Children of the Cultural Revolution: Family Life and Political Behavior in Mao's China

Book Description

Third printing,of the original work by General Saad Shazly Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed forces during the Arab Israeli war of 1973, including three new chapters.

The Crossing Of The Suez is an inside look by the Egyptian Chief of Staff at events leading up to and including the 1973 Arab Israeli war. The book gives a day to day account of the war, the capture of the Bar Lev line, the subsequent split between the political and military leadership and the aftermath of the Israeli penetration through Egyptian lines

The new chapters are a response to the many questions and various opinions about the war and the book since its first publication 1980

Customer Reviews:

A frank look at Egypt's front in the "Ramadan War".......2007-09-26

This book answers several minor mysteries surrounding the 1973 War (for instance, why did the Egyptians stop just under the air defense umbrella? Why didn't they continue their offensive?) and also highlighted the planning and execution that went into the crossing of the Suez Canal. Far from being a desperate and unrealistic attempt to crush Israel, Shazly illustrates the thought processes that went into the war. The crossing itself was not only a realistic exercise (as the Egyptians proved) but was also an example of excellent planning and staff work. The Egyptian generals went to war with realistic goals but allowed themselves to be talked into POLITICAL objectives, with disastrous results.

This book is an excellent work, well worth the effort to find a copy. It's too bad that many of the typos of the original edition were not eliminated in the 2003 edition. But, it's good history as well as a good example of military philosophy.

The Crossing of The Suez, revised edition.......2006-11-12

General Shazly,the Egyptin cheif of staff of the combiend army,navy and air force,records his historical testemony about the era before and during Yom Kipor war 1973. His book adds a reliable personal angle to the political and millitary factors during that era.His testmony comes from a self build, well educated,highly decorated patriotic egyptin military leader. He had such a reputation that you want him to be on your side to assure winning. Reliabeilty of the factual accounts of the book are readly tested by raeding other accounts about the yom kipour war.Furthermore his (account) is the only reliable one comming from the Egyptian side.The book is very interesting, easy readable and provides maps and photo rarely or never been seen before. I only wished that the book to contain more photo about the war activities eg. aireal photos and more the role of the Egyptin paratroopers in the 1973 war. I,Realy, had enjoyed reading the book. It gets 5 stars for a 5 star general.

Pretty good despite the politics.......2006-07-11

This book does a great job covering the planning, preparation, and execution of the Egyptian crossing of the Suez and taking the Bar-Lev line. While it is probably necessary to include all of the political discussions, it seems to devolve into covering ones own backside and pointing the finger at others. Who knows if we will ever know the truth about the attack to the Sinai passes. Aside from those political sections though, the book is a good read.

I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the operations itself, or interested in the planning of an operation based on your capabilities.

Excellent Book.......2004-09-04

Out of many books I read about the Yom Kippur War, this was one of the best. It is the only book in English that I know of that was written by an Egyptian top commander, giving details about the Egyptian side of the story (having in mind that most of the other books about this war was written from the Israeli point of view). Shazly is a war hero, who fought in five wars, finally reaching Egyptian Chief of Staff during the Yom Kippur War.
The author's military career and charisma can be felt through his style of writing, which greatly simplifies complex situations. He is clear and organized. He carefully lists military hardships faced before the war and the necessary equipments and training the Egyptian army lacked. Then, he goes on explaining the political implications. He continues then listing the war details, day by day. The most amazing thing is the book is still banned in Egypt and the man was exiled from Egypt and sentenced to jail, which he actually partly served after returning. So sad to see such a war hero be humiliated instead of received with honor.

The amateur studies tactics--the professional logistics.......1998-05-18

Regardless of one's sympathies, it is easy to appreciate the brilliance of the 1973 assault on Israel's Bar Lev line--this book is as succinct as a combat unit diary in its description of the planning, preparation and execution of an operation that will be studied by military staff officers for many years to come. Amazingly, the Egyptians under General Saad El Shazly were able to pull off the feat of surprising the Israelis when the Israelis knew they were coming.

