Handbook of Heavy Tailed Distributions in Finance (Handbooks in Finance)

Book Description

The Handbooks in Finance are intended to be a definitive source for comprehensive and accessible information in the field of finance. Each individual volume in the series should present an accurate self-contained survey of a sub-field of finance, suitable for use by finance and economics professors and lecturers, professional researchers, graduate students and as a teaching supplement. The goal is to have a broad group of outstanding volumes in various areas of finance. The Handbook of Heavy Tailed Distributions in Finance is the first handbook to be published in this series.

This volume presents current research focusing on heavy tailed distributions in finance. The contributions cover methodological issues, i.e., probabilistic, statistical and econometric modelling under non- Gaussian assumptions, as well as the applications of the stable and other non -Gaussian models in finance and risk management.

Book Description

Efficiency in Learning offers a road map of the most effective ways to use the three fundamental communication of training: visuals, written text, and audio. Regardless of how you are delivering your training materials—in the classroom, in print, by synchronous or asynchronous media—the book’s methods are easily applied to your lesson presentations, handouts, reference guides, or e-learning screens. Designed to be a down-to-earth resource for all instructional professionals, Efficiency in Learning’s guidelines are clearly illustrated with real-world examples.

Customer Reviews:

The future of education and communication.......2007-03-21

This book shows you how to make complex things easy to understand, and it is based on solid research. If you are involved in communicating or teaching anything that is complex (to the audience), you need this book. The authors practice what they teach; a fairly complex set of well-researched recommendations is presented in a clear and easily digestible format. Nothing is "dumbed down," just presented clearly.
I have been following the research into "cognitive load" (difficulty in learning) on the Internet for some years now, but I yearned for single, coherent book to tie it all together. One day I typed that phrase into the search box on Amazon, and up came this book. It has more than met my expectations.
The book supplies research to support its assertions, but focuses on concrete recommendations that any teacher or communicator can apply right away.
It should be placed in the hands of anybody teaching a complex topic at any grade level, such as
-mathematics
-statistics
-economics
-engineering
-physics
-chemistry
-etc.
I initially ordered this book on interlibrary loan. Although I could easily read it in the three week loan period, I decided to buy it within a few days.
Efficiency in Learning teaching for the 21st century. The sooner the world catches on to this, the better.

Book Description

Grotius, Hugo. The Rights of War and Peace, in Three Books: Wherein are Explained, The Law of Nature and Nations, and The Principal Points Relating to Government. Written in Latin by the Learned Hugo Grotius, And Translated into English. To which are Added, All the Large Notes of Mr. J. Barbeyrac... London: Printed for W. Innys [et al.], 1738. xxxvi, 817 pp. Folio, 9" x 14." Reprinted 2004 by The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. ISBN-13: 978-1-58477-386-3. ISBN-10: 1-58477-386-3. Cloth. $250.

* With index. The "best edition" of a landmark work on law and government by Hugo Grotius [1535-1645] (Lowndes, Bibliographer's Manual of English Literature, Rev. ed. III, 950). First published in Paris in 1625, it established the system of modern public international law, based on the concept of "droit naturel," a morality-based law that superseded the personalities of individuals or nations. These ideas influenced the American Revolution, whose leaders often cited Grotius. "No legal work ever enjoyed a more widely extended reputation, and none ever exercised such a wonderful influence over the public morals of Europe.": Marvin, Legal Bibliography 353. This edition features the notes of J. Barbeyrac described by Marvin as excellent.

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The Rights Of War And Peace : in three books : wherein are explained, the Law of Nature and Nations and the principal points relating to government (De Jure Belli ac Pacis libri tres)
Hugo Grotius
Manufacturer: W Innys and R Manby
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000N0SRSE

Book Description

Steve Coe has been watching the deep sky from locations near his home in Arizona for almost 20 years. During that time he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge, observations, hints and tips that will help every deep sky observer, regardless of experience.
This, his first book, gives detailed practical advice about how to find the best observing site, how to make the most of the time spent there, and what equipment and instruments to take along. There are comprehensive lists of deep sky objects of all kinds, along with Steve's own observations describing how they look through telescopes with apertures ranging from 8 to 36 inches (0.2 - 0.9 m).
Most of all, this book is all about how to enjoy astronomy. Steve's enthusiasm and sense of wonder shine through every page as he invites you along on a tour of some of the most beautiful and fascinating sites in the deep sky.

