Agent of Change: My Life, My Practice (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series)

Book Description

The professional memoirs (and insights) from a revered organization consultant.

In this remarkable memoir, Richard Beckhard shares a lifetime of wisdom from his forty-five year career as one of the country's foremost organization consultants. Written in a highly readable style, this book offers an insiders view of how change management has evolved in the latter half of the twentieth century. Throughout the book Beckhard weaves his life story with the lessons he learned from his role as an influential ?agent of change.? The book thoughtfully outlines his principles of practice to show how they not only shaped his career but how they can be used as a model for anyone who is grappling with the issues of organizational change.

Customer Reviews:

Not his best work.......2000-10-20

I expected Beckhard to tie his professional experiences to consulting practices and principles. Though that occured to an extent, I felt more like I was reading some sort of stream-of-conciousness narrative. The stories just seemed to ramble--no synthesis of ideas or cohesion of thought. The writing was mediocre at best.

Some points were valuable, but not worth the investment of time and money. If you don't care about how you spend your money or your time, perhaps this is the book for you.

Book Description

A true American Story about a true American victory...Never before told, spoken in the words of an American athlet(t)e who ran the race of her life to make an American Victory for all mankind...

A truly unique story with a unique message Never been told before

Inspiring story for our troubled times An All American heroine with a bright light to shine on generations to come

Customer Reviews:

So-so.......2004-04-15

It was a great story and an ok read. He story is great but there are grammatical errors all over. I find it kind of jumpy. It reads as one more story from the 80's group that didn't have a chance to get it. I wish she would have talked more about her running.

Inspiration! Inspiration! Inspiration!.......2004-01-24

'Know Where To Run' is an excellent epic, a true story, about one woman's journey for the Gold (the Olympic Marathon), whose dreams were capsized by the 1980 boycott due to Russia's invasion of Afghanistan. Ms. Petronella's captivating style is a page-turner, that illustrates the courage that she had to endure - sacrificing her dreams - in lieu of another's monumental goal, all for the good of the team (the USA). I highly recommend reading this true-to-life drama, as it can be used as an inspirational tool for women (and men!), who doubt their own ability and capabilities, and who they really are, until they will discover that through absoute sacrifice and discipline that all dreams really can come true.

Book Description

Hammer Film Productions produced Horror/Fantasy films with a unique sound. The musicians and the work they did are chronicled here in careful detail.

Customer Reviews:

Ther Definitive Hammer Music Book.......2001-08-22

In this book Mr.Larson analyses all the scores made for Hammer Studios, by composer. (Well not all but the really important ones) Excellent reading to get inside of this beautiful orchestral music.But is not neccesary to read music to understand Larson's prose.In other words You don't have to be a musician or composer to enjoy it. The most important composers get a complete chapter, as James Bernard. Randall's analysis of The Gorgon is particularly brilliant. There is even a chapter about the Hammer TV music. The only part of the book that is updated is the Discography. The new (and must have) GDI CD's are not listed. GDI didn't exist when the book was finished. If You like Hammer movies, this is a must have for a different and exciting point of view.

Book Description

From Thomas Jefferson to Lewis Mumford, from Henry David Thoreau to the hippies of the 1960s, advocates of the simple life have formed a diverse tradition in America's cultural history. Here, for the first time, David Shi presents an intriguing and comprehensive study of the many different ways in which Americans have pursued the elusive ideal of plain living and high thinking. Beginning with the colonial period and the Puritan and Quaker ethic of hard work, temperate living and spiritual devotion, Shi ends with a discussion of Jimmy Carter's and Ronald Reagan's contrasting views of what constitutes the good life. In between we encounter a compelling cast of characters, including Jonathan Edwards, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Scott and Helen Nearing. In treating the simple life both as a sentimental ideal and as a guide for individual conduct, Shi reveals the intellectual and cultural life of this country and illuminates the persistent desire of select individuals and groups to elevate American life above the material and the mundane.

