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a thrilling but technically inaccurate account

Ian Fleming this story is not...

Good, but with annoying flaws

Left me at 35,000 Feet

Catchy title hides plodding story

Birds of Prey: Boeing Vs. Airbus: A Battle for the Skies
Matthew Lynn
Manufacturer: Four Walls Eight Windows
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Amazon.com

Even though the aviation industry has only about 100 important customers in the whole world, presidents and prime ministers have become its leading sales representatives. That's because so many purchases soar into the multi-billion-dollar range. The international rivalry between Boeing (a U.S. company based in Seattle, Washington) and Airbus (a European consortium centered in France) has become a foreign policy priority for their respective governments. Boeing completely dominated the skies for many years, but massive government subsidies have made Airbus a serious challenger. In Birds of Prey, Matthew Lynn tells the story behind some of the biggest business deals in the world today.

Customer Reviews:

a thrilling but technically inaccurate account.......2000-09-20

This work on Boeing (USA) and Airbus (Europe or what they call UE) competition is undeniably compelling. Unfortunately some faults about technical aspects make it a little bit incomplete. Anyway, once the book has caught the reader attention (forgiving the mistakes) it is hard to throw off its spell.

A precious facet is the historical reconstruction of political and economical process, describing the post war crises of aeronautical companies in Europe in the civil market. Emerging from the war, european countries were eager to start a new life. The aeronautical skill (grown during belligerent times) was put to work in leading program like the Comet, Caravelle, Trident, BAC 1-11, etc. . Unfortunately management and political control were so conservative that they were unable to drive the new technology evolution in full swing. So each european State basically never developed a sound industrial strategy (i.e. for shortsighted nationalistic interest). The nemesys of national designs and firms (as autonomous entities in the market) led to the pooling of energies called Airbus. This part of the book is quite organic and it is a clever description of cut-throat struggle with another arab phoenix like Boeing (the company emerging from internal US competition).

Many technical flaws appear from the narrative, two are important for the plot. First,Boeing 707 project was a masterpiece being the first design that made civil aeronautical "know-how" to grow fully (so far for DC-8 and Convair 880). Initially it was developed as a strategic tanker and, of course, research & development funding was available to boost the design during the cold war. Many advanced technologies were put to fruition from research centers (federal or private) and a "full steam ahead" was given to any study capable of making them affordable. Airbus never got the same opportunity. Second point, the airliners market is divided in segmets and even if new technologies are not enough cheap to change aicraft shapes, the quest for more efficient planes compels consolidated knowledge to mature completely. So 2engines Boeing 757 is the 727 replacement because they were designed to fulfill the same segment (according to lower unit cost per machine and equipment, in order to respect more restrictive regulations). To be more precise each segment is divided into specialized sectors; each manifacturer design a basic adaptable project for a segment, then engineers "customize" the plane for a particular requirements (just look at the Boeing 777, initially developed in "A" version, reveallingly dubbed "A" market, and in the "B" version or "B" market).

In the end lack of aviation expertise is quite limiting in this bold work, compromising a basically sound effort. Nevertheless this is an admirable attempt to reveal the insights of the most terrible struggle between two major corporate conglomerates in airliners industry.

Ian Fleming this story is not..........1999-06-02

I have been an aviation enthusiast for most of my life. The commercial aviation world is particular dear to me. Although I am but an amateur follower of the industry, I am fairly certain that I understand it better than does Mr. Lynn.

First, allow me to report on the unforgivable mistakes in his book. Lynn's work is rife with typos and spelling mistakes (in a revised edition!). It is uncoordinated in many places and reads as though different sections were, hurriedly, written at different times and then given to an editor to splice together. "Hodgepodge" best describes Mr. Lynn's style.

Also unforgivable are the numerous mistakes of fact and gross misrepresentations to be found in "Birds of Prey." To be blunt, the B-17 was not a commercial failure (although, due to the hodgepodge nature of the book, I'm not actually certain Mr. Lynn really means to say this). The Boeing 707 was developed first as a military tanker and then as an airliner (using government-owned tooling, a "subsidy" Lynn totally misses, all the while slinging barbs at Airbus for receiving similar government aid). By stating that, because he was a lawyer by training, Bill Allen (father of the Boeing 747, among other aircraft) was not, and could not have been, an "airplane guy," is ludicrous. Bill Gates never finished his computer studies, so perhaps it follows that he can't be a "computer guy."

