Product Description

Customer Reviews (16)

As good as any other Ludlum novel...
I have always been a fan of Ludlum, especially his Covert One novel series.The Lazarus Vendetta was as good if not better than it's fellow Covert One novels.It is a compelling read that you won't want to put down.Fast-paced and never dull, the Lazarus Vendetta has some fun, although slightly predictable twists and turns.I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Ludlum's other work, or fans of Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, and W.E.B. Griffin.

The Gruesome Vendetta
THE TEASER
The novel begins with a grabber or teaser, a loathsome device designed to catch bookstore browsers with up front action--but usually only confusing readers.In this case, two interesting characters are introduced, only to be murdered a page later.

THE SETUP
The story actually begins with an assault on the Teller Institute in New Mexico, by a group posing as Secret Service Agents (prior to a scheduled Presidential visit).Many new characters are introduced for the reader to strain to remember, but most of them are also killed a page or two later. Visiting medical researcher and US Army Lt. Colonel, w ith USAMRIID (the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases), and Covert 1 agent, Jonathon Smith, witnesses the devastation.Members of the troglodytic extreme anti-technology Lazarus Movement, which happens to be protesting outside the institute gate, are targeted by nanophages released by the bad guys.That's the setup.

Eventually Smith is assisted by MI6 agent Peter Howell and CIA agent (and almost sister-in-law of Smith) Randi Russell.

CRITICISM
While reading the novel, I was reminded of the "spy versus counterspy versus countercounterspy versus countercountercounterspy" comics from my childhood.The convolutions are enough to make your head spin.Indeed, when the author finally revealed the nature of the plot, my reaction was "What the heck!!!! That makes NO sense."All the convoluted scheming by the "bad guy"--poorly explained as a diversion--was unnecessary and very risky.The "testing" of the nanophages could have entirely been done in remote parts of Africa and South America, and the world would have hardly noticed.At numerous points, the unnecessary scheming could have brought the "evil plot" to the attention of authorities--as it ultimately did.

Also, what happened to the implied scheme of selectively targeting, drug addicts, alcoholics, carriers of sexual deseases, etc.?That story line was just left dangling.That storyline could at least fit in with the gruesome effects of the nanophages and the title.That is, if the "bad guy" had a vendetta against drug addicts, alcoholics, carriers of sexual deseases, etc., he might want them to suffer.However, nominally, the only purpose was simply to reduce the population of the planet, so why not just have the nanophages kill people in their sleep, or instantly (like cyanide)?The author makes no attempt to explain the extraordinary cruelty.

SNIDE OBSERVATIONS
There is no "vendetta" (a personal grudge against another person or family).Note that a person may name an organization after himself, but does not name himself after an organization.So, the Lazarus character does not make sense

Any system of "popular faith" is going to be exploited by con-men.I find it amazing that individuals have only the deepest disdain for religious evangelists(SOME of which are con-men) are so easily duped by secular charlatans, such as a certain former Vice President.

EVALUATION
"The Lazarus Vendetta", is a fantasy action thriller.Not a fantasy with wizards or space aliens, but rather in the vein of James Bond stories.That is, so over-the-top, implausible, and convoluted, that it cannot plausibly be considered as possible in the real world.But once given the corresponding maximum "suspension of disbelief" it is fun, but ultimately unsastifying.

RATING
I don't believe that it is the purpose of the Amazon ratings to compare "Ludlum branded" novels with genuine Ludlum novels.Books should be evaluated on their own merits.

needs better QA for Kindle version
The book is a typical thriller, with a rather over the top storyline, but an enjoyable read for most anyone that likes fantasy thrillers. In that regard, I'd give the book 4 stars.

The Kindle edition has very poor quality control, quite inexcusable. The typeface constantly changes from normal to bold, throughout the book. That is very distracting and annoying, because it's much more difficult to read with the constantly changing text. That's the reason for the 3 star rating.

