Power and Prosperity: Outgrowing Communist and Capitalist Dictatorships

Book Description

This final work by a world-renowned economist will take its place among the classics of political economy Why do some economies do better than others? How does society encourage the kind of market economy that generates continually increasing incomes? How do particular styles of government affect economic performance? World-renowned economist Mancur Olson tackles these questions and others in what will surely be regarded as his magnum opus. Olson contends that governments can play an essential role in the development of markets. Reliable enforcement of private contracts and protection of individual rights to property depend on governments strong enough not to undermine them. His exploration of "market-augmenting governments" will stand as a cutting-edge work on economic growth and provide a useful framework in which to consider the Asian financial crisis and its aftermath. As Susan Lee noted in Forbes, "his pioneering insights might have won a Nobel Prize for Olson had he lived a bit longer."

"Power and Prosperity is an important book, written with clarity and verve. It is a great misfortune that Mancur Olson is not here to respond to the debates that it will surely provoke." -The Wall Street Journal

Customer Reviews:

Needed.......2006-08-30

This book covers aspects of Economics that are only too often neglected. These aspects include how power arrangements affect market efficiency and the effectiveness of markets in meeting consumer demand and providing for propserity. The book also provides accounts of different types of market arangements. In one type of market there is no guarantee other than the honor of the buyer and seller concerning the quality of the product and the terms of payment. Thus the market tends toward basic short term transactions. In the market for which property rights are guaranteed by the social structure, however, market arrangements can be much more complex and much better serve the needs of the people in society.

Power arrangements should be studied in Economics.

And this book should be read by all persons interested in Economics.

Lucid, direct and yet subtle. Quite excellent........2005-12-26

In the "Rise and Decline of Nations" Mancur Olson revealed the teacher in himself with a lucid readable account that left the mathematics in the footnotes. It was one of those books that Samuel Britten would give to his bright nephew who wants to know what it is all about without doing the difficult math (with the exception of some graphs in a later chapter, not difficult to interpret, but which the reader can skim over if they are so inclined, for the argument is clearly stated in the text). The "Rise and Decline of Nations", Mancur Olson's prior book for the greater public, is a hard act to follow, but that he does with this sequel, "Power and Prosperity." And how.

"Power and Prosperity" brings the compelling reasoning of Olson's theories of collective action forward with a lucidity and ease unmatched by any other book I have encountered. And yet he still breaks new ground; the prompting was Olson's observations of the former Soviet Russian Federation's failure to rise above anarchy and to harness the power for free markets for the good of her people. In this book Olson answers the question: Why has Russia failed where the West has succeeded?

Olson's use of language is quite outstanding. He uses no big words where simple words will do. He defines the terms of his essay as he goes. He refers the reader to academic publications for those interested in formal proofs. He does not repeat himself except to remind the reader of the main line of argument, which keeps the whole tight and disciplined, yet easy to read.

This book is very strongly recommended for anyone seeking the synthesis of the big picture and a disciplined logical analysis. self with a lucid readable account that left the mathematics in the footnotes. It was one of those books that Samuel Britten would give to his bright nephew who wants to know what it is all about without doing the difficult bits. The "Rise and Decline of Nations" is a hard act to follow, but that Mancur Olson does with "Power and Prosperity." And how.

Only for economists but not enough.......2005-08-22

Olson's book is good but only understandable for those with an economics background. If you are not an economist you are going to have trouble understanding what he is trying to say and the concepts he uses across the pages.
For those who have an econ background it is a good book and it provides interesting examples on how economic theory applies to real life, and some of the reasons as to why some economic systems and models do or do not work in reality. However, he seriously lacks some other sociological, demographical, and local aspects of power, prosperity and development; therefore you should not stick only to his theories and keep reading other books to understand why some countries achieve prosperity while others do not.

Balanced, Insightful, and relevant.......2004-12-09

Power and Prosperity is an example of economics at its best. First of all, it takes a balanced or neutral approach to its subject matter. The author is not out to prove the superiority of either markets or government. Governmental power is a double edged sword to Olson. Government power promotes prosperity by restraining 'roving bandits' or special interests. Government power is also susceptible to the influence of special interests. Olson also discusses the merits and faults of markets. Markets are ubiquitous and can lead to prosperity, but often do not. Government has a role in this. That is, he finds blame for this in the most negative aspects of government. Olson does not assume market efficiency either. He explains it, as well as some possible limitations to markets.

This is also a highly insightful book. Much of his analysis derives from his earlier work on "the logic of collective action'. He also uses some transaction costs and basic supply and demand/substitution effect reasoning to explain historical events. Students in my comparative classes had more trouble with this book than any other, but it is still manageable. Reading it might be difficult for those who lack an education in economics. But I am not sure if there is an easier way to say what it says, and what it says is most interesting. The concepts the author employs makes a greater understanding of different economic systems and historical periods possible. This is penetrating analysis.

