunism necessary.

Customer Reviews:

With a 19th century nerd as the hero, how can you not love it?.......2007-01-27

It's only now that I notice the subtitle "novel without a hero", and that is what struck me most about this novel- the lack of heroes. Indeed, just about all of the characters are flawed in some way, but I beg to differ that there is no hero. Surely the good and honest Major Dobbin qualifies. He may be gawky and awkward, but that makes him so much more endearing than the stereotypical Prince Charming type, or reformed rascal that we might expect to see in a typical contemporary Victorian novel.

In some ways, Vanity Fair is a typical Victorian novel. There are lots of characters that can be difficult to keep track of, it is kind of soap-opera-ish, and as it covers a long period of time, it is very long, tending to drag in the middle. However, the action really picks up in the last couple hundred pages, so it is well worth it to keep reading.

Another winning quality of Vanity Fair is the narration. It is a hyperbole and parody of the typical Victorian narration. Not only is the narrator an omniscent, third-person who passes judgements, but he is a wisecracking and exaggerated one as well.

I think Thackeray also deserves a lot of credit for not making the story predictable. I honestly didn't know quite how the story would wrap up, and as it neared the end I could tell that it wasn't going the way of a Hollywood movie plot (thankfully!).

When I read the summary of Vanity Fair, I was led to believe that it was all about Becky Sharp and that it was her story alone. Although you could argue in the end, it really is all about Becky and how she manipulates people, the characters of Amelia and Dobbin are too well-developed and interesting to play second fiddle to the scheming Becky.

In summary, Vanity Fair has more depth, wit, and honesty than your typical Victorian novel, so I highly recommend it!

The Human Drama.......2007-01-18

Thackeray's "Vanity Fair" is at once a fascinating glimpse into the aristocratic Europe of the early 1800's while also serving as a masterful critique of the modern human drama. While it takes some time for the story to really pull you in, you can expect a rather enjoyable ride once it does. Thackeray does a good job of developing the characters and their personalities, and you will often find yourself thinking "I know people like this." In short, "Vanity Fair" is a 200-year-old story which, if anything, has only increased in relevance.

All's fair in love and "Vanity".......2005-02-22

Greed, gold-digging and deception sit at the heart of "Vanity Fair." It's no joke that it's subtitled "a novel without a hero" -- William Makepeace Thackeray mercilessly skewered the pretentions and flaws of the upper class all throughout it. The result is a gloriously witty social satire.

It opens with two young women departing from a ladies' academy: dull, sweet Amelia (rich) and fiery sharp-witted Rebecca (poor). Becky Sharp is a relentless social climber, and her first effort to rise "above her station" is by trying to get Amelia's brother to marry her -- an effort thwarted by Amelia's fiancee. So instead she gets married to another family's second son, Rawdon Crawley.

Unfortunately, both young couples quickly get disinherited and George is killed. But Becky is determined to live the good life she has worked and married for -- she obtains jewels and money from admiring gentlemen, disrupting her marriage. But a little thing like a tarnished reputation isn't enough to keep Becky down...

"Vanity Fair" is actually a lot more complex than that, with dozens of little subplots and complicated character relationships. Reading it a few times is necessary to really absorb all of it, since it is not just a look at the two women in the middle of the book, but at the upper (and sometimes lower) social strata of the nineteenth century.

The main flaw of the book is perhaps that it sprawls too much -- there's always a lot of stuff going on, not to mention a huge cast of characters, and Thackeray sometimes drops the ball when it comes to the supporting characters and their little plots. It takes a lot of patience to absorb all of this. However... it's worth it.

Like most nineteenth-century writers, Thackeray had a very dense, formal writing style -- but once you get used to it, his writing becomes insanely funny. Witticisms and quips litter the pages, even if you don't pick them all up at once. At first Thackeray seems incredibly cynical (Becky's little schemes almost always pay off), but taken as a social satire, it's easier to understand why he was so cynical about the society of the time.

Becky Sharp is the quintessential anti-heroine -- she's very greedy and cold, yet she's also so smart and determined that it's hard not to have a grudging liking for her. Certainly life hasn't been fair for her. Next to Becky, a goody-goody character like Amelia is pretty boring, and even the unsubtle George can't measure up to Becky.

To sum up "Vanity Fair": think a period soap opera with a heavy dose of social commentary. In other words, it doesn't get much better than this, Thackeray's masterpiece.

All's "Fair" in love and vanity.......2005-02-06

Once you get into it you'll enjoy it. .......2004-12-24

Vanity Fair is not a book for the casual reader. It will probably always be neglected in schools and will be unread by those without patience. However, if you are willing to devote yourself to reading this long novel, it is well worth it.

