Customer Reviews (4)

Almost excellent...
Truly a work of great scholarship.In some occasions, the discussions were beyond my comprehension level.This book is certainly not meant for the new Christian or even for the intermediate Christian.The theological and philosophical depth of this book can certainly cause some to be "left behind."

Therefore, as a pro and as a con, the level of intellectualism of this book serves it as both a blessing and bane.

The reader can also sense immediately from the start of the book and to the end of the book the authors' moderate viewpoint concerning the authority of Scripture.As presented in pages 3, 104, 129 and 176 (from cover-to-cover), both authors view that Scripture is the "record of God's revelation," and David Tracy adds further on p.176 that, "Christianity considers the Scriptures not the revelation itself but the original witness to the revelation."This moderate view of Scripture devalues the authority of God's word as His sole special revelation of Jesus Christ.

Both authors write their works well, except they both fail to explain why the Bible is merely a "record of God's revelation" and not IS "God's revelation," but brushes their liberal view with an absolute statement that "all Christianity considers it this way," when in fact Conservative Christianity DOES NOT support this view.

A HelpfulIntro to Historical Biblical Interpretation
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE, written by Robert M. Grant and published in 1963 and later revised with David Tracy is the standard history of the different ways in which the Bible has been interpreted since the days of the early Church to the mid to late twentieth century. Beginning with how Jesus and New Testament authors used the Hebrew Scriptures, the book continues with the different ways patristic authors, medieval and Renaissance authors, and finally modern authors interpret scripture. What we see is that there was never one way to interpret scripture, which shows how scripture is a continuous living and thriving set of writings. I have found the book helpful not only in understanding scripture, but also theology itself. Scripture is the basis of theology, and understanding the differences between Alexandrian interpretations and the interpretation of scriptures of writers associated with Antioch, the differences between Catholic, Lutheran, and Calvinist interpretations, and how modern scholars see scripture gives insight into theological thought. More often than not, theologians are not biblical scholars, and basing thought in scripture is not their forte. The Grant and Tracy text is a great help with clarification and for me brings together the connection between theology and the Bible.

After studying theology and scripture, I have returned to this text for Bible study preparation and preaching. From time to time I will look at various texts and how they have been interpreted through the centuries, which if done well can make scripture study vibrant. Of course the key is when it is done well, but that's another story.

Needless to say this text is indispensable for anyone studying scripture. Most exegesis looks not only at the text but also the ways it has been interpreted over the centuries. This book gives an overview that will make historical exegetical work easier. If this is not a required text for theological study, I would advise people who wish to study scripture or theology to buy this readable and valuable volume. It will undoubtedly answer questions that will arise. I only have one caution and it's not about the book but the binding. I have owned two copies of this book. The first I purchased in the seminary and before long the pages fell out due to poor binding. The same is happening with the second. This should not prevent a person from buying the book, but it is a warning that it may not be as well as it could be.

An absolutely excellent book for all levels
Robert Grant (emeritus, U. Chicago) and David Tracy (U. Chicago)have come together in this small book to give perhaps the finest concise history of biblical interpretation that you can find for the money ... Yes, it leaves out some theologians and interpreters, maybe your favorite ones, but the book is not meant to be exhaustive.Nevertheless it almost manages even this, since I cannot think of someone you NEED to know about that you won't have studied after having read this little tome.There is a very nice biblography, a good index (includeing references in the notes as well), though no scriptural index.This is not a real problem, however, since this is not a book of exegesis per se, but the history of exegetical problems and traditions.

The book is divided into two parts, historical and theological.That may not be an exact divide in a book on biblical interpretations, but it serves.Grant writes part one, and manages to give a good overview of all (and excellent investigation of others) of the various readings of the text, Old and New. In 150 pages of non-technical language, Grant leads the reader from Jesus and first-century Jewish readings of the Bible, and the development of Christian texts into a "testament," all the way to modern (20th century) Protestant ways of reading, without leaving out anyone who figures largely or less-largely in the history of interpretation. Quite a feat, but he is successful, at least within the scope that this book sets for itself.It is not for the specialist, but the specialist can certainly benefit from it as a reference book and quick look-up tool (and who doesn't need that from time to time?)David Tracy's contribution is part two, a theological and hermeneutical look at biblical interpretation, interpretaiton theory, critical theory, and prospects for the future.As in Grant's earlier chapters, Tracy gives just enough information to be helpful, but not enough to be daunting.

With a top scholar in biblical studies and a top scholar in theological studies coming together in this book, it makes it a volume hard to avoid owning, especially for the student or educated layman.Here is a suggestion, as a matter of fact: this would be an excellent adult study book for churches--pastors and vestries take note!If you are in the position to need a history of how the biblical texts have developed and been interpreted (the multifariousness of interpretations might well shock you), this is a great little book to own.I highly recommend it without reservation.

