Product Description
When John Maynard Smith and Eors Szathmary published The Major Transitions in Evolution, it was seen as a major work in biology. Nature hailed it as a book of "grand and daunting sweep...A splendid and rewarding tour de force." And New Scientist wrote that it captured "the essence of modern biology," calling it "an extremely significant book which, as a bonus, is very readable."Now, in The Origins of Life, Maynard Smith and Szathmary have completely rewritten Transitions to bring their ideas to a wider audience of general readers. Here is a brilliant, original picture of how life evolved on earth, focusing primarily on six major transitionsdramatic breakthroughs in the way that information was passed between generations. The authors offer illuminating explorations of the origin of life itself, the arrival of the first cells with nuclei, the first reproduction by sexual means, the appearance of multicellular plants and animals, the emergence of cooperative animal societies, and the birth of language.

The Origins of Life represents the thinking of two leading scientists on questions that engage us allhow life began and how it gradually evolved from tiny invisible cells into whales and trees and human beings.Amazon.com Review
Life is a long, strange trip, and in The Origins of Life, John Maynard Smith and Eörs Szathmáry blast you through its three-and-a-half-billion-year history at breathtaking pace.

Life, we learn, is information, transmitted in ever more intricate ways across the generations. Self-replicating chemicals walled themselves into cells, organized themselves into regimented communities of chromosomes, swapped notes with other populations to become sexual, cloned themselves to form multicellular colonies called organisms, got together with other colonies to form societies, and, eventually, in the case of one particular ape, developed the ability to put this whole story down on paper.

For those evolutionists brought up on the theory of "red queens" and "self genes," Origins provides a complementary crash course in the practical nuts-and-bolts biology behind the headlines. The authors describe the technical problems involved in the transition from one stage to another, and explain the ingenious and often fortuitous steps that natural selection took to overcome them. For example, the rigid walls of the first cells gave way to more flexible membranes that could engulf food particles and incorporate "little organs" such as mitochondria. A "cytoskeleton" of filaments and tubules was needed to maintain the cell's integrity, and--presto!--this structure was the perfect motorway for intracellular traffic, ideal for shearing the cell apart during cloning, and provided the earliest means of locomotion, such as the tail of sperm.

With this attention to detail, the book requires careful reading--but it's worth it. Maynard Smith and Szathmáry's book makes you realize just how lucky you are to be alive. --Oliver Curry, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

On life and language...
This is an ambitious work in that in less than 200 pages it attempts to dissemble the mysteries of the birth of life and language (two versions I guess of the same thing).

Along the way it touches on critical topics like what is life? how did it first come to be? how did multicellular life arise? whence intelligence?and of course whence language?

My personal take is that while I've been more than happy to give this book a five star rating it's more in homage to the ambition of its writers than the strength of their accomplishment.

Therefore for a better treatment of these issues I would recommend the following books:

1)The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins.A de riguer read for fans of this topic which itself conflates the life and language mysteries I think in a much more probing way.

2)The Fifth Miracle by University of Adelaide's Paul Davies.This book itself traces the origins of life part of the equation but does so in a more comprehensive and comprehendible fashion.

3)Language and species by linguist Darrick Bickerton.Linguist Bickerton broke Chomsky's rule against linguists discussing the origins of language issue and produced a highly readable and provactive book.

However none of this takes away from reading this book as well.John Maynard Smith is highly respected in this field and is always well worth reading even here where his efforts are less helpful than other writers.

Solid foundation for understanding evolution.
Fantastic book. Compared to many other books on evolution and biology, I found this to be one of the easiest to understand. It is simply and well written and gives the reader a good idea of the evolution of life. It allows the reader to understand how life could have arose out of physical and chemical processes and shows clearly how many of the things we consider to have arisen out of the mind of a great deity actually have an elegant developmental history that cannot be disputed.

The book explains, convinvingly, how each transition is solidly built upon the foundations of the previous transitions (replicating molecules/ populations of molecules in protocells to RNA as gene and enzyme/specialization to DNA and protien enzyme to Primate societeis/Human societies with language). Despite a few things we yet do not understand fully (for example, how a complex backbone for RNA can possibly evolve, given the absence of enzymes) the reader will be able to see that the authors' admissions of the absence of scraps of concrete evidence here and there (plausible theories and scenarios have been proposed) is a subject for furthur inquiry and experimentation, the 1% of evidence they do not have in the face of 99% of fact that has been proven through rigourous experimentation.

In response to a previous review about the book not giving an answer to how individual genes could have been activated to give cells the properties they have, the authors have proposed that individuals cells are likely to be influenced by their environment. In other words, cells know their place in a body and respond to their circumstances.

An expert account of the major steps in evolution
This can be regarded as a more accessible version of The Major Transitions in Evolution, an earlier book by the same authors addressed to professional biologists. It is more accessible, and more readable, certainly, but it still demands some effort and attention on the part of the reader. As the authors candidly admit in their preface, they "fear it will not be an easy read", because "it contains a lot of facts, and a lot of new ideas". This is a fair assessment, but readers who do make the effort can expect to learn a considerable amount of modern biology from two of its most respected authorities.

Charles Darwin largely ducked the question of the origin of life, taking the realistic view that it was too difficult to handle at the time he was writing, and contented himself with accounting for how it could have evolved once it had started. John Maynard Smith and Eörs Szathmáry, writing a century and a half later, could hardly avoid this problem, and their book starts at the very beginning by trying to define what it means to be alive and to explain how the first living organisms could have emerged from non-living inorganic matter. For them this was a matter of combining the chemistry of the production and use of energy with the chemistry of storing the information needed for producing a new organism identical with its parent.

Here they are confronted with a dilemma, the "error catastrophe": if the first organisms were too small they could not have fulfilled all the chemical functions they needed; if they were too big they could have reproduced themselves accurately. For a long time the gap between too small and too big seemed unbridgeable, but a possible solution was found in the realization that the first enzymes were probably not proteins (as they nearly all are today) but nucleic acids, which could combine their good capacity for storing information with a rather feeble capacity for catalysing chemical reactions.

The remainder of the book presents the subsequent steps that were needed to proceed from these humble (but by no means simple) beginnings to the great complexity of the living world of today. How did the transition occur from a world in which nucleic acids did everything to one with the present-day division of labour between nucleic acids for information and proteins for catalysis? How did the first multicellular organisms arise from unicellular parents? How did animal societies evolve? How did language originate (apparently only in humans)?

Maynard Smith and Szathmáry have interesting and important things to say about all of these questions, and others, including, in the middle of the book, a masterly discussion of the difficult question of sexual reproduction: why did it arise, and, especially difficult, why is it maintained in the face of what appear to be obvious advantages of virgin birth, or parthenogenesis? It is not too difficult to think of small advantages in sexual reproduction, but that is not enough, because the advantage of parthenogenesis is very large , amounting to a factor of two in every generation, so one needs an even larger advantage of sexual reproduction to overcome it.

