Amazon.com
Updated Edition: Thomas L. Friedman is not so much a futurist, which he is sometimes called, as a presentist. His aim in The World Is Flat, as in his earlier, influential Lexus and the Olive Tree, is not to give you a speculative preview of the wonders that are sure to come in your lifetime, but rather to get you caught up on the wonders that are already here. The world isn't going to be flat, it is flat, which gives Friedman's breathless narrative much of its urgency, and which also saves it from the Epcot-style polyester sheen that futurists--the optimistic ones at least--are inevitably prey to.
What Friedman means by "flat" is "connected": the lowering of trade and political barriers and the exponential technical advances of the digital revolution that have made it possible to do business, or almost anything else, instantaneously with billions of other people across the planet. This in itself should not be news to anyone. But the news that Friedman has to deliver is that just when we stopped paying attention to these developments--when the dot-com bust turned interest away from the business and technology pages and when 9/11 and the Iraq War turned all eyes toward the Middle East--is when they actually began to accelerate. Globalization 3.0, as he calls it, is driven not by major corporations or giant trade organizations like the World Bank, but by individuals: desktop freelancers and innovative startups all over the world (but especially in India and China) who can compete--and win--not just for low-wage manufacturing and information labor but, increasingly, for the highest-end research and design work as well. (He doesn't forget the "mutant supply chains" like Al-Qaeda that let the small act big in more destructive ways.)
Friedman has embraced this flat world in his own work, continuing to report on his story after his book's release and releasing an unprecedented hardcover update of the book a year later with 100 pages of revised and expanded material. What's changed in a year? Some of the sections that opened eyes in the first edition--on China and India, for example, and the global supply chain--are largely unaltered. Instead, Friedman has more to say about what he now calls "uploading," the direct-from-the-bottom creation of culture, knowledge, and innovation through blogging, podcasts, and open-source software. And in response to the pleas of many of his readers about how to survive the new flat world, he makes specific recommendations about the technical and creative training he thinks will be required to compete in the "New Middle" class. As before, Friedman tells his story with the catchy slogans and globe-hopping anecdotes that readers of his earlier books and his New York Times columns know well, and he holds to a stern sort of optimism. He wants to tell you how exciting this new world is, but he also wants you to know you're going to be trampled if you don't keep up with it. A year later, one can sense his rising impatience that our popular culture, and our political leaders, are not helping us keep pace. --Tom Nissley
Where Were You When the World Went Flat?
Thomas L. Friedman's reporter's curiosity and his ability to recognize the patterns behind the most complex global developments have made him one of the most entertaining and authoritative sources for information about the wider world we live in, both as the foreign affairs columnist for the New York Times and as the author of landmark books like From Beirut to Jerusalem and The Lexus and the Olive Tree. They also make him an endlessly fascinating conversation partner, and we've now had the chance to talk to him about The World Is Flat twice. Read our original interview with him following the publication of the first edition of The World Is Flat to learn why there's almost no one from Washington, D.C., listed in the index of a book about the global economy, and what his one-plank platform for president would be. (Hint: his bumper stickers would say, "Can You Hear Me Now?")
And now you can listen to our second interview, in which he talks about the updates he's made in "The World Is Flat 2.0," including his response to parents who said to him, "Great, Mr. Friedman, I'm glad you told us the world is flat. Now what do I tell my kids?"
The Essential Tom Friedman
From Beirut to Jerusalem |
The Lexus and the Olive Tree |
Longitudes and Attitudes |
More on Globalization and Development
China, Inc. by Ted Fishman |
Three Billion New Capitalists by Clyde Prestowitz |
The End of Poverty by Jeffrey Sachs |
Globalization and Its Discontents by Joseph Stiglitz |
The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy by Pietra Rivoli |
The Mystery of Capital by Hernando de Soto |
Book Description
The World Is Flat is Thomas L. Friedman’s account of the great changes taking place in our time, as lightning-swift advances in technology and communications put people all over the globe in touch as never before—creating an explosion of wealth in India and China, and challenging the rest of us to run even faster just to stay in place. This updated and expanded edition features more than a hundred pages of fresh reporting and commentary, drawn from Friedman’s travels around the world and across the American heartland—from anyplace where the flattening of the world is being felt.
In The World Is Flat, Friedman at once shows “how and why globalization has now shifted into warp drive” (Robert Wright, Slate) and brilliantly demystifies the new flat world for readers, allowing them to make sense of the often bewildering scene unfolding before their eyes. With his inimitable ability to translate complex foreign policy and economic issues, he explains how the flattening of the world happened at the dawn of the twenty-first century; what it means to countries, companies, communities, and individuals; how governments and societies can, and must, adapt; and why terrorists want to stand in the way. More than ever, The World Is Flat is an essential update on globalization, its successes and discontents, powerfully illuminated by one of our most respected journalists.
