Culture Books - Page 23

Leisure The Basis Of Culture

Josef Pieper

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

One of the most important philosophy titles published in the twentieth century, Joseph Pieper's Leisure, the Basis of Culture is more significant, even more crucial than it was when it first appeared fifty years ago.

Pieper shows that Greeks understood and valued leisure, as did the medieval Europeans. He points out that religion can be born only in leisure-a leisure that allows time for the contemplation of the nature of God. Leisure has been, and always will be, the first foundation of any culture. He maintains that our bourgeois world of total labor has vanquished leisure, and issues a startling warning: Unless we regain the art of silence and insight, the ability for nonactivity, unless we substitute true leisure for our hectic amusements, we will destroy our culture-and ourselves. These astonishing essays contradict all our pragmatic and puritanical conceptions about labor and leisure; Joseph Pieper demolishes the twentieth-century cult of "work" as he predicts its destructive consequences.

Our Culture, What's Left of It: The Mandarins and the Masses

Theodore Dalrymple

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 46 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The veneer of civilization 5 out of 5 stars.
13 of 13 people found this review helpful.

This book is a collection of 26 essays published by Dr Dalrymple since 1996. While the essays cover a range of different topics, the unifying theme is culture or, more broadly, civilization.

One of my favourite essays, `When Islam breaks down', was named by David Brooks of the New York Times as the best journal article of 2004, and is still well worth reading 4 years later.
Some of my other favourites include:
What's wrong with Twinkling Buttocks?;
Why Havana Had to Die;
The Goddess of Domestic Tribulations;
The Starving Criminal; and
The Man Who Predicted the Race Riots.
These essays are easy to read because they are so well written. Whether the reader agrees with the views expressed, the issues raised and points made are all worth careful consideration. I read this book slowly: one essay every couple of days. While the quality of the writing would have enabled me to read the essays more quickly, my own thought processes could not have integrated the information fast enough to have done justice to the messages they contained.

The essays may have a predominantly British grounding and focus but the underlying points and associated learning apply far more broadly. The issues raised by Dr Dalrymple should, in many cases, feature in public policy debates around the world.

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Editorial Review:

This new collection of essays by the author of Life at the Bottom bears the unmistakable stamp of Theodore Dalrymple's bracingly clearsighted view of the human condition. It suggests comparison with the work of George Orwell. In these twenty-six pieces, Dr. Dalrymple ranges over literature and ideas, from Shakespeare to Marx, from the breakdown of Islam to the legalization of drugs. Informed by years of medical practice in a wide variety of settings, his acquaintance with the outer limits of human experience allows him to discover the universal in the local and the particular, and makes him impatient with the humbug and obscurantism that have too long marred our social and political life. As in Life at the Bottom, his essays are incisive yet undogmatic, beautifully composed and devoid of disfiguring jargon. Our Culture, What's Left of It is a book that restores our faith in the central importance of literature and criticism to our civilization.

The History of Sexuality, Vol. 2: The Use of Pleasure

Michel Foucault

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good Use of Leisure 5 out of 5 stars.
39 of 43 people found this review helpful.

Although it is not as theoretically courageous, The Use of Pleasure is tenfold more interesting and approachable than the first volume in this trilogy on the history of sexuality.

Foucault delves deep into the recesses of our occidental world by attempting to answer the question, "Why is it that sexuality has become morally problematic?" Why and when did we attribute a negativity to certain sexualities? And what does this imply about sexuality itself?

Foucault works with irresistible sources (e.g. Plato's Republic; Hippocrates' Ancient Medicine) in an effort to reconstruct the Hellenic approach to sexuality. The result: a clear and fascinating delineation of the similarities and differences between modern sexual consciousness and "pagan license".

Editorial Review:

In this sequel to The History of Sexuality, Volume I: An Introduction, the brilliantly original French thinker who died in 1984 gives an analysis of how the ancient Greeks perceived sexuality.

Throughout The Uses of Pleasure Foucault analyzes an irresistible array of ancient Greek texts on eroticism as he tries to answer basic questions: How in the West did sexual experience become a moral issue? And why were other appetites of the body, such as hunger, and collective concerns, such as civic duty, not subjected to the numberless rules and regulations and judgments that have defined, if not confined, sexual behavior?

