Breaking With Communism: The Intellectual Odyssey of Bertram D. Wolfe (Hoover Archival Documentaries)

Book Description

Bertram Wolfe (1896-1977) was the pre-eminent U.S. historian of Soviet Russia and author of the classic Three Who Made a Revolution, a triple biography of Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin. His autobiography, A Life in Two Centuries, ends around 1937-1939, after he has related how his opposition to World War I led him to become an early admirer of V.I. Lenin and the Bolshevik Revolution, how he helped create communist parties in the United States and Mexico, how he was expelled by Joseph Stalin in 1929, and how during the next decade he hoped for a reconciliation with Stalin. Wolfe's account breaks off, however, before he could explain how he reached the conclusion that Soviet communism, which he had once idealized and defended, would destroy human liberty if not opposed.

Breaking with Communism documents the second half of Wolfe's life, drawing from his papers in the Hoover Institution Archives. This volume, consisting chiefly of Wolfe's letters from 1939 on and supplemented by unpublished speeches and writing, illuminates his struggle to uncover the truth about the history of Soviet Russia and his anguish over renouncing his earlier allegiances not only to Lenin, but to Karl Marx as well. At a time when intellectuals in Eastern Europe and China are going through the same painful, soul-searching process, this book is especially timely and insightful.

Robert Hessen is a historian educated at Queens College, Harvard University, and Columbia University. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace and the general Editor of the Hoover Archival Documentary series.

"Unlike most collections of letters, this one has a theme that gives the work a narrative thread. The documentary skillfully traces how Bert Wolfe's ideas evolved, how he changed, slowly and reluctantly, from being an ardent defender of Lenin, communism, and Soviet Russia, to being a leading adversary. Wolfe's Voice of America radio scripts, published here for the first time, contain some of the most eloquent words ever penned by a critic of communism and a defender of democracy."

- Sidney Hook

Book Description

Christopher Columbus ranks among the most famous of explorers for his sailing of the Atlantic in 1492 and his discovery of America. This short biography offers an introduction to this and the rest of Columbus' life, including his three further crossings of the Atlantic and later political intrigue.

Christopher Columbus, a concise biography (Study master concise biographies)

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Christopher Columbus, a concise biography (Study master concise biographies)
Alfred Sundel
Manufacturer: American R.D.M. Corp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

Majolica pottery is among the most sought after in today's art pottery market. Warman's Majolica offers collectors a comprehensive guide to this style of ceramics, complete with 1,200 stunning full-color photos!

Majolica pottery from Minton, Wedgewood, George Jones, Worchester and Lear and Chesapeake Potteries are represented in the 1,200 listings and color photos of this extensive resource. Detailed descriptions, up-to-date prices and tips on deciphering fakes and reproductions assist collectors in accurately identifying a family heirloom or the result of several antique hunts. This is an essential guide for any Majolica enthusiast and an easy and detailed introduction for would-be collectors!

-1,200 spectacular full-color photos guide collectors in identifying pieces

-1,200 listings of popular majolica ceramics create a complete resource

-Current pricing, history and tips on spotting fakes helps get the most on every investment

Customer Reviews:

Good Information .......2007-04-10

I was trying to find out more information about Majolica. This book was a good start. The pictures are great and offers a lot of information. I really enjoyed this book.

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Classic Cards by Marrian Piers

Classic Cards: 60 Projects for the Discriminating Crafter
Marrian Piers
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Papercrafts | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Seasonal | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Artful Cards: 60 Fresh & Fabulous Designs

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Magenta Style Paper Magic: Ideas and Techniques for Stunning Albums, Cards, Gift Wrap, Home Decor, and More

ASIN: 140274739X

Book Description

These are 60 of the most beautiful cards a crafter will ever see, with unique techniques that no other card-making guide uses. Every project showcases excellent craftsmanship, and features great color how-to photographs, diagrams, and patterns. Choose from the classic Dutch and other European styles of folding and stitching to create something special for any occasion. Embroider a geometric star in metallic threads, and then add seed beads for an elegant, crisp design. Layer bright squares, construct a Chinese Pagoda design out of many small bits and scraps, use bold, thick threads to make a wonderfully realistic three-dimensional butterfly, or quilt a small heart-shaped card for Valentine’s Day. Each card is so exquisite that it’s a gift in itself.