Download Description
The Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist gives a bold, timely, and surprising picture of the state of globalization in the twenty-first century
Customer Reviews:
...and so is this book.......2007-10-10
Though it has become an immensely popular book, Friedman's work is fairly shallow and simplistic. It is important to remember that this is a world analysis written by a journalist, not by a political economist or any type of economist or political scientist. His views are oversimplified and his support relies heavily on anecdote, making his 600-pager about 400 pages too long. We read it for a poli sci class and proceeded to tear it apart intellectually.
Ranks up there with Common Sense, Uncle Toms Cabin, The Femine Mystique.......2007-10-10
One of the greatest books ever written. Everyone in America should read this book. Every teacher in America should read and teach Frieman's lessons. Every parent should read and help prepare their children for the world that is coming. Every student should read and begin to prepare for the world they are going to face. This is the most important book of our times, bar none.
Embracing Business Globalization's Irreversibility.......2007-10-10
This is easily the most relevant book written on the new realities of business globalization, its irreversibility, and the practical consequences to our future. Friedman does an excellent job describing the numerous factors that led up to our current global economy including the ongoing fall of communism, the advent of the personal computer, and the ubiquity of the Internet. His historical review and assessment is fascinating and it sets up the reader to understand the context for his theories and practical applications. Friedman delves into numerous industries, businesses, personalities, case studies, technologies, psychological factors, and sociological factors. Although he covers numerous business, technological, and economic concepts, his writing style is very engaging and entertaining, using many personal examples and narratives, thereby holding the reader's interest. Rather than bemoaning some of the common perceived negative consequences of a global economy (such as US auto workers losing jobs to overseas cheaper labor) Friedman helps the reader to understand business globalization's irreversibility. In so doing, he describes many personal, practical, and business strategies for thriving in this new environment. Friedman is realistic and compassionate concerning the changes and the challenges. He states, "the great challenge for our time will be to absorb these changes in ways that do not overwhelm people but also do not leave them behind. None of this will be easy. But this is our task. It is inevitable and unavoidable" (pp. 46-47). As Friedman unfolds his strategies, he gives the reader a broader, global perspective that is filled with hope and excitement. Whether as a CEO, a business student, or a brand new professional embarking upon a career, this book is insightful, practical, and essential reading.
What a good boy am I.......2007-10-06
Reading this book is like watching someone else's kids open their Christmas presents from relatives they don't really know. I'm not sure how the author can possibly be so fascinated by technology and yet know absolutely nothing about it at the same time, but his endless diatribes about the miracles of PayPal and Microsoft Word are beyond laughable, and I was pretty much in shock when he started citing howstuffworks-dot-com as a technical reference on fiber optics and SOAP. What editor told him that this was OK?
So enamored with his own cleverness is he that Mr. Friedman dedicates several pages to explaining the book's title, even though a single sentence would have sufficed. Unfortunately, this doesn't stop after the first chapter; rather than make a point and move on, he has to point out the fact that he just made a point and tell you what a wonderful point it was just in case you missed the point. It's like hanging out with that one friend who sits around smiling and pointing to his hindquarters after he rips one off at the dinner table.
If you want to learn about globalization and are not old enough to remember the first light bulb, go read "No Logo" instead. This is horrible, irrelevant geriatric babbling.
My opinion is flat.......2007-10-03
When a book has had over a thousand reviews, what can I possibly say that hasn't already been said? So I will keep it short and not so sweet.
No one will read this book, or any of the updates, for "fun." Do you NEED to read it? Yes, it contains some important economic concepts and realities, but it's a bit overlong. I'd say it could be cut in half, so skim through some of the numerous "interviews," repetition of central points, and endless advice and encouragement. The global pie is getting bigger and better, but the competition for piecies of that pie is heating up. Smart, ambitious, creative people will thrive; slow, lazy, dull people will languish, and everything inbetween. For too long many Americans have been sitting on their laurels and the day of reckoning is near. Heed this warning: Put down your TV remotes, game controllers, and iPods, and start working like your life (or lifestyle) depended on it. Get your rear into some serious gear, and don't balk at the notion that you should be an "expert" in at least three different, unrelated fields. Does this scare or excite you?
In so many interviews with foreign entrepreneurs, we are told (or reassured) that no matter how much of the "mundane" work is performed by countries other than the U.S., America's creative and innovative spark is still unsurpassed: All the world looks to America to lead the way into the future. I'm not sure. A lot of that "mundane" work was high level and highly paid, and why should we expect that America will continue to dominate in creativity and innovation? The truth is, we're in for a flattening of living standards, and from the perspective of the relatively high American standard of living, it will seem like a drop in standards until we reach another equilibrium (who knows how long that will take?). In any case, the reassurances about the talents and abilities of Americans seem at odds with other parts of the book, such as Bill Gates feeling "terrified at the American work force of tomorrow."
If you're already working hard at becoming an expert in three fields, then you probably don't need to read this book. Indeed, you probably don't have time to read it, or to read and write Amazon reviews, for that matter.