An excellent intro. to the interpretation of Scripture.
This short, concise book gives a clear and easily understood history of the interpretation of Scripture. The author examines the way the Bible has traditonally been interpreted and then shows how these historical approaches have contributed to our contemporary understanding. While this book may be of particular interest to clergy, teachers, preachers and students, it is free of specialized theological and exegetical terminology and is a valuable resource for anyone who reads the Bible. Highly recommended ... Read more

Product Description
This is a kayaking book with a difference. The inspiration for the journey, from Sweden to the Black Sea, via the Baltic and rivers of eastern Europe, came `somewhere in Kazakhstan¿ when David Grant, while travelling with his wife and children in a horse-drawn caravan, was reading a translation of the fictitious Viking saga Röde Orm, or Red Serpent, A life-long interest in things Viking, coupled with a wish to experience a solo expedition on a shoe-string budget, dictated that the author¿s `longship¿ should actually be a kayak. The route would follow approximately that of Röde Orm¿s vessel but continue on to the Black Sea and possibly further.The result was a fascinating journey through the waters of the Swedish Archipelago, across the Baltic to the island of Gotland and on to Riga in Latvia, where the river travel began.Up the Daugava-Dvina and its tributary the Ulla, through the disused and decaying Verebki canal and across the watershed, then down the Berezina and Dneiper, to emerge into the Black Sea. ... Read more

Product Description
Triangle Histories introduce a new concept to American history series. Each title in this collection interweaves and overlaps with others in its own unique way. And each title provides a different perspective on the subject. For example, The Battle of Vicksburg, the biography Ulysses S. Grant, and the biography Abraham Lincoln, overlap and intersect at a number of points. Grant was the Union commander at Vicksburg at a time when Lincoln was under great pressure to replace the general.

Because the Triangle Historiesprovide a format in which major subjects and themes can be considered from various angles, each collection offers a truly unique way to learn and understand the topic more completely. Each book stands alone, but as a set, the Civil War collection forms a powerful and engaging way in which to learn about one of the most painful eras our nation has ever endured. ... Read more

Product Description
Revisions and additions reflect the enormous changes and challenges that have occurred in the grants marketplace since the last edition. The exhibits and tables have been updated to reflect advances in technology and computer usage. Over half of the book is new to enhance the reader's ability to compete in the current grants marketplace--and to avoid the failure and wasted time of proposal rejection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great resource
I would definitely recommend this book if you are not familiar with grant writing and are working your way through it. Great tips and tricks.

Great value, excellent condition!
I searched various sites for this book, all wanted more money for comparable listed condition.It was listed as "good" but should have been "excellent" as it appears the book was never opened.I scored.

The How to Grants Manual: Successful Grantseeking Techniques for Obtaining Public and Private Grants.
This book is a tool that could be included in any grant writer's toolkit. Since it explains each aspect of grant writing, its easy to understand this very complex and evolving subject. The CD included with the book is further support to the listener and useful. I am quite impressed with the ability of the writer to communicate instructions that would otherwise be very confusing.

Great book
Practical and easy to read.Short and succinct chapters make it easy to understand.

APA Manual
I had mailing issues which I think was due to me moving and the updating of addresses. ... Read more

Product Description

A follow-up to Grant McCracken's groundbreaking Culture and Consumption, this new book trades the usual platitudes about the consumer society for a more detailed, exacting anthropological treatment. Each section of the book pairs a brief essay with an academic article. The essay is designed for a quick, provocative glimpse of the topic; the article provides a deeper anthropological treatment. The book opens with a broadside against the now thoroughly conventionalized attack on the consumer culture. Essays follow on homes, cars, people, and social mobility; celebrities, consumerism, and self-invention; museums and the power of objects; the anthropology of advertising; and marketing, meaning management, and value. Like McCracken's previous volume, this new book is an engaging, informative, and eye-opening foray into modern consumer culture.

Customer Reviews (1)

quite poor
I regret to say that this book was a waste of money and time. I found a few interesting nuggets, but I think most readers would miss them.

I regret this low rating because of McCracken's previous work, which was invaluably insightful. I have to wonder whether his purpose was to create a promotional product to give to potential clients.

I hope McCracken has returned to his previously high standards in subsequent work. But after reading this book, I'm reluctant to purchase later work until after I have had the opportunity to read it. ... Read more

Product Description
As school districts struggle with decentralized management, the need to coordinate grant proposal development has grown dramatically. This indispensable resource contains all the practical tools that districts need to manage cross-curricular proposals for all their schools. It describes the key elements of a successful grants system, explains the legal, ethical, and financial requirements of grantseeking programs, and offers worksheets and checklists to help organize every aspect of grants promotion and administration. Grants expert David Bauer shares sound advice and such important instruments as:

• A planning matrix for refining goals and objectives
• A systems analysis spreadsheet for reviewing budget and staff resources
• A step-by-step outline for developing a grants procedure manual

  This comprehensive guide also shows how to provide grantseekers with computer-based research tools. Timely and practical, Successful Grants Program Management focuses on the district's role in winning corporate, federal, and foundation grants.

