Bacterial Energy Transduction

Book Description

This is the first book on microbial energetics at this level, presenting an integrated approach to all major aspects of the subject. It is a research level introduction to bacterial bioenergetics, aimed at postgraduates coming to the field and other researchers wishing to acquire specialist knowledge. Each chapter covers the basics of the relevant topic leading to more extensive discussion relating to specialist research interests. Energy transduction is fundamental to all biochemical/physiological processes and therefore of interest to many.

Energy Transduction and Gene Transfer in Chemotrophic Bacteria: Macromolecules on the Move (Soviet Scientific Reviews Supplement Series, Physicochemi)

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Energy Transduction and Gene Transfer in Chemotrophic Bacteria: Macromolecules on the Move (Soviet Scientific Reviews Supplement Series, Physicochemi)
L. Grinius
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Microbiology | Basic Science | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Light Energy Transduction in Photosynthesis: Higher Plant and Bacterial Models

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Light Energy Transduction in Photosynthesis: Higher Plant and Bacterial Models
S. Edward Stevens , and Donald A. Bryant
Manufacturer: American Society of Plant Physiologists
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Biochemistry | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This guide to Sardinia, an island surrounded by one of the most beautiful and transparent seas in the world, surveys all the possibilities for visitors, from aquatic sports along the 1,800-km coastline — the second-longest of the Mediterranean islands — to the best places to dine, stay, and play. The guide contains authoritative advice and insight on history, culture, food, wine, shopping, local markets, and festivals, while a new design and color-coded index make finding the right information a snap.

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Authentic Sardinia

Manufacturer: PORTFOLIO
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GX359Y

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A Major Achievement

Best introduction to lunar development

immediate classic - ambitious primer with vision & scope

instant classic - ambitious primer with vision & scope

Some day this all might become true!

The Moon: Resources, Future Development and Settlement (Springer Praxis Books / Space Exploration)
David Schrunk , Burton Sharpe , Bonnie L. Cooper , and Madhu Thangavelu
Manufacturer: Praxis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Aeronautics & Astronautics | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books
Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books
Astrophysics & Space Science | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Geology | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
Astronomy | Astronomy | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Astrophysics & Space Science | Astronomy | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Geology | Earth Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Story of Manned Space Stations: An Introduction (Springer Praxis Books / Space Exploration)

Return to the Moon: Exploration, Enterprise, and Energy in the Human Settlement of Space

Distant Worlds: Milestones in Planetary Exploration

Planetary Landers and Entry Probes

On the Moon: The Apollo Journals (Springer Praxis Books / Space Exploration)

Accessories:

Celestial Mechanics: The Waltz of the Planets (Springer Praxis Books)

Distant Worlds: Milestones in Planetary Exploration

Praxis Manned Spaceflight Log 1961-2006 (Springer Praxis Books / Space Exploration)

ASIN: 0387360557

Book Description

The Moon: Resources, Future Development and Settlement describes feasible human settlement of the Moon in the coming century. Small scale, tele-operated and autonomous robotic in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) projects are first, followed by electric power, communication, and transportation networks manufactured from lunar resources. These infrastructure networks are field tested an commissioned in the polar regions of the Moon, and permanent human settlements are then established. Through several phases of development, the utility networks grow, and the number of permanently inhabited bases increases to inculde all areas of interest on the Moon. The book stresses that the envisioned "Planet Moon Project" will link the technological and cultural expertise of humanity to the virtually limitless resources of space. From that beginning, the people of the Earth reap substatntial benefits from space, and the human species will evolve into a spacefaring civilization.

Customer Reviews:

A Major Achievement.......2004-09-28

As one of the contractors selected by NASA this year to design a lunar architecture, I can say this book provides an excellent and detailed inventory what is known about the Moon's challenges and ways that have been devised to overcome them. Peter Eckart is a hero of the lunar movement; if he were available, he would have a leading role on our lunar architecture team.

