Book Description
"Sometime in the next five years you may kick yourself for not reading and re-reading Kindleberger's Manias, Panics, and Crashes." -Paul A. Samuelson, Institute Professor Emeritus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"One never picks up a work by Charles Kindleberger without anticipating a feast of entertainment. But underneath the hilarious anecdotes, the elegant epigrams, and the graceful turns of phrase, Kindleberger is deadly serious. The manner in which human beings earn their livings is no laughing matter to him, especially when they attempt to do so at the expense of one another." -from the Foreword by Peter L. Bernstein, author of Against the Gods and The Power of Gold

Praise for Manias, Panics, and Crashes

"Classic. . . . Manias, Panics, and Crashes is a durable guide to meditation: wise, witty, and practical. It is a template against which to measure the latest financial crisis-whatever and whenever that happens to be." -David Warsh, Boston Globe

"Definitive." -Floyd Norris, New York Times

"Menacing..." -The New Yorker

"[Manias, Panics, and Crashes] is a scholarly account of the way that mismanagement of money and credit has led to financial explosions over the centuries."-Richard Lambert, Financial Times

"This book sparkles with the best of Kindleberger's wit, insight, and passion for financial history. A real delight."-Robert Z. Aliber, Professor of International Economics and Finance, University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business

"What long has been the best history of financial pathologies is now even better. The reader who absorbs Kindleberger's lessons will be prepared to foresee and navigate the financial crises that surely lie ahead. Like a true classic, Manias, Panics, and Crashes is both timely and timeless." -Richard Sylla, Kaufman Professor of Financial History, Stern School of Business, New York University ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

A classic -- but showing its age
This book probably deserves the title of "classic", being one of the first attempts by an economist to popularize for a broader audience a theory of speculative financial bubbles that takes into account "modern" macroeconomic theory (e.g. Keynes and the monetarists). The book identifies many common themes among some of the great financial manias in history, providing along the way some entertaining anecdotes and commentary.

Nevertheless, classic or not, I was a bit disapointed with the book. After 30 years and several editions it seems to be showing its age, with numerous uneven and unconvincing attempts to update the text to the late 20th century. I also found that the many historical examples were not well told or clearly differentiated and tended to blend together. Chancellor's "Devil take the Hindmost" seems to do a better job at providing a history of the great speculative bubbles. Most importantly, Kindelberger writes alot about what goverbnments should do after crashes occur, but he does not help much with a useful framework for spotting bubbles as they emerge -- or understanding how they tend to unravel.

Great Scholarly work but how does an investor make a buck?
I don't recommend this book for a general business audience.It does a fine job of chronicling various panics.I was hoping for a book that focused on causes of panics and manias and how to identify one when you are in it.

Speculation leads to disaster and must be borne by the central bank.
Speculation excesses are referred too as mania and revulsion from these excesses take the form of crisis, crashes, or panic which are historically common.The excess speculation builds as investor seize new opportunities for profits and are overdone.Hyman Minsky describes these new opportunities as the result of displacement.Displacement are events leading up to a crisis, such as, outbreak or end of war, bumper harvest or crop failure, widespread adoption of an invention, or some political event.Displacement must be a significant size.Displacement brings opportunities for profit and increased demand causes price to rise. Banks artificially increase supply without proportional increases in demand by expanding the money supply that demand would have generated.The money supply expansion is notoriously unstable.Feedback fuels Euphoria for price increase; the Euphoria turns investment from really valuable products to delusional ones.Boom is characterized as rising interest rates, as Banks threaten discredit and hedge against the speculation by raising rates; trading velocity increases and the velocity of circulation and turnover ratios rise; and stock prices increases.Boom is fed by expansion caused by bank credit; credit increases the money supply and destablizes the investment.

Once the excessive character of the upswing is realized, the financial system experiences a distress and then rushes to reverse expansion resembling panic: real or financial assets converting to money, premature repayment of debt, and prices crashes in commodities.Minsky explains that selling at the top falters because there is not enough money too sell out at the top.

Revulsion of the commodity halts banks from lending on the commodity as collateral, this is called discredit.Discredit leads the panic as people crowd to get out the door.People may stop trying to get out the door, if price falls and the commodity looks like a bargin, trade is cut and price declines stop hemmoraging, or a lender convinces the market money will become available.When the economy becomes depressed, Banks view borrowing as a risky prospect and may prefer to put their money in government securities.

