Past, Present, and Personal: The Family and the Life Course in American History

Book Description

With this book, John Demos, the author of A Little Commonwealth--a landmark study of Pilgrim family life--and the award-winning Entertaining Satan, makes a major contribution to the rapidly growing literature on "family history." Covering the entire span of American history, he discusses topics such as the changing nature of fatherhood, the experience of middle age in colonial times and in the present, and the historian's role in discussions of present-day policy making. Demos sparks controversy by challenging many prevalent views, including the premise that past eras witnessed more child abuse than the present day, and the belief in the constancy of "storm and stress" as a part of adolescent development.

In clear, straightforward prose that will appeal to both the specialist and general reader, Demos explores the subtle relationship between past and present, between the historian and his subject, and between practical and theoretical concerns.

Average customer rating:
Past, Present and Personal: The Family and the Life Course in American History
John Demos
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OK9D4A

Book Description

The Messerschmitt Me 109 fighter began its career with Germany's Condor Legion in the Spanish Civil War in 1936. The aircraft served throughout World War II and some models could be seen serving in Switzerland and Czechoslovakia even after the war.

The first volume in this heavily illustrated history of the plane covers the years 1936 to 1942, when the Third Reich was at its height. Over 200 color illustrations show the camouflage and markings used on all fronts by Germany and its allies. Forty black and white photographs, most never seen before, have also been assembled for this remarkable work.

Anis El Beid is the editor of Histoire & Collections' Wingmasters magazine. André Jouineau works for Air France and has illustrated many Histoire & Collections titles.

Customer Reviews:

re-assured!.......2007-03-04

Reading some of the mixed reviews, I was a bit concerned with this purchase. I thought, for this price, I still should give it a try.

What this book brought me:

-great deal of very interesting profiles (litteraly packed with)
-very interesting explainations on the tactical markings on the planes
-Some top down views I couldn't find elsewhere
-quick history and visual explaination of the differences between the different models

As a modeler and painter, I find this book incredibly inspiring and meeting fully (and beyond) the objectives I had when I bought it. Text editing could be better but I don't mind that much.

In a word, I don't regret a second this addition to my library.

The First Bf109s to the early F's.......2006-03-21

If you are interested in different colour schemes for the early Bf109's through to the first F versions, then this is the book for you. As always, colours are subject to personal interpretation as these are invariably translated from black and white photographs - but all in all, most profiles seem to be a sensible representation.

The artwork may appear flat and does not reach levels of aviation artists like Richard J. Caruana. The perspective layout is also on the weak side, particularly the under-surfaces. The weathering effect can be annoying as it is done on a permanent layer and is repeated on every profile. There are certain elementary errors which could have been avoided, ex. E-1's should not have the undersurface cannon bulges...

All in all however, the effort is commendable and the publication is in fact a good reference source if you want to choose a scheme for your models.

Details!.......2003-03-16

If you are more interested in camouflage than the actual blue print of the aircraft, this is the book for you. The level of detail concerning insignia and variation in paint schemes makes this book fascinating. Remember, the goal of the artist was not to make super realistic lateral views. Rather, it is a chronicle on the creative camouflage applications by the Luftwaffe during WW II. I was somewhat bothered by the underneath wing cross not following the shape of the wing. Unacceptable considering all the work that went into these illustrations. No one checked for typos and word spacing problems either. Still, the two volumes of this series are the most important books of their kind. Aircraft modlers will go absolutely nuts over these books.

Osprey do it better !.......2002-08-20

For a book based exclusively on a collection of aircraft profile drawings the artwork has to 'look right'; here it simply does'nt. A vast selection of Bf109s are illustrated but they all have a curious banana shaped fuselage and heavily shaded panel lines where none exist...there are no accompanying reference details and little in the way of photos. As the intro in the original French edition stated, this work was essentially cobbled together from a variety of well known English language sources and designed for non-English speaking enthusiasts. There seems ultimately little point in offering a translated edition...the bottom line... even Osprey does this sort of thing better..!!