Customer Reviews:

A real resource.......2001-04-10

Steve Coe has always been a favorite author of mine in his monthly columns on the net and in various journals. Finally, a complete edition of his finest descriptions have been collected in one great resource. It was a pleasure to contribute a few images to his work, but his descriptions and drawings made at the telescope make this book a true resource.

Book makes a good companion for deep-sky observers.......2001-01-16

Steve Coe is well known in the Arizona amateur astronomy community. His exuberant personality has enlivened many a club meeting and star party, and his great sense of humor really comes across in his book "Deep Sky Observing" as well. While there are some tips on equipment, the book is mostly a guide on "how to use that equipment to view and enjoy a variety of deep-sky objects" (galaxies, nebulae and star clusters), and includes Steve's actual observing notes and his own sketches of each object as seen through a variety of apertures during his 20-plus years of observing. As someone whose entire output of astronomical artwork consists of two crude sketches, I can personally attest to the amount of effort that must have gone into producing the dozens of fine sketches reproduced here. Many of the objects are also shown in photos taken by Steve and others. My only major complaint is that the 373-page book does not include an index, so finding a particular object in the book takes a bit of page-flipping. "Deep Sky Observing" is not only a handsomely-printed guide to a cornucopia of intriguing objects, it's like sharing 'scope time with a friendly and knowledgeable companion.

Deep Sky Observing Fills a Void in Astrononomy Book.......2001-01-14

I think that most new amateur astronomers tend to learn about the hobby from someone who has been observing for a while. Although there are numerous books on the market aimed at beginners, the fine art of observing is something that can't be written about. Or can it? Deep Sky Observing is a book, that while maybe not able to actually give you experience at the eyepiece, lets you glean the knowledge gained by the author over the course of 20 years of observing. Coe has written a book unlike any other astronomy text I've read. The book is written in an easy to read style that will answer many of the questions left unanswered by the other books you may have read. Coe does not try to impress the reader with his knowledge of technical jargon; he instead lets his experience pass along the lessons he is trying to teach. His style will actually make you laugh in a few spots. When's the last time a book on astronomy did that?

The book is arranged into 19 chapters. Each chapter title asks a specific question we've all asked (or wanted to ask). Coe then attempts to provide the answers in the body of the chapter. This approach works well as you don't necessarily need to read the book in order. It also makes the book a valuable reference long after its first reading. The first eight chapters answer questions the author has obviously learned the hard way. This first half of the book is worth its weight in practical advice on things I've never seen covered in depth in other texts. Advice on selecting observing sites, accessories and organizing of time and resources is insightful and useful and will go a long way to making your observing experience an enjoyable one.

The middle chapters (9-14) are the bread and butter of this book. This is where the reader will benefit most from Coe's vast observing experience. Each chapter is dedicated to a particular type of observing target, and after a brief introduction on what you're observing, Coe presents his observations of various objects. He uses these observations (including many of his own eyepiece sketches) to advise the reader of what to look for in these objects and how and when to best observe them. After reading each chapter, the reader will have a new appreciation for the detail to be seen and will most likely want to re-observe many of the objects they've already seen just to apply the techniques Coe presents. Careful study of Coe's observations will help the novice decide what objects are best viewed tonight, based on expected seeing and telescope size.

Coe devotes the final chapters to helping the reader grow as an observer. Discussions on binocular observing, Computer resources, Other books and public observing sessions will help the reader find tools needed to develop his/her skills as an observer and enable them to get the most out of the hobby.

