The Rescue of Captain Scott

Book Description

One of the greatest NASCAR racing teams of all time is vividly chronicled, from the day racer Ralph Moody teamed-up with John Holman to create the Holman Moody team. This stunning volume details the formation, development, and transformation of Holman Moody into a 1960s and early 70s dynasty, and looks at their turn-key racecars and stock car racing innovations. Detailed appendices list HM sponsored cars stats from Winston Cup and Grand National races.

Customer Reviews:

Very nice book.......2007-03-08

This book covers the history of Holman Moody nicely. I noticed a few errors, but the overall story and photo's are excellent. I thought I knew quite a bit about Holman Moody, but this book really opened my eyes to their accomplishments and history. I am very pleased with my purchase.

Holman & Moody.......2005-09-01

A very nice coffee table type book. Loads of information and pictures.

Holman & Moody deserve better........2004-12-28

Overall the book has nice design, photos, and production but is sorely lacking in proof reading and editing. There are numerous and repeated examples of incorrect spellings. Some examples: Ford Galaxie is incorrectly spelled in book as "Galaxy" and driver Rodger Ward's name spelled "Roger." The authors were either sloppy or the proof reading nonexistent. It makes you wonder about the accuracy of other data.

Missing Information.......2004-04-22

Although the book chronicles the lives of one of the great car building and racing teams, it leaves out an integral part of the story. The author states, " I've purposely decided to steer clear of the politics and disagreements that occurred between John (Holman) and Ralph (Moody)." The author talks about all of the people who asked him to "concentrate on the positive."

Can you imagine if every book was written this way? Although one learns alot about their relationship with Ford and the drivers, what's missing is the details of what made Holman & Moody such an intersting and dynamic combination.

For $40, one would expect the whole story.

Customer Reviews:

Broken Minds.......2005-07-29

Broken Minds is a soon to be published book. It should 'hit the streets' October 2005. Its sub title is "Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing It".
The book is about mood disorders, especially as one who has "been there", author Steve Bloem. It is co-authored by his wife Robyn Bloem. An aim of the authors is to help both the sufferer of mental illness and her/his caregivers, get out of the dark pit of depression. Stigma still surrounds depression and other forms of mental illness. The church of Jesus Christ is asked to deal with the taboo of suicide and also the pervasive pain that is inherent in maladies of the mind.
It is easy to read and chocked full of important truths for the reader. Kregel publications says it well, "A deeply personal, yet practical, book for Christians who are clinically depressed or have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Mental illness. Those words bring to mind frightening scenes of padded walls, white straightjackets, and screaming people. But mental illness is often much more subtle-and much more prevalent than we imagine. Unfortunately, people who are diagnosed as being mentally ill may not understand what is happening to them. And for Christians, some "helpful" leaders heap on guilt, saying that the problem is spiritual rather than physical in nature. This book takes Steve's personal story of major depression and weaves through it Robyn's insights and Steve's professional knowledge. The result is a tapestry of practical information- including definitions, treatment options, government services available, and interactions with the church and God-and a deep compassion for those who feel like their world is falling apart".

Amazing work on an interesting filmmaker.......2002-02-11

Maitland has written a very admirable study of one of the world's most interesting horror filmmakers. She even goes to the trouble of defending the more nonsensical moments of Arengto's films. For example, the scene in Suspiria where a murder victim stumbles across a room full of barbed wire makes no logical sense, but after you read Maitland explain how Argento works (kind of like surrealists, he uses a technique called "Automatic writing" which involves very little, if any, editing) you begin to understand that maybe Argento isn't neccesarily TRYING to make sense. At any rate she does a fine job of defending him, as well as delving into recurring themes. One of the better books on a director you will ever read.

Fascinating look at the Gialli Rancher.......2001-09-24

This is a great book. If you're a fan of Dario Argento, the Italian maestro of horror, or if you're just a fan of well-made, artistically-minded horror films, you should read this book (and should take a closer look at the films of Dario Argento).

"Broken Mirrors/Broken Minds" is out of print, but you can buy a used copy through Amazon.com (as I did) for a cheaper price. But then you must prepare yourself for a whirl-wind.

This book discusses in intimate detail the films of the great Dario Argento. The introduction gives us some context of who he is (ex-film critic, master of the beautiful and profane), where he came from (an Italian movie-making family and the tutelage of spaghetti-western-maker Sergio Leone), what he does (makes a particular style of thriller called a giallo and often draws on the broken imagery of dreams for his most effective material).