Non-specialist version of Major Transitions in Evolution
As stated in the preface, this book presents to a general readership the same ideas as the authors' 1995 book "The Major Transitions in Evolution."I found it still challenging, but richly rewarding. The most interesting questions in evolution deal with the evolution of new levels of organization.The authors identify only eight such transitions starting from cooperating collections of replicating molecules up through multicellular organisms, colonies of ants and bees, and finally human societies with language.Anyone interested in the question of how cooperation evolved in human societies needs to also understand how cooperation evolved in the other seven transitions.This appears to be the definitive work on that subject that is accessible to a non-specialist.

Led by the nose...
A rather convoluted attempt at answering the central question: What is life? But Smith and his co-author fail in other respects too. Among the subsidiary problems surrounding the question of life and its origins is a rather more specific question on how exactly cells with the same genetic information become different adult structures. In other words, animals, for example, are composed of many different cells - muscle cells, nerve cells etc - that are all identical, but in development they become different in shape, composition, and function. The answer (already well known) is that cells are not different because they have different genes, but because some genes are active while others are not.Maynard Smith pops the central question in developmental biology (page 18): how does three dimensional form arise during development; how does it come about that the right genes are active in the right places. He repeats this question on p18, p28,p100,and finally on page 115 once again, he repeats"...how is it that different genes are active in different cells...we will return to this question in a moment". Now I get fed up, when is he going to answer this question! But wait, on page 117, yes, here it comes, he finally says, yes, one more time - "how is it that different genes are active in different cells...the answer finally on page 117 -WE DO NOT KNOW!! What a run around! At this point I turf this book aside, and decide to slate this author for jerking me around. ... Read more

Product Description
Long before Harry Houdini thrilled the world with his impossible deeds, America had produced an escape artist whose biography reads like an adventure novel.

Many readers will know John Smith as the man rescued from death by Pocahontas, but Smith's story included a series of fantastic episodes: escape from imprisonment, ambush by Indians, attacks by ruthless sea pirates, and more escapades than seem possible in one life.

Now, just in time for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, author Rosalyn Schanzer recounts the full details of John Smith's eventful life in her engaging storytelling style, complemented with a series of entertaining illustrations.

Smith's role as the president of the pioneering colony of Jamestown is well known to schoolchildren. Schanzer's compelling narrative adds the perspective of Smith's English background to his better known adventures in America. Readers are given a complete portrait of the intrepid explorer and adventurer, of the fighter whose battling spirit always prevailed, and of the writer whose work was to shape the idea of the American Dream.

Smith's story is punctuated by several impossibly daring escapes. His final escape left us with the rich legacy of his life story: through his writings, he escaped the fate of dying unknown. He returned to England as a poor man with a rich trove of memories, spending his final years writing the popular books that defined colonial America in tales of excitement and courage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

gasp!Brilliant illustrations
I know zilch about John Smith, but we read a Rosalyn Schanzer book about Lewis and Clark and were very impressed with it.

So we tried this book.

I am amazed at the quality of the illustrations and the story-telling.My boys love the book -- especially my second grader.

Very well done, and the illustrations carry the story line and convey layers of meaning and danger.

A Larger than Life Superhero
One thing that sets apart exemplary children's nonfiction from more pedestrian treatments of history is that the author knows how to "speak child" and engage readers in an adventure that is a true story (not based on a true story).Rosalyn Schanzer not only brings John Smith to life in John Smith Escapes Again! by using many of his owh words but she adds vitality and vision through her colorful and dramatic illustrations.When source material conflicts with legend, she sets the record straight.And when source material is ambiguous, she doesn't sugar coat that either.John Smith was a larger-than-life character, taking risks and facing death many times over in his action-packed life.He deserves to be more than a footnote in Colonial American history and Rosalyn Schanzer more than does him justice in this exciting and meticulously researched portrayal.

sensational bias
This book might have been researched intensely and based on the actual writings of John Smith but everything from the word-choices to the illustrations paint John Smith in perfection and all others as "evil" and "savage." It is one thing to offer a book that focuses positively on John Smith but quite another to tear down Native Americans, etc. in order to do it. Also, the relationship between John Smith and Pocahontas was all but left out probably because of their age difference. Horrible book.

John Smith Escapes Again!
A delightfully illustrated adventure book for children telling a true story. The author has thoroughly researched the life of John Smith 1580 - 1631, who was a famous son of Lincolnshire, England and who became the first president of Jamestown in Virginia Colony, America. This was the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Rosalyn Schanzer's attention to authentic detail and her beautifully drawn illustrations are excellent. This book brings history alive for children - and their parents!
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Customer Reviews (1)

A Plea to Purchase
The epistles of John are not as well known as some other literature in the New Testament.Sadly!! This is a great resource for the pastor who wants to provide a sermon series on the neglected Johannine epistles.This is a model commentary on 1, 2, and 3 John and may be used by the pastor in a way that fulfills the purpose and intent of the Interpretation commentary series.I recommend this book highly.D. Moody Smith has written a book on the three Johannine letters marked by clarity and interpretive acumen.I found it to be extremely helpful in preparing both Sunday School lessons and sermons on these little known letters. ... Read more

Product Description
Once there were four lads . . . John (Hancock), Paul (Revere), George (Washington), and Ben (Franklin). Oh yes, there was also Tom (Jefferson), but he was always off doing his own thing, so people usually forgot about him.The lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. Johns handwriting was bigger than all the other kids.Pauls ear-splitting job as a bell-ringer made him speak a LITTLE TOO LOUDLY all the time. George was too honest for his own good.Ben was always talking in proverbs. . . . And Tom, well, he was just plain independent.But somehow, these five lads grew up to start a revolutionone that would change this country forever.Legendary artist Lane Smith has created a totally fresh and funny way to learn about the Founding Fathers of our countrywith just a few liberties mixed in. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Highly Recommend!
So many times I've purchased books for my son that I wish I hadn't! Not this time, this book was delightful. Yes, it's a bit silly and not entirely factual, but what a fun way to introduce the founding fathers to a six year old! We were both giggling through the whole book, thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to anyone.

Student Review from Ms. Gehrke's Class
This book is very funny, and you can learn stuff too.
It's a hilarious picture book full of exaggerated stories about historical figures that never happened. If you're a class clown or someone who likes history, this is the right book for you!!!!!!!!

What a cool book!
Loved the book John, Paul, George & Ben. I first saw the book at a National Parks store in Boston and fell in love.This book is a fun way to get a little history into my granddaughters lives by introducing four important people in the history of our country. Students learn about these four VIPs in school and the boook reenforces that learning and makes these men come alive. I especially appreciated the fact check page in the back because fun needs facts too.John, Paul, George & Ben is a great children's book which will be loved and read many times.