Book Description

Search for the Truth is the fascinating account of what happens when short, well-written articles on the scientific evidence for creation are placed in public newspapers. Over 80 provocative and logical one-page articles, on all aspects of science and creation, are included in this book. In addition, permission is given to re-use and reprint the materials in local newspapers and newsletters. The book is extensively illustrated with world class editorial cartoons and includes many examples of the response to be expected when the evidence for creation is presented. In addition, the book reveals the interconnection between subjects as diverse as the existence of absolute truth, the Christian foundation of America, and the inherent value of human life.

Customer Reviews:

Impacting with Truth.......2005-08-14

This book by definition: An aiming arrow that pierces through the evolutionary smog by presenting truth--straight up with interesting and informative articles. Search for the Truth contains about 80 articles pertinent to the ongoing debate regarding our origins--topics in biochemistry, biology, geology, anthropology, palentology, physics and the relevance of creation. It's all there--with an "ology" for everyone.

Mr. Malone's style of writing simply presents poignant facts designed to get the reader to literally "search for the truth". He has housed his extensive research under one cover for the purpose of other people reprinting the articles in their own community newspapers. The articles are one-pagers with an appropriate illustration, and his footnotes qualify his resources.

Because the origins issue took a front seat in our community, a core group was formed with the resolve to make a difference. We presented Search for the Truth articles every week for six months in our local newspaper. Our job was made easy with ready-to-go articles from Search. The result? The reward of impacting our community with truth that tips the balance toward creation. But you can decide that for yourself once you peruse its pages.

A common response I get after sharing the book is "Where can I get one?" Start with a copy for yourself . . . and then get copies into the hands of your friends. You, too, can make a difference by heralding the truth in your community.

Excellent treatment of mistaken premise.......2004-05-04

Bruce Malone has assembled a helpful, highly readable book. I say "assembled" because the book is a compilation of newspaper articles. I say "helpful" because the book's audience will be helped by these ways to make creationism seem credible to many wonderful people of all ages as explanations of life's origins. The related problem is that the assumptions and methods of thinking are not convincing to mature people well informed by today's standards. Personally, I wish that creationism were valid because (a) I was raised to believe it, and (b) it projects a sense of benevolent purpose and meaning onto life.

The problem, however, is that just as life in all its forms isn't clearly understandable without evolution, evolution isn't clearly understandable with creationism or "intelligent design" as proffered explanations because evolution, whether we like it or not, has proceeded and proceeds in an unguided way. In short, the "evidence for creation" is not convincing to the most competent scientists.

The associated problem is that we as humans have not yet developed a readily accessible means of educating children at large, and managing social groups at large, without some form of creationist model that provides the sense of direction, meaning and purpose that most people emotionally crave. And, in the meantime, books such as this need to be written in order to shore up the needed educational efforts, which should in no way be disparaged.

Great summary book for the EVIDENCE of creation vs evolution.......2002-08-26

This is a wonderful book with many summaries of the evidence and the misuse of evidence concerning the debate of creation and evolution. I have been an electrical engineer for almost 20 years and was taught and believed that we are all here as a result of some cosmic roll of the dice. Since that time I have read several good books like "Darwin's Black Box", "Darwin on Trial" and "Genesis and the Big Bang". I have also heard other science oriented persons give lectures on why evolution has actually been proven false by the very evidence that is being used to promote it. I found this book, "Search for the Truth" to be a wonderful summary of this information. Its overview style, with short one page understandable articles, makes it a great place to start in understanding the world around us. It also provides enough information to get anyone who is technically inclined and really wants to find the truth pointed in the right direction. I highly recommend this book!

a strong overview.......2002-07-22

I was delighted to read this excellent book. It is aimed at the popular market, providing a strong overview of many aspects of the creation/evolution debate.

You will notice that when proponents of evolution confront creationism, all they can do is offer insults. Even socalled clever scientists like Richard Dawkins do this. In writing for the ordinary layman, Malone provides argument after sound argument for his case.

