Book Description
What is it like to be in battle? John Keegan, a senior instructor at Sandhurst, the British Military Academy, speaks for soldiers who were present in the fray.
For examples, Keegan selects Agincourt in 1415, Waterloo in 1815, and the Somme in 1916. What is common about them, what is different? Agincourt was hand-to-hand combat, thrust and cut--a fearful and personal encounter. At Waterloo, 400 years later, the battle was still largely personal. As it swayed back and forth, men on opposite sides came to recognize the same individuals they had fought off in previous charges.
Keegan closes his book with the Somme. For him it stands as the distillation of wars in the industrial age: long-distance killing of faceless men by others who merely activate the instruments of destruction.
Customer Reviews:
Reads like a PhD Thesis.......2007-09-21
I have read many recent historical works of John Keegan including has book on WWI and the Price of Admiralty. I enjoyed them both. So, I was very disappointed when I tried to get into the Face of Battle. The language was so stilted, the use of commas and long run-on sentences going in differnet directions was so painful that I almost stopped reading it. The book has an excellent premise: how to describe three important battles in three very differnt centuries from the perspective of the soldiers actually doing the fighting rather than the 10,000 foot view employed by contemporary military historians who were not participants in the battle. Unfortunately, Keegen spends the first third of the book explaining what a good military historian (like himself) can or should do, focusing on the unique quality of British military historians (they are less biased because the wars were mainly fought on someone else's soil. The book improves as he gets into the battles of Agincourt, Waterloo and the Somme, but a good editor could have made this a much better read. I realize this book was written in 1978, so perhaps it was, at the time it was written, in line with Keegan's academic proclivities. Not a book I would recommend to anyone other than an academic.
Post Graduate Military History .......2007-05-06
THis work lives up to the highest academic standards that I have come to expect of Keegan.He provides new insights in three epic battles ,He wets your appetite for history ,he makes it real and interesting
A classic.......2006-11-23
Keegan puts you on the scene at Agincourt, Waterloo, and the Somme. One of the earliest departures from the bird's eye, general's view, The Face of Battle captures the battles from a physical, sensory, even biological perspective. Keegan creates a model for historians to assess the ebb and flux of the battle by providing an almost socratic approach to combat inquiry.
My personal favorite is the narration of Agincourt. In this battle, the author looks at the reality of whether bodies could pile up as high as they are reputed to have done along the line of contact. He examines the effectiveness of arrows and notes that at the range given the primary effect would have been to enrage the adversary's horses and not, as is often thought, to inflict casualties. Especially fascinating was the brutal crush of fellow soldiers pressing the forward ranks into the "funnel" created by the forest, which made anything other than forward movement nearly impossible. Similarly, he captures the mayhem created in the ranks by returning cavalry, after a failed charge. And let us not forget, it isn't very easy to relieve oneself in a full suit of plate, especially with dysentary!
Engrossing.......2006-11-12
A fine worm's eye view of battle. The author has painstakingly recreated what it was like for a soldier on the field of Agincourt, Waterloo and the battle of the Somme. It's a grand tutorial in basic tactics.
Mr. Keegan's Opus.......2006-10-06
This is the first work that I and most others discovered Mr. Keegan's great mind for military history. It is an overview of the evolution of warfare from the middle ages to the present but more than that it seeks to answer the question of what motivates the common soldier to fight instead of following his instinct to run. Mr. Keegan's admiration and adoption of the common soldier's lot is moving and commendable in itself. He brings out the hero in the common man and for that all us common men can thank him.
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Face of an Island
Edith M. Dabbs
Manufacturer: Wyrick & Company
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ASIN: 0941711714 |
Book Description
Originally published in 1970 as part of South Carolina's tricentennial celebration, this is a collection of photographer Leigh Richmond Miner's large-format black-and-white images of life on a Carolina low-country barrier island. This pictorial chronicle of life among the post-Civil War freed black community in and around the Penn School on St. Helena Island was prepared under the direction of historian Edith M. Dabbs. Using the latest in high-quality digital duotone reproduction, this reprint edition exceeds the original in revealing the skill and sophistication of Miner's photographic abilities as well as providing a unique look at a truly exceptional aspect of American life.