Average customer rating:
- Not that bad
- A College Students Opinion
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The American People, Brief Edition: Creating a Nation and a Society, Volume II (Since 1865) (5th Edition) (MyHistoryLab Series)
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Manufacturer: Longman
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The American People, Brief Edition: Creating a Nation and a Society, Volume I (to 1877) (5th Edition) (MyHistoryLab Series)
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ASIN: 0321316428 |
Book Description
A condensed version of The American People, Fifth Edition,
this engaging text examines U.S. history as revealed through the experiences of all Americans, both ordinary and extraordinary. With a thought-provoking and rich presentation, the authors explore the complex lives of Americans of all national origins and cultural backgrounds, at all levels of society, and in all regions of the country. A vibrant four-color design and compact size make this book accessible, convenient, and easy-to read.
Customer Reviews:
Not that bad.......2006-12-05
This book is rather nice in its presentation of rather mundane information. The details of specific events can be scarce, but for a small history book.
A College Students Opinion .......2006-07-16
This book was used in my American History 1865 to the Present class. Basically we followed the textbook and started post-civil war. Anyway, I found this book to differ from most High School text books. High school textbooks are usually overflowing with detail, dates, names, etc. I remember reading them and wondering "What in the world is my teacher thinking? I'm never going to remember all of this!." However, I find after reading this book that I prefer those 600 paged hardcover books rather than this. The American People Volume II should never be used as the prime textbook in a history class. It's descriptions of events are very scarce and I have often found myself seeking other sources to find out what I am reading about. For example, there were about 3 pages describing the Native American conflicts in the late 1800's (Which was also turned into a SIX EPISODE mini series called Into the West. This shows how little is told about these conflicts in the book.) and there was a mentioning of a Dawe's Act. However, the text went to say what caused this act and what resulted from it (2 sentences each), but it did not say what it actually was. This has been the case for many other Acts, Bills, and Laws that are mentioned. This is also not a note-taking book. The descriptions of events are so slim and undetailed that there is nothing to note about them, and I find myself moving on in the reading and not remembering much. Therefore, I would have to conclude that I prefer those large high school history textbooks in comparison to this brief history. At least with the detailed books you can get more of a rounded picture in your head of what is being described, rather than just basic facts such as "Wheat was farmed in the Great Plains." One last comment: the text is also a bit juvenile. Each chapter begins with a story of a family or individual and it is as though you are reading Little House on the Prairie. So before you buy this, make sure that it is absolutly required.
Amazon.com
Stephen Hawking, one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists in history, wrote the modern classic A Brief History of Time to help nonscientists understand the questions being asked by scientists today: Where did the universe come from? How and why did it begin? Will it come to an end, and if so, how? Hawking attempts to reveal these questions (and where we're looking for answers) using a minimum of technical jargon. Among the topics gracefully covered are gravity, black holes, the Big Bang, the nature of time, and physicists' search for a grand unifying theory. This is deep science; these concepts are so vast (or so tiny) as to cause vertigo while reading, and one can't help but marvel at Hawking's ability to synthesize this difficult subject for people not used to thinking about things like alternate dimensions. The journey is certainly worth taking, for, as Hawking says, the reward of understanding the universe may be a glimpse of "the mind of God." --Therese Littleton
Book Description
A Brief History of Time, published in 1988, was a landmark volume in science writing and in world-wide acclaim and popularity, with more than 9 million copies in print globally. The original edition was on the cutting edge of what was then known about the origins and nature of the universe. But the ensuing years have seen extraordinary advances in the technology of observing both the micro- and the macrocosmic world--observations that have confirmed many of Hawking's theoretical predictions in the first edition of his book.
Now a decade later, this edition updates the chapters throughout to document those advances, and also includes an entirely new chapter on Wormholes and Time Travel and a new introduction. It make vividly clear why A Brief History of Time has transformed our view of the universe.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent overview of modern physics........2007-10-17
If you can find it, I recommend this version over the original "Brief History of Time". This version was written about 8 years later and as such incorporates much that has been learned over the intervening years. In addition, the illustrations greatly enhance the text. They are not only a joy to look at, but actually make the book more understandable. The original work has been characterized as one of the most popular, but unread books of all time. Much of the unread characterization stems from the fact that this is a difficult book unless one has had some minimal understanding of physics. Minimal is, however, the appropriate word as one need not be a physicist to get a lot from this book, but one should not be put off by a discussion of quarks, gluons, gravitons, wormholes or string theory.
The first chapters deal with the classical view of physics and the universe. This is followed by discussions of the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. It is important to note that these are not rigorous discussions, indeed no mathematics is used and the discussion is entirely devoted to the basic ideas and implications of these theories. At least one reviewer has criticized the fact that these subjects have not been developed in any detail, but rather are just expounded. I think that this misses the point. This is not a physics text; rather it tries (I think very successfully) to show the reader the beauty and implications of modern physics. I found the discussion of modern particle physics to be one of the best very elementary treatments that I have ever read. Next he discusses black holes and the origin of the universe. Again, I found his discussion of black holes to be one of the best very elementary treatments that I have ever read. The last chapters on wormholes, time travel and grand unified theories are more speculative than the preceding chapters, but the reader is clearly forewarned that this is the case. (The most speculative, and in my opinion least clear chapter, was the one on wormholes and time travel, which was not in the original version of "A brief History of Time".)