Fantasic book, excellent for children and adults
I enjoy reading this book just as much as my daughter enjoys me reading it to her.It's full of humor and is an excellent introduction to American history.I even learned a thing or two from reading this book (there are several interesting facts at the end of the book).The illustrations are fantastic and go together brilliantly with the story.I've already purchased additional copies of this book for friends and family that have young children.

exceptionally witty & well-illustrated, for kids & adults
This book is equally appealing to both me and my five-year old.There are a couple of of Beatles references for us old folks (the credits begin "I get by with a little help from my friends", the first page parodies the Abbey Road album cover), a little American history for all of us, and plenty of fun for the kids; the funny stories (Paul Revere using his loud voice as a store clerk selling pink breeches & extra-large underwear) actually help the kids remember what is important -- that Paul Revere had a loud voice to announce "The Redcoats are coming."In addition to the American History angle, the story shows that some traits that can be very valuable on occasion can also be terribly annoying on occasion.Nothing is all good or all bad.At one point, after listening to Ben Franklin spout off a pithy saying after pithy saying, the townspeople shout at a young Ben "Please Shut Your Big Yap!"Ben's response?"I like it" . . ."work a fox or turkey in there, and I think you've got something."

The book doesn't spend much time on John, Paul, George or Ben -- just a few pages each.It also touches on the contributions of Thomas Jefferson -- but he was independent, always off doing his own thing, so he didn't make it onto the cover.

Overall, very clever, well-illustrated, fun for all ages. ... Read more

Product Description
Why are animal signals reliable?This is the central problem for evolutionary biologists interested in signals.Of course, not all signals are reliable; but most are, otherwise receivers of signals would ignore them.A number of theoretical answers have been proposed and empirical studies made, but there still remains a considerable amount of confusion.The authors, one a theoretician the other a fieldworker, introduce a sense of order to this chaos. A significant cause of confusion has been the tendency for different researchers to use either the same term with different meanings, or different terms with the same meaning.The authors attempt to clarify these differences. A second cause of confusion has arisen because many biologists continue to assume that there is only one correct explanation for signal reliability. The authors argue that the reliability of signals is maintained in several ways, relevant in different circumstances, and that biologists must learn to distinguish between them.In this book they explain the different theories, give examples of signalling systems to which one or another theory applies, and point to the many areas where further work, both theoretical and empirical, is required. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

excellent overview of signaling theory
This small volume presents a clear, concise and consistent overview of the field of biological signaling theory.It clarifies the sometimes inconsistent vocabulary of the field.

Maynard-Smith and Harper present topics such as strategic vs. efficacious costs, indices, signals of need, etc. with great clarity and well-researched examples.They are careful about stating what is known, what is surmised, and, when needed, presenting multiple possible interpretations of observed phenomena.

The authors pack a lot of information into a small space, and they do an excellent job at highlighting the significant research papers of this growing field.If you are looking for an introduction to signaling theory or a solid and reliable reference to return to over and over, this is it.

Animal Signals

Hi,

This item was delivered very rapidly, it was in perfect shape, the price was definitely affordable.

Excellent transaction, I strongly recommend this book seller

Best,

Nico ... Read more

Product Description
This book is a basic overview of current evidence-based practices for treating co-occurring disorders and is designed to provide clinicians with the basic knowledge and skills required to effectively assess and treat co-occurring disorders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Got what I ordered!
I bought the book for a college class. Glad to have saved some money (not a lot, but better than nothing). Pretty easy to follow, mostly common sense. ... Read more

Product Description
A New York Times Notable Book of 1996

It was in tolling the death of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835 that the Liberty Bell cracked, never to ring again. An apt symbol of the man who shaped both court and country, whose life “reads like an early history of the United States,” as the Wall Street Journal noted, adding: Jean Edward Smith “does an excellent job of recounting the details of Marshall’s life without missing the dramatic sweep of the history it encompassed.”

Working from primary sources, Jean Edward Smith has drawn an elegant portrait of a remarkable man. Lawyer, jurist, scholars; soldier, comrade, friend; and, most especially, lover of fine Madeira, good food, and animated table talk: the Marshall who emerges from these pages is noteworthy for his very human qualities as for his piercing intellect, and, perhaps most extraordinary, for his talents as a leader of men and a molder of consensus. A man of many parts, a true son of the Enlightenment, John Marshall did much for his country, and John Marshall: Definer of a Nation demonstrates this on every page.
Amazon.com Review
It's taken for granted today that the Supreme Court has finalsay on how the Constitution is interpreted, but this principle--hotlydebated in the republic's early years -- was established by JohnMarshall (1755-1835), the fourth Chief Justice.Historian Smith'sdefinitive biography, detailed and lucid, is a model of scholarlywriting for the general public. The author claims our admiration forthe justice and sparks affection for the man: warm, gregarious, fondof drink, a Federalist with the common touch, a seasoned politicalinfighter who remained on good terms with his opponents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

Judging Marshall
This was great biography of the chief justice. It achieved that rare balance in historical biographies of being loaded with lots of interesting details while not being too dry to enjoy. As usual in the better biographies, the author is definitely in Marshall's corner, but he includes some of Marshall's botches and does an OK job of explaining why his opponents disagreed with him.

The greatest strength of the book was the descriptions of how Marshall came to his judgments in the various cases; how he balanced the law as it was written versus what he thought would be practical (ie, enforceable), and how it he used the constitution to frame all of his rulings. The author describes Marshall's thinking in an extremely accessible way, using no legal gobbledy-gook.

Also, the play-by-play of how the XYZ affair unfolded was great fun to read. It was by far the best version of that event I have ever read.

Excellent Biography, Period Analysis and Constitutional Insight
John Marshall may be the most unsung Founding Father we have. Prior to this book, to me he was simply a jurist, a remote, unapproachable person who interacted with his surroundings through distant judicial opinions. I could not have been more wrong. Jean Edward Smith's John Marshall was a warm, socially interactive, companionable people-person, a remarkably friendly sort who enjoyed entertaining, barbeques, cards, and gatherings of all sorts. Possibly no Virginian of his time enjoyed social get-togethers more.

Having been so wrong in my prejudgment of the man, as I read this wonderful work I made special note of his background and resume. A descendant of Virginia's founding families, his lineage fell outside the more central Jefferson, Lee, and Randolph grouping. He was raised on the frontier, in good circumstances to be sure, but his upbringing reflected a more self made, blue collar work ethic than the Jeffersons, Lees and Randolphs. A reserved patrician he was not. Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story said of him, "I love his laugh - it is too hearty for an intriguer." He was a hard working, fun loving man who would have been a remarkably enjoyable neighbor. His law practice would generate serious wealth, enough to purchase the manors and estates of Lord Fairfax and at one time he would own a good portion of Virginia's Northern Neck.

He was a bulldog for work whose resume reflects his service to his country, his State, his community and his family. Educated at the College of William and Mary he would serve in the Revolutionary War, first in the Virginia Line (militia) and subsequently in the Continental Army. A combat veteran who saw action at Great Bridge, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth Court Hose, Stony Point and Paulus Hook, he endured Valley Forge with close friend James Monroe. It is through his military experience the author contends that Marshall understood the need for unity of effort, the dangers of the conflicting policies of the individual states, the benefits of limited government and the need for checks and balances. Twenty-five years later he would write, "The many as often as the few can abuse power and trample on the weak, without perceiving that they are tyrants."

