The European Economy since 1945: Coordinated Capitalism and Beyond (Princeton Economic History of the Western World)

The European Economy since 1945: Coordinated Capitalism and Beyond (Princeton Economic History of the Western World)
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The European Economy since 1945: Coordinated Capitalism and Beyond (Princeton Economic History of the Western World)
Barry Eichengreen
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Future of Europe: Reform or Decline

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ASIN: 0691127107

Book Description

In 1945, many Europeans still heated with coal, cooled their food with ice, and lacked indoor plumbing. Today, things could hardly be more different. Over the second half of the twentieth century, the average European's buying power tripled, while working hours fell by a third. The European Economy since 1945 is a broad, accessible, forthright account of the extraordinary development of Europe's economy since the end of World War II. Barry Eichengreen argues that the continent's history has been critical to its economic performance, and that it will continue to be so going forward.

Challenging standard views that basic economic forces were behind postwar Europe's success, Eichengreen shows how Western Europe in particular inherited a set of institutions singularly well suited to the economic circumstances that reigned for almost three decades. Economic growth was facilitated by solidarity-centered trade unions, cohesive employers' associations, and growth-minded governments--all legacies of Europe's earlier history. For example, these institutions worked together to mobilize savings, finance investment, and stabilize wages.

However, this inheritance of economic and social institutions that was the solution until around 1973--when Europe had to switch from growth based on brute-force investment and the acquisition of known technologies to growth based on increased efficiency and innovation--then became the problem.

Thus, the key questions for the future are whether Europe and its constituent nations can now adapt their institutions to the needs of a globalized knowledge economy, and whether in doing so, the continent's distinctive history will be an obstacle or an asset.

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Capitalism Since 1945
Philip Armstrong , Andrew Glyn , and John Harrison
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Economics of Global Turbulence

ASIN: 0631179356

Creating Capitalism: The State and Small Business Since 1945 (Explorations in Social Structures)

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Creating Capitalism: The State and Small Business Since 1945 (Explorations in Social Structures)
Linda Weiss
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Japanese Capitalism Since 1945: Critical Perspectives

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Japanese Capitalism Since 1945: Critical Perspectives

Manufacturer: M.E. Sharpe
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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CAPITALISM SINCE 1945
Philip, Andrew Glyn and John Harrison Armstrong
Manufacturer: Basil Blackwell Cambridge, MA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000METP64

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Japanese Capitalism Since 1945: Critical Perspectives
T.; Seiyama, T. (Editors) Morris-Suzuki
Manufacturer: An East Gate Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WWR7W0

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Japanese Capitalism Since 1945: Critical Perspectives

Manufacturer: An East Gate Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HS7CWO

Book Description

Trial and Error offers an unexpurgated examination of the past half-century of American jurisprudence through the life of one of America’s most celebrated and accomplished lawyers. Here is John C. Tucker, a man who twice argued before the Supreme Court and won, challenged the nefarious and discriminatory practice of “contract lending” and lost, participated in such monumental cases as the Chicago Eight trial following the calamitous 1968 Democratic Convention—and retired at age fifty-one, securely established as one of the most respected jurists of his generation. In Trial and Error, he describes with poise and wit his encounters with as varied a cast of characters as Muhammad Ali, Abbie Hoffman, and Chief Justice Earl Warren, while chronicling the remarkable successes, and sobering disappointments, of his distinguished career. This is an honest and uncompromising analysis of the events that have shaped our court system, and the inspiring story of a man for principle in an increasingly unprincipled age for the legal profession.

Customer Reviews:

Great book for trial lawyers.......2007-03-11

This book is a must-read for any trial lawyer, and especially for criminal defense lawyers. It is a very inspiring book. John Tucker is my hero!

disregard the marketing-focus on the first-rate war stories.......2005-06-04

John Tucker offers a wealth of tactical insights gleaned from an impressive career as a litigator, mixing the pathos of legal practice for good causes with the legal theories deployed on behalf of a wide array of clients.

By striving for objectivity, Tucker avoids the self-aggrandizing tone of some other such memoirs and instead focuses on the meaty tactics, the rush to file, the strategies behind certain suits, and a bit of background to explain why things mattered to him. The diverse cases he litigated at every level, from initial motions to the Supreme Court, are presented fairly. Many are not the blockbuster cases one might have heard of - esp. Clark v. Universal Builders - the case Tucker fought for harder than any other, and though he ended up losing in court, some sort of justice prevailed. Tucker's may be the only enduring account, and as such, he offers a gift to litigators and civil rights activists alike.