Banks fail when too many borrowers default on their loans and the borrowers collateral is not enough to cover the debt.Inflation and deflation should not affect long term growth.When prices fall a corresponding drop in wages also may occur.Employment and purchasing power remain neutral.Wo, comes unto the borrower. The borrower suffers because the debts are fixed.The creditor benefits because expense money is returned in debt payments and this money can buy more, a value added function.Depression is characterized by a reluctance for banks to loan money, discreditation of the commodities to be used as collateral decreases the amount of loanable money the bank is willing to extend to the borrower, and tight money slows growth.

The world markets operate as if men are rationale over the long run.Irrationality may exist as economic actors choose the wrong economic model, fail to account for a particular piece of information, or fail despite a rational expectation as lags between stimulus and reaction fail to meet expectation. Composite fallacy confuses the truth, as investors believe that the whole is more than the sum of its parts. Speculation leads to disaster and must be borne by the central bank.

Superb treatment of the speculative nature of financial markets
Kindleberger's book provides massive historical evidence to support his assessment of the boom-bust nature of financial markets.Basically,speculative excesses,financed in large part by margin account loans and easy bank credit,leads to a pattern where the debt load of many market participants is overleveraged.Like the straw that breaks the camel's back,all it takes is an exogenous(or endogenous) shock to pop the speculative bubble .The value of the underlying assets of the overleveraged market participants collapses.These individuals go bankrupt,causing a chain reaction as other participants are impacted by the bankruptcies and up bankrupt themselves.Kindleberger correctly identifies the major theorists of this outlook as I.Fisher(his debt-deflation theory)and H.Minsky(his financial fragility theory).There are a few small defects.First,Benoit Mandelbrot's nearly fifty years of statistical-empirical work on the "wild " risk inherent in all of the different financialmarkets worldwide would have provided a perfect fit with the historical and anecdotal evidence that Kindleberger has collected.Second,there is only a brief footnote on the role of exogenous "sunspot"uncertainty going on in this historical process.Kindleberger overlooks the technical analysis of the effect of uncertainty, in microscopic,decision theoretic terms,on decisions made by Keynes(Keynesian uncertainty)and Ellsberg(Ellsbergian ambiguity).The problem here is not necessarily irrational decision makers,but rational decision makers who lack sufficient relevant information to apply the standard neoclassical decision techniques.These decision makers KNOW that they don't know.They then decide to follow those whom they believe are better informed.This leads to crowd,herd,and cascade effects that both creates the bubble and the crash.One possible way to stop this recurring pattern would be to eliminate margin loans Third,Kindleberger appears to be unaware that Keynes would agree with most ofKindleberger's case.From Keynes's early 1910 lectures on the negative impacts of speculation on stock markets through the A Tract on Monetary Reform,A Treatise on Money,and the General Theory(chapters 12,17,and 22),one can find Kindleberger's points explicitly considered in Keynes's work.Of course,Keynes does not provide the vast historical evidence that Kindleberger provides.Keynes would likely arguethat ,sincehis theory is a general theory of decision making under conditions of risk,uncertainty,and ignorance that applies where ever organized financial markets exist,he would already know what the historical record would show if examined in historical detail.

A must for your collection
This book lays out the blueprint to spot a financial crisis in the making.

A. Plenty of money in supply and preferably at cheap rates.

B. A 'new technology'-from the birth of railroad stocks, to letter stocks of the 1960s and dot coms of the late 1990s.

C. A willing and enthusiastic media outlet (think CNBC and the dot com boom).

D. Cab drivers and plumbers suddenly trading actively in the respective markets. Another note I would throw in is when the investment community are saying 'it is different this time, simple valuation of securities is no longer possible'.

Kindleberger's work draws on this scenario time and time again.

A required reading for anyone actively trading in the markets. ... Read more

Book Description
The boy of Kaname's dreams, a former upperclassman, makes a sudden appearance, and Kaname is convinced he will ask her out. But are his intentions honorable? Sosuke will attempt to find out, as this all-to0-familiar high school love story suddenly takes a turn. By going undercover, sporting a Bonta-kun costume, he ends up saving the day, or at least Kaname.Aside from the high school dreamboat, Kaname still has her eye on Sosuke, and she is finally ready to come clean... but why is Tessa steeping out of Sosuke's shower?! Full Metal Panic! picks up more momentum, and more action, knife-wielding terrorists, a handful of hostages, and just one man to save the day! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

the book and video's are good
it all depends on your taste, i am going to copy the description from video 1 for people to read and determine.

as normal the manga is the same story.