Then we're off on a film-by-film analysis of Argento's career. We study the films he's made, the choices he's made within those films, and gain an appreciation, if we don't already have one, of why this Argento is such a unique, talented film-maker.

"Broken Mirrors/Broken Minds" often reads like the film school thesis which it is. Words and phrases like "diegetic," "filmic," and the old favorite "mise-en-scene" abound. But you shouldn't let that deter you, even if you aren't of the overly critical, or analytical stock. There is a lot of fascinating stuff in this book, and you're sure to walk away from it with a bigger, more profound appreciation for the films and career of one of the greats in the horror field, Dario Argento. And if you haven't seen all of Argento's films, or if it's been a while, reading this book is a great excuse to catch up on them.

What surprised me most about this book was that it was written by a woman. I didn't realize until I turned the last page of the book and read the "about the author" section that Maitland McDonagh has two X chromosomes. I guess I assumed because of the subject matter--the deliriously violent, at times arguably woman-unfriendly world of Dario Argento's deep red "filmic" nightmares--that a man must have written the book. But what a great perspective is given from the eyes and mind of a woman writing intelligently about horror films. You must go get this book.

Excellent Book With a WEALTH of Knowledge.......2001-07-05

I have learned so much from reading this book.

I purchased it when it first came out (long ago kiddies) but since then have ordered an extra copy.

McDonagh is an excellent writer, very cerebral, very descriptive, and thorough.

She dissects each film bit by bit until you, the reader, have a COMPLETE understanding of Argento's films and the way he thinks.

This is SUCH a small price to pay for such excellent, in-depth research; it is like taking a film course for free, considering how inexpensive the book is.

Take my advice. If you love Argento (and not just because of the gore) read his films.

On the other hand, if you're the type who likes his films cause "the death scenes are cool" PULEAZE don't bother!

Excellent Argento introduction.......1999-03-03

McDonagh provides an excellent introduction to Argento's films. I found it very helpful in writing my book on the Poe cinema. Her critiques are insightul and on the mark.

Average customer rating:

From the Stringman

excellent and detailed

The mother of all string figure books!

LA BIBLE DU JEU DE FICELLE

I was fascinated by this book when I was about 13 years old.

String Figures and How to Make Them: A Study of Cat's Cradle in Many Lands
Caroline F. Jayne
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Fascinating String Figures (Master String Figures)

String Games from Around the World (Klutz)

Fun with String (Master String Figures)

String Games

Fun with String Figures

ASIN: 048620152X

Book Description

Fullest, clearest instruction on string figures from wide variety of cultures around the world: Eskimo, Navajo, Lapp, Europe, many others. Create such imaginative figures as a cat's cradle, a moving spear, a bolt of lightning, pointed stars and much more. 950 illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

From the Stringman.......2007-02-07

Considered by many String Figure people to be the "Bible" in this field. It has easy to follow instructions using what has become standard nomenclature. This book is referenced in recent writings probably more than any other. Anyone with interest in String Figures should have this book in their collection.

excellent and detailed.......2003-11-20

Once you master the language of manipulating the string--with a little patience-- you'll find the explanations easy to follow. The selection of string figures was wonderful. A strong collection --a legacy that has travelled throughout the world. Pass it along to your children.

The mother of all string figure books!.......2000-12-08

Ms. Jayne was an interesting woman in her day. She traveled about the world, gathering anthropological research as she documented string figures worldwide. This volume is the result of her work, all the more remarkable because she did this around the turn of the century.

Many figures are included here with instructions in the creation of them, as well as anecdotal information based on her interviews with the people who taught them to her. All of the classics of string figures are included here, as well as more obscure ones she gathered along the way. This is a must for serious students of string figures, not only for the wealth of information and instruction, but also for its historical value.

LA BIBLE DU JEU DE FICELLE.......1999-08-16

Il est très complet et illustré. Toute personne qui s'intéresse aux jeux de ficelle progressera beaucoup avec lui. Ce n'est pas un livre pour débutant.

I was fascinated by this book when I was about 13 years old........1998-11-30

This book is a compendium of string figures with detailed instructions on how to make them and many illustrations. It is based largely on anthropological studies of the East Indies and that part of the world, although there are sections from Native American tribes and a few figures from Europe. My parents had a copy of this book when I was growing up and I was fascinated by it from ages 11 to about 15. I recommend it highly for anybody whose interests run in this direction.