Great Book
What I found great about this book was the fact that Ludlum captured every characters perspective on the current situation. The action was non-stop, the twists were great, and the ending was fantastic. I recommend this book fully.

Waste of time
I have read everyone of Ludlum's books and it is a disgrace that this book has his name attached to it. I struggled through the first hundred pages waiting for something well written and interesting. It never happened. I don't quit many books before they are finished, but I just couldn't stand this any more.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Robert Patricks Cheep Theatricks
Over 20 plays by New York's most produced playwright including, Fred and Harold, I Came to New York to Write, The Richest Girl in the World Finds Happiness, Arnold's Big Break, Phil and Laura, and My Parents were American. ... Read more

Product Description
The new, Seventh Edition of RETAILING, like much of retailing itself, has undergone significant changes. In fact, given the influence of the Internet, the continuing growth of the service industry, and ongoing changes in the global economy, there has never been a more exciting time to study retailing. As a result, every chapter of this edition includes up-to-date information on the latest trends and practices in this dynamic, fast-paced industry. Even so, the Seventh Edition maintains the text's signature in-depth coverage of fundamental retailing principles, enlivened by the authors? conversational writing style, abundant real-world examples, behind-the-scenes insights, and a vibrant, full-color format. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

good deal
Book was cheaper than at the campus bookstore and arrived in a couple of days. Very pleased with the results. And the previous owner had highlighted all the pertinent information, so that saves ME time!

what i needed
this item was shipped pretty quickly, packaged appropriately, and in the condition described. i was satisfied.

Retailing Textbook
Book arrived in new condition.One complaint, it didn't come with some sort of reciept or proof of purchase.Couldn't beat the price though and it arrived right on time.

Sad
If this book really does cost what it says it does, then the editorial review is less than useless. It's sad. Hey, I understand your stock prices are dropping, but don't start loosing the quality.

quest
IS THIS PRICE RIGHT? IKNOW A FRIEND WHO PURCHAED ONE LESS THAN I EXPECTED. AM I WRONG? ... Read more

Product Description
As either observer or participant, radio deejay and political activist, Richard E. Stamz witnessed every significant period in the history of blues and jazz in the last century. From performing first-hand as a minstrel in the 1920s to broadcasting Negro League baseball games in a converted 1934 Chrysler to breaking into Chicago radio and activist politics and hosting his own television variety show, the remarkable story of his life also is a window into milestones of African American history throughout the twentieth century. Dominating the airwaves with his radio show "Open the Door, Richard" on WGES in Chicago, Stamz cultivated friendships with countless music legends, including Willie Dixon, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Memphis Slim, and Leonard Chess. The pioneering Chicago broadcaster and activist known as 'The Crown Prince of Soul' died in 2007 at the age of 101, but not before he related the details of his life and career to college professor Patrick A. Roberts. "Give 'Em Soul, Richard!" surrounds Stamz's memories of race records, juke joints, and political action in Chicago's Englewood neighbourhood with insights on the larger historical trends that were unfolding around him in radio and American history.Narrated by Stamz, this entertaining and insightful chronicle includes commentary by Roberts as well as reflections on the unlikely friendship and collaboration between a black radio legend and a white academic that resulted in one of the few existing first-hand accounts of Chicago's post-war radio scene. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

If you never knew Richard, you would after reading this book
I am so thrilled to have in my possession another radio project and on one of America's most outstanding Radio Announcers; i.e. Richard Stamz.This book gives you the full soul of Richard and if you never knew him, after reading this book you will feel as if you had finally met him.Richard was very passionate about his broadcasting career and the book emphasizes it and how hard it was to be an African American in the society inwhich he was raised and worked in.He lived a full life and enjoyed sharing his stories with everyone and finally, it's packaged into what he was all about... "Soul"!

The book is a quick read and I wish he had more involved details on the industry ups and downs; however, it does mention things that others never would in their writings and all of it is the total truth.

