Reference Books - Page 5

Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects

Barbara G. Walker

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Just get the Myths and Secrets one instead 2 out of 5 stars.
15 of 16 people found this review helpful.

I LOVED her other book, Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets, and so I snapped this one up, but was hugely disappointed by it. The content and the research in it are just not as good. And the artwork that accompanies stuff is not very good, nor is there very much of it.

Frankly, I think this book was churned out in order to cash in on the success of the Myths and Secrets book. A lot of the material in it is a re-hashing of that book, which I personally can't recommend enough. It really realigned my whole perception of all different kinds of religious and cultural stuff, and I sincerely recommend that if you're wondering whether or not to buy this book or that one, go get the Myths and Secrets one instead. I don't think this adds substantially to her work.

Venomous Bias 1 out of 5 stars.
9 of 16 people found this review helpful.

I was dismayed to discover Walker's acidic tone towards the Judeo-Christian religious tradition in this book. She seems to think that the fact that many Jewish and Christian symbols happen to have origins in Pagan cultures is somehow discrediting to Christianity and Judaism. In this and in some of her other writings, she makes it clear to the reader that it is her opinion that Judaism and Christianity are nothing more than a bastardized form of pseudo-Paganism in which the role of the woman has been subordinated. Merely because Judaism and Christianity borrow heavily from Pagan tradtions does not mean that they are not valid forms of spirtuality. It is all well and good to be proudly Pagan, but it is entirely unacceptable to denigrate other religions to be so. A true scholar must be strive to be as objective and unbiased as possible in their work, and Walker fails spectacularly in this respect. I do not reccommend this book to anyone, as Walker's blatant bias makes me highly suspicious of her scholarship, and my suspicions seem to be confirmed by other reviewers.

Editorial Review:

A dictionary of feminine symbols and important objects introduces important figures and sacred beliefs in history and mythology, and describes the origins of such symbols while providing accompanying illustrations.

The Meridian Handbook of Classical Mythology (Meridian)

Edward Tripp

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Ian Myles Slater on A Fine Book Under Any Title 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Edward Tripp's encyclopedic survey of Greek and Roman myths was originally published in hardcover 1970, in the United States by the Thomas Y. Crowell Co. as "Crowell's Handbook of Classical Mythology," with a simultaneous Canadian edition, and in Britain by Barker as just "The Handbook of ...". It was reissued as a trade paperback under the New American Library's Meridian imprint under title "Meridian Handbook" in 1974, and continued to be reprinted under this title, as the publishing industry was reshuffled, into the 1990s. So far as I can determine, the various editions are identical, so anyone looking for a copy can probably follow availability and price.

It now seems to be out of print, under any of the various titles, which is a shame. It is somewhat more comprehensive and generally easier to use than Kerenyi's admirable "Gods of the Greeks" and "Heroes of the Greeks," and far more reliable than Robert Graves' idiosyncratic and erratic "The Greek Myths." (One can hope for a future reprinting -- perhaps as "Tripp's Handbook..."?).

With its comprehensive coverage, and general preference for literary data over interpretation, Tripp's "Handbook" can serve as either a first-rate introduction or a convenient reference book, depending on a reader's needs and level of knowledge. A "pronouncing index" helpfully distinguishes traditional English pronunciations of names from currently favored approximations of the original Greek and Latin.

Tripp's dictionary-style arrangement of the material is easy to follow, the articles are usefully cross-referenced, and the sources in classical texts are carefully noted. The length of the article usually corresponds well to the prominence of the god or hero, but some relatively minor figures get the space needed to sort out contradictory reports. Most of the relevant classical writers get their own articles as well -- although it is often a good idea to look at the corresponding entry in Lillian Feder's "Handbook of Classical Literature" (also once published as "Crowell's Handbook...," and again as a "Meridian Handbook..." in paperback, and recently reprinted by Da Capo), for more specialized information in a similar format.

Editorial Review:

The ultimate single-volume reference guide to Greek and Roman mythology

An ideal resource for students, teachers, librarians, writers, and readers of great literature, the Meridian Handbook has set the standard for over three decades as the classic guide to the myths of Greece and Rome. From Athena to Zeus, Abantes to Zninthe, the epic heroes and gods who inhabit the pantheon of great literature are covered in fascinating detail. Complete stories and short identifications of characters, events, place names, and constellations are included. For a fuller perspective of the mythological realm, there are maps of the classical world and genealogical charts of the great royal lines. Comprehensive and accessible, the Meridian Handbook is an indispensable aid to understanding and enjoying mythology.

Postmortem: How Medical Examiners Explain Suspicious Deaths (Fieldwork Encounters and Discoveries)

Stefan Timmermans

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Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

As elected coroners came to be replaced by medical examiners with scientific training, the American public became fascinated with their work. From the grisly investigations showcased on highly rated television shows like C.S.I. to the bestselling mysteries that revolve around forensic science, medical examiners have never been so visible—or compelling. They, and they alone, solve the riddle of suspicious death and the existential questions that come with it. Why did someone die? Could it have been prevented? Should someone be held accountable? What are the implications of ruling a death a suicide, a homicide, or an accident? Can medical examiners unmask the perfect crime?