Best introduction to lunar development.......2001-01-16

This book is the best up-to-date introduction to lunar development, focusing on the primary technical infrastructure necessary to expand from an initial base via In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) to global development of what the authors term "Planet Moon". The book makes a clear case first for why we should do this, and then in quite detailed outline, how. While some technical components, such as remote robotic tele-operation, or lunar materials mining and processing, still require research and development work, nothing in this project is far from mundane things we already know how to do. The book isn't entirely self-consistent and the logical separation of topics sometimes seems a bit odd, but the range of material covered is satisfyingly broad: lunar topography and composition; railways, telecommunications and materials transport; requirements on construction and chemical processing equipment; human-suitable habitats, life support, agriculture, and "cislunar" transport and logistics, and more. Beyond the technical discussion of the physical, chemical, and engineering issues are several sections of the book dealing with lunar government, including a proposal for creation of a "Lunar Economic Development Authority" (LEDA) following a port authority model, which looks extremely promising. At least as valuable as the 10 main chapters are the 20 appendixes, to which over half the book's pages are devoted. These appendixes, based heavily on work published elsewhere, bring a lot of information together in one place available for ready inter-comparison. Perhaps the most interesting is also the longest, Appendix E, which thoroughly covers the proposed processes for lunar oxygen extraction and related chemical processing. This book is an essential guide for anybody hoping to work on lunar development and participate in, as the authors phrase it, the "Planet Moon Project".

immediate classic - ambitious primer with vision & scope.......2000-08-04

Take your pick of "must buy", "immediate classic", or "ambitious Primer with Vision and Scope". Not a few people have taken a hard in depth look at what it will take to establish a permanent outpost on the Moon - as if that was an end all and be all goal in and of itself. In this new volume, Schrunk and his team are clearly out to do more. Seeing the Moon in the much wider light as a world with considerable mineral resources and its strategic location on the shoulder of Earth' gravity well, they outline a feasible, realistic scenario for the coming century. Their goal is not "a" moon base. It is a global integration of the Moon into Earth's economy. Looking at the Moon's resources, where they are located, and at which parts of the Moon have special advantages, they take us from a first south polar outpost step by step into a future when humans will be busy all over the Moon, and making money doing so. Their vision is grounded on established technologies, never depending on developments or breakthroughs that may or may not ever happen. On the airless Moon, good old fashion electric railroads (eventually MagLev) will be the principal way of moving goods and materials from one part of the globe to another. Relying solely on solar power, they manage the long lunar nightspans by setting up grids that loop both poles at approximately 85° N and S, latitudes, depending on the terrain, of course. The Moon will produce power for Earth, and become the principal spaceport by which we open the rest of the Solar System and beyond. By the turn of the next century, hundreds of thousands of people, and maybe more, will live and work on the Moon. Profusely illustrated with B/W sketches, the authors take us through every well-reasoned and grounded step. For all of us interested in the Moon, this book is a must read. Do buy it!

instant classic - ambitious primer with vision & scope.......2000-08-04

Take your pick of "must buy", "immediate classic", or "ambitious Primer with Vision and Scope". Not a few people have taken a hard in depth look at what it will take to establish a permanent outpost on the Moon - as if that was an end all and be all goal in and of itself. In this new volume, Schrunk and his team are clearly out to do more. Seeing the Moon in the much wider light as a world with consi-derable mineral resources and its strategic location on the shoulder of Earth1s gravity well, they outline a feasible, realistic scenario for the coming century. Their goal is not "a" moon base. It is a global integration of the Moon into Earth1s economy. Looking at the Moon1s resources, where they are located, and at which parts of the Moon have special advantages, they take us from a first south polar outpost step by step into a future when humans will be busy all over the Moon, and making money doing so. Their vision is grounded on established technologies, never depending on developments or breakthroughs that may or may not ever happen. On the airless Moon, good old fashion electric railroads (eventually MagLev) will be the principal way of moving goods and materials from one part of the globe to another. Relying solely on solar power, they manage the long lunar nightspans by setting up grids that loop both poles at approximately 85° N and S, latitudes, depending on the terrain, of course. The Moon will produce power for Earth, and become the principal spaceport by which we open the rest of the Solar System and beyond. By the turn of the next century, hundreds of thousands of people, and maybe more, will live and work on the Moon. Profusely illustrated with B/W sketches, the authors take us through every well-reasoned and grounded step. For all of us interested in the Moon, this book is a must read. Do buy it!