The main appeal is the precise operations briefing feel of the bulk of the book. The author falters only when he addresses the period following Egyptian deep penetration into the Sinai. It was at this point that political factors and personal agendas began to conflict with tactical objectives. When it occurred that the Egyptians might be able to achieve even greater success than their plan envisioned both the plan and Egyptian senior leadership reached their limits.

The narrative not-too subtly shifts to an extended argument explaining why it was everyone else's fault that tactical and ultimately strategic gains realized by brilliant and faithful execution of an almost faultless plan were lost. Even this portion is valuable though, providing as it does, insight into the non-military challenges facing any military planner. The General's sometimes plaintive comments about the political in-fighting that interfered with and ultimately, in his view, cost Egypt the victory ring true.

In summary, this is a book that is valuable for the professional and amateur military strategist alike. It will be treasured for its detailed description of one of history's most successful large scale special operations as well as its insight into the manifest difficulty inherent in managing the tension between military and political objectives.

Book Description

This introductory text explores the translation of geometric concepts into the language of numbers in order to define the position of a point in space (the orbit of a satellite, for example). The two-part treatment begins with discussions of the coordinates of points on a line, coordinates of points in a plane, and the coordinates of points in space. Part 2 examines geometry as an aid to calculation and the necessity and peculiarities of four-dimensional space. Written for systematic study, it features a helpful series of "road signs" in the margins, alerting students to passages requiring particular attention, and an abundance of ingenious problems—with solutions, answers, and hints—promote habits of independent work. 1967 edition.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent primer on the Cartesian and other coordinate systems.......2006-07-13

To succeed in mathematics, it is necessary to understand the different coordinate systems. The Cartesian coordinate system, where algebra and geometry are combined into a single synergistic operation, is one of the greatest of all mathematical achievements. Most students at the lower levels are exposed to the Cartesian system, but unfortunately not to the other coordinate systems.
The authors develop a full explanation of the basic Cartesian system by starting with the linear coordinate system. They then expand it out to two, three and four dimensions. The transition is easy and understandable. They also briefly cover the various forms of polar coordinates in two and three dimensions. With thorough and complete explanations of the basic coordinate systems, this book is an excellent primer on this fundamental concept of mathematics. All students should be exposed to coordinate systems other than the Cartesian, humans use the three-dimensional coordinate system more than we use the two dimensional coordinate system.

A fascinating introduction to coordinate geometry........2004-07-16

The authors of this slim volume demonstrate the power of coordinate geometry, which they describe as a means of translating geometric figures into algebraic formulas, through their lucid exposition, interesting examples, and well-chosen exercises.

The authors begin with the coordinate geometry of the real line. They discuss absolute value and define what distance means. Next the authors examine the coordinate geometry of the plane. They define distance in the plane, show how relations among the coordinates define geometric figures, and discuss different coordinate systems that can be used in the plane. Their examples illustrate how algebraic methods developed by Rene Descartes make it possible to solve geometric problems efficiently that would be quite difficult to solve using synthetic geometry. The authors then treat the coordinate geometry of three-dimensional space in a similar manner.

The second part of the book begins with a problem concerning lattice points in the plane. The authors use this example and its generalizations to justify exploring the coordinate geometry of four-dimensional space. They carefully treat the example of a four-dimensional unit hypercube, examining its properties by considering its analogues in lower dimensions: the segment [0, 1] of the real number line, the unit square in the coordinate plane, and the unit cube in space.

Since the book was initially written for a correspondence course for high school students in the Soviet Union, it is designed for self-study and accessible to students who have had high school courses in algebra and geometry. Since students in the Soviet Union were able to mail their solutions to the exercises to the authors when the authors were professors at the University of Moscow, answers to most of the exercises are not provided. The exercises are thought-provoking and some are quite challenging.

I also highly recommend that you explore the other volumes in the Gelfand School Outreach Program. They include Algebra, Functions and Graphs (Dover Books on Mathematics), and Trigonometry.

Trilinear coordinates and other methods of modern analytical geometry of two dimensions: an elementary treatise.