Marsha Washington George, Author - Black Radio...Winner Takes All! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent character studies & monologues to use
...If you do get a chance to read it...you will be amazed at the detailed characters built up by the long, uninterrupted monologues.

There isn't a plot as such, its set in the early 70's and involves a group of 6 unrelated characters explaining their lives in the setting of a bar, looking back at the sixties and what it meant for them. The characters include a frustrated model obsessed with becoming a 'marilyn' like figure and a young alchoholic who works in underground theatre.

Brilliant to read - and I think even better to see on stage, its a pity it hasn't been more widely acclaimed.

Especially good if you have any auditions coming up because every scene is its own self contained monologue, and incredably naturalistic considering the monologue format. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (32)

used cd
One of the CD's had a small problem with an unclear section of the book.Nothing major.It isn't new so these things can be expected.

Dead Author
I think the practice of selling books by Authors which are written by another person is dishonest. Ludlum has been dead for a DECADE! Big business has no sense of right and wrong as long as they can make money.

THE MOSCOW VECTORROBT LUDLUM NOVEL
ALTHOUGH HAVEN'T FINISHED LISTENING TO IT I LIKE WHAT I'VE HEARD.FOLLOWS MOST OF HIS STORY LINES AND ALWAYS SEEMS TO INVOLVE A LOT OF FOREIGN NAMES-WHICH I FIND DIFFICULT TO REMEMBER OR FOLLOW.I HAVE BEEN ILL MOST OF THIS PAST YEAR AND HAVE DONE LITTLE READING AS UNABLE TO FOCUS- BUT I HAVE ALL HIS BOOKS AND ENJOY READING THEM MORE THAN ONCE

A Covert 1 Worthy of the Ludlum Name
THE PREMISE
The premise of "The Moscow Vector" is that the current Russian dictator is using a biological weapon to "soften up" the military hierarchy of the former European territories of the USSR, before invading and recapturing.The weapon, or more correctly weapons, tailored to the specific DNA of the target individual, are also being used against potential opponent politicians and intelligence agencies.

THE TEASER
"The Moscow Vector" begins with a teaser, a loathsome device designed to catch bookstore browsers with upfront action--but usually only confusing and often misleading the reader.In the teaser, Covert 1 agent Fiona Devlin, undercover in Moscow as a reporter, meets with a Russian doctor, but he is killed before he can pass vital information about a new disease.

THE SETUP
The novel actually begins with a repeat of the teaser.In this repeat, medical researcher and US Army Lt. Colonel, with USAMRIID (the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases) meets with a Russian doctor in Prague, but he is killed before he can pass on the vital information.

Smith (also a Covert 1 agent) and Devin soon team up.As in all Covert 1 novels, Smith is eventually assisted by CIA agent, and almost sister-in-law Randi Russell.Covert 1 is essentially the President of the U.S.'s private secret spy and "action" agency.

CRITIQUE
The Moscow Vector is a fast paced and exciting medical-espionage action thriller, with many twists and turns.However, the web of "bad guys" is a bit needlessly complex, and potentially confusing.

Some previous Covert 1 novels have been so over-the-top that they can only be described as "fantasy thrillers" (in the James Bond mold), fun but requiring much suspension of disbelief.Unlike those novels, the plot and execution of "The Moscow Vector" are trully Ludlum-esque, or Clancy-esque.The events are unlikely, but concievable.

Robert Ludlum's The Moscow Vector
Awsome, exciting, and "I can't put it down" type of story.Ludlum's abilitiy to spin his stories with such clarity, excitement, and expectation brings a joy to this reader. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

a stretch for conseverative Christians
For a conservative Christian it is difficult to press through to the end of this book, but I am glad I did. I was able to gain insight into thinking thatI had priviously either ignored or rejected. I thoroughly enjoyed the archetypes pictured by Arnold.