Some day this all might become true!.......2000-04-25

I've been reading a lot of books about the moon and it's exploration lately. Some deal with the Apollo past but also some about the (near) future. This book gives a good overview of the aspects involved in developing a permanent base on the moon. It even deals with long term development of cities containing thousands of people. The concepts presented are viable although it presents some concepts that are to far into the future to my likings. It not only presents the theorectical concepts but also the work that has been done in relevant research areas and the problems encountered. It is not science fiction. Not only does the book cover the technical challenges but it also deals with economical and political aspects of a lunar base. If you want to get a clear picture of the current state of the art of lunar development this book is a very good starting point.

Living Spaces in the Polar Region (Living Spaces)

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Living Spaces in the Polar Region (Living Spaces)
Gail Stewart
Manufacturer: Rourke Pub Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Exploration & Discovery | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0865921083

Book Description

Imagine walking along the two-hundred foot expanse of a charcoal and paper mural, the cityscape of Pittsburghs past and present unfolding before your eyes. You stop intermittently, spotting a particul Steel Shadows, you dont have to visit exhibition halls at Carnegie Mellon University or the John Heinz History Center to enjoy Douglas Coopers unique, realistic and highly personal images of Pittsburgh. Steel Shadows brings his large charcoal and paper art home to you. This unique collection of imagery and prose combines the personal with Coopers highly technical and intricate craft. Through narrative and illustration, Douglas Cooper will show you a Pittsburgh you know and love, but have never seen in quite this way before.

Cooper details the inspiration for his artistic vision, as well as the formal properties of his art and how it relates to architecture. The book features double-page spreads and excerpts from Pittsburg) panoramic murals in Frankfurt, Germany, and in New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. A central theme of his work has been the overlay of the multiple meanings people attach to their surroundings. In three of his murals, Cooper has worked with the elderly and incorporated their stories into his art. Cooper has received grants for his work from the National Endowment for the Arts and has been honored by the American Institute of Architects for the contribution his murals have made to architecture.

Customer Reviews:

Cooper Breaks New Ground.......2001-11-28

Douglas Cooper's Steel Shadows is a gem. Although it is specifically about Pittsburgh, it is really about how we see, portray, and interact with the landscape around us, urban or rural. Cooper is first a wonderful visual artist, and has allowed us a rare glimpse into his methods here. Rather than look far afield for his subject matter, he has taken on the challenge of visioning his native city, in immense and powerful murals, which are remarkably well re-produced in the book. Cooper can also write, and illustrates with his words the process of producing the murals and the logic behind them. Together, his drawings and text serve to usher us into the world of Pittsburgh, that singularly muscular and angular American city, and to cast some light on what it is to be an artist at the top of one's game, working hard to make that art - in this case drawing - relevant and useful in a changing world. A very pleasing, entertaining, and thought-provoking book.