On the surface, Kaname Chidori appears to be a normal, popular high school student. The problem is, she doesn't realize just how popular she is. Unbeknownst to her, a group of terrorists believe she possesses the special powers of "the Whispered," and they're out to kidnap her. Enter Sousuke Sagara, a young, hotshot agent from the stealthy anti-terrorist organization Mithril. Will he be able to protect Kaname without her finding out what's really going on? Or will he just drive her crazy as he tries to fit in as her awkward, gung-ho, war-crazed classmate?

Graphic SF Reader
Mostly pointless.


Some agent type protecting a high school kid for no apparent reason (or apparent reason in volumes 1 or 2 perhaps).He gung-ho gunwielding emotional robot, she wants to do him.Even trying the skimpy bikini flaunting number fails, etc., etc.

Then at the end, the artist gives her list of favorite hot actresses, with even the odd drawing.


... Read more

Amazon.com
According to published research, one in three people are prone to panic or anxiety attacks. As the authors explain, panic and anxiety attacks differ from fear in that they usually occur without any obvious cause or triggering event. (They can even occur during sleep.) Once underway, they are often accompanied by a wide range of physical sensations, as well as emotional overwhelm.

In this book, Antony and McCabe provide easy-to-follow guidelines that will help sufferers of panic attacks better understand their condition and, more importantly, gain control over it using the same strategies that the authors have successfully employed with their clients in their own psychology practices. Of particular interest is their discussion of anxious thinking and realistic thinking. They maintain that it is often the beliefs that one has about their panic attacks that are the problem, not the panic attacks themselves. They provide a number of exercises readers can use to start thinking more realistically, thus reducing anxiety. They also offer a variety of empowering suggestions for dealing with the situations that can cause panic attacks, provide self-care tools for setting and achieving short- and long-term goals, and review medications that might also be helpful. What gives their book authority is the scientific evidence that their solutions are based upon.--Larry Trivieri Jr.Book Description
We all get scared sometimes. Our hearts race, our breath gets shallow, and our hands and feet turn icy cold--these physical expressions of fear are our normal responses to things that threaten us.

But moments of panic can cause you to experience these feelings with no apparent cause, robbing you of confidence and composure unexpectedly throughout your day. You deserve to be free from these troublesome moments, and the ten easy and effective techniques you'll find in this book make it not only possible but also easy. Learn how to monitor your episodes of panic, and find out how to replace your anxious, racing inner monologue with calm, realistic thinking. Discover safe and comfortable ways to face fearful situations. Breathing exercises, stress reduction techniques round out this approach to overcoming panic that promises to restore your security and peace of mind. ... Read more

Book Description
An ideal self-help book for all anxiety sufferers. This practicalhandbook, recommended by experts in the field of anxiety disorders, offers coping strategies based on the latest clinical research. Dr. Rodrigo A.Mu-oz, Vice-President of the American Psychiatric Association, summarizesthe book's benefits: "Babior and Goldman have written a book that is quite valuable for patients who ask the treating physician for guidance incontributing to their own treatment." Dominick, an anxiety sufferer, says, "This book is a must first step to regaining control of your life." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good but not the best
Although this book provides useful information about cognitive (thought) and relaxation strategies that help reduce anxiety, it is not the best available.A better self-help book is THE ANXIETY & PHOBIA WORKBOOK (3rd. Ed.) by Edmund Bourne. Bourne provides more detailed information about and a wider variety of relaxation techniques as well as more information about the rationale behind and research support for the techniques.

Lee J. Markowitz, Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo (Ontario, Canada)

Noteworthy primer on addressing anxiety and phobias
This is a small book but it has all the essentials one needs to address anxiety and phobias. Babior and Goldman have done a fine job condensing necessary strategies and providing examples.

Useful but not enough
While I liked what this book offered, it did not offer enough. I wanted something that gave me a great deal more information and insight and not just a few basics and exercises. What the authors do, however, they do well. I like how they write. After I read this book I read Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe which I found much more enlightening, insightful, personal and useful.

Insurmountable Help
I read the book, and am fortunate enough to reside in the same town where Shirley Babior practices.I can't say enough about how she, and the advice in her book, have changed my life.I refer to the book very often because it is an ongoing process to overcome difficult Panic and Anxiety disorder.This book saved me from a future that was certain to be wracked with a lot of unnecessary worry, fear, phobia, and anxieties I thought would never end!!