Customer Reviews:

the best.......2004-09-06

On my bookself sits a number of volumes on voluntary simplicity. This one is simply one of the best. It is so good in fact that I am considering giving the other books away. In this history, the author chronicles three centuries of simplicty in America.

A candid, informative, scholarly examination.......2002-04-09

The Simple Life: Plain Living And High Thinking In American Culture by David E. Shi (President and Professor of History, Furman University) is a candid, informative, scholarly examination throughout American social history of the drive to simplify one's life and find meaning by the means of deliberately giving up excess material vanity, as embodied in the writings and lifestyles of Thomas Jefferson, Henry David Thoreau, Jimmy Carter, and others. Individual chapters discuss the simple life concept from the Puritan, Quaker, Republican, and other points of view, and the importance and value this way of thought, behavior, and culture retained even in today's increasingly fast-paced electronic world. A thoughtful book, filled with carefully assessed observations, The Simple Life is strongly recommended reading for anyone contemplating simplification of their personal lifestyles and circumstances as a means of improving the quality of their lives and themselves.

Get this book first, if you're interested in simple living........2001-06-23

This is the best book I have ever read on simple living. The writer not only knows his history, but he can write. I especially liked the chapter on Emersonian views of simple living.

Richard J. Lorenz

Average customer rating:
The Simple Life: Plain Living And High Thinking In American Culture
David E. Shi
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJTSX2

Average customer rating:
The Simple Life - Plain Living and High Thinking in American Culture
David Shi
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IOYSRY

Average customer rating:
THE SIMPLE LIFE: Plain Living and High Thinking in American Culture
David Shi
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKBYVU

Book Description

Who's That Girl? The Ultimate Madonna Trivia Book!

Just how well do you know Madonna, the most famous woman in the world? Read this fun book and find out.

What Madonna hit was featured in a television ad for The Gap?

Which Madonna sibling danced along side his sister in her Lucky Star music video?

What snack food is reportedly Madonna's favorite?

Which Madonna album is her biggest seller?

From Material Girl to Mother of Two, Who's That Girl? The Ultimate Madonna Trivia Book explores the fascinating life of the world's most outspoken, controversial and celebrated superstar. Written with respect and admiration by best-selling author and pop culture expert Michael-Dante Craig, it is the ultimate trivia book for Madonna's legion of fans around the globe.

Who's That Girl? The Ultimate Madonna Trivia Book is the perfect book for all True Blue Madonna fans.

Customer Reviews:

Things you never knew..........2007-01-21

Obviously for devout Madonna fans, this book is fun to read and even surprising (or not, given M's personality)...

After reading this, you'll NEVER wonder "Who's That Girl?".......2002-08-04

Who's That Girl? If you don't have a clue, buy this book and you'll never wonder again! Michael D. Craig knows his stuff, and the facts in this book are top-notch. Whether you're a casual Madonna fan or a rabid completist (like myself), you will gain boat loads of knowledge about the Queen of Pop, and you will NOT be dissapointed. You have my personal guaruntee! And I have to plug Michael's other book of 80's trivia: The Totally Awesome 80s TV Trivia Book. Another GREAT book full of GREAT info!

MadonnaRama!.......2002-02-12

Being an ardent fan of Madonna, I had to purchase this book. I'm not disappointed. It's a fun book full of facts that any and all die hard Madonna fans SHOULD know. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves and respects Madonna. Buy this book along with Matthew Rettenmund's ENCYCLOPEDIA MADONNICA and you will know truly everything there is to know about Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone.

Average customer rating:

A Well-Needed Addition to Any Business Bookshelf

Very Helpful

EVERY EMPLOYED PERSON NEEDS THIS BOOK

A "must have" for understanding micromanagement!

