Genetics and Morphogenesis in the Basidiomycetes

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Genetics and Morphogenesis in the Basidiomycetes
Marvin N.; Miles, Philip G. (editors). Schwalb
Manufacturer: Academic Press Inc.,U.S.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OHBG8E

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Stellar effort with some problems

Extraordinary detail, but somewhat biased towards FDR

FDR: Into the Storm 1937-1940
Kenneth S. Davis
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Presidents & Heads of State | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | United States | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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FDR: The New Deal Years 1933-1937

FDR: The War President, 1940-1943: A History

FDR: The Beckoning of Destiny (1882-1928: A History)

FDR: the beckoning of destiny,: 1882-1928; a history,

Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945 (Oxford History of the United States)

ASIN: 0812992059
Release Date: 1995-03-07

Book Description

FDR: The War President opens as Roosevelt has been re-elected to a third term and the United States is drifting toward a war that has already engulfed Europe. Roosevelt, as commander in chief, statesman, and politician, must navigate a delicate balance between helping those in Europe--while remaining mindful of the forces of isolation both in the Congress and the country--and protecting the gains of the New Deal, upon which he has spent so much of his prestige and power.

Kenneth S. Davis draws vivid depictions of the lives, characters, and temperaments of the military and political personalities so paramount to the history of the time: Churchill, Stalin, de Gaulle, and Hitler; Generals Marshall, Eisenhower, and MacArthur; Admiral Darlan, Chiang Kai-shek, Charles Lindbergh, William Allen White, Joseph Kennedy, Averell Harriman, Harry Tru-man, Robert Murphy, Sidney Hillman, William Knud-sen, Cordell Hull, Henry Morgenthau, Henry Stimson, A. Philip Randolph, Wendell Willkie, and Henry Wallace.

The portrait of Henry Hopkins, who interacted with many of these personalities on behalf of Roosevelt, is woven into this history as the complex, interconnected relationship it was. Hopkins burnished the relationship between Churchill and Roosevelt and eased the way for their interactions with Stalin.

Another set of characters central to Roosevelt's life and finely drawn by the author includes Eleanor Roo-sevelt, Sara Roosevelt, Missy LeHand, Grace Tully, Princess Martha of Norway, and Daisy Suckley.

Integral to this history as well are the Argentina Conference, the Atlantic Charter and the beginnings of the United Nations, the Moscow Conference, lend-lease, the story of the building of the atomic bomb, Hitler's Final Solution and how Roosevelt and the State Department reacted to it, Pearl Harbor and war with Japan, the planning of Torch, and the murder of Admiral Darlan. All these stories intersect with the economic and social problems facing Roosevelt at home as the United States mobilizes for war.

The lessons and concerns of 1940-1943 as dissected in this book are still relevant to the problems and concerns of our own time. A recurrent theme is technology: Do people control technology, or does technology control people?

Kenneth Davis had the rare gift of writing history that reads with the immediacy of a novel; and though the outcome of this history is well known, the events and people depicted here keep the reader focused on an enthralling suspense story.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Stellar effort with some problems.......2001-01-29

Davis has completed five books of his proposed six book effort to write the definitive biography of Franklin Roosevelt. This book is superbly researched and factual, but it isn't as interesting as his previous books on FDR. Davis bogs down in trivial and irritating detail, which is peculiar, since the years 1937-1940 are among the most engrossing of Roosevelt's life. Davis is best when he examines FDR's behind the scenes preparation for war against Hitler and his deft maneuvering with the incoming Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Less is written about his relationship with Neville Chamberlain, the hapless P.M. who preceded Churchill.

Davis is weaker on forging memorable portraits of the intimate personal relationships in FDR's life. There is a singular lack of understanding of Eleanor Roosevelt in this volume, nor is there much said about Roosevelt's children, his secretary Missy LeHand or other pivotal members of the FDR milieu. Davis does explore in interesting depth the effect of Howe's death upon FDR.

Roosevelt was a mercurial and difficult to understand character. His charismatic public facade masked some inner demons and foibles, which Davis painstakingly illuminates. This is an interesting, though ultimately, flawed effort.