  ... Read more

  Customer Reviews (1)

  A Great Learning Tool for Grant Seeking
  As a companion for David Bauer's excellent video series on writing winning grants or as a stand-alone resource, "Successful Grants Program Management" is a must-have for the non-profit grant seeker.I borrowed this book through our state university's inter-library loan program, and I have had it out for over two months.I figured the fines are adding up so quickly, I may as well purchase it for our grant committee. ... Read more

Product Description
Their father gives to his four children (April, Adrianne, Aimee and Aaron) a Christmas present which surpasses all of their dreams.It is called a Terrestrial Vehicle.In it they have adventures and misadventures that startle ones imagination. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

My kids' mom
It's a great book.My 13 year old could not stop reading it. It is interesting and exciting but also has great educational info too.Some info about the Grand Canyon and rocks. ... Read more

Product Description
Smart teachers know that increased school budgets and taxes do not always lead to better educational programs and services. Classrooms are often the last to receive any additional funding. As classroom leaders and innovators, teachers are increasingly seeking grants to help finance classroom improvements or school reform mandates. The process of winning grants, however, is a time-consuming and competitive venture. The challenge is even greater when teachers do not have their own grantseeking processes in place.

This step-by-step primer takes the guesswork out of grantseeking. It shows teachers how to select the right funding sources, organize proposal ideas, write a convincing and well-prepared proposal, identify who will evaluate the proposal and the scoring system they will use, and efficiently implement the proposal when the grant funds are won. Based on time-proven techniques and useful strategies, The Teacher's Guide to Winning Grants reveals how teachers can obtain the inside information they need to increase their chances of grant success. With this knowledge, teachers can develop effective grantseeking methods that will enable them to secure funds and move their schools in the direction they want. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A fine, but not great book.
Overall, this is a fine book.Not great, but fine.I've used it in online grant writing course for teachers in part because it is the best teacher-specific book available (in my opinion, of course) and most of mystudents seem to want something teacher-specific.Given my choice, MimCarlson's book "Winning Grants Step by Step" is a better book forsomeone interested in learning how to write a proposal.I do, though,really like Chapters Two and Three "Getting Ready to Seek GrantsSupport" and"Forming a Grants Advisory Group" and hischapter on federal applications is exemplary. ... Read more

Product Description
Batman's immortal foe, Ra's Al Ghul, should be dead at last - so how has he returned to haunt The Dark Knight? And what does his return have to do with Batman's teenaged son, Damian -- whose mother is Ra's Al Ghul's daughter, Talia? It will take the combined skills of Batman, Robin and Nightwing to get to the bottom of these mysteries and stop Ra's Al Ghul's insidious plans! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

I like Damian.
This is a pretty straightforward story so it won't try anyone's patience by being esoteric.Damian is frequently described as annoying but at least he doesn't say the usual things that the boys in the Robin costume have been spewing for decades viz. complaining about Batman's emotional distance, complaining about not given enough responsibility, trust, etc. Damian don't know no better.

The boring comeback of a major Batman villain
The story: The White Ghost, long time faithful servant of dead Batman's villain Ra's al Ghul is trying to bring his demonic, criminal genius master back to life, by recalling his life force to our world and anchoring it to a host body. The chosen one is the recently revealed son of Batman/Bruce Wayne and Ra's daughter Talia: Damian, headstrong and deadly 11-years old little killer, who recently spent a brief time under Batman's tutoring.
As the kid escapes his fate with the help of his mother, Batman coincidentally learns of the plot, upon investigating the disappearances of two ecologists.
At the same time, the deadly Sensei (sic) tries to prevent Ra's al Ghul's resurrection.
So begins a 250-pages chase and fight that spans across 2 issues each of four monthly Batman titles, pulling current Robin Tim Drake, Nightwing (the original Robin) and the mysterious (and useless...) I-Ching (sic 2) into the it all.
If you're not a batman comics' fan, you can stop reading after this next sentence (if the rating hadn't convinced you yet): The book is at best to be read while commuting and only if you don't have anything better, really. "Better" in this instance includes sleeping, by the way.
If you're a Batman fan, I bet you already own the book.
If you simply like comics, you might want to know more of this though, so I'll expand a bit here.
Despite the big names thrown on the covers, Grant Morrison and Paul Dini only wrote 4 of the 11 tales collected here, and they barely did an average job (they're expected to be way above average on their best days though...) on a crossover that is, as usual, probably heavily directed from editorial and born out of a writers' conference.
In any case, does the story work?
I believe it doesn't, as it is barely engaging and full of deus ex-machina plot devices, down to its very ending.
There is no drama at all too, because you never are really convinced that there is anything at stakes here, and even old butler Alfred can take care of multiple ninjas...
The focus of the book would be family relations (extremely disturbed ones at that...), since close relative try to kill one another or hate one another or ignore one another; temptations and danger in the relationship only affect adopted family (Batman protegees Robin and Nightwing).