Customer Reviews:

Classic Cards by Marrian Piers.......2007-03-24

One of the best books I have found for different types of cards. Not the same old run of the mill type card book. Am glad I purchased it.

Average customer rating:

Nothin' but full page pictures and some a page and a half

Not the best on this topic

A misleading title - and a very decieving book

I liked it!

Don't hold your breath

50 Favorite Houses by Frank Lloyd Wright
Diane Maddex
Manufacturer: Smithmark Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | Architects, A-Z | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Wright, Frank Lloyd | Architects, A-Z | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Frank Lloyd Wright: The Masterworks

Frank Lloyd Wright The Houses

ASIN: 0765117630

Book Description

This gorgeous volume celebrates the great houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the world's noted and America's most popular architect. An illustrated introduction provides an overview of design principles and Wright's ideas behind the modern home and is followed by sections on Early Houses, Prairie Houses, 1920's and 1930's Houses, and Usonian Houses. Elegant full-color photographs and an authoritative yet accessible text profile fifty of the best-loved signature homes that the architect created. Written by award-winning author, Diane Maddex, this lush companion to its hugely successful predecessors, Fifty Favorite Rooms by Frank Lloyd Wright and Fifty Favorite Furnishings by Frank Lloyd Wright, offers an approachable look at the architect's definitive decorative style.

Customer Reviews:

Nothin' but full page pictures and some a page and a half.......2007-03-28

Along with facing page column of info on the 50 different buildings. Virtually every photo is an exterior shot mostly giving you a feeling of the building in the context of its setting. One of the only large FLW photo books with no black and white photos, the one photo of him being in color which is pretty rare. The book does leave ya feeling that you want more. At 128 pages it's not thin like some of the under 100 page big FLW books but it's not hefty either, that's for sure. It's nicely done. I see that trees are prominent in almost each picture. It is nice to also have a book of just his homes. When presented together in one book without the churches, public or corporate buildings you get a feeling of a tone he set for homes. The homes photographed in the midst of their settings gives you a real sense of how it looks to come up to each of these homes, some in snow, and how they belong in their environment. This is not a masterpiece but it isn't bad either. I think I'd give it 3 1/2 stars. chrisbct@hotmail.com

Not the best on this topic.......2002-07-02

While I learned some things from this book, I was a bit disappointed in the presentation. The photography left a lot to be desired...in some photos, one could not even get a sense of the structure of the building. Also, being a Wright afficionado, I wanted more from the text.

What could be learned from this book, by someone not familiar with Wright, were the stages of his career (Early Homes, Prairie Houses, Houses of the 20s and 30s, and Usonian Houses).

The Early Houses were of many different styles, usually dictated by the owner, since Wright did not yet have enough of a reputation to insist on HIS style.

Prairie Houses (1901 and later) were characterized by art glass, roofs providing shade, bands of windows, open interiors, a ground-hugging form, prominent hearths, and custom (often built-in) furniture.

In Wright's homes of the 1920s and 30s, he found new ways of using old materials, often making concrete into textured blocks. His most famous residential design, Fallingwater, was built during this time.

His Usonian Houses were simpler homes, built more economically, with combined living and dining rooms separate from the bedroom zone. These houses were private on the street side with windows in the back and were usually one-story with a low roof.

No matter what the period of his design, Wright thought that decorations should be limited to one fine item and no bric-a- brac. He thought draperies were unsanitary and believed in "going to nature" for colors used on the inside and outside of his houses. His walls were either punctuated by windows or alcoves or some built-in feature, making it very difficult to hang art. I suppose that Wright felt that his house was all the art an owner needed!

Not a bad book, but just not very complete.