Making Democracy Work

Robert D. Putnam, Robert Leonardi, Raffaella Nanetti

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Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Why do some democratic governments succeed and others fail? In a book that has received attention from policymakers and civic activists in America and around the world, Robert Putnam and his collaborators offer empirical evidence for the importance of "civic community" in developing successful institutions. Their focus is on a unique experiment begun in 1970 when Italy created new governments for each of its regions. After spending two decades analyzing the efficacy of these governments in such fields as agriculture, housing, and health services, they reveal patterns of associationism, trust, and cooperation that facilitate good governance and economic prosperity. Why do some democratic governments succeed and others fail? In a book that has received attention from policymakers and civic activists in America and around the world, Robert Putnam and his collaborators offer empirical evidence for the importance of "civic community" in developing successful institutions. Their focus is on a unique experiment begun in 1970 when Italy created new governments for each of its regions. After spending two decades analyzing the efficacy of these governments in such fields as agriculture, housing, and health services, they reveal patterns of associationism, trust, and cooperation that facilitate good governance and economic prosperity.

The Language of Mathematics: Making the Invisible Visible

Keith Devlin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

"The great book of nature," said Galileo, "can be read only by those who know the language in which it was written. And this language is mathematics."

In The Language of Mathematics, award-winning author Keith Devlin reveals the vital role mathematics plays in our eternal quest to understand who we are and the world we live in. More than just the study of numbers, mathematics provides us with the eyes to recognize and describe the hidden patterns of life--patterns that exist in the physical, biological, and social worlds without, and the realm of ideas and thoughts within.

Taking the reader on a wondrous journey through the invisible universe that surrounds us--a universe made visible by mathematics--Devlin shows us what keeps a jumbo jet in the air, explains how we can see and hear a football game on TV, allows us to predict the weather, the behavior of the stock market, and the outcome of elections. Microwave ovens, telephone cables, children's toys, pacemakers, automobiles, and computers--all operate on mathematical principles. Far from a dry and esoteric subject, mathematics is a rich and living part of our culture.

A brilliant exploration of an often woefully misunderstood subject The Language of Mathematics celebrates the simplicity, the precision, the purity, and the elegance of mathematics.

Dating for Dummies

Dr. Joy Browne

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 38 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

According to An Average Woman 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

With all due respect to Dr. Joy, this book is of limited use to men. Many of the reviews have observed this book to represent a female perpective. I am a middle-aged man, and in my experience, there really is no such thing as THE female perspective. In fact, there are three: the perspective of an attractive woman, that of an average woman, and that of an unattractive woman. Trust me, these are three distinctly different perspectives, and one approach does NOT fit all.

An attractive woman is in demand and is approached all the time. She lives in a reality in which she has many options, often more than she can handle. She can therefore afford to be selective to an extent that less attractive women would consider impractical. Such a woman could not care less whether a man is on his best behavior, or if he has taken the time to plan out a date, brush his teeth, or other such mundane and pedestrian considerations. She brings high romantic and erotic expectations into relationships, which is why she would never develop such an interest in a man who is merely a friend. She settles only for a guy who has Brad Pitt's looks or Donald Trump's success or uncommon inner masculine qualities of supreme confidence - bordering on arrogance, dominance, boldness, adventurousness, etc. In short, she demands and gets what other women only fantasize about.

Unattractive women have no options. Many of them live in denial until reality catches up with them, typically in their 30s. They eventually learn that being selective is not something that was meant for them. As such, they consider themselves lucky to get any expression of interest, and the rules of the game articulated in Dr. Joy's book do not apply to them. With them, no rule is needed.

The only women to whom this book applies are the average ones -- those who are neither attractive nor repulsive. These are the women who have adjusted their expectations so they can be selective within their own compromised realms. Rules and expectations give them a sense of control and sovereignty which becomes an acceptable substitute for facing the reality that they will never have what they truly desire. Dr. Joy herself is likely one such woman, and she has been gracious enough to share her perspective in great detail in her book. However, my advice to any man considering reading the book is this: If you are interested in dating average women, this book should be your bible. If not, save your time and money.

Editorial Review:

This humorous and informative little volume will reveal all you need to know to keep your dating scene alive. Includes quick-reference pages highlighting important information on preparing for a date, flirting guidelines, tactful translations for conveying your true feelings, and more. More For Dummies Miniature Editions™

Human Sexuality

Simon LeVay, Sharon M. Valente

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Editorial Review:

Sexuality is a central but highly controversial aspect of human nature. In this new undergraduate textbook, Simon LeVay and Sharon Valente aim to help students understand the diversity of human sexual expression as well as the various perspectives from which sexuality can be viewed. These perspectives range from biology and medicine, evolutionary theory, cognitive science, social psychology, feminism and cross cultural studies to moral and political discourse. Rather than attempting to present cut-and-dried answers to contentious or unresolved sexual questions, the authors present solid data and a multiplicity of interpretive viewpoints. This approach helps students develop critical thinking, make informed decisions about their own sex lives and contribute constructively and non-judgementally to the social debate on sexual issues. The CD-ROM included with each text contains: learning objectives; study questions; self-quiz; discussion questions; key terms; glossary; and animations and activities.