I liked this book a lot and do not agree with those who found it to be unclear and very difficult to follow, but I can see how those with no physics background at all would find too difficult to finish. This version has the virtue of pictures which make following Hawking's text a bit easier to follow and as he states in the forward "Even if you only look at the pictures and their captions you should get some idea of what is going on."
This book is a fake!.......2007-10-01
As a physicist I am flabbergasted and slightly depressed by the success of this book. First of all this book presents as if they were equally certain some pieces of orthodox science together with some of the author's dubious speculations. The lay reader is not told which are which. Secondly, the author obviously has no knowledge of the actual history of physics and yet he shamelessly "describes" it to the reader.
Hawking seems to have gathered together all the bad cliches about various physical issues and has taken out all the valuable ideas. He explains nothing, he just asserts that "we physicists know that..., we physicists have demonstrated that...". I cannot see how anyone can actually learn anything about physics from this book, about why we know what we know. And yet, judging from the amount of praise this book receives, it seems that quite a lot of people have fallen under the spell that they have been allowed access to some secret. They haven't and I find this trickery immoral.
Quantum physics and astrophysics are really interesting. They don't deserve to be thrashed in this unashamed manner. If you want to learn something about physics, there are other books which do a much better job, for example Asimov's Atom: Journey Across the Subatomic Cosmos.
Author - a true genius.......2007-09-22
Stephen Hawking is a true genius. Although I don't understand everything he writes, all-in-all this book gives one the understanding of how wonderfully made the universe is.
Fascinating.......2007-08-24
I found this book to be ingenious yet accessible to the average reader, which is what I believe Hawking set out to accomplish. Great food for thought in my opinion.
TERRIBLE digital transfer by "Phoenix Audio".......2007-08-10
It's a great book by Hawking, but this product is just a reproduction of something by Hawking/Jackson that we already know is great. So what sort of job does this product do of delivering one of my favorite audio books? Not a very good one.
The original recording sounds fine, but this production from 2005 sounds like it was converted to a low bit rate at some point during editing, and probably had a poor noise removal job done as well. For the benefit of removing possibly a little weak static in the background, we get to listen to a robotic Jackson for 5 hours. It sounds similar to an early digital cell phone with a choppy feel and many T's and S's muffled.
There really isn't any reason I can see for this to not be a perfect reproduction of earlier digital versions. Old bootlegs floating about the internet sound better. Maybe "Phoenix Audio" should have just grabbed those to print, and left all of that tricky audio work to the more competent civilian sector.
Customer Reviews:
All the fun, half the facts!.......1999-02-22
Schirokauer provides an excellent introduction to the history of modern (and early-modern) China and Japan. He presents the material effectively and CONCISELY, which makes it a delight for any college student to read. Additionally, nice illustrations, an exhaustive index, and an extensive, detailed list of suggestions for further reading make this text worthy of five stars. Kudos to Schirokauer for the skill with which he respectfully argues the viewpoints of both the Eastern and Western cultures during their harshest conflicts.
Book Description
Written by one of the leading archaeological writers in the world—in a simple, jargon-free narrative style—this brief, well-illustrated account of the major developments in the human past (from the origins of humanity to the origins of literate civilization) makes world prehistory uniquely accessible to complete beginners. Up-to-date and state-of-the-art in content and perspective, it covers the entire world (not just the Americas or Europe), placing major emphasis on both theories and the latest archaeological and multidisciplinary approaches. The main focus is on four major developments—the origins of humanity; the appearance and spread of modern humans before and during the late Ice Age, including the first settlement of the Americas; the beginnings of food production; and the rise of the first civilizations. For individuals who want to get acquainted with anthropology.
Customer Reviews:
Man's origins and developments for the general reader.......2003-04-02
Man's innate curiosity with their past has given birth to sciences that attempt to satisfy such curiosity. Brian Fagan, an archaeologist himself, outlines brilliantly the major developments of humankind in prehistory, from that scientific perspective. Sophisticated theories and tools from disciplines such archaeology, biology, ecology, geology and even genetics and psychology are elaborated for the general reader. Utilising such diversity of disciplines, World Prehistory introduces to the reader, the developments of humankind- the origins, exodus and migration of man, food production and state formation- from the earliest times especially before written records were available.
Even before Fagan gets into details, he outlines the scope of the book and distinguishes the discipline of archaeology insofar as it is scientific, rigorous and it utilises tools and expertise from other disciplines. Throughout the book, there are scientific archaeological explanations in the form of theories, data and methodologies and at the very onset, the author derides the "romantic world of high adventure and exciting discovery" connected to pseudoarcheaology, which to him belongs to the "realms of religious faith and science fiction".