Product Description
The first book of its kind to document the lives of foreigners in Korea firsthand, Faces of Korea is a collection of 47 interviews with people from more than 20 countries on five continents. Set up in a narrative format, which makes reading the interviews as enthralling as it does educational, subjects in the book include working in Korea, romantic relations with Koreans, people of Korean descent, teaching in Korea, learning in Korea and people who have made Korea their adopted home.
Customer Reviews:
Recommended reading for those planning on living/working in Korea.......2005-10-10
This is a collection of accounts of a number of people who live, or had lived, in South Korea. The occupations of the people whose stories are relayed in this volume are varied, and range from those working as office workers, those who are students or who are serving in the US military, and of course those working as the obligatory ESL teacher. The nationalities are as diverse as the occupations - as well as people of Korean descent, there are also Americans, Japanese, Filipinos, and New Zealanders, all of whom have interesting stories to tell about various aspects of their lives in Korea.
The book is split into 6 main sections, each dealing with a particular general aspect of life in Korea. One section is about working in Korea, another discusses social relations in Korea. People of Korean descent share their experiences in one section, and students in Korea get another section. A particularly interesting section is dedicated to those people who have formally made Korea their home, including one white US male who renounced his American citizenship to become a Korea. The final section, which I suspect will be the cause of most people's interest in this book is teaching in Korea. This is hardly surprising since ESL teaching is a relatively high profile and popular occupation for many young foreigners in Korea.
All but one of the contributors to the teaching section have taught in Hagwons, the most common employer of ESL teachers in Korea. The sole exception was the contributor who had only taught as an university instructor, although a number of the Hagwon teachers also went on to teach at a university - again hardly surprising, since it is quite a popular gig, usually teaching 15 hours or so a week, for nearly twice the pay of a Hagwon teacher. This section will be of most use to those readers who plan on teaching in Korea, as a number of the contributors discuss the common pitfalls for a novice in this field, and tips to help get by. This isn't to say the other sections aren't of interest. Many of the contributors give interesting insights into life, love, work and play in the Land of the Morning Calm. Recommended reading for those wanting insights into life in modern Korea, as well as those considering teaching in Korea.
Steve A. Kuiack, Author of "Let's Talk Business".......2005-01-02
The wealth of diversity in Faces of Korea is second to none. The author has well-researched and documented the experiences of foreigners living in Korea. From men and women to young adults and elder citizens, from migrant laborers and corporate professionals to teachers and writers, the interesting diversity in this book adds to its authentic credibility.
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Water Resources Management in the Face of Climatic/Hydrologic Uncertainties (Water Science and Technology Library)
Manufacturer: Springer
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ASIN: 0792339274 |
Book Description
This text is the first international and comprehensive discussion of the impacts of climatic fluctuations and climate change on water resources management. The book presents an overview of the impacts of climatic change/fluctuations on a wide variety of water resources sectors including river runoff, water quality, water temperature, water use and demand, reservoir management and water resource planning and management. The book is unique in that it then presents a series of case studies to both demonstrate the application of climate change impact assessment methodologies and to provide insights to catchment, river basin, and national scale impacts of climate change/fluctuations on the water resources of Africa, Europe, and North America. Audience: Researchers, scholars and students of hydrology and water management who are concerned with the issues of climate change as well as the climate change impact assessment community.