Extraordinary detail, but somewhat biased towards FDR.......1998-12-23

I have read Davis' entire four volume set on FDR and found this volume excellent on detail, but somewhat biased in favor of FDR and his war-time policies. Davis has a novelistic flair to his writing that can make what might be a dry subject quite interesting and exciting. I understand there will be a fifth volume from Davis in this series. If anyone can provide more detail as to the status of this volume I would be greatful.

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FDR: Into the Storm 1937-1940
Kenneth S. Davis
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LOFQO0

Book Description

Adam Taliaferro had it all: smarts, an easy-going personality, and incomparable athletic ability. None of that seemed to matter, however, on that fateful September day when his father was given startling news: Do not expect your son to walk again. Ever. Since that numbing day, Taliaferro, the Penn State freshman cornerback who was paralyzed after tackling an Ohio State running back, has defied the odds. Before he had spinal-fusion surgery, he made a vow to his mother: "Mom, I'm not going out like this." Three months later, he walked out of a Philadelphia hospital on crutches, determined to complete his amazing recovery, making the name "Adam Taliaferro" synonymous with courage and perseverance.

Customer Reviews:

An EXCELLENt book.......2007-05-25

This truley is an excellent book. I grew up in the same neighborhood with Adam, attended the same HS (graduate a year after) and every bit of information (names, dates, etc) are all correct. All the information about his character is completely true, he really is an inspirational person. Growing up in a huge suburban high school with him, it really was a very competitive atmosphere. Everyone seemed to love him because he was one of the brightest (one of the highest GPAs of his class, scholar athlete and best athlete in the school) along with being one of the most modest, down to early people ever. If someone had the will to succeed it is him. I recommend this book to anyone overcoming obstacles, down on their luck,athletes and basically anyone because it is the type of book that you can not put down.

This really is a miracle!!!.......2002-10-09

After finding out that Adam Taliaferro couldnt walk again ever. His father and mother urged him to push on. His spirits were high always no matter what. This is a triumphant story about courage and self-determination and a little help from some up above

This is a Great Book.......2002-08-07

This book is good for anyone whether you are a football fan or not. I personally am a football fan, and I would especially recommend this book for those football fans out there. This book is inspirational and well documented. It is also at a good price now, and it is a quick read.

Compelling, but to drawn out.......2001-12-13

I'll be honest. The book compelled me for the most part. I couldn't put it down for the most part. I truly felt pain for poor Adam, and can't imagine going through anything like this story and still bouncing back. The only complaint I have is the book is too drawn out towards the end. Pehaps it was written to soon, perhaps the author felt the need to repeat himself 3 or 4 times. Still, once you get past this, the book is a good read and an amazing story. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to be inspired.

Inspiring.......2001-11-23

All too often in today's world of youth sports; parents, coaches and players miss the meaning of sportsmanship. Having been involved in youth sports for 14 years, I have witnessed over bearing parents and tenacious coaches. I suggest they keep a copy of "Miracle in the Making" in their equipment bags. This book highlights the true meaning of a parent/child relationship and a coach/player relationship. Adam is the definition of courage, kindness and strength. His family's support during his recovery is awe-inspiring. The writers did a terrific job of bringing me along on Adam's journey to recovery. I will be on the sidelines cheering; watching as Adam wins the biggest game of his life!

Product Description

The book narrates the story of "Bunny" (a dog) who for 13 years suffered from Addison's disease and took part on experimental drugs/injections-thus helping other animals in the future. The book intertwines humorous illustrations with "Bunny's Wisdom", based on her behavior, with the Wisdom observed by her owner (the author). Most of those observations are backed up by quotes from other cultures around the world and the Bible. The purpose of the book is to illustrate that we can acquire wisdom if we paid more attention on what our pets teach us, and if we applied those lessons we can live a more satisfying and rewarding life. We would live a life filled with gratitude, laughter, happiness, trust, love, loyalty, patience and persistence. It also includes a Resource Guide to help maintain the health of your pets.

