Monday, April 12, 2010

World History, Volume I

World History, Volume I

Teacher noted, researchers and William J. Duiker and Jackson J. Spielvogel present a balanced view that history is very nice that explored common challenges and experiences, to unite the human past and identify global trends over time. Complete coverage is of political, economic, social, religious, intellectual, cultural, and military integrated over time to students awareness and understanding of the nature and development of different cultures to help in the society. This edition of the history of the world have a global approach to world history, with emphasis on analytical comparisons between two or more cultures throughout history. This approach helps students to events in a broad global benchmark link, making the modern world in a meaningful historical context.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #312515 in Books
  • Published on: 2008-12-30
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 624 pages




  • Editorial Reviews

    Review
    "This is a well organized text that offers an integrated global perspective. I recommend it because of its concise summations, readability, useful sidebars, and enticing visuals."

    "A comprehensive and thorough world history text complete with comparative history, documents, graphics—a one-stop world history curriculum."

    "The Duiker/Spielvogel book is a wonderful chronological survey of world history that employs a comparative approach to help students see across time and space to better understand world cultures. The book is well written and it has a set of resources within the text that allows it to stand alone without many ancillaries."

    "This is one of the best World History textbooks ever publishedÂ…."

    "Duiker & Spielvogel is a very engaging, accessible, complete and up-to-date text. Students will take away from this book the idea that history does not consist of facts to be memorized but interpretations to be discussed and debated."

    About the Author
    William J. Duiker is liberal arts Professor Emeritus of East Asian studies at The Pennsylvania State University. A former U.S. diplomat with service in Taiwan, South Vietnam, and Washington, D.C., he received his doctorate in Far Eastern history from Georgetown University in 1968, where his dissertation dealt with the Chinese educator and reformer Cai Yuanpei. At Penn State, he has written extensively on the history of Vietnam and modern China, including the highly acclaimed THE COMMUNIST ROAD TO POWER IN VIETNAM (revised edition, Westview Press, 1996), which was selected for a Choice Outstanding Academic Book Award in 1982–1983 and 1996–1997. Other recent books are CHINA AND VIETNAM: THE ROOTS OF CONFLICT (Berkeley, 1987), SACRED WAR: NATIONALISM AND REVOLUTION IN A DIVIDED VIETNAM (McGraw-Hill, 1995), and HO CHI MINH (Hyperion, 2000), which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2001. He is the author, with colleague Jackson Spielvogel, of WORLD HISTORY (Sixth Edition, Wadsworth, 2010). While his research specialization is in the ?eld of nationalism and Asian revolutions, his intellectual interests are considerably more diverse. He has traveled widely and has taught courses on the history of communism and non-Western civilizations at Penn State, where he was awarded a Faculty Scholar Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the spring of 1996.

    Jackson J. Spielvogel is associate professor Emeritus of history at The Pennsylvania State University. He received his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, where he specialized in Reformation history under Harold J. Grimm. His articles and reviews have appeared in journals such as "Moreana," "Journal of General Education," "Catholic Historical Review," "Archiv für Reformationsgeschichte," and "American Historical Review." He also has contributed chapters or articles to "The Social History of Reformation," THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE: A DICTIONARY HANDBOOK, "Simon Wiesenthal Center Annual of Holocaust Studies," and "Utopian Studies." His work has been supported by fellowships from the Fulbright Foundation and the Foundation for Reformation Research. At Penn State, he helped inaugurate the Western civilization course, as well as a popular course on Nazi Germany. His book HITLER AND NAZI GERMANY was published in 1987 (Fourth Edition, 2001). He is the author of WESTERN CIVILIZATION, first published in 1991 (Seventh Edition, 2009). He is the co-author (with William Duiker) of WORLD HISTORY, first published in January 1994 (Sixth Edition, 2010). Professor Spielvogel has won five major university-wide teaching awards. During the year 1988-1989, he held the Penn State Teaching Fellowship, the university's most prestigious teaching award. In 1996, he won the Dean Arthur Ray Warnock Award for Outstanding Faculty member, and in 2000 received the Schreyer Honors College Excellence in Teaching Award.