As a former Head of Science in a British state school, I thoroughly recommend this work.

Search for the Truth.......2002-04-15

Excellent book for those searching for truth. I've read it twice and found it very well written and very thorough. I agree with one reader that the author Mr. Malone has put to words that which I have always held in my heart...to be the truths of God's Word. I highly recommend religious and non religious people to read it. It's very thought provoking and enlightening. It will encourage you and give you pause to ponder profound truths that may change your life.

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index to the Literature of Magnetism: Volume 10, Part 2; 1970-1972
Unknown
Manufacturer: American Institute of Physics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NO8W6M

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Literature 1970, Part 2

Manufacturer: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 3540055142

Book Description

This laugh-out-loud story of an arrogant fool who believes he can master golf in a week-for the purpose of winning the hand of a rather wealthy woman-is a golf classic not to be missed. It will delight all golfers everywhere-anyone who has one shred of love for the game, and specially for its origins on the verdant, misty, magical links of Scotland.

Jacky Gore proclaims himself to be "the greatest living sportsman," adept at everything from polo to cricket to rugby. But he has never tried golf, and it becomes his Waterloo. He makes a bet with the reigning Open Champion: that the winner of a match between the two of them (to be held in one week's time) wins the right to propose to the rich, beautiful, witty American woman, Katherine Gunter. The champion doesn't quite know what to make of this, but he goes along.

Before you can say "divot," Jacky Gore has traveled to the beautiful Scottish course of Saint Magnus, and begun his instruction in the game, coached by Mr. Kirkintulloch, the grumpiest, rudest Scottish pro on record. Kirkintulloch's gruff ministrations bring no improvement whatsoever in Gore's hopeless game. Gore takes to practicing his putts and drives inside his hotel room-to the astonishment and annoyance of the other guests. The night before match day, Gore is visited by the ghost of a centuries-dead Scottish cardinal, who has a vendetta against a long-dead relative of Gore's opponent. Hoping to have his revenge, this ghost bestows upon Gore a set of gnarled ancient clubs-which are infallible. One cannot miss a drive or a putt. They are truly remarkable, and indeed are exactly what our hapless Jacky Gore needs. He hesitates to use them-being underneath all his pompousness still something of an honorable sportsman.

But when the champion begins to drub him soundly, when the crowd ridicules him, when bets have been laid and all seems against him, Gore succumbs to the lure of infallibility. Just how the match ends, and how Ms. Gunter decides, is the sublime reward for readers of this splendid, unforgettable golf novel.

[Note: First published in England in 1902 as The Haunted Major, this book's first U.S. publication was in 1920 as The Enchanted Golf Clubs - the title we prefer.]

Customer Reviews:

Ur-Wodehouse.......2001-07-10

originally published (and still available as) The Haunted Major, this is a minor comic masterpiece. The narrator is Major Jacky Gore, the self-proclaimed 'greatest sportsman living'. He excels at all sports but despises golf on the grounds that it is not dangerous enough. However, in order to win the hand of a rich American widow he finds he has to defeat the US Open golf champion... With the aid of a ghostly and vengeful 16th century Scottish Cardinal Jacky goes head to head... Despite Jacky being pompous, vain, disdainful, arrogant, he is an attractive character. This is the kind of paradox that masterpieces are made of, and this is certainly one.

Enchanting Scottish Tale.......2001-03-25

This book was originally published under another name in England in 1920, then in American in the twenties. Now, reprinted again.

Almost put it down at the beginning first forty pages or so. Just wasn't going anywhere, setting up this arrogant, pompish, stuffy British guy who excels at everything, and thinks he can do the same with golf.

Stay in there as I did, until the golf begins, and it becomes a good read. Then, I kept waiting for some twist or such, and none came.

Almost quit again before the last chapter, but am glad I continued and encourage you to do the same. The outcome was unexpected, and I resonated to it, as a golfer.