Pittsburgh and Cooper: A 360 Degree Panorama.......2000-11-13

Imagine you are standing at the top of a cliff in a hilly city or on top of a skyscraper in a flatter one. Slowly rotate 360 degrees, taking in all that you can see as you turn. Then imagine doing the same thing 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago and work older landscapes into your contemporary ones. Then imagine wrapping all that you see and imagine onto a flat surface. I don't think I could actually do that - but Douglas Cooper can and has. Cooper's new book, STEEL SHADOWS, does three distinct tasks. It offers an insightful autobiographical sketch on how Cooper, an architect/professor at Carnegie Mellon University, came to draw the way he draws. Writing in a naive style, he recounts 2nd grade experiments on perspective, his education at Carnegie Tech, his sojourn to Europe to study buildings, and the evolving style which puts myriad angles continuously onto a flat piece of paper in a way which makes sense - to the viewers as well as to Cooper. The second task is to help the reader fall in love with the landscape of Pittsburgh as Cooper did, first as a 6-year-old enamoured of trains. Cooper's drawings in STEEL SHADOWS, excellent reproductions of the massive murals installed permanently in a variety of sites in Pittsburgh, give one the feel of the steep mountainsides, winding streets, and crumbling industrial landscape of the city. Cooper seems to love it all, and his amazing drawings draw us into his love affair. The third element of STEEL SHADOWS is an illustrated collection of writings on Pittburgh including excerpts from architectural historian Franklin Toker, poet Peter Blair, writer Annie Dillard, historian William Serrin, and novelist Marcia Davenport. My favorite excerpt in the last section is actually by Cooper, himself. "Living with Meg across from Forbes Field" allows him to indulge in his second passion after Pittsburgh: baseball. Along with stunning drawings of the old ball park, Cooper tells us of the neighborhood of South Oakland, life in the bleachers in Forbes Field, and his life as a young married man sitting on his porch directly across the street from Forbes Field waiting for foul balls to be hit out of the stadium and to him. One might question whether this book would be interesting to those who are neither artists nor Pittsburghers. I am not an artist, but as a longtime fan of Cooper's work, was intrigued with his thoughts about how he came to draw the way he does. His writing is simple but not simplistic; even technical sections were clear to me, a layman. I am a Pittsburgher, so cannot state how one from another city will enjoy STEEL SHADOWS. Cooper's drawings, though, transcend the specific place he portrays. His urban landscape and his vision of the ways in which places and times come together have universal appeal. It is Pittsburgh that he draws, but it is Cooper himself as well as his city that we see.

Book Description

The Swedish Vallhund, known as the Vastgotaspets in its native Sweden, is truly a rare find! This "wolf-colored Corgi" derives from a romantic Viking ancestry and is, in fact, an ancient herding dog of Sweden. Believed to be imported into Britain by the Vikings, the Vallhund (then known as Vikingarna) possesses many special talents and traits that will appeal to many dog lovers, including his alert disposition, superior versatility and agility, abundance of energy and superb trainability.

Written by British breeder and judge, Janice Wilton, this Special Rare-Breed Edition is the only book of its kind, providing readers with an accurate telling of the breed's history and an insightful look into its characteristics and personality. The author also discusses the breed standard, puppy selection, obedience training and behavior. New owners will welcome Mrs. Wilton's advice on housebreaking, puppy-proofing and general health care and maintenance. In addition to an authoritative, comprehensive text, this book presents over 135 photographs in full color, which prove to be as informative as they are attractive.

Customer Reviews:

Good, not great........2007-05-12

We were always going to buy a Vallhund anyway, but wanted as much information as possible, in the interests of research. Given the lack of breed specific books, we jumped at this one.

While it does contain some good information on the Vallhund, a majority of the content is generic to all breeds and is repeated in the majority of "dog books" you will find.

Worth buying for the Vallhund focused material it does contain, such as a lot of interesting history.

Our dog is 10 weeks old now is already far exceeding our hopes for him. You do need to be very strong with them, never give in and always display your authority. At the same time, ours responds very well to affection and is constantly praised, cuddled and patted.

This book is accurate in it's descriptions of the breed. Very alert, intelligent and brave!

Buy this book anyway, and if you can find a Vallhund and are prepared for a very rewarding challenge, do it!

disappointing.......2006-05-23

This is a very disappointing book. It's mostly a basic book on puppy raising and dog ownership with very little about Vallhunds.
Only the first 12 pages are about Vallhunds and most of that material is available on the web from Vallhund breed clubs. Unless you want the color photos of Vallhunds (and better ones are available on the web) this book is a waste of money if you are looking for an a book on the breed.