Customer Reviews:

Almost like a daily devotional.......2007-08-28

I don't have any pets. Except for a gorilla--George--who is cuddly and stuffed. So I read Sofia's book with a bit of trepidation. But I've got to tell you, this is a book you'll fall in love with. And you'll fall in love with Bunny, too. After the first chapter I wanted to know more about Bunny. As I read the book, I felt I knew her. She became part of my family. The book is almost like a daily devotional. The chapters are short and to the point, each of them pointing out a challenge or word of inspiration we can use for that day--opportunities, empathy, consistency, forgiveness, fear, laughter, patience, listening, loving. Sofia has written her book from her point of view, looking at the world through the eyes of her pet. It's a great reminder how therapeutic a pet can be and how a pet can forge strong bonds of affection and wisdom with us humans. Even for a non-pet person, I found this a good book to curl up with and learn from.

Sweet, loving & all too true.......2007-08-21

Brought tears to my eyes...this beautiful, well-written book is all about love. I've often said that if humans acted more like animals the world would be a better place. This books helps prove that. As I was reading it, my cat sat purring on my lap, just happy to be w/ me making no demands. Wouldn't it be great if humans were all like that? An immensely enjoyable book w/ wonderful quotes & thought provoking wisdom from Bunny.

Paws Of Wisdom.......2007-07-30

This is a delightfully written book by Sophia Steryo-Bartmus with intuitive insights into the lives and behaviors of pets. The author writes how humans can learn about life just by observing their pets. It's a book that is entertaining, touching and thought provoking. It is a self help book in that lessons about life can be learned. The words of wisdon written in PAWS OF WISDOM can guide the reader into living an enriched life.

An excellent read-Cheryl Ellis Allbooks Review.......2007-07-25

Genre: Inspirational/Pets

Title: Paws of Wisdom
Valuable Lessons We Can Learn From Our Pets

Author: Sofia Steryo-Bartmus

"They give us soothing warmth, loyal company and unconditional affection. Our responsibility is to return their love and devotion with faithful care and gentle kindness." Pet owner or not, we should all understand the author's experience and knowledge.

Sofia Steryo-Bartmus had the privilege of sharing her life with a dog named `Bunny' from February 1980-November 1999. It is a happy yet tearful story as Bunny taught the family many lessons, which can be applied to our everyday life. With wonderful insight into the simplicity of life lessons, Sofia's book is written about Bunny's life and we are treated to quick, meaningful quotations from the bible, saints, scientists, philosophers and Bunny herself.
Bunny had Addison's Disease, which is explained factually and presented in a way we can all understand. There are humans with this disease, fighting many of the symptoms Bunny was nursed through.
I feel very fortunate to have shared love with several dogs and cats. For the past 11 years, I have shared my life and learned from a brilliant budgie named `Sunshine'. Every piece of information that Sofia so kindly wrote and illustrated in Paws of Wisdom, was something I could feel and may have forgotten. Wanting to share with the rest of us, Sofia clearly gets the message across. They demand so little and give us so much. We share a bond so strong that we communicate without being verbal but ultimately it is to learn and experience unconditional love.
Sofia Steryo-Bartmus has written a well organized, simply illustrated, inspirational book. It is indexed and has the bonus of a Resource Guide for the health of your pet. She was born in Istanbul, Turkey and is an extensive traveler and volunteer serving the poor, disadvantaged and physically challenged.
It is an excellent read that I have enjoyed reading and reviewing. Reviewer: Cheryl Ellis, Allbooks Reviews

Title: Paws of Wisdom
Author: Sofia Steryo-Bartmus
ISBN-13: 978-0977095506
Publisher: Harmony Book Publishing
Pages: 136
Price: $16.95 July 2007

Paws of Wisdom.......2007-07-22

This book will warm your heart just by looking at the cover! Sofia has written a book that you would think is just about dogs, but no, that is not the case. This book is about animals and also about us. It is thought provoking and very informative. One of my favorite quotes is "No, not today Bunny." In other words, "Do not make promises that you can't keep." This book is a great reminder to us to pay attention to the small things in life, including our pets.