Average customer rating:

Trilinear coordinates and other methods of modern analytical geometry of two dimensions: an elementary treatise.
William Allen Whitworth
Manufacturer: Cornell University Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1429705175
Release Date: 1969-12-31

Product Description

This volume is produced from digital images from the Cornell University Library Historical Mathematics Monographs collection.

Parallel Coordinates: Visual Multidimensional Geometry and Its Applications

Average customer rating:

Parallel Coordinates: Visual Multidimensional Geometry and Its Applications
Alfred Inselberg
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

CAD | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Parallel coordinates has emerged as the leading methodology for multidimensional visualization. Starting from geometric foundations, this is the first systematic and rigorous exposition of the methodology's mathematical and algorithmic components on the visualization of multidimensional lines, minimum distances, planes, hyperplanes, clusters of "near" planes, proximities, multidimensional transformations, curves, surfaces, hypersurfaces, convexity, and interior-point construction algorithms. The last chapter explains in a non-technical way the methodology's application to visual and automatic data mining with principles, guidelines, strategies and algorithms illustrated in detail on real high-dimensional datasets. Key features: * Systematic presentation of topics interlaced with applications to visual and automatic data mining, collision avoidance algorithms for air traffic control, geometric modeling and computer vision, decision support, information visualization * A large collection of exercises from the basics to advanced project topics and open research questions * Companion text for courses on informational visualization, multivariate statistics, linear algebra, and optimization * Included in a CD, which is designed for interactive classroom use, are visualizations of key topics and examples, coordinated with cross-references in the text * Extensive bibliography on multivariate/multidimensional visualization techniques and excellent index. "Parallel Coordinates" is well-suited for the classroom, as a reference text, or for reference, requiring only a sound foundation in Linear Algebra.

Plotting Points And Position (Math for Fun)

Average customer rating:

Plotting Points And Position (Math for Fun)
Andrew King
Manufacturer: Copper Beech
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

Average customer rating:

The Coordinate Method
I. M.; E. G. Glagoleva; A. A. Kirillov Gelfand
Manufacturer: Gordon and Breach
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LL1CPU

Dividing the Circle: The Development of Critical Angular Measurement in Astronomy 1500-1850 (Ellis Horwood Library of Space Science and Space Techno)

Average customer rating:

Dividing the Circle: The Development of Critical Angular Measurement in Astronomy 1500-1850 (Ellis Horwood Library of Space Science and Space Techno)
Allan Chapman
Manufacturer: Ellis Horwood Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Star-Gazing | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 013217555X

Dynamics of Flexible Multibody Systems: Rigid Finite Element Method (Foundations of Engineering Mechanics)

Average customer rating:

Dynamics of Flexible Multibody Systems: Rigid Finite Element Method (Foundations of Engineering Mechanics)
Edmund
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Mechanics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Arts & Photography | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Engineering | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Science | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
ASIN: 3540323511

Book Description

A new approach is presented for modelling multi-body systems, which constitutes a substantial enhancement of the Rigid Finite Element method. The new approach is based on homogeneous transformations and joint coordinates, and it yields the advantage that equations of motion are automatically generated for systems consisting of alternate rigid and flexible links. Apart from its simple physical interpretation and easy computer implementation, the method is also valuable for educational purposes since it impressively illustrates the impact of mechanical features on the mathematical model. This novel modelling approach is then applied to systems such as offshore-cranes and telescopic rapiers.

Electronic, Atomic and Molecular Calculations: Applying the Generator Coordinate Method

Average customer rating:

Electronic, Atomic and Molecular Calculations: Applying the Generator Coordinate Method
Milan Trsic , and Alberico da Silva
Manufacturer: Elsevier Science
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Medicine | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Science | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0444527818

Book Description

The Generator Coordinate Method (GCM) is a mathematical tool for the understanding of stable atomic nuclei. Electronic, Atomic and Molecular Calculations is designed to assist scientists applying GCM in the analysis of the electronic structure of atoms and molecules. There have been numerous publications covering nuclear physics and electronic structure of atoms and molecules, but this book is unique in the sense that it specifically addresses the application of GCM for such purposes. Using this book, researchers will be able to understand and calculate the electronic structure in a novel manner.