It is also highly relevant. Much of this book focuses on the Soviet Union. One could say that the USSR is a done deal- it failed so forget about it. It is, however, important to understand why it failed so as to avoid repeating such errors in the future. This is what the Author is driving at with in his use of the Soviet example. There were reasons for the failure of the Soviet system that also apply to problems in other nations- not to mention Russia today. The misuse of power has the potential to prevent prosperity as much now as it did under Stalin and Khrushchev.

Does this book have faults? Certainly. Olson takes too positive a view of Stalin's industrialization program (not that he praises Stalin). Olson dismisses complete privatization, or anarchy, too easily. There is nothing wrong with arguing against anarchy. But, his arguments against privatizing the state (i.e private police and courts) are little more than an unsupported dismissal of such arrangements. If he did not want to debate that issue, he should not have taken such a strong stand. He also might have mentioned a few things about FA Hayek- especially on p136 where he wrote "a bureaucracy cannot process all the information needed to calculate an optimal allocation or put it into practice".

While there are a few faults to this book, it is still excellent. It is a must read for anyone interested in either comparative economics and politics, Globalization, or the economic history of the Soviet Union.

Excellent description of what went wrong in the Soviet Union.......2004-06-26

Parts of this book are a bit slow and more theoretical than I want, but the chapter on the Soviet Union is one of the best economic essays I've ever read.
It convincingly discredits the idea that a misguided ideology led Soviet planners astray, by describing how the policies appear shrewdly designed to maximize Stalin's wealth.
It also provides a compelling explanation of the more recent Soviet and post-Soviet economic problems by documenting the extent to which special interests have made their industry unproductive by adopting work rules/habits designed maximize job security.
I wish I could believe these problems were unique to countries afflicted with communism, but the book's reasoning suggests that many parts of our economy where bureaucracies aren't shut down if they fail to produce valuable results (much of government, businesses in industries with little competition, and I don't know what fraction of nonprofits) are equally wasteful.

Building democracy and the rule of law: from Moses the law giver to World Bank conditionality?(Book Review): An article from: Polity

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Building democracy and the rule of law: from Moses the law giver to World Bank conditionality?(Book Review): An article from: Polity
David Fagelson
Manufacturer: Northeastern Political Science Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Polity, published by Northeastern Political Science Association on October 1, 2003. The length of the article is 6652 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: Building democracy and the rule of law: from Moses the law giver to World Bank conditionality?(Book Review)
Author: David Fagelson
Publication: Polity (Refereed)
Date: October 1, 2003
Publisher: Northeastern Political Science Association
Volume: 36 Issue: 1 Page: 139(13)

Article Type: Book Review

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How Governments Can Promote Wealth.(Review) (book review): An article from: The Futurist

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How Governments Can Promote Wealth.(Review) (book review): An article from: The Futurist
Jeff Minerd
Manufacturer: World Future Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Futurist, published by World Future Society on September 1, 2000. The length of the article is 505 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: How Governments Can Promote Wealth.(Review) (book review)
Author: Jeff Minerd
Publication: The Futurist (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2000
Publisher: World Future Society
Volume: 34 Issue: 5 Page: 8

Article Type: Book Review

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Power and Prosperity.(Review) (book review): An article from: Finance & Development

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Power and Prosperity.(Review) (book review): An article from: Finance & Development
William Easterly
Manufacturer: International Monetary Fund
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Finance & Development, published by International Monetary Fund on December 1, 2000. The length of the article is 677 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: Power and Prosperity.(Review) (book review)
Author: William Easterly
Publication: Finance & Development (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 2000
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
Volume: 37 Issue: 4 Page: 61

Article Type: Book Review

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Book Description

As soon as a business thinks that its on top of the world, its probably headed for disaster. Seize Tomorrow, Start Today teaches companies and individuals how they can draw on their innate strengths while continually reinventing themselves by: surfacing the key issues, prioritizing resources, engaging people, energizing learning, unleashing ownership, and much more.

Customer Reviews:

A Solid Effort!.......2001-05-08

If you just couldn't get enough of the "remake-your-business-from-its-own-ashes" wisdom in 1999's Soaring with the Phoenix and the earlier Flight of the Buffalo, you're in luck - the old bird is back. Authors James A. Belasco and Jerre Stead have updated their compilation of prepare-for-the-future and create-your-dream-career lessons. Jam-packed with common sense, insight, vision, and hundreds of examples and anecdotes, the book focuses on familiar themes. While it may not tell you much that you don't already know (or should know), its strength lies in its ability to elbow you in the ribs and remind you. Written in a witty, breezy, sophisticated manner (although distractingly redundant), this pep talk rambles on but is still worth reading for its timely message. We at getAbstract.com recommend this book to businesspeople at all levels who are looking to understand and cope with change.