You know, golf is about life. What other games calls penalties on themselves?

Golfers, you'll enjoy this Scottish tale!

Average customer rating:
Enchanted Golf Clubs 1ST Edition Us
Robert Marshall
Manufacturer: FREDERICK A STOKES CO
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PV7XVI

Book Description

“Since the first navy frogmen crawled onto the beaches of Normandy, no SEAL has ever surrendered,” writes Chuck Pfarrer. “No SEAL has ever been captured, and not one teammate or body has ever been left in the field. This legacy of valor is unmatched in modern warfare.”

Warrior Soul is a book about the warrior spirit, and it takes the reader all over the world. Former Navy SEAL Chuck Pfarrer recounts some of his most dangerous assignments: On a clandestine reconnaissance mission on the Mosquito Coast, his recon team plays a deadly game of cat and mouse with a Nicaraguan patrol boat. Cut off on the streets of Beirut, the author’s SEAL detachment must battle snipers on the Green Line. In the mid-Atlantic, Pfarrer’s unit attempts to retrieve—or destroy—the booster section of a Trident ballistic missile before it can be recovered by a Russian spy trawler. On a runway in Sicily, his assault element surrounds an Egyptian airliner carrying the Achille Lauro hijackers.

These are only a few of the riveting stories of combat patrol, reconnaissance missions, counter-terrorist operations, tragedies, and victories in Warrior Soul that illustrate the SEAL maxim “The person who will not be defeated cannot be defeated.”

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Complete Story from Beginning to End.......2007-09-09

This is probably the most complete book I have ever read on the SEALS, out of many (the only exception is Lone Survivor below---it was as good or better in some ways----read them both). I find a LOT more facination with a book that is non-fiction, because these are events we can all relate to-----and this book is autobiographical in a true sense---as is Lone Survivor.
The tales in this book reflect major international events that have affected the U.S. in the reasonably recent past. The author was/is cleary a very hard man with his life----and the lives of others----on the line as is described in this book in enough detail to make it hard to put down.

History Repeats Itself.......2007-08-31

I was able to read this book in one sitting. I really enjoyed Mr. Pfarrer's writing style and humor...yes humor was acheived in this special operations memoir.
What was most compelling to me was his description of Lebanon in 1983. It gives a vivid picture of what we're embroiled in right now in Iraq.
Thank you Mr. Pfarrer for the history lesson and I hope you're doing well after your bout with colon cancer.

Great Memoir.......2007-05-18

The title is the key to really "getting" this book. It is a memoir and not intended to be an action thriller about SEAL missions. That said, there are some tense moments that really make you feel the stress of being there. Pfarrer is an excellent writer so the book flows well. He is also quite honest throughout and that makes his toughness easier to take. I felt like I was getting to know the real guy, not just the tough guy he was some of the time.

This guy has the Warrior Soul.......2006-12-07

The Warrior Soul is a great read on many levels. Although I believe he was somewhat reserved from describing the "real" missions of his time in the military, I still found Chuck Pfarrer's writing to be open and honest. He details a few of his most important missions and brings the reader along as if they were on his SEAL team. He interjects bits about his personal life and creates a smooth storyline that will keep you interested until the end.

I am fascinated by the rigors of being a SEAL, so it's safe to say that I'm a sucker for this book. If you are hard-core military, then you'll be left hungry for the deeper layers (actually, the juicy details) that he assuredly experienced in his missions. But even without them, you'll enjoy learning about his life's path as a Navy SEAL.

Have fun,

David Tobias
Redondo Beach, CA

Exciting, sad and frustrating.......2006-06-11

This book takes you where no one will go and where few have been; the past of a SEAL and the men whom he knew. It does so in a way that is exciting and at the same time sad and frustrating. Here I saw how politicians keep this elite members from doing their job the way they learned; with accurate effectivennes. It also shows the personal sacrifice these men go so we can sleep well. Wanna be Special Forces, Delta, SEAL's and politicians must read this.