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Plutarch: Moralia, Volume XII, Concerning the Face Which Appears in the Orb of the Moon. On the Principle of Cold. Whether Fire or Water Is More Useful. Whether Land...(Loeb Classical Library No. 406)
Plutarch
Manufacturer: Loeb Classical Library
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Plutarch: Moralia, Volume V, Isis and Osiris. The E at Delphi. The Oracles at Delphi No Longer Given in Verse. The Obsolescence of Oracles. (Loeb Classical Library No. 306)
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Plutarch: Moralia, Volume XV, Fragments (Loeb Classical Library No. 429)
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Plutarch: Moralia, Volume VI, Can Virtue Be Taught? On Moral Virtue. On the Control of Anger. On Tranquility of Mind. On Brotherly Love. On Affection for ... a Busybody (Loeb Classical Library No. 337)
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Plutarch: Moralia, Volume I (The Education of Children. How the Young Man Should Study Poetry. On Listening to Lectures. How to Tell a Flatterer from a ... in Virtue) (Loeb Classical Library No. 197)
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Plutarch: Moralia, Volume VIII, Table-talk, Books 1-6 (Loeb Classical Library No. 424)
ASIN: 0674994477 |
Book Description
Plutarch (Plutarchus), ca. 45-120
CE, was born at Chaeronea in Boeotia in central Greece, studied philosophy at Athens, and, after coming to Rome as a teacher in philosophy, was given consular rank by the emperor Trajan and a procuratorship in Greece by Hadrian. He was married and the father of one daughter and four sons. He appears as a man of kindly character and independent thought, studious and learned.
Plutarch wrote on many subjects. Most popular have always been the 46 Parallel Lives, biographies planned to be ethical examples in pairs (in each pair, one Greek figure and one similar Roman), though the last four lives are single. All are invaluable sources of our knowledge of the lives and characters of Greek and Roman statesmen, soldiers and orators. Plutarch's many other varied extant works, about 60 in number, are known as Moralia or Moral Essays. They are of high literary value, besides being of great use to people interested in philosophy, ethics and religion.
The Loeb Classical Library edition of the Moralia is in fifteen volumes, volume XIII having two parts.
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The Changing Face of European Conscription
Manufacturer: Ashgate Publishing
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ASIN: 0754644103 |
Customer Reviews:
This is a dated but seminal book on sustainable development.......2003-04-14
This is one of the few books, along with Careless Technology, Silent Spring, The Limits to Growth and others that really clarified the approach of humankind to nature. It is not a critique of modern technology or society, but an early and valuable presentation of the ecological consequences of human activities throughout history. I thoroughly recommend this book to any students of environmental studies or development issues.
Research on effects of prehistoric humans on the ecosystem........1999-01-14
This is an excellent, thoroughly readable collection of scientific studies concerning the role of prehistoric humans in changing the ecosystems they inhabited. The studies range from the extensive farming terraces of China over 5,000 years, to the possible creation of the Great Plains grass ecosystem through Amerindian burning for hunting purposes. Although somewhat dated, this book provides a scope of research that will not be found anywhere else. I read this book thirty years ago during my Anthropology graduate studies at UC Berkeley, and have never forgotten it. I am very happy to see it in print again.
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About Face
David H. Hackworth ,
Julie Sherman , and
Colonel David Hackleworth
Manufacturer: Pan Books
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0330313274 |
Book Description
BACK IN PRINT WITH A REVISED PREFACE
Microcosmos brings together the remarkable discoveries of microbiology of the past two decades and the pioneering research of Dr. Margulis to create a vivid new picture of the world that is crucial to our understanding of the future of the planet. Addressed to general readers, the book provides a beautifully written view of evolution as a process based on interdependency and thei nterconnectedness of all life on the planet.
Customer Reviews:
Thought provoking, easy to read........2006-11-29
Microcosmos explores a history of life on Earth from the planet's formation to the rise of humankind. The formation of the first organic, self-organized and self-replicating molecules is followed by the arrangement of molecules into membranes and the first cells. The symbiotic inclusion of one organism into another to form such structures as mitochondria and plastids is discussed as is the convergence of several cells into one cooperating multicellular organism. This is followed by a step by step progression in the development of characters comprising the animals and plants we are familiar with today, including ourselves.
Several theories are presented, such as the suggestion that the cilia in our respiratory tract and the rods and cones in our eyes are symbiotic spirochetes whose DNA are so intertwined with our own that these cells appear to be of human origin. Being that this book is twnety years old now, it would be interesting to read a follow-up to compare the authors' suggestions to what has been found since.