Book Description

First published in 1934, Mary Thomas' book has long been a favorite of novice and experienced embroiderers alike. Updated by Jan Eaton, it pictures and describes over 400 embroidery stitches arranged by usage.

Customer Reviews:

Best Embroidery Book EVER!! A **must MUST** Have!.......2007-10-09

What everyone says here is TRUE! Mary Thomas wrote the first classic encyclopedia of stitches and it has been lovingly updated. It is the PERFECT embroidery overview ever created for both total beginners and advanced. Clearly written with illustrated instructions, expect to be inspired and prepare to succeed!!

I was trying to find a good basic embroidery book and had no luck. Though found all kinds of needlepoint, or machine embroidery books or expensive software but it was really hard to find a good hand-embroidery book. I couldn't believe my good fortune when I found this. It is a total treasure! If the publishers could come up with a spiral bound version, that would be even better.

Have fun!!

Great for beginners and advanced stitchers.......2007-03-21

I hadn't touched embroidery for about 40 years and this book is so detailed with TONS of photos that I had no trouble learning lots of new stitches. I took it to work and shared it with two very experienced embroiders and both were very impressed with the variety of stitches presented and the detailed images.

a treasure.......2007-03-06

This is simply the best embroidery stitch book I have ever read. An excellent buy. The pictures, instructions and phots all correlate with colour to make learning a new stitch a breeze. I have found the instructions straight forward and clear. Recommend this book to anybody working in textiles.

Fantastic .......2007-02-06

This book shows you how to do every stitch you ever dreamed of and some that you have never thought of before. You will want to try them all.

Great book for learning on your own.......2007-01-18

I am so happy to have this book because I can easily follow the steps via pictures, etc. for each and every stitch I could ever want to use without any help! I recommend this book for all who want to emboider but feel they don't have the talent or skill. It makes it easy.

Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches

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Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches

Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IEYVV2

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DICTIONARY OF EMBROIDERY STITCHES
MARY THOMAS'S
Manufacturer: HODDER & STOUGHTON
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000S9BIMM

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Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches
Thomas Mary
Manufacturer: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LCB5BK

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Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches

Manufacturer: Grammercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000F6R3A4

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MARY THOMAS'S DICTIONARY OF EMBROIDERY STITCHES.

Manufacturer: Hodder & Stoughton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HL4UR6

$MARY THOMAS\'S DICTIONARY OF EMBROIDERY STITCHES$
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MARY THOMAS\'S DICTIONARY OF EMBROIDERY STITCHES
MARY THOMAS
Manufacturer: HODDER AND STOUGHTON
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RY6DBY

$MARY THOMAS\'S DICTIONARY OF EMBROIDERY STITCHES$
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MARY THOMAS\'S DICTIONARY OF EMBROIDERY STITCHES
THOMAS MARY
Manufacturer: HODDER & STOUGHTON
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SD5ECS

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DICTIONARY OF EMBROIDERY STITCHES
Mary Thomas
Manufacturer: Gramercy Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NZDMGG

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Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches
Mary Thomas
Manufacturer: William Morrow and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OH2T4O

Book Description

From the big bang to the present and into the next millenium, The Universe Story unites science and the humanities in a dramatic exploration of the unfolding of the universe, humanity's evolving place in the cosmos, and the boundless possibilities for our future.

Customer Reviews:

wonderful book.......2007-07-26

Everyone should read this book or "universe is a green dragon" or "hidden heart of the cosmos". These powerful cosmological ideas are beautifully captured in these books.

Abject depravity.......2001-06-29

I have reconsidered my first (one star) review and it is clear to me now this book fully deserves five stars, simply because Swimme, without apology, wants to make clear his worldview. Read on...

Author Swimme zooms around the globe in commercial air transports, speaking at "earthspirit rising" conferences, telling his audiences that humanity needs to embrace the "new story" so the Earth can bloom again. He has also written to me stating that "knowledge of complex systems is crucial."