Masterful Work on Masculine Spirituality
This book is a must read for any man serious about pursuing a radical spirituality.Women who are interested in getting a glimpse of the innermost workings of men would also benefit from it.(WARNING: Many ofArnold's insights will likely be misunderstood/misinterpreted by spiritualneophytes).

This is a brilliantly written and researched work that pullstogether Jungian psychology, mythology and the Judeo-Christian Tradition inlight of recent Scripture scholarship.Arnold's unapologetic insightsabout the state of the Church and his biting wit evident in thedescriptions of wildman, warrior, king, healer, trickster, magician andlover makes this arguably the most thought-provoking, entertaining andcontroversial book on masculine spirituality.As Robery Bly remarks in theForeword, his description of the Trickster is particularly brilliant--Iwould add to this the Wildman and Lover.Arnold writes with tremendousdepth, clarity and conviction of the wounds of contemporary men and all theinnumerable ups, downs, precipices, pitfalls and paradoxes that the"hero" will inevitable face.His Bible-based archetypes serve asan excellent map for negotiating this labyrinth.

I would especiallyrecommend this book to young men who are looking for mentoring or spiritualdirection.And although a book may not be able to replace a realflesh-and-blood person, Arnold could be considered a "protectivefigure" that will help guide you along.HOWEVER, I would also addthat those men who have not done their inner work or who lean towardfundamentalism will likely not benefit from this challenging book.

An inspiring vision for all men!
Arnold does a terrific job of reviewing basic psychological male archtypes in prominent male figures of the Bible.He uses real life experience, wisdom, and a dry sense of humor to give his tour.He tackles difficultissues facing men in today's society, and connects them with ancienttraditions and mythology.It will be an eye-opening experience for anyonelooking to deepen their understanding of what makes men tick!If you havesons or work with young men, you will find this book to be a valuable guidefor leading them into a healthy adulthood.

Good place to start discovering a male mode of spirituality
Patrick Arnold has written a book that should be read by every man looking for a male mode of spirituality.By explaining and illustrating male spirituality using Biblical characters as examples of the Jungian andneo-Jungian archetypes (wildman, warrior, king, prophet, etc.), Arnoldgives men a meaningful way to look at Christianity and our place in it.Awelcome addition to my library and a recommended title for anyone wantingto investigate this subject. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the most distinguished figures in twentieth-century American politics,Daniel Patrick Moynihan, was the center of virtually every major political issue of his day,offering a distinct voice unique in its prescience, scholarliness, and statesmanlike manner. Thecontributors to this career-spanning assessment knew Moynihan as teacher, scholar, andcolleague, and they use their diverse interactions with him to paint a picture of an extraordinarythinker with many areas of intellectual concern: social policy, international relations, publicworks, race relations, and government secrecy. In addition, the essayists explore Moynihan's roleas a devoted public servant, from his experience in four successive presidential administrationsthrough his time as ambassador and senator from New York.Amazon.com Review
Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY) is widely regarded asone of the brightest lights on Capitol Hill. He is, to quote MichaelBarone's contribution to this admiring anthology of tributes, "thenation's best thinker among politicians since Lincoln and its bestpolitician among thinkers since Jefferson." Moynihan is an essentialand leading political voice on issues ranging from Social Security towelfare to national security. James Q. Wilson cites the senator's"luminous intellect, personal conviction, deep historical knowledge,the eye of an artist and the pen of an angel, and above all, anincorruptible devotion to the common good."This smart collection ofessays reviews Moynihan's career as a scholar (he's the author orcoauthor of several fine books, including Secrecy and Miles to Go) and apublic servant (he worked in four consecutive administrations, fromJFK to Gerald Ford, before being voted into Congress in 1976). Readersmay wish that the book were at times a bit more critical, but almostall of its essays are nevertheless interesting and worthwhile. Themost entertaining one comes from Tim Russert, moderator of NBC'sMeet the Press, who recalls the senator's appearances on theshow over the years. Once, Russert asked his guest whether he will"fight until death" over a certain proposed tax.Replied Moynihan:"Fight until death over taxes? Oh no. Women, country, God, things likethat. Taxes? No."--John J. Miller ... Read more