There is a regulation, which covers all twin-engined commercial flights over water, called ETOPS. This well-known rule states that twins cannot be certified to operate water routes unless manufacturers can show that the aircraft can safely remain aloft for 2-3 hours following an engine failure. It seems Mr. Lynn's "research" (more on this later) didn't uncover the ETOPS criteria for twin certification. If he had known about it, he would have seen that his explanation for the slow sales of the A300 and A310 is rather silly. Another mistake of fact becomes blatantly clear when Mr. Lynn calls the Boeing 757 a made over 727. He argues that because both share the same fuselage (actually just the cross section) the 757 is merely warmed-over 1960's technology. If he really understood what he was saying, he would have to say the 757 is actually based on 1940's technology. What Lynn misses is that the 707, the 720, the 727 and the 737 all share the same fuselage, albeit in different lengths and with certain modifications. The 757 uses the cross section (dimensions) of the 707 fuselage but the materials and construction techniques used today differ greatly from those employed 40, 30 or even 10 years ago. To label the 757 a re-winged 727, then, is "nonsense on stilts," to quote a British jurist. Never mind the fuselage and wings, the fact that the 727 has three engines, all mounted on the tail, and the 757 is a twin with wing-mounted engines underscores that these are different aircraft. The 757 even looks different from all other 707 derived aircraft (just look at the contours around the cockpit).

Of course, it goes without saying (but I will say it anyway) that the 727 and the Airbus A300 never competed with one another. The A300 could be used to replace 727's (the original trunk-liner on the American hub-and-spoke airport system) as passenger loads increased, but one does not pit a 160 seat aircraft against a 250-300 seat aircraft. A parallel would be to try and sell a bus to a mini-van customer.

Mr. Lynn contradicts himself in many places, and even (in one case) on the same page. On page 186 he states that, "Boeing was sitting on a pile of cash...[and to thwart a hostile takeover bid] some of the spare $3 billion could be used to buy back its own shares; an expensive and curious manoeuver for a cash hungry firm." It seems to me that a $3 billion bank balance put Boeing squarely into a cash surplus, not a crunch, and to call a move to halt a 1980's style hostile takeover bid "curious" is itself curious.

Going back to research, while the author undertook several personal interviews, the bulk of his research was done using secondary sources. Many of those are not scholarly and can best be describe as general aviation or business books. This is an issue because Lynn uses footnotes, which implies that his book is to be taken as a piece of well-research literature.

I believe that the book's subtitle is deceiving. I bought "Birds of Prey" because I thought I was getting a blow-by-blow account of the "Boeing vs. Airbus" struggle and that I was going to read about a "Battle for the Skies." In truth, we don't get to the real battle until page 175 (of 234 text pages). There is an account of the introduction of the A300 and A310, and the genesis of the A320, before page 175 but the author goes to lengths to reassure the reader that these Airbus products did not faze Boeing in the least. We can hardly call this era in aerospace history a "battle."

Finally, "landing slots" are not dependent upon aircraft size (they are time slots, when aircraft are permitted to enter the airport's pattern to land). And, just a note, on the cover there are two aircraft facing each other, head to head (as if to imply a battle of sorts is going on between them). That's an interesting marketing ploy for this book. Unfortunately, both airplanes are Boeing 737s.

Colin Saunders

Good, but with annoying flaws.......1998-10-29

This is a very good analysis of the ongoing battle between Airbus and Boeing, with a great deal of historical material on the birth and growth of the two antagonists. Especially intreesting for American readers is the story of Airbus and its birth from the ashes of Concorde, a subject generally ignored or glossed over in the US aviation press.

Annoying is the lack of aviation expertise on the author's part ( a fine business writer, if this book is any example) such as swallowing the old canard about Britain building only fighters in World War II and leaving the postwar big airplane market to the Americans with their bomber experience. This ignores an awful lot of Avro and Handley Page bombers over Germany, and a swarm of US fighters over the entire world. British civil aviation failures are covered (incompetence of the Brabazon committee, BOAC not knowing what it wanted, the Concorde debacle, etc.) and I am surprised that the editor let a few howlers get by.

All in all, this is a very good book about the state of civil aviation just before the Boeing/McDonnell Douglas merger.

Left me at 35,000 Feet.......1998-10-26

Since I have read a great deal on Boeing (ie, Widebody by Irving), Lynn brought nothing new to the table from Seattle, except for glossed over stories. I haven't read a great deal on the consortium from Toulouse. Are the facts as shallow here too? Additionally, would spell check have been an ordeal? Needless to say, I enjoyed the book because it gave me an idea of the fight between these two "subsidized" groups. It could have been better, but it was sufficient to pass the daily commute.