Swimme is in a predicament here. In this book, he shakes his fists at consumerism, rages against the machine, and complains about environmental degradation. Yet for whatever reasons, he does not see fit to eschew commercial air transportation and instead walk to the conferences he speaks at. It's my view Swimme can't have it both ways. He asserts that knowledge of complex systems is crucial, yet he appears comfortable that the turbofans attached to the airplanes he rides in spew a great quantity of carbon dioxide into a very complex system (the Earth's atmosphere). What other conclusion is there than this: that knowledge seems neither crucial nor has it changed Swimme's behavior. Worse, if the new story hasn't changed him, how does he expect it to change anyone else? You would think that Swimme, in all his cosmological wisdom, would lead by example. Is not Mohandas Gandhi sufficient prooftext for that?

The rest of humanity need not worry about Swimme (or worry about his fellow ecoutopians), at least as long as he doesn't have power. My frank assessment is that the great majority of utopians really don't have what it takes to change anything, including themselves. One of the easist things a person will ever do is theorize. Swimme is proof enough of that. Beyond that, it's all work. And making things work.

Nevertheless, history teaches a few utopians gain power. Then they change things a lot. One very good example is Pol Pot. Another, who I consider the quintessential utopian of the 20th century, is Joseph Goebbels. A common theme of their thinking was to posit at least one segment of humanity with derivative value. It is not surprising that Brian Swimme essentially holds true the same view, but he elevates it to a new level, as he has written: "The well-being of the Earth is primary. Human well-being is derivative." Swimme's statement is not unique to the religion he practices, as his ecoutopian friend Rosemary Radford Ruether has spoken at another "earthspirit rising" conference thus: "We need to seek the most compassionate way of weeding out people." So now, all of humanity, not merely the Jew (as in the case of Goebbels), is of derivative value.

Nevertheless, my faith in humanity to overcome this sort of evil remains steadfast: history also teaches there are two constants associated with utopians in power. First, their power always comes to an end. Second, most unhappily, the end is always very messy.

As for me, I will continue to marvel at the antiutopians. The example of Gandhi comes to mind. Now here is a guy who knew the value of walking the talk. And then there's that quintessential antiutopian, none other than Jesus of Nazareth. This guy held the value of humanity above all else. Brian Swimme, you might want to make note of that.

The universe in a wildflower........2001-05-03

"There is eventually only one story," collaborators Swimme and Berry write, "the story of the universe. Every form of being is integral with this comprehensive story. Nothing is itself without everything else. Each member of the Earth community has its own proper role within the entire sequence of transformations that have given shape and identity to everything that exists" (p. 288). Beginning 15 million years ago (p. 7), THE UNIVERSE STORY follows the universe "from its original Flaring Forth through the shaping of the galaxies, the elements, the Earth, its living forms, the human mode of being, then on through the course of human affairs during the past century" (p. 241). The product of its writers' "imaginative power as well as intellectual understanding" (p. 237), this book "is not the story of a mechanistic, essentially meaningless universe, but the story of a universe that has from the beginning has [sic] its mysterious self-organizing power that, if experienced in any serious manner, must evoke an even greater sense of awe than that evoked in earlier times at the experience of the dawn breaking over the horizon, the lightning storms crashing over the hills, or the night sounds of the tropical rainforests, for it is out of this story that all of these phenomena have emerged" (p. 238).

This superb book shows that the universe acts "in an integral manner" (p. 26), everything in the universe existing for everything else (p. 263). For plants and animals, "the universe is a chorus of voices" (p. 42). We are told, for instance, "the winds speak to the butterfly, the taste of the water speaks to the butterfly, the shape of the leaf speaks to the butterfly and offers guidance that resonates with the wisdom coded into the butterfly's being" (p. 42). Similarly, we can "climb a mountain and get hit by something so profound, at so deep a level," that we will never be quite the same (p. 41). For humans, "the adventure of the universe depends upon our ability to listen" (p. 44) to "the mountain language, river language, tree language, the language of the birds and all animals and insects, as well as the languages of the stars in the heavens" (p. 258). We also learn Walt Whitman's sentience was "an intricate creation of the Milky Way, and his feelings are an evocation of being, an evocation involving thunderstorms, sunlight, grass, and death. Walt Whitman is a space the Milky Way fashioned to feel its own grandeur" (p. 40).