Book Description

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) are the only two species of the genus Pan, and are humans' nearest relatives. This book is an extensive review of the most recent observations from field studies on the diversity of Pan social behavior, with contributions from many of the world's leading experts. A wide range of social behavior is discussed including tool use, hunting, reproductive strategies, conflict management, demographic variables and ecological constraints. In addition to interspecies behavioral diversity, this text describes exciting new research into variations between different populations of the same species.

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Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus), otherwise known as pygmy chimpanzees, are the only two species of the genus Pan. As they are our nearest relatives, there has been much research devoted to investigating the similarities and differences between them. This book offers an extensive review of the most recent observations to come from field studies on the diversity of Pan social behaviour, with contributions from many of the world's leading experts in this field. A wide range of social behaviours is discussed including tool use, hunting, reproductive strategies and conflict management as well as demographic variables and ecological constraints. In addition to interspecies behavioural diversity, this text describes exciting new research into variations between different populations of the same species. Researchers and students working in the fields of primatology, anthropology and zoology will find this a fascinating read.

Book Description

Here is the ultimate adventure story, told by an expert and documented with more than 140-full color photographs, of one explorer's quest to come face to face with the great bears of North America-Polar, Brown, and Black.

While numerous books in the subject of bears exist, none has approached their subjects with such drama, adventure, and extraordinary showmanship as John Pezzenti, one of the foremost wildlife photographers working today. Confronting his subjects as close as is humanly possible and still surviving, Pezzenti needs no special effects: He creates uniquely intimate portraits if these giant beasts and pulls the viewer himself into the middle of his photographic event-immersing the reader in all the action and the thrill of proximity. The result of this amazing twenty-five year passion is a collection of the most compelling and powerful photographers ever taken of bears in the wild.

Not just a photographic portfolio, however, Shooting Bears is accompanied by a riveting text that could stand alone, and that immediately engages in the ultimate wildlife adventure, by introducing the reader into the intimate life of bears in their natural settings. Descriptions of the challenges Pezzenti faced in his quest for the supreme photograph-including being mauled, stalked for five miles by a rogue bear, and coming nose-to-nose with a grimacing black bear in the dead of night-are all included. Many other equally enthralling stories detail his "up close and personal" adventures-all in the service of getting the supreme photograph.

Customer Reviews:

FASCINATING.......2005-08-23

I just went to Princes of Wales Island, Thorne Bay, Alaska from Dallas, Texas. I became really intersted in bears after seeing black bears on various rivers that I was fly fishing for salmon on around the area of Thorne Bay. I found this book in a book store in Bellingham, Washington on my return back to Texas. Wonderful pictures and the stories are mind boggling. I enjoyed this book so much and learned a great deal more about bears. I know in the future, I will be more "cautious" when in bear country. I have heard several of those same rumors about bears. I would highly recommed this book to anyone. Absolutely fascinating. The photography is outstanding. The author is "gutsy".

Stunning photos and text of our great North American Bears.......2002-12-23

In the 90's when I lived in Alaska I pursued that lands great mammals with my camera. Along the way I met John Pezzenti. Not only is he an author who captures the mystery and thrill of wildlife adventure photography through a unique voice, he is one of the best nature and wildlife photographers in the world. This stunning book adds another notch onto his Nikon. It helped me be there again, but this time sitting with a cup of tea instead of the rain, bugs, miserable weather, and other hardships that John lives with daily. Buy this book! You'll love it too!

Best bear book that I have read........2002-08-25

If you are interested in bears,then this is the book for you.Amazing photographs,and accounts by the author,who has spent over 30yrs working and living with these wonderful creatures.A fantastic book,thank you Mr Pezzenti for sharing your experiences with us less fortunate people.

Buy it for the pictures, enjoy it for the text!.......2002-01-31

This book is another fine example of John Pezzenti's work. The pasion he has for bears and all wildlife comes through in every picture. While I and many others will buy this book for the pictures, which alone is worth the price, reading the text brought a new level of understanding and appreciation for both the bears and John.
While not all of the book is about Alaska, I highly recomend this book to all Alaskans, as well as people who not as fortunate to live here.

