The American Firehouse: An Architectural and Social History

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Even the most jaded browser of photographic history collections will covet this handsomely produced volume of superb images from the 1840s to the 1950s. Organized loosely by subject matter (portraiture, social documentary, nature and science, travel), PhotoHistorica contains more than 300 images by the likes of Julia Margaret Cameron, Alfred Stieglitz, Alvin Langdon Coburn, Roger Fenton, and Edward Steichen. But the most intriguing aspect of this book, drawn from the collection of an organization founded by amateur photographers in mid-19th-century London, is its inclusion of unusual prints known only to specialists. A full page is devoted to an anonymous turn-of-the-century photographer's image of hairs on the wing of a house fly, a mesmerizing abstract pattern of tapering black shapes. German photographer Heinrich Kühn imbued a 1905 view of three women in peasant dress trudging up a sand dune in the midday sun with a timeless, iconic quality. The luminous effects possible in black-and-white photography of the era produced sensual depictions of nudes and moody landscape views, both rural and urban. During the same period, the Autochrome process--color transparencies on glass--yielded brilliant effects that look startlingly modern.

The "Art" and "Nudes and Fashion" sections contain some images we now view as kitsch, including Fred Holland Day's earnest photograph of himself as Jesus on the cross and Annie Brigman's outdoor shot of a nude boy with a wood sprite's antennae who ponders a symbolic glass globe. But the book, with helpful commentary by Pam Roberts, curator of the collection, chooses to embrace the spirit of wonder that suffused photography in its first century. And it's almost impossible to resist. --Cathy Curtis

Book Description

For the first time, photographs from the Royal Photographic Society are gathered together in a fascinating, unique tribute to the art form. Highlights include one of the world's oldest photographic images; rare works by Stieglitz, Steichen, and Coburn; selections from the collections of Julia Margaret Cameron and Roger Fenton; extraordinary images from mid-nineteenth-century travelers who brought back "exotic" prints from the East; and eccentric and beautiful works from unknown professional and amateur photographers. Taken together, they represent an unbroken thread linking the development of genres, styles, and techniques.

From portraiture to journalism, landscape to fashion, PhotoHistorica juxtaposes work both familiar and unfamiliar, putting images into a provocative thematic context. Every page reveals the enduring power of photography.

Customer Reviews:

The Finest Book of British Photography!.......2001-07-06

Review Summary: This book deserves more than five stars for ravishing reproductions of the finest British photographs drawn for the remarkable collection of The Royal Photographic Society. While more than 70 percent of the collection comes from its members, you will also find outstanding works by many American photographers whose works have been added to the collection. The quality of this book is superb from its essays about the history of photography to discussions of how various methods evolved. If you only plan to own one book of British photography, this is the one to have!

Viewer Caution: The book contains many nude images that would cause the material to exceed what would cause a motion picture to earn an R rating.

Review: The successor to The Royal Photographic Society was founded as The Photographic Society of London in 1853. The Society's collection now contains over 270,000 images dating from 1826 to the present day. This volume contains representative examples of the best of the collection, drawn both from the ranks of the famous and the little known. Some of these photographs are published for the first time in this volume. Although containing works that will delight the most sophisticated, the images are chosen to be appealing to those who know little about photography as well.

The book is organized around photography as portaiture, social documentary, domestic family uses, nature and science applications, artistic images, nudes, fashion, landscapes, architecture, and travel. Each section begins with a superb, easy-to-understand historical perspective on the subject matter that traces the developments and the roles of key photographers.

The pages are very large, and the book's design maximizes the opportunity to create either large images or use lots of white space to show each image at its best. Many of the effects are very subtle, and the reproductions capture these elements well.

Anyone who has always wanted to know the differences among Daguerrotypes, calotypes, albumen prints, wet collodion positives, and platinum prints will find both the introductory essay and the appendix on processes to be invaluable and easy to understand.

Contrary to my usual practice, I will not list my favorite images in the book. I was enthralled with almost all of them! If you are like me, you will find the faces, compositions, and moods of these works to be especially strong.

This is one of the five best photography books it has been my pleasure to read and view.

After you finish enjoying this wonderful look at the past world, imagine how you would want to photograph the future for us all. What images would be in it? Who would be in those images? What stories would they tell? How can you help make all this happen?

Create the illustrated story of your life by imaging it first in your mind!

A collection of images selected for their visual impact.......2001-03-02

Photohistorica packs in rare photographic images from the collection of the Royal Photographic Society, packing in over three hundred color and duotone photos in all subject areas in a history of the medium. Photohistorica isn't intended to be the usual photographic reference book, but a collection of images selected for their visual impact and long-standing importance. Rare works and unique images abound. Should be an art library's mainstay.