Finishing his law degree after the war he becomes a leading member of the Virginia Bar and is twice elected to Virginia's House of Delegates. A strong supporter of the Constitution, he becomes close with President Washington and leads Virginia's Federalist Party during the quasi war with France. Appointed Brigadier General of the Virginia Line by Governor Lee, he captures James River shipping manned by American crews and fitting out as illegal privateers in support of France's war with Britain. Along with Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and Elbridge Gerry, he was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary by President Adams to negotiate peace with France and would stand firmly for America in Paris during Talleyrand's infamous and insulting attempted bribery, the XYZ affair.A national hero for his role in these negotiations, upon his return home Marshall is pressured by George Washington to run for Congress as the Federalist candidate from Richmond, Virginia.

His election to the House of Representatives proves to be a major turning point and Marshall's life is never again the same. A moderate, as opposed to the radical High Federalists, in short order he becomes President Adam's floor leader in the House, defending the Administration against a House motion to censure the President. Breaking with his party he casts the deciding vote in repealing the Federalist's repugnant Alien and Sedition Acts and throughout the rest of his life he would stand as a stalwart defender of freedom of speech and freedom of the press. In rapid succession he is appointed to two Cabinet positions, Secretary of War, which he declines, and Secretary of State, which he accepts. When Adams is defeated by Jefferson in the stormy Republican sweep of November, 1800, one of Adams last actions is to appoint Marshall Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He would serve the nation in that capacity for the next 35 years.

When John Marshall assumed leadership of the Court it was not the entity it is today. It was a court of law, not a constitutional court. It did not possess the power of an interpretive body whose decisions were binding on the other two branches of government. Its jurisdiction over the States was also in question. Marshall's legacy would change all that, elevating the Court to become coequal with the Legislative and Executive branches of our government as provided for within the Constitution. In the process Marshall would clash mightily with his cousin, Thomas Jefferson. The two men would battle each other asserting their particular view of what kind of nation we should become. The Nation would be materially better off for the effort expended by each of them, but in the end Marshall would be the winner, Jefferson the loser, in their continual clash to define the roles and the relationships between the Executive and Judicial branches of our government. At times it would get very personal. But after Jefferson, despite the development of States Rights theories, all subsequent Presidents (James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson) strongly endorsed the Marshall Court.

As it should be, over half this book is devoted to Chief Justice Marshall's Supreme Court decisions which focused on Constitutional law, i.e., just what did the Founders intend. Jean Edward Smith is a gifted writer, capable of delivering legal opinions in an interesting, focused manner. His prose is low key, written in layman's language, so the legal discussions are readily understood. As a result, non lawyers like myself easily come away from this work with a deep appreciation of John Marshall, the Constitution and the historic events which occurred during John Marshall's remarkable life.

A Brilliant Biography!
I've spent the last three years discovering and reading biographies of the Founding Fathers, including Dumas Malone's epic view of Thomas Jefferson, Walter Isaacson's book on Benjamin Franklin, and of course David McCullough's well-known work on John Adams, now the equally well-known miniseries.

I came late to Smith's book, and knew only the barest essentials of John Marshall's life - Chief Justice, Marbury vs. Madison, and...well, that was about it. This work is everything a good biography should be - informative, instructive, and above all, readable. With more than 150 pages of footnotes, many of which further the story, this book tells the amazing story of an amazing man. His connections with George Washington and everyone else involved in the Revolutionary and Constitutional periods of our country and his deeds and words truly do make him the "forgotten" Founding Father.

I do have one minor quibble, which is what brought me to write this: on page 107 Smith refers to "Jefferson's daughter Martha, who was living in the capital at the time, wrote to her father..." concerning the emotional problems of Marshall's wife Polly following the death of their second child. The footnote cites "Martha Jefferson Carr to Thomas Jefferson, February 26, 1787". As I read this I thought "But wasn't Jefferson in Paris at that time, and wasn't Martha with him, and wasn't she still a teenager, and wasn't her married name Randolph? The answer to all these questions was of course "yes". Martha was fourteen in February 1787, and living with her father in France. It turns out that Martha Jefferson Carr was Thomas Jefferson's younger sister. A minor complaint, I know, but I'm surprised such a good writer and historian would make such a mistake, and even more surprised that no-one seems to have noticed it before. Of course my copy of the book dates from 1996, so it may have been corrected in newer editions.

Still-and-all, this is an excellent biography and a lot of fun to read. I recommend it to anyone who thinks they already know about the formative period of American history, and to anyone who knows they can always learn more.

Insert superlative here.
This book is long, but as the Russians say "I like a long story".
This book is fantastic. Despite it's length, it is a ripping read. John Marshall walked further, thought more deeply, drank more and accomplished more in a day than I probably will my whole life. While the analyses of early court cases are incredibly detailed and very well written, it's the little details that make this book better than it should be(!?). The stories of John Marshall sneaking Madeira to his fellow Justices as social lubricant, while incredibly amusing, also serve to illustrate the way in which Marshall viewed his world. He was ultimately a pragmatist(as much as one could be in the 1790's), and if anybody truly wants to understand the culture of the Supreme Court, this is required reading. One of the "forgotten" founders of American law; in fact after reading this book I wanted to enroll in law school, and take up a petition to have John Marshall Canonized. This is one of the best books I've ever read. Put in the time, and enjoy Jean Edward Smith's encyclopedic knowledge and very well crafted writing style while you inform yourself about a truly great American.highest recommendations.

A must-read for lawyers, law students and legal historians
The life and times of John Marshall (1755 - 1835) make for exceptional reading. Although detailed and carefully researched, this excellent biography/history book/study of early constitutional law is written in an enjoyable, non-academic style.In addition to its captivating treatment of the revolutionary war, the evolution of basic governmental structures, and the Nation's other critically important early leaders, the book weaves together a nearly first-hand account of the foundations of the U.S. Supreme Court and its earliest and most enduring decisions.

Marshall was the 4th and longest serving Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.In his 34 years as Chief Justice, he personally shaped U.S. constitutional law, forged the Supreme Court into a strong and independent institution, and defined the powers of the federal government.He swore in presidents Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Hamilton, Adams, and Jackson.And those were just the last 35 years of his life.

As a young man, he fought bravely in several key battles of the Revolutionary War, wintering at Valley Forge in 1777.He became acquainted with General George Washington and the two thereafter held each other in very high regard.On the state level, Marshall served in the Virginia House of Delegates and on the Virginia Counsel of State.Respected as a lawyer and state politician, he was appointed to serve as a delegate to the Virginia convention tasked with accepting or rejecting the United States Constitution and was instrumental in fighting for its ratification.

Marshall's pre-Supreme Court contributions to the Federal government were also significant and interesting.In 1797, PresidentAdams appointed him to a three person delegation to negotiate with France, an unusual episode that came to be called the "XYZ Affair."French ministers spent the better part of a year trying to extort huge bribes from Marshall and his colleagues. News of Marshall's steadfast refusal to pay the bribes preceded his return from Paris and he was received home as an American hero.In 1799 he was appointed the Nation's 4th Secretary of State.That same year, he reluctantly ran for and won a seat in the House of Representatives in a district heavily favoring the other party.