Now heading in the right direction

My Way or the Highway: The Micromanagement Survival Guide
Harry Chambers
Manufacturer: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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Finding, Hiring, and Keeping Peak Performers: Every Manager's Guide

ASIN: 1576752968

Book Description

Most people think that micromanagement occurs only in management-employee relationships, but the truth is that it happens everywhere: employees micromanage managers, customers micromanaging vendors, board members micromanaging company leaders, parents micromanage children, governments micromanage citizens, peers micromanage one another, and more. With shoot-from-the-hip style and plenty of real-world examples, My Way or the Highway illustrates how micromanagement interferes with performance and productivity, resulting in huge costs - hidden, direct, and indirect - to individuals and organizations. In highly practical terms, management expert Harry Chambers explains the art of dealing with micromanagers at a personal level and how to introduce the more system-wide changes needed for productive environments. Readers learn valuable strategies for lessening the impact of micromanagers, as well as how to identify and correct their own managerial behaviors.

Customer Reviews:

A Well-Needed Addition to Any Business Bookshelf.......2007-03-30

Micromanagement occurs in all directions, insists Harry Chambers, from employees to managers to boards of directors, customers, suppliers, vendors, peers and even personal relationships. The author identifies specific behaviors that comprise micromanagement, such as dominance and control over time and how tasks are carried out; imposition of the will by the raw use of power or authority; excessive, unnecessary requirements for approval of tasks or decisions; intense monitoring; a refusal to delegate and/or accept collaboration; and excessive, unnecessary and redundant reporting requirements. Chambers then offers strategies for dealing with the problem in others, reducing the tendency in ourselves and managing micromanagers. A well-needed addition to any business bookshelf.

Very Helpful.......2007-03-17

This book helped me to learn that one can't try to change their boss, but they can change their own communication style to enable the boss to feel more secure.

EVERY EMPLOYED PERSON NEEDS THIS BOOK.......2005-01-12

Having spent twenty-three years in senior management positions, I know that every employed person needs this book. Those who micromanage others will learn how damaging their supervisory straightjacket is to morale and productivity. Those who report to micromanagers will learn tactful strategies for changing their employer's habits and expectations.

Harry Chambers writes with clarity and humor. Frequently, he illustrates his points with case studies, survey reports and real-life incidents.

During my career, I endured several micromanagers, with some of them bordering on micromania. Too bad this book wasn't available then. I would have been better equipped to respond to their annoying, intrusive styles.

I recommend My Way or The Highway enthusiastically. As the subtitle promises, this book serves as The Micromanagement Survival Guide.

A "must have" for understanding micromanagement!.......2004-12-23

I applaud Harry Chambers on his newest book "My Way or the Highway: The Micromanagement Survival Guide". He continues to focus on relationships which effect us both in our professional and personal lives. I have added this new book to my resource library and suggest that those interested in sharpening their skills in dealing with difficult people do the same. Five stars to Mr. Chambers and thank you, once again, for your insight!
Robert Stander

Now heading in the right direction.......2004-11-20

I just began a new career in teaching after being in the corporate environment for 15 years and this book has arrived just in time. Everyone wants to be my "mentor", "guide", "boss"...this includes my parents. With the steps clearly outlined in this book, I have made informed decisions about how to keep everyone happy, especially myself. If you are starting a new career or want to make your current one better, I recommend this book.

Harry Chambers Interviewed by Randy Gilbert on
<i>The Inside Success Show</i> : Harry Chambers talks about how to survive working for a micromanager

Average customer rating:

Harry Chambers Interviewed by Randy Gilbert on The Inside Success Show : Harry Chambers talks about how to survive working for a micromanager
Harry Chambers , and Randy Gilbert
Manufacturer: The Inside Success Show Interviews
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The topic for this interview is "managing the micromanager" which is the better and more proactive alternative to quitting and finding a new job.

My next special guest tells us that four out of five workers experience working for an overbearing manager and the best solution is neither to try and 'fix' the manager, nor to run, but to take personal responsibility and apply the highly effective strategies of defusing disruptive behaviors and satisfying the real agenda.

If you want to have less stress, more productivity, and better relationships at work, then I highly recommend you give your attention to this fascinating expert.