Book Description

Economic sociology is a rapidly expanding field, applying sociology's core insight--that individuals behave according to scripts that are tied to social roles--to economic behavior. It places homo economicus (that tried-and-true fictive actor who is completely rational, acts only out of self-interest, and has perfect information) in context. In this way, it places a construct into a framework that more closely approximates the world in which we live. But, as an academic field, economic sociology has lost focus. The New Economic Sociology remedies this.

The book comprises twenty of the most representative and widely read articles in the field's history--its classics--and organizes them according to four themes at the heart of sociology: institutions, networks, power, and cognition. Dobbin's substantial and engagingly written introduction (including his rich comparison of Yanomamo chest-beaters and Wall Street bond-traders) sets a clear framework for what follows. Gathering force throughout is Dobbin's argument that economic practices emerge through distinctly social processes, in which social networks and power resources play roles in the social construction of certain behaviors as rational or optimal. Not only does Dobbin provide a consummate introduction to the field and its history to students approaching the subject for the first time, but he also establishes a schema for interpreting the field based on an understanding of what economic sociology aims to achieve.

Living in the Information Age: A New Media Reader (with InfoTrac®) (Wadsworth Series in Mass Communication and Journalism)

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Living in the Information Age: A New Media Reader (with InfoTrac®) (Wadsworth Series in Mass Communication and Journalism)
Erik P. Bucy
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Culture | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

PCs | Hardware | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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ASIN: 0534633404

Book Description

Understand the impact of new technologies on the media landscape with LIVING IN THE INFORMATION AGE with InfoTrac®! Examining the conceptual and practical aspects of life in an information society, this communication text encourages you to consider how the media industries are being transformed through digital convergence and corporate concentration. Each reading is prefaced by a short introduction and three questions for critical thinking and discussion to help you master the material. Each article is followed by suggestions for taking research online using InfoTrac College Edition so that you can enhance your understanding of the material.

A Free Society Reader: Principles for the New Millennium (Religion, Politics, and Society in the New Millennium)

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A Free Society Reader: Principles for the New Millennium (Religion, Politics, and Society in the New Millennium)

Manufacturer: Lexington Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Textbook Binding

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Jesus of Nazareth

ASIN: 0739101447

Book Description

A Free Society Reader rises to the challenge of freedom in the twenty-first century, offering thoughts and insights with significant implications for citizens of today's brand new world. Our era's most prominent figures in the fields of Christianity and liberty speak about Pope John Paul II's vision of a free society, conceptualize Christianity and political economy, debate issues of democracy and the free society, and question the role of culture. Together for the first time in one volume, these pre'minent thinkers provide inspiration and insight to scholars, students, and general readers charting the enormous changes the new millennium has seen.

The New Working Class?: White-Collar Workers and Their Organizations : A Reader

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The New Working Class?: White-Collar Workers and Their Organizations : A Reader

Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Labor & Industrial Relations | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Thula Baba
Ntombi
Manufacturer: Ravan Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Workplace | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Economic Conditions | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Why Work? (New Books for New Readers)
Judi Jennings
Manufacturer: University Press of Kentucky
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0813109043

Book Description

This book testifies that the economic thinking of Karl Marx is still valid for the 21st century, introducing readers to unknown materials buried in archives which portray Marx's attitudes to democracy. With contributions from a variety of leading Japanese scholars and edited by one of the most respected Marx experts in the world, Marx for the 21st Century will be read and enjoyed by students and academics in many different areas from political economy to the history of economic thought.

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Decipherable complexity
The best book you can find about Afghanistan.
Afghanistan: Mullah, Marx, And Mujahid
Not a good book...Hard to read
Invaluable insights into Afghanistan's political position

Afghanistan: Mullah, Marx, and Mujahid
Ralph H., Magnus , Eden, Naby , Ralph Magnus , and Eden Naby
Manufacturer: Westview Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Afghanistan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0813340195
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Book Description

In this broad introductory volume, Ralph Magnus and Eden Naby detail Afghanistan's physical situation, human environment, and modern history, as well as the rise and fall of competing internal forces, most recently the Taliban. The authors offer analytical insight into Afghanistan's political position within the restructured Central Asian region, the ethnic relationships that complicate its political history, and the potential for stability.