Two flaws: first, the promotional packaging focuses on the Chicago Eight case, in which Tucker played a small part, as if it were the focus of the book. It's not. In some 20 pages of 360, Tucker explores it and moves on. Lazy publisher might not have read further...More relevant, Tucker evades criticizing his partners and associates (his piercing critique of Judge Hoffman drips with justified acidity), dropping only a subtle hint about other frictions. But that's a forgivable indulgence: who could fault him for refraining from offering anything but praise for mentors and colleagues?

Tucker's career is a model for litigators worthy of emulating. While much has changed since he started practicing, the ongoing struggle for justice (and clients able to pay for it) goes on.

A must read for future litigators, if only for the tactical insights.

An extraordinary insight into the law and lawyers.......2003-09-04

For any who lack faith in the America's legal system or think all lawyers are worthy subjects of jokes, Tucker's book is the proverbial lightbulb in the cave. Tucker recounts his journey through a lengthy career as a trial lawyer and along the way demonstrates that our judicial system, while short of perfect, is still the best in the world. Tucker helped the poor, the wealthy, the politically powerful and powerless and the reviled through the judicial system. Some cases he won; some he lost.
Win or lose, however, Tucker fought the good fight for his clients, often pro bono.
His story is complete. He reveals the importance of trial preparation -- an element that truly separates competent lawyers from their clumsy brethern (the latter of which I always seem to retain; while the former retain me as an expert witness). Tucker tells some wonderful stories about judges, good and bad. Like Tucker, I am from the Chicago area and am very familiar with bad judges. Tucker discloses that there have been many good judges in the area as well and provides useful insight into their judicial reasoning.
All in all, a wonderful book that will redeem lost faith in our judicial system. "Trial and Error" is not a courtroom thriller: it is far better than one -- it's real life and I for one am glad that Tucker decided to take the time to write his memoir. It is well worth reading.

Jerry

A PRIMER ON THE LAW....FOR EVERYONE.......2003-07-15

Twenty-one different courtroom cases are covered in this book by a most successful attorney who has his head on straight; by that I mean he mixes the intricacies of the law with living a "normal" life. He certainly puts in long hours in preparation, but that goes along with his job. The author states, "In the American Legal System, a lawyer's job is not to seek justice, but to win the case for his client." He relates many interesting cases, but two exceptional ones are defending a rapist who is truly mentally defective and one about defending the "Chicago Eight" in 1968. A lot of detailed information about that political incident is fascinating. Mr. Tucker does a lot of pro bono work and one of this type was defending the Contract Buyers League in Chicago...a race conflict of great proportions. Fine writing delineates complex legal cases that are most understandable.

Trial and Error: the Education of a Courtroom Lawyer.(Book Review): An article from: Trial

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Trial and Error: the Education of a Courtroom Lawyer.(Book Review): An article from: Trial
Jerome F. O'Neill
Manufacturer: Association of Trial Lawyers of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B00082DVE2
Release Date: 2005-07-31

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Trial, published by Association of Trial Lawyers of America on August 1, 2003. The length of the article is 1050 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: Trial and Error: the Education of a Courtroom Lawyer.(Book Review)
Author: Jerome F. O'Neill
Publication: Trial (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 2003
Publisher: Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Volume: 39 Issue: 8 Page: 68(2)

Article Type: Book Review

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No Pone Valley
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No Pone Valley
Horace C Holmes
Manufacturer: Agricultural Development Council
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006BPVRA

Book Description

The transport volumes of the Biomembranes series were initiated with Volumes 125 and 126 of Methods in Enzymology, which covered Transport in Bacteria, Mitochondria, and Chloroplasts. Volumes 156 and 157 continued the theme with ATP-Driven Pumps and Related Transport. Cellular and Subcellular Transport: Eukaryotic (Nonepithelial) Cells was the topic of Volumes 173 and 174. The theme of this volume, as well as of Volume 192, is Cellular and Subcellular Transport: Epithelial Cells.

Biomembranes, Part V: Cellular and Subcellular Transport: Epithelial Cells : Volume 191. (Methods in Enzymology)

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Biomembranes, Part V: Cellular and Subcellular Transport: Epithelial Cells : Volume 191. (Methods in Enzymology)
Melvin I. Simon , Sidney Fleischer , Becca Fleischer John N. Abelson
Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OH2UES

Laboratory methods in infrared spectroscopy
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Laboratory methods in infrared spectroscopy
R. G. J Miller
Manufacturer: Heyden
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007J4DJS

Book Description

A clear and comprehensive account of the basic principles involved in all quantum optical resonance phenomena, directed to graduate students and research physicists, and hailed in Contemporary Physics as "a valuable contribution to the literature of non-linear optics." 53 illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Good coverage of topics, excellent value.......2000-07-25

