Book Description
No political concept is more used, and misused, than that of democracy. Nearly every regime today claims to be democratic, but not all 'democracies' allow free politics, and free politics existed long before democratic franchises. This book is a short account of the history of the doctrine and practice of democracy, from ancient Greece and Rome through the American, French, and Russian revolutions, and of the usages and practices associated with it in the modern world. It argues that democracy is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for good government, and that ideas of the rule of law, and of human rights, should in some situations limit democratic claims.
Customer Reviews:
Democracy in Perspective.......2003-02-16
Democracy is spoken of as the panacea for the world's woes. Fukuyama's END OF HISTORY seemed to operate just on this premise. Crick's book focuses on democracy's historical evolution, its polyvalent adaptations and its transformation into republicanism. Following his essay from Greece to Rome to American and European democracy, we see how democracy is not necessarily another way of saying just and/or good politics. Most interesting are the final chapters on the conditions needed for a democratic polity and the responsibilities of the individual in a system of democratic citizenship. He ends with a nice quote from Reinhold Niebuhr, "Man's inclination to justice makes democracy possible; but man's capacity for injustice makes it necessary."
Book Description
The renowned architect introduces his iconoclastic approach to public space and shares his vision for the most important architectural project of our time, the 1776 Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center site.
Drawing on his uncommon background and global perspective, in Breaking Ground Daniel Libeskind explores ideas about tragedy and hope, and the way in which architecture can memorialize-and reshape-human experience.
Born in 1946 to Holocaust survivors in Poland, Daniel Libeskind eventually emigrated to New York City in 1959. A virtuoso musician before studying architecture, Libeskind has designed iconic buildings around the world, including the Jewish Museum Berlin and the Imperial War Museum in Manchester, England. In February 2003, Libeskind was chosen as the Master Plan Architect for the World Trade Center reconstruction.
Full of the vitality, humor, and visionary spark that helped win him the Trade Center Commission, Breaking Ground invites readers to see architecture-and the larger world-through new perspectives.
Download Description
"The renowned architect introduces his iconoclastic approach to public space and shares his vision for the most important architectural project of our time, the 1776 Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center site. Drawing on his uncommon background and global perspective, in Breaking Ground Daniel Libeskind explores ideas about tragedy and hope, and the way in which architecture can memorialize-and reshape-human experience. Born in 1946 to Holocaust survivors in Poland, Daniel Libeskind eventually emigrated to New York City in 1959. A virtuoso musician before studying architecture, Libeskind has designed iconic buildings around the world, including the Jewish Museum Berlin and the Imperial War Museum in Manchester, England. In February 2003, Libeskind was chosen as the Master Plan Architect for the World Trade Center reconstruction. Full of the vitality, humor, and visionary spark that helped win him the Trade Center Commission, Breaking Ground invites readers to see architecture-and the larger world-through new perspectives."
Customer Reviews:
Only an idiot can be brilliant at breakfast.......2007-04-04
Libeskind proves in this personal account of his life that living dangerously has his rewards. He describes his endless struggles with authorities, bureaucrats in Berlin, New York and so on. He tells marvellous tales of taking a stand in architecture, how architecture and good design can add value to a city. But his life in architecture is an adventurous one. He won the commission for the Jewish Museum in Berlin just by good luck and an ambitious wife. Libeskind received too late the invitation to take part in the architectural competition. His wife succeeded by sheer thougness in nominating him for the contest and eventually he won. His struggle for the World Trade Center commission is a tough one. Larry Silverstein is his main opponent. Libeskind can never be confident about the outcome of this fight. Why insist on theoretical books on architecture when such personal accounts are available? Libeskind pleads for architecture with heart and soul. I liked this book tremendously and would like to recommend the book to every student of architecture. Just to learn that architecture is about winning competitions as much as about designing. Libeskind cites Einstein: Only an idiot can be brilliant at breakfast. Libeskind could have written this beautiful book during breakfast.