String Figures and How to Make Them. A Study of Cat's-Cradle in Many Lands.

Average customer rating:

String Figures and How to Make Them. A Study of Cat's-Cradle in Many Lands.
Caroline Furness Jayne
Manufacturer: Dover Publications Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000I31JFE

Average customer rating:

String Figures and How to Make Them: A Study of Cat's-Cradle in Many Lands
Caroline Furness Jayne
Manufacturer: Dover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NZQXUI

Average customer rating:

String Figures and How to Make Them: A study of cat's-cradle in many lands
Caroline Furness Jayne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OZ2NQ0

Book Description

Recent unforeseen terrorist events have left the US - and global - airline industry in crisis. But the industry was already in the midst of a revolution. Spearheaded by the Southwest airlines, low cost, fast turnaround airlines, flying from local airports, had begun to provide dramatic competition to the bigger, more established industry names. More than a business book, much more than a travel book, this is the compelling - and supremely topical - David and Goliath story of a modern business phenomenon and the dynamic men and women behind it. No Frills documents unparalleled events in the history of aviation travel as they unfold. How Southwest Airlines inspired UK budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair

Customer Reviews:

No Frills for the future.......2006-12-20

The No Frills sector of airlines is revolutionizing the way airlines do business. Simon Calder does an excellent job of exploring this trend in both Europe and the United States. If you are not somewhat familiar with European airlines and the difference between No Frills, flag carriers, and majors than you may want to read some other books before coming to this one. If you are somewhat knowledgeable though this is a great book to start with. Very well written and covers things in exhausting detail. The analysis is top notch and this book is essential for anyone studying the airline industry.

The complete story of no-frills travel.......2006-05-17

The past, present and future prospects of no-frills travel. The pioneers, the airlines, the successes, the failures.

The book takes you behind the scenes, where the decisions that affect the way we travel are made. It gives a comprehensive and detailed account of why and how low-cost carriers appeared on the aviation scene, of the people who visualized them and spent years in courts battling the sclerotic establishments set on crushing competition and fending off change, of the reasons why low-cost carriers have traditionally thrived in environments where conventional airlines have suffered, of why they have prospered and are going from strength to strength.

At times hilarious, "No-Frills" is a fabulous book, so packed with information that after reading it you'll be lulled into thinking you have acquired enough knowledge and experience to start your own airline and make money out of it too! The 2006 edition is fully updated to include the latest developments in an industry that's as volatile and prone to change as no other.

A Perfect Explanation.......2005-08-22

"No Frills: The Truth Behind the Low Cost Revolution in the Skies" is a guide to understand how this kind of airline works.
It's perfect to understand the structure and the way they manage to get the profits, Simon Calder has made a perfect book.

I highly recommend this book for those people who want to know how a low fare airline works.

No Frills The Truth Behind the Low-cost Revolution in the Skies by Simon Calder.......2005-08-05

The growth of low cost airlines in Europe, the USA and elsewhere in the last few years has been astounding to many observers. The carriers have profoundly changed the nature of the airline industry in the largest aviation markets in Europe and the USA. The book "No Frills" by Simon Calder is therefore very timely and informative to all the stakeholders of the aviation industry ranging from airlines, governments, the travelling public, airline management, employees, regulators, distributors of airline services and suppliers of aircraft, spares and other related services.

Millions of people are enjoying the benefits of low cost services. Large numbers of passengers are defecting from the traditional legacy carriers to these low cost airlines, not just those who traditionally travel economy class but also those who normally fly business class. This excellent book traces the low cost carriers from the early success story of South West Airlines in the USA to the highly profitable and dynamic airlines such as Ryannair, easyJet and others.

Those wishing to learn about this latest phenomenon in the airline industry are recommended to read this book. Readers will be able to understand why some of the largest legacy carriers are having it rough and why some have gone under. Those wishing to establish their own low cost airlines will benefit immensely from the experiences of the successful low cost airlines.