If you're looking for an introduction to optics or atomic physics, this book may be a little terse and advanced. But if you have some exposure to optics and lasers, and a good foundation in electromagnetism and basic quantum mechanics, this is a great book to have. The authors discuss the semiclassical two-level model to a level of detail which is hard to find in other standard texts. And although there is a good amount of detail, the book does not get lost in the mathematics, making it easily accessible to the experimentalist as well as to the theorist. I particularly like the treatment of the Bloch equations and pulse propagation. On the down-side, the book does tend to be terse in some areas, giving minimal discussion of the physics (although at least it does discuss the physics!), and some of the derivations are little difficult to follow. Also, the brevity of the table of contents makes it a little difficult to figure out what the book actually covers. And the notation used in some parts was somewhat unfamiliar.

But overall, if you're looking for a book in atomic and optical physics where you get the most value for your money, this book is to be highly recommended.

Good coverage of topics, excellent value.......2000-07-25

But overall, if you're looking for a book in atomic and optical physics where you get the most value for your money, this book is to be highly recommended.

Optical Resonance and Two Level Atoms
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Optical Resonance and Two Level Atoms
L.; Eberly, J. H. Allen
Manufacturer: Dover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O5JA5W

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A Southern Experience.......2000-03-31

I found the book an exceptional window to the folklore and myth that makes up the South. If anyone has a desire to get in touch with some of the soul of the South a journey through Storytellers:Folktales and Legends from the South is truly worth while.

Storytellers : Folktales & Legends from the South

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Storytellers : Folktales & Legends from the South
John A., Ed. Burrison
Manufacturer: University of Georgia Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Storytellers Folktales & Legends from the South
Burrison John A.
Manufacturer: The University of Georgia
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Book Description

In a desperate attempt to counteract the deadly onslaught of U-boats in the Atlantic, President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated a secret project in 1942 that called for the use of decoys disguised as merchant ships. These heavily armed warships were referred to as Q-ships, and very little information about them has been recorded over the past fifty years. Now a U.S. naval officer who served in one of the mystery ships, a decoy-configured freighter by the name of USS Asterion, lifts the shroud of secrecy that has surrounded the mission for so long. His book examines for the first time the origins and operations of Project LQ, as the secret plan was known.

Described as the most self-destructive operation undertaken by the U.S. Navy in World War II, the project had very limited success. The only surviving officer of a Q-ship to chronicle details of the project, Kenneth Beyer draws on his personal experiences as well as information uncovered during years of research in U.S., British, and German records and interviews with participants on both sides. When readers come to his vivid account of the Asterion's first war patrol and its dramatic meeting with U-123 off the Florida coast, they will quickly understand why Samuel Eliot Morison referred to service in these mystery ships as more hazardous than in any other branch of the navy. And the author's frank analysis of the U.S. Navy's lack of knowledge and skill in antisubmarine tactics early in the war helps explain the U-boats' initial successes against merchantmen along America's Atlantic coast.

In addition to his own ship's operations, Beyer has reconstructed events aboard the other decoy freighter, USS Atik, which sank with all hands during a bitter engagement with U-123. The author's careful examination of U-boat logs has led him to suspect the involvement of a second German submarine, U-105, in the ultimate destruction of the decoy ship. Though all the facts are not known, his plausible account of the loss pays tribute for the first time to the valor of those who sacrificed all. Beyer also takes the reader aboard the U-boats as they hunt and attack their prey, paying particular attention to the legendary U-123 and the incredible skill and luck of its commander, Reinhard Hardegen. Several never-before-published charts of U-boat maneuvers are provided along with an evaluation of specific U-boat attacks.

Customer Reviews:

Foolishly but gallantly sacrificed........2003-01-14

...

Q-ships were ineffective in the First World War, and obsolete in an era of unrestricted submarine warfare. But President Roosevelt insisted the U.S. Navy try Q-ships against the Nazi threat. It might perhaps be new to the young U-boat captains. Admiral E. J. King, commander of the U.S. Fleet, recognized the futility of the Q-ship concept, but lacking any real anti-submarine capabilities, King diplomatically complied: "the president had requested Q-ships, and Q-ships he would get," Beyer wrote in his Q-ships versus U-boats. King had two small freighters and a tanker converted and outfitted as Q-ships (USS Atik, Asterion, and Big Horn), invested minimal resources, and sent them in harm's way. The Q-ships were not expected to "last longer than a month after commencement of assigned duties," and indeed proved a futile and ineffective, albeit gallant, offensive gesture.