Customer Reviews:

Decipherable complexity.......2007-06-05

The authors did a masterful job of working through the complexity of Afghanistan's complex geography, history, economic relationships, religious factions and ethnic diversity. Due to the nature of the subject and the type of indepth analysis which is required, this is a slow read, but is well worth the time spent. Most of the material published since 9/11 on Afghanistan is focused on the Taliban or Al-Qaeda, but the historical trends that allowed both organizations to exist and even thrive for a while is limited. This book helps fill the gaps in the knowledge base.

The best book you can find about Afghanistan........2006-03-20

This book is, in my opinion, the best source of information you can find regarding Afghanistan as a whole in the market. The authors laid out the geography and demographics of the country first, in order to establish a solid foundation to the latter chapters. Once you have understood the basics, it gets really easy to grasp the ideas and facts presented afterwards. This is a relatively concise book, yet very informative, well-focused and well-written. The last 200 years of Afghanistan is depicted with a very understandable, fluent language, famous figures are exhibited successfully. The role of foreign factors acted in the politics of Afghanistan was laid out very well. It also covers some of the recent events, e.g. Taliban movement and its collapse. All in all, it gives you a very comprehensive picture of Afghanistan, it is a must-read!

Afghanistan: Mullah, Marx, And Mujahid.......2006-03-08

The 2001 military campaign against the Taliban and al-Qa'ida resulted in unprecedented American interest in Afghanistan, and a plethora of instant experts arose to try to explain the country's volatile history. Magnus (who died in November 2000) and Naby are no instant experts but have expertise and extensive experience in Afghanistan, readily visible in this survey of modern Afghan history.

The authors' overview of Afghanistan's complicated geography and demography is organized and well presented, as is their succinct survey of early Afghan history (from 500 BC to 1973 in less than 30 pages)-though one wishes, given the important current role played by former king Zahir Shah, that Magnus and Naby would have told more about his four-decade rule (1933-73). Subsequent history is well narrated and accessible. The authors discuss imperialism without falling into the trap common to Western academics of blaming all of Afghanistan's woes upon foreigners. The analysis has balance and perspective. For example, they address (albeit only in passing) the Pushtun-nationalist rhetoric of successive Afghan governments in the 1950s through 1970s, a critical factor in understanding Pakistan's subsequent decision to back Islamist rather than ethnic nationalist groups in Afghanistan. Likewise, Magnus and Naby's treatment of the rise of the Taliban is well researched and balanced (and fortunately does not subscribe to the oil-company-conspiracy theories peddled by Pakistani author Ahmad Rashid in his well-known 2000 study of the Taliban).

There are curious omissions in the narrative, though. Serious discussion of the United States arming of the mujahideen in the 1980s is absent, as is any serious focus on the evolution of the "Afghan Arabs," whose origins are more often than not shrouded in myth rather than reality. Usama bin Ladin is mentioned only in passing. Nevertheless, for those wishing to gain an understanding of the quagmire called Afghanistan, Magnus and Naby's book provides a good start.

Middle East Quarterly, Winter 2003

Not a good book...Hard to read.......2005-11-18

I didnt like this book at all.First the authors just waste too much space using too many words and phrases to describe something.Second, the authors dwell too much in describing everything in a political context which is not a bad idea but in their case they just stumble too much without really given a concise and direct approach to whatever they are describing.Sometimes it took me several times to read a paragraph to try to understand what the authors were trying to say.I just cant recommend this book for a subject so difficult.

Invaluable insights into Afghanistan's political position.......2002-05-18

In Afghanistan: Mullah, Marx, And Mujahid, the late Ralph Magnus drew upon his expertise as coordinator of Middle Eastern Studies at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California and his experience as a former assistant cultural attache of the American embassy in Kabul, to examine Afghanistan's physical situation, human environment, and modern history, as well as the rise and fall of competing internal forces which at the time included the Taliban as well as the independent regional warlords of the north. The reader is provided with invaluable insights into Afghanistan's political position within the restructured Central Asian region, the ethnic relationships complicating its history and potential for political, economic, and social stability. A new introduction by Eden Naby provides a contextual framework for a reasoned perspective on Afghanistan's past, present and future. Afghanistan remains a valuable, timely, and strongly recommended addition to both academic and community library reference collections.