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Warrior Soul the Memoir of a Navy Seal
Chuck Pfarrer
Manufacturer: RANDOM HOUSE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UDJZQM

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keen understanding

Interesting Insights

Naval Technology, Operations and the Human Factor

Naval Technology, Operations and the Human Factor

A look at why navies are different

At War at Sea: Sailors and Naval Combat in the Twentieth Century
Ronald H. Spector
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Naval | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | World | History | Subjects | Books
General | Ships | Transportation | World | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

WAR AT SEA: A Naval History of World War II

The Price of Admiralty: The Evolution of Naval Warfare

Command at Sea: Naval Command and Control since the Sixteenth Century

In the Ruins of Empire: The Japanese Surrender and the Battle for Postwar Asia

A World at Arms: A Global History of World War II, New Edition

ASIN: 0140246010
Release Date: 2002-04-30

Amazon.com

Ronald H. Spector's At War at Sea is both a greatest-hits treatment of 20th-century naval battles and a comprehensive history of how sea-fighting tactics and technology have developed over the last century. Spector begins with what he calls "probably the most decisive naval battle of the last two-hundred years," and it's one that many American readers may not know well: the Battle of Tsushima, in May 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War. In a sense, it sets the tone for much of the book--or at least the portion running through the Second World War--for this is the battle that established Japan as an important military power in the Pacific, and one that could humiliate a Western opponent.

Spector next covers Jutland ("the greatest clash of battleships in history") in some detail, and makes a claim that informs much of his book: "Even in the matter of big guns, projectiles, and armor, the decisive considerations concerned human judgment, organization, and training." In other words, Jutland wasn't won by technology (despite the voluminous writings on this point by argumentative scholars), but by individual sailors. To emphasize the point, Spector shares the observations of ordinary participants from diaries, letters, and memoirs. Some of them are incredibly lucid. Here is a merchant seaman describing what it's like after a torpedo strikes a ship: "As a rule once you got hit, that's it, you're down like a stone wallop. They've got no chance. Down in about a minute. Gone." Spector then notes that about seven of every 10 merchant ships hit by torpedoes stayed afloat for less than 15 minutes.

Spector does not write with much verve, but he treats his subject with the thoroughgoing seriousness it deserves. At War at Sea is a strong account that will appeal to naval buffs. --John J. Miller

Book Description

Beginning with a gripping account of one of the most decisive naval battles in history-the 1905 battle of Tsushima between the Japanese and Russians-and ending with the sophisticated missile engagements of the Falklands and in the Persian Gulf, naval historian Ronald Spector explores every facet of the past one hundred years of naval warfare. Drawing from more than one hundred diaries, memoirs, letters, and interviews, this is, above all, a masterful narrative of the human side of combat at sea-real stories told from the point of view of the sailors who experienced it. Exhaustively researched and fascinating in detail, At War at Sea is a monumental history of the men, the ships, and the battles fought on the high seas.

"Superb . . . Spector's account provides evocative and fresh perspectives on cultures, technologies and innovations that influenced sailors' lives and shaped naval warfare." (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

"Monumental . . . Many books have recorded the history of the United States Navy, but few have meshed that history with that of all other major navies-an unusual comparative technique that brings into often startling relief the virtues and flaws of our own navy." (The Washington Post)

Customer Reviews:

keen understanding.......2005-03-07

Ronald Spector surely has a fine grip on all technical complexities involved in operating a fleet of 20th century warships. He isn't carried away by it, though, showing a keen understanding of the importance of the human factor. In this Spector doesn't skip the lowest ranks either, a pretty rare quality for somebody expertly writing about navies.

Right in the first chapter of his well-written book, Spector convincingly shows us how in 1905 the Japanese's superior training and discipline made them crushingly defeat the Russians at Tsushima. In spite of all predictions by naval experts at the time, having estimated both fleets of equal strength. Thus having emphasized way too much on technics, which is a common feature with engineers. Even in the computer-age, in 1905 still way ahead, the human factor is essential for the workings of any complicated (war) machine.