Something Special in the Air: No-Frills Competition .......2004-09-02

Having lived and worked in Dallas since 1976, I am among those who heavily depend upon Southwest Airlines for both business and personal airline transportation, and, who feel great respect as well as affection for its former CEO, Herb Kelleher. It was thus with special interest, indeed eagerness that I began to read Calder's book in which he carefully examines each of those European airlines which are obviously in great debt (both philosophically and operationally) to "Herb" and his unique airline. It is important to remember, however, that imitation may be the highest form of flattery but there is far more involved in approximating Southwest's success than many may assume. According to Kelleher, "You can get the same airplane. You can get the same ticket counters. You can get the same computers. But the hardest thing for a competitor to match is your culture and the spirit of your people and their focus on customer service because that isn't something you can do overnight and it isn't something you can do without a great deal of attention every day in a thousand different ways. That is why I say that our employees are our competitive protection."

That is precisely why David Neeleman and his JetBlue associates continue to commit so much of their resources to identifying, interviewing, hiring, and then training new "crewmembers," NOT "employees" nor even "associates." Long before Neeleman went to work for Southwest, he recalls a conversation with Kelleher. According to Neeleman, Kelleher said "I don't care about my shareholders." Neeleman was shocked. What did he mean? Was Kelleher really serious? "Because I just take care of my employees. I know if I take care of my employees, they'll take care of my customers, and my customers will take care of my shareholders." Presumably Michael O'Leary (then deputy chief executive of Ryanair) has comparable memories of his own conversations with Kelleher, especially during his (O'Leary's) visit in Dallas (1991). As he explained to Calder during one of several interviews, "Once we saw what Southwest was doing we thought this could be the way forward. We're imitating Southwest: selling at the lowest possible price to the maximum number of people. We've been replicating that successful formula now for the last twelve years with tremendous success." It is noteworthy that in 1991, Ryanair was (in O'Leary's own words) "hovering on the verge of bankruptcy. In Spring 1991 I thought it would be a miracle if we were still in business three months later." In 2001, Ryanair was more valuable than the biggest airline in the world.

In this volume Calder, explains how that extraordinary turnaround was accomplished. He also examines with equal rigor other airlines and their CEOs, revealing sometimes similar but often different strategies and tactics with which they compete against each other during what Calder characterizes as "the low-cost revolution in the skies" above the UK and continental Europe. All of these airlines (e.g. Ryanair, easyJet, Buzz, Go) have obviously been influenced by "the Southwest way." That said, of greatest interest and value to me is how extensively Calder takes his reader "behind the scenes, where the decisions that change the way we travel are taken, and scores are settled." The reader may conclude that "the no-frills runway is more like a school playground; but to traditional airlines, and even some train operators, the no-frills carriers represent a potentially deadly threat." It will be interesting to see which of the no-frills airlines throughout Europe and Asia prosper, which struggle, and which fail. It will also be interesting to see how the traditional airlines respond to the on-going, always volatile, and inevitably unpredictable "revolution" now in progress. Perhaps Calder will share his thoughts about all this in another book which (obviously) cannot be written for several years.

Those who enjoy this book as much as I did are urged to check out Kevin Freiberg and Jackie Freiberg's Nuts!: Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success, James Wynbrandt's Flying High: How JetBlue Founder and CEO David Neeleman Beats the Competition, Jody Hoffer Gittell's The Southwest Airlines Way: Using the Power of Relationships to Achieve High Performance, and Gordon Bethune's From Worst to First: Behind the Scenes of Continental's Remarkable Comeback.

Customer Reviews:

No, the Third Voyage is the best!.......2006-03-16

This book contains primary sources ONLY. (How do I "rate" the letters of Christopher Columbus? :-) You can read about the life and times of an historical character by the very best historians for years, but until you read what that character actually wrote about his own experiences, you're groping in the dark. Nothing compares to getting it from the horse's mouth.

These letters, beautifully translated, free of anyone's opinions, are history's nuclear core. Any gut sense YOU get from these words may well be closer to the truth than what you've read by any scholar. Occasionally you might realize that your favorite historian didn't actually finish reading some of the letters they're basing an argument on! Then you are in a position of knowing more than he/she does.

I do wonder why Penguin doesn't fix the date of Columbus's death. The editor has him dying in 1509 (not a typo since it's repeated) which is a shame. Columbus died 500 years ago this spring, and a quincentenary only happens once. It's "Goodbye, Columbus" May 20th, 2006.

FAVORITE VOYAGE: NO. 3, when he blesses the continent of South America with his tears (red with blood from exposure and illness) and warns the Monarchs that this is the Earthly Paradise and no one may enter without God's leave.

great description of Columbus voyages.......2005-11-02

This book is a great description of the events related to the exploration of the new world made by Columbus. The first two voyages are the most interesting because of the discovery of the caribbean island and the natives inhabitants living there, the arawaks and the caribs. The latter were very particular on account of its cannibalism.