Over the years, Marshall's dedication to his law practice (and need for income) caused him to graciously decline several appointments, including Minister to France, Attorney General of the United States, Secretary of War and even an earlier Supreme Court position.Despite his many other commitments, Marshall felt compelled to write the first biography of his hero George Washington - a well-received five volume set that today is condensed and marketed as a single volume.Marshall delivered the eulogy at Washington's massive memorial service.Lastly, but worth noting, the famous crack in the Liberty Bell occurred while ringing in honor of Marshall's passing.

Next to George Washington, he may be the most important and most admirable of all our founding fathers.
... Read more

Product Description
Spanning the years from 1580-1631 the life of the adventurous John Smith gives a picture of the world just before and during the colonization of America. When Smith was a boy, Shakespeare was on his way to London to become an actor, the Spanish Armada had failed to conquer England, Mary Queen of Scots had lost her head, and Akbar the young prince of India sought to rule his people wisely. Galileo was perfecting his telescope and seeing things never before seen by the human eye, while Pocahontas romped the forests of Virginia and saved a young Englishman's life. A little band of Pilgrims seeking to escape religious persecution in England fled to Holland and a little Dutch boy named Rembrandt began to paint. These are just a few of the intriguing personalities, events, discoveries, and advances that made up the world of Captain John Smith and are now made alive to the reader in Foster's masterful way. 406pg ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A journey into History 1580-1631
Genevieve Foster presents history in a horizontal fashion that is just simply great story telling.I recommend all of her "World of" series.You get to follow the life of John Smith, while at the same time going learning about many of the other important events and people who shaped history.Included are Queen Elizabeth, Bloody Mary, Galileo, Pochahontes, Shakespear, King James, Ben Johnson, The Pilgrims, John Winthrop and the Puritans and many more.It is interesting to learn about the settlement of America.

Interesting history 1451-1522
This is a fascinating review of history from 1451 to 1522. The horizontal history concept that the book is based upon lets the reader see the interweaving of the histories of the various nations of Europe (and their colonies in the New World). I read it for my own enjoyment, but it would also be very useful in a homeschool setting.

Must read for history lovers
This book is a tremendous piece of living literature.What a shame that the subject matter of history isn't taught in this manner from the earliest ages.I'm homeschooling my children and am delighted to be in a position to share these treasures with them.

For me, reading a book by Genevieve Foster is as enjoyable as reading well written fiction.What a superb way to read about actual people and events with life breathed into them.Historical figures weren't one dimensional when they were living.It's a tragedy to reduce them to nothing but a dry retelling of their lives (done in the traditional "textbook" fashion).

We can gain such a rich view of life though historical people and events.The study of history should enable a person to have more than a narrow view of life and the world they live in.Books like those written by Genevieve Foster accomplish this purpose in a remarkable way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Magical Realism ...
Thriller meets literary opus. Imagine Tom Clancy meets Gabriel Garcia Marqez; then introduce Colombia as a main player in the cast of characters and you have an idea where this novel will take you. The only problem, as I see it, is that this work is not very commercial - that is it is a little too esoteric, too highbrow. If you want a cerebral challenge however, I recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the truly legendary figures of American history, the soldier, explorer, and colonist Captain John Smith was a vivid and prolific chronicler of the beginnings of English settlement in the New World. This volume brings together seven of his works, along with 16 additional narratives by 13 other writers, that recount firsthand the tragic, harrowing, and dramatic events of the settlement of Roanoke and Jamestown.

A founder of Jamestown in 1607, Smith's courage, determination, and leadership proved crucial to its survival. A True Relation tells of the colony's perilous first year, while The Proceedings and The Generall Historie continue the story of its struggle to survive and prosper. A Description of New England and New Englands Trials describe Smith's exploration of the northern coast and the prospects for its settlement. In The True Travels Smith recalls his adventures as a soldier in Eastern Europe and his amazing escape from Turkish slavery. Advertisements for the Unexperienced Planters, his last book, is a critical examination of the successes and failures of the English colonial enterprise. Written in a consistently lively style, Smith's works are filled with suspense, astonishment, and keen observations of American Indian cultures and New World landscapes.

The 16 additional narratives include accounts of the "Lost Colony" of Roanoke, the horrific "starving time" at Jamestown, and a shipwreck off Bermuda. Amplifying and sometimes challenging Smith's version of events, these narratives capture the fear and fascination of early encounters with the Indians; the brutality, desperation, and ingenuity of settlers facing extreme hardship; the complex interplay of feuds and rivalries, both between the English and the Powhatan Indians and within the colony itself; and the enduring story of Pocahontas, who came to occupy a unique place between two cultures. Included in the volume are 29 pages of contemporary drawings, 15 of them full-color illustrations by John White. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Behind the Making of the New World
Reviewer Craig Matteson has written a fantastic review of this thick old book that will make it shine as it should.I wasn't quite as entranced as Matteson, but it's plain that he's a history buff and I just picked up the book trying to learn a bit more about John Smith after watching the movie about him, THE NEW WORLD. which came out last year.The Library of America always picks up on trends wherever they can find them, small signs that the public is still interested in literature.Thus they have the complete Elizabeth Bishop coming out, and even a book of ecological material that Al Gore wrote a preface for!Here the editor, James Horne, works overtime trying to bring cohesion into a group of Smith's writings that sometimes contradict each other.We get a sense of 17th century writing as being highly contingent, its practictioners unmotivated by Greek notions of truth, just trying to get their own out and to make themselves look admirable.Horne hit on the idea of adding material by many, many other men of the period, people commenting on Smith's vanity and delusions, and sometimes this approach works, giving us an extra dimension by broadcasting opposite points of view, the way a democracy is supposed to work.

Sometimes it doesn't and it just makes a tedious book even dryer and more confusing.I found plenty of meat in Smith's description of the last days of Lady Rebecca, the girl he had once known as Powhatan's daughter Pocahontas.In the movie it seems that she was told Smith had died, and then that gave her the space she needed emotionally to go and marry Christian Bale.Here you don't get all that melodrama.Basically Pocahontas becomes more cryptic than ever before.Could she really have abandoned her people so casually, all for the chance of wearing English finery and getting to meet "vertuous Queen Anne"?

But one bit of authentic description did seem like it was coming from the heart in the fourth book of the "Generall Historie" when Smith recalls a meeting with the now married Lady Rebecca."After a modest salutation, eithout any word, she turned about, obscured her face, as not seeming well contented, and in that humour her husband , with divers others, we all left her two or three houres, repenting my selfe to have write she could speake English.Nut not long after, she began to talke, and remembered mee well what courtesies shee hhad done, saying, You did promise Powhatan what was yours should be his, and he the like to you; you called him father being in his land a stranger, and by the same reason so must I doe you; which though I would have excused, I durst not allow of that title, because she was a Kings daughter; with a well set countenance she said, Were you not afraid to come into my fathers Countrie, and caused feare in him and all his people (but mee) and feare you here I should call you father; I tell you then I will, and you shall call mee childe, and so I will bee for ever and ever your Countrieman."They didn't have many apostrophes back than, and they had more of the letter "e" attached to words than we do, but I hope you get the idea (page 442).