In his "Q-ships versus U-boats" Beyer (who served as Asterion's supply officer) uses American and German official records, and the memories, letters, and memorabilia of the veterans of Asterion and the families of the Atik crewmen to reconstruct a speculative account of the battle of Atik with U-105 and U-123. His "nonfiction fiction" fits the record to a dramatized rendering, based on Beyer's knowledge and imagination. This mixing history with fiction is the first problem with Beyer's book. The second is the dry and awkward writing. While flawed, Beyer's memoir fills a niche, and describes the minor role of America's Q-ships in the western Atlantic, holding on against the predations of the U-boats through the dark days of 1942... The Q-ships received none of the fused all-source operational intelligence that one year later would become essential to victory over the U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic. No effort was made to exploit the U-boat captains' fallacious but ubiquitous fears, for example, by simulating Q-ship operations more widely, or making their existence public. To the contrary, the Q-ship operations remained classified long after the war. Like their counterparts in the Great War, the Q-ships lacked any effective mechanism to force U-boats to the surface, or even excite their interest. Only one of the three U.S. Q-ships was sure-fire U-boat bait: a high-value tanker. But this was happenstance; the Q-ships' designs were not based on any careful assessment of U-boat vulnerabilities to deception.

The Q-ships were a lost opportunity to effectively bait the U-boats to the surface. The British code breakers in the spring of 1941 had already seen the utility of cutting out German weather ships to capture their cryptographic materials. Royal Navy task forces in the spring of 1941 captured München and Lauenburg with their code keys, at about the same time HMS Bulldog fortuitously seized U-110 and her Enigma code machine, rotors, and keys. The Germans were just as intensely interested in British and American merchant codes, and read the Allied convoy codes until mid-1943. The Kriegsmarine surface raiders frequently made captures and seized intelligence materials.

The U.S. Navy might have baited and trolled Q-ships, enticing U-boats to the surface to attempt such a capture. But the U.S. Navy hatched no such ruses or deception schemes. America's few WWII Q-ships, basically window-dressing, essentially were sacrificed.

q-ships versus u-boats.......2001-06-11

having been a member of this ship's crew and therefore familier with most of the characters,I deem it to be authentic.

EXCELLENT PIECE OF NAVAL HISTORY.......1999-12-29

Captain Beyer has put together an excellent piece of work in this his first book! It is a story of courage and ingenuity in the bleak early months of WWII. This is a very well-researched work that is rich in detail. I read this fascinating chapter in U.S. Navy history with profound admiration.

Best book on the Queen Ships I have ever read!.......1999-10-08

I would like to say "Thank You" to Admiral Kenneth M. Beyer for telling the story about my father. The story my father was not willing or able to tell himself. My father was not a flamboyant man and he spent thirty two years of his life in service to his country. I first read about my father's ship the USS Asterion in Michael Gannon's book "Operation Drumbeat." The dramatic true story of Germany's first U-Boat attacks along the American coast in World War II. The true nature of what my father did in 1942/43 did not become abundantly clear to me until after I read Kenneth Beyer's book. I was not born until two year after in 1945. I have contacted Mr. Beyer and talked with him personally even sending him copies of letters my father wrote to his mother (my grandmother) while he was in command of the USS Asterion. The one thing Mr. Beyer did not know was that Harry Hicks, captain of the USS Atik aka SS Carolyn, sunk by U-123 was my father's best friend. They graduated from the Naval Academy together in 1927. They kept in touch with each other throughout the Thirties and in 1942 while at the War College my father was asked if he would like to command a Q-Ship and he said he would if his friend Harry could be in command of one as well. I asked my father about his tour of duty aboard the Asterion and he said he did not care to discuss it other than to say it was a very dangerous assignment. Beyers discription of a confrontation that took place off of Jacksonville Beach between my dad's ship and the United States Coast Guard is vintage Legwen. I saw myself in this roll and I would have done exactly what my father did. You will need to read it for yourself. In the "The Beacon 1927-1962"(a publication of the United States Naval Academy), my father's comments to his fellow classmates are as follows: "I enjoyed the thirty years I spent on active duty and had the pleasure of serving with a grand bunch of people...In fact about the only disagreeable memory I have is not being able to arrive in time to help out my good friend Harry Hicks when he was sunk with all hands about ten days after we sailed on the "Q" Boat venture." Neither my father nor his crew ever received any recognition or so much as a thank you for this voluntary service to their country. One of the momentos that I will cherish as long as I live is a silver water pitcher. It is engraved with the following: To Captain & Mrs. G. Legwen from Crew U.S.S. Asterion May 1943. Captain Legwen died December 12, 1982. He never met his grandsons Glenn W. Legwen IV and William Lee Legwen born after his death.