* Only book that covers the Generator Coordinate Method and applications for atoms, molecules and nuclei
* Clearly describes how the GCM can be used as a powerful tool for design of atomic basis sets
* Reviews current literature on GCM in atomic and molecular fields and a large part of the literature of the method in nuclear physics

Evolution Equations and Lagrangian Coordinates (De Gruyter Expositions in Mathematics, 24)

Average customer rating:

Evolution Equations and Lagrangian Coordinates (De Gruyter Expositions in Mathematics, 24)
Anvarbek M. Meirmanov , V. V. Pukhnachev , and S. I. Shmarev
Manufacturer: Walter de Gruyter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

Mathematical Analysis | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Mathematical Physics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Graphing: Learning to make and use bar graphs, line graphs, pie graphs, pictographs, and coordinate grids

Average customer rating:

Graphing: Learning to make and use bar graphs, line graphs, pie graphs, pictographs, and coordinate grids
Sharon Vogt
Manufacturer: Carson-Dellosa
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006P4JLK

Average customer rating:

Unenlightening and disapointing

Tactics to be used when constanly out numbered.

Great reading Great Book

Very direct, honest account

Panzermeyer lives up to his reputation

Grenadiers: The Story Of Waffen SS General Kurt 'Panzer' Meyer (Stackpole Military History)
Kurt Meyer
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Military | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Germany | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
General | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Personal Narratives | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The 12th SS: The History of the Hitler Youth Panzer Division Volume II (Stackpole Military History)

Infantry Aces: The German Soldier in Combat in WWII (Stackpole Military History Series)

Armor Battles of the Waffen SS, 1943-45 (Stackpole Military History Series)

MICHAEL WITTMANN AND THE WAFFEN SS TIGER COMMANDERS OF THE LEIBSTANDARTE IN WWII, Vol. 1 (Stackpole Military History)

MICHAEL WITTMANN AND THE WAFFEN SS TIGER COMMANDERS OF THE LEIBSTANDARTE IN WWII, Vol. 2 (Stackpole Military History)

ASIN: 0811731979

Book Description

German General Kurt "Panzer" Meyer's autobiography is a fascinating insight into the mind of one of Germany's most highly decorated and successful soldiers of World War II. If you love small-unit actions, this is the book for you. Follow Meyer with the 1st SS-Panzer Division "Leibstandarte" and the 12th SS-Panzer Division "Hitlerjugend," from the first day of the war in Poland, through service in France, Russia, and Greece, up until his capture in Normandy in 1944 and his postwar trials and tribulations.

Customer Reviews:

Unenlightening and disapointing.......2007-08-07

Kurt Meyer was one of the most revered, controversial military figures to come out of World War 2. He was the very epitome of the Waffen-SS officer; youthful, dynamic, fearless and ruthless. He was a member of the SS from the pre-war era till his capture in 1944. His memoirs one would hope would have shed light on the reasons he joined the SS and maybe provide his version as to what really happened at the Abbey Ardenne and the Canadian prisoners. At least some attempt at explaining why a generation of men would join an organization like the Waffen-SS. "Grenadiers" provides no such explanation. It is just a short "military" memoir which does little to explain the motivations and justifications of one of the SS' most famous personalities. It is valuable as a source of the SS in combat but as a memoir it is extremely disappointing. I felt under whelmed after reading this so-called "classic." Meyer ultimately does a disservice to the "grenadiers" he seeks to vindicate. Rather than proving that he and his men were not criminals but patriotic idealists you're provided with just another war book.