The Gift of Sex: A Guide to Sexual Fulfillment

Clifford Penner, Joyce Penner

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Righteous Guide To Sex 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is an awesome book to give to people before they are married. It takes the false expectations and preconceived ideas out of the picture and replaces them with truth and honesty.

The Gift of Sex: A Guide to Sexual Fulfillment 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

A very positive presentation of the marital sexual relationship as a gift from God. It is thorough and addresses details and issues about which most people do not know what to think or even how to go about considering them. It is professional as well as considerate in its presentation. While the authors approach the subject from a Christian perspective, it is not necessary for the reader to embrace this viewpoint in order to find the book truly helpful. If you have not read a book on the marital sexual relationship, you ought to read this one. If you have read other books, I think you will be pleased with this addition. I use this book with couples whom I see for marriage counseling.

Editorial Review:

Clifford and Joyce Penner, clinical therapist and nurse have written a sensitive and forthright guide to understanding sexuality and how it fits into God's design for marriage. This revised and updated version features a new introduction, new illustrations, a section on addictions and the Internet, and a timely discussion on sexually transmitted diseases and their consequences. With the latest information on sexuality and intimacy, this best-selling book is ideal whether you are newlyweds or have been married for many years.

Chapters include:

• The Physical Dimension
• The Total Experience
• Moving Past Sexual Barriers
• Resolving Difficulties
• Finding Help

Thinking Through Communication: An Introduction to the Study of Human Communication

Sarah Trenholm

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

This is a great introductory text! 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Sara Trenholm is a gifted writer. This is another in a series of well prepared communication texts by this author.

The healthy balance between theory and practical advice makes it both challenging and yet easy to digest. I have used this text as a resource since it first crossed my desk in its first edition.

My only criticism of this book is that it is not visually appealing. However, the person who wants information will find it to be highly pracital and usable.

Dreadful 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I found this book to be hypocritical and vacuous. Students will get little out of it that they don't already know. The author talks down to students and "dumbs down" the topics covered.

The Littlejohn textbook is much better.

Editorial Review:

Praised for its “teachability,” Thinking Through Communication provides an excellent, balanced introduction to basic theories and principles of communication, making sense of a complex field through a variety of approaches. Introduction to human communication, listening, verbal messages, nonverbal communication, interpersonal communication, group communication, organizational communication, public communication, mass media, and intercultural communication. Introductory Human Communication.

Iron Man: The Art of Iron Man, the Movie

Ruwan Jayatilleke, Jeff Youngquist

List Price: $49.99 By: Marvel Books Amazon Marketplace: 3 new & used starting at $32.23

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Pages are soaked with art work 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 10 people found this review helpful.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2SXPUI7U6F8JJ This book contains concept art, photographs, paintings, storyboards, miniatures and live models. The main artists involved were Ryan Meinerding and Phil Sanders.

For people who like mechanical stuff, you'll be glad that to know that plenty of iron man designs are included. The drawings are detailed to the nuts and bolts. The evolution of Iron Man from concept to movie can be clearly seen from the first concept art right down to the life size cast created.

3D modelers who are looking for blueprints won't find them in this book. However, there are renders of Iron Man Mark II and Iron Monger from the front and side view. They should be enough to build the blueprint from.

Also included are the drawings for the environment, props and gadgets. That includes Tony Stark's house, his workshop and the Arc Reactor.

The last part of the book contains storyboards and pre-vis plates. Pre-vis are 3D storyboards screenshots. They discuss the story development and the challenges to shooting the movie.

All the pictures in the book are well captioned. They explain clearly the production process and the effect they are trying to achieve.

The only bad thing about the book is the paper stock. It is not thick enough. While black pages are cool, the paper has to be thick enough to absorb all the ink. If not, the paper becomes wavy. Luckily, it doesn't affect the visual quality of the images printed.

I still gave it a 5-star rating on Amazon -- more to 4.5-star because of the paper stock.

There are more pictures of the book on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.

Editorial Review:

This comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at the blockbuster Iron Man movie features exclusive content, from concept art and armor design, to unreleased stills and a glimpse at the creative process. It's everything you wanted to know about the making of the movie from all the key players, including Jon Favreau, Stan Winston, Marvel's Kevin Feige, and more!