Interesting Insights.......2004-04-07

The author takes an interesting approach to describing the evolution of naval warfare during the twentieth century. He describes the development of technologies in conjunction with the training and treatment of the men in different navies at different times and shows the ramifications in selected battles. One aspect that make this book particularly interesting is that the author discusses the inner machinations of the Tsarist, WWI German and British, WWII Japanese, and post-WWII Soviet navies; material that has not been comprehensively and collectively covered in other books. Another aspect is the author's selection of the battles to show how naval warfare occurred in practice. Instead of focusing only on the battles that were strategic turning points, the author uses examples that show the problems of changing technology and organization presented to navies and the adjustments that were made. For example, the rapid evolution of aviation in naval warfare during WWII is shown in the battles of Crete, Santa Cruz (Solomon Islands), the Mariannas, and Okinawa. The book does not purport to be an extensive documentary of naval history but rather shows how and why it changed. It is particularly recommended for readers who want a better understanding of the practical effects of the human element in naval warfare.

Naval Technology, Operations and the Human Factor.......2002-04-09

The author, Ronald Spector, former Marine and director of naval history for the US Navy, is professor of history and international relations at George Washington University and respected author of naval history. Spector does not cover the spectrum of battles in the 20th century. Rather, he analyzes selective campaigns and battles that he believes illustrate the evolution of naval warfare from ships of sail to modern weapons of mass destruction. He uses well-documented contemporaneous letters and personal journals, as well as records of subsequent interviews of the participants, to provide an insightful description from the perspective of those who fought the battles. John Keegan pioneered this perspective of examining warfare in The Face of Battle (1976). The result is an interesting presentation of how sociological factors, combined with decisions and technological developments shaped naval history.

Spector begins with the 1905 Battle of Tsushima, regarded as the Trafalgar of the 20th century (or Russia's Pearl Harbor), which resulted in Japan emerging as an important military power that could and, ultimately, did threaten the West. He analyzes how the navies of the two unlikely protagonists --Japan and Russia -- adapted to advancements in weapons and technology and presents a compelling view of what life was like for a "fighting sailor."

Spector next analyzes The Battle of Jutland, which was "the largest naval engagement of World War I and the greatest clash of battleships in history." Though out-numbered 30:1,6,000 British died, compared to 2,500 Germans, presenting a new horror.

"In a single afternoon, the British had lost more seamen than were killed in action in the twenty years of war against Napoleon." (pg. 100)
***
"The modern naval battle is different from everything else in the world.... And a single stroke of a single weapon might wipe out a thousand lives. Not for another three decades would land warfare attain this level of destructiveness...."(ibid.)

Superior German technology is often cited for British defeat. Spector, however, argues that the different technologies canceled each other, and that it was the human factor -- the individual sailor -- that determined the outcome.

The book takes the reader through Vietnam and the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Evolution in technology and tactics are discussed, but special emphasis is placed on the observations of the average sailor during each battle.

A major fault of the book is the failure to cover, adequately, the last 25 years of the 20th century. The detailed examination of battles essentially ends with the Vietnam War. This is unfortunate since a variety of new weapons system and tactics were employed after Vietnam. Curiously, there is no coverage at all of Operation Desert Storm where the importance of widespread employment of tactical cruise missiles emerged.

The book is very easy to read and can be appreciated by the general public. The anecdotal passages make the book more enjoyable and present a moving and unsettling account of war in the 20th century. Curiously, the book is not well edited and does not appear to have been proofread, especially towards the end.

I recommend the book up through the close of the Vietnam War, but not for its coverage of subsequent battles.

Naval Technology, Operations and the Human Factor.......2002-04-09

I recommend the book up through the close of the Vietnam War, but not for its coverage of subsequent battles.