Finally I Read About My Grandfather's Role on the Asterion!.......1999-09-04

A super book on an overlooked part of the Battle of the Atlantic --- the U.S. Q-Ships. Moreover, thanks to Kenneth Beyer, the families of men on the "Secret Ships" Asterion and Atik have a reference that documents what their parents and, in my case, grandparents accomplished, endured and gave in a little documented aspect of the Battle of the Atlantic.

I knew my Mother's Father, Guy Brown Ray, was an officer aboard the Asterion but little else until Mr. Beyer's book.

Mr. Beyer -- THANK YOU!!!

Q-Ships Versus U-Boats: America's Secret Project
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Q-Ships Versus U-Boats: America's Secret Project
Kenneth M. Beyer
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MUBGLA

Book Description

In this highly illustrated book Barry Cunliffe focuses on the western rim of Europe--the Atlantic facade--an area stretching from the Straits of Gibraltar to the Isles of Shetland.We are shown how original and inventive the communities were, and how they maintained their own distinctive identities often over long spans of time. Covering the period from the Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, c. 8000 BC, to the voyages of discovery c. AD 1500, he uses this last half millennium more as a well-studied test case to help the reader better understand what went before. The beautiful illustrations show how this picturesque part of Europe has many striking physical similarities. Old hard rocks confront the ocean creating promontories and capes familiar to sailors throughout the millennia. Land's End, Finistere, Finisterra--until the end of the fifteenth century this was where the world ended in a turmoil of ocean beyond which there was nothing. To the people who lived in these remote places the sea was their means of communication and those occupying similar locations were their neighbours. The communities frequently developed distinctive characteristics intensifying aspects of their culture the more clearly to distinguish themselves from their in-land neighbours. But there is an added level of interest here in that the sea provided a vital link with neighbouring remote-place communities encouraging a commonality of interest and allegiances. Even today the Bretons see themselves as distinct from the French but refer to the Irish, Welsh, and Galicians as their brothers and cousins. Archaeological evidence from the prehistoric period amply demonstrates the bonds which developed and intensified between these isolated communities and helped to maintain a shared but distinctive Atlantic identity.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding work and fun book to read!.......2006-07-24

I have to say this is one of my most treasured books next to my Tolkien collection. Sir Barry Cunliffe (just recently knighted and much deserved I might say) did a such a splendid job in keeping the main text clean of references and footnotes. For such a vast amount of material in the book, it's worth its weight in gold.

References are there for those seriously researching the information, but his book truly shows you can read what is usually dry material and have references too.

I would really love to see a book on ethnogenetics by him specifically focusing on the Atlantic Fringe.

A. Yeomans

An interesting perspective on European history.......2003-11-01

Facing the Ocean is a very good summary of European history from the perspective of coastal societies. Professor Cunliffe covers a very long period of history, from 8000 BC to 1500 AD, in about 500 pages. Although slow in some parts-I nodded out a few times during discussions of specific trade items-it was none-the-less a well assembled volume of information.

Although I `ve studied the history of the area on a number of occasions for classes and in personal reading, I was surprised at how well the varied information was pulled into a more coherent whole by simply looking at the experiences of coastal populations. To a large extent these groups were marginal to the events of the major centers of civilization, isolated by distance and by geographical barriers from them. I've found in other cases, too, that it is often from the perspective of the peripheral cultures that more sense is made of global history. Although most historians treat these areas as cultural backwaters waiting to be "enlightened" by the more technologically advanced, in fact they had vigorous and creative cultures of their own that provided the central players with raw materials and a strong market for finished goods. The ebb and flow of trade and of people and the changes in the fortunes of the various participants of the central arena create a much richer historical texture than is usually portrayed, and makes more sense of some of the events of world history. For instance the author's statement that the decline in productivity and birth rate in the Mediterranean world coupled with the denser population of the Germanic tribes north of the Rhine created a "fracture" zone, was very prescient. Taken out of global context, the fall of Rome seems to be a simple matter of internal decay, which to some extent it was. It becomes more a matter of population dynamics and economics when considering the European, African and Asian Continents as a whole. In short, there was a lot more to it than it seems on the surface.

Because the author's primary research seems to be in Celtic studies (he has written an entire volume on the Celts), the book tends to focus rather heavily on periods leading up to the Celtic-Roman confrontations and to periods just after it. He barely touches upon the age of discovery during the 15th Century, which is an age of Atlantic maritime expansion, par excellence. Even though he is neither historian nor archaeologist by profession and his primary focus is Chinese global exploration, Gavin Menzies gives a far more thorough discussion of the age of European discovery in his book 1421, The Year China Discovered America. (He also gives an amazing account of fraud in map making by Bartholomew Colombus in collusion with his brother Christopher that is well worth the reading.)