Luuk Oost
Breaking Ground.......2007-01-10
Daniel Liebskind designed the new wing of my local (Denver) art museum, and to coincide with its opening, my book club chose to read "Breaking Ground." In reading the book I was expecting to gain a little insight into who this man is and possibly how he came up with some of his ideas. But I never expected to find that he is a very good writer, incredibly well-read, and to learn of the amazing thought processes behind his designs (e.g. the Twin Towers Memorial among others world-wide). It was a wonderful surprise and a book I will read again some day.
A riveting summation of Libeskind's philosophies........2006-08-29
I purchased this book after attending a lecture of Daniel Libeskind's at my University. Daniel is one of the most sought after architects of the twenty-first century, for good reason. I found his writing style to be intelligent and concise, with moments of sheer brilliance. This book is a quick read for those familiar with Libeskind's work and the famous architects of today. There seems to be a distinct polarity in the reviews of whether one "gets" Libeskind's work or does not. His literal translations of idea and emotion into space are at times discomforting. The projects he has chosen often revolve around tragedy and loss, and much of the substance of his design process is esoteric and abstract to those not familiar with his background. Music, harmony, space and art seem to flow together in his composition with a certain logical order and reason. I recommend this book to any architect or student interested in the intangible qualities of design.
An Architect's Unmanly Behavior.......2006-08-03
You could be forgiven for thinking that `Breaking Ground' was written by a four-year old who had his favorite toy taken from him and has never gotten over it. This biography manages to emphasize it's author's weaknesses and insecurities more than it highlights any positive aspects of the life recorded. Author, Daniel Libeskind, airs many old grievances and seems hell-bent on boastfully proclaiming one-upmanship at any opportunity. He begins by telling a story about beating Itzhak Perlman in a musical competition when both were children. It may be honest trivia, but it sets a tone for the self-praise that is the book's most constant and ultimately most disturbing trait
The enormity of Libeskind's ego is matched only by the scale of his resentment towards everyone else. Libeskind's most severe criticisms are saved for fellow architects, all of whom he holds in especially low regard. In Daniel's mind, he is an architect without peers. Of architect (and Ground Zero competitor), Peter Eisenman, Libeskind says with evident venom that, "No one ever called him (Eisenman), a mensch!" It is a curious comment from Libeskind who is hardly a poster boy for masculinity himself.
In fact, as the book proceeds, it becomes clear that it is Daniel's wife and business partner, Nina, who wears the jockstrap around the Libeskind household. Whenever the going gets tough, and some recalcitrant client or municipality challenges one of Daniel's designs, it is Nina who flexes her biceps and steps in to do the heavy lifting. Daniel pits his mammoth ego against all comers, and might even blubber with rage, but usually he just resorts to "storming out of the room", a tactic he records frequently throughout his book. Unfortunately, the Libeskinds are not about building consensus or about listening to others, so most of their projects becomes embroiled in time-consuming controversy.
Most disappointingly, Libeskind fails to see the humanity of the world outside himself. The Ground Zero commission becomes just another opportunity to do some more bragging and to whittle away at the reputations of people he could have learned something from. `Breaking Ground' never becomes the inspirational memoir that it could have been. If you want a book about a true post-911 hero, you'll need to bypass `Breaking Ground' and try General Tommy Franks' recent biography instead. `American Soldier" is the story of a real man, one who fights his battles face-to-face, and doesn't need to hide behind a pen. And what a difference having some testosterone makes!!
Complete Rubbish.......2006-07-22
I came across a pile of these books remaindered for 10 cents and figured - "Well, you can't go wrong for a dime, Right?" - WRONG!! What a load of rubbish this book is. Pomposity and egotism on every page. Libeskind's love affair with himself is not worth the paper it is written on ... not even at 10 cents a copy! This one goes straight into the recycle bin.
Average customer rating:
- The best way to understand the history of conservation!