The language is high school level and above. It provides an excellent overview of life on Earth and reads quickly.
vague and lacking substance.......2004-01-17
disclaimer: I am not a native speaker (but quite used to read englich).
I found the book quite vague and lacking in details, some images would have helped further. I did not expect an undergraduate book with many chemical formulas, but many ideas seemed only sketched. I can not say that anything is really wrong but I was left with the impression that the claims were not really substantiated.
I am now reading "the origins of life" (Smith and Szathmáry) which -- while even shorter and somewhat dense -- I like much more. It is more precise and the authors clearly tell, what is substantiated "knowledge" and what is speculation. They even avoid using under-defined jargon like "complexity" with a refreshing acknowledgment of their own limitation in giving a clear definition.
On microbes: the real rulers of the planet........2003-06-21
Microcosmos is a natural history of the unseen beings upon whom we depend every moment for survival: the microbes. Margulis, who is currently Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Massachusetts, did undergraduate work in biology and received her PhD in Genetics. She worked with James Lovelock on developing the Gaia theory, which posits that the earth can be regarded as a sort of super-organism. In Microcosmos we see all aspects of her education and sensibilities -- a close attention to scientific detail and a "big picture" approach to how living entities coexist.
In the introduction she lays out her philosophy about life on earth, for which she was roundly criticized by many reductionist scientists. In the past, she writes, all life on Earth was traditionally studied as being merely a prelude to the appearance of humans. Now, overwhelming evidence suggests that microbes (one-celled organisms) not only inhabit every known living thing on earth, they are also indispensable to the survival of all living things. They, not human beings, are the most important beings on the planet.
Furthermore, in opposition to one of the most accepted tenets of Neo-Darwinism, Margulis states that life did not colonize the planet by competition so much as by networking. Cooperation between one-celled creatures led, over billions of years, to the evolution of beings such as ourselves, who possess the capability for self-conscious awareness. Our human consciousness, of which we are so proud, "may have been born of the concerted capacities of millions of microbes that evolved symbiotically to become the human brain."
Strong words! Yet, Margulis sets forth compelling evidence in the remainder of her book to support her bio-philosophical ideas. Along the way, we learn many amazing things. For instance, we get a perspective on what upstart newcomers we are: the continents we inhabit now appeared in their present locations only in the last tenth of a percent of Earth's history. We learn that bacteria invented genetic engineering. Thus, when ultraviolet light damaged early microbes' DNA, the creatures produced repair enzymes to remove the damaged portions and copy new replacement DNA. This is a natural form of gene splicing.
Sometimes, the DNA used in gene splicing was borrowed from neighboring bacteria of different strains, thus affording these critters a prodigious adaptability. This borrowing still goes on today. Through intermediaries, two very different bacteria can share genetic information. Why is this important? Because it allows the distribution of genetic information in the microcosm with a speed "approaching that of modern telecommunications--if the complexity and biological value of the information being transferred is factored in." This speed makes bacteria the biosphere's first responders in dealing with planetary changes.
In responding to change, bacteria end up altering and shaping their environments. Few people realize that the entire earth's atmosphere, which we depend on for our life's breath, was created, and is maintained, by microbes. This is a good thing to remember next time you feel like spraying down your bathroom or kitchen with anti-microbial spray. Our fear of bacteria is misplaced. Yes, some are harmful to us, but most are beneficial. Indeed they are a lot more helpful to us than we are to the rest of the planet!
This book isn't an easy read, but it will broaden one's outlook on our place in the natural world. Even if bacteria are not in the end responsible for the intricacies of our human brain and consciousness, we still owe them many debts. This book unveils the smallness of humans before the vast and minute workings of nature, and encourages a sense of humility before the greater Life that surrounds us.