In the third voyage, Columbus finally reach mainland and the fourth voyage was the toughest of all due to huge storms that lasted several days and the attacks of indian while there were repairing. At the end of the book there is an account made by Diego Mendez, a truly survivor and loyal servant of the Admiral who saved the lives of all of them while they were waiting in Jamaica, for a year.

I my opinion Columbus was a great navigator and a brave man. It is sad how the life of the Admiral ends and the poor retribution from the kings of Spain.

Columbus Resurrected.......2004-03-12

J. M. Cohen's translation of various 1st-hand or near first-hand accounts, including that of Columbus' son, Hernando Colon's LIFE OF THE ADMIRAL brings the Columbus story to life.

The Introduction, coming from a translator of literature rather than a historian, is rather uninspiring; however, he does provide a rather thorough rebuttal of the argument, made by many supporters of Bartolome de Las Casas and referred to without explanation by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto in COLUMBUS, that Hernando Colon's work is a forgery. Indeed, since it appeared long before Las Casas' HISTORY was published, the issue of forgery may go in the other direction!

The book, through early Spanish sources, looks at the rumor that Columbus relied on the map of an ailing Portuguese sailor. It makes plain Columbus' error in thinking he was near Japan (Chipangu) and his belief that he would reach Cathay! We see his rather innocent introduction to the potent tobacco plant and how the natives fed his belief that gold, pearl and spices were nearby.

Columbus is shown to be of mixed character: on the one hand, he generally seems to respect the natives he meets and makes an alliance with one chieftain against the 'cannibal' Caribs. On the other, he takes several natives captive (to have them trained in Spanish so that they can serve as translators on future voyages), gives some Carib women to his men (who raped them as in the case of the vile Michele de Cuneo) and discusses conquest and enslavement of idolators [not particularly shocking considering the long history of conflicts and mutual enslavement between the muslim moors of Spain & Northern Africa and the Christians of Spain & Portugal].

Columbus' biggest problem appears to be his tendency to leave his men (39 on the first voyage) as colonies while he explores elsewhere. Whenver he returns, the natives have either killed the colonists or were at war with them - often due to the Spaniards' greed and licentiousness. Indeed, at one point, he leaves his brother in charge and the Spaniards, being forbidden to sleep with the native women revolt and found a rebel colony where the women were supposed to be more accomodating! Columbus ultimately is forced into an accomodation with these Spaniards and eventually conquers the natives. We also see the separate voyage of Ovando to Hispaniola and the beginnings of the gold mines. Columbus, not unlike a number of his successors, suffered arrest and trial and, after his last voyage, was deprive of power and authority.

Columbus' voyages, following in the footsteps of the Henrican discoveries, would likely have eventually been made by someone but Columbus seems especially driven to exploration. It was an unfortunate fact that he was also a very poor (and often absent) governor. His actions, sometimes courageous and thoughtful, sometimes harsh and reflexive probably represent the more civilized men of his time - when the Middle Ages was just ending, slavery and religious wars continued in Spain, Portugal, North Africa and Italy, and people were still being burned at the stake for heresy.

Amazing. An in debt look at Columbus and hislifeBuDdaHlOvAh.......1998-10-29

This book was excellent. It taught me so much more about Columbus and his journey's. Being a school teacher, this book sure will help me while teaching my students. I now have much more knolege on the subject.

The Four Voyages : Being His Own Log-Book, Letters and Dispatches with Connecting Narratives.

Average customer rating:

The Four Voyages : Being His Own Log-Book, Letters and Dispatches with Connecting Narratives.
J. M. Cohen Christopher Columbus
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJ75D2

The Four Voyages of Christopher Columbus: Being His Own Log-book, Letters and Dispatches with Connecting Narrative Drawn from the Life of the Admiral by ... Colon and Other Contemporary Historians

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The Four Voyages of Christopher Columbus: Being His Own Log-book, Letters and Dispatches with Connecting Narrative Drawn from the Life of the Admiral by ... Colon and Other Contemporary Historians
John Michael Cohen , and Cristobal Colon
Manufacturer: Vintage/Ebury (A Division of Random House Group)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Amazon.com