The book is divided into 4 parts in a generally chronological arrangement. The first part introduces to the reader the study of human prehistory with succinct explanations of the concepts of history, culture, space and time. Part 2 outlines scientific approaches to explain the origins of mankind and his relationships with other primates. The author draws evidence from geology, genetics and most importantly, paleoanthropology (the specialized study of human bone remains). Part 2 also presents one of the most controversial questions in anthropology, that is the path of migration of modern man. The author favours the "African exodus Theory"" and describes it in detail. Part 3 is a discussion of the birth of the modern world with special emphasis on the origins of food production, one of the hallmarks of ancient civilisations. The book culminates in Part 4, with very broad discussions on ancient civilisations in Western Asia, Africa, South, Southeast and East Asia and the Americas.
As an introductory book to world prehistory, it lacks detailed study of other aspects of prehistoric mankind's developments especially in the fields of language, religion and a new, exciting and only recently explored field of psychological archaeology, dealing with the minds and thinking of the earliest humans. The latter, the author concedes, must go beyond material remains and develop new ways to explore the minds of the earliest humans and understand why they developed the way they did.
However, as with most introductory books, World Prehistory can only describe its subject matter at surface level. However, after reading the book, I have obtained a general sense of the methods and theories that attempt to explain with the period of human history which was not recorded in writing. With so many theories, methods and even non-scientific explanations of mankind's ancient past, World Prehistory is a good book to introduce a reader to the latest and most widely accepted tools, methodologies and theories.
A very decent book.......2000-04-30
This book is not designed for the hardcore anthropology student as it doesn't delve into the extreme details of the subject, but it does give a very broad overview of the millions of years of human prehistory. Most of the time is spent talking about the journey from ape-like ancestors to the origin of food production and the large state-run societies that we have today. Therefore, when Fagan talks about specific cultures and societies he just gives an overview, he chooses to put most details to use describing why and how humans got to where they are today. Very good book is you want an effective and interesting introduction to human origins, but this isn't something that would be used for a 300 or 400 level class.
Customer Reviews:
What about the Gettysburg Address?.......2004-07-30
A gorgeously illustrated, eye-catching text that spans the prehistory and history of the region that we now call the United States. When I was growing up in the 1970s, we had several well regarded books on American history. Yet none had the profusion of colour illustrations on almost every page. Students using this as their first text will not notice it, but the book speaks to substantial advances in the lowering cost of colour printing in 30 years. Of course, we have much more than just eye candy here. The illustrations are well integrated into the textual narrative. The text flows with a well polished grace that should draw in the interest of many students.
The book does not gloss over various bloody aspects of history. Above all, of slavery. There is extensive description of the human cost of the Middle Passage and the subsequent suffering of plantation life. Relations of the settlers with native tribes are frankly discussed. Several massacres of tribes are mentioned. Yet the book is not an anti-American screed. The common theme is that, however imperfect, the US continued to move in an ever upward and progressive manner.
Perhaps the authors could have deigned to include the full text of the Gettysburg Address. A short speech that many consider to be amongst the greatest of American discourses. By contrast, the text has, and quite rightly so, the most memorable excerpts from King's
Book Description
This book, an introduction to the history of art that features excellent scholarship, takes a global approach with an emphasis on the Western tradition in art. It reflects new interests and issues, expanding the topic to include women and minorities, and showing media and techniques other than painting, sculpture, and architecture. Written in clear, standard English without art historical or aesthetic jargon, Art: A Brief History is visually appealing as well as intellectually stimulating.
This comprehensive survey of world art is based on the most recent scholarship, and includes coverage of arts inspired by all the major religions, the contribution of women and minorities, and contains discussions of all the arts, including ceramics, glass, metal, enamel, and the fiber arts.
This book serves as an introduction to the history of art and a ready reference for people working in the arts, including museum docents, and art gallery employees, owners, and managers.
Customer Reviews:
Art: A brief History.......2007-05-16
My son needed this book for his college class. It was very useful and the seller was very accomadating. She even offered to take the book to him because she lived across town from him. She opted to mail it to him.
Very good!.......2007-02-18
This book arrived promptly and in condition that I am very satisfied with. Overall I am very happy with my purchase!
Book Description
Neoliberalism - the doctrine that market exchange is an ethic in itself, capable of acting as a guide for all human action - has become dominant in both thought and practice throughout much of the world since 1970 or so. Its spread has depended upon a reconstitution of state powers such that privatization, finance, and market processes are emphasized. State interventions in the economy are minimized, while the obligations of the state to provide for the welfare of its citizens are diminished. David Harvey, author of 'The New Imperialism' and 'The Condition of Postmodernity', here tells the political-economic story of where neoliberalization came from and how it proliferated on the world stage. While Thatcher and Reagan are often cited as primary authors of this neoliberal turn, Harvey shows how a complex of forces, from Chile to China and from New York City to Mexico City, have also played their part. In addition he explores the continuities and contrasts between neoliberalism of the Clinton sort and the recent turn towards neoconservative imperialism of George W. Bush. Finally, through critical engagement with this history, Harvey constructs a framework not only for analyzing the political and economic dangers that now surround us, but also for assessing the prospects for the more socially just alternatives being advocated by many oppositional movements.