On microbes: the real rulers of the planet........2003-05-31
Microcosmos is a natural history of the unseen beings upon whom we depend every moment for survival: the microbes. Margulis, who is currently Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Massachusetts, did undergraduate work in biology and received her PhD in Genetics. She worked with James Lovelock on developing the Gaia theory, which posits that the earth can be regarded as a sort of super-organism. In Microcosmos we see all aspects of her education and sensibilities -- a close attention to scientific detail and a "big picture" approach to how living entities coexist.
In the introduction she lays out her philosophy about life on earth, for which she was roundly criticized by many reductionist scientists. In the past, she writes, all life on Earth was traditionally studied as being merely a prelude to the appearance of humans. Now, overwhelming evidence suggests that microbes (one-celled organisms) not only inhabit every known living thing on earth, they are also indispensable to the survival of all living things. They, not human beings, are the most important beings on the planet.
Furthermore, in opposition to one of the most accepted tenets of Neo-Darwinism, Margulis states that life did not colonize the planet by competition so much as by networking. Cooperation between one-celled creatures led, over billions of years, to the evolution of beings such as ourselves, who possess the capability for self-conscious awareness. Our human consciousness, of which we are so proud, "may have been born of the concerted capacities of millions of microbes that evolved symbiotically to become the human brain."
Strong words! Yet, Margulis sets forth compelling evidence in the remainder of her book to support her bio-philosophical ideas. Along the way, we learn many amazing things. For instance, we get a perspective on what upstart newcomers we are: the continents we inhabit now appeared in their present locations only in the last tenth of a percent of Earth's history. We learn that bacteria invented genetic engineering. Thus, when ultraviolet light damaged early microbes' DNA, the creatures produced repair enzymes to remove the damaged portions and copy new replacement DNA. This is a natural form of gene splicing.
Sometimes, the DNA used in gene splicing was borrowed from neighboring bacteria of different strains, thus affording these critters a prodigious adaptability. This borrowing still goes on today. Through intermediaries, two very different bacteria can share genetic information. Why is this important? Because it allows the distribution of genetic information in the microcosm with a speed "approaching that of modern telecommunications--if the complexity and biological value of the information being transferred is factored in." This speed makes bacteria the biosphere's first responders in dealing with planetary changes.
In responding to change, bacteria end up altering and shaping their environments. Few people realize that the entire earth's atmosphere, which we depend on for our life's breath, was created, and is maintained, by microbes. This is a good thing to remember next time you feel like spraying down your bathroom or kitchen with anti-microbial spray. Our fear of bacteria is misplaced. Yes, some are harmful to us, but most are beneficial. Indeed they are a lot more helpful to us than we are to the rest of the planet!
This book isn't an easy read, but it will broaden one's outlook on our place in the natural world. Even if bacteria are not in the end responsible for the intricacies of our human brain and consciousness, we still owe them many debts. This book unveils the smallness of humans before the vast and minute workings of nature, and encourages a sense of humility before the greater Life that surrounds us.
A wonderful look at how life began...........2003-04-23
This book was quite eye opening. It takes billions of years of evolution and tracks it at the microscopic level (hence the title). After reading it, you have to take another look at all the different forms of life here on our planet. I am very glad I bought this book and look forward to reading more from both of these authors.
Books:
- The Farming Game Now
- The Impact of Nitrogen Deposition on Natural and Semi-Natural Ecosystems
- The Land That Feeds Us
- The Living Landscape: An Ecological Approach to Landscape Planning
- The Non-Toxic Farming Handbook
- The Old Farmer's Almanac 2007 Every Day Calendar
- The Social Logic of Space
- There's a Dolphin in the Grand Canal
- Treatment of Contaminated Soil
- Vancouver's Fair: An Administrative and Political History of the Pacific Northwest Exhibition
Books Index
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- For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men
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- Dips: Great Recipes for Spreads, Salsas, Fondues and Other Party Fare
- History of Modern Architecture - Vol. 2, The Modern Movement
- Architectural Detailing: Function - Constructibility - Aesthetics
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The Price of Glory: Verdun 1916
The Mask of Command
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With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa
The First World War