Not really about the Swedish Vallhund.......2006-03-16

When I first saw this book I thought great a book about the breed. The book is basically like any other book about dogs. She talks about crate training, roundworms, senior years, etc. The only section that really had anything about the Swedish Vallhund was the beginning in the history section. I was very disappointed in this book. All of the information I received from this reading I could've had in any other book. I thought this book would have more information on the Swedish Vallhund, like it's titled. Maybe a section on characteristics (sleeping on back), choosing a male or female, adding a new vall to the family, etc. Overall this book does not have my recommendation due to the fact that it lacks information on the SWEDISH VALLHUND.

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Rockin' Records: 2007 Buyers-Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide
Jerry Osborne
Manufacturer: Osborne Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0932117481

Product Description

A to Z listing of records - with multiple cross-references to aid in identification. All formats included - 78s through LPs. Almost 57,000 artists included in this brand new edition - Exceeds prior year edition by 1467! The most comprehensive reference for musicians and their recordings.

Jerry Osborne's Rockin' Records 2005: Buyers-Sellers, Reference Book and Price Guide

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Jerry Osborne's Rockin' Records 2005: Buyers-Sellers, Reference Book and Price Guide
Jerry Osborne
Manufacturer: Jellyroll Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Records | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0932117430

Jerry Osborne's Rockin' Records: Buyers, Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide

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Jerry Osborne's Rockin' Records: Buyers, Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide
Jerry Osborne
Manufacturer: Osborne Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Jerry Osborne's Rockin' Records: Buyers, Sellers, Reference Book and Price Guide, 1995-1996

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Jerry Osborne's Rockin' Records: Buyers, Sellers, Reference Book and Price Guide, 1995-1996
Jerry Osborne
Manufacturer: Osborne Enterprises Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0932117236

Rockin' Records - Buyers Sellers Reference Book & Price Guide, 1999 Edition.

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Most accurate and realistic pricing for records
An okay book but not worthy of its price tag

Rockin' Records - Buyers Sellers Reference Book & Price Guide, 1999 Edition.
Jerry Osborne
Manufacturer: Osborne Enterprises Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0932117287

Customer Reviews:

Most accurate and realistic pricing for records.......1999-06-21

I have bought guides from Jerry Osborne for the last 20 years. Each guide is properly updated without showing exagerated inflated values. In other words, it shows realistic market prices, not dealer prices! I give this 2 thumbs up!

An okay book but not worthy of its price tag.......1998-10-03

This book lists many records from many genres of music. The prices are well researched and it includes many artists. I have found this book to be far superior to anything, anything, published by Goldmine, Jerry Osborne's main competion, but I find that Jerry Osborne's "Official Price Guide To Records" has much of the same information for half of the price. "Rockin Records" is basically an expanded version of "The Official Price Guide To Records" at twice the price.

Rockin' Records Buyer-Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide 2003

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Rockin' Records Buyer-Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide 2003
Jerry Osborne
Manufacturer: Osborne Enterprises Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Records | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0932117325

Rockin' Records Buyer-Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide 2004

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Rockin' Records Buyer-Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide 2004
Jerry Osborne
Manufacturer: Osborne Enterprises Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Records | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0932117384

Rockin' Records Buyers-Sellers Reference Book & Price Guide 1994 Edition

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Rockin' Records Buyers-Sellers Reference Book & Price Guide 1994 Edition
Jerry Osborne
Manufacturer: Osborne Enterprises Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Rockin' Records, 1997: 20th Anniversary Edition Buyers-Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide

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Rockin' Records, 1997: 20th Anniversary Edition Buyers-Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide
Jerry Osborne
Manufacturer: Landmark Specialty Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Rockin' Records Buyers-Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide, 1989 Edition

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Rockin' Records Buyers-Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide, 1989 Edition
Jerry Osborne
Manufacturer: Jellyroll Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

