Book Description
Charlie Wilson's War was a publishing sensation and a New York Times, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times bestseller. In the early 1980s, a Houston socialite turned the attention of maverick Texas congressman Charlie Wilson to the ragged band of Afghan "freedom fighters" who continued, despite overwhelming odds, to fight the Soviet invaders. Wilson, who sat on the all-powerful House Appropriations Committee, managed to procure hundreds of millions of dollars to support the mujahideen. The arms were secretly procured and distributed with the help of an out-of-favor CIA operative, Gust Avrokotos, whose working-class Greek-American background made him an anomaly among the Ivy League world of American spies. Avrakotos handpicked a staff of CIA outcasts to run his operation and, with their help, continually stretched the Agency's rules to the breaking point. Moving from the back rooms of the Capitol, to secret chambers at Langley, to arms-dealers' conventions, to the Khyber Pass, this book presents an astonishing chapter of our recent past, and the key to understanding what helped trigger the sudden collapse of the Soviet Union and ultimately led to the emergence of a brand-new foe in the form of radical Islam.
Customer Reviews:
Hopefully, the movie doesn't screw up this story.......2007-10-05
There will be three main kinds of people who won't read this book. The first are those who see no reason for military intervention anywhere, ever. The second are those who are hypersensitive to any speaking of ethnicity, race, gender, etc., within a kilometer of earshot. The third are those who don't like long books, and "Charlie Wilson's War" is certainly longer than most. All this would be too bad, because the book is a wealth of little known and critical current history, as well as a real rip-snorting adventure. The most intriguing icing on the cake is that Charlie Wilson, one of the boldest and effective national-interest congressmen of the last century, was a Democrat. He was a Democrat who pushed Republicans forward for a decade, mostly to do the right things. How many right things, of course, remains to be seen in coming decades.
Much of the book is written in colloquial style, as the author reproduces many discussions among a very wide variety of people. This sometimes comes out sounding a little coarse, but the reader should see this quickly as a writer trying to be accurate. Charlie Wilson, the man himself, also might turn many readers off. He abused his body with food and drink, mostly drink; he was a maverick to the point of almost being a loose canon; wild, he certainly was. No one, though, can deny that he was one of those rarest of politicians. Here was a man who did not stop with saying what he wanted to do, he found ways to do what needed to be done. Then he kept at it, and at it. Here was a man of his word.
This interesting story suffers only a small weakness as a narrative, and only if the reader minds. The action chapter by chapter, even section by section, does not always tell us what was happening at the same time with other people, and at other places. Rather, the author likes to keep a thread of a theme or thought and follow it to the end. This can be irritating and a little confusing if you are trying to keep things straight for any particular group of years at a time. If this does not make a problem for reader, then so much the better. A last suggestion: this book goes down especially well by audio CD, and the voice narrator does well with dialogs and accents.
A great true story.......2007-10-04
This is a truly amazing tale. Never told until now and soon a movie. Buy this book and read the true story about how a "wild" congressman and a rogue CIA agent changed history. Better by far than all those fictional adventures!
four and 1/2 stars........2007-10-01
steve coll's excellent book "ghost wars" whet my reading appetite for more on the soviet war in afghanistan. since that military action, with the unanticipated consequences it spawned for the united states, was such a catalyst for the 9/11 attacks, it seems essential for an american to get a grip on what took place there. "charlie wilson's war" is a thrilling account of that international drama. though much of the book deals with funding america's covert involvement through congressional appropriation subcommittees, and with CIA office politics, the narrative is interesting page for page throughout this long work. not once did i find it a chore to continue, or feel an urge to skip past anything. george crile brings the colorful personalities of those involved to vivid life through his clear prose. he actually makes appropriation subcommitees, and their methods of work, interesting. and his portraits of afghanistan and pakistan, and their respective political environments and key political players, is brilliantly executed. the story is told completely from the american perspective, true. you will have to seek elsewhere for a more balanced view (by this i mean one that takes into account the soviet soldiers side of things). but this book being what it is, is a fascinating read, and one you can learn much from.
Great.......2007-09-08
One of the most intriguing stories of American foreign policy making. This book was recommended to me by a staffer for a military oriented Congressional committee. He was quite emphatic in stressing that this book, better than any other, offers a great perspective on the influence Congress can have on foreign and war policy. I don't know how representative it is of the day to day activities of members of Congress, but it certainly shows how a dedicated member of Congress CAN get seriously involved in an issue.
Charlie Wilson is one of the most interesting politicians to have walked on the stage in the past 50 years. Part JFK, Nixon, LBJ, and Clinton - both good and bad parts - Wilson was a smart and dedicated defender of CIA efforts to support the mujaheden in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union. More than any supposed hardline conservative, including President Reagan, Wilson, a socially liberal Democrat from Texas, was the most agressive elected official to back the CIA in its anti-Soviet effort in Afghanistan. Wilson was also wildly able to get in the worst kinds of trouble: womanizing, drunk driving, and questionable uses of public money. I guess it goes to show that people are incredibly complex and contain a much more dynamic mix of good and bad within them. Kind of like the Incredible Hulk, but with less green.
Hard to read.......2007-08-29
Content was OK, I'm sure acurate, but about 210 pages into this 500+ page book I had to give in - I just couldn't make myself want to read it. I am only 31, so I do not know of Charlie Wilson, or the political temperature in the 80s, but this book was recommended to me so I tried, but couldn't make myself do it.
Book Description
Steve Irwin's sudden and tragic death made headline news around the world. Shock and grief followed. He was a giant and the world has lost a man of heroic proportions: the Crocodile Hunter touched and change lives everywhere. Wildlife Warrior charts Steve Irwin's amazing life - from his childhood in Victoria, Australia, through his work in the wilderness and his zoo. It follows his story into marriage and his fame on the world stage as he took every opportunity to spread the word about wildife conservation. He was a natural historian, whose passion will be remembered long after the world has paid its final respects. A percentage of the proceeds of this book will be directed to ensuring the survival of wildlife around the world.