SPOILER ALERT

In the end, after 250 pages, you are left with what you had from the start: Everybody survives (except a minor villain), Ra's is positively resurrected (surprise! oohhhh) and the Batman and Ra's al Ghul families are left untouched (another big "surprise"? A rift opens between Ra's and Talia, who runs away with Damian...). No Major change (if any at all) in Batman's relationship with Damian, although the kid seems to find Batman cooler than before. The biggest revelations are two soap-opera moments in which we learn that Sensei (sic) was Ra's father and Ra's was the White Ghost's father...
Individually, the writer and artists involved do manage to shine some, though.
Peter Milligan writes some nice prologue tales and competent, at moments even half-compelling story chapters, and so does Fabian Nicieza. The latter comes as no surprise, since he used to be a core X-men writer back in the Nineties, when such crossovers were all the rage. Also, Morrison and Dini doing average jobs means their chapter are decently written too. The artwork is very and much more uneven though. Jason Pearson's art is always great to look at, but Tony Daniel's and Ryan Benjamin's is at times rushed, I can't warm up to Don Kramer's and most of the others are competent artists but can be barely told apart from one another.
The book itself is designed well enough, with nice chapter headers and all covers neatly collected, variants included (many covers, by Andy kubert, Simone Bianchi and Adam Kubert, are indeed the best artwork in the book). It's a bit odd that the first Morrison issue collected here is presented as one of the three prologues, while it clearly looks like the first chapter of the actual crossover. Indicia artwork is strangely selected, and I can't figure out the reasoning behing the selections, although the Andy Kubert's covers they're mostly taken from are brilliant.
Overall, this is book is, in my opinion, for collectors only. For all the other readers: if you need to fill this gap in your Grant Morrison#s Batman run, reading the Wikipedia summary or something sounds like a better choice for your wallet and cultural needs!

Was hoping for more.
I will be writing spoilers.I'm not going to keep it secret because the end is part of the low rating.

I've been trying to get back into Batman for a while.I read Batman & Son and liked it, so I figured this would be a good read.

Sadly, it was not.I have to say, certain parts were great.I thought there was plenty of fighting.Ninjas, of course.And that makes for a fun read.

Damien was incredibly inconsistent.His character was all over the place.I had no idea whether to feel badly for him or hate him.

The overall story was to get Ra's back into the game.It did, but I wanted so much more.They built up so much by having ninja's attack everybody all over the world.It was a pretty huge story.

Then I was getting to the end of the book and noticed there were only a few pages.I had no idea how they were going to finish this EPIC batter between Batman and Ra's.

And the monks come out and shoot some lightning and cause earthquakes.

They all run away.

Batman and Ra's fight for 4 pages.Then they are told the goddess is angry.They run away for a Merry Christmas.

Seriously?!That's how it ends?!I put all this time into this to have the actual fight I wanted to see be nothing!

And I swear, Batman, Robin and Nightwing are all smiling as they run away.No worries, kids!We're alive and Ra's will get away.It's all good!

I would have liked to see the ending be a little more dramatic.At least give me a cool fight scene!If Batman and Ra's actually struggled for a while and maybe looked a little more distressed that they could not finish the fight, I would have been happy.

Nope.Just an angry goddess says go home and you do.

Some cool stuff in this book.They tricked me into thinking this story was cool.Then it just faded away at the end leaving me very disappointed.

Had High Hope - was disappointed
After reading Batman and Son (which I gave 4 stars), I was expecting a story as good.I don't like them bringing back dead people as often as they do, but I like Ra's.Based on Morrison and Tony Daniels being involved, I expected a story as good as Batman and Son if not better.I was disappointed.The story spans Batman, Robin, Nightwing and Detective comics.Morrison wrote the Batman parts.Those unfortunately were the only good parts(also the parts from Nightwing were done well - may have to pick up some Nightwing GNs).

One of the biggest problems is that the writers were inconsistent between each other.In one part Damian is a bad-a$$ and in another he sounds wimpy and afraid.He hates Tim, he works with Tim.He thinks he is better than everyone except Bruce, he wants help from whomever will give it.He is trained by assassins and can can fight well and another part of the story Talia is afraid he'll get hurt.

Then there is the portrayal of Alfred who goes from butler to Ninja fighter.And what is up with 3 guys (I don't care how good) being able to take down literally a few hundred ninja assassins.I don't care how good a fighter you, numbers will win out.I could dozens, but hundreds, please.

As bad as the writing was, the artwork was worse.Tony Daniels, excellent.Everyone else, try again.I've never seen Talia look so different from chapter to chapter.A couple of times, I was uncertain it was her.

Sorry, 2 stars is all it gets.

OK, DON'T BUY THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL

First, I am a huge Batman fan and this by far was the worst graphic novel starring Batman that I have ever read.

There were obvious parts of the story that were left out of this collection.The writing was also the worst I have ever seen in a collection of stories.

This was a huge disappointment.