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    Tuesday, April 21, 2009

    Selected Speeches and Writings: Abraham Lincoln

    Selected Speeches and Writings: Abraham Lincoln

    Selected Speeches and Writings: Abraham Lincoln

    Ranging from finely honed legal argument to dry and sometimes savage humor to private correspondence and political rhetoric of unsurpassed grandeur, the writings collected in this volume are at once the literary testament of the greatest writer ever to occupy the White House and a documentary history of America in Abraham Lincoln's time. They record Lincoln's campaigns for public office; the evolution of his stand against slavery; his pyrotechnic debates with Stephen Douglas; his conduct of the Civil War; and the great public utterances of his presidency, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address.

    For the first time, the authoritative editions of works by major American novelists, poets, scholars, and essayists collected in the hardcover volumes of The Library of America are being published singly in a series of handsome paperback books. A distinguished writer has contributed an introduction for each volume, which also includes a chronology of the author's life and career, an essay on the text, and notes.

    Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #41488 in Books
  • Published on: 1992-02-18
  • Released on: 1992-02-18
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 552 pages



  • Editorial Reviews

    From the Inside Flap
    Ranging from finely honed legal argument to dry and sometimes savage humor to private correspondence and political rhetoric of unsurpassed grandeur, the writings collected in this volume are at once the literary testament of the greatest writer ever to occupy the White House and a documentary history of America in Abraham Lincoln's time. They record Lincoln's campaigns for public office; the evolution of his stand against slavery; his pyrotechnic debates with Stephen Douglas; his conduct of the Civil War; and the great public utterances of his presidency, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address.

    For the first time, the authoritative editions of works by major American novelists, poets, scholars, and essayists collected in the hardcover volumes of The Library of America are being published singly in a series of handsome paperback books. A distinguished writer has contributed an introduction for each volume, which also includes a chronology of the author's life and career, an essay on the text, and notes.


    Customer Reviews

    A Comment on Lincoln's Writing Style5
    After perusing the voluminous annals of Lincoln's writings, scholars and laymen alike are astounded by his ability to set forth his views with clarity and logic in an age noted for for oblique, flourished writing styles reminescent of 18th century dinner invitations from the Queen. We also marvel at his ability to convey complex thoughts and feelings in the style of an accomplished poet. He was indeed a master of the English language worthy of the high esteem for which he is remembered.

    However, to my limited knowledge, no one has yet analyzed his writings from the perspective of his profession. He wrote in the style of the lawyer which he was to get the attention of impatient judges and juries who were likely illiterate. He had to appeal to people with little knowledge (including judges of the time), short attention spans, and do it in the least amount of time possible.

    A good piece of legal writng is roughly divided into three parts. The first is a statement of the facts, the second an analysis of those facts in the context of applicable law and the third the conclusion (or, in the case of judges), a definitive holding. Lincoln consciously selected each word for a purpose and arranged his arguments in logically ordered paragraphs that ultimately supported, and persuaded others, to agree with his conclusion.

    It does not take much time to observe his style just by flipping through the pages of Lincoln's speeches, letters and other writings set forth in the unadulterated versions set forth in the books published by the Library of America. Every piece of writing, including his short notes, begins with a strong topic sentence that sets forth the subject of the remainder of the paragraph without any wasted words. And each paragraph is arranged in an order to support the point he intendes to make. He keeps it simple and directs his writing to one single memorable point. One cannot mistake or misinterpret his ultimate conclusion. And he uses humor and twists of language to make his missives memorable. Neither judges nor juries could retire to contemplate a case without remembering something pleasantly unusual about his mastry of language, a talent that undoubtedly redounded to the benefit of his clients. He was very sucessful at what he did, both professionally and monetarily.

    For decades children have memorized the Gettysburg Address and we have all admired the lofty and almost spiritual words of his Second Inaugral Address.

    However, I have yet to see a careful analysis of Lincoln't First Inaugral Address and the astounding words he carefully crafted. The speech reads like a legal opinion but with a curious conclusion set forth in the topic sentence of the 13th paragraph. He wrote:

    "I hold, that in contemplation of universal law, and of the Constitution, the union of these states is perpetual. Perpetuality is implied, if not expressed, in the fundamental law of all national governments".

    That's it. The rest is a description of the nature of a union of states along with an appeal to the Southerners not to make rash decisions. ("Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time.")