Customer Reviews:
This book should be RATED R, not for Christians or kids.......2007-09-27
Steve Irwin was a great man. This book has language in it that could have been left out. I wish I could return the book because I couldn't read all of it and it is something that I can never share for the language. There was no warning of this so beware.
An Honest and Fair Read.......2007-08-24
While I agree the book was written in a bit of a disorganized style, and some wording in sentences made me have to re read some to get the sense of it, I am Thoroughly enjoying the read, I'm almost done with it. Its Fair, esp. the part about Steve supposedly putting his baby in danger nearly feeding him to the crocs as so many put it.. I am a huge fan of Steve and Terri, and I KNOW how much he loves his family, I NEVER was worried or shocked, as I understand him and his thinking.. he'd NEVER take a chance of any kind with his children, family, friends, co-workers. Richard wrote about all of it fairly and honestly, which I appreciated, and felt he is also a fan too with a fondness for the man. Richard is an award winning writer, so I did enjoy the book. Some nice pictures in it.
First time using Product link, its for the new book by Terri Irwin herself, titled "Steve and Me" - not sure I did it right.Steve and Me: Life with the Crocodile Hunter
Could have been a little better, but hey.......2007-07-03
This book is mainly clips based on articles/personal opinions from many 3rd hand sources, and did seem maybe just a little disorganized, but not bad at all. I would still recommend this book highly for the mere fact that you get a good look into the life and chronicles of Steve Irwin. Sadly the book also discusses what his future plans were, and how tragic it was he died before he could finish them. His death was a terrible loss to the world.
Steve Irwin, a Man Who Changed the World.......2007-02-09
A wonderful look at the life of a truly great man.
Gone but never forgotten.......2007-01-16
A wonderful account of Steve's life from someone that dearly loved the man and his work. We should never forget Steve and what he stood for and continue caring and believing in what he did.
Amazon.com
An inspirational tale that was nearly buried beneath the detritus of time (namely floods and fires), Beautiful Jim Key recalls the remarkable life of a remarkable horse at the turn of the previous century. Revered not for his speed on the track, Beautiful Jim Key was instead a cerebral celebrity who electrified fairgoers from St. Louis to Boston with apparent feats of mathematics, reading, and writing, even making change for a dollar. But as might be expected, author Mim Eichler Rivas's story is about much more than a horse from Tennessee imbued with a staggering intellect. It's also about Jim Key's equally remarkable trainer, Dr. William Key, a black man and onetime slave who narrowly survived the American Civil War, prospered against all odds, and emerged as a wealthy inventor, self-trained veterinarian, and community pillar. Dr. Key's use of kindness and patience to train Jim, rather than the de rigueur tactics of beatings and intimidation, gave way to fresh thinking about animal husbandry at a time when animals were considered virtually inanimate. And then some: "The horse and the man from Tennessee had not only helped pioneer the humane movement but had, over the past seven years, in direct and indirect ways, changed the face of popular entertainment. [Suddenly], the big-budgeted theatrical productions began adding nonhuman cast members to their shows." The author provides ample scene-setting color, especially when describing the various exhibitions Jim Key headlined, and does a reasonably good job of footnoting her various claims about Jim's mental prowess, though occasionally the reader wonders how, exactly, she decoded the horse's thought process. Her writing style is also somewhat tepid, but still, there is no doubt that Jim Key was an exceptional horse in an exceptional era guided by an exceptional man. Thanks to Rivas, Seabiscuit must now share a posthumous marquee along with Beautiful Jim Key. --Kim Hughes
Book Description
For close to a century, a majestic chapter of American history has been buried in an obscure grave in Shelbyville, Tennessee. BEAUTIFUL JIM KEY, the onetime ugly duckling of a scrub colt that became one of the most heralded and beloved heroes of his day, was famous neither for his beauty nor his speed but instead for his exceptional intelligence. Said to have an I.Q. equivalent to that of a human sixth-grader, Jim exploded on to the national scene in 1897 by demonstrating inexplicable abilities to read, write, spell, do mathematics, tell time, sort mail, cite biblical passages, and debate politics.
For the next nine years, Jim performed in nationwide expositions and world's fairs to wildly receptive crowds, smashing box-office records, overcoming hurdles of prejudice and skepticism, all the while winning rapturous praise from the press and leaders such as President McKinley, Booker T. Washington, and Alice Roosevelt Longworth.
In this breathtaking saga, Jim's astonishing journey is coupled with that of his trainer and best friend, Dr. William Key, a self-taught veterinarian, former slave, Civil War veteran, prominent African-American entrepreneur, and one of the most renowned horse whisperers of his time -- a man who shunned all force in the training of horses, instead relying on kindness and patience.
Masterful storyteller and bestselling author Mim Eichler Rivas at long last gives two cultural icons their due, not only unraveling the mystery of their disappearance but examining how, thanks to the rare and intimate relationship between horse and man that was championed by promoter and humane activist Albert R. Rogers, a dramatic shift took place in the public mind that made kindness to animals a cornerstone of modern civilization and helped launch the animal rights movement. Unveiled against the backdrop of American history, BEAUTIFUL JIM KEY is their incredible tale.
Customer Reviews:
Study of times, people, animals and goodness.......2007-09-28
This story of a good man who made a good life for himself, his family and his animals, built from circumstances that were to say the least, less than the best, is a case study in human nature.
I cannot help but contrast Dr. Key with Michael Vic. Key was a man born into slavery and from that experience, chose to treat all life with respect. He and his horse became a catalyst for the change in public sentiment that came as a result of his goodness toward animals and activity the American Humane Movement. Michael Vic who, when also given a life of plenty, choose the opposite path. It seems to be a sad commentary.