The moral of this STORY is that the Earth is "a one-time endowment" (p. 246). Through the destruction of the rainforests at the rate of an acre a day, by disturbing the chemical balance of the planet through petrochemicals, through genetic engineering, and through the "radioactive wasting of the planet," we are "eliminating the very conditions for renewal of life in some of its more elaborate forms" (pp. 246-7). "As the natural world recedes in its diversity and abundance, so the human finds itself impoverished in its economic resources, its imaginative powers, in its human sensibilities, and in significant aspects of its intellectual intuitions" (p. 242). This celebration of the unfolding universe will change the way you look at life.

G. Merritt

Sweeping Thoughts, Bad Conclusions.......2000-11-23

Brian Swimme sure knows how to put it all together. This book purports to be the story, or history, of the Universe. It is absolutely amazing in its scope. The book attempts to tie up everything that has ever happened in any form of existence into one tight narrative. This is possible, according to Swimme, because everything is interconnected, it is a coherent one. Nothing happens without everything else feeling its effect.

Needless to say, the book is heavy with physics and philosophy. The book starts out with the Big Bang and ends with today. Along the way Swimme shows how all things are built on what has come before. This is his big thesis behind the story, that the Universe is not a cyclical set of events, but a series of epic transformations. When viewed in this light, events begin to fit into place. Massive changes occur that everything after builds upon, and which could not have existed if that shift hadn't occurred in the first place. Human history also has undergone these fundamental shifts, in thought as well as geographical movements. These shifts are one way in which the Universe expands and expresses itself in reality.

There are some deep thoughts in this book. Swimme says that Walt Whitman's poetry, and the feelings behind it, are, "an intricate creation of the Milky Way, and his feelings are an evocation of being, an evocation involving thunderstorms, sunlight, grass, history, and death. Walt Whitman is a space the Milky Way fashioned to feel it own grandeur." Deep stuff.

Though the book is well written and expresses a deep intelligence, there are alarming statements in the book that show the ideological underpinnings of the authors. I first heard about Swimme when I read Kenn Kassman's book "Envisioning Ecotopia", which studied the Green movement in the United States. Swimme is an acolyte of the Deep Ecology movement, a belief system that posits a rejection of the industrial system we know today so that mankind can return to the days of Neolithic life. This book makes several telling statements that conform to this wacky belief system. While discussing the ultimacy of nature, Swimme discusses how all things on Earth must have communion with every other thing. Therefore, in the example Swimme gives, when a group of woodpeckers from a different region move into a new one, they must conform to the new area, or perish. When this is applied to the real world, we see that this isn't happening. In America today, there is no communion. Communion is frowned upon, while "multiculturalism" and "diversity" rule the roost.

Swimme also buys into the Mystical Deep Ecology belief of Ecofeminism, where women should be in charge of everything, just like the old days when humanity worshipped "Mother Earth". This raises the ugly spectre of Charlene Spretnak, an author who is the main theologian of this ideology. Spretnak is even cited in the bibliography as a source for this material. Using this wingnut's material seriously undermines Swimme's arguments.

What's so bad about being ecologically minded? Nothing if it's done responsibly. But these people are anything but responsible. Take this statement found on page 243 of this book, "The well-being of the Earth is primary. Human well-being is derivative." Enough said.

Swimme also believes that the world has lost its relationship with nature. Maybe so, but his argument that humans should return to the Neolithic Age is ridiculous. Swimme says that by industrializing, we have lost touch with the good old ways. By the use of the term "good old days", Swimme must be referring to starvation, disease and early death. While these things still exist today, it is nowhere near the levels it reached under Swimme's glorious "neolithic" days.