Customer Reviews:
Entertaining... But Argument Not Supported by Evidence Cited.......2007-07-09
The traditional-left, in its attempts to run for cover once the edifice of Marxism collapsed found succour in many ideologies that seemed to purport to explain power imbalance in economic and social relationships. Many of these "new ideas" such as Post-Structuralism and Foucaultian-based power theory, seem to offer a dope-laced understanding of the world and make very specific economic assertions about the world.
The central theme of this book, that economic power is being reconstituted in upper classes to a degree not seen since the 1930s, is a worthy and interesting idea. If fact the raw data does seem to indicate that more and more wealth, in percentage terms, is being concentrated into fewer and fewer hands. This being an economic statement should not be all that hard to prove. How this happens and why, and if the benefit is unjust, or disabling to certain notions of economic justice, Harvey offers little in terms of empirical facts.
Although David Harvey writes well, his evidence is a thin gruel of a single source study by those sympathetic to his cause, and also some sources far to generally cited to actually explain how and what is happening in economic terms. As such the house that Harvy builds is not one that I would like to live in. I found that I was constantly wanting him to prove his point, but could find no economic basis in his book to either explain this drain of wealth or to support his assertions of who and what institutions were making it possible.
In addition, there was also a deep suspicion on my part of any theory that attempts to foist a single theory to explain the actions of leaders as diverse as Deng Xiao Ping, Maggie Thatcher, Pinochet, Reagan -- indeed Swedish Socialist governments reconstituting new free market "reforms" is also seen as a direct result of Neoliberalism.
Having said that, this book is a good read and does encapsulate the current accepted academic dogma of what Neoliberalism in fact describes. Harvey writes well, and undoubtedly the concentration of capital needs to be explained. It is however within the realm of economics that such assertions are proved. Harvey has a lot more work to do to prove his assertion.
Brief but perfectly formed.......2007-06-24
Harvey provides an excellent overview of the origins and development of neoliberalism and an indictment of its philosophical failings and the social injustice it promotes. For a Marxist academic, Harvey has the rare gift of being able to present in an accessible style arguments which are informed by Marxist theory. Fellow Marxists may be disappointed by the lack of explicit theoretical discussion here but Harvey is clearly seeking to reach a broader audience and to contribute an alternative perspective to public debate. In doing so he challenges not only the adherents of neoliberalism but also those of its critics who view the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of political and economic elites as an unfortunate by-product of neoliberalism. For Harvey, that is its very purpose: the neoliberal project is all about the restoration of capitalist class power which had been eroded during the Keynesian-Fordist era which preceded it. Not everyone will buy that argument - and it may well have benefited from more empirical support than Harvey is able to offer in this brief text - but it is at least a provocative thesis and one which represents a valuable addition to the literature on contemporary capitalism.
a fantastic mind.......2007-05-31
i first came across this book lying around an anarchist collective in new orleans, myself volunteering to rebuild the city. i immediately was taken with the book since it was an economics which at first glance appeared to be on the side of the people. a few times i felt that that author was being a bit too polite in his narration of the injustice of neoliberalism and i wanted him to heap more scorn and derision on the establishment. the description of china's transition to a capitalist society was a bit vague. for instance he said that the politicains wanted to inhibit a capitalist class from springing up that would hinder their power, but then he did not document examples of this. my second encounter with the book came when i was watching youtube and i was in the process of trying to find another leftist intellectual to listen to other than chomsky. the anticonsumer had posted one of his lectures given in new york city. it was a great lecture, just as good as any chomsky ever gave if not better. i then looked him up on wikipedia and was astonished to learn that he was the author of the brief history of neoliberalism. reading economics is always a risky business so it's good to know that harvey is a committed populist that the people can trust.
Interesting.......2007-05-14
I had to read this book for a course in college. It was definately informative if you can get past the first 10-15 pages. When you first read it, it comes off as party bashing. Though I'm not affiliated with any party the book goes into historical trends with the authors opinion removed. Allow you to form your own opinions based upon the authors countless hours of research. Definately informative and interesting if you can get past the first 15 pages.
Interesting argument, but evidence too wobby to be persuasive.......2007-05-13
This book makes a provocative argument: that the goal of neoliberal theory and practice is to restore wealth and power to a ruling elite. Unfortunately, I don't think it presents a strong enough case. It has a lot of footnotes and a long bibliography, but (i) many footnotes refer to an entire book, without any indication of where the fact can be found, (ii) many of the sources cited are secondary works from leftist authors or publishing houses, including the author's own works, and (iii) many purported facts, including material placed wthin quotes, are not sourced at all. While I was sympathetic to many of the author's points, I found myself constantly wondering about the reliability of his evidence.