Excellent guidelines for people who suffer from phobias
It surprises me that there is such a detailed bookwhich helps me cope with my social phobia. I feel much more confident now, after reading it. What is so special about the book is that it does not only help readersrecover from fears but also help them find the root of the problem step bystep. Besides, it explains clearly why people have anxiety problems. Ihighly recommend this book to those who find their fears very disturbingand want a complete recovery. ... Read more

Book Description
A compassionate look into managing anxiety disorders, simple phobias, panic disorders, and agoraphobia, Embracing the Fear offers effective techniques in visualization, meditation, and inner-dialogue.The book and audiocassette (sold separately) help us accept and change panic and avoidance responses, and assist us in identifying anxiety triggers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

This book is a life saver!
This book is probably the best one I have read on fear and anxeity outside of the Bible.I was diagnosed with GAD in 2003.I found this book to be straight forward and extremey practical. I have employed many of the suggestions in this book to success. I especially enjoyed the testimonials at the end of each chapter throughout the book and the examples on how to cope with certain phobias/situations at the end of the book. This helps you realize you are not alone.It is important to note that the road to recovery is a long one.However, the Bible says in Isaiah 41:10 "Do not be afraid for I am with you.Do not be discouraged for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you.I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." God is and will be with you on this journey.I highly recommend this book to anyone facing fear and anxiety issues.

Get this book. It will Change and Save your life!!!!!!!!
My mind was filled with so much worry, so much doubt. I begun avoiding people and certain situations. I had lost touch with reality and really didn't care for living anymore because I felt hopeless. But the techniques in this book saved my life and gave me hope. It took a little while but I eventually started feeling better which made me want to read and practice the techniques even more. If you are suffering from anxiety, get this book, which teaches you to lower your expectations, embrace your fears and not fight the feeling but to allow it to occur, and to learn how to go with the feeling. I don't know where I would be if it weren't for this book.

Very Helpful
I have not finished the book in whole, but thus far it has been very helpful to me! I have been determined to work though this without tons of medications and things provided in this book help me with this goal!

Helpful ideas for coping
This book offers some good ideas for dealing with anxiety -- nothing new if you've read many books of this kind, but it would be helpful for someone who is new to panic attacks.An informative book, but not the key -- I'm still looking for that.

A new way of thinking about anxiety
When the author said we give ourselves two impossible choices by telling ourselves we can't stay because of our fear and panic, yet we can't leave because of the failure and humiliation, she really hit it on the nail for me. Giving myself two possible choices - it's okay to stay, and it's okay to leave - opened up a new reality for me. I never told myself before I read this book that it's okay if I leave a panicked situation. I always beat myself on the head and feared it meant I could never go back. I didn't realize how harshly I was treating myself until I saw another possibility, the "B-Talk," which is about accepting myself, giving myself options, and seeing anxiety from a new way. This book really is a life changer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great book!
This is an excellent book, reading through other women experiences helped me so much, I felt like I wasn't the only weird one feeling like that, and there's other people out there feeling like me. It's a wonderful book, I always pick it up now and then, when I'm starting to feel the panic coming back and the unreasonable thoughts. I highly recomend it. For everybody out there struggling with any kind of panic disorder, be patient with yourself, you'll feel better!

very detailed, easy to understand, thorough research
This book made it very comforting to know that panic disorder is not uncommon.All the experiences the women felt in the book, I too felt and was able to relate to.This definately helps you self heel yourself fromthis disease.Highly recommened for women suffering from panic disorder oranxiety attacks.

A supportive resource for anxiety sufferers.
Gives women,young or 'senior' a genuine feeling of hope. Fromthe very first pages of Lorna Weinstock and Eleanor Gilman'scomforting and comprehensive book about dealing with anxiety disorders,the reader experiences a renewed sense of optimism and immense relief. For those of us who have labored with anxiety,the 'fear of fear',the case studies ring familiar and are a great comfort. Information re medications and'current practice' therapies afford one the chance to make informed choices and participate in self recovery with a growing sense of control. I highly recommend this thoughtfully written guide to WELLNESS! ... Read more

Book Description

This seductive sourcebook of rare visual delights from pre-Nazi, Cabaret-period "Babylon on the Spree" has the distinction of being praised both by scholars and avatars of contemporary culture, inspiring hip club goers, filmmakers, gay historians, graphic designers, and musicians like the Dresden Dolls and Marilyn Manson.

This expanded edition includes "Sex Magic and the Occult," documenting German pagan cults and their often-bizarre erotic rituals, including instructions for entering into the "Sexual Fourth Dimension."

Mel Gordon is professor of theater at the University of California, Berkeley, and is also the author of Erik Jan Hanussen: Hitler's Jewish Clairvoyant (Feral House).