I must heartily endorse the book. It is a good story and a good read.
Altruism or Commercialism.......2007-09-03
I found this story an interesting story about race relations and progress in teaching society about kindness to animals at the turn of the 19-20th century -- after I got through the heavy emphasis on commercialsim. However, the heavy thread of commercialism that ran throughout was very off-putting to me -- probably it was a big thread in the author's source materials. She tried to present the story with the exploitation of Jim Key's talents as a key to acceptance of kindness of animals in our society as a main theme -- but I saw that as more of a side benefit of the humans' desire to become wealthy -- a "gimmick" used to further the commercialization of Jim Key. To me altruism truly exists only where the primaries are not attempting to gain anything for themselves, whether that be money, reputation, or praise. Hence this story is about commercialization, not altruism. Now it is true that Bill Key highly valued kindness to animals and that he was uncompromising about the right of Jim Key to enjoy the wealth too -- and that was a great and unusual characteristic at that time (and probably still is today) -- but it does not change the fact that commercialization seems to me to be the main theme of the story. In fact the author seems to make more points about the promoter's innovative commercializations than she does about the progress of teaching kindness to animals.
Both Beautiful!.......2007-05-07
Both Jim Key and Dr. Key were beautiful! What a lovely story...even better because it's true. Mim Rivas' research is extensive and detailed. It's good that a documentary is in the works...so that others will know the story...and perhaps read the book.
Wonderful story--but poorly told.......2007-03-18
I am a longtime horse and animal lover, as well as a person with active interests in the humane movement. I was so excited to hear about this book--especially since I live in middle Tennessee and have been to Shelbyville numerous times and had never heard of Jim Key or the humans surrounding him.
However, I finished reading the book tonight and was left feeling terribly frustrated. The book was confusingly written--at times it seemed more like a stream-of-consciousness narration than a compilation or unearthing of a historical story. The author's lack of attention to timelines made it difficult to follow--a less interested reader would probably have put it down early on. In addition, there was such obvious and annoying bias towards A.R. Rogers and his odd behavior after Dr. Key passed--the flowery adjectives used to describe him are less fit for anything resembling history but more for one of the pamphlets he'd have written! Those are just a few of the flaws of this book, sadly obscuring a wonderful and unknown history.
I'm no great author, but I do love reading and good writing. This book was a terrible disappointment. That said--it is an amazing story that other reviewers have summed up nicely, and that alone garners the 2 stars.
A book well worth every word........2007-01-29
There are those who have horses, then there are those who love and live with them. This book will truely touch the heart of those whos' horses are part of the family, and not just an object to be sold when no longer usefull. Me and my wife have aquired 12 horses who are perfectly healthy, but other people tossed away as used cars. We have seen that even though they are not as intelligent as Jim Key they do possess the ability to think and act unlike what most give credit for. This story made me cry as well as smile and just admire this magnificant horse. Its so true today we need another Jim Key as animal abuse still runs rampit in our society, but thanks to him and his influence, many, many animals are spared and saved by our human societies of today. I also found the history of William Key very fascinating, bringing your mind insync with the way those lived back then and how both the man and his horse faced the same obsticles in early american society on two differant levels. This book is sure to open ones mind not only to the feelings and wellfare of our animals, but even those feelings of our fellow human beings, no matter what race or color they may be as horses of all colors can get along in a herd, maybe we should be learning from these so called "stupid animal" as so many portray them. I have since then payed a visit to the Jim Key memorial as I needed to see for myself, to be closer in body as the book took me there already in mind. I thank the author for her hard work and research for such a book which is already affecting us once again, even to the point that Breyer has released a Jim Key model and I only hope to see this story maybe taken further into a full length movie or film, another true story which will surely equal if not surpass that of our other famous equines who have etched thier names in the making and history of our own race.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic Read.......2006-09-23
I came across this book while looking for other homeschooling books here at Amazon. Well, I ordered it and was extremely pleased! At Amazon you couldn't look through it like other books on-line so I took a chance and bought it. So glad I did. It almost brought tears to my eyes while reading it...knowing the strong, resolute faith Luther exhibited during a time when execution by the church was not an unknown practice. Truly a man of God who stood steadfast and unwavering in his beliefs and helped turn the tide against the church practices of his time. A great read and highly recommended.
Many of the major consequences of Luther's actions are not mentioned.......2006-07-20
Martin Luther was indeed a man who changed the world. When he posted the list of 95 theses on the door of a church, he started a massive movement that led to a series of revolutions in Europe. Fortunately for him, the time was ripe for such changes. First and foremost, the printing press had recently been invented. By allowing the words to be quickly and cheaply reproduced, his messages could be spread quickly. Secondly, one cannot ignore the political climate. Many members of the nobility of northern Europe were restless under the political control imposed by others in the south. Luther survived in the early years only through the protection of the powerful German princes.
Luther was also in many ways the founder of the modern German nation. By translating the bible from Latin into German, he helped develop the language and a national consciousness among the German populace. Fundamentally, Luther was a conservative, when the peasants revolted, he came down firmly on the side of the aristocracy, opposing mass movements when they were not religiously directed.
While this is a good bock for children and Luther deserves the accolades for his incredible achievements, not enough is mentioned about the significance of the political situation in Europe. Furthermore, there is no mention of the horrific religious wars that took place in Europe over the reformation and counter-reformation. Finally, there is little mention of how the newfound religious freedom allowed for the dramatic expansion of scientific exploration. Scientists such as the persecuted Galileo no longer had to fear the consequences of violating the dogma of the Catholic Church.