Tactics to be used when constanly out numbered........2007-07-05

Kurt Meyer clearly shows how in Poland, France, Greece, Russia the familiar concept "blitzkrieg" is put to use. What was extremely eye opening was that the Germans (Kurt Meyers troops) were always outnumbered, yet with superior tactics and leadership they were able to come out on top. Kurt Meyer clearly illustrates how this was possible, through personal accounts. Furthermore, I was suprised that from the very beginning in Poland that the fighting was fierce - Greece had fierce fighting, and even from the very first month of the Russian campaign the Germans had their hands full.
As you read this book you will see that Meyer used great tactics and was very aggresive to achieve success, yet several times he wrote about how scared he was, how he cried many times at the loss of various friends - Not very Hollywood for a warrior - but very real.
The Normandy fighting is highlighted by how extensively the Germans were bombed by artillery, naval guns, four engined bombers, and attack fighters (the fighter planes according to Meyer were the most feared).

For those that beleive most if not all Waffen SS were involved with atrocities, and are annoyed that Meyer does not confess to the atrocities he comitted, should read James Bacque's Other Losses - after May 8th 1945 approximately 1,000,000 German POWs died under the care of the USA and the French - Obviously the majority of American soldiers and officers were not involved in the death of all those POWs.

Great reading Great Book.......2007-06-08

This is a great book about panzer meyer "Kurt Meyer's" nickname. Though I didn't know much about the guy prior to reading the book I do now. I was informative from his early days through his release from prison. I took a chance and it turned out very and I good couldn't put it down. The one negative thing I have to say is maps stackpole books I have read are not great. In fact the names are sometime spelled differently than on the map and that is if you can find the places on the map in the first place. Still great book though.

Very direct, honest account.......2007-04-22

Meyer was perhaps the bravest general in the German Army in WWII. That he was in the SS and that he was put on trial for war crimes means that his name will never be mentioned with Manstein or Rommel. That is unfortunate because as his memior painstakingly points out he didn't view service in the SS as any different from the regular army (maybe he was naive in that respect) and he certainly was not guilty of war crimes. Nor is he shy about criticizing German high command or the leadership of the allied troops he fought, especially the Russians and the Canadians who clearly relished being his captors later. An excellent read for any WWII buffs interested in the German point of view.

Panzermeyer lives up to his reputation.......2006-12-28

Kurt Meyer served with many of the most charismatic of the Waffen-SS to include officers like Jochen Peiper, Fritz Witt, and Max Wünsche. His reputation as an effective leader among his men is legendary and 'Grenadiers' shows just why he was so successful at command and a truly dynamic leader. His passion for soldiering clearly shows in this delivery of what is ultimately a recollection of combat command and engagement with the enemy of his time.

The book delivered in presenting the war from the viewpoint of a legendary Waffen-SS commander who fought at some of the most vicious battles during the Second World War to include the battles of Kharkov and Normandy. I did not expect an accounting of atrocities nor was I looking for that in his book. There are plenty of other books and material available from government archives that cover atrocity during the Second World War. Also, the original publishing date was fairly early and many of those who lost were still reeling as to why. Kurt Meyer is no exception.

If you are interested in the viewpoint of a Waffen-SS officer who rose through the ranks to become the youngest W-SS divisional commander, who presents the war in a very readable way, and seek a better understanding of the German perspective, then the book is an absolute must read. If you are looking for a Nürnberg apology then you will be dissappointed. Like many senior commanders Meyer fails to understand the reasons for defeat.

As a memoir, it is on par with 'Company Commander' another war memoir from the US perspective.

I recommend this book highly to those who enjoy learning more than one side of the story.

Customer Reviews:

Prophetic Thought.......2000-03-29

Cornel West's Beyond Eurocentrism and Multiculturalism is a great book for anyone who has retained a sense of hope and humanity despite the historical goings on in the world in which we live. As usual, Cornel West inspires his readers to sustain a sense of history in order to foster a feeling of hope when contemplating the past, present and future. I highly recommend this and all of West's other works for those pondering questions dealing with humanity.