Catchy title hides plodding story.......1998-09-17

Research may have been meticulous for this book, although you cannot tell from the poor editing and proofreading. So far as I can tell, the story is accurate and the discussion reasonably complete, but I cannot imagine that you could not find a better-written account of the battle of these two giants. Besides, things have already changed since the birds of prey circled each other for this book.

Book Description

In-depth answers for professionals looking to accurately value foreign equities
Transnational Equity Analysis is today's most thorough guide to its subject, examining and comparing the techniques used by top analysts and fund managers in the analysis of domestic and overseas equities. The book outlines the effects of international differences in disclosure and measurement rules and practices, examines how investors and analysts have discovered coping mechanisms for using fundamental analysis in an international context, and more.
Mark Clatworthy (Cardiff, Wales) is a lecturer in the Cardiff Business School, UK.

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"In-depth answers for professionals looking to accurately value foreign equities
Transnational Equity Analysis is today's most thorough guide to its subject, examining and comparing the techniques used by top analysts and fund managers in the analysis of domestic and overseas equities. The book outlines the effects of international differences in disclosure and measurement rules and practices, examines how investors and analysts have discovered coping mechanisms for using fundamental analysis in an international context, and more.
Mark Clatworthy (Cardiff, Wales) is a lecturer in the Cardiff Business School, UK."

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Accounting for East West Joint Venture

Manufacturer: United Nations
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Foreign Investment, Transnationals and Developing Countries

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Foreign Investment, Transnationals and Developing Countries
Sanjaya Lall , and Paul Streeten
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Public Finance | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

International Accounting and Transnational Decisions

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International Accounting and Transnational Decisions

Manufacturer: Butterworth-Heinemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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A Proactive Strategy Toward Terrorism and Transnational Crime

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A Proactive Strategy Toward Terrorism and Transnational Crime

Manufacturer: Storming Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: 1423554329

Product Description

This is a NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA report procured by the Pentagon and made available for public release. It has been reproduced in the best form available to the Pentagon. It is not spiral-bound, but rather assembled with Velobinding in a soft, white linen cover. The Storming Media report number is A340063. The abstract provided by the Pentagon follows: Terrorist and transnational criminal organizations are evolving into enormous national security threats. Their embrace of advanced information and communications systems has significantly enhanced their organizational efficiency as well as provided them with an exceptional disruption weapons system. The US's heavy reliance upon the information infrastructure, along with the disruptive and destructive capabilities of cyberterror and cybercrime, have created a potentially very dangerous situation. In addition, the proliferation of advanced weapons systems into terrorist hands, including WMDs, requires the US to reassess its counter-terror and crime policy. The current strategy in place to combat these entities is lacking, as can be seen by the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City bombings. The employment of an aggressive, proactive strategy that focuses on information operations is necessary to constrain these growing threats. The proactive strategy is accompanied by new significant costs. However, when compared to the cost of current US strategy, proactive measures are seen to provide enormous overall savings. The proactive strategy is comprised of three elements: intelligence collection, disruption and destruction. Today's advanced technologies provide the US with the tools and weapons necessary to engage in and win the war against terror and crime.

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First in this subject area
An aencyclopedia of international accounting

Transnational Accounting
KPMG Worldwide
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

International | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

This completely revised and expanded new edition of an acclaimed resource reflects the enormous changes that have taken place in recent years in international accounting systems. Transnational Accounting, Second Edition, is the definitive guide to accounting standards in 21 countries and entities throughout the world. Written by a team of leading experts, this authoritative reference source offers easy access to the latest procedures and regulations throughout the world, as well as guidelines for their application in a range of business settings.

Customer Reviews:

First in this subject area.......2001-12-15

This belongs in any high flying accounts collection of reference. You may think that this book is long winded, not concise and bascially for hardcore accounting academics but you'd be suprised how well written and easy to follow it is.

It comes from a very reputable editor and basically contains all the useful parts of other books in one. If you where to buy the useful books in this field it would cost alot more than this book so it is worth it but only buy it if you feel it can help you make more money.

P.S- Its a good idea to borrow a copy first before you buy because if you don't feel comfortable with it its a waste of money. If you do feel comfortable with it you will soon realise its invaluble.

An aencyclopedia of international accounting.......2001-05-22

It is a very complete work, describing all the rules and accounting standard of many countries. It is very detailed and easy to read. Not too involved in theory.