A Japanese Garden Journey, by Judith D. Klingsick, is a guide to Japanese gardens unlike any other. Its focus is on the traditional elements that give the gardens qualities that are spiritual and sensuous, as well as timeless. Each of the elements, including torii, drum bridges, carp stones, stone lanterns, cranes and others, is given a full description, with its history and traditional spiritual meaning, as well as a sensitively composed photograph of the element in its garden setting. Concluding each section is a brief poem reflecting on the mood induced by it. It is a journey that leads the reader to understanding and heightened sensitivity to the true beauty that lies within every traditional Japanese garden. At the end of the book there is a listing of every public Japanese garden in the United States and Canada. Since the book is small enough (8 1/2" x 8 1/2") to carry, and is available in paperback as well as hardbound format, it makes a wonderful companion to carry along on a visit to any one of the gardens listed.

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An Exquisite Memoir--Alan M. Rochlin, Bethesda, Maryland

An insightful if sorrowful reading experience

An informative book that lacks direction

The Stone Fields: An Epitaph for the Living
Courtney Angela Brkic
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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Stillness: And Other Stories

The Lovers of Algeria: A Novel (Lannan Translations Selection Series)

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The Question of Bruno: Stories

ASIN: 0374207747

Book Description

When she was twenty-three years old, Courtney Angela Brkic joined a UN-contracted forensic team in eastern Bosnia. Unlike many aid workers, Brkic was drawn there by her family history, and although fluent in the language, she was advised to avoid letting local workers discover her ethnicity. Brkic helped set up a morgue in Tuzla, assisting pathologists with autopsies and laying out personal effects for photographing. Later, she helped excavate graves at Srebenica, where many thousands had been indiscriminately slaughtered.

This was not the only excavating she was doing. As she describes the gruesome work of recovering remains and transcribing the memories of survivors, she also explores her family's history in Yugoslavia, telling of her grandmother's childhood in Herzegovina, early widowhood, and imprisonment during World War II for hiding her Jewish lover. The Stone Fields, deeply personal and wise, asks what it takes to prevent the violent loss of life, and what we are willing to risk in the process.

Customer Reviews:

An Exquisite Memoir--Alan M. Rochlin, Bethesda, Maryland.......2004-12-18

In this beautifully written memoir Courtney Brkic describes her work as a forensic anthropologist in Bosnia in the days following the massacre of thousands in the recent war. It is her mission to bear witness-to give faces and voices to the innocent victims of ethnic strife. She does so with anger and compassion, in prose that is luminous and haunting.

In counterpoint to the tragic events of recent years Brkic presents a lyrical reminiscence in the chronicle of her Croatian father's extraordinary family, played against the region's tragic history.

A must-read, this book is the work of a gifted writer and poet, and it succeeds on many levels. It is a daughter's tribute to her family, an author's plea for justice in the wake of unspeakable events, and a transcendent work of art.

An insightful if sorrowful reading experience.......2004-09-18

"The Stone Fields" places a human face on the dry remnants of the slaughter that occurred in Bosnia-Herzogovina in the nineties. Ms. Brkic not only knows where the bodies are buried; she has the talent to make the reader perceive them as people. The reader sees and feels the author's own engagement with the remnants of these victims as she goes about her work as a member of the forensic team, excavating bodies, assisting pathologists in conducting autopsies, and arranging personal effects for photographing.

But she doesn't stop there. In a rarely accomplished feat of courage and candor, Ms. Brkic integrates her own relationships with her father, who was born in Croatia, her mother and brother, and with her aunts who are still living in Zagreb. An especially poignant part of the book describes the love that was not to last between Ms. Brkic and a young disturbed soldier from "the edge" of Herzegovina.

Perhaps the most arresting and exhilarating and hearbreaking part of the story is the deep, abiding affection between Ms. Brkic's Catholic grandmother, Andelka, and her Jewish lover, Joseph, who died in a Nazi concentration camp.