Amazon.com

Given the recent publication of two management books about Queen Elizabeth I, it seems wise to wonder why a 16th century monarch has become the "It girl" for 21st century leaders. The answer is found in consultants Shaun O'L. Higgins and Pamela Gilberd's incisive and entertaining Leadership Secrets of Elizabeth I. The authors have created vivid vignettes from Good Queen Bess's remarkable 45-year reign and translated her leadership challenges into contemporary business settings. They describe the mission they accomplish: "applying Elizabethan practices--'Bess' practices--that can help you establish the 'best practices' for your organization." Still, their portrait of Elizabeth is so compelling on its own terms, it is clearly not a book solely for business leaders or women.

The authors deftly review Elizabeth's resume: divorcing her dysfunctional family, establishing the Church of England, restoring the value of English coinage, laying the foundation of the British Empire, and sponsoring the Shakespeare-driven golden age of English literature. Then, they offer powerful, non-gimmicky analysis of "Elizabethan" leadership practices that fueled her rise to power, consolidated her position as a woman leading an all-male government, and sent her competitors packing. One instructive chapter explores Elizabeth as the first spin doctor--a pioneer in the public relations technique of branding; another offers a practical analysis of her famously slow decision-making.

In contrast to Alan Axelrod's Elizabeth I, CEO, a book that underlines business strategies drawn from Elizabeth's tenure, O'L. Higgins and Gilberd also interviewed 100 female executives and experts, including retired Brigadier General Karen Rankin and University of California Management Professor Judith Rosener, who describe Elizabethan-style examples and insights from their own organizations. In some cases, these leaders offer provocative parallels. Yet at times, their comments pale in comparison to the brilliant model of leadership that Elizabeth established in the age that bears her name. --Barbara Mackoff

Book Description

Move over Shakespeare, the Virgin Queen has something to say about leadership…

In her forty-five year rule, Elizabeth I presided over one of the most dynamic political and cultural transitions in the history of the world. Her remarkable achievements stemmed from unsurpassed leadership ability, clear vision and a passionate belief in her nation and its people. As ruler, strategist, warrior, and woman, she was unmatched.

So, what can today's enterprising women and men of industry learn from Elizabeth I?

For starters, how to remake a business: When she ascended the throne, England was impoverished, weak and demoralized. With Elizabeth at the helm, it was a thriving nation with a sense of direction and destiny. And, how to improve one's brand: She raised England's standing in the international community, defying Spain and frustrating Philip's attempts to take over England and France. Or even, how to establish a well-rounded organization: Elizabeth I encouraged the culture that produced England's Golden Age of literature, theatre and music. You'll even read about Queen Bess on team building: She surrounded herself with brilliant, loyal counselors who respected her authority and feared her wrath. And, not to mention—how to dress for success, don a queen-like attitude, and remain confident and in-charge in the face of constant peril.

Leadership Secrets of Elizabeth I introduces a new generation of readers to her wisdom, style, and legendary intellect. With amusing bits of history straight from the Queen's court, Shaun O'L. Higgins and Pamela Gilberd reveal the qualities that make Her Majesty a timeless role model. Rife with wit and wisdom, this book also offers insight from contemporary women who have followed in her footsteps, from Kim Campbell, Canada's First Woman Prime Minister; to Patricia Ireland, President of the National Organization for Women; and Carol Stephenson, CEO of Lucent Technology in Canada.

Provocative and practical, Elizabeth I will fascinate and entertain managers, history buffs, and anyone who hopes to emulate the power and dynamism of the captivating Virgin Queen.