Sadly, the tone fits the stereotype of leftists taking themselves too seriously; it's utterly humorless and at times PC-preachy. I wished the author could write (and cite) more like Thomas Franks, who's also left of center but fun to read. Nonetheless, the book has some very interesting bits, such as about the involvement of University of Chicago economists in advising the Pinochet regime, and the comparison between the Chilean reforms with those enacted by Paul Bremer in Iraq. You'll find some stimulating ideas if you can tolerate the book's unremittingly sober mood -- but maybe double-check the facts before you start quoting it.
PS: For historical background about the real motivations for creation of the Chicago School, see the essay by R. Van Horn and P. Mirowski, "The Road to a World Made Safe for Corporations: The Rise of the Chicago School of Economics", a draft of which (May 2005) is available online. While nowhere near as polemical as Harvey's book, this scholarly essay more tends to support Harvey's thesis than to undermine it. And it has the advantage of being based on primary source archival research in the papers of the participants, rather than on secondary sources by like-minded authors.
Book Description
From Kevin Brockmeier, one of this generation's most inventive young writers, comes a striking new novel about death, life, and the mysterious place in between.
The City is inhabited by those who have departed Earth but are still remembered by the living. They will reside in this afterlife until they are completely forgotten. But the City is shrinking, and the residents clearing out. Some of the holdouts, like Luka Sims, who produces the City’s only newspaper, are wondering what exactly is going on. Others, like Coleman Kinzler, believe it is the beginning of the end. Meanwhile, Laura Byrd is trapped in an Antarctic research station, her supplies are running low, her radio finds only static, and the power is failing. With little choice, Laura sets out across the ice to look for help, but time is running out. Kevin Brockmeier alternates these two storylines to create a lyrical and haunting story about love, loss and the power of memory.
Download Description
Kevin Brockmeier is the author of The Truth About Celia, Things That Fall from the Sky, and two children’s novels, City of Names and Grooves: A Kind of Mystery. His stories have appeared in many publications, including The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, The Georgia Review, The Best American Short Stories, The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror, and multiple editions of the O. Henry Prize Stories anthology. He is the recipient of a Nelson Algren Award, an Italo Calvino Short Fiction Award, a James Michener—Paul Engle Fellowship, three O. Henry Awards—one of which was a first prize—and a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship. He has taught at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Good concept, execution eventually grows very boring.......2007-09-28
I just read a few of the recent reviews here; most of which liked it quite a bit. I think it would have made an excellent short story. The "two stories" running together was good - the living keeping the dead living in memory - but Laura's part was padded, redundant, tiresome, and poorly written eventually. (Other segments had the same feeling, but never as tiresome.) If it were much, much tighter the story would have kept one's interest. I found myself jumping many paragraphs later in the book re Laura because it was repetitive, eventually not realistic, etc. Again, the immediate story and concept fine, the execution not well done.
Original and Gripping Premise..........2007-09-21
...But don't expect a conclusive, cut and dry ending.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and though it had it's flaws it kept my interest throughout. The author nicely develops the concept of the City of the Dead populated by people who are still in the memories of those alive on Earth, and I was riveted by Lara's struggle for survival.
It's not typical, mainstream, formula writing- which is why the ending may leave some unsatsified. But not me. Though I am one who usually needs that conclusive, decisive, not open for interpretation ending, I didn't mind filling in the blanks in this case.
Keep an open mind and you'll enjoy this one a lot.
Runs out of Gas.......2007-09-15
Wonderful premise, interesting story, richly descriptive but it feels as though he got tired of writing without any idea how to end it and he just said, "To hell with it" and wrapped it up anyway he could. It has the feel that one gets when you look at abstract art; you know it is a mess but you think that there must be some deeper meaning because, well, somebody put it in a frame and put it on display.
The "Blinks".......2007-09-02
"The Blinks," a worldwide epidemic, has infected the human population. Its origin is unknown - only that it is the product of a Coca-Cola promotion gone horribly wrong. And as humanity ends, leaving the nations deserted, all that remains is the solitary Laura Byrd, struggling to survive alone in Antarctica, with only her memories of past human interaction to keep her company.
So begins the plot to Kevin Brockmeier's remarkable novel, The Brief History of the Dead. With steady and flowing prose, Brockmeier weaves a most original tale of a plausible and not-so-distant future, in which the apocalypse is a manmade occurrence.
Also unique in Brockmeier's work is the integration of the City, a place where the "living-dead," (those who have died, but can still be recalled in memory by the living who knew them), reside after they have passed on. The living-dead's lives continue as normal in the City, and they receive, in a sense, a second chance at life. Eventually, the only people left in the City are those remembered by Laura, due to the fact that she is the last person alive on earth. The chapters switch back and forth between Laura's lonely ordeal and the confusion of the City's denizens, who find their world to be, quite literally, shrinking.