It's about time somebody wrote a biography of Winfield Scott, and reading this fascinating account by accomplished military historian John S. D. Eisenhower, you'll wonder why nobody did it sooner. Scott's career spanned an astonishing 54 years and he spent most of it as a general. He was one of the few American heroes to emerge from the War of 1812; he launched a daring and successful invasion of Mexico in 1847; and he defended a vulnerable Washington, D.C., during the first months of the Lincoln administration in 1861. Scott was a profoundly courageous man with a flair for the organizational side of military life. Yet an unseemly amount of ambition and vanity marred his character, even as these qualities help make him an interesting subject for Eisenhower (who is, you guessed it, the son of Ike). Agent of Destiny is a skilled portrait of a man who is often overshadowed by the generation of Civil War leaders following him. Eisenhower deserves our thanks for writing this magnificent book about a vital figure.

Customer Reviews:

EXCELLENT HISTORY AND USEFUL.......2007-04-24

Agent of Destiny: The Life and Times of General Winfield Scott by John S. D. Eisenhower is, while a bit misnamed, an excellent introduction to both the history and culture of the 19th century army and General Winfield Scott.

Most Americans remember Winfield Scott as the General who made an amphibious landing on the east coast of Mexico and marched to Mexico City. Since that is about the sum of what is taught in 11th Grade American History class, that is where most reasonably well read American's knowledge of Winfield Scott stops. Reading this book is a good first step in rediscovering the man who defined the culture and professional competency of the 19th Century American Army.

While this book has some glaring weaknesses, it does introduce the casual reader to some interesting ideas and arguments.

First, the near complete destruction of the U S Army under Gen "Mad" Anthony Wayne by Shawnee Indians in the early 1790's. While I knew that the nomative War Chief of the Shawnees - believe his name was Simon Gurdy, but my memory may be off - was a white man who held a reserve commission in the British Army, I did not realize that this was one of the incidents that led to the War of 1812. The idea that as recent as the 1790's some of the Indian tribes had enough firepower and resources to crush the bulk of the U S Army in a single battle both shows the relative strength of those particular Indian tribes and the grotesque incompetence of most American military leadership of the time.

Second, America is a country that is at its best when it is a country of second chances that believes in forgiveness as much as accountability. Winfield Scott started off his military career by being courts martialed for calling a senior general a traitor. Even though this was probably a true statement, this was not an auspicious beginning. Likewise, from the book it appears as if Winfield Scott actually led his brigade into a slaughter at the battle of Lundy Lane. Yet, he retained his rank as a Brigadier General. That combined with his youth almost ensured that at some point in the future he would become the commanding general of the
U S Army. That somewhat fortuitous set of facts turned out to be pretty beneficial for the United States in not only Winfield Scott's peacetime efforts, but also in his skillful handling of the Mexican American War. Clearly, the Winfield Scott who led his brigade to slaughter in 1812 was not the one who skillfully defeated an Army in a foreign land when outnumbered three to one.

Third, there are a series of important ideas and debates that have shaped and, to a certain extant, continue to shape the U S Army. All of these debates are touched upon - although Eisenhower does not elaborate - in this book. What sort of military does America need when all of its peer competitors are so distant in terms of space and time? What is the role of conventional forces and special forces, this question first comes to light in the various Indian campaigns in Florida and Georgia. What is the proper role of "regular" forces versus "reserve" or "volunteer" forces? Perhaps the last is an important question today in Iraq. Indeed, Eisenhower's discussions of "red legged" infantry in Florida made me think about modern day Iraq where Armor and Artillery soldiers are serving in counter-insurgency missions.

Fourth, Winfield Scott was a much better peacemaker than war maker. I lost count of the number of times that Winfield Scott negotiated away potential conflict between the United Kingdom and the U S. The last was after he had retired when RADM Wilkes - famous from the U S Exploring Expedition - had initiated an international incident by seizing two British diplomats from a Confederate ship. Moreover, Winfield Scott's role in diffusing the "Nullification Crises", perhaps, shaped the nature of American history forever. If South Carolina had left the Union in the 1820s, it is possible that the Civil War might have happened three decades earlier. It is likely that without those thirty years of industrial development and the various crises in 1840s Europe to feed Northern population growth, the South just might have won that hypothetical Civil War.

None of these topics are really expanded upon. However, this is a good book for a basic introduction to Winfield Scott and 19th Century U S Army. I highly recommend it as a primer to begin to learn more.