Customer Reviews (13)

Stellar Research
This book has proven to be an astonishingly valuable source in my research of the period, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in the social history of this remarkable time and place. As a costume designer, the photo references are first-rate, and not available anywhere else. As a collaborator in the theatre and an amateur social historian, I found VP one of the most thorough and colourful pieces of research I have encountered in a long while. Pony up the dough, folks, it's well worth it!

Voluptuous Panic by Mel Gordon
Excellent book, which had lots of information regarding Berlin, Germany in the wild 20s.I only wish there was more in depth material to read and more photo's.Especially interesting was the "Occult" section, which could have had a more in depth coverage, but I'm not complaining. Dietrich Eckhart, who belonged to a number of Occult Societies introduced Hitler to Ernst Rohm The Criminal Elements or crime section was also heady. Overall, well put together and very interesting.I think including the individuals and activies of some subversive groups in Berlin at the time would have been helpful in understanding the rise of Naziasm in the 20's.I understand there were a number of "White Russian" exiles that supported Hitler's cause.

explosive!
voluptuous panic is a great title.it's an even greater resource of smut, art nudes, photos of cabaret artists from weimar berlin.

and there's text, too!

if someone is going to do 'cabaret' send them here for ideas for set decorations, costume ideas and makeup tips for the kit-kat girls.then look at what others did with information like this because this should be one of the primary sources in re-enlivining that crazy, mad and very short period.

a horrifying and unprecedented view of pre-nazi berlin
I suppose there is the inherent interest and entertainment of antique hardcore erotica for some people, which this book provides, but the things depicted (photographically) and described in this book may completely alter your view of the past.

I guess it is known that Berlin, prior to the rise of the nazis, was a decadant, burlesque place. But the variety and pervasiveness... and SEVERITY of this is not commonly known. In this book you will see gay nomadic boy scouts, theatrical spanking machines, nudist priests, gleefuly incestuous families (depicted in lifestyle journals for apparent mass consumption) and manuals of dentist chair molestation. It really is shocking - and all the more when you recognize these images as decisively in the past, and apparently NORMAL for this time period.

I used to look through this book whenever i went to this bookstore in 2000-2001, mostly browsing and skimming. It made a lasting impression and i have never been able to find similar information elsewhere. According to some of the reviews I've read, the author makes an unsubstantiated claim/conclusion that this period ended not because of social outrage or exhaustion, but because of particular economic and political circumstances. But for myself, foreign to this place and time (and culture), it completely changes my picture of germany, world war ii and modernity. Apparently there were sprawling nihilist fiends BEFORE mankind was confronted with the possability of nuclear annihilation.

I personally consider this a "coffee table book", albeit for S&M yuppies. It is way too flashy and consumable for research purposes. (I would hesitate to site it as a source for any paper.) However, as far as I can tell, it is one of the only accessable documentations of ...something I can't believe I've never heard of.

Weimar Berlin Is *ALIVE* and Electric!
This *is* the most comprehensive book about Weimar Berlin on the market. Full of never before seen pictures, illustrations, and information, this book is what any Deco era enthusiast needs. Mel Gordon's text is anything but dry, stuffy, or overly scholarly as these books can tend to be. No, instead, his enthusiasm and interests spill onto each page, electrify in a sence with his tell-tale approach and overwhelming details about Pre-War Weimar Berlin's enigmatic history. If Neo-Weimar studies are your cup of tea, then this book is the "on the rocks", "straight up", cold hard shot of gin! I recomend the 5th Edition (2006 Version) hardback that includes the original 2 sections that are omitted in the first few before it. The replaced sections are wonderful and if you've seen the book before, you will be quick to notice that Gordon has added *more* pictures and has corrected the color on the illustrations and paintings. In short, Mr. Gordon's work is quite simply the *ONLY* work out there worth reading about this subject. A UC Berkeley professor, accomplished writer of several books, and former New York Actor's Studio alumni how can one argue that his writings and lectures are not the most dead on and most effective out there? See him lecture, read his work, and keep tabs on this history agent provocateur; he is the future of our unique artistic and often risqué past. - Amanda Campa (of The Art Deco Society Of California) ... Read more

Book Description
In this eight-part radio series, Dr. Claire Weekes, bestselling author of Hope and Help for Your Nerves speaks to the listener intimately and compassionately about how to overcome anxiety, frustration, phobias, and depression.She coaches the listener on how to pass through panic and reach a place of strength and optimism. One of the first people to study and write about anxiety and panic disorders, Dr. Weekes was recognized by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to medicine.Her revolutionary approach is remarkably simple and effective and continues to be recommended by medical and psychological communities throughout the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Still relevant today
The advice Dr. Weekes provides is just as relevant today as it was 30 years ago. Nothing has changed. I have returned to Claire Weekes' work time and again. I don't mind her "old fashioned" wording and no nonsense approach to this condition. Everything she says is God's truth... and she does it in a non-frightening way. I've tried other programs, including Lucinda Bassett's. I still think Weekes' tapes are superior. I also recommend David Johnson's Freedom from Fear program, which is entirely based on Claire Weekes' work.