The Messerschmitt Me 109 : 1936 to 1942 : (From the Prototyp.......2002-06-11

The color profiles of various Me-109s ARE the book. Great for modelers, and Me-109 fans. Some French to English translation / editing flaws in the text.
The main thrust of the book is the Me-109E, its various paint schemes, maintenance markings, wing and fighter group insignia, fusilage markings, kill markings, etc. The Me-109F2 is introduced in the final chapter, with 12 profiles of said aircraft provided.
If you're looking for prewar / early war Me-109 color profiles, this book is "more bang for your buck" when compared to those in the Osprey Aircraft of the Aces Series.

Book Description

Transformed Prussia from a second-rate power into an efficient and prosperous state

Establishes Frederick William as an important king and leader who was more than just the father of Frederick the Great.
Crucial figure in the early history of Prussia.
Latest title in the best-selling Profiles in Power series.

In 1640 Frederick William, the 'Great Elector' of Brandenburg, inherited a minor territory devastated by the Thirty Years War. He would restore its fortunes, win its independence from Poland, and build a powerful, extended state, centered on Berlin, which by the 1670s was strong enough to be chief mover in the league of protestant and imperial forces against Louis XIV. At his death (1688), Brandenburg and his other lands; shortly to be re-invented as the Kingdom of Prussia; was virtually an absolute monarchy, second only to Austria in the German lands. This long-awaited biography, the first in English for 50 years, avoids the limitation of seeing Frederick William primarily as precursor of the 'Enlightened' Frederick the Great. Instead, it roots him firmly in his own time; a dynastic, protestant ruler like many another in Germany, but gifted with the toughness and opportunism to overcome the hostility of his local nobilities and of the surrounding great powers.

Derek McKay is formerly of the London School of Economics.

Customer Reviews:

Great Elector, good book.......2002-05-14

When the standard reference sources are consulted regarding Frederick William there are usually two things mentioned. He is credited with an innovative taxing system, and laying the foundation for the famed standing Prussian army. Derek McKays meticulous research includes details including the household expenditures of the Elector. In ten chapters the book gives a detail filled account of the life of Frederick William. The book provides a vast quatity of information that is not easily obtained in English elsewhere. In the first chapter there is discussion of his parents and grandparents, and other impressive family connections. The first chapters also establish the ruinous condition of the Hohenzollern family holdings at the time of Frederick William's accession. In chapters three and four his early years as Elector are covered. Chapters six through nine give a detailed account of his mature years, and a small final chapter wraps things up. Typical of this book's "stick to the facts" report style there are no reflective excursions into praise or criticism of the Elector's life. Still, Derek McKay must concede "... he was undoubtedly the greatest of the electors of Brandenburg." (pg. 223), and "... his reign set his dynasty and state on the road to their future greatness in Germany and Europe." (pg. 262)

Life of Frederick William the Great Elector of Brandenburg

Average customer rating:

Life of Frederick William the Great Elector of Brandenburg
Charles E. Maurice
Manufacturer: Olympic Marketing Corp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Average customer rating:
Law and Explanation: An Essay in the Philosophy of Science
Peter Achinstein
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKRJAA

Book Description

Brown's account of her life at the highest levels of the Black Panther party's hierarchy. More than a journey through a turbulent time in American history, this is the story of a black woman's battle to define herself.

Customer Reviews:

A Survivor.......2006-10-19

Elaine Brown went from the hood to the governor's office in her search for identity as a black woman coming of age in the 1970s and to make the black power movement - the Black Panther Party - a powerful voice in California state politics.

The autobiography is seemingly an act of catharsis as Brown bares her soul without justifying what she has done with her life. It is what it is and she keeps it real.

There will be segments that you'll be touched by, others that will repulse you and some where you question why, but it ultimately is her life story. Sexuality and violence - oftentimes at the hands of her lovers in the BPP - overshadows Brown's quest for love and acceptance, but you will find segments of her life that intertwine with snapshots from your past.