Great book on a great man........2006-07-04
I've read this to my children several times and they love it each time. This is a great introduction to Luther for younger readers or pre-readers.
better for older kids.......2004-12-27
Beautiful picture book highlighting the important events in Luther's life, and why the Reformation was the result. Great resource for introducing the subject to kids, but would disagree with the recommended age -- the vocabulary used and Luther's belief in the concept of grace (a person can't "earn" their way to heaven) a bit over the head of younger kids (4-6), altho they still will pick up on basic story. My experience with reading this to kids is that even those a bit older (8-10) will enjoy, and probably come away with a better grasp of the importance of Luther's life and teachings. I like that the author also touches on the fact that for all Luther's greatness, a few of his opinions (I believe much later in his life) weren't necessarily favorable -- allowing you to respect his genius without making him a "saint". Not at all "preachy" -- just a good overview of the story and Luther's beliefs. A book all Lutherans should read, but also important and interesting to those of other denominatons or just interested in history, as Luther's ideas ended up having an effect on many aspects of society (education, politics, banking, etc. -- you'll have to go beyond this book to discover why) which benefit us still today.
Excellent Resource.......2004-11-17
I cannot say enough about this work and this author. All of his children's books are beautifully illustrated and wonderful written. I'm saying this as a college guy... so it means a lot. This book is an excellent way to expose young children to Martin Luther, a true hero of the faith.
Please take a look at his other children's books... very first Christmas, Easter, Christians, etc. Also check out his fiction books such as "A Skeleton in God's Closet" and "Pontius Pilate." You can also check out his reactionary work to the da vinci code as well as his non-fiction works especially the autobiography of his father, Walter Maier, who was the first Lutheran Hour Speaker.
Blessings!!!
Book Description
"exhaustively researched" biography of Malcolm X
Customer Reviews:
Reader.......2005-05-22
This book was obviously written by someone who hates Malcolm X. He had nothing positive to say only negative. He even went so far as to make the reader feel as though everything that Malcolm ever said was a lie. He portrays Malcolm as a person who hated himself but I believe it is the writer of this book who hates Malcolm and his family.
Questionable.......2004-06-23
This book is good if only for the insight into Malcolm's childhood. Other than that, it makes too many cynical conclusions based on whatever it is the author was trying to get across-- which by the end, is still unclear. Reading the introduction one would assume that this book was poised to breathe new insight on Malcolm the political figure and man. However, what you end up getting is more of a repetitious editorial piece. The author almost insults the intelligence of the reader by constantly rehashing the possible reasoning for Malcolm's every move. At one point, he suggests that Attallah was favored by Malcolm because of her light skin (like his) the way his dark-skinned father had once favored him. Perry also volunteers the very real and most likely possibility that Malcolm took this particular daughter to different events because she was the oldest of the girls. This is just one example of how he insists on giving the reader something to ponder on Malcolm's sincerity as a Black leader, tangible or not. There are parts of this book that indeed ring true with me for what I have interperted Malcolm to be, but these instances are too few and far between. I was in no way expecting an idealized picture to be painted here, only this book offers no real balance. Beyond this wounded Malcolm he avidly portrays, what else was there? Also for the attention he gave to alleged homosexual activity, arson, etc. he mentioned Betty Shabazz sparsely as if she held no importance in Malcolm's life. I found that fact very telling. After supposedly over 400+ interviews, Perry could only gather enough to give the mother of Malcolm's six children passing mentions. I actually got more of a rounded glimpse of Malcolm the man in the biography of Betty Shabazz by Russell J. Rickford. I advise those who are thinking of reading this book first to check out the autobiography w/ Alex Haley instead, then tackle this one if you wish. Even for all its omissions and probable half truths, you'll come away from that book actually understanding something. After reading Mr. Perry's biography, you get the urge to so say, "So?! What was your point?"
Approach With Caution.......2001-07-08
You have to question what Perry wanted to achieve from this book. He seems to have missed, or overlooked, all of the important issues that Malcolm X stood for.
He takes the word of Malcolm's detractors as the gospel truth and diminishes Malcolm's teachings and beliefs by portraying them as paranoid.
Perry seems obsessed with highlighting flaws in Malcolm's personality and uses this device to side step the vital lessons which Malcolm was trying to teach - lesson's which still need to be learnt today.
By all means read this book, but do so very objectively.
Too many unsubstatiated statements.......2001-06-05
I was not too fond of this book, not because I'm a Malcolm fan, but there are too many conclusions that Perry makes with weak evidence. Such as Malcolm's father (and Malcolm himself) setting their houses on fire, Malcolm's alleged homosexual activity, Malcolm asking the Klan why they allowed Dr. King to live, etc. etc. One could see why Dr. Betty Shabazz (Malcolm's wife)told Perry to get lost!
A Telling Tale : The Life and Times of Malcom X.......2000-07-07
Bruce Perry's Malcom gives an in depth analysis of one of the most controversial public figures in modern American history. Perry describes Malcom's troubled childhood in the Midwest, from his bouts with his father infidelities and his unexpected death -ruled accidental, but not certain-- to his, light skinned, mentally ill mother who was not afraid to keep her son in line by any means necessary. Living within a dysfunctional family and having no friends, Malcom finds himself wanting to leave his lonely and slow-pace lifestyle for the exciting East Coast. Moving in with his half-sister in Boston, Malcom becomes involved in criminal activities, from petty dope slinging and "runnin' numbers", to sleeping with white women and committing burglaries. Eventually he finds himself behind bars and from there Malcom X emerges. Known as Red, Malcom becomes acquainted with an inmate, a devoted follower of the Nation of Islam, who teaches Malcom that their is an alternative for black men other than a life of crime. Malcom X is introduced to classic literature, poetry, and Islam. The religion has a powerful effect on Malcom, who embraces its ways and ultimately becomes a follower. When he is released, Malcom X quickly works his way through the ranks to head minister of the most populated and successful Black Mosque in America. According to Perry, Malcom was not only a devoted minister to his mosque, but to several others as well. His superior, the honorable Elijah Muhammad, was initially impressed with the articulate, young orator. In time Malcom X rises in the movement. He grabs all of the headlines and from the media's point of view, becomes the spokesman for the Nation of Islam. Eventually, Malcom breaks from the group and starts his own, which never gets off the ground. He was shot dead during a speech in Harlem, New York in 1965. Malcom X, though poorly educated and a product of a mentally and physically abused household, nevertheless took center stage and improved the quality of life for Black America. Bruce Perry gives the reader a personal account of one of America's enigmatic and flamboyant intellectuals of the twentieth century.