Product Description
On a moonlit night in the spring of 1862, six slaves stole one of the Confederacy's most crucial gunships from its wharf in the South Carolina port of Charleston, and delivered it to the Federal Navy.This audacious and intricately coordinated escape, masterminded by a 24-year-old sailor named Robert Smalls, astonished the world and exploded the Confederate claim that Southern slaves did not crave freedom or have the ability to take decisive action. Robert Smalls's heroic career had only begun.A brilliant sailor and strategist, he was quickly promoted to the rank of captain in the Federal Navy where he served courageously in many critical battles.Not only was Smalls a great soldier, he was also a powerful activist, whose appeal to Abraham Lincoln convinced the president to enlist 5,000 former slaves, shattering the color barrier that had kept black men out of the service.Smalls drew great crowds as an eloquent public speaker, and his outstanding character inspired the broad public support that encouraged Lincoln to ratify the Emancipation Proclamation. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. tells the story of another great American hero, a man who did not flinch in the face of extraordinary dangers--a man whose dedication to the cause of freedom made him one the most important participants in the American Civil War. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Disappointing
I was very excited to see this book as it is such a wonderful story that deserves a wide telling. I was not acquainted with the other books out there about Robert Smalls, and the striking cover caught my eye. The art work is beautiful but the format is misleading. There must have been some intentionality on Kennedy's part to choose the words he chose. I certainly do not believe in dumbing down books, and I think sprinkling harder words amongst the text helps young readers learn new vocabulary, but this book seems intentionally obtuse! It's not a few lengthy words; it's 3 or 4 unfamiliar ( for kids) words every sentence. In addition to the multisyllabic words, there are shipping terms that young readers will be unfamiliar with. It seems a totally misspent effort - who is the audience? I'm not even sure it's 4th or 5th grade. I believe even older kids would need to have a dictionary at hand to read this book, but they would be put off by it's picture book appearance. Where were the editors on this book?

Robert Smalls, the Boat Thief
Very thin book. Not worth the money. A poor gift. If you give it as a gift you'll look cheap.

Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
As a young slave in Beaufort, South Carolina, Robert Smalls worked in the McKee house with his mother, who regularly reminded him of the harsh conditions she had experienced as a field slave and the brutal treatment of other slaves in Beaufort. These lessons deepened Robert's hatred of slavery and his longing for freedom.When Robert was twelve, Henry McKee hired Robert out in Charleston for various jobs, including waiter, lamplighter, and stevedore. Robert's reputation as a hard worker with excellent technical abilities led to a position sailing a merchant schooner along the Georgia and Carolina coasts.

Over time, Robert married and had two children, but because the legal system required Robert to turn almost all his wages over to McKee, the dream of buying his family's freedom remained elusive. With the start of the Civil War, Robert found new work as a deckhand, and later pilot, on a large Confederate transport ship named the Planter. Robert ingeniously used this opportunity to strengthen his navigational skills, gain the confidence of the white officers, and learn the assorted coded whistle signals for passing by the check points in Charleston Harbor. With this training intact and family members on board, Robert and his crew commandeered the Planter across the harbor in May of 1862, delivered the ship to the Federal Navy, and celebrated their newfound freedom.

The book's carefully-written text and stunning illustrations pay tribute to a courageous man who became one of the biggest heroes of the Civil War. The book also emphasizes Robert Smalls' subsequent work fighting for social justice while serving in the South Carolina state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.Smalls wound up spending most of his life advocating for the end of institutionalized discrimination and the right for blacks to vote, hold office, attend public school, and join the military. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., known for his environmental activism, has made another valuable contribution by putting the inspiring story of Robert Smalls into the spotlight and making it accessible to young readers.