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Breaking New Ground
Gifford Pinchot
Manufacturer: Island Press
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Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism (Pioneers of Conservation)
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The Conservation Diaries of Gifford Pinchot
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The U.S. Forest Service: A History
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The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study
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Man and Nature (Weyerhaeuser Environmental Classic)
ASIN: 155963670X |
Book Description
Vigorous, colorful, bold and highly personal, Breaking New Ground is the autobiography of Gifford Pinchot, founder and first chief of the Forest Service. He tells a fascinating tale of his efforts, under President Theodore Roosevelt, to wrest the forests from economic special interests and to bring them under management for multiple- and long-range use. His philosophy of "the greatest good for the greatest number over the longest time" has become the foundation upon which this country's conservation policy is based.
Customer Reviews:
The best way to understand the history of conservation!.......1999-07-03
Incredible story of a difficult struggle to gather support for the creation of our national forests. I learned that people don't change. It is ironic that the book covers how over 100 years ago, many miners, land developers were so violently opposed to any land being protected-I see the same thing happening today with sprawl.
A MUST READ. It made me really feel fortunate that we have our national forests to enjoy because we almost didn't. I had trouble putting this book down. It is very long, but oh so good if you have any interest in conservation.
Book Description
How can we learn about the lives of African slaves in Colonial America? Often forbidden to read or write, they left few written records. But in 1991 scientists rediscovered New York's long-ignored African Burial Ground, which opened an exciting new window into the past.A woman with filed teeth buried with a girdle of beads; a black soldier buried with his British Navy uniform, his face pointing east; a mother and child, laid to rest side by side: to scientists, each of these burials has much to tell us about African slaves in America.Breaking Ground, Breaking Silence shows how archaeologists and anthropologists have learned to read life stories in shattered bones, tiny beads, and the faint traces left by coffin lids in ancient soil. At the same time, by blending together the insights found buried in the soil and the results of historians' careful studies, it gives us a moving, inspiring portrait of the lives Africans created in Colonial New York.
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous book! For adults as well as kids!.......2001-05-11
Great book! Yes, archaeology in NYC! Although this book is listed as a young readers book, I found it a facinating read for adults interested in this subject area of archaeology and black history. I have never found such a great book that combines both the history of a people that few books are written on with a modern day archaeological dig.
Great resource for teachers, black history month and just for those of us out there who are facinated with archaeology.
Great Book!.......2000-06-15
This book wonderfully encompasses a vast wealth of knowledge. Archaeology, history, current events, and modern day issues are just a few things. This book is extremely well written from the introduction, to the archeological dig, to an epilogue that summarized the issues behind the dig. I found it very informative about the history of African Americans during colonial times. I also thought that it was informative on the procedures followed for archeological digs. I really got a feel for the climate, attitudes, and living of African Americans during their first years in America. I would definitely use this book in a classroom study of the early Americans. It presents an alternate view than the pioneering white male view commonly seen during these times. The many pictures are graphic, well-taken and very interesting.
Interesting and factual data about a people of long ago.......1999-07-21
Breaking Ground, Breaking Silence was perhaps not one of the most interesting books I have ever read, but it is definitely one of the most haunting. When the book first starts out, the reader has no idea that what is beneath centuries of asphalt are people long ago and long forgotten. The most wonderful thing about the book was the way researchers were able to construct the lives of those found. I thought going back in the past and intricately constructing their journeys and lives was incredible. I also enjoyed, for lack of a better word, the photographs. Perhaps the most haunting was the one of mother and child. I felt sorrow and pity for those who had to endure such hardships, but who willed something better for themselves and those who followed. Their lives should be recorded and the place where they were buried should be sacred. I don't know how many students will enjoy this as pleasure reading, unless they enjoy finding artifacts, but I am positive no media center should be without this resource. Kids should have at least exposure with this book to know it is out there. It would be a fantastic reference and addition to any collection. These lives should be celebrated and honored. They, I feel, deserve at least that as a payment for a price so dearly paid by many ancestors.
great book.......1999-06-10
This was a great book. If you have not ordered it yet, Order it! When I started reading this book I was not intrested in archology. It is still not my favorite thing. It was a facinating story. thats why I liked it.It taught me stuff about the revolutiary war and slavary.READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Architects house themselves: Breaking new ground
Michael Webb
Manufacturer: Preservation Press, National Trust for Historic Preservation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0891332413 |
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Breaking New Ground: Developing Innovative AIDS Care Residences
Betsy Lieberman , and
Donald P. Chamberlain
Manufacturer: AIDS Housing of Washington
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ASIN: 0963659502 |
Book Description
Couples clash over cups of coffee in these delightful novellas by a talented team of authors. In Fresh-Brewed Love, every reader's thirst for romance will be well satisfied. From a bookstore's coffee corner to neighborhood caf?s to a coffee company in Costa Rica, each story is well blended.