    When writing a holding of an opinion, judges most always set forth their strongest supporting reasons first and the "lesser" justifications thereafter. And Lincoln was no different.

    Lincoln's best argument for his conclusion that the Union could not be dissolved was based on, as he stated, "Universal Law". I wonder how the scholars missed that one. Lincoln would never insert a "throw-away line", particularly when making such a monumental statement.

    Academicians shy away from anything that could smack of religion or spirituality. They want "just the facts". And it is an undisputed fact that Lincoln was not a religous man, at least in the sense that he had no interest in any theology and never went to church. Perhaps scholars accept those facts only and disregard Lincoln's actual statement as filler material. At minimum, the fact is that scholars and students of Lincoln have never attempted to understand Lincoln's carefully chosen words.

    It appears that Lincoln made his most important decisions while alone and only after hours, days, weeks, months or years of careful thought. Did he arrive at his conclusions solely by the careful application of traditional logic or did he simply wait and listen for an answer? And, if so, from whom?

    It would indeed be an interesting adventure to read the Library of America's unadulterated speeches and writings of Lincoln and attmpt to discern what the better angels of his nature were and how he managed to connect with a level of kind forgiveness beyond his own self-taught understanding. Someone having more time and knowledge than me should take Lincoln at his literal word and investigate the meaning of what he said.

    The Greatest American5
    Of all the folks in the storied history of this world of ours, Mr. Lincoln is the one I'd most like to have had the opportunity to meet....this book takes one as close as he or she can get to that imaginary event.

    Our Greatest President?5
    Abraham Lincoln is a giant in American history, but it wasn't until I read his speeches and writings that his wisdom and wit became apparent. This is a man born in the depths of poverty, and who climbed to the very top. The Gettysburg Address, largely ignored when it was first given, has risen to become one of the most profound, definite, and understood explanations of the American dream..."we will witness a new birth of freedom...that government ofthe people, by the people, and for the people will not perish from the earth..." God Bless Lincoln, and God Bless America.

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    Monday, April 20, 2009

    How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts

    How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts

    How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts

    A PAPERBACK ORIGINAL

    The best handbook on chart usage, from one of the most trusted names in boating

    In 2000, the U.S. government ceased publication of Chart No. 1, the invaluable little book that generations of mariners have consulted to make sense of the complex system of signs, symbols, and graphic elements used in nautical charts. Now Chart No. 1 is not just reborn but expanded and improved in How to Read a Nautical Chart. The demand for a book like this has never been greater.

    Arranged and edited by Nigel Calder, one of today's most respected boating authors­­and containing four-color illustrations throughout­­How to Read a Nautical Chart presents a number of original features that help readers make optimum use of the data found in Chart No. 1, including a more intuitive format, crucial background information, international chart symbol equivalents, electronic chart symbology, and thorough explanations of the practical aspects of nautical chart reading.

    Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #45351 in Books
  • Published on: 2002-08-05
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 240 pages



  • Editorial Reviews

    Review
    Here is everything the navigator needs to know about the nautical chart, attractively produced in a large paperback edition...informative and enjoyable. Cruising 20050803

    From the Back Cover
    "Calder has done it again. This comprehensive and, as importantly, readable book on navigation should be required on all boats."--Peter Nielsen, editor, SAIL magazine

    "This is a wonderful chart companion: an intriguing investigation of chart development combined with practical, hands-on data on how to really put a chart to use."--Tim Queeney, editor, Ocean Navigator

    Charts, whether paper or electronic, are your most fundamental navigational tool. Using them to your best advantage requires a thorough understanding of the symbols and abbreviations and an awareness of the limits of accuracy in positions and soundings.

    Did you know, for example, that hydrographic standards used to collect the majority of data on modern charts are considerably less accurate than GPS position fixes? That the majority of soundings still come from lead-line surveys? That a wreck symbol surrounded by a dotted circle means it is considered dangerous? That there are four different kinds of rock symbols, each with a different meaning? And that the definition of "danger" has changed over time and will depend on the age of your charts?