DON'T BUY THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL EVEN IF YOU ARE A BATMAN FAN. ... Read more

Product Description

Are employee attitudes correlated with financial success? Unequivocally yes! according to consultant and bestselling author David H. Maister. Based on a worldwide survey of 139 offices in 29 professional service firms in numerous lines of business, Maister proves that companies perceived by their employees to practice what they preach in matters of client commitment, teamwork, high standards, and employee development are more successful than their competitors. Put simply, employee dedication causes improved financial performance.

Through in-depth interviews, Maister explores the crucial role of the individual manager in promoting high morale among employees. Practice What You Preach boasts specific action recommendations from the managers of these "superstar" businesses on how to build an energized workplace, enforce standards of excellence, develop people, and have fun -- all in the name of profit. As a result, Practice What You Preach can help any manager increase profitability, and provides proof that great financial rewards come from living up to the standards that most businesses advocate, but few achieve.Amazon.com Review
David H. Maister, a specialist in the management of professional servicefirms, surveyed 29 firms in 15 countries to determine whether positive employeeattitudes really correlate to corporate success. In his consultancy andprevious books, he has suggested they do, and in Practice hat YouPreach he is able to show that in many companies it truly is "attitudesthat drive financial results, and not (predominantly) the other way round."On a pragmatic level, this allows him to demonstrate how aenergized workforce will provide top-quality client service--the keycomponent in any service-oriented business. Overall, Maister recommendsmanagers instill trust and respect, develop a high morale, and serve as"coaches" rather than "most valuable players." He offers detailed casestudies of survey respondents, and amalgamates their replies into anexplicit Path to Performance as well as four chapters with specific lessonsthat should be transferable to other enterprises (i.e., effective managersallow others to get deserved credit, ensure workers believe management isnot only out to make a lot of money for itself, and understand employeesare looking for help in growing their careers). Practical and accessible,it also includes survey specifics for those who care to analyze them ontheir own. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

The courage to gamble on an articulated strategy
David Maister's book "Practice what you Preach" describes the results of a statistical analysis of successful professional service firms. Maister concludes that the successful firms are those that commit to a strategy of teamwork, high standards of quality, and employee development. In summary, employee dedication leads directly to improved financial performance for the firm.

Besides the statistical arguments, Maister provides case studies of the firms to show how firms implement success on a tactical and micro-level. These case studies seem to demonstrate that the most successful managers are energizers of the workplace, able to encourage standards of excellence and develop excellence in their staff. Profit follows from this position, rather than the other way around.

The conclusion that integrity, excellence, and participation create a profitable firm seems reasonable and well argued. The question then becomes, why don't all firms appreciate this and enact policies that will energize the company in this way? The last chapter discusses this issue, and for this reason I found it the most interesting.

If the formula for success is so obvious, then why don't more firms enact it? Maister states that what these firms lack is courage, or more specifically the inability to choose long term work focused "on strategy" versus quick, short term profit. This conflict, Maister says, is inevitable. Coming up with good ideas for success is not the hard part - it is failure in execution and follow through of the strategy that dooms those plans.

The lesson Maister draws is that managers may believe that their greatest value is in creating a vision, and this is false. The greatest value of a leader is in implementing vision.

The bible
this book is so good for you that guide you to management the company to A+.

Highly Recommended!
Heavy but invaluable reading, this book presents the results of author David H. Maister's study of 139 offices of 29 professional service - more specifically, marketing and communications - firms in 15 countries. His objective was to identify the attitudes that correlate most strongly with financial success. He found what's been known all along - that financial success correlates very strongly with the perceived good character and integrity of management. When employees believe that management practices what it preaches, they seem to give extra effort and get astonishing results. The idea that character counts as much as, or perhaps more than, structure and corporate policy will be hard for many to accept. It takes courage, commitment, faith and humility to become the kind of person this study recommends. But this information shows usthat, to contradict baseball player Leo Durocher, nice guys finish first.

Managers can skim for value, but probably not worth the time
While there's definitely some value in the things he says about the relationships between work environment and client respect, it was hard to say that his use of statistics matched what I remember from college. It would've been worth either eliding the high-level use of statistics entirely or just subjugating larger sections on the correlations and significance to a detailed appendix -- like papers on new type systems, people want to know that the semantics are sound in detail, but don't necessarily want to see every proof of every lemma interspersed with the text.

Additionally, it wasn't clear how to turn this into anything other than personal action items. It was easy to understand that you should change things in your company, but there wasn't a ton of advice around how to actually make the changes suggested.

Statistical Ignorance
Despite having a wide body of experience in business criticism and a credible approach towards analyzing business culture, David Maister exhibits far too many episodes of 'statistical ignorance' in his conclusions and statements to capture my attention or even allow me to finish reading the book.

Perhaps the audience was not engineers, mathmeticians, or anyone else who know their way around 'correlations' and 'significance' -- I frankly don't know. But I can assure you that David could have dealt himself a greater dose of credibility and 'statistical significance' if he'd had more experienced statisticians review his staggered conclusions.