A look at why navies are different.......2001-08-09

Winston Churchill once said he read only for pleasure or profit. Professor Spector's "War at Sea" can be read for both, and more. It can be read straight through, from start to finish, with pleasure and profit, but it can also be picked up and, with some sorting out, read piecemeal, one era or conflict at a time. The work would serve admirably as a text in an upper division college course on the history of sea power and navies, and it would also serve well as a foundation for naval planners looking to the future. What sets "War at Sea" apart from other books that survey naval conflict is the author's attention to the sociological forces at work in shaping navies and their effect on the results produced by those navies. He is able to do so without ever lapsing into the psychobabble preferred by sociologists and psychologists, which contributes greatly to the pleasure to be drawn from the book.

Two very minor annoyances need mentioning: "War at Sea" was carelessly proofread, with the result that typographical errors occasionally bring the reader up short. The other is more disconcerting. For reasons known only to himself, Professor Spector has inverted the names of Japanese personalities, and because Japan was not only a major 20th Century naval power but was involved in three major 20th Century wars, much attention is paid to that nation.

Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto becomes Admiral Yamamoto Isoruku, in Spector's work, and Admiral Chuichi Nagamo becomes Admiral Nagumo Chuichi, and so on. Morison didn't do this in his 15-volume "History of United States Naval Operations in World War II." Karig, et al, didn't do it in their "Battle Report," a four-volume history of that war produced under the direction of wartime Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox. Potter didn't do it in his biographies of Chester W. Nimitz, Arleigh Burke and William F. Halsey. The Wall Street Journal doesn't do it in its coverage of Japanese business.

Spector is alone in this aberration, and for the reader who is already comfortable with the conventional presentation of Japanese names, it is a bother.

But not enough of a bother to dim the pleasure or dilute the profit to be gained by reading "War at Sea."

Average customer rating:
At War at Sea : Sailors and Naval Combat in the Twentieth Century
Ronald H. Spector
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJ1E70

Book Description

Stimulating and challenging exploration of the moon's awesome powers to influence our lives.

Customer Reviews:

INTERESTING..........2001-07-30

It has been a while since I have read a book. This being the 1st book about the moon that I have read; it does make me want to read other books about related topics. I am definately going to refer it to friends..Especially friends/strangers who inquire about my moon/sun tattoo. I had came across this book at my local library. Read it in a few hours. Which, lead to my looking up the author on the internet.( bringing me here). I am more knowledged (now) about the moon than before. A nice introduction to a topic that I will end up reading more about.

NOT WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.......2000-11-22

I was disappointed in ordering this book. The book had lots of scientific information about the relationship and affects between the moon and criminal activities among other theories, it would have been interesting if some of the research mentioned the affect of the moon on other cultures throughout history , mythology, and folk beliefs.

New edition of a rather controversal book........2000-05-13

Arnold Lieber takes the reader on whirlwind tour of his studies of the affects of the moon on violence, blood flow, and other aspects of his "biological tides theory". This book is an updated version derived from his previous work "The Lunar Effect : Biological Tides and Human Emotions". It is mostly a combination of lamen's descriptions of his scientific papers, summaries, support and challenges to other researchers' work, and some speculation as he poses theories to account for the varied research results involving "biological tides".

The overall tone of the book somehow seems to maintain a balance between skepticism and open mindedness, science and supposition. Do not be fooled; the man is a scientist that is pushing the bounds of the modern displine. I admire his courage and tenacity.

That said, I must admit that I was disapointed by the book. I would have liked to have seen more coverage of folk beliefs, mysticism, and popular culture about the moon being grafted to current research. The book plays with the aspects of science now being able to confirm "what we have always known" but the presentation of popular belief could have been more inspiring and entertaining. Somehow this manages to be a book for the lamen which purportes to be serious science. In the end I found it odd but enjoyable. I can see this book being considered "too scientific" for some and "not heavy enough" for others.

I total enjoyed.......2000-03-15

Ancient sages and our later forefathers truly understood the art of lunar timing. I totally enjoyed this book. It made me thing about "bigger things"

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