Book Description
With life-changing impact, Jesus Freaks: Martyrs and Jesus Freaks: Revolutionaries have captured the attention of Christians of all ages with their stories of Christian martyrs and revolutionaries who took a stand for Christ against the culture of their day. Through these influential books, dc Talk challenges readers to pray for the persecuted church around the world and openly stand for Jesus. The new packages highlight the differences between the two books.
Customer Reviews:
old world meets new.......2007-05-19
I bought this for my husband because other people had recommened it. He can't put it down. He's new to the Christian world, but this book pulled him in. He reads it whenever he gets a free chance, and has enjoyed learning more about amazing people and the history of his faith. A great read, especially for people looking for a deeper understanding of their faith and a challenge to make their own lives richer.
Book Description
Athlete, magician, marketing genius, millionaire- A. C. Gilbert was all of these, but he made his name by refusing to grow up. In 1913 Gilbert poured his boyish enthusiasm into a new toy. He called it the Erector Set, and the A. C. Gilbert Company sold 30 million of them. In this engaging book, award-winning journalist Bruce Watson tells the story of this amazing toy and its remarkable inventor-who, in 1918, became "The Man Who Saved Christmas" by convincing the U.S. War Resources Board not to ban wartime toy sales. Going beyond biography, Watson asks important questions about toys, boys, girls, science, and the way our perception of each has changed. The result is a quintessentially American tale of ingenuity, enthusiasm . . . and a marvelous invention that fit industrial America like a nut fits a bolt.
Customer Reviews:
A Toy Lovers' Hero.......2006-03-27
This book is being hawked to book club types who read widely if not deeply, but it seems to have missed its intended audience. The first clue is it has two subtitles. The second appears when you crack the cover. Watson seems to have reprised the successful writing style of his other books. What results is neither fish nor fowl.
The few black and white pictures will have toy collectors salivating for more. Any serious? afficianados will be put off with Watson's frequent recourse to pop psychology and his continual penchant to restate the obvious. What this book makes you want is a full scale, photo-drenched guide to the A.C. Gilbert toy company and especially erector sets.
Erector sets also have a long, speckled history, being bought at one point by Meccano, the British equivalent, and recently reissued by various companies who apparently just bought the name. As with Johnny Lighting, Aurora Models and Lionel Trains, Erector longs for some toy lover to bring back the real thing: kits that build various structures and vehicles and especially robots, not those currently in vogue with nostalgic adults (but ignored by creative kids) that only construct one rickety model.
That said, this book does a great job of recreating the possible environment of A.C. Gilbert's company and how he lived and breathed toys. As one subtitle suggests, he ought to be every toy lovers' hero for the way he saved Christmas in 1918 from a proposal that would force parents to buy war bonds rather than toys for their kids. Rather than appearing in circulating libraries and book clubs, this book needs to be redone with far more graphics and toy pics and aimed at toy collectors who would discover in A.C. Gilbert a mentor and hero.
Erectormania.......2006-02-25
Although I was born too late for the Erector set boom, I, for the most part, enjoyed this biography on toy magnate A.C. Gilbert. Part man, part boy, part inventor, part showman and all business, this gave good insight into the man behind the legendary toys. Again, I'm a little out of the loop as far as Gilbert's toys go, but I'm willing to wager that this would be much more enjoyable for somebody who grew up with Erectormania.
Required reading.......2003-09-12
This book should be required reading for industrial designers, toy designers and anyone else involved in design, marketing or production of consumer goods. This is a very important look into market forces, consumer behavior and the importance of placing the consumer first amd foremeost in your product design.
The book may be a biography, but is also a textbook for every enlightened designer and marketer. I will make this required reading for the Industrial design grad student I am mentoring.
Add to the fact that the author's style is at times hilarious, sometimes matter of fact, and the bottom of page 208 and page 209 will bring tears of joy and pride to your eyes.
Well written, entertaining and incredibly informative.
Examines how toys help avert or discharge childhood violence.......2003-02-09
A.C. Gilbert wore many hats: athlete, magician, and self-made millionaire - but he made his money by creating the Erector set toy back in 1913, making an invention which changed how boys played. The Man Who Changed How Boys And Toys Were Made isn't just a biography of an inventor; it examines how toys help avert or discharge childhood violence, how high-tech toys may serve a different purpose, and differences between how both sexes play.
Great book, well done.......2003-02-01
Bruce Watson takes the reader from AC Gilbert's childhood to his days at Paradise. He explains how this industrial legend developed and advertised his "Toys for Boys". And Mr. Watson explains the reasons why Gilbert's toys were not as popular for the 60"s child. A good read.
Book Description
Rarely has a book captured the attention of Christians of all ages as Jesus Freaks has with its stories of Christian martyrs. Jesus Freaks, Vol. II, features testimonies of revolutionaries who took a stand for Christ against the culture of their day, along with new stories of martyrs through the centuries. dc Talk again challenges readers to pray for the persecuted church around the world and openly stand for Jesus.