A must have for all who are interested in the early settlement of Virginia and New England
Captain John Smith did an amazing amount of living in the fifty-one years he lived on Earth.His life's journey began in 1580 at Willoughy, England.He left home at 16 after his father's death to become a soldier fighting in France for Dutch Independence from Spain.In other words, he was a mercenary.He went to work in the Mediterranean Sea on a merchant ship in 1598.In 1600 he went to the Austrians to fight in Hungary against the Turks and fought so valiantly that he was promoted to Captain.Fighting in Transylvania in 1602, he was wounded, captured, and sold as a slave to a Turk.He was then given to a girl who sent him to her brother to get training for Imperial service.Being very ill treated by this Pasha, Smith killed him and escaped.He fled through Russia and then Poland, was released from service, received a large reward and spent time traveling throughout Europe.During the winter of 1604-05 he returned to England.All this before the events we know him for began in Virginia and New England!

His restless nature somehow got him involved with the plans to colonize the Virginia territory for profit.King James I granted the charter and the expedition set sail on December 20, 1606.While this is more than a century after Columbus, it was still a huge and costly undertaking to what was almost unknown territory.The three tiny ships were the Discovery (20 tons), Susan Constant (120 tons), and Godspeed (40 tons).They did not land in Virginia until April 1607 after a voyage of more than four months.Smith was on the list of seven council members that was designated to govern the colony.The winter was harsh, fresh water was hard to come by, sickness ravaged the colonists, and the local Indians, ruled by Powhatan (Wahunsonacock), were antagonistic to the newcomers.Smith became the leader and led the fight against the Indian raids and negotiating with them for food enough to supplement their meager stores.

In December of 1607, the famous incident of Smith being taken to Powhatan and being saved by Pocahontas occurred.Like much in Smith's writings, it is hard to separate the braggadocio from the fact.Apparently there was some kind of ceremony that involved a ritual death and renewal of life whereby Smith became some kind of subordinate chief member of the tribe.Smith may not have understood the ceremony well and indeed may well have believed that the 11 year old princess saved his life.

Life was very hard at Jamestown and dissent grew.Smith was elected President in September 1608 and has the fort reinforced and emphasizes military training among the colonists.During the winter, Powhatan refused to provide food because he believes that the colonists are not there to trade but to take Indian lands.After difficult negotiations they trade swords and guns for food.Things continue to be difficult and now the resentment focuses on Smith.He is badly burned when his powder keg caught fire.A group leading colonists deposes Smith and he sails back to England part in resentment and part for treatment of his injuries in October.

He is active in promoting colonization of the new territories and heads back in 1614, but he cannot go to Virginia.He focuses on the area north that he called New England.Smith traveled to many areas there and in 1615 founded a colony in Maine.He is captured by a French privateer and is unable to return to England until December.In 1622, Indians kill more than 300 colonists.Smith's offer to lead the military fight against the natives is rejected.

During these years in England, Smith published some works to provide him some much needed income.He finds the right stories to tell and several of his writings sold quite well.He died in 1631 at 51 years old and was buried at St. Sepulchres in the City of London.

This summary of his life is there merest outline of events.There is much much more covered in this treasure trove of a book.

The wonderful Library of America provides us with Smith's "A True Relation", "The Proceedings of the English Colony in Virginia" (parts written by a variety of folks), "A Description of New England", "New Englands Trials" [sic], "The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles", "The True Travels", and his "Advertisements for the Unexperienced Planters of New-England".The words in these titles such as "trials" and "advertisements" had a much different meaning four hundred years ago.The point was that by 1620 thousands of people were risking their lives to try to settle in Virginia and New England and they wanted information.Smith gave them good information about what they were going to face.Oh, he certainly boasted and gave himself credit for things that others did, but his descriptions of what it takes to survive there are quite good.

This volume does not contain Smith's two books on sea travel.However, it does contain an additional four hundred pages of writings by others about the settling of Virginia.One covers the settlement of Roanoke before the Jamestown voyage.Others are written independently of Smith, at least one was written in response to his "Generall Historie" that upset some who felt he took to himself their deeds.They are all fascinating.

There are also pages of black and white plates showing aspects of Smith's life and other aspects of the early settlement including etchings of Smith and even of Pocahontas (Lady Rebecca) in her English finery during her one, fatal, year in England.There is another set of plates that are in color and show Indian life at the time of the events of this book.We get many useful maps, and index, notes on the text, notes on the plates, and a chronology of Smith's life.

This is a rich text that provides important history of early American settlement that everyone interested in the founding and history of our nation will want to read and know.The early events with the Indians are fascinating as are the descriptions of the trade and battles.Even the variety of spellings are fascinating.Yes, orthography was not standardized, but it is interesting how the same words are spelled differently even within the same writing let alone between authors.

A must have for all who appreciate American history. ... Read more

Product Description
"America was the place Smith had dreamed of his whole life.There, his character, determination, and ambition had propelled him to the top of society. He spent the rest of his life trying to return. Though he failed, he pointed the way for others, who were drawn by the dream that opportunity was here for anyone who dared seize it . . . Smith founded more than a colony. He gave birth to the American dream."
--from Captain John Smith

Captain John Smith tells the real story behind the swashbuckling character who founded the Jamestown colony, wrote the first book in English in America, and cheated death many times by a mere hairbreadth. Based on rich primary sources, including Smith's own writings and newly discovered material, this enlightening book explores Smith's early days, his forceful leadership at Jamestown that was so critical to its survival, and his efforts upon his return to England to continue settlements in America. This unique volume also reveals the truth behind Smith's relationship with Pocahontas, a tale that history has greatly distorted. Bringing to life heroic deeds and dramatic escapes as well as moments of great suffering and hardship, Captain John Smith serves as a great testament to this important historical figure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Fascinating insight into a 'myth'...
...that unfortunately isn't told very well.

Don't get me wrong: the content holds your interest. But the delivery? Meh.

John Smith's story is one I was familiar with only slightly. (I had been more aware of the peripheral history). And there's some really, really intriguing stuff in here. But the authors just are not up to the challenge of bringing Smith's adventures to life. In fact, rather than injecting the material with life, they sucked it out. And for someone who has an intimate, protracted history with the geographical area, this was especially disappointing.

As I said in a recent review of another non-fiction book dealing with a real historical and social gold-mine, this could have been better delivered as a novel.

Still, there's always hope for a film adaptation...

John Smith--Renaissance Man--and a great story, too
Before listening to a brief lecture on John Smith from The Teaching Company, about all I knew was the Pocahantas story, like 99.99 percent of Americans. Well, let me say that this book does an excellent job of chronicling the "real" adventurous life of John Smith both before, during and (briefly) after Jamestown and the New World. While he had a combative side, he was certainly innovative and persistent and knew how to survive in tough situations. The real story of his meetings with Powhatan is far more interesting than the Disney story and the romantic legend. And you'll be surprised at stories of Smith winning three straight joosting battles to the death and later being enslaved in Turkey and escaping by killing his master. Smith certainly had luck or Divine Providence on his side as this book shows--he came close to dying at the hands of both the Native Americans and his fellow Englishmen on numerous occasions, as his feuds with higher-ranking but less prudent colleagues are detailed here. Indeed, one of the lasting impressions I carried from this book was that Smith never felt appreciated for his efforts to keep early colonies alive.