This book reminds us that the most precious human qualities, like loyalty and compassion and love, exist in the midst of genocide and in its aftermath.

An informative book that lacks direction.......2004-09-10

I found the book informative but a bit meandering. Other than describing the sensations of working at a mass grave there was not real informative science or political explaination on what she was doing. I would also liked to have seen more back ground regarding the Serb, Croat and Bosnian conflict. It is explained that Serbs are responsible for mass murder in the last few years but was less forthcoming about the Croation facists that worked with the Nazis to exterminate the Serbs, Jews and Gypsies. Although alluded to, it is not clear. I also thought the flashbacks were poorly integrated and did little add to the story line.

The Stone Fields. An Epitaph for the Living.

Average customer rating:

The Stone Fields. An Epitaph for the Living.
Courtney Angela. BRKIC
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OG1CLQ

Book Description

During the Second World War, Winston Churchill won two resounding victories. The first was a victory over Nazi Germany, the second a victory over the legion of sceptics who had derided his judgement, denied his claims to greatness, and excluded him from high office on the grounds that he was sure to be a danger to King and Country. Churchill was the only British politician of the twentieth century to become an enduring national hero. The curious thing is that it happened at the age of 65, at a time when he was considered to be a spent force, with a track-record of disastrous decisions. All but the most hostile of his adversaries conceded that he possessed great abilities, remarkable eloquence, and a streak of genius. But it was almost universally agreed that he was a shameless egotist, an opportunist without principles or convictions, an unreliable colleague, an erratic policy-maker who lacked judgement, and a reckless amateur strategist with a dangerous passion for war and bloodshed. At one time or another in his career, he had offended every party and faction in the land, yet despite this he became the embodiment of national unity, an uncrowned king who threatened to eclipse the monarchy. In this incisive new biography, Paul Addison tells the story of Churchill's life in parallel with the history of his reputation. He seeks to explain why Churchill was transformed into a national hero, and why his heroic status has endured ever since in spite of the attempts of iconoclasts to debunk him. He argues that we are now in a position to reach beyond the mythology - both positive and negative - to see the real Winston Churchill, a warrior-statesman whose qualities were remarkably consistent through all the vicissitudes of his career.

Customer Reviews:

Brief primer on genius "with feet of clay".......2005-12-04

Addison knows that Churchill's life has received almost as many words as Churchill wrote himself, as one of the most prodigous authors of the twentieth century, known and admired by many as the greatest figure of his time, "saving the world" from Nazi Germany, the right man at the right place at the right time.

But Addison is not so sure. Churchill was maddeningly erratic, not only changing political parties twice but also inflaming deep hatred during his long, varied career as a military figure, prison escapee, politician, cabinet member, and prime minister. Much of the peculiarities about Winston we can attribute to his relationship with his parents, an American debutant and a half-crazed father who died young. Lacking their affections, and wanting to make a name for himself, Churchill took on risks and positions with abandon.

Addison has done a thorough study, more remarkable for its brevity when describing a man whose life has been chronicled many times before in thousands of pages. While leading England during World War II, Winston came to symbolize the twentieth century but he was in many ways a man of the nineteenth or even eighteenth century, believing in the Empire and being more of an egoist than an egotist. Yes, he was a racist in today's terms, with his contempt for what we would today call "developing countries" and their peoples, but for his time Churchill was not out of step. He was, at times, indecisive and, yes, out of step with popular feelings. His writings were often efforts to cast himself in the best possible light. This was especially true when he wrote his memoirs of World War II, right after he was thrown from office at his moment of triumph. This cathartic and somewhat self-serving post-war writing process regained him 10 Downing Street, it also left him as the primary arbiter of his reputation from the war -- the leader of the victorious nations gets to write history.

He was a fickle, spoiled, epicurean of sorts who seemed to love a good fight -- even a good war -- if it helped him get ahead and helped England stay ahead or stay alive. Loved or hated, he deserves to be admired for what he got right, not for what he got wrong. Addison is critical yet quite balanced in this treatment of this great yet flawed figure. And for those who want the concise Churchill story, this is it.