Helpful
The main argument that Claire Weekes makes in these talks is that fighting the feelings that are upsetting you actually prolongs them.Having suffered from anxiety and depression on and off throughout my life, I immediately knew that what she was saying was 100% true.When you're experiencing feelings that are painful and uncomfortable, your first response is to try to do whatever you can to make the feelings go away.But, since you can't, your sense of discomfort increases with your sense of desperation (why won't these feelings go away?) and a vicious cycle begins.The only solution is to accept what you're feeling, remind yourself that the feelings will not last forever, and go on with your life as usual as best you can.This may not seem like "brilliant" advice, but for those who have experienced this cycle firsthand, they'll recognize immediately just how right and insightful she is.Dr. Weekes goes into some detail about what brings on these feelings in the first place, why, no matter what we do, they don't always go away immediately, and how to best deal with this situation.Her words are very reassuring and right on target.

Definitely recommended.

The only thing that helped!
Dr. Claire Weekes is the only one that I had come across in my journey to end my panic and anxiety attacks.After reading many of her books and listening to her tapes, etc., I finally got it.I suffered for over 5 years with debilitating attacks while being a single mom with 3 small children.After adopting Dr. Weekes philosphies, I have had a happy and emotionally healthy life.If ever I feel any major stress, all I do is remind myself of her face, accept, and float philosphy and it works to rid me of that anxious feeling.I highly recommend Dr. Claire Weekes materials for panic and anxiety disorder recovery.

Very Relaxing
Enjoy this very much.Some of her ideas help to rid the panic attacks.

?
I am a psychotherapist and hoped this cd would be simple enough to understand and have a soothing, gentle approach so I can suggest it to my clients towards their recovery. Even though her books are good,Claire Weekes voice is, I found very stern and harsh for anxiety sufferers and lacked a soft gentle touch.
Would it be possible to hear a preview of a cd before purchase? ... Read more

Book Description
Punk is most commonly associated with music, fashion and graphics, but its rebellious and iconoclastic spirit also found expression in the visual arts. "Panic Attack!" explores British and American art between 1974 and 1984, a period not only of economic and social crisis but also of remarkable cultural energy, when art became increasingly politicized just as society at large was moving towards conservatism. Many of the artists featured were part of a dynamic interdisciplinary scene that embraced both art and music, producing work that was sometimes confrontational or angry, but always fiercely independent and intelligent. This work is a vibrant and powerful visual account of an exciting, innovative period in British and American art. It features the work of 30 leading artists, among them Gilbert & George, Nan Goldin, Derek Jarman and Robert Mapplethorpe. It highlights the burning artistic concerns that defined the spirit of the punk years. ... Read more

Book Description
Gauron and his supporters have hijacked the Tuatha de Danaan! Things are looking bleak, but when Tessa manages to free Chidori from the command center, it'll be up to her and Sosuke to regain control of their ship! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

FINAL BATTLE-- SOSUKE VS. GAURON
This is the final volume in the Full Metal Panic manga which brings it right up to the point where the first anime ended. Gauron has gained control of the Danaan and holds Tessa and Chidori's lives in his clutches. One false move and he won't hesitate to kill them. While Gauron knows that both of the girls are "Whispered" he has no idea that they can communicate telepathically. The girls hatch a desperate plan to take back control of the ship. Meanwhile, the Danaan's crew are virtual prisoners, locked by Gauron in the hangar, and he's thinking about cutting off their oxygen! Only Sousuke and Kurtz have gotten out and set out to rescue Tessa and Chidori, but they'll have to contend with some of the crew that turned traitor and now serve Gauron.

If you've already seen the Full Metal Panic anime series, there's really nothing new here. But that doesn't detract from the enjoyment of seeing a different interpretation of the same material. Retsu Tateo's art is spot-on and she has handled the mix of humor and action quite elegantly throughout the entire series. Most of volume 9 is missing comedy but the artist does a good job of conveying the energy and suspense leading up to the final battle between Sosuke and Gauron. The manga does a better job of conveying the affection between Sosuke and Chidori than the anime did. I'm sad to see this series end.