A misleading title - and a very decieving book.......2002-03-15

I still don't understand what the scope of this book is.
50 houses in 61 pictures? FLW's architecture is very rich in details and interesting interior solutions, obviously this can't be shown in 1 (mostly exterior) picture per house. Some of them are from a terrace, a garden or some detail and some are taken at night or at a distance with little to be seen... There are NO plans, NO drawings and little if any information on the design process. Only one paragraph for each house? It lacks substance as it lacks everything. The book itself contains little more information than the index does. If you are interested in FLW's architecture look somewhere else, because you are NOT going to find it here. I am very disappointed with my purchase and still looking for a nice FLW book.

I liked it!.......2001-01-18

Either I like a book, or I don't, so I liked this one, so I gave it 5 stars. Some people give books 2 and a half, which dosnt make since, either they like it or they don't! But anyway, this book was good, I read it for school. I think I will read Diane maddex's other books as well. This book is a good buy!

Don't hold your breath.......2001-01-09

"Special Order" on this book means, I learned after buying it, that you'll get it within 4-6 weeks. You won't see that spelled out in any easy place to find.

Book Description

A wise and useful book for Jewish parents on how to help their children find meaning and satisfaction in their Jewish identities and traditions.

Customer Reviews:

Helps for making informed choices.......2004-01-01

I have converted to Judaism in order to have a single faith marriage. Though this books additudes were a bit outdated towards interfaith relationships and does not recognize the wide spread intermarriage phenomenom, the author has a good handle on the issues affecting the Jewish identity. It is a very conservative approach to raising your child with a Jewish Identity, with a focus on early religious/cultural training.

Not just for parents -- a must-read for any serious Jew.......2001-01-09

This book has had more impact on me than any other one book on any Jewish subject.

I myself went to afternoon Hebrew schools, and was nodding throughout Donin's discussion of why they are so ineffective. My two kids are now in Jewish dayschools, and hopefully will be for the rest of their educational lives.

If you're worried that your kids will either turn out "too Jewish" or "not Jewish enough," this book will alleviate fears and provide an accessible path to creating a Jewish way of life that resonates with your own level of spirituality and committment.

Whether or not you have children, if you hope to be part of a Jewish community, this book is a warm and heartfelt starting point.

TO RAISE A JEWISH CHILD.......2000-05-27

A MUST read for everyone who is dealing whith the infinite steps that should be climbe, during the raising of a jewish child, as she (he) should be raised.

To Raise a Jewish Child: A Guide For Parents

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"More is caught than taught"

To Raise a Jewish Child: A Guide For Parents
Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin
Manufacturer: Basic Books Inc.,U.S.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Jewish Life | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0465086268

Customer Reviews:

"More is caught than taught".......2002-02-15

This book was very helpful and included some common sense parenting advice that, quite frankly, would be nice if it was more common. The author's main focus is on Jewish education. While he does review other options it is obvious his opinion is the traditonal Hebrew school with the goal being the child will continue to be dedicated to his faith long after his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah. He is very encouraging of an orthodox upbringing and encourages parents to be involved in their children's religious education at home and at school. The lesson is "more is caught than taught", if it's important to you it will also be important to your child (i.e. marrying within the faith). He gives examples of prayers a young child can learn so that a child can begin as soon as possible to be involved with their faith and not just a casual observer. I think the part I found most encouraging was his emphasis on good parent-child communication and the parent setting the example for their child rather than leaving it up to the rabbis and teachers. Yet another book by Rabbi Donin that will never collect dust on my book shelf, I begged for more information and advice in the end.

Book Description

These audio biographies chart the lives and work of some of rock's most memorable acts, from their early days to their rise to fame. Each CD includes comments and interview material by the artist and is accompanied by an eight-page illustrated booklet and fold-out poster.

Book Description

General Sir John Glubb was the last British pro-Consul of the region and commander of the Arab Legion during the crucial years between 1936 and 1956. He was witness to the collapse of Palestine and the final foundation and establishment of the State of Israel. Now in paperback, this book looks at Glubb's personal vision of the Middle East and its peoples. Morris examines his reactions to the Arab Revolt in Palestine and the periodic plans to partition Palestine and establish a Jewish state. This masterful account offers the first in-depth look at Glubb's of his thinking, aims and actions during 1948, as he led his small army into Palestine and war against Israel.