Interesting, too, is the author's perspective as an archaeologist on the culture of Europe during the long period of habitation, particularly the Roman and post-Roman periods. Historically speaking, written works from the period tend to be vary biased in favor of the Romans. Unfortunately modern historians aren't always "up front" about some of these biases. The magic of the written word tends to give credence to whatever is imparted. For one thing, the ancient writers provide a good story, often times a gossipy one. And who doesn't enjoy a good gossip? For another they sometimes just didn't know, or they quoted as reliable information the reports of other writers who also just didn't know. While archaeology is as prone to errors of interpretation as is historical analysis of written sources, it has the benefit of solid primary evidence. Where one discipline seems to support the other, we probably have a good approximation of what occurred in the past. Where they disagree, we have to admit that for now at least, "we just don't know." The author makes this abundantly apparent throughout the text.

I was particularly impressed that author had such a good sense of geography and geology, particularly with his ability to pull the concept of isostacy into his discussion. It wasn't just that he understood that the coastal environment was subject to change due to emergence or submergence, he knew the mechanisms by which this occurred. This may be because he is an archaeologist, which requires a good understanding of geomorphological processes in interpreting habitation sites and the finds that are made there. I was a little surprised, though, that he made less of the environmental changes that occurred throughout his selected time period, producing major shifts in ecological zones. Though his main interest is Mayan history, Richardson Gill in his book, The Great Maya Droughts, gives a very plausible interpretation of changes in the European sociopolitical picture that takes this factor into account rather well, making even more sense of the shifts in fortunes in the Northern and Southern European venues.

All in all an interesting book. I think that it is more for those with a special interest in European history and pre-history rather than for the general reader. It would make a very useful supplementary text for a college archaeology or European history course. I would certainly have welcomed it when I took my Archaeology of Northern Europe class a couple years ago. I think that at a high school level it would make a good addition to a library for use in research or for the student with a special interest. I suspect most high school age individuals would find it a bit slow going.

Coastal community.......2003-04-27

There are historians who still contend the history of the Atlantic began in 1492 with Columbus' crossing. Barry Cunliffe gently unravels such "Christo-centrism" with a sweeping history of the Atlantic littoral peoples and their activities. Using a wealth of archaeological and geological evidence, he traces cultural and likely trade patterns to build a picture of dynamic societies. Unlike the accounts of conquisidor Spain or a globally imperial Britain, Cunliffe focuses on community life, active commerce and cultural exchange. With a descriptive challenge covering nearly ten millenia, florid prose would be an unnecessary luxury. The reading is anything but dry, however. Cunliffe doesn't delve into much ambitious speculation, but he's careful to apply "highly debateable" to issues not clearly resolveable. He combines evidence and logic in building his few speculations. The resulting picture is informed and informative.

Cunliffe begins with the physical structure and changes the Atlantic area underwent after the glacial retreat. As the ice melted, of course, the seas rose. The lost weight of the ice allowed the landforms to "rebound", a process still underway. The result is a lack of uniformity in sea level change and coastal forms. Rivers that once were self-cleansing slowed and silted estuaries and harbours as the land elevated. He provides several maps indicating old and new shorelines to depict the various shifting of shorelines and port locations. These maps and those showing grave sites, settlements, mines and artefact types enhance the worth of this book beyond cavil.

Throughout this account, the Morbihan coast and the Armorican residents remain the pivotal area of activity. Innovations may arise and flourish in various places, but if these failed to pass through what is now Brittany, dissemination was unlikely. The Gironde, Loire and Garonne rivers became the primary trade routes inland, but a lively trade must have flourished along the Bay of Biscay and Atlantic shores to the British Isles using short-hop local carriers. Cunliffe's analysis is chiefly supported by grave and community artefacts of pottery, weaponry and jewelly. While origin points for styles of these items is difficult to locate, their spread over time is more easily traced. What is notably significant is the obvious two-way movement of goods - tin and gold coming into western Europe in exchange for fine pottery and metal goods sent in return. The Armoricans were bypassed by nearly all the waves of invasion, keeping a traditional culture nearly intact until the Carolingian era. "Brittany" resulted from the waves of Irish and western England emigrants settling there in flight from Norman incursions in the British Isles.

Faults with this book are nearly non-existent. His bibliography, while extensive, might have been more detailed. Ten millenia, even in a restricted geographical area, is ambitious coverage and listing even the better sources would likely have doubled the size. A fuller bibliography instead of chapter references would have been a more useful tool, although Cunliffe is careful to note which sources have the best bibliographies of their own. Anyone with an interest in European history should consider this book a "must have".