Brilliant.......2005-09-15

I must say that Eisenhower's biography of "Old Fuss and Feathers" was truely incredible. I absolutely loved this biography so much that I read it in about 2 days. Eisenhower researched Scott very well and did a great job portraying this great American Hero. At the end of the book you really feel like you know Winfield Scott personally and you feel sorry for the fact that old age finally overtook him when his country needed him most.

Eisenhower particularly did a good job portraying Scott's relationship with his contemporaries and the politicians. He spends an entire chapter on the Scott-Andrew Jackson feud and describes it very well, quoting the exact letters sent back and forth between the two, including Jackson challenging Scott to a duel. Eisenhower deserves special congratualations for doing the Scott-Polk relationship so well. You really feel bad for Scott with how Polk and the administration treated him before, after, and especially during the Mexican War.

Scott really was an American Hero. He can easily be considered the Father of the American Army. He led the United States military for half a century(even if not officially). He achieved one of the greatest military triumphs in World History by taking Mexico City. He gave up a supply line and was outnumbered 3:1 by Santa Anna. You can't help but admire Scott and particularly dislike Polk after reading about Scott in the Mexican War.

When you think of Scott you think of primarily warrior but Eisenhower does a great job showing that Scott was also a peace maker. He travelled across the country to mediate potential crises all the time. He helped prevent war with Britain and Canada more than once and did his best to help the Indians even though the government could care less about them.

Scott is a true American Hero and Eisenhower makes this perfectly clear with his outstanding biography of this great American.

Excellent Introductory Bio about General Scott.......2005-06-16

This is an excellent introduction to one of the United State's greatest military leaders. It is not an exhaustive account but it never claims to be one. I think this book is perfect for the military history buff who wants to find out who Scott was and what his accomplishments were. The book is less than 500 pages long so Eisenhower's treatment of Scott's over 50 years of Military service is concise. However, it highlights many (if not all) of Scott's successes and failures during his tenure. The book has whetted my appetite to find out more about this illustrous man. Read Eisenhower's book on the Mexican War, "So far from God" for a more in-depth examination of General Scott's masterful campaign to capture Mexico City and force the Mexican government to capitulate to the U.S.

Not What We've Been Waiting For.......2004-04-04

"Old Fuss and Feathers", Winfield Scott, is one of the most important soldiers in American history. He was breveted a Brigadier General during the War of 1812, his shadow passes across all of the American Army's actions during the first half of the 19th Century, and before retiring he came up with "The Anaconda Plan" as a strategy to win the Civil War.

But there is no decent biography of this great historic figure. And AGENT OF DESTINY falls far short of the mark.

Sure, it is meticulously researched. In fact, it is more researched than written. Eisenhower wrote SO FAR FROM GOD about the Mexican War; AGENT OF DESTINY seems to be an expansion of that research project.

The presentation is very episodic. They read like they were all written separately, and no real cohesive thread runs through the book.

There is just no real sense of proportion. A Scott court martial is covered in little more than a page, with the juicy details buried in footnotes, and then it goes on forever with the intriguing and fueding for positions.

And a critism that applies to much modern military history -- there are way too few maps.

Fascinating Personality........2003-12-13

This man's life is very much worth knowing about. Serving 14 Presidents, 13 as a general officer, he is the person who executed the military policies and directions of his civilian superiors.

He became a military officer almost by accident. He did this at a time when the United States was a mere concept, a thought process whose liberties and freedoms were undeveloped, untested and subject to interpretation by men who were not completely sold on the United States as a unified country.

His time coincided with the concept more popularly known as Manifest Destiny and he lived to see the United States evolve from an aggregation of discordant, fractious, sovereign States to a Nation that filled a continent. He was a man that avoided more wars than he fought and when he fought them you had best get out of the way.

The military was his life, the tool through which he made his contribution to America. Because he made his contributions in our country's formative stages, he has largely been forgotten. But he once strode across the evolution of the American stage with very big boots, a set of shoes which very few military men have since been able to fill.

John Eisenhower's book is a long overdue thank you.

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AGENT Of DESTINY. The Life and Times of General Winfield Scott.
John S.D. Eisenhower
Manufacturer: Free Press,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NYF0WQ

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Agent of Destiny: The Life and Times of General Winfield Scott.