Overall, this book is engaging; easy to read, but steeped in philosophical meaning. It explores the question of true death; if we leave an impression on those we left behind, have we truly left at all? Also explored is the affect of human dominion over an earth that it rarely respects, and the possibility of a world in which every culture vies to be the singular authority over all others.
Brockmeier's work can be viewed as a new-age classic, serving as a window to a prospective, believable world. A fresh, original plot makes The Brief History of the Dead the perfect addition to any summer reading list.
Great beginning goes nowhere.......2007-08-25
It's an interesting read for about half the book, then you begin to suspect that the author isn't going to make much with what he's started with. There is a lot of extraneous information about cross-ice travel, and a fairly irrelevant street preacher, and some fantasy segments of "crossings." But it's mainly a good idea that needed better development, a frequent downfall with science fiction.
Average customer rating:
- A must
- A brave attempt at a theory of emergence
- Very disappointing
- Instant credibility problem
- View of the World
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A Brief History of Everything
Ken Wilber
Manufacturer: Shambhala
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ASIN: 1590304500
Release Date: 2007-03-27 |
Amazon.com
This account of men and women's place in a universe of sex and gender, self and society, spirit and soul is written in question-and-answer format, making it both readable and accessible. Wilber offers a series of original views on many topics of current controversy, including the gender wars, multiculturalism, modern liberation movements, and the conflict between various approaches to spirituality.
Book Description
In a breathtaking trip from the Big Bang to the Postmodern world we inhabit, Ken Wilber examines the universe and our place in it, and comes up with an accessible and entertaining account of how it all fits together. Along the way he sheds light not only on the great cosmic questions but on various contentious issues of our day, such as changing gender roles, environmentalism, diversity and multiculturalism, even the meaning of the Internet. A Brief History of Everything is the perfect introduction to the great Integral thinker at his wise and witty best.
Customer Reviews:
A must.......2007-09-24
The Ken Wilber's wonderful vision of the universe, and the differences between mecanicist,holistic and his integrated model, all explained in an easy way-
A brave attempt at a theory of emergence.......2007-07-15
I am glad I read this book. It starts out as a brave attempt at a theory of emergence, which I think is badly needed. The four quadrant graph is a genuine contribution. The 20 tenets are nice. However, this book does not deliver its promise. To me, the rest is a confusing tale about consciousness, with many logical flaws and questionable conclusions. Disappointing is the lacking connection with Spiral Dynamics, coming up with different levels which deny the alternating "I" and "We" orientation. I hope someone will be/has been able to use the good parts of this work and integrate it into something better.
Very disappointing.......2007-05-07
Is there an intellectual sounding way to say nothing? Wilber has found it.
Instant credibility problem.......2007-02-07
This is going to sound petty to most, but it hit me really hard.
I saw this book in a store and, having heard a lot about Ken Wilber, I picked it up. Of course, I turned right away to the "Note to the Reader" in front. Within seconds I was gasping in disbelief. Here's why.
Wilber begins with one of my favorite books, Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Great, I thought, a fellow Hitchhiker's fan! But, he immediately gets it wrong, seriously wrong, several times. I quote:
"In Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a massive supercomputer is designed to give the ultimate answer, the absolute answer, the answer that would completely explain 'God, life, the universe, and everything.'"
Wrong. It's "Life, the Universe, and Everything". No mention of God. Wilber continues:
"But the computer takes seven and a half million years to do this, and by the time the computer delivers the answer, everybody has forgotten the question."
Also wrong. They never knew the question in the first place, and never realized they would have to know the question in order to understand the answer. Wilber goes on:
"Nobody remembers the ultimate question, but the ultimate answer the computer comes up with is: 42. This is amazing! Finally, the ultimate answer. So wonderful is the answer that a contest is held to see if anybody can come up with the question."
Utterly, utterly wrong. There was no "contest"; a second computer was built to find the Ultimate Question. This computer was so large it was frequently mistaken for a planet, and was called the Earth by its inhabitants. Onward:
"Many profound questions are offered, but the final winner is: How many roads must a man walk down?"
Again, wrong. The Earth was destroyed five minutes before it was due to complete its program, and those who had built it decided to come up with a fake question rather than go through the whole thing again. "How many roads must a man walk down?" was what they settled on.
So, that's four major mistakes in the first two paragraphs, about a book that's known and loved by many, many readers. If Wilber can't be bothered to get this right, then (I asked myself) how trustworthy could he be on a more serious subject such as "a brief history of everything"?
I put the book down and walked away.
View of the World.......2007-01-27
Ken Wilber's All Quadrants, All Lines view of internal, external, social and political development is by far the best and most clear world view I have seen. If you want to look at a concise model of the world, this is a must read. Ken gives us model that enables us to honor everything from the past and also contribute to humankind's future.
-Tom
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- When the News Went Live: Dallas 1963
- Writers Market 2007 (Writer's Market)
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