Surprised by too many inaccuracies but still worth reading . . .
I received my fresh copy of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s new book, Robert Smalls: The Boat Thief, in the mail today.I was thrilled to read it.

My comments and criticisms do not take away from the reality that Kennedy has essentially got the basic story right, but the flaws in the book and the story as told, reduces the power of the fuller story as I will show in this review.

Overall, I'm delighted this book is in print and I'd recommend it for reading for grades 4th-6th, with the below-listed reservations.

In full-disclosure, I have been seriously researching the Robert Smalls story for eight years so some of my critiques might seem a little picks. You be the judge.

First, on the positive side, it is beautifully illustrated. Patrick Faricy did an excellent job. There are roughly 15 illustrations, mostly in color.

But there are several downsides to this book that need to be corrected if it is published in a second edition.

First, the publisher's web site says the book is intended for an audience of ages 8-12.That would be grades one through fifth.I'd disagree. It is more appropriate for grades 4th - 6th.

Are words like "audacious, stereotypes, precariousness, astern, archipelagos, fusillade" aimed at the lower elementary grades?

The story might appeal to grades 1-5 but the language reading level is way beyond what the average 1st through 3rd grader could comprehend.

Compared to other resources on Smalls aimed at children (i.e., Seven Miles to Freedom, Halfmann; and Robert Smalls Sails to Freedom, Brown) Kennedy's book is clearly better aimed at upper elementary grades.

Second, the author quotes Smalls as saying, "damned sight" (p. 21). Not only is the quote not historically true, why add an expletive into the narrative if it's aimed at the lower elementary ages?

Third, there are several inaccurate facts or statements in the book.

The author says that Robert (as a young boy) watched "slaves being whipped in the streets" in Beaufort.The truth is Robert only told of seeing one whipping in his youth at Beaufort.It was at the arsenal yard.The exaggeration is not needed to make the author's point.

Kennedy states that Robert was married to Hannah Jones in 1858 (p.3). In fact he was married on December 24, 1856 in Beaufort [see Billingsley p. 45].Thus the author also gets the year of their first child - Elizabeth - wrong. His text implies it would have been 1859. In fact, she was born February 12, 1858.The correct date of marriage is important because the incorrect 1858-date is oft-repeated in secondary literature about Smalls.

Again, perhaps too picky, but the author states (p. 6) that the evening before the escape the black crew loaded the Planter with "six guns". To be accurate there were two guns already on the boat and so the crew would have only loaded four.Does it change the essence of the story?No?Is it more historically faithful? Yes.

Kennedy says that the ship's white officers were "court-marshalled, fined and imprisoned" (p. 16). In fact, only one prison sentence was meted out by the justice system, and yet all the convictions of the white crew were over-turned before an official prison sentence was served.In other words, they essentially got off scott-free under the Confederate justice courts.

Fourth, there are omissions that would have made the story richer.For example, Kennedy does not inform the reader that Lydia (Robert's mother) and Robert were from the Gullah culture in the Sea Islands of South Carolina.

Fifth, Kennedy mis-states the nature of regarding Smalls's promotion to Captain(pp. 21-24) .The biggest problem is that author suggests that Smalls was an official Captain of the U.S. Navy, as the Captain of the Planter.This might be hair-splitting but to due justice to the true story Smalls never got his fair-due as an official (i.e., on paper and documented) Captain of the Planter or for the U.S. Navy.

Smalls was black and denied that official designation and honor. Does that take anything away from the essential story either?No.But the more complete picture reveals how Smalls continued to serve with honor and distinction without having the appropriate and deserved respect of his peers and government.

Another correction to be noted is that Kennedy says that the action involving Smalls's 'promotion' to Captain took place in May 1863 (p.21). That is incorrect. It was in December 1863.