This book is well written and contains many mind expanding statements that will make you think. His conclusions are absolutely wacko, though.

Cosmogenetic Scripture.......1999-12-06

The enthusiasm of this book is almost tangible. Describing the history of the universe in a wildly dynamic, even celebratory style, authors Brian Swimme and Thomas Berry evoke emotions of awe at the story of cosmogenesis, an awe that high school students don't always feel when reading science texts. It captures a beauty that microbiologists behold when focusing an electron microscope on a chromosome, that poets experience when describing a rose, and that astrophysicists feel when listening a distant pulsar. This novel is the scripture of science.

Religion sometimes exaggerates Man's place in the Universe, while science frequently diminishes it. To my delight, The Universe Story finds a balance, reconciling the natural world and the special role humans play in it. A revelation of hope for the future, the Story calls upon humans to fulfill their special destiny: to become the first creatures conscious of themselves and their universe. This consciousness is what the stars intended when they so generously erupted tens of millions of years ago, relinquishing their matter to the human form - for indeed, we are star stuff. Now, as we turn to our futures, may our own cosmogenetic stories reach such a climax as the explosion of a supernova! May our own stories never cease, but simply continue to differentiate and to commune with the original stupendous energy which exploded so many billions of years ago with a big bang! These are the stories which will captivate us all ... the stories integral to the one story, the story of the universe.

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The Universe Story: From the Primordial Flaring Forth to the Ecozoic Era-A Celebration of the Unfolding of the Cosmos
Brian; Berry, Thomas Swimme
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OENCWA

Book Description

The blue and red star logo of Tamiya is now recognized internationally as the mark of model kits of unrivalled quality and precision. It was not always so. In the 1950s Shunsaku Tamiya joined the family firm-a debt-ridden lumber business in an air-raid flattened city. He started manufacturing
wooden models-only to have that business wiped out by the arrival of plastic model kits imported from America. This autobiography shows how he responded to that challenge, successfully switching from wood to plastic before producing a series of hit products-1/12 formula one cars, slot racing cars,
military miniature tanks, warships, radio control and 4-wheel-drive cars-that continues uninterrupted to this day.

Model maker, craftsman, photographer, machinist and accidental businessman-this book is the self-portrait of a man whose energy, curiosity and love of perfection created a new standard in modelling and gave pleasure to millions of fans the world over.

Customer Reviews:

The Master Reveals.......2005-01-30

This book was recommended at a meeting of my International Plastic Modelers Society chapter. As a result, it was loaned out to many members who read it and raved about it. When I finally got my turn, I was initially not that interested in it since I don't build many Tamiya models. I don't usually build tanks and their aircraft kits are very expensive. I have since changed my attitude towards Tamiya after reading this excellent story.

This book is not a comprehensive history of the company and its model kits, but a very personal oral history by The Master himself, Shunsaku Tamiya. The story begins with the origins of the company in the immediate postwar years when Tamiya struggled to keep his business alive. Tamiya originally produced wood models of ships and the book details the difficult transition to plastic kits. The story contains fascinating information about how the 1/35 scale for tanks came about (so batteries would fit inside the model to run the electric motor), how Tamiya, Fujimi, Hasegawa, and Aoshima began a cooperative venture to produce the 1/700 naval ship series, how the life-like poses of the armor figures were influenced by a Japanese animation artist, and many other tidbits of modeling trivia. The story also covers Tamiya's venture into motorized models such as their RC cars and 4WD cars.

As interesting as this information is, the real gem in this book is Mr. Tamiya's PASSION for modeling. He tells of his enthusiasm for modeling and the battles with his staff to convince them that Tamiya should make a model of a certain car or that a new manufacturing technology should be used. His relentless efforts in researching his model subjects eventually led an English military museum to open an exhibit hall named after Tamiya. Mr. Tamiya's business decisions are also detailed and make for fascinating reading. It gives a revealing look at the commercial forces that drive the model kit industry.

I highly recommend this book to all model builders. It will inspire you and probably change the way you think about the hobby of model building.