Great Book
This book is good and interesting book.I liked the documentation of the events by the author.

Another good Jamestown/John Smith book
I read "Captain John Smith" after reading Price's "Love & Hate in Jamestown".Both books I enjoyed tremendously.What I liked about Captain John Smith, and one could have presumed this by the difference in titles, is that it educates the reader about Smith's life before Jamestown.I was amazed by his encounters with the Turks and shortly thereafter his escape from slavery.We also learn about the relationships Smith built and skills he acquired before boarding the Susan Constant.Smith's adventures before Jamestown give him much more credibility as a leader once he arrives in the New World.

As a side note do NOT watch the movie The New World.It will cloud your mind with inaccuracies.I thought the movie was poor enough to turn off part way through.

A masterpiece of investigative history
I had not given Pocahontas much thought, till I had heard that the great Terrance Malick was going to make a movie based on her life. I eventually watched "The New World" and was just knocked out.What a hauntingly beautiful film.I just had to know if this was historically accurate?In the DVD of the film there is a great special section where you see to what lengths Malick went to recreate "Jamestown".The feel and look of authenticity is complete on all levels, so it would seem, except....the actual story.I read through a few web sites that comment on the film; the views of some native American's (quite understandably upset....) put me in touch with the Hoobler book.Took it out from the library and read it.I was knocked out for the second time.What a triumph of hard investigative work.They uncovered material that has not seen the light of day since written, some of which dates to Smith's own hand.The upshot of this is that while "The New World" is a fantastic film, it is alas not historically accurate as far as the relationship between Smith and Pocahontas.This does not detract from the film as such; it is entertainment and not someone's scholarly PhD disseration.Yes, Malick strangely opted to craft the script along the lines of American folklore, which insists that there was some sort of love affair between the two.No, there is not a shred of reliable historical evidence that this ever came about.

The best thing to do is to watch the film and then read the Hoobler book.If you accept the reality that the film does a superb job of recreating the look and feel of Jamestown but does not tell the exact story, then the discord between what is entertainment and what is history can be properly framed.An excellent book well recommended to those who are interested in the founding of America. ... Read more

Product Description
The Big Three in Economics reveals the battle of ideas among the three most influential economists in world history: Adam Smith, representing laissez faire; Karl Marx, reflecting the radical socialist model; and John Maynard Keynes, symbolizing big government and the welfare state. History comes alive in this fascinating story of opposing views that continue to play a fundamental role in today's politics and economics. In the twenty-first century, Adam Smith's 'invisible hand' model has gained the upper hand, and capitalism has ultimately won the ideological battle over socialism and interventionism. But even in the era of globalization and privatization, Keynesian and Marxist ideas continue to play a significant role in economic policy in the public and private sectors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Misleading
This book is well written, easy to follow and presents the ideas of many economists with simplicity. Yet I only gave it two stars, and this is due to several reasons. First, the content of the book is not faithful to its title. This book should have been called "The Big One in Economics (Adam Smith)". I bought the book hoping to read about the main economic principles put forth by each of Smith, Marx and Keynes. Instead, the book turned out to be a description of how Smith's ideas triumphed over all others despite the numerous attacks that were launched on them. My problem is not the fact that the author thinks that Smith's ideas have triumphed, although I don't agree with that. Smith after all is the father of modern economics and he was an excellent thinker. His book should be read by all. My problem is with the author using such a misleading title. Second, I was amazed at the ease with which the author wrote off Marx as an economic thinker. The author actually goes as far as to wonder how anyone can believe in Marx's economic theory. The answer, again according to the author, was that Marx was more of a prophet and hence the effect that he had on his followers need not be rational. The author mentions Paul Sweezy's book "The theory of Capital Development" in a small paragraph and does not even bother himself to address any of the issues raised by it. Instead, like many authors before him he spends a considerable amount of time talking about Marx's life. I would have rather read a critique of some of the Marxian ideas put forth by Sweezy than read how Marx had an illegitimate child. When it came to discussing the ideas of Keynes, the author manages to give Keynes credit for being a great economist, yet makes his ideas seem as good enough for specific circumstances, and not good enough to be an all-encompassing theory. Keynes, according to the author was right in a specific circumstance, nothing more. All in all, the book started out as being very promising and ended as a narrow version of the history of economic theory.

Reads like a college essay.
I didn't make it very far into this book before putting it down. It was not what I expected. I did not care for the writing style at all. It was too dry and academic for me to continue reading. I am interested in learning more about these three figures, but this read like a thesis paper.

An excellent book
The book takes an open-minded and balanced view of the philisophies and economics of those titled.If you're looking for an explanation of how the modern economy evolved, this book by Dr. Skousen, a brilliant author and speaker, is an excellent choice.

Opinionated
The author's predilection for Smith is obvious from the early chapters.It would be a more satisfying book if he substantiated this with real-world examples.His sniping at fellow academics is trying at best.

excellent history of economics
For a while I have been wanting to delve into economics. With the current crisis, I thought it imperative to start learning what was going on so I could at least understand the news if nothing else. This book is fantastic for the novice who wants to understand economics. Though it is a history, learning the history may be the best way to learn the subject.

Those sympathetic to free-market economics will probably enjoy more than others since Skousen is critical of Marx and Keynes. But he also submits evidence as to why Marx and Keynes have been wrong much of the time. While it is called The Big Three (Smith, Marx, and Keynes), I'd say that they take up only about half of the book.A fair amount of space is given to the background and influences of these big players.A brief biographical sketch is given of the Big Three. Then he covers their economic beliefs. He discusses their successes and shortcomings. Skousen does an excellent job of painting a coherent image of economic history.

In case you are wondering, I would guess that Skousen is most sympathetic to the Austrian School (and rightly so!).
Unfortunately this book came out just a bit before the current economic crisis took off so it isn't covered. But Skousen does correctly point out that much of what you see in the news media (and the governing politic) is Keynesian ecomonics (consume, consume, consume your way out of the recession). And this is very evident watching the TV today. Too bad they're wrong. ... Read more

Product Description

"I believe The Craft of System Security is one of the best software security books on the market today. It has not only breadth, but depth, covering topics ranging from cryptography, networking, and operatingsystems--to the Web, computer-human interaction, and how to improve the security of software systems by improving hardware. Bottom line, this book should be required reading for all who plan to call themselves security practitioners, and an invaluable part of every university's computer science curriculum."
--Edward Bonver, CISSP, Senior Software QA Engineer, Product Security, Symantec Corporation

"Here's to a fun, exciting read: a unique book chock-full of practical examples of the uses and the misuses of computer security. I expect that it will motivate a good number of college students to want to learn more about the field, at the same time that it will satisfy the more experienced professional."
--L. Felipe Perrone, Department of Computer Science, Bucknell University

Whether you're a security practitioner, developer, manager, or administrator, this book will give you the deep understanding necessary to meet today's security challenges--and anticipate tomorrow's. Unlike most books, The Craft of System Security doesn't just review the modern security practitioner's toolkit: It explains why each tool exists, and discusses how to use it to solve real problems.