Customer Reviews:
True believers.......2007-01-16
Great book. My 10 year old son requested it. The stories are graphic and painful to read, but the courage and testimony of these martyrs is REAL and there are lessons for all of us, especially those of us who are Christian.
One of the Best Books I Have EVER Read.......2005-03-07
Ok. So normally I am an avid reader, but there are few nonfiction books that really grasp my interest and hold it. My sister bought this book for me as a Christmas/birthday gift and I devouered it (literally!). It has stories in it about Christians from the past 2000 years up until the present day who have been persecuted for their faith. It has really encouraged me to live the way that they do.
Fearing God Not Man.......2005-02-05
This book is so good!!! If you like bloody things you will like this book. If you like God a lot you will also love this book. If you like History than you will love this book.
GREAT.......2004-11-17
I'VE ONLY HAD THIS BOOK FOR ONE DAY AND I'M ALMOST DONE THE BOOK IS SHORT STORIES OF PEOPLE WHO STOOD BY THEIR FAITH NOT CARING WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM JUST BECAUSE PEOPLE DON'T LIKE THAT THEIR CHRISTIANS. IN ONE STORY AN OLD MAN IS GETTING READY TO BE EXECUTED AND HE SAYS"IF I'M GOING TO DIE TODAY THEN I'M HERE TO DIE FOR THE LORD. IN ANOTHER STORY ONE MAN IS BEING THROWN IN JAIL FOR SAYING HE BELIEVES IN THE LORD ANOTHER MAN SEES THIS AND CLAIMS HE'S A CHRISTIAN ALSO AND HE GETS THROWN IN JAIL BEFORE THEIR EXECUTION THEY SAY THAT THEY APOLOGIZE TO THE LORD FOR NOT DOING ENOUGH AND DOES NOT APOLOGIZE TO THEIR KING.
IN ANOTHER STORY SOME CHINESE ARE TRYING TO GET CHRISTIANITY LEGAL IN CHINA AND THEY GET BEAT THEY SHOWED THAT 200 PEOPLE IN CHINA THAT ARE CHRISTIANS GET BEAT UNTIL THEY ARE PERMANENTLY CRIPPLED AND OVER 20000 CHINESE BECOME CHRISTIANS A YEAR. THIS BOOK IS VERY MOVING AND VERY POWERFUL IF YOU ARE A JESUS FREAK YOU SHOULD BUY THIS.
Not as good.........2004-07-02
The first Jesus Freaks is so much better. I always hate doing this to my own brethren but don't read this second book.
Amazon.com's Best of 2001
In 1856, while trying to synthesize artificial quinine, 18-year-old chemistry student William Perkin instead produced a murky residue. Fifty years later, he described the event: he "was about to throw a certain residue away when I thought it might be interesting. The solution of it resulted in a strangely beautiful color." Perkin had stumbled across the world's first aniline dye, a color that became known as mauve.
"So what?" you might say. "A teenager invented a new color." As Simon Garfield admirably points out in Mauve, the color really did change the world. Before Perkin's discovery all the dyes and paints were colored by roots, leaves, insects, or, in the case of purple, mollusks. As a result, colors were inconsistent and unpredictably strong, often fading or washing out. Perkin found a dye that would always produce a uniform shade--and he pointed the way to other synthetic colors, thus revolutionizing the world of both dyemaking and fashion. Mauve became all the rage. Queen Victoria wore it to her daughter's wedding in 1858, and the highly influential Empress Eugénie decided the color matched her eyes. Soon, the streets of London erupted in what one wag called the "mauve measles."
Mauve had a much wider impact as well. By finding a commercial use for his discovery--much to the dismay of his teacher, the great August Hofmann, who believed there needed to be a separation between "pure" and "applied" science--Perkin inspired others to follow in his footsteps: "Ten years after Perkin's discovery of mauve, organic chemistry was perceived as being exciting, profitable, and of great practical use." The influx of bright young men all hoping to earn their fortunes through industrial applications of chemistry later brought significant advances in the fields of medicine, perfume, photography, and even explosives. Through it all, Garfield tells his story in clever, witty prose, turning this odd little tale into a very entertaining read. --Sunny Delaney
Book Description
In 1856 eighteen-year-old English chemist William Perkin accidentally discovered a way to mass-produce color. In a "witty, erudite, and entertaining" (Esquire) style, Simon Garfield explains how the experimental mishap that produced an odd shade of purple revolutionized fashion, as well as industrial applications of chemistry research. Occasionally honored in certain colleges and chemistry clubs, Perkin until now has been a forgotten man. 8 pages of color illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Jumpy and lacking in chemical "substance".......2006-08-19
I found this book often interesting and often confusing. People entered and exited frequently, and the insertion of some modern information about color broke the continuity of the author's message. I wished for more descriptions of the chemistry involved, what the various chemical reactions did, and how other chemists adapted Perkin's synthetic route to create new dyes. But the most descriptive information comes from Perkin's patent application, which sounds so general as to provide little useful information. So, this book gets three stars because it provided an easy summer read, but it lacked in scientific substance.
Not as good as the title promised........2004-09-21
It could have been a great book. I'm always looking for good books about chemistry and chemists so I had high hopes for this one. The story of William Perkin discovering mauve as an 18-year-old student and then starting the synthetic dye industry in Britain is inspirational for chemistry students everywhere. However, the author races through the biography of Perkin in the first half of the book, barely hinting at his family or other aspects of the young man's life and personality. The second half of the book is all jumbled together: Perkin, fashion, natural dyes, World War II, malaria, etc. The author attempts to show that many different fields were affected by the synthesis of mauve from coal tar, but he really doesn't make a clear case for any of them, and the reader is left with a pile of disjointed factoids and unrelated characters. I was disappointed. It is still worth reading, for someone interested in the chemistry of color, but don't expect to be wowed.