Perhaps being a little too picky, Kennedy could have added that the name of the McKee plantation Lydia worked on was called Ashdale, and that Robert was known as a house servant called 'Swonga'.Not major omissions but would have added some color and an opportunity for a teacher to expand on these facts in the classroom.

I apologize for being so nit-picky but since I love this story so much and desire for the entire truth to be known about the Smalls Civil War escape, I feel it is important to bring these points to one's attention.

I still plan on buying several copies and donating them to the elementary school libraries in my county in middle Tennessee. ... Read more

Product Description
In April 1861, Private Robert Patrick, a talented clerk in the Commissary and Quartermaster departments of the Fourth Louisiana Infantry, began a diary that he continued until the last days of the Civil War. A keen observer who had a flair for descriptive writing, Patrick offers a fascinating look behind the Confederate front lines. ... Read more

Product Description
Only 400 signed limited edition hardbacks will be published.Publisher: Bloodletting PressOn a remote island off the coast of Ireland, an unpiloted boat drifts ashore, watched by a man to whom the dead are something to be feared...In a small stone chapel that stands hunkered against the vicious island winds, a woman whispers a frantic prayer to the gathering dark as something pale and dreadful scratches at the window.A young girl in love races to the shore to meet her lover and finds something monstrous instead...And in a confessional, a dead man waits to tell his sins...A gunshot in a church in Los Angeles leads Tim Quinn halfway around the world and into a nightmare, for on Blackrock Island, he will find love, murder and madness, and discover an earth-shattering truth about the Curtain, and those who hide behind it. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description

In Environmental Justice, leading thinkers of the environmental justice movement take a direct look at the failure of "top down" public policy to effectively deal with issues of environmental equity.

The book provides a startling look at pressing social and environmental problems and charts a course for future action. Among the topics considered are:

Product Description
"This book is ... not on philosophy, science or reality, but why and how minds might invent such things. The laws of mind, not the laws of gravity or electricity, but the methods of the mind that made these tools. It is not on brains of neurons, controllers or computers, but the logical possibilities of mind, from minimal axioms deducing all the kinds of mind that are and can ever be."Mind Making applies original artificial intelligence research to precisely define "mind". On that foundation, author Patrick Roberts advances ancient questions of free-will, reality and ethics. Deeper, the book offers a scientific method for resolving philosophical questions."How to prove a model of mind? Only by testing an analogous combination of entirely mindless parts. Otherwise, you remain trapped in endless debates, never reaching certainties because you can't suspend your own mind. Twenty-five hundred years of futile verbal philosophical debate ends. Philosophy becomes an engineering problem: Machine mind m outperformed mind n in a statistically significant set of tests. n's assumptions about reality are wrong. m's are right and are complete because m contains no minds but those we made."To the psychologist, Mind Making offers a model of the human mind unburdened by the technicalities of neurons and chemistry. To the engineer, designs for more reliable, powerful machines. To the philosopher, proven ultimate reality. To the lay reader, better knowledge of his mind, and of his world as an effect of that mind."These laws of mind are all that can be true for everyone, everywhere, forever. They can't be false because they made truth. Always true, you need never doubt them. In your mind, they are the last possessions you can lose. By comparison, all other knowledge is trivia." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Simply. Brilliant!
Mind Making is a one-of-a-kind piece of work that avoids the usual traps of other philosophy and artificial intelligence books. Patrick Roberts' Mind Making is a dense read with many, many superb ideas. You don't have to be a philosopher or computer programmer to appreciate it. And, at just over 150 pages, it makes for a quick, yet dense but satisfying read. This is the kind of book that will hold people's interest for many years - make that decades - to come. My only gripe: the book feels somehow incomplete. The book's ambition doesn't fit its length. It's as if the author left out some of the pieces of the puzzle. Though I'm sure we can look forward to a revised edition in the future which will contain solutions to the unanswered questions. Overall, Mind Making is a definite must-read! ... Read more