After quickly reviewing the history of computer security, the authors move on to discuss the modern landscape, showing how security challenges and responses have evolved, and offering a coherent framework for understanding today's systems and vulnerabilities. Next, they systematically introduce the basic building blocks for securing contemporary systems, apply those building blocks to today's applications, and consider important emerging trends such as hardware-based security.

After reading this book, you will be able to

• Understand the classic Orange Book approach to security, and its limitations
• Use operating system security tools and structures--with examples from Windows, Linux, BSD, and Solaris
• Learn how networking, the Web, and wireless technologies affect security
• Identify software security defects, from buffer overflows to development process flaws
• Understand cryptographic primitives and their use in secure systems
• Use best practice techniques for authenticating people and computer systems in diverse settings
• Use validation, standards, and testing to enhance confidence in a system's security
• Discover the security, privacy, and trust issues arising from desktop productivity tools
• Understand digital rights management, watermarking, information hiding, and policy expression
• Learn principles of human-computer interaction (HCI) design for improved security
• Understand the potential of emerging work in hardware-based security and trusted computing

Customer Reviews (2)

Good introduction to concepts
This book is a reasonable introduction to software security, but nothing like what can be gained in a real security architecture class.It was assigned as optional reading for a security class with Steven Bellovin, and is definitely a great way to get an introduction to simple theory behind security as well as get a sense of what is necessary to "think securely" about software systems.

Useful for the Novice and Professional
The preface of the book says that the book grew from a college course to solve this problem: "to provide the right security education to students who may only ever take one security course and then move on toward a wide range of professional careers."Its nice when the authors put the goal of the book at the front, it makes reading it in the proper context much easier and reviewing the book (usually) much easier.

I think the authors met their goal of a book to give to people who may only read one security book in acollege course and have it be readable and useful.It is written in an understandable manner and provides enough pictures and explanations for someone new to the subject who "has to take the class" and enough math and further reading for someone that wants to really delve into a subject to do so.Important words are in italics so if you wanted to or needed to look up the definitions to really understand the section you could, but there is enough information in the paragraphs to get by.

The book also has the added plus of being useful to someone studying for their CISSP (if they actually want to know the subjects).It explains topics that, in my opinion, are not explained very well in the study guides.Their discussion of the orange book was superb and I wish I had this book when I was trying to make sense of it when I was studying.The chapters on cryptography go beyond the typical Alice and Bob stuff you get in most books (Alice and Bob are still there) but they also get into examples of breaking cryptography and explaining how the attacks work and usually backing it up with the math involved.I really could say something good about every chapter in the book. Each chapter is laid out with a solid, consistent road map, is full of quality readable content, and wraps it up with a "take home" message at the end.

The Table of Contents doesn't seem to be available onAmazon but if you are interested in the book, I'd recommend you take a look at it over at the InformIT site. It covers a lot of ground in its five parts of History, Security and the Modern Computing Landscape, Building Blocks for Secure Systems, Applications, and Emerging Tools.The book also comes with a huge list of references and a pretty good index for looking up topics.

I usually have my list of likes and dislikes for books.For this book I don't have any dislikes.The book is readable, well edited, a good font size, and I learned things from it.I've been actively recommending it to people at work, especially the guys working on their CISSP. ... Read more

Product Description
Professor John Maynard Smith has written an account of a new way of thinking about evolution which has been developed in the last ten years. The theory of games, first developed to analyse economic behaviour, is modified so that it can be applied to evolving populations. John Maynard Smith's concept of an evolutionarily stable strategy is relevant whenever the best thing for an animal or plant to do depends on what others are doing. The theory leads to testable predictions about the evolution of behaviour, of sex and genetic systems, and of growth and life history patterns. This book contains the first full account of the theory, and of the data relevant to it. The account is aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students, teachers and research workers in animal behaviour, population genetics and evolutionary biology. The book will also be of interest to mathematicians and game theorists; the mathematics has been largely confined to appendixes so that the main text may be easily followed by biologists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Classic and Still Great and Readable Book
With this book, John Maynard Smith initiated a major strand of modern theoretical biology! The book does not require sophisticated mathematical preparation, but it operates on a consistently high level of analyticalrigor. It is also very nicely written, with lots of biological examples.

Games
All you want to know about theory of games ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Three Worlds of Captain John Smith
Superb description of John Smith's life & adventures. Excellent research which shows up in the commentaries as well as the text. The commentaries are full of interesting information not found elsewhere by this reviewer. The bibliography is fulfilling. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

74 days
This account of the Falklands Conflict is totally different from all the military style books. It's honesty and patriotism make it unique. For anyone who has an interest in the islands, or for anyone who is interested in the conflict, this witty,intelligent,moving book is a must read. ... Read more

Product Description
Now in its fourth edition, this internationally successful text has been fully revised and updated in light of recent developments in world politics, with new chapters on the changing nature of war, human security, and international ethics. A comprehensive introduction to international relations, it is ideally suited to students coming to the subject for the first time. It provides a coherent, accessible, and lively account of the globalization of world politics.

FEATURES
* Contains work from an impressive line-up of international contributors who are experts in their fields; the chapters have been carefully edited in order to ensure an integrated and coherent style throughout the book
* Covers history, theory, structures and processes, and international issues
* Offers a visually stunning 4-color interior
* Enhanced by a comprehensive Companion Website (www.oup.com/uk/orc/bin/9780199297771/) that includes a test bank, PowerPoint slides, case studies, multiple-choice questions, links to journal articles, a flashcard glossary, and--new to this edition--video clips, video pod-casts of contributors, and a news feed

NEW TO THIS EDITION
* Three new chapters on the changing nature of war, human security, and international ethics
* Each chapter includes a 400-word case study
* More examples from the developing world ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Book review
The Globalization of World Politics

The condition of the book was great and it was delivered quicly

Just as promised
Fast service. The book is exactly as was described. I am very pleased and would buy from this seller again.

Very well written
Globalization of World Politics is a must to read if your interest is in global affairs.It provides a better understanding to many complicated issues involving globalization.

Excellent book on International Relations!
This is the fourth edition of Baylis and Smith's (which now includes Owens) The Globalization of World Politics. The book is of great use in introducing the novice to the field of international relations as well as being a reliable companion for the experienced scholar. It is of invaluable assistance as a good source of reference in writing papers and in serving as a primary textbook. It is indeed a great manual for bachelors and masters' level students and their lecturers.
I used this textbook as a student and now I am using it as an instructor. My students have found it to be reader-friendly to the point that they have even been reading on their own ahead of what is required of them which says a lot.
Essentially, Baylis and Smith do a great job in describing difficult and complex notions and concepts in a straightforward and lucid manner. If you have not yet purchased it, waste no more time in doing so. You will definitely not regret it.5 Stars

VERY GOOD
THE BOOK WAS IN THE CONDITION DESCRIBED AND I GOT IT WITHIN THE TIMEFRAME SPECIFIED. THANK YOU. ... Read more

Product Description
Captain John Smith is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Charles Dudley Warner is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Charles Dudley Warner then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more