Postmortem goes deep inside the world of medical examiners to uncover the intricate web of pathological, social, legal, and moral issues in which they operate. Stefan Timmermans spent years in a medical examiner’s office, following cases, interviewing examiners, and watching autopsies. While he relates fascinating cases here, he is also more broadly interested in the cultural authority and responsibilities that come with being a medical examiner. Although these professionals attempt to remain objective, medical examiners are nonetheless responsible for evaluating subtle human intentions. Consequently, they may end—or start—criminal investigations, issue public health alerts, and even cause financial gain or harm to survivors. How medical examiners speak to the living on behalf of the dead, is Timmermans’s subject, revealed here in the day-to-day lives of the examiners themselves.

Human Competence: Engineering Worthy Performance (ISPI Tribute Edition)

Thomas F. Gilbert

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Leisure 5 out of 5 stars.
13 of 15 people found this review helpful.

This unique perspective on human behavior provides a powerful and enjoyable set of tools to influence key issues at work. Thomas Gilbert provides a look at people that is based on empirical observations and the occurrence of functional relationships between our work behavior and that of others. It also takes into consideration the ecological variable effecting the execution of a business model and operationl.

He argues that competency is not a measure of knowledge, hardward, or dedication, it is a measure of worthy performance. Results that faciliate the acquisition of leisure or opportunity to pursue more meaningful or worthwhile activites are the best measure of competency.

This book will help any person at work who whats to succeed. It provides a perspective that will allow that person to improve their own an others performance at work. It will help any open minded person demonstrate their own competency.

It is excellent and profound.

Editorial Review:

Human Competence offers an original theory of engineering human performance, coupled with a detailed plan of action based on provided applications. Grounded on remarkable principles, sound applications, and educational practice, this classic book:

• explains how to identify people who have the potential to be exemplary performers.
• details various economic models for reducing expenses, increasing productivity, and improving learning, with special worksheets that help put these models to work.
• shows how to diagnose causes of performance failure and how to tailor the best remedies to each problem.
• describes a general procedure for measuring any performance and for translating these measures into economic opportunity.
• shows how to design training and educational systems that bring the best results.
  

Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research (Analytical Methods for Social Research)

Jeff Gill

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Surprisingly better than other options 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Jeff's use of political science examples with the range of mathematical constructs makes this a particularly good book for beginning graduate political science students and undergraduate political science students who want to prepare themselves for graduate study. If you are new to political science and looking for a math refresher, at least scan through the book in the library before you adopt something else. My only regret is that the answers to sample problems are only available through a teaching edition.

Editorial Review:

Essential Mathematics for Political and Social Research addresses an educational deficiency in the social and behavioral sciences. This is the first book of its kind to specifically address the comprehensive introduction to the mathematical principles needed by modern social scientists. The material introduces basic mathematical principles necessary to do analytical work in the social sciences, starting from first principles, but without unnecessary complexity. The core purpose is to present fundamental notions in standard notation and standard language with a clear, unified framework throughout. Through examples and exercises, this book is intended to not only motivate specific mathematical principles and practices, but also introduce the way that social science researchers use these tools. The intended emphasis is on conceptual understanding of key principles and their subsequent application.

Sociology (Cliffs Quick Review)

George D. Zgourides, Christie S. Zgourides

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Editorial Review:

CliffsQuickReview course guides cover the essentials of your toughest classes. Get a firm grip on core concepts and key material, and test your newfound knowledge with review questions.

CliffsQuickReview Sociology provides you with an in-depth review of the principles of sociology — the scientific study of human groups and social behavior. Because sociology examines how social relationships influence people's attitudes and how societies form and change, sociology has an incredibly broad scope. This guide boils sociology down to easy-to-understand terms and concepts, and as you work your way through this reference, you'll be ready to tackle such concepts as

• The sociological perspective and research methods
• Cultures and societies, and socialization
• Social groups and organizations
• Deviance, crime, and social control
• Social and global stratification
• Race and ethnicity, and sex and gender
• Economics, politics, education, marriage, family, and alternative lifestyles
• Religion, health, medicine
• Social change and movements

CliffsQuickReview Sociology acts as a supplement to your textbook and to classroom lectures. Use this reference in any way that fits your personal style for study and review — you decide what works best with your needs. You can read it from cover to cover, or just use it when you need important information and put it back on the shelf for later.

With titles available for all the most popular high school and college courses, CliffsQuickReview guides are a comprehensive resource that can help you get the best possible grades.

Envy and Gratitude (International Behavioural and Social Sciences, Classics from the Tavistock Press)

Melanie Klein

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Editorial Review:

Reproduced here in facsimile, this volume was originally published in 1957 and is available individually. The collection is also available in a number of themed mini-sets of between 5 and 13 volumes, or as a complete collection.

Dimensions of Human Behavior Kit (set of 2)(Series in Social Work)(Bundle is non-returnable if shrink wrapping is removed.)