The history of the greatest models.......2004-03-03

Although my review title has undoubtedly shown by bias towards Tamiya models, I have to say that this book is brilliant in its story. Not only can it appeal to fans of Tamiya's models, but it should also be read by those interested in seeing how a hopeless situation can be turned around to an economic success... over time!
Tamiya's vision extends far past the "bottom-line at end of fiscal year" economics practiced by most companies. Had he given up as easily, we'd not have the great models we have today!
There were many lean years, described in vivid detail, as the company struggled through the difficult post-war years. Most people forget that the so-called Asian miracle (economically) did not happen in Japan until the 1970s...
Either way, the book is a detailed description of how a small company with a unique vision was built into one of the gold-standards of the modelling industry.

Inside the mind of Tamiya-san!.......2003-05-06

Ever wonder why the scale of most armor kits is 1/35th? What was the *first* plastic model from Tamiya? How and why did he get into the plastic model business in the first place?

Scale modelers of all persuasions are familiar with the Tamiya name, and this book is an invaluable insight into the origins of the company whose influence on the industry has been phenomenal. It's an inspiring story, really "rags to riches" through hard work, perseverance, and no small amount of fanaticism (although we modelers think of it as "love of your hobby"). My only complaint is the amount of space dedicated to the 4-wheel drive racers at the end of the book, but since that has been a BIG money-maker for them I shouldn't take it too personally. Highly recommended for anyone interested in modelling or the Japanese way of doing business.

Good read; an amazing man.......2002-12-05

Mr. Tamiya's modest attitude makes for a very enjoyable read. The story of how he built a wonderful company from a very small beginning, through some very tough periods, is amazing. Anyone who's ever opened the box of a Tamiya kit knows the unmatched quality of what he's produced. My only criticism of this book is that I wish it was far longer. There's so much more he could have said about the stories behind the F1 kits (my personal interest). But then, the same could be said for any of the other subject areas covered by Tamiya kits, and other readers would have their own favorite categories. All in all, a really good book. I enjoyed it.

Inspiring.......2002-07-04

This provides a very interesting insight to one of the gaints of the plastic hobby kit scene. Its context may be about toys but it provides insight on how the company and the person behind it grew over the years, so its more for those seeking "inspiration in business".
Being a fan of plastic model kits myself, it put a face to the brand and company which I have become very familiar with over the years.

Book Description

William Malcolm Hailey (1872-1969) was by common consent the most distinguished member of the Indian Civil Service in the twentieth century, and one of the few raised to the peerage (1936). Going out to India in 1894, he served as the first chief commissioner of Delhi (1912-18), as Finance and then Home Member of the Viceroy's Council (1919-24), and then as Governor of the Punjab (1924-28) and the United Provinces (1928-34). As advisor to five viceroys, he was one of the most intelligent developers of the British strategy in response to the challenge of Gandhi and the Indian National Congress. After leaving India he had what amounted to a second career in relation to Africa, during which he directed two editions of the African Survey (1938, 1956), wrote two important reports on British colonial administration, and served as an advisor to the Colonial Office. This is the first book-length study of Hailey's career. Its larger theme, in which the man himself played a truly amazing number of central roles, is the theme of colonialism-nationalism-decolonization: spanning more than half a century on two continents. John W. Cell, Professor of History at Duke University, has written three books in the fields of history of the British Empire-Commonwealth and comparative relations.

Hailey: A Study in British Imperialism, 1872-1969. (book reviews): An article from: Canadian Journal of History

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Hailey: A Study in British Imperialism, 1872-1969. (book reviews): An article from: Canadian Journal of History
Martin Petter
Manufacturer: University of Saskatchewan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Canadian Journal of History, published by University of Saskatchewan on April 1, 1993. The length of the article is 833 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: Hailey: A Study in British Imperialism, 1872-1969. (book reviews)
Author: Martin Petter
Publication: Canadian Journal of History (Refereed)
Date: April 1, 1993
Publisher: University of Saskatchewan
Volume: v28 Issue: n1 Page: p158(2)

Article Type: Book Review

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