Customer Reviews:
Four Great Christian Romances.......2006-02-14
An Acquired Taste, Susan Downs with Nan Toback
The Camden Corners Books has been a perfect place to work, but now Branson Smythe, the owner's son has opened a coffee cafe on the premises. J.J. Taylor, whose real name is Java Jo, hates the whole coffee cafe scene with good reason. Raised by hippy parents who bought into the coffee house lifestyle, she still bears scars from her childhoood. Now her father, a musician, is dead and her mother is in a nursing home with medical problems resulting from drug abuse. No wonder she resents Branson Smythe and his coffee cafe.
Branson wants to see for himself how his coffee cafe is doing, so he pretends to be David Smith, a musician hired to play at the coffee cafe. Prickly J.J. catches his attention, but she wants no part of him. Against her better judgment, J.J. is attracted to David, but will their love be strong enough to endure when she learns his true identity?
The Perfect Blend by Anita Higman
Kasey Morland has a dismal record as a business woman. every one she buys goes belly up. The only thing worse is her track record with men. Her friend Jaques, thinks she needs to pray about it, but Kasey feels God has enough to do with wars, famine and world affairs, and besides she wants to remain in control.
Hamilton Wakefield has every reason to be satisfied with himself. His investments have paid off and now he's ready to buy his own business. He's on his way up the corporate ladder and everything he touches turns to money until he meets Kasey. Then suave, sophisticated Hamilton Wakefield can't do anything right.
Can two strongly ambitiouis over-achievers make room in their hearts for love?
Breaking New Grounds by Diann Mills
Although Gene and Kae Richards share the same last name they've always been just friends. Gene has loved Kae since they were teenagers, but she loved his brother, Paul. When Paul was killed in an accident, Gene stood by Kae through her grief and helped her rebuild her life. Now they are in their seventies and Gene is afraid if he doesn't speak now he will never will. To his surprise Kae admits she loves him too. They plan a wedding but when Kae has second thought, Gene relies on faith and ingenuity to convince her their love will endure through sickness and health.
Coffee Scoop by Kathleen Miller Y'Barbo
A big money, high profile, so called minister bilked her mother out of her life savings, and Carrie Collins is on a vendetta against all religious con men. Ryan Baxter, a seminary graduate with a Harvard MBA, is head of a non-profit organization, using coffee grown on their Central American plantation, to improve the living conditions of the poor. He sees Carrie, who is a reporter at the Austin Times as a means of getting publicity for their organization. She sees him as just one more crook hiding behind a religious facade.
Carrie's boss warns her about approaching a story with her mind already made up and her mother is convinced that she is trying to destroy a ministry God has built. Carrie goes to Cost Rica determined to find out the truth, but should she listen to her heart or her head?
Four good stories by four good writers. you can't go wrong with this one.
WOW! four great romantic Christian love novellas at their best!!!.......2006-01-11
Although I loved all of these four novellas if I had to pick my most favorite? I would pick Susan K. Downs with Nancy Toback's first one in the collection AN AQUIRED TASTE. I believe you - the reader - would too. But? Since all are great reads besides I urge you to pick up this treasure and enjoy them as I did. One of the most stellar forays into Christian Romance. And? If you like reading a quick story and having time for another later on? This is ideal! Loved it totally and you will too!
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- Global Strategy (with World Map and InfoTrac )
- Globalization: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
- Heroes and Martyrs: Emma Goldman, Sacco & Vanzetti, and the Revolutionary Struggle
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
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