Amazon.com

Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists for The New York Times and authors of China Wakes, return with an eclectic collection of reportage from Asia. Thunder from the East lacks an overarching thesis, except perhaps the claim that Asia is an incredibly important part of the world whose influence will only grow in the 21st century. (Toward the end of the book, in an amusing speculation about the year 2040, the authors wonder about "the Indian landing on Mars, the Kim's Riceburger acquisition of McDonald's, and now this basketball loss" of the Americans to the Chinese in the Olympics.) Kristof and WuDunn are a husband-and-wife team who split up their writing duties; every chapter is individually bylined, with the exception of the jointly authored final one. They refuse to offer a grand unified theory of Asia, a region, they write, that is "a bit like the weather: so diverse that it is difficult to generalize about." Instead, they paint chapter-length portraits of various Asian subjects, and often in the first person. In an opening set of remarks, Kristof describes how he and WuDunn have lived in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and Japan: "Our experience across Asia was in the form that the Chinese call qingting dian shui, meaning the way a dragonfly skits superficially about the surface of a pond."

There's nothing superficial about their reporting--it probes deep and isn't afraid to draw large lessons. Kristof, for example, discusses how China and India's historic insularity have kept those two countries from achieving all they might--cases of "imperial understretch," he calls them, in a nice phrase--and suggests the United States may be entering a similar period. Thunder from the East sparkles with this kind of analysis: provocative, debatable, and worth thinking over. Its riches aren't apparent from a cursory examination, but only through a page-by-page reading. Those who make the effort will be glad they took the time. --John J. Miller

Book Description

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists and authors of China Wakes comes this insightful and comprehensive look at Asia on the rise.

The recent economic crisis in Asia heaped devastation upon millions. Yet Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn argue that it was the best thing that could have happened to Asia. It destroyed the cronyism, protectionism, and government regulation that had been crippling Asian business for decades, and it left in its wake a vast region of resilient and determined millions poised to wrest economic, diplomatic and military power from the West. Thunder from the East is a riveting look at a complex region, a fascinating panoply of compelling characters, and a prophetic analysis from arguably the West's most informed and intelligent writers on Asia.

Download Description

From two Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times correspondents, a cutting-edge report on Asia and how its people are reshaping the world. Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn bring to their revelatory book all the authority and insight of the fourteen years they spent covering Asia. They depict a continent poised to reassume the role it ceded five hundred years ago as the "center of the world." They muster convincing evidence that China may soon overtake the United States as the world's largest economy, that India is awakening from its long hibernation, that Japan is developing future consumer technologies that will benefit millions of people. Kristof and WuDunn tell their story through vivid descriptions of the unforgettable characters they have encountered: the Cambodian girl sold by her parents to a brothel; the bankrupted Thai entrepreneur who starts life anew with a street-vending business; the Japanese veteran haunted by the mother and child he killed in war. Through lives such as these, the authors underscore the pragmatism and perseverance that drive Koreans, Filipinos, Japanese, and their fellow Asians to greater success, to the point that many workers embrace the same sweatshops that horrify Westerners.

Customer Reviews:

The Asian Dream.......2007-04-08

I read this book during a trip through Seoul and Tokyo and I found it to be a wonderful companion for my first journey through Asia. It's a penetratingly insightful, sober and a thoughtful study in what I'm now convinced will be the most important region of the world (and has been for some time).

In the past I've been skeptical of predictions of Asia's eventual dominance over the West regarding them as nothing more than the over exuberant desires of a few who for ideological reasons wish to undermine the morale of western nations. However, after reading Kritof's and DuWunn's book I've concluded that at the start of the 21st Century many of the us in the West tend to exaggerate our relative importance in the world. As the authors point out, the sheer numbers bear this out given the billions of people living in the region along with spectacularly modern places like Korea, Hong Kong and Japan which serve both as models and laboratories for free market democracy.

Given the vastness, diversity and complexity of Asia, Kristof and DuWunn do a superb job of providing an overview of the region's history, culture and economic challenges and opportunities. I have now become humbled by the potential of this dynamic region to continue to push the boundaries of human progress in the years to come.

Clear, insightful, and engaging.......2007-01-07

Thunder from the East manages to achieve its proclaimed purpose of painting a brilliant portrait of rising Asia. Full of fascinating stories and experiences, Thunder from the East is, and will remain, a fine introduction to East Asia, politically, economically, and even historically. Few books on my shelf read as smooth as this one, and even fewer have managed to capture my interest to the same degree.