I definitely credit him with opening my eyes to a handful of new 'culture management' techniques. But my eyes still sting from the idea that this gentleman has made a career out of mishandling simple correlational numbers and the science behind them. A simple example is the assertion on page 49 that 'positive' correlation is equivalent to 'significant'. ... Read more

Product Description
David G. Bauer--acknowledged expert on grantsmanship--reveals that most institutions do not invest enough time, effort, or money into the grants process. Bauer offers grantseekers a dynamic, flexible, and adaptable system for the efficient procurement, and administration, of external funds. Already a popular guide for administrators, this new edition will ensure continued support as it demonstrates how to contact funding sources and submit proposals. ... Read more

Product Description

"This book compiles and integrates highly innovative work aimed at bridging the fields of anthropology and consumer behavior." -- Journal of Consumer Affairs

"... fascinating... ambitious and interesting... " -- Canadian Advertising Foundation Newsletter

"... an anthropological dig into consumerism brimming with original thought... " -- The Globe and Mail

"Grant McCracken has written a provocative book that puts consumerism in its place in Western society -- at the centre." -- Report on Business Magazine

"... a stimulating addition to knowledge and theory about the interrelationship of culture and consumption." -- Choice

"[McCracken's] synthesis of anthropological and consumer studies material will give historians new ideas and methods to integrate into their thinking." -- Maryland Historian

"The book offers a fresh and much needed cultural interpretation of consumption." -- Journal of Consumer Policy

"The volume will help balance the prevailing cognitive and social psychological cast of consumer research and should stimulate more comprehensive investigation into consumer behavior." -- Journal of Marketing Research

"... broad scope, enthusiasm and imagination... a significant contribution to the literature on consumption history, consumer behavior, and American material culture." -- Winterhur Portfolio

"For this is a superb book, a definitive exploration of its subject that makes use of the full range of available literature." -- American Journal of Sociology

"McCracken's book is a fine synthesis of a new current of thought that strives to create an interdisciplinary social science of consumption behaviors, a current to which folklorists have much to contribute." -- Journal of American Folklore

This provocative book takes a refreshing new view of the culture of consumption. McCracken examines the interplay of culture and consumer behavior from the anthropologist's point of view and provides new insights into the way we view ourselves and our society.

Customer Reviews (5)

it's great!
it's a great and enlightening book but it's for a graduate studies student, not for an undergrad.

Book written for the intellectual elite by the intellectual elite
This is one of the many books written by professors at universities in order to get tenure. It is not written for the average reader but for other professors who already have an understanding of the subject matter. For that matter, I wonder why the author would make his book available to the general public and not make his material accessable to them. The book is dense, the author focuses more on referencing other authors rather than providing a clear, concise or original thesis to the subject. I dont not recommend this book if you are one of the billions of people out there who is not a professor at whichever universities this author was trying to impress.

How consumption creates consumer meaning.
This is the source to anthropological understanding on how consumption creates a brand meaning. Likewise how consumption creates consumer meaning.

determinism, anyone?
In "Culture & Consumption", McCracken takes the view that we are all beholden to our culture and that it is nearly impossible to break out of it.Unlike the reviewer who gave this volume 5 stars, I feel as though it is overly determinstic in its' approach.There is almost no room for any type of individual behavior, as this does not really exist for McCracken.The book is also heavy on a kind of behavioral pop psych dogma and he does not take any other modern consumption ideas into account.In the end, check this book out from the library if you really want to read it, otherwise you're just throwing your money away on overused dogmatic tripe.

You Bought the Rolex But Forgot the BMW?
"Man is a rebel against nature.He is prone to accept few things as they come.In all matters it is his irrepressible belief that by his tinkering he can improve upon them.His instrument is culture." MaryEllen Roach, Dress, Adornment, and The Social Order

Recall the last timeyou presented a gift to someone.Was it really a gift for them, or did youonly give the gift so that the recipient would assume the symbolicproperties of the item, and therefore become more like the person you wouldlike them to be?How about your last major purchase-was it a replacementfor something that no longer fits your standards, now that your standardsno longer fit your past purchases?An individual would be hard pressed tocome up with, let alone answer questions like these without serious thoughtand reflection, yet these and many others come to mind while reading"Culture and Consumption" by Grant McCracken.

Mr. McCrackenbeckons us to question ourselves, our motives, and the whole rationalebehind what we are doing when we make a purchase in the marketplace,whether it is for ourselves or someone else.While popular opinion andsocial scientific study purport that materialism is one of the things thatis most wrong with our society, the author shows that the goods that are sooften identified as the unhappy, destructive preoccupation of amaterialistic society are in fact one of the chief instruments of itssurvival-one of the ways in which its order is created and maintained.

While Mary Ellen Roach and others like her declared that yes, man likesto control things, Mr. McCracken goes many steps forward.He disregardsand even insults former theorists on consumption in an attempt to reversethe gears of thinking on modern consumption practices.Accordingly,clothing is not language.In fact, clothing is "quite unlike languageand best communicates cultural meaning when it departs from the syntagmaticprinciple on which language operates."Also, the popular trickle downtheory of diffusion is actually "an upward "chase andflight" pattern created by a subordinate group that "hunts"upper class status makers and a superordinate social group that moves on ina hasty flight to new ones."Quite modestly, the author admits thathis work "begins the rapprochement.It does not pretend to accomplishit."