Capturing text and brillient display......................,.......2002-01-09

John Pezzenti once again is shareing his world with us in his latest book, Shooting Bears: This beautifully bound album of magnificient photographs truly show cases John`s mastery of the lens and his knowledge of his subjects. The stories John shares with us in Shooting Bears:, both with his pen, and with his camera, are a pricless treasure that will leave you in awe of these wonderful wild animals and in wonder at this artists extreme talent. John takes you along in his travels and shows you

in his photographs just why he goes there. This wonderful display is a must-have for all who enjoy wildlife and bears in particular, and for those who appreciate being right out there with them. Thanks for the wonderful trip John, God Bless.

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Shooting Bears: The Adventures of a Wildlife Photographer
John Pezzenti
Manufacturer: Rizzoli Intl Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OM5UB8

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A Home Run

Clint Myers ASU Head Softball Coach

Mental Toughness: A Champion's State of Mind
Karl Kuehl
Manufacturer: Ivan R. Dee, Publisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baseball | Sports | Subjects | Books
Sports Psychology | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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The New Toughness Training for Sports: Mental Emotional Physical Conditioning from One of the World's Premier Sports Psychologists

The Mental Edge

The Mental Athlete

Ultimate Guide to Mental Toughness: How to Raise Your Motivation, Focus and Confidence Like Pushing a Button

The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance

ASIN: 1566636175

Book Description

Working from a vast combined experience in professional baseball, the authors have broken down the elements of mental toughness into an easily understood package. Not only baseball players but other athletes as well as managers, coaches, and parents can learn how elements like attitude, confidence, and the ability to focus and make adjustments are built and how they can help players reach their maximum performance. With a Foreword by Tony La Russa. A must-read for future athletes and non-athletes alike. --Mark McGwire

Customer Reviews:

A Home Run.......2006-05-23

You don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy MENTAL TOUGHNESS. The premises, examples and advice are universal for anyone seeking to improve the game of life. It is a book that can be read many times and each time the reader will gain insights to help reach their potential be it as an athlete, or a professional or amateur in any field. It is a must read for anyone trying to improve their game. The examples of real baseball experiences bring home the importance of the mental aspect of any challenge.

Clint Myers ASU Head Softball Coach.......2006-05-06

The mental part of the athlete's game will determine their personal success and development. This book teaches individuals how to learn control over the dynamics of life. There is great insight into areas of character, values, focus, concentration and confidence. This book is required reading for the ASU Softball team and has helped all of us make positive adjustments in our lives both on and off the field.

Book Description

This definitive guide covers the entire history of weapons, from the earliest, most primitive instruments up to remarkable advances in modern defense and warfare, including:Riot-control devicesElectrified nightsticksInfantry weaponsMultiple-launch rocketsFiber-optic misslesWire-guided torpedoes"Stealth" technology

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-10-09

Its very interesting and detailed in all its descriptions. It could keep me entertained for months, learned a great deal about all kinds of weapons, great buy if interested in weapons

Splendid!.......2007-05-28

Wow, I picked up this book from my local library a few years back and fell in love with it! I ended up keeping it for 9 months and read from it almost every night while in bed. It's a wonderful and interesting tome of knowledge that has a great deal of information on all types of weaponry (extremely) old and new. Large diagrams and well written articles show and describe basic concepts, and usually later go into greater detail. This is a wonderful starting point for anyone who is interested in weaponry of any sort, as you find your favorite sections and then run back to your library (pay the hefty late fee, completely worth it!) and pick up more books on that specific area.

I'd even say this is a wonderful coffee table book, it's just that interesting! If you are at all interested by weaponry this is THE book to purchase. You won't regret it!

If you are interested in Military History buy any version of this book available.......2007-02-15

If you are interested in Military History buy any version of this book you can find.

As a lifelong student of military history I highly recommend this book. For me it is the "how it works" of weaponry and warfare. This book offers excellent diagrams and explanations. I often refer to it when looking for references to arms. Buy it - you will not be disappointed.

Please stop buying this book.......2007-01-13

I have lost all patience. Please stop buying this excellent book now otherwise I am afraid we will never see an updated version of what is actually a 20 year old text. Time and weapons have moved on. Even older systems coverage can be improved--there is not a decent picture of the old mundane RPG still being used to good effect. Publisher--get busy!

Good overall..........2006-12-10

I first found this book in a library 3 years ago, but I will never forget this book. I'm getting this on December 14, 2006. I think that this book is a very interesting book. I read it 46 times already(all 300 pages, and I never got boring)! Although I read it 46 times already, I think that it talks too much about medieval and primitive weapons. But all together, I think that it is the best book. I got about 80 percent of my knowledge on weapons from this book! If you like weapons, or want to study then, I think that you should choose this book.

Book Description

Six detailed exercises show the exciting effects that can be achieved by mixing ink, watercolor, tempera, charcoal, and other media.

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