Comprensive Archaeology with a New Perspective.......2003-04-23

Barry Cunliffe ties together a comprehensive and detailed chronological description of the archaeological record for the Atlantic coastal areas of present day Spain, Portugal, France, England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland with a superb discussion of geography to provide a 9,500 year historical overview of these areas as an integrated cultural milieu whose evolution had more in common with each other than with inland areas or the rest of Europe.

The book is beautifully displayed with numerous and extraordinary photos, maps and illustrations that greatly aid in understanding the textual discussion. But well beyond just describing archaeological material, the author places this material in its geographical and historical context and then explains what this spatial and chronological record has to say, or may have to say, concerning the evolution of the regions' material and social cultures. Along the way, he weaves together a fascinating historical narrative and ties this to the archaeological record.

The book is beautiful to look at, well written, professionally comprehensive, and with a unique perspective on historical development. Yes, there are some editing errors and arguably some factual errors but to my knowledge they are few, insignificant and in no way detract from the quality of this book. My personal opinion is that the greatest strength of the book lies in its treatment of geography as a unifying, connecting or separating force as revealed in the archaeological record and this alone strongly recommends its reading.

If you wish, read it for its historical overview of trade, migration, development and warfare, its up to date and comprehensive discussion of the archaeological record, or simply to discover more places to visit (I have) from studying the maps and photos.

A well-produced book.......2002-02-28

This exceptionally well-illustrated book describes the history and activities of the peoples who lived along Europe's western seaboard between 8,000 B.C. and 1,500 A.D. The author, a professor of archaeology at Oxford, believes that the Atlantic Ocean profoundly influenced the psychology and culture of those who lived on its edge. In many cases, they interacted more with each other than with peoples living in the interior of the continent; the seas became a link rather than a barrier. Maps of trade routes and archaeological finds illustrate these connections. The photographs, many of them in color, are first class. This is a unique and intriguing way to look at Western European history.

Facing the Ocean: The Atlantic and Its Peoples 8000 Bc-Ad 1500

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Facing the Ocean: The Atlantic and Its Peoples 8000 Bc-Ad 1500
Barry Cunliffe
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKY7ZA

Customer Reviews:

a little gem of a collection.......2004-08-17

I treasure nearly all of Martin Gardner's writings and this is no exception. Although limited in its range due to the collection's small size, alot of ground is covered.

Gardner's views are almost always well thought out as he is one of the great scholarly researchers the 20th century has seen, he considers all viewpoints, even sympathizes with his opponents but remains true to his ideas. An small yet enjoyable collection of reviews, essays, and book introductions that makes an excellent little read

Odd Assortment.......2004-02-09

I came to this book with the wrong idea. I had expected variations on a theme, but this turned out to be a bewildering hodge-podge. (I had hoped for a running dissection of the strange things people believe and why they believe them -- alas, not here. Much of this book is just 'inside baseball' for dedicated sci-fi fans.) Gardner's breadth is undeniable, as is his passion for the diverse topics he addresses here, but I found myself uncaptivated by his enthusiasm. If you are not a sci-fi fan and if you're not looking for detailed debunkings of obvious absurdities like 7th Day Adventism and astrology, then caveat emptor.

Long live Martin Gardner!.......2002-08-06

Martin Gardner has done it again: Another fabulous jewel in his crown of critical and thought-provoking works.

I have been a fan of Gardner's since "Fads and Fallacies (In the Name of Science)". His strength is in taking an unflinching look at the foibles and farces that most people would prefer to pretend don't exist in our civilized world... But they do, and they're ugly, and they need to be looked at -- acknowledged -- as a first step to fixing them, much as an alcoholic or drug addict first needs to admit they have a problem.

Sure, Gardner packs a modicum of vitriol -- but in that, he merely mirrors what the masses actually feel when confronted by the nonsense that Gardner takes on. He's a brave, bold and straight-shooting warrior in the war for common sense, reason and rationality, and I wish him long life and many more books.

Interestingly the "reader from Pasadena", the only negative reviewer, gives himself (or herself) away by the list of books quoted as being "thoughtful, brilliant volumes one could profitably spend time with": This person obviously suffers from the Religion-is-the-only-correct-viewpoint syndrome. I find it even more interesting that this reviewer states that Gardner's "attacks are directed only at people who challenge human-based authority". "Human-based" as opposed to what? God-based? Yes, we certainly wouldn't ever want to question Jim and Tammy Faye Baker, now, would we? Or any other God-based authority, would we? I can only guess the reader from Pasadena means that religious-minded people should be allowed to "challenge" secular viewpoints, but never the reverse. How sad... and how eloquent a reminder that the world needs Martin Gardner, now more than ever.

Here's a tip: Whenever you're feeling like the world is a crazy, hopeless place, pick up a Martin Gardner book and start reading. It's always a nice feeling to know that there's at least one other sane person out there.