Facing the Dragon.......2005-10-05

A visiting Kong University Lecturer,and Hong Kong resident, I regret not reading this book prior to the great experience my husband were enjoying at the time. In stark contrast to Hong Kong, I was awakened by a shattered Bangkok, where poverty, prostitution, religious prosperity,and child exploitation were the ground beneath the spectacular hotels,restaurants and rising commerce centers. Throughout Thialand, the "Asian Economic Crisis," found its voice in my need to know,as my perspective morphed from ignorance to a morbid compulsion to probe the necrotic culture I had so easily overlooked in the past. Because of the dangers, An anticipated trip to Miramar (formerly Burma)turned into a ponderous decision as the reality I did not want to accept was part of the collective present we were now living.
(We did not go.)

During our time in Hong Kong(2002-2003,)after the 1997 British handover, expatriots were all abuzz about the future of Hong Kong: foreign investments, the survival of capitalism, and the rule of law. Many of the British had returned to England or Australia, and it was clear that the character of Hong Kong was changing. However, the economic reforms initiated by Jian Zemin after Mao's death looked more Socialist than Communist, and Hong Kong's free market economy was a money machine. Even though the Chinese government is unpredictable, appeared unlikely that they would slaughter their fattest cash cow in the near future. Although in China nothing is impossible. The intricate, traditional, tribal and corrupt nature of the relationships between countries in this mesmerizing part of the world remains entwined, complex, and politically shaped by economic power and strength,and unwritten tribal and political covenants.

Kristof & WuDunn paint a clear picture of the impact of the Asian Economic Crisis, Asian culture and traditions, and why Westerners could never condone or agree with accepted cultural and social practices that, nonetheless, are an essential part of life to the millions of extremely poor in this multifarious land. Ignorance is bliss, but these powerful writers, in their accurate depiction of the grotesque, open our eyes to horrific realities that for centuries have genetically engineered the DNA of the world's largest population and emerging superpower.

By contrasting the educational philosophy of the East and West, the writers underscore the inborn capacity of Eastern cultures to collectively suffer,endure,and sacrifice that will keep the Eastern half of the world focused on their nationalistic goals. Few laws are broken, because punishment is swift, random, and brutal. And entire families suffer for the wrongdoings of one.
While America is narcotized by immediate gratification and self absorbtion -- and why American education, reinforced by an indulgent culture more obcessed with political correctness and building self-esteem --where the arts die, and lack of physical exercise or expresson builds up steam in restless young minds, Where there are no social or cultural boundaries, no shame, no consequences and no accountability. The disciplined East makes way for the restless Dragon who is, only now waking from his nap, and his opening eye looks toward the West.

While many will say that FACING THE DRAGON overstates what the West has chosen to ingore, or that Kristof and WuDunn are less than optimistic. Say another prayer. The voices of these extremely articulate wordsmiths could only be a tree falling in the forest. Will it's falling be heard? Who can say? But,to be sure, the Dragon is right behind the tree.

Watch [...].......2005-09-30

MY FAVOURITE! Really. If you want to know something about Asia, read it! I read about 8 books about Asia, and lots of articles in Newspapers, and this book finally made sense of all that. It really makes you understand things you might have read of before.
One outstanding feature: The authors actually traveled and lived in different parts of Asia and have experienced the realities. They've learned from farmers and tycoons and prostitutes. So everything they experienced from two perspectives: The overall perspective of an informed newspaper journalist, and the real life perspective. I could go on and on telling you how much enlightening this book was to me, but let me put it this way: I did tell all my friends to get this book and bought extra copies for many of them, and I will tell you too: read it. You'll love it.
[...]

I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed their previous one........2005-04-02

I bought this book because I have already read their previous book, "China wakes". I was delighted once again by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. I found "Thunder from the East" to be as insightful and entertaining as "China wakes". Kristof and WuDunn write the kind of books that I enjoy the most and I am already looking forward for their next book.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books