Customer Reviews:

Glorious Gloriana.......2000-11-13

The authors assert that much of substantial value about effective leadership can be learned from Gloriana who ruled the nascent English Empire for almost 45 years. I agree. Her greatest accomplishments include:

ý The establishment of the Church of England (in 1559)

ý Re-establishment of the authority of the British crown at a time when other monarchies were deteriorating

ý Re-establishment of English coinage after the nation's near (and total) bankruptcy

ý Support of exploratory voyages (by Drake and Raleigh) in the New World to lay what eventually became the foundation of the British Empire

ý Support of the cultural arts during what is now regarded as England's "Golden Age" (ie the Elizabethan Age) of literature, theater, and music

ý Survival of all manner of foreign threats (eg invasion by the Spanish armada in 1588) as well as domestic conspiracies (e.g. numerous assassination attempts)

These and other accomplishments are explained by her intelligence, commitment, tenacity, charisma, style,grace, and charm. Also by her almost ferocious determination. Also by what the authors characterize as her brilliant use of "pragmatic delays." It is also worth noting that she led an all-male government with an androgynous style designed to transcend gende rissues. Moreover, throughout her reign, she sustained direct and frequent contact with her subjects at all social levels throughout the realm. Perhaps no other monarch in history was loved more.

The authors organize their material within 12 chapters whose subjects are indeed relevant to the our own business world: Leadership, Managing Finances, the Art of Spin, Team Building, Vision-Mission-Commitment, Decision-Making, Vast Intellect, Style, Gender Politics, Competitive Intelligence, Her Greatest Triumph, and Succession and Legacy. The authors include within their narrative comments by women in our contemporary business world, comments which reveal and illuminate the relevance of Elizabeth I's leadership strategies and tactics to what all executives today (not only CEOs and dcertainly not only women) now need to be effective. If you have seen the recent films Shakespeare in Love and/or Elizabeth, you can already envision this remarkable woman. Higgins and Gilberd create for her a much broader and deeper context with which to understand her greatest strengths and most admirable virtues. If and when I am ever permitted to have a "fantasy dinner", Elizabeth I would certainly be among those included, perhaps joined by Julius Caesar, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Katherine Graham, and Jack Welch.

Average customer rating:
Leadership Secrets of Elizabeth I: Successful Strategies in the Face of Adversity
Shaun O'L Higgins , and Pamela Gilberd
Manufacturer: Diane Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0756784824

Average customer rating:

A good purchase

History of the World Text

Roberts' great triumph

Best of the West...

A good read for western-orientated history buffs

The New Penguin History of the World: Fourth Edition
J. M. Roberts
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0141007230
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Book Description

From humanityÂ's origins on the African Savannah to the state of the world after September 11, 2001, The New Penguin History of the World offers a magisterial sweep through time and history. Completely updated and revised by preeminent historian J. M. Roberts, this volume features ninety up-to-date maps, new sections, and extremely well-written and accessible articles throughout. Truly global and comprehensive, it succeeds in conveying the staggering diversity of the human experience across a vast range of climates and conditions. This is the one book for anyone interested in the variety and grandeur of historyÂ's march.

Customer Reviews:

A good purchase.......2007-02-13

The book is helping me reviewing my knowledge on world history, with vivid approaches in simple language. It is specially advisable to people whose mother-tongue is not english as is my case.

History of the World Text.......2006-11-05

This is definitely not the best book for high schoolers. While it is very informative, it is hard to read and all the young adults using the book in our group find it very difficult to get into and most say that it is "boring". I do believe that my child has learned a lot from it though. The author is obviously an expert on the subject. It is just difficult to read, even for a more seasoned adult.

Roberts' great triumph.......2006-02-01

This is the last edition of the book there will be. Roberts died soon after he finished this book. The original one volume "History of the World" was the best one volume world history book in existence. The update is well worth the price for it as well. I own several editions of the book.

I would compare the excellence in quality of the book to the 11 volume "Story of Civilization" series by Wil Durant. Of course, Durant's works are in many cases outdated today. Roberts updated his work in order to "fix" things where evidence has leaned one-way or-another over the last several years, as well as to bring it up-to-date with the fall of the Soviet Union and the new global supremacy of the United States.