Mr. McCracken demonstrates that all the other theories aboutconsumption are wrong or at least flawed.He questions them, and thenpoints the way to a new understanding of how and why we are consumers.Byhis decree, our culture follows very distinct consumption patterns.Withhis review of the history of consumption to the present day, the authorshows a consistent and lineal progression to the mass misunderstanding oftoday's marketplace.According to him, culture and consumption areinextricably intertwined, and he has attempted to unweave the elements ofthis intimate rapport for our perusal.

He casts doubt upon ourforefathers with startling clarity.What is reality to us-something wesometimes feel developed in complicated, pretentious ways-is in fact onlythe direct result of our revolutionary, rebellious founding.Mr. McCrackendemands that we reevaluate and reconstruct the history of WesternCivilization.All that we were, all that we are, and all that we strive tobe is dictated to us by our consumption patterns.While one would hope forfree will and liberty under democracy, in reality we are slaves toconsumption.

While our consumption once freed us from our past, it nowentraps us and dictates our futures.What the author terms the Dideroteffect sums this up nicely.Basically it states that when one takes thecultural meaning of a new good as the carrier of privileged meaning, theyare forced to make all the rest of their possessions consistent with it. To fail in this capacity would make our semblance inaccurate andinconsistent.With that Rolex you had better buy a BMW.To house that BMWyou had better buy a condo on the beach.To fill that condo you had betterbuy Ethan Allen furniture.To sit on that furniture you had better get aShar-Pei.To pet that Shar-Pei you had better get a gorgeous and wealthyspouse.When you're through with these "common" luxuries, youbetter collect Rembrandts, Van Goghs, and Picassos until your lust for theobscure is satiated.By that time you'll be dead and you can leave yourcompulsive obsessions to your children so that they can continue the warpedtradition of bridging their ways to the ever elusive displaced meaning-thatgap between the real and ideal in social life-like moths to a flame.

These points deserve to be more than noted.Throughout history,anthropologists have chosen to study the supply side of the IndustrialRevolution.Mr. McCracken offers a most refreshing viewpoint of the demandside of the equation.With unique insight, Mr. McCracken uses clothing asa prototypical item of contemporary culture and shows us how it has shapedand dominated our lives.Throughout this collection of essays, he tearsdown the old order of consumption theory and constructs a new one-one thathas never seen the light of day.

For anyone ready to face the marketplacethrough marketing or advertising, and begin the long overdue look at howand why we consume, there could not be a more congenial conversationalistthan Mr. McCracken. ... Read more

Product Description
Though Major General James Grant's name appears in many early histories of Florida, he has been remembered primarily for one speech he delivered in Parliament in 1775 that disparaged American military might. In this first full-scale biography of him, Nelson establishes Grant as an intelligent participant in the political and military events of his age.

As the first royal governor of British colonial Florida (1763-73), Grant practically created the colony once it was secured from Spain at the end of the Seven Years' War. His deliberate cultivation of friendships in the neighboring colonies of Georgia and South Carolina is part of the annals of royal administration, and he left behind a record of balanced, careful leadership. Even after he returned to Great Britain, where he represented Scottish constituencies in Parliament, he maintained an interest in Florida's fate, not least because he held tracts of land in East Florida that yielded profits from indigo.

Using previously neglected Grant papers at Ballindalloch Castle in Scotland, as well as better-known materials, Nelson documents the roots of Grant's personality and ambitions, producing a work of interest for scholars of the American Revolution and of military history, as well as early Florida and 18th-century British history. ... Read more

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Homage to the Fat General
Paul David Nelson does seem to make a solid living at chronicling the lives of secondary figures of the American Revolution. Yet one can not ignore his works. There are few biographers with his skill and ability.

Nelson's look at the life of James Grant proves useful and readable. Grant remains one of those obscure English figures who popped up all over North America in the 18th century. A proud son of Scotland, Grant worked his way up the military ladder after service in Europe. During the French and Indian war, Grant would lead one failed mission at Fort Duquesne(which would lead to his capture), a more succesful one in South Carolina against the Creeks, and spend time in the islands. From 1763 until 1771, Grant served as an able governor of East Florida. After his service in Saint Augustine, Grant headed to England where he served in Parliment before serving as a major general in the American Revolution. While retaining a low opinion of the militia, Grant did see some success as one of his friend William Howe's chief tactical officers, planning the battles of Brooklyn and White Plains though he never quite was able to land the knockout blow. Having said that, Grant's star rose after Henry Clinton's fell with Howe (for a detailed analysis of the odd relationship of Howe and Clinton, see Wilcox's classic "Portrait of a General"). After Howe was recalled, Grant did excellent work for his cause at St. Lucia.