Brown takes what I consider some unnecessary swipes at Angela Davis - it is taken for granted that many in the black power movement questioned her membership in the Communist Party, USA - but she does have unapologetic portraits of people throughout her life.

If you are looking for an autobiography solely on the BPP from a party member's perspective, you may want to look for another book to read. But you will be missing one of the most powerful writings on one's life that has ever been published.

exciting, passionate, shocking, truthful............2006-05-18

While reading this book I experienced a wide range of feelings because Elaine Brown basically bared her soul when writing this book. She also has a great sense of humor. I give her the highest respect for the soul searching she did while penning her autobiography.

The book gives a clear look into the BPP and its members and the changes the party went through. I found the information of Huey P Newton, Eldrige Cleaver, and George Jackson especially eye opening and helpful-it answered some of the questions I had been seeking answers for.

The book also gives a clear look of what it was like to be a woman, a black women, in the 60s and 70s operating in a male dominated party and society as a whole

I noticed there are a lot of negative reviews on this book and wonder if the people who left them, wrote them because they really disliked how Elaine presented her story or are using the media's interpretation her legacy and the historical legacy of the BPP to fuel their comments. The story in the context of times and situation of the party and Elaine along with the political and social changes the party was trying to achieve.
Anyway I high recommend.

Reading this book changed my completely challenged my perceptions.......2005-12-24

I read this book several years ago and never before reading it or since have I been so completely affected by a book. Reading the story of this woman who elected to dedicate her life to improving the social and political conditions of her people helped me to understand the responsibility we all have to continue the struggle. The book is such an interesting and honest look at the Black Panther party. It is not always comforting, but it is very real. I would not only recommend this book, I would urge anyone who wants to really understand the trials, tribulations, successes, triumphs and ultimately, the failure of the Black Panther Party to read this book. Today!

Self and Self-Serving.......2005-09-21

Everyone has a story to tell but it should be open and objective. Elaine Brown tells us what a strong black woman she is and in the next breath it's 'oh poor me'. In the end, everyone was wrong, except her.

If you really want to read this book, bborrow it or skim through in the bookstore. Don't waste your money, enough of us already have.

Great!!!.......2005-09-01

The book came as promised and on schedule. And for anyone interested, I loved the book. Check it Out!!!

Average customer rating:

A Taste of Power: A Black Woman's Story
Elaine Brown
Manufacturer: Pantheon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LBXE8I

A Taste of Power: A Black Woman's Story. (book reviews): An article from: Social Justice

Average customer rating:

A Taste of Power: A Black Woman's Story. (book reviews): An article from: Social Justice
Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz
Manufacturer: Crime and Social Justice Associates
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Social Justice, published by Crime and Social Justice Associates on March 22, 1993. The length of the article is 4231 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: A Taste of Power: A Black Woman's Story. (book reviews)
Author: Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz
Publication: Social Justice (Refereed)
Date: March 22, 1993
Publisher: Crime and Social Justice Associates
Volume: v20 Issue: n1-2 Page: p176(10)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Average customer rating:

A Taste of Power: A Black Woman's Story
Elaine Brown
Manufacturer: Anchor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J4ESZK

Customer Reviews:

Wings and Barbed Wire.......2006-04-27

A great story about a WWII POW captured behind enemy lines. A quick read that is well worth having on your bookshelf. Written and self published, the words are unedited and straight from the man Gerald A. Duval himself. If you want to read an amazing story of courage and fortitude then get this book and you will not regret it.

John Gamble

Customer Reviews:

It's a Must-Read!.......2004-05-17

This book is a must read for anyone working in or with the field of humanitarian aid. It's a very practical, hands on guide that explores some of the real challenges aid workers in conflict zones have had to face and the creative solutions they developed. It's not a complex, academic analysis piece in any way and it serves more like a starting point for an in-depth study than THE definitive work on the subject, but it is one heck of a good starting point.