Of course, Roberts only hits the highlights. But he doesn't ignore anything; even so-called minor issues are discussed. In many ways, he is outlining how the modern world came to be the way it is. All too much of what passes for history now a days is really little more than gossip about minor events in the relatively recent past. The grand sweep of historical events is often lost. Looking at well sells as history books today can make one cringe that somebody would read something, let alone write it.

Because people lack and true appreciation and understanding of history, they seem to be electing leaders who also lack the willingness to learn from past events. Democracy is on - at the very lest - a tenitive rise. Leaders need to know how Rome or Britain affected things in the modern political landscape. Churchill made decisions that are still being played out in the Middle East and Iraq today. Roman and even ancient Greek leaders had to deal with the issues of in the Balkans in southeast Europe over two-millennia ago. You can't fully understand the former Yugoslavia without understanding Roman province carving and its long term affects on world history.

How can leaders hope to make the best decisions if they don't understand the causes of the original problems? And since democratically elected leaders are, at least in the West, the norm now, people need to understand history in order to recognize people who understand it.

Roberts tries to restore the grand scope to the matter of human history. Something people and our political leaders seem to have very much lost sight of now. True History, the whys and wherefores need more attention.

Best of the West..........2005-08-03

I must sadly agree that there is simply not enough coverage of many regions and their rich histories: Roberts' unfortunately places too much emphasis on the flowering of Europe and its tremendous, ambivalent impact on the rest of the world. For those of us who might have been intrigued by finding out more about the Muslim heritage in SouthEast Asia (and its dialogue with Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism) - or the kingdoms of Benin, Congo, or Oman - the book is, on that score, a disappointment.
So why four stars?
Because the book is nonetheless VERY VERY GOOD. Roberts is never dry or dull, and attempts to be judicious and coolly objective. His partisanship is I suspect structural, not rhetorical. Narrative history at its best is enthralling, provocative and entertaining. This is narrative history close to its best.
And those who feel the need to castigate Roberts for any reference to September 11, 2001 should be aware that Roberts mentions that tragic event to argue AGAINST the defining role in world history that many have claimed for it. He is according it its PROPER place against the polemics surrounding it.

A good read for western-orientated history buffs.......2005-06-05

I feel that two things need to be accepted if this book is going to be appreciated.

First:

Roberts one-way-or-another justifies the emphasis that he places on Europe (and especially Western Europe) and (later) on America in account of the fact that these areas are largely influential in the world today. In this sense, it is more a history of the modern world - and of events that brought this about - rather than of the world as it may have been at any selected time in history. Given this logic, areas like China, for example, tend to receive attention more proportional to Roberts' assumptions on their place in the world at the time of writing, rather than in respect to how powerful and influential they may once have been (or may soon become).

Accordingly, this history starts off more-or-less in the traditional way, with much emphasis being placed on the early Middle Eastern / Mediterranean civilisations (the Sumerians, the Egyptians, the Greeks, etc). It then progresses comfortably to the rise and fall of Rome (and the Greco-Roman Empire) and then to the tumultuous rise of (especially Western) Europe to world supremacy. As we know, this then passes on to America and (for a while) Russia.

All the other main players, such as Japan, China, India, and the Ottoman Empire (to name only a handful) receive their due chapters (often with much emphasis on how they affected or otherwise failed to affect Europe). Then of course such civilisations as those once belonging to the Americas get their coverage partly because we've heard of them, partly because it's important to see how Western civilisations swept them away, and partly (I venture to say) because without the Americas the book would hardly seem geographically balanced.

What I am getting at here is that this book might disappoint some people who want for a more balanced perspective on history, but it shouldn't significantly bother anyone who is happy to read the chain of events as outlined above. As I have already touched upon, some justification can be found in the fact that Roberts is really more interested in giving us a history as far as it has shaped today's world. Another thing to bear in mind is that it is merely a one volume book, and as such much of these limitations are quite unavoidable. This is the first thing that a reader must come to accept if he or she is going to enjoy this book (and readers who are looking for a more balanced and thorough account need to appreciate that they will ultimately have to read a great many related books). After all, there is much history to be understood from this book, even if it cannot hope to fit the whole history of the world so neatly into only one volume.