Manufacturer: 0
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IBZ8QM

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A fine approach from a foreign service officer

Communicating with the World: U. S. Public Diplomacy Overseas (Martin F. Herz Series on United States Diplomacy)
Hans N. Tuch
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0312048092

Book Description

"Communicating with the World" defines and examines public diplomacy in the context of a government's conduct of foreign affairs and identifies its rationale as an outgrowth of the worldwide communications revolution, ideological conflicts, and the interdependency of nations. The book explains the evolution of U.S. public diplomacy since World War II in terms of enabling legislation, the actions of successive directors of the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). In particular, it concentrates on the specific ways in which the U.S. government practices public diplomacy through its diplomatic missions abroad, noting the role of the ambassador and the "country team" and the importance of dialogue-- the two-way learning experience of public diplomacy.

Several chapters analyze the methods and media employed in conducting public diplomacy, such as press, publications, libraries, lectures, exhibitions, and educational and cultural exchange programs. Separate chapters discuss the uses of radio (the Voice of America) and television. The book details how public affairs officers and their staffs at U.S. diplomatic missions select the audiences for each of these approaches and identify and present specific issues in terms of specific target groups.

The author demonstrates the responsibility of public diplomats to advise Washington and its ambassadors in the field on the intercultural implications of U.S. foreign policies and actions and their effect on foreign public opinion. He offers a critique of current U.S. public diplomacy practices and four detailed case histories, drawn from his thirty-five years' experience in the Foreign Service.

Customer Reviews:

A fine approach from a foreign service officer.......2004-06-16

"Communicating with the World" is a well-organized primer on public diplomacy, authored by a veteran practitioner. The book radiates the experienced authority of a longtime foreign service officer who remains deeply committed to his mission of communicating with the publics of other countries.

Author Hans N. Tuch takes a conventional approach to the U.S. conduct of public diplomacy in this pre-information age volume, demonstrating the established thinking about this tool of statecraft. In so doing, however, the author appears to isolate public diplomacy from other forms of statecraft like covert action and political warfare. This lack of integration is symptomatic of the profession, but the gap does little to advance the field in an otherwise fine textbook.

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Communicating With the World: U.S. Public Diplomacy Overseas (Martin F. Herz Series on United States Diplomacy)
Hans N. Tuch
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OSZ0CG

Book Description

Air Pollution and Cultural Heritage contains thirty six reviewed papers divided into five sections: aerosols, particulate matter and black crust characterization; effects of air pollution on materials and monuments; techniques for the study of air pollution and monument weathering; soiling and cleaning; and cultural heritage policies. Thirty papers were delivered at the International Workshop on Air Pollution and Cultural Heritage, held in Seville, December 2003. Another six invited papers complement the content. The papers are authored by a comprehensive team of international contributors.

The role of web-based environmental information in urban planning-the environmental information system for planners [An article from: Science of the Total Environment, The]

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The role of web-based environmental information in urban planning-the environmental information system for planners [An article from: Science of the Total Environment, The]
M.G. Culshaw , C.P. Nathanail , G.J.L. Leeks , and Alker
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Science of the Total Environment, The, published by Elsevier in 2006. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
The Environmental Information System for Planners (EISP) is a proof of concept web-based system designed to support decision making within the UK planning framework by making information on environmental issues more widely accessible. It incorporates relevant outputs from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Urban Regeneration and the Environment (URGENT) research programme and from research directly commissioned by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). It supports three principal planning functions carried out by local authorities: pre-planning enquiries, development control decisions and strategic planning. Eleven environmental science themes are incorporated: Air quality, Shallow undermining, Landslide susceptibility, Groundwater protection, Flood risk, Drainage, Land contamination, Proximity to landfill, Biodiversity, Natural and Man-made heritage. Decision flow diagrams represent detailed analysis of workflow in each theme, taking account of best practice, regulatory responsibilities and planning guidance. Industry-standard web technologies integrate the flows and provide access to the system via secure web pages. Underpinning the system is an environmental geographical information system (GIS) containing up-to-date data, information and models relevant to each theme. The modular system design allows new legislation and local priorities and datasets to be easily incorporated. Web technology delivers information and research data that have hitherto been difficult for the non-specialist to access and have therefore been under-exploited. The study has demonstrated a successful application of the principles of e-Governance in an area where informed decisions commonly require specialist information. The system, if rolled out nationally, offers potential economic benefits and efficiency savings for both planners and developers.

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