Elizabeth D. Hutchison

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

"Elizabeth Hutchison's latest edition of Dimensions of Human Behavior is a powerful text that captures our changing and developing lives as we each journey through our own distinct life course. The books calls our attention to the importance of the interactions of time, people, and environment as our ongoing life story is played out. As social workers, this text draws our attention to the need to better understand development as a cyclical process, unique for each person. Timely client system examples, diverse family development, and good social work implications and interventions are a few of the many strengths in this edition."
--Susan Tebb, Dean, School of Social Service, Saint Louis University

This Two-Volume Kit is composed of Person and Environment, Second Edition (ISBN: 0761987657) and The Changing Life Course, Second Edition (ISBN: 0761987649). Each is also available individually for $49.95.

Dimensions of Human Behavior, Second Edition: Person and Environment presents the time-honored person-in-environment approach to understanding human behavior. It provides a multi-theoretical analysis to help students recognize and examine the multiple dimensions of person and environment involved in human behavior. Like the first edition, the general approach of weaving powerful case studies with theory and research has been maintained, but all chapters have been updated to reflect recent census data, emerging social trends, and new developments in theory and research. This edition also pays greater attention to human diversity.

Dimensions of Human Behavior, Second Edition: The Changing Life Course presents a life course perspective to help students recognize how multiple dimensions of person and environment work together with dimensions of time to produce patterns in unique life course journeys. It examines general patterns of human behavior in age-graded periods, sources of diversity in life course trajectories, and unique life stories. It is multidimensional in scope and current in theory and research. This completely revised second edition maintains the use of case studies to help students appreciate the diversity of life course trajectories, and all chapters have been updated to reflect social trends and new developments in theory and research.

To reflect the trend toward finer gradations in life phases, this edition addresses nine age-graded periods instead of the six presented in the first edition: Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth; Infancy and Toddlerhood; Early Childhood; Middle Childhood; Adolescence; Young Adulthood; Middle Adulthood; Late Adulthood; and Very Late Adulthood.

The Teaching Resources CD-ROM (ISBN: 0-7619-8804-1) accompanying the texts provides a variety of supplementary materials. The CD includes a summary of each chapter in both texts. In addition, individual and group activities of relevance to chapter topics are proposed, as are selected readings, texts, videos and films. Also included are subjects for class discussion, as well as essay and multiple choice questions that challenge students' cognitive abilities of recall, reasoning, and application of social work theories, principles and practice issues.

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Living in the USA (5th Edition)

Alison Raymond Lanier, Charles William Gay

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Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

As William Gay, distinguished adviser to the last edition, so aptly noted, the United States is "a country that is never what you think it is." Since that edition was introduced nearly ten years ago, the country has been struggling with troubling, divisive events and issues, especially the September 11, 2001, attacks and the resulting War on Terror. Despite these extraordinary times, the United States still holds promise and opportunity for those who take the time to understand it. Jef Davis, a seasoned interculturalist and long-time adviser to international travelers, has succeeded as few could in creating an important new version of Living in the U.S.A. that will guide you through the confusing, conflicted, exciting country and its diverse population at an extraordinary time in its history. New material and significantly revised chapters help you understand: American Cultures: Sections on African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native peoples, retirees, gays and lesbians and the disabled underscore the incredible diversity of culture and values that comprise the American population Twenty-First Century Issues such as the continued rise in religious fundamentalism in the U.S. and abroad and the tension between security and personal liberties Getting Here and Getting Settled, including security at the airport and elsewhere and new and trying immigration regulations

Short-term visitors to the U.S. will find advice for surviving customs and immigration, finding an apartment, doing business, obtaining health care, and navigating the supermarket, bank and post office. If you plan to stay longer, you will find practical pointers for getting along at work, school, and at home; buying a house; making and keeping American friends; and understanding dominant American values in a diverse and complex society. Living in the U.S.A. is a comprehensive guide to attitudes, customs, manners and daily life in the United States.

Encyclopedia of Social Work/With 1997 Supplement (19th Ed (3 Vol Set))

Richard L. Edwards

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Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Encyclopedia of Social Work, 19th Edition is the field's most comprehensive reference work for the general knowledge base of the profession. Three volumes provide nearly 3,000 pages of information on virtually every aspect of social work.

All of the 19th edition's 290 entries are new, and several areas of interest are covered in greater depth than before. Expanded content areas include new technologies, research, global changes, U.S. policy developments, evolving roles for social workers, and knowledge development.

The editors of the 19th edition included more entries on women and people of color and increased the diversity in the Encyclopedia's authorship. Of the over 300 contributors--academics or social work practitioners--the majority are women, and one-quarter are authors of color.

Each volume contains a complete table of contents and full index. "Reader's Guides" list all the entries that relate to a topic. "See" references lead readers to specific entries, and "See Also" references ensure that they find all the information related to a topic. Key words for each entry provide another search tool to help readers find content.

The Encyclopedia is a solid investment that will provide years of practical service as a one-stop resource for looking up facts, preparing papers, supplementing course work, initiating literature searches, and informing social work practice.

Special Features *All new entries *344 authors who are leading scholars *30% larger than the 18th edition *142 biographies *80 Reader's Guides *10 appendixes *Key words for every entry *Freestanding cross-references *Nearly 200 easy-to-read graphs, charts, and statistical tables.