Second:

The other thing to accept or appreciate is more a matter of the book's register. For example, it may help if the reader already has some general historical knowledge; it is very much a book for people who are already fascinated by history. (There are much more entertaining reads for those who are relatively new to the subject. Try something by Giles Milton, or read something more specific - say, about WWII, or any other particular history that interests you.) In other words, I doubt this is a book to inspire in the uninitiated a new found love for historical literature, but if you already have this love then this book will do much to further your interest and consolidate your knowledge.

By way of another example, I am at the moment two-thirds of the way through reading 'The Penguin History of Europe', by J.M. Roberts - I have already read many similar histories (such as 'Europe: A History', by Norman Davies) - and I find Roberts' style to be very similar in both books. It is in no way nearly as balanced or compulsive as other reads (Davies' book is brilliant for this), but it is thorough, educational, and mostly enjoyable, and it keeps me turning the pages. However, it may say something to add that I have read perhaps seven or eight other books since starting on this one if only to keep it light, and so neither reads are easy.

Overall, 'The New Penguin History of the World' is a thoroughly good book. It is mostly interesting, always educational, and it pretty much accomplishes what it sets out to do. If you can accept the near-inevitable Western emphasis on this book, and if you are already something of a history buff, then I am sure that you will fully enjoy this read. I may have found it a challenge - sometimes getting through a chapter could be nearly overwhelming - but this reflects more on the depth of the work than on the style in which it is written. It is much to say for the book that despite the density of the thing it kept me happily turning the pages for weeks on end.

Book Description

“One of the best books yet published on climate change . . . The best compact history of the science of global warming I have read.”—Bill McKibben, The New York Review of Books

The world’s premier climatologist, Lonnie Thompson has been risking his career and life on the highest and most remote ice caps along the equator, in search of clues to the history of climate change. His most innovative work has taken place on these mountain glaciers, where he collects ice cores that provide detailed information about climate history, reaching back 750,000 years. To gather significant data Thompson has spent more time in the death zone—the environment above eighteen thousand feet—than any man who has ever lived.

Scientist and expert climber Mark Bowen joined Thompson’s crew on several expeditions; his exciting and brilliantly detailed narrative takes the reader deep inside retreating glaciers from China, across South America, and to Africa to unravel the mysteries of climate. Most important, we learn what Thompson’s hard-won data reveals about global warming, the past, and the earth’s probable future.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent summary of recent climate science.......2007-06-09

This is an excellent book on climate change, and in particular the less seldom discussed evidence for climate change in the tropics. It will give readers a first hand account of not only the process of scientific thought but also some of the personalities and egos that are involved in cutting edge research. Lonnie Thompson is the rare scientist dedicated to a quest for the truth who is not driven by his resume. His unique mode of operation is one many scientists could learn from. The book is also full of high adventure and documents the sacrifices that are made in search of scientific data. A true adventure story. The writing style with long sentences takes some getting used to but it is still clearly written.

climate science isn't boring!.......2006-11-10

Thin Ice by Mark Bowen is a great story, well told. The book captures the excitement of experimental climate science and the extremely hard work that it entails. Anyone who likes books about scientific endeavors will enjoy this book. After reading it I understood the arguments about climate change much better than I used to. Unfortunately, the bottom line is pretty grim. The author is both a scientist and an alpine climber. Climbers take the loss of the glaciers very personally, and this book, while not being weepy or overly political, imparts the message that humans urgently need to confront the issue of climate change.

Climate science + mountaineering + more = Superb book!.......2006-08-19

This is one of the best books I've picked up in years. Mark Bowen has produced a landmark piece of work. It's both extremely informative as well as being very readable.