Transnational Accounting/With Reference Matrix and Glossary

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Most comprehensive overview of int'l accounting guidlines

Transnational Accounting/With Reference Matrix and Glossary
Kpmg (Firm)
Manufacturer: Stockton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Most comprehensive overview of int'l accounting guidlines.......1997-03-20

For accounting professionals, bankers, and investment research analysts, this book provides indepth analysis of the local accounting guidelines throughout the world. International Corporate Finance Houses should not be without one. The book, published in conjuntion with KPMG, covers Europe, the US and Canada, and a number of the major countries in Asia, including Japan, Taiwan and India. The two volume text includes a well organized matrix of major accounting issues, and their treatment under local GAAP. In addition, each country chapter is divided between parent and consolidated accounting rules. Of primary importance to deal makers will be the attention to detail behind disclosure requirements for each country

Transnational Threats from the Middle East: Crying Wolf or Crying Havoc?

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Transnational Threats from the Middle East: Crying Wolf or Crying Havoc?

Manufacturer: Storming Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: 1423544021

Product Description

This is a ARMY WAR COLL STRATEGIC STUDIES INST CARLISLE BARRACKS PA report procured by the Pentagon and made available for public release. It has been reproduced in the best form available to the Pentagon. It is not spiral-bound, but rather assembled with Velobinding in a soft, white linen cover. The Storming Media report number is A512663. The abstract provided by the Pentagon follows: There is no doubt that the Middle East can present significant potential threats to the West. The author of this monograph examines these threats in order to put them into perspective to distinguish between "crying wolf' and "crying havoc." After thorough analysis, he contends that the problems caused by narcotics and organized crime, immigration, terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction do not as yet require draconian action by the Western nations. However, he asserts that if the threats of Middle Eastern terrorism and proliferation were to be combined into super-terrorism, the result would create a new form of asymmetric warfare for which the West is singularly ill-prepared.

Accountancy Development in Africa: Challenge of the 1990S/Sales No E.91.Ii.A.2.

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Accountancy Development in Africa: Challenge of the 1990S/Sales No E.91.Ii.A.2.
United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations
Manufacturer: United Nations Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Conclusions on Accounting and Reporting by Transnational Corporations

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Conclusions on Accounting and Reporting by Transnational Corporations
Centre on Transnational Corporations (United Nations)
Manufacturer: United Nations Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Third Sector Management: The Art of Managing Nonprofit Organizations
William B. Werther , and Evan M. Berman
Manufacturer: Georgetown University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

This book contains invaluable advice and guidance on buying and selling a home, which enables readers to maximize their dollar, no matter what their budget level. There are hundreds of tips on buying, selling, and financing.

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"Nadell makes explicit the diverse roles and experiences of Jewish women in the United States."
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"This is a very interesting, well-written and well-researched work."
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"This anthology conveys the breadth of the historical experiences of American Jewish women."
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"An impressive compendium of essays, American Jewish Women's History paints a broad and diverse portrait of American Jewish women. Written by some of the most incisive historians of the American Jewish community, the chapters examine Jewish women in many different venues: the home and the marketplace, religious and secular institutions, and picket lines and cultural institutions."
—Deborah E. Lipstadt, Emory University

"It's a thought-provoking book that should be read by women and men alike."
— Booklist"The essays Nadell has collected highlight the diversity of the American Jewish women whose identities over time and place were shaped by the interplay of complex forces.... And they demonstrate, too, that the history of American Jewish women is finally being accorded its own 'room' within the house of women's history."
—The Jewish Quarterly Review

"It gives me a secret pleasure to observe the fair character our family has in the place by Jews & Christians," Abigail Levy Franks wrote to her son from New York City in 1733. Abigail was part of a tiny community of Jews living in the new world. In the centuries that followed, as that community swelled to several millions, women came to occupy diverse and changing roles.

American Jewish Women's History, an anthology covering colonial times to the present, illuminates that historical diversity. It shows women shaping Judaism and their American Jewish communities as they engaged in volunteer activities and political crusades, battled stereotypes, and constructed relationships with their Christian neighbors. It ranges from Rebecca Gratz's development of the Jewish Sunday School in Philadelphia in 1838 to protest the rising prices of kosher meat at the turn of the century, to the shaping of southern Jewish women's cultural identity through food. There is currently no other reader conveying the breadth of the historical experiences of American Jewish women available.

The reader is divided into four sections complete with detailed introductions. The contributors include: Joyce Antler, Joan Jacobs Brumberg, Alice Kessler-Harris, Paula E. Hyman, Riv-Ellen Prell, and Jonathan D. Sarna.

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