The Expected Hero.......2005-04-11

Paul Addison has written a competent introduction to a life more interesting, in the sense of history, than any other of the twentieth century. His book is enlivened by many vivid quotes from a broad assortment of people who had reason to know Winston Churchill. However, I think the author, in an excessive attempt at balance, bends too far over backward in making use of certain highly negative assessments-- such as one offered by Evelyn Waugh at the time of Churchill's death.

While he may have had feet of clay, his name remains remembered in Westminister Abby--and elsewhere over the globe.

Good Addition To Sir Winston's Understanding.......2005-04-02

I've waited the past two months to receive a copy of this short biography on Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill. Reading this book does not disappoint.

This short work, though fair and favorable to Sir Winston, also discusses the controversies of his career. Not everyone in Britain was a fan of Churchill, with some disliking him, with others fearing he would ever have any part of the government. In spite of his monumental contributions to the World War II years, some never lost their mistrust nor dislike of the man.

As an American, I see him as the beacon of hope for war-torn Britain. The best possible man to lead the country during those years, an uncrowned king giving the British people the hope and stamina needed to go on, day by day, overcoming all the suffering World War II brought them. Should he not have been the best, surely there existed no one better. When one thinks today of World War II Britain, one must think of Winston Churchill. They have become intertwined and inseparable.

Even from his earliest years, Churchill always felt he was a person of destiny; so was able to equally accept and act in that role. One must wonder what England would have been without him. Prior to the war he was seen as too strident and hawkish, once the war began however his views and demeanor coincided exactly to the needs of the time. Once the war was over, most of the country turned their backs to him at the polls, feeling he was not up to running a tamer, peacetime government.

Being neither British, nor ignoring his earlier government service prior to World War II (he was 65 in 1940 at time of his becoming Prime Minister with many years of government service behind him), I cannot agree with their post war thinking. And as discussed in this slim volume, I agree with the author that the mistrust and distrust of earlier Liberal versus Tory episode was ever overcome. Too many felt they just could not count on, nor place their full trust in this man.

Winston Churchill is my 'cup of tea'. One of the few 20th Century men of both character and leadership. True, he had both great flaws and great abilities as well; and this book fairly shows both.

Recommended reading.

Semper Fi.

Excellent introduction to Churchill's life and career.......2005-01-16

Though Winston Churchill has never wanted for biographers, over the past few years the publication of brief studies of his life have come into vogue. Written by some of the leading historians of the period - John Keegan, Geoffrey Best, Stuart Ball - they offer an accessible (if condensed) examination of one of the dominant figures of the twentieth century. Paul Addison's book is the latest addition to their ranks, and one that deserves to be ranked as among the best of these efforts.

Addison argues that the heroic status that Churchill enjoys today belies much of his career. Considered an irresponsible genius by his contemporaries, he was a polarizing figure who was never completely trusted by any side of the political divide. Yet as prime minister during the Second World War he went on to become "the embodiment of national unity," a symbol of Britain's determination to defeat Nazi Germany. Addison provides a more nuanced view of Churchill's career, noting his ideological consistency in a politically turbulent age. When war came, the man and the moment were ideally matched; indeed, many of the traits that his opponents deplored - his enthusiasm for war, his advocacy of impossible ideas, even the fact that he was half American - became assets in the conflict and were keys to his successful leadership.

Developed from his entry on Churchill for the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Addison succeeds in providing an insightful introduction to the life of one of the dominant figures of the twentieth century. Though hardly a hagiographical account - he freely acknowledges such faults as Churchill's massive egotism - his portrait is a sympathetic one, depicting the prime minister as "a hero with feet of clay." The result is a good read and a great starting point for anyone seeking to learn more about this fascinating figure.

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Churchill the Unexpected Hero
Paul Addison
Manufacturer: OXFORD UNIV PRESS LONDON
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000X1F1NM

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