The story centers on ice cores pulled up over the last 25+ years from the fast-disappearing glaciers on the tops of the world's highest mountains -- a grand adventure in itself -- with the results being put in the context of the current science of the greenhouse effect and global warming, the possible environmental collapse of numerous ancient civilizations (since the ice core records go back many thousands of years), with just enough on the politics of controlling carbon dioxide emissions and the way scientific research is done to keep things interesting and real.

As someone who tries to keep up with scientific developments -- as difficult as that is with the major news media being myopically focused on sensationalism and celebrity (right now it's the JonBenet Ramsey rerun...) -- I felt like I was being caught up on all the many important details and various threads of a story that I already sorta knew the larger outline and implications of.

If I had one complaint it was that the book seemed to need many more graphs than the single one it contains. Some of the subject matter is just technical enough that this would have been much better than the several paragraphs of carefully constructed words needed to convey the same idea. I suppose publishers think that it'll scare off too many customers if they see graphs in a book.

Highly recommended and deserving of much more attention than it's received (based partly on the paltry number of reviews here). Buy a copy for yourself and an additional one to give to a friend or colleague.

Wonderful book - in several dimensions.......2006-02-25

This is travelogue, musings, science, story-telling, and a gentle (non-polemic) argument about a critical present-day issue. The previous reviewers (especially the first two) and Bill McKibben's dust-jacket comment are good guides. Some of the author's descriptions of mountain scenery are quite beautiful. Although I always have been concerned about climate change based on the "precautionary principle" and "responsibility to future generations" ideas, this book helped me put some meat on the thin bones of my understanding. It also reached me at an emotional level, since the reader spends so much time with the scientists and get a close-up view of how they arrive at their understandings.

The book does not simply follow a chronological narrative, but branches off for visits to related topics. I found this style of organization effective and fun. (Like a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon where you frequently stop for a day to explore side canyons.)

There are 24 pages of notes and 21 pages of (about 400-500) references.

We are on Thin Ice.......2006-02-23

This book gets technical in the middle but it explains the politics and scientific mechanizations of Global Warming very well.If you are a creationist and still believe the world is flat,this book is not for you.Buy Ann Coulter's new book of fairy tales for your feelgood.
If you ever wondered or were confused by GW,get this book and it will explain it all.The question in the scientific community for a long time hasnt been IS the planet warming but WHY is our planet warming...to some this may come as a surprise as the obfuscation and political shroud of ignorance/lies has spun heavily for a long time actually denying that our planet is heating up at all OR it is some sort of natural cycle that will miracously reverse itself.....It wont.Glaciers and Ice that has been locked up for (in some instances) more than 300,000 years is now melting.Kilimanjaro in 5 years will be bald.Nothing but a big hill of dust.Glacier N.P. in ten years will have to be renamed,there will be no ice left.
The clock is ticking and if you think that this doesnt matter or wont affect you?If you are in the west and are familiar with lake powell,that lake will also dry up due to alot of seasonal snowmelt no longer being able to run down and replenish that lakes seasonal needs.
Every American concerned about the future of this country and the world should read this book and take it to heart because this is happening and it is real.If we do nothing about CO2 and Methane,it will destroy this world or to be more precise,destoy this world's ability to sustain human life.Already we are on track,with the amount of CO2 ALREADY in the air to reach CO2 and in 50 years,temp. levels of the pleistocene era.(When dinosaurs lived and died.)
We no longer have time for denial but if you want proof,read the book-it is written by a co-expedioneer who traveled with the scientific team that INVENTED the term Global Warming and produced most of the numbers and techniques for making theory fact.

Mountains of evidence.(Thin Ice: Unlocking the Secrets of Climate in the World's Highest Mountains)(Book review): An article from: American Scientist

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Mountains of evidence.(Thin Ice: Unlocking the Secrets of Climate in the World's Highest Mountains)(Book review): An article from: American Scientist

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Thin Ice: Unlocking the Secrets of Climate in the World's Highest Mountains

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Thin Ice: Unlocking the Secrets of Climate in the World's Highest Mountains
Mark Bowen
Manufacturer: Owl Books (NY)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N7CQ02

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