    In How to Read a Nautical Chart, trusted boating authority Nigel Calder answers these and hundreds of other questions clearly and concisely. He covers in detail:

  • Fundamental chartmaking concepts in plain language
  • The limits of accuracy of modern charts (paper and electronic)
  • Dozens of full-scale illustrations from actual charts
  • Expanded versions of U.S., British, and international chart symbology descriptions contained in NOAA's Chart No. 1, the British Admiralty's Chart 5011, and the IHO's INT-1
  • And much more essential information designed to improve vital chart-reading skills

    How to Read a Nautical Chart should be on every navigator's bookshelf.

    "Nigel's enthusiasm and insight turn a mundane chart into a map of buried treasure. Every navigator should stow a copy in the chart table."--Paul Gelder, deputy editor, Yachting Monthly

    About the Author

    Nigel Calder has decades of sailing and cruising experience and is one of the world's foremost marine writers. He is the author of seven books, including Nigel Calder's Cruising Handbook and Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual, and has written more than 300 articles for magazines such as SAIL, Ocean Navigator, and Cruising World.


  • Customer Reviews

    Navigation for the person willing to study and really understand5
    Very detailed. Plan to sit with coffee and really study but you will get good understanding of the material.

    Nautical Chart Instruction5
    Brand new item, very nice. Smooth transaction with excellent communication & quick shipping. Thank You

    The legend on a nautical chart is not enough5
    As a newbie to reading charts I soon realized that much of the information displayed on a nautical chart is difficult or imposable to decode without some reference outside of the chart itself.

    This book does a beautiful job of explaining all the mysterious symbols and conventions. It also has a great introduction that puts chart creation and interpretation into a practical, real-world perspective. I would consider this book to be a vital part of any vessel's safety equipment.

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    The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 - 1957

    The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 - 1957

    The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 - 1957

    In 1947, Christian Dior’s “New Look” was greeted with both shock and delight, making headlines around the world. Accompanying the exhibition opening at the Victoria and Albert Museum in September 2007, this lavish book focuses on Parisian and British couture between 1947 and 1957, the decade Dior hailed as fashion’s “golden age.”

    The “New Look” symbolized a new femininity. The full skirts and hourglass silhouettes were considered highly decadent, synonymous with luxury and prosperity, in marked contrast to the austerity of the WWII years. Nevertheless, the “New Look” caught the public imagination and ushered in a period of remarkable creativity. The Golden Age of Couture features stunning gowns and exquisite tailoring from Dior as well as from such designers as Balenciaga, Balmain, and Givenchy, along with evocative photographs by the likes of Richard Avedon and Cecil Beaton.

    This beautifully designed book reveals the skill and craftsmanship of haute couture along with the inner workings of the exclusive design houses, and the inspiration behind some of the most famous styles of all time.

    EXHIBITION SCHEDULE:

    Victoria and Albert Museum, London, September 27–January 6, 2008

    Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #284862 in Books
  • Published on: 2007-09-01
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Hardcover
  • 224 pages



  • Editorial Reviews

    Review
    'Captures a time when dressing was an elegant art' Elle

    About the Author
    Claire Wilcox is Senior Curator in the V&A’s Textiles & Fashion department. She curated the highly successful exhibitions Vivienne Westwood, The Art and Craft of Gianni Versace, and Radical Fashion, and edited the accompanying books.


    Customer Reviews

    the most beautiful book i've ever owned!5
    also saw this book in a gallery but couldn't afford it...found it on amzon for a bargainous price and snapped it up right away! totally worth the hassle it'll be to take it home...!

    Loved it!5
    This is a fantastic book for anyone interested in couture. The pictures and anecdotes are fantastic. My sister saw the exhibition at the V and A and said it was brilliant and I think the book captures it. Inspirational.

    The Gloden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-19575
    I purchased two of these books, one for my daughter who will be entering Fashion Design school in the fall and one as a gift for her beloved teacher who retired this year.

    The book is a beautiful coffee table book for anyone interesed in fashion particularly Paris and London during the years 1947-1957. The classic designs of this era and their designers are featured along with gorgeous photos. There is even a photo of a Dior gown as it was originally on a model. This same gown in later years was shortened and altered to suit the time and is on display in the Dior exhibit. Seeing it as it was intended by Dior is priceless!

    A must for all interested in classic fashion!

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