The main characters that the story centers around are Becky and Amelia, two girls who are polar opposites, yet their lives intertwine in fascinating ways. In many ways they are caricatures, but the book is long enough to give them complexity and in the end you have two unexpectedly interesting and multifaceted characters. Of course they are not the only characters, there are probably 500 more of various importance. Some readers may have difficulty keeping track of them all, especially when several have the same last name. However, Thackeray manages to keep focus through all the characters and it ends up that there are only about a dozen major characters, all very well developed.

The story itself is concerned mainly with the relationships and wealth of Amelia and Becky, but there are as many subplots as there are characters. Occasionally the story becomes stagnant, but there are enough stories and settings that I never became bored. The influence of the Napoleonic Wars is much stronger in Vanity Fair than in any of Austen's novels, which creates some interesting settings such as the battle of Waterloo, as battle that has a profound influence on the story. There is plenty of humor in the story as well and also Thackeray's famous societal commentary. This makes having notes in the book important, as there are references to events, places, languages, and things that a modern reader would normally not be familiar with.

This is a long book and the beginning isn't much fun to read, but it is interesting and insightful once you get into it. The setting might be over a hundred years ago, but the people in it are not outdated and their motivations and characters will seem familiar to the modern reader. Whether or not someone would like this novel comes down to if one can get past the length, archaic language, obscure references, and number of stories and characters. It certainly took me awhile and I almost stopped reading it, but I came to care for the characters enough that I began enjoying it.

Average customer rating:

Vanity
Nasty.
Not bad, not great
Vanity was spell binding.Each page brings new excitement.
Details Details Details - Give Us A Break Already!

Vanity
Jane Feather
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0553572482
Release Date: 1995-12-01

Customer Reviews:

Vanity.......2006-02-28

This book was fun with lost of passion and emotional events. I would recommend it.Jane was great and different as usual. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Nasty........2004-02-07

A dark and sinister book filled with a threatening evil -- an evil kept below the surface. Jane Feather fills the novel with intrigue and devious schemes.

The setting is the late Georgian era. A time when frenzied male hedonism rules -- live big, play big. A time ravaged with over indulgence, whether it is food, drink, gambling or a brazen sexual encounter with another man's wife. I am always uncomfortable with adulterous themes, and I'm grateful few authors travel this path. Nevertheless, I suppose, in this story, it is a necessary ingredient -- an ingredient that bonds the contract our two characters have agreed to fulfill.

Jane Feather covers the era's historical view with careful planning. The author describes the prevailing fashions, the political views, and the distinct class divisions with superb detail.

Yet, I felt a problem with the book's outline. The author insinuates a strong sexual desire between our lovers, but the reader senses it is only a clever facade. We never explore true sexual tension. The sultry cravings and lustful desires are missing. The initial seduction scene is very uncomfortable -- it is murky and bizarre -- the hero drugs the heroine and then introduces her into an eerie sexual world. Disappointingly, the reader will not find flirtatious frolic among these pages.

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

Not bad, not great.......2000-09-29

Vanity is a solid read about an adventurous girl, who at a young age shoulders the burden of taking care of herself and her incompetent but scholarly father, and the revenge-plotting, true Earl of Wyndham whose title was wrongfully taken by his evil twin brother. When Octavia fatefully picks the pocket of notorious highwayman Lord Nick/Rupert/Cullum, she is literally dragged into his world of revenge and identity issues. Nick/Rupert/Cullum drugs her one night to "initiate" her into his "dark" world and to tie her to him by basically turning her into a nymphomaniac. To support herself and father, she agrees to help Nick/Rupert/Cullum by seducing the current Earl of Wyndham, unbeknownst to her - his evil twin brother. Of course, they fall in love despite themselves.

The characters don't exactly lack chemistry but neither do they fully have any. The problem lies in that Feather fails to establish any true empathy for the characters. Also, the subplots: Rupert's scheme to get Octavia's revenge for her, Letitia's observance of Octavia's trysts with her husband, Frank the chimney boy's appearances and disappearances, and Octavia's father's pretended ignorance do not really serve their purposes within the story. The last three, in particular, have no real place within the plot.

All in all, it is a pretty fast read if you want to bother with it; although, I would recommend other books before this one.

Vanity was spell binding.Each page brings new excitement........1999-05-19

Vanity was one of Feather's best.Octavia is a loveable person that you can easily identify with. She is all passion-motivated by love and willing to do what ever she is asked by her master lover Rupert-Lord Nick or Cullum.His main goal in life is to get even with his evil brother Philip no matter what the cost even the Love of his life. The love that grows between Octavia nad Cullum is unavoidable. What will it cost them? Read this powerful romance to find out. Loved it!

Details Details Details - Give Us A Break Already!.......1998-08-04

I really enjoyed some of Jane's earlier books but this one just went on and on and on about the character's outfits! You know we only need a couple of paragraphs to get an idea of what the hero and his lady look like. By the way, can we stay away from incomplete storylines, please?

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books