Okay. But I really didn't get it........2003-07-04
I really wanted to like this book. And, yes, it has a fascinating tale to tell. But there was something lacking in the writing that me entirely unable to 'get' what the writer was trying to say. It IS an interesting story about the origins of dyes, about the effect of dyes on other industries, the industrial surge of technology of the age, and so on. But I couldn't ever quite figure out what made the chemical composition about this particular mauve so unique and important, and what about it was pushing the world into the future. I'm not usually this lost when I read, so, officially, I'm blaming the author! Sorry Simon.
origins of heterocyclic chemistry.......2002-07-23
This is a fantastic accounting of a too little glorified period in the development of organic chemistry. The story will be inspiring to anyone who has an interest in chemistry and/or business. The latter because the story demonstrates the importance of recognizing and capitalizing on an unexpected invention (vs. more target-oriented discovery).
Unlike, most other popular science-related books that this is likely to be lumped with, it is enjoyably written, well researched and full of fascinating facts.
Real chemistry.......2002-04-16
This book pushed so many of my buttons -- science history, painting, Victoriania, chains of coincidence and hidden causality -- that I had to love it. Best popular science book I've read in a while.
A diferent kind of reader might have been annoyed at the depth of detail, much of it trivia. I gobbled it up, though.
Book Description
Jiang Zemin’s life and leadership sweep through almost eighty tumultuous years of Chinese history: Japanese occupation, Civil War, Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution, Tiananmen Square, and, more recently, dramatic economic growth, tensions with Taiwan, and opportunities and confrontations with America. Jiang’s story is an epic of war, deprivation, revolution, political turmoil, social convulsion, economic reform, national transformation, and international resurgence. To Robert Lawrence Kuhn, a longtime China observer, understanding the legacy of Jiang Zemin is essential for understanding the challenges of contemporary China. By examining Jiang’s life, we observe the clash between China’s traditional culture and chaotic history, and we appreciate how its changes impact the entire world.
In The Man Who Changed China, Kuhn, who was cited by the Asian Wall Street Journal for the “unprecedented access” he was given in the course of writing this book, has produced what the Journal called “probably the closest thing to an authorized biography that’s possible in Communist China.” Here a reader will find a complex and nuanced portrait of China’s senior leader, whose policies continue to exert great influence over the course of his country. Kuhn offers insight into how the Japanese occupation during Jiang’s teenage years imprinted his psyche for life, how he became a Communist, and how, decades later, he struggled to transform the Party in the face of withering criticism.
In a sense, Kuhn argues, Jiang’s early skeptics got it right: He was a transitional figure—but not in the way they had meant. With unshakable if paternalistic vision, a lifelong love of Chinese civilization, and backroom political skills that no one had anticipated, Jiang Zemin became an unexpected agent of change, effecting the transition from a traumatized society to a confident, prosperous country rapidly ascending in the new world order. Kuhn shows how Jiang led China through an amazing metamorphosis—from a fretful country destabilized by the turmoil and crackdown in Tiananmen Square into a vibrant nation that became a primary engine of global economic growth. Above all Jiang is a Chinese patriot—and it is important to appreciate what that really means. In offering this unusually intimate and comprehensive personal and political biography, Kuhn demonstrates that Jiang Zemin’s life personifies the history of contemporary China, giving invaluable insight into what China is today and will become in the future.
Customer Reviews:
Understanding China.......2007-09-20
This book is helpful in understanding China from a Chinese perspective. If Westerners will listen to its message with an open mind (vs. viewing the book in light of Western perceptions of China), it will improve understanding between East and West and could serve to reduce unnecessary tensions, which are frequently due to misunderstandings.
Thinly-Veiled Party Line.......2006-03-05
Senator Feinstein's remarks on the back of the book's cover, as to this being as close as it gets to "official biography," should be ironic warning to the reader (if the presence of a Kissinger quote didn't do it): Kuhn writes a scripted, canned biography that was allegedly fed to him by Chinese Communist Party apparatchiks.
If anyone wonders how it is Kuhn paints such a rosy portrait of the man who was enthroned as China's unelected ruler by conservative Party elders during the Tiananmen Massacre, the story behind the book proves helpful. Jiang Zemin, ever a little self-absorbed, several years back commissioned a group of capable Chinese writers to produce the official word on him and his career. The group did their job, but apparently, a little too well. They dug up enormous amounts of riveting, scandalous material. Jiang, irate as much as nervous, dismissed the group, but not before several (and possibly more, it is believed) of the group made public some of its explosive findings; some of the writings can still be found posted in Chinese online. So disturbing were the findings (including serious evidence of treason) that Jiang reportedly feared he might not find another willing and obedient Chinese writer. Enter Robert Kuhn -- reportedly Jiang felt it would be safest to find an outsider, or foreigner, to write this time, and particularly one with some kind of financial tie (Kuhn has long been a consultant to China's government). They paired Kuhn up with a Chinese researcher and fed him a script that bears little resemblance to history.
Thus the book, aside from its warm, flattering portrayal of Jiang, is marked by peculiar absences. We might ask: Where is Jiang's complicity in the Tiananmen Massacre? His role in the booming, government managed organ harvesting blackmarket trade? Or the executions (tied to the organ trade) of as many as 10,000 prisoners in a single year? What of China's becoming the world's leading jailer of journalists under Jiang Zemin? Or Jiang's inability to keep personal vendettas in check and thus launching a terribly brutal, if not expensive and irrational, persecution of the Falun Gong? Wasn't it during the Jiang Zemin era that China's environment suffered what is probably irrevocable devastation, with a staggering 15 of the world's 20 most polluted cities being in China by the time of Jiang's abdication? What of his disastrous mishandling of the 1998 floods? Or giving away of 1.3 million square kilometers of would-be Chinese land to Russia in December of 1999? So startlingly many are the silences in Kuhn's account.