Customer Reviews:

Bizarre Book.......2003-09-19

This is truly a bizarre book. Benny Morris who has dubbed himself a 'new' Historian claiming to have refined Israeli History on the basis that he has examined recently declassified Israeli and British Archives, has written a new book on the topic of Israel's War of Independence. Yet, the irony is that this book is almost entirely based on second hand information -- the writings of Glubb Pasha, a British commander sent to Trans-Jordan to teach the Arab Legion "the Art of War." What Morris tries to prove is that Israel and Jordan conspired with the blessings of the British to steal Palestinian territory. Morris (and his fellow 'new' historians) uses the writings of Glubb's post-war memoirs to prove this point. What is not in dispute here is that Glubb's writings do claim that the British informed the Jordanian King not to invade territories allotted to the Jews under the UN partition plan. However, recently released documents in the British Archives point to the exact opposite. The British did not give any such warnings; it seems this was a figment of Glubb's imagination (Efraim Karsh, 'Fabricating Israeli History').

Yet, even more bizarre is the fact that Morris who claims to basis his historical findings on recently released declassified documents admits that Glubb was an anti-Zionist and sometimes seemed a bit anti-Semitic. But seemingly this does not lead Morris to the obvious assumption to hold Glubb's account in question and review the historical account from other sources. Why a historian who claims to basis his historical findings on primary sources has chosen a partisan account instead of the archival material is beyond comprehension.

The final insult is that Morris claims the Jordanians did not enter the war to destroy Israel. Sadly this is a rather heartbreaking and pathetic statement. Over 6,000 Israelis died in the War of Independence. Seeing that the entire Israeli population consisted of only 600,000 people at the time this was a monumental war and presumably the out come if the Israelis had lost would have been grim.

Fine scholarly study of vital period in Israeli history.......2002-09-08

This excellent book studies the career of John Glubb Pasha, the most influential of the British `orientalist' corps of officers and officials serving in the Middle East until 1956. He commanded the Transjordan Arab Legion from 1939 to 1956 and played an important part in setting up modern Jordan by helping King Abdullah to establish his rule. In 1948 he led the Legion to a limited victory in the first Arab-Israeli war.

Benny Morris, a leading Israeli historian, has based his book on extensive study in the archives of David Ben Gurion, the Israel Defence Forces, the Israeli State, the UN, the Haganah and St Anthony's College Middle East Centre, including the Glubb Papers, and in the Public Record Office.

Glubb retained the typical imperial contempt for both Jews and Arabs, especially for educated or urban people. But his opposition to Zionism was not based on his anti-Semitism, any more than his support for Arab aspirations was based on his anti-Arabism. He believed that opposing Zionism and supporting Jordan were policies that would strengthen Britain's hold in the Middle East. He was always a loyal servant of the British Empire, acting in what he saw as its best interests.

Morris supports the contention, made most notably by Avi Shlaim in his 1988 book, Collusion across the Jordan, that Israel and Jordan collaborated during the 1948 war. He shows how Israel and Jordan came to a secret understanding in November 1947 to partition Palestine and not to attack each other. Since the Transjordan Legion was much the best Arab force opposing Israel, the agreement showed that this war did not really threaten Israel with annihilation.

Jordanian forces invaded Palestine not to attack Israel but to annex its Arab-populated eastern regions. The Legion did not attack any area that the UN had planned for Israel. Israel broke the agreement by attacking the Legion in May, July and October 1948. The Legion took over the West Bank and East Jerusalem, saving them from Israeli conquest. King Abdullah had done what the British government wanted, strengthening Jordan at the Palestinians' expense.

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The Road to Jerusalem Glubb Pasha, Palestine and the Jews
Benny Morris
Manufacturer: I.B. Tauris
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H33X8Q

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