Book Description

This book provides a practical analysis of the typical investments and funding sources of depository institutions. With a particular emphasis on mortgage-related investments (ARMs, CMOs, IOs, and POs), state-of-the-art valuation models are included that incorporate both call and default risk. Equity funding issues are also analyzed in detail. In addition, the author summarizes the history of the depository institution crisis, discusses the future outlook, and suggests a creative solution to the deposit insurance crisis that permits government deposit insurance without risk or cost to taxpayers. After proposing a system of private deposit insurance backed by minimal market-to-market collateral requirements, the author focuses on micro topics. In particular, the book includes a comprehensive evaluation of default risk data, precise equations for valuing complex mortgage securities, a theoretical model for making hedging and capital adequacy decisions (including an econometric model for estimating the return on the market portfolio and market risk premiums), and a practical discounted cash flow valuation model for analyzing depository institution stock (that incorporates financial statement items and footnotes as well as mortgage prepayments and the term structure of interest rates). The work represents an excellent handbook for financial institution executives, consultants, regulators, investors, and students.

Customer Reviews:

Still relevant.......2004-01-18

This book is still relevant after all these years.

Research Solutions to the Financial Problems of Depository Institutions. (book reviews): An article from: Mid-Atlantic Journal of Business

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Research Solutions to the Financial Problems of Depository Institutions. (book reviews): An article from: Mid-Atlantic Journal of Business
Athanasios G. Noulas
Manufacturer: Stillman School of Business
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000926FM6
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Mid-Atlantic Journal of Business, published by Stillman School of Business on March 1, 1993. The length of the article is 674 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Research Solutions to the Financial Problems of Depository Institutions. (book reviews)
Author: Athanasios G. Noulas
Publication: Mid-Atlantic Journal of Business (Refereed)
Date: March 1, 1993
Publisher: Stillman School of Business
Volume: v29 Issue: n1 Page: p145(2)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Creative Services Business

A Collection of Anecdotes ----Not a Business Guide

Learn these lessons NOW... before it's too late

She Knows What She is Talking About

Start & Run A Creative Services Business
Susan Kirkland
Manufacturer: Self-Counsel Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines (Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines)

The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business

Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers (3rd Edition)

Start and Run a Consulting Business (Start & Run a)

Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer

ASIN: 155180607X

Book Description

* Translate your creative skills into cash
* Build a loyal client list to lock in repeat business
* Market your creative skills worldwide
* Learn what to do when from a veteran freelancer

Customer Reviews:

Creative Services Business.......2007-02-15

Great advice because it comes from one with experience.
Inspired me to continue on my creative business path.

A Collection of Anecdotes ----Not a Business Guide.......2006-07-08

This book would be a great help if it was published in 1965, but very little help in 2006 given that personal computers have changed the way we do business, both locally and globally, in the last 15 years.

The content is mainly a collection of anecdotes about the author's experiences setting up her freelance business. Technical and hard facts are woefully missing.

And information that is there seems very out of touch with the way the real world operates. Example: The author heartily endorses buying a Mac as opposed to a PC, for the obvious reason that Macs are better computers. Agreed, they are. But 96% of the planet uses PCs and Windows, so do you really want to be out of synch with 96% of your potential customer base?

Learn these lessons NOW... before it's too late.......2005-08-02

Having been in the design and advertising industry since 1972, I attest that this book has what it takes to teach you the ropes of freelancing. Susan relates so many scenarios -- working with clients -- that I remember directly from my past experiences. She's right on the money with dozens of hard-learned lessons of how to be a successful freelancer; or how not to. If you're starting or running a creative business... be it freelance or not -- you need this book. Don't delay.

This month's "EDITOR'S CHOICE" in the Design Bookshelf

She Knows What She is Talking About.......2005-07-15

Starting and running your own business is often not something you want to do, it's what you absolutely have to do. Perhaps you have to do it because of some kind of internal drive that simply won't accept anything else. Perhaps you have to do it because you're tired of working for someone else, or tired of getting laid off because the owners kid got your job.

Once you make the decision to get started, there are a couple of things to remember:

One is that the only thing you have to sell is your time. Therefore don't waste time on trivia, that is, if you can find out what just what constitutes trivia. You obviously have to take time to set up an office, get the computer working, all that kind of stuff. But you don't have time to paint the house, wash the car during business hours, etc.

Two is that you have to treat this seriously as a business. Begin doing real accounting, so that your relationship with the IRS can remain smooth - remember they are your partner in this venture.

Three specialize in something. You may be the greatest thing in web design (a popular new business area), or TV ad production. Play to your strengths, don't try to be all things to all people.

Four, take advantage of the services offered by things like the Small Business Councils, often funded by your state university.

Realize that it's going to be difficult and plan for Murphy to screw things up, for it to cost more than you expect.

This book covers many of these areas, but just keep these points in mind as you read the book. The author knows what she is talking about.

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