Product Description
Graves's poems have been re-edited in this volume as part of the "Robert Graves Programme". These 151 poems allow Graves to speak with his original voice. By including the historical context, this book allows readers to follow the poet's progress from schoolboy to mature writer. ... Read more

Product Description
Where do I go from here? You are not alone. Thousands of unsuspecting people wake up every day to discover their loved one, the one person that they are supposed to trust completely, has been living a life of lies and deceit because they suffer from a disease - a disease called sex addiction. Stefanie Carnes brings together several authors to guide the reader through an assortment of topics like, How Do I Handle This? and, What Do I Tell the Kids? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Mending a Shattered Heart
Awesome book, it was good for me because it did cover how a man feels when his wife betrays him.Most books only speak of the man as the offender but when a Pastor's wife commits adultery how does the pastor feel?

Life saver book!!
When I started reading this book I was totally at a loss and my life was nothing but a great mess. I didn't know what to do, I didn't understand what I am facing, I was like the king in a chess game who has just been checked!! I was standing in one point not able to move one step forwards, backwards or to either of the sides. The whole situation was devastating for me when I discovered after nine years of marriage that my husband was a sex addict.

I am Egyptian and he is British. In Egypt, the culture and the religion are so very different from Europe or The United States. At the beginning I thought it was just a difference in culture and background that was causing the problems. But then things started to get worse by the day. We, in Egypt, specially girls, don't know much about issues like sex addiction or even about sex in general. I took him to three different therapists in three different situations to figure out the problem but none of them could. In a situation like that, where I don't have enough knowledge, and the therapist are not much of a help, this book was a life saver for me.

The book made the picture clear in my mind. Even if it doesn't solve the problem immediately - as this has to come from within each person according to different circumstances of each case - then at least it identifies the problem, tells you what you need to know about the fight you found yourself in, and leads you to mend your heart and soul that were badly hurt and injured. It was a very useful read in the absence of any help in my country including therapy groups. The subject of sex addiction seems to be new to the whole world, and the few therapist who know about it in Egypt were very hard to locate. Therapy groups are only available for other addictions like Alcohol and Narcotics, but not for sex addiction. The importance of this book for me stems from the lack of any other aid methods in my country, and I think I know now what I need to do to fix myself and save it from a destructive relationship.

I hope it helps other people too, and may God bless the Author who helped from all that distance by taking the time to write this important book. I appreciate the quick and professional service that I got from Amazon, without their help I could never have found that book or read it. I also recommend two more books that I bought from Amazon, for people who have my problem: "Don't call it love" and "out of the shadows" by Patrick Carnes. They are very useful and important to read when you have a sex addict at home.

Kelly McDaniel LPC, NCC, CSAT
A wonderful compilation of expertise and hope for individuals affected by loving a sex addict. When I give this to a client, I know s/he will find a wellspring of comfort.

Excellent
I highly recommend this well edited book by one of the experts in this field.

Okay, but very limiting in scope
This book is quite limiting in that it assumes that the reader had no idea of what was going on with their partner. It also places a heavy amount of responsibility on the reader, with the label of "co-addict" and "co-dependent". To be fair, many relationships that are touched by one's addiction usually do involve some type of codependency issues; nevertheless,making the assertion that this is the case in every situation (as this book seems to do) isn't helpful when attempting to give someone information on how to proceed when they've discovered their partner is a sex addiction. Not only that, but there's nothing in this book for people who knew what their partner was "up to" but didn't think anything was amiss. Again, it assumes that the information that a spouse is a sex addict is shocking, heart-shattering, and that the reader is in a tizzy over everything rather than assuming that some readers will take a more rational approach to dealing with the problem at hand. This is unfortunate, as there are countless people who are dealing with their partner's sex addiction who don't feel betrayed, shattered, depressed, etc- they just want some answers about what they can do to care for themselves and be there for their partner during recovery. ... Read more

Product Description
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