The only real problem is the book seems a bit too short at points. The Florida years for example seem rather rushed. Otherwise, Nelson shows how a Scottish second son could rise to prominence in 18th century England. Nelson is able to catch Grant's personality to some extent. This obese soldier liked the high life and could be stubborn and somewhat cantakerous yet still something of a social creature. Nelson also did a great deal of work with the primary sources. While Grant may be more than a bit obscure, he does come to life in this excellent, though short, biography. ... Read more

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AMAZING!
I just now finished Snakebit and let me say that i have never read anything that made me care for the characters so much. I was literally sad when the story ended because i wanted more of these people but the story had already ended. If somebody asked me what good plays they should read I would definitely reccommend this one. It was great! ... Read more

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Edited, with a New Preface, by Grady McWhiney, With a New Introduction by Joseph T. Glatthaar.

During the Civil War centennial, four eminent scholars of the conflict--Bruce Catton, Charles P. Roland, David Donald, and T. Harry Williams--gathered at a Northwestern University symposium to debate and commemorate this transforming event in American history. Originally published in 1964, GRANT, LEE, LINCOLN, AND THE RADICALS assembles their conference papers into one small volume that has become a giant in Civil War studies.

Catton provides a brief but brilliant summary and assessment of Ulysses S. Grant's Civil War career and Roland does the same for Robert E. Lee's. The essays by Donald and Williams continue the historians' running debate on the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and the Radical Republicans. With an informative new introduction by Joseph T. Glatthaar and a new preface by Grady McWhiney, GRANT, LEE, LINCOLN, AND THE RADICALS continues to shape and illuminate the scholarship on these central Civil War figures. ... Read more

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Interesting Glimpses at some key Civil War Issues
This is a slim volume of four essays that turn their attention to three issues of the Civil War: the significance of Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee in their conduct of war for the Northern and Southern sides, and the relationship of President Lincoln with the Radical Republicans during the War. These essays probably assume readers already well versed in the history of the times, although they are not too obscure for the general reader.

Author Bruce Catton establishes immediately that the Civil War was not the classic "war of professionals, with set rules, established values, and recognized limits." The Civil War was all-out warfare fought by soldier-citizens for whom the only acceptable outcome was total victory. It was Grant, after a series of failed generals, who finally dealt with the exigencies and peculiarities of the war and devised a strategy leading to victory. Grant was aggressive in his pursuit of the war and understood the need to destroy the other's army and not simply gain strategic points through maneuver, all done with untrained, yet willing, troops. It is clear that the North had an immense advantage in resources, but it was left to Grant to devise a multi-pronged, total war effort and use this advantage in resources by continually pressing the enemy.

Lee was dealt a difficult hand to play in the Civil War. He was outmanned two or three to one; his advantage of internal rail lines did not prove to be that beneficial; Southern localism detracted from a united front; and the defense of the Southern agricultural system dependent on slavery required that troops be dispersed much too widely. The author, Charles Roland, points out that Lee was not given command of all of the Southern army until the war was essentially over, though his advice to Jefferson Davis was valued. As commander of the Northern Virginia army, Lee had an uncanny ability to predict Northern strategy and troop movements. His strategy to penetrate into Northern territory to strike fear into the civilian population, aid Northern peace advocates, and perhaps end the war was a bold initiative. But the Southern army was routed at Gettysburg in July of 1863, partially due to poor strategy and execution; it was not Lee's finest moment. The author suggests that Lee did not, at times, control his subordinate officers sufficiently well to prevent uncoordinated or ineffective battlefield actions. After Gettysburg the Southern war effort was doomed, but Lee prolonged the Confederacy for a year (1864-65) by resisting the final push of Grant towards Richmond with a series of excellent counter moves and stands. The author calls that effort "one of the most prodigious military efforts of the modern age."

The essays by David Donald and T. Harry Williams are brief, but in depth, looks at the Radical Republicans and their influence on President Lincoln. While the essays are interesting and informative, they are actually a continuation of an insider dispute among academic historians as to the significance of the Radicals during the War. Donald claims that all Republicans generally shared the same beliefs and that it is virtually impossible to identify a group of Republicans or a set of policies that can be definitively labeled "Radical." He holds that differences among members of a party are normal. However, he does not disagree that there was widespread disagreement, even disapproval, with Lincoln by many Republicans. Williams, on the other hand, finds that a group of Republicans were doctrinaire about their beliefs concerning the eradication of slavery, opposed to the more pragmatic approach of Conservative Republicans. These Radicals even made attempts to usurp executive authority and privilege in the conduct of the war and in the choice of Cabinet members. Lincoln was largely able to deflect such pressures. The post-Civil War period is not covered in these essays, but it would seem that what influence the Radicals may have had was fleeting given the return to dominance of the white elite in the South.

All of these essays are mere glimpses into the Civil War era. Perhaps they would be clarifying for some or stimulate more investigation by others. ... Read more

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As a voice coach, David Grant’s client list includes Take That, Spice Girl Melanie C., Lemar, Will Young and numerous others. This is the life story of a boy from Jamaica who moved to Britain and became a musician and vocal coach to the stars. ... Read more

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This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more