The conclusion to the hot series!
Sadly, this is the last graphic novel for the FMP series, according to the illustrator's notes in the back of the book.That said,

It does clear up and finish the main plot that has been building with Gauron, the Tuatha de Danaan, and Chidori.At the end of book 8, Kaname, worried about Sosuke as he returned from a mission, was verbally rebuffed by him and fled, crying, making her examine her purpose on board the TDD.As she flees, she runs into Guaron and two traitors, who hold her hostage and then take over the TDD in book 9!

Gauron, to assert his power, reprograms the computer to listen only to him, and then commences an attack on an innocent battleship nearby, but only after setting up a false Fire Drill to isolate most of the crew.Sosuke, feeling as though something is wrong, and realizing that he had been harsh to Chidori, defies direct orders and joins Kurz in a mission to save the ship and Kamane, who is just as determine not to "be annoying" and to save herself.Then Tessa plays her hand to rescue the day and her crew, but it is Kaname that saves everybody at the end (not spoiling it!).For another variation, see the end of the DVD series--Kaname's part is beautiful!

For more books on the FMP series, check out the Boku-Tachi website. ... Read more

Product Description
Coping With Preschool Panic is an indispensable guide to the Los Angeles preschool maze. Coping With Preschool Panic reviews educational philosophies, some factors to consider before you visit a preschool, what to look for when visiting a preschool as well as provides reviews 55 Los Angeles area preschools. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

"What I fear most, I think, is the death of the imagination.... If I sit still and don't do anything, the world goes on beating like a slack drum, without meaning. We must be moving, working, making dreams to run toward; the poverty of life without dreams is too horrible to imagine."

Renowned for her poetry, Sylvia Plath was also a brilliant writer of prose. This collection of short stories, essays, and diary excerpts highlights her fierce concentration on craft, the vitality of her intelligence, and the yearnings of her imaginaton. Featuring an introduction by Plath's husband, the late British poet Ted Hughes, these writings also reflect themes and images she would fully realize in her poetry. Jonny Panic and the Bible of Dreams truly showcases the talent and genius of Sylvia Plath.

Customer Reviews (7)

Not her best but I love her anyway!
Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams by Sylvia Plath is a sloppy, inconsistent, and drab collection of her short stories, prose and diary experts. First of all, I think Plath was one of the most gifted poets that ever lived, I love her only novel, The Bell Jar and I thought I would love this book as well but it falls short and never truly shows Plath's genius in any form. Seems like this particular book was published just because Ariel sold extremely well. Some of the material is interesting but Plath's writing becomes awkward and tends to go off topic a lot. The only reason I am giving this book 4 stars is because I believe a lot of the stories were not completed and if she were still alive, she would have re-written most of her work before it ever saw the light of day.If you want to read some beatiful and haunting work from Plath, then I suggest The Bell Jar, and all her poetry. Have fun!

Autobiographical Stories
I enjoyed this book very much as a fan of Sylvia Plath but wonder whether a regular reader (not a fan) would enjoy it as much.
It has been suggested that the stories are autobiographical which I agree with and it was fascinating because as I read I could hear Plath voicing her opinions through the characters and she really spat her attitude all over the book.
The book is divided into three parts:
The more successful short stories and prose pieces
Other stories
Excerpts from notebooks.
If anyone wants to pick up this book and read a fascinating story (fan or not) then I suggest:
The Wishing Box, which explores the birth of marriage and the death to creativity
Mothers, which explores alienation and a greatly desperate attempt to fit in
And Ocean 1212-W, which is purely autobiographical and explores the loss of childhood innocence.
My favourite story was Snow Blitz.I think this is autobiographical too as it deals with a single Mother (American) living in a small flat in London with two children trying to deal with a bitter cold English winter.
I found this story rather amusing because I'm from the South East of England and snow is rather exciting and magical to us but when it starts to melt and freeze over we, in typical Brit style, start to complain.
If you only read this book for one thing then read the Introduction written by Ted Hughes.He supplies the reader with a great deal of information about the writing of these short stories as well as a lot of information about Plath herself; I certainly learnt a thing or two.

Published for the sake of publication
I imagine that it's fairly hard to make a diary interesting and most of the diary excerpts found in this book seem to be published just for the sake of publication rather than for the actually content.I've read other diary entries by Plath outside of this book that were very interesting, so keep looking if you want to know about Plath (Wagner-Martin wrote a wonderful biography, however).The stories weren't interesting.I couldn't get into any of them.

a great poet with heart and soul
After falling in love with Sylvia Plath's works back in my high school days, I have read everything I can find on her or her work.She is inspiring and deep... keeping the imagery alive in every word she has written.I recommend Sylvia VERY highly, even her works for children are not to be missed.