I was delighted to see recently a hard-hitting rebuttal to Kuhn's fairytalesque work. It is titled "Anything for Power: The Real Story of China's Jiang Zemin" and is available online in English translation at the website of The Epoch Times newspaper (http://english.epochtimes.com/211,100,,1.html). In incredible detail it unravels Kuhn's account and articulates the history it seemingly sought to silence. It draws on inside Party sources, and appears to incorporate the findings of the initial, disbanded biography group.
Other biographies of Jiang (eg, those of Willy Lam and Bruce Gilley) similarly render Kuhn's account, though indirectly in this case, deeply suspect. That Kuhn does not take into account their work, although it was published before his piece, suggests a serious agenda; clearly his motive is not to build on the analysis, insights, and research of those who came before him as would normally be done.
Tepid and Fawning.......2005-10-17
In China, the 1990s brought sizzling economic growth, cool political stability and a steady expansion of personal freedom for urban residents. Shanghai, Beijing and other cities became modern and cosmopolitan. Peace reigned on all borders. Was it brilliant leadership that won these triumphs for China? Or was it a combination of circumstances, only mildly affected by the man in charge at the time, Jiang Zemin?
In a new biography of Jiang, Robert Lawrence Kuhn tries to credit the former Communist Party chief with a primary role in China's advances. Yet by telling Jiang's story in detail, Kuhn's book reveals Jiang to be an above-average Party official, most skilled in the art of pleasing his superiors, whose great feat was simply political survival. The title of the book is `The Man Who Changed China.' But Jiang did not change China in any significant way. He climbed into the driver's seat at a time when the steering wheel was held by others. Only after years as Communist Party chief did Jiang assume real power, and once he had it, he showed no special flair for leadership. He just kept driving on the road laid out for him by Deng Xiaoping.
How Jiang rose - from his first job fixing machines at a Shanghai ice cream company through a series of middling administrative positions to become Mayor of Shanghai and then China's Communist Party chief - certainly is a good tale. Jiang was born into an educated family in Yangzhou, north of Shanghai. His uncle was a Communist revolutionary who died in battle, giving Jiang an important credential for future leadership. Trained as an engineer, Jiang was known as a big reader with a good memory and a talent for making friends. At Jiang's first job, in the ice cream company, he was on hand when a Party official named Wang Daohan came to visit on day in September, 1949. Jiang gave a presentation and a factory tour, and impressed Wang with his energy and optimism. Wang eventually decided to take Jiang under his wing, and over the next 40 years, he nurtured Jiang's rise by winning him jobs in Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and Changchun.
Jiang was an intelligent but cautious administrator. He had no special charisma. As Kuhn reports, he was frequently underestimated. Meaning, he often came across as a lightweight. But over time he would prosper, primarily by diligent work and an ability to offend no one. He survived the Cultural Revolution and other political campaigns by keeping his head down.Kuhn's book is thorough. He recites a month-by-month summary of Jiang's years in power, often including details about the leader's taste for reciting poetry or the Gettysburg address, and singing songs. Jiang loved to perform, and to show off.
For anyone who needs a compendium of Jiang's public appearances and political acts during those years, this is an excellent guide. Readers looking for real insight into Chinese politics will be disappointed. One strength of Kuhn's book is the access he gained, interviewing Jiang's sister and several of his close aides, including Wang Daohan. They offer intriguing personal anecdotes that inevitably show what a wise and thoughtful man Jiang has been. Kuhn's book is weakest where it counts most. At Jiang's critical moments - the Tiananmen protests and crackdown in 1989 that led to his ascension, the demise of political rivals Yang Shangkun and Chen Xitong - Kuhn offers little insight or fresh information.
Most annoying is Kuhn's tendency to repeat Communist pablum as though it were anything beyond a Party line, such as Jiang's `core beliefs' in socialism and Party control, obviously a prerequisite to any government position. Kuhn, an advisor to the Chinese government as well as host of a PBS television series, sometimes writes like an American businessman freshly introduced to the vast potential of the China market: breathless, overly credulous, and looking for opportunity. Yet Kuhn's approach to Jiang's story - getting every detail - generally yields a basic accuracy to major trends and events. For instance, Kuhn describes the decision in 1992 to accelerate economic growth that led to China's broad flourishing over the following decade.
It was a decision made by Deng Xiaoping, and at first resisted by Jiang and other leaders, who feared that it would lead to inflation and social unrest. True to his nature, Jiang saw that it was in his interest to follow, and then champion, Deng's views. But it was Deng who insisted on moving faster. He was the man who truly changed China. Not Jiang.
good book.......2005-09-13
Well grounded on recent history and developments in China, this book provides a healthy balance to all the negative stereotypical repetition of the same old tired fairy tales about China out there. The author shows the world it's possible to be positive about China and be objective at the same time.
Official truth?.......2005-05-07
The author went to China compiled what gov't provided and interviewed his former teachers and friends to give readers a taste what the most powerful former leader of PRC was like. As a censored country the people he interviewed were cautious in providing politically correct ans during an interview. There is no question Jiang loved his fatherland and was loyal dearly to CCP. In the book there was no mentioning about his disastrous failure to stop corruption when there was time to do so. He is still remembered by the religious group as the instigator in curbing freedom of religion. He was not a good student at the unviersity. Many close friends and faculties were suprised he was appointed as mayor but alone as head of a state. I wonder what went through his mind when he declared his recent retirement as he could stay on forever as head of state like Mao or Deng. As China is slowly transfoming and open to outside this is a good source to understand politics, what it works and what is politically correct. Should the author take his time interviewing more people outside of China it could be a more accurate account of the past leader of China.
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