Long Live Martin Gardner!

Library loaner or used paperback only (if you can't skip)........2002-01-18

The first third of the book contains articles & biographies relating to children and science-fiction book authors, along with 3 chapters on the history of a religious group/cult (7th Day Adventist).

The first chapter ("Wandering Jew") was promising, once one makes peace with it being a history of the consequences of poor scholarship without actually correcting the scholarship. However, it was spoiled in the end by vitriol.

The last two-thirds contain book reviews; two chapters on the Wizard of Oz (more than most would care to know), the "Christian Science" cult, a look at social constructivist claims about mathematics, etc.

The book tends to undermine itself; gratuitous phrases like "moronic" and "tin brains" suddenly pop up. It seems like the author just can't get over the existence of human fallibility: the compulsion to instruct people on proper right-thinking seems irrepressible.

The common thread is that the attacks are directed only at people who challenge human-based authority. The modus operandi is to seek deviant examples for caricature and hope it carries over as a generalization in the reader's mind. Thus the extensive coverage of Jim and Tammy Faye Baker, bizarre religious cults, and so on. The innocent reader would never guess brilliant modern religious thinkers and writers like Alvin Plantinga, William Lane Craig, Norman Geisler, Gary Habermas or Kelly James Clarke exist -- not even a whisper about their work. Someone might find out thoguhtful and powerful answers exist to humanist charges. Analysis of Augustine or Aquinas or Calvin? No. Any serious knowledge of church history? No. Just a spotlight for the deviant.

For all the overt and covert attacks on religion, the book seems mostly informed on the subject by "60 minutes" or "20/20" segments and the garish cast of characters who show up there. The goal seems to be how long a sneer can be sustained.

There seems dissatisfaction that individuals cannot be prevented from wrestling with issues of God and existence. However, the topic can't be controlled like mathematics: restricted to an elite 1 out of a 100000. People with of all sorts of intellects and cognitive skills and sinful natures are drawn to these issues. I would think a person who claims an intellectual life would seek out the best thought, not dwell on the weakest. One can't help but think of the junior high-school student who likes to pick on the 3rd graders. Trying someone at his own level or higher means the risk of getting creamed.

There are dozens of thoughtful, brilliant volumes one could profitably spend time with. Why the author avoids them is an open question:

"6 Modern Myths About Christianity and Western Civilization" (Sampson). "Christianity on Trial: Arguments Against Anti-Religious Bigotry" (Carroll),"Inventing the Flat Earth" (Russell), "How Now Shall We Live" (Colson), "Church History in Plain Language" (Shelley), "Atheism and the Erosion of Freedom" (Morey), "Reasonable Faith" (Craig), "Christian Apologetics" (Geisler),"New Evidence That Demands a Verdict" (McDowell).

With all that is happening in the world, "The Wandering Jew" could leave one thinking the biggest problem out there is that someone somewhere might be taking an herb not approved by the FDA/AMA and "who-knows-what-might-happen-if-he-thinks-it-works?". Trivial stuff and a waste of the author's (and reader's) time.

Gardner's Latest Demonstration of Universal Interest.......2001-10-15

Gardner is amazing! Each of his collections of essays is a marvel. This volume consists of ten essays and nineteen book reviews or introductions on a stunning variety of topics.

Gardner is known as a mathematical puzzler and a sceptic and debunker of pseudo-science. He is also a philosopher and literary scholar of impressive breadth and depth. This book exhibits depth of analysis on a stunning array of topics, from Christian Science to The Wizard of Oz.

Highly recommended, but if you are new to Gardner anthologies, his collection, The Night is Large, is a better introduction to his breadth of thought.

Customer Reviews:

Servicable introduction.......2003-10-03

This was a helpful text but not one of my favorites. It dealt in two parts with the geology and biology of BC. My interest was primarily with the former, though they seemed to do a fine job with the latter. The text is full of bright color photography, however (not unlike most geological texts aimed at the popular reader) it does not include nearly enough diagrams depicting the formative influences and pertinent orogenies. ($23 is pretty steep.)

How B.C Came to Be!.......2001-08-23

This geologic history was originally a section in the "British Columbia: A Natural History" volume by the same authors. The chronology of events (docking of island terranes) that have assembled the current province is a fascinating story. Good job also on the role of Ice Age glaciers in sculpting the spectacular face of B.C. we enjoy today. This is a general presentation that helps make sense of a hugely complicated geologic history. But don't buy the book for specific roadside explanations of local geologic features, a la the "Roadside Geology" series. Such a geologic trip guide (were it available) would make the ideal companion for the Cannings' book on our next trip north!

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