Not Her Poetry / Not The Bell Jar
I wasn't disappointed, per se, as much as surprised that this collection didn't live up to the standards I had set for her after reading the collected poems and The Bell Jar. This fault, I assume, lies more with me than Plath's work here. I consider myself a true fan, but I would suggest this only to those of you firmly interested in taking "all" her work into account. For most readers, though, the collected poems and The Bell Jar should suffice. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
Art aficionados beware - when Kaname's class gets a lesson on painting, Sosuke threatens to crush any high-brow ideas with a thorough lesson on the art of war! Not to be outdone by her gun-crazy bodyguard, Kaname attempts the improbable as she moves to domesticate Sosuke in the kitchen. When Christmas comes, the gift-giving gets competitive, especially when the struggle is for Sosuke's affections. All Kaname can wish for is that her social nightmare turns into a sweet dream, as the crazy gunplay continues in Full Metal Panic! Volume 6. ... Read more

Book Description
The financial panics analyzed in this book illustrate the complexity of such events and that the causes are varied: political, military, economic, and even psychological. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Hey, I was there
As one of the rescuers in a chapter, I can tell you that Mr. Nunn tells the tale honestly and as it happened. I learned things I was unaware of or had forgotten from reading the account I was involved in. This book is an accurate and truthful recount of ordinary people caught up in extraoridnary events.

Respect for Mother Nature
Panic Rising is aptly named.I felt the sensation reading these fast-paced stories even though I was in a warm and comfy armchair with a hot cup of tea at hand.

I liked the idea that these adventures involved ordinary people, rescued and rescuers, who showed courage and fortitude to save lives.I connected especially with the stories set in my own backyard, like Heliotrope Ridge that I've ventured out on.It is so easy to imagine spontaneously sliding down an inviting snowy hill into an unseen crevace.Yikes!

I was struck by the inspiring synchronicity in some of the rescues.

I bought this book for my son who loves to hike in the woods and mountains.To be on the safe side maybe it should be accompanied by a personal locator beacon device.

interesting
not that great but this book is great.I was impressed by the breadth of coverage including the chapter about whale hunting.Just amazing!!!! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

Panic Lite
A very disappointing book. I have read many books on anxiety and panic disorder over the years, and this is one of the most useless. Nothing new here. The personal stories sound phony and are not in the least bit inspiring. The tone is irritating, as though it were written for 13 year olds - lots of "Yikes!" and "Fun!" Misery does not love company in this case. If you want to spend your money on something worthwhile, try "Overcoming Anxiety for Dummies," or anything by Edmund Bourne. There are loads of good books out there on panic and anxiety - just not this one.

EASY ACCESS
I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK AND FOUND THE INFORMATION USEFUL AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND . THUS SAID I HAVE ALREADY PASSED MY COPY ON TO A RELATIVE WHOM I THINK IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO. CONSEQUENTLY I AM PURCHASING 2 MORE COPIES TODAY ONE FOR ME AND I'VE THOUGHT OF ANOTHER FRIEND WHO MIGHT FIND IT HELPFUL.

Lilmac
As a sufferer of panic attacks, I found this book light hearted, funny and hopeful.The authors do not claim to be medical experts, only women who have experienced the same things many panic sufferers can relate to.Having done my share of research on panic attacks, I found this book compiled all the major information into one, easy to read resource.It made me laugh, but most of all, it made me feel normal.I would highly recommend this book as one of many resources to someone suffering from panic attacks.

The Panic Diaries
It sounds so cliche, I know, but this book will make you laugh and cry at the same time.It is brilliantly hilarious and remarkably informative.You can actually laugh at life's catastrophes while learning how to deal with them.I found this book historical, hysterical, informative and very well structured and written.Even if you do not have panic attacks, read it!Or share it with someone who does or does not have panic attacks.It is a smooth read and incredibly entertaining.It is the best and funniestbook I have read since THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA.It is laugh out loud funny and I cannot recommend it enough....I look forward to seeing the movie!! ... Read more

Book Description
When Sosuke's old military rival worms his way into the halls of Jindai High and into the hearts of the female students, it's all-out war on the toughest battlefield of them all... the classroom! Sosuke will set his studies aside to dish out a few lessons in the art of combat, but another invasion interrupts his assignment. He'll have to ward off the evil that threatens Kaname with the most lethal weapon he can find - cold medicine! ... Read more