Do No Harm: How Aid Can Support Peace--or War. (book review): An article from: Ethics & International Affairs

Average customer rating:

Do No Harm: How Aid Can Support Peace--or War. (book review): An article from: Ethics & International Affairs
Ana Grier Cutter
Manufacturer: Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Ethics & International Affairs, published by Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs on April 1, 2001. The length of the article is 1137 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Do No Harm: How Aid Can Support Peace--or War. (book review)
Author: Ana Grier Cutter
Publication: Ethics & International Affairs (Refereed)
Date: April 1, 2001
Publisher: Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs
Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Page: 210(3)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

The rapid progress in research on mass-losing pulsating stars has now taken us far from its early photographic light variation study to the world of massive photometry and interferometic observations. Still some fundamental problems such as the pulsational mode and the mass-loss mechanism remain a mystery. In this volume the modern theoretical works are confronted with the latest observations and the active discussions indicate the directions of future research. Among the subjects presented in this workshop are: recent results of massive photometry; pulsation and properties of mass-losing stars; optical and infrared observations of circumstellar matter; radio and mm observations of circumstellar matter; distribution of maser sources in the Galaxy; VERA and other future projects. Thorough and up-to-date information on mass-losing stars provides invaluable references for all researchers and students who are interested in the AGB evolution, pulsation models, circumstellar matter, precision astrometry, and the Galactic structure.

New Perspectives on Stellar Pulsation and Pulsating Variable Stars: IAU Colloquium 139 (I a U Colloquium//Proceedings)

Average customer rating:

New Perspectives on Stellar Pulsation and Pulsating Variable Stars: IAU Colloquium 139 (I a U Colloquium//Proceedings)

Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Astrophysics & Space Science | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Solar System | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Star-Gazing | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Rocks & Minerals | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The study of pulsating variable stars has undergone dramatic changes in the past decade. The use of Cepheids and RR Lyrae stars as distance indicators has been extended by the increased sensitivity afforded by CCD detectors and by infrared observations. Meanwhile, other classes of pulsators, such as Mira and SX Phe variables are providing independent checks of the distance scale. Long-standing discrepancies between "pulsational" and "evolutionary" masses are finally being resolved by the new OP and OPAL opacity calculations, as is the mystery of the $\beta$ Cephei excitation mechanism. Seismology of the oscillations of the Sun, white dwarfs, Ap stars and delta Scuti stars has opened windows on internal stellar structure, while Doppler Imaging reveals an entire range of high-degree pulsations hitherto undetectable by conventional photometry or radial velocity measurements. Observations of Long Period Variables have cast a new light on the implications of mass loss for stellar evolution and the history of the interstellar medium. On other fronts, more rigorous treatments of convection and radiative diffusion are starting to bring theory and observation into closer agreement. This book, the proceedings of the International Astronomical Union's Colloquium 139 held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada in July 1992, contains over thirty comprehensive reviews as well as summaries of over 100 contributed papers, reflecting the current scope of stellar pulsation research. It is an overview of the most recent developments in the field, and a preview of some of the advances expected in the decade to come.

Nonlinear Phenomena in Stellar Variability

Average customer rating:

Nonlinear Phenomena in Stellar Variability

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Astrophysics & Space Science | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Solar System | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Star-Gazing | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Rocks & Minerals | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

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

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0792327691

Book Description

The nonlinear theory of oscillating systems has introduced new aspects to the study of variable stars. Beyond the comparison of linear periods and the estimate of stability, the appearance and disappearance of possible models can be studied in detail. While nonlinearity in stellar pulsations is not a very complicated concept, it generally requires extensive and sometimes sophisticated numerical studies. The development of appropriate computational tools has allowed us to apply the nonlinear theory to real phenomena in variable stars. The International Astronomical Union Colloquium No. 134 presents a review of the new frontiers of variable star studies; one which will encourage further development of this field.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books