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Written with commendable measure, Geoffrey Perret's Jack: A Life Like No Other is an informal but informed cradle-to-grave biography of JFK. Though Perret hardly ignores the intricacies of Kennedy's uneven and truncated presidency--specifically the cold war imbroglios of Southeast Asia, Berlin, and Cuba, as well as intractable domestic festerings of poverty and civil rights--his real interest lies with the man himself. Kennedy, in chronic ill health from childhood, emerges here as a singular and daunting contradiction, at once cautious and impulsive, generous and selfish. He was a brat and a man of the people, an inveterate womanizer and a devoted family man, well-read but hardly intellectual, a charmer with a ferocious temper. Perret's book--utilizing heretofore-unseen documents--is refreshingly candid and felicitously nonjudgmental. Neither hagiographical, mean-spirited, salacious, nor conspiratorial, Jack, rich in anecdotes, is a welcome, evenhanded addition to the Kennedy library. --H. O'Billovitch
Book Description
Jack is both the first comprehensive one-volume biography of JFK and the first account of his life based on the extensive documentary record that has finally become available, including personal diaries, taped conversations from the White House, recently declassified government documents, extensive family correspondence, and crucial interviews sealed for nearly forty years.
Jack provides a much-needed perspective on Kennedy’s bewilderingly complex personality, presents a compelling account of the volatile relationship between Jack and Jackie (including her attempt to divorce him, move to Hollywood, and become a film star), and reveals how JFK forged the modern political campaign and, once in the White House, modernized the presidency.
Jack: A Life Like No Other is a book like no other. Here, at last, John F. Kennedy seems to step off the page in all his vitality, charm, and originality.
Customer Reviews:
A Good Try.......2003-07-25
Jack is a nice easy read but one tends to wonder where Perret got some of his ideas or if in fact he got them from anywhere but his own imagination. There are times when Perret seems to make up small insignificant happenings to forshadow the inevitable outcome of his life. That aside, Jack is a good book portraying a President so unique and so different than most ex-Presidents. This would be a good first Kennedy read.
Good Stuff Here!.......2003-05-09
The life of Jack Kennedy has been covered countless times in books, magazines and movies. Having made the transformation from assassinated president to tabloid favorite, one wonders if there is anything new to be learned about Kennedy, or if there is anything to be gained by buying Geoffrey Perret's book. If you're at all like me -- a fan of history, an admirer of JFK, but not too swayed by rose colored revisionism -- then this book will prove to be well worth the money. Perret starts at the beginning and fully explores the odd psychological uprbinging Kennedy experienced in a family that was extremely eccentric and neurotic -- quite a far cry from American royalty. He follows Kennedy through his pratfalls as a high school and college student, and laments on the never-ending health problems Kennedy ran into throughout his life. I, for one, never knew that our movie star president was often in a frail and precarious state. By the book's end, you walk away with a new appreciation for all of the complexities of Kennedy's character -- and there enough here to make Freud blink a few times -- and for the truly unique life that he led.
ZZZZZZZZ.......2003-02-28
Mr. Perret somehow succeeded in writing an incredibly boring book about a man who lived an extrodinary life. The book is also marred by continuous misstatements of fact and poor research. To those looking for a good book on JFK, I advise you to take a look at Nigel Hamilton's "JFK: Reckless Youth" for illumination on his early life, Richard Reeves' "Profile in Power" for a broad look at his presidency, and Arthur Schlessinger Jr.'s "A Thousand Days" for an intimate look at his presidency that also gives you an excellent sense of who he was as a person. "Jack" isn't worth the time.
Another JFK-trasher; certainly NOT "like no other".......2003-01-29
It's true that JFK lived a "life like no other," but the author completely missed his chance to tell the reader why. This is the same type of tabloid swill that's already been done to death in, for example, "JFK: Reckless Youth" and "A Question of Character." The themes of JFK's being obsessed with early death and his drive to live every day as if it were his last, are interesting ones, and could have been a good premise for this book. But this book adds absolutely nothing to what's already been written. No new ground is broken, despite promises to the contrary. Also detracting from his credibility are the author's gossipy references to such things as JFK's personal habits while having sex, how many cigarettes a day Jackie smoked (do I care?) and the homosexuality of friends like Lem Billings and Joe Alsop. Obviously JFK felt comfortable and confident enough in his own masculinity and heterosexuality, and valued the loyalty and friendship of these men enough, that he was neither concerned about nor felt threatened by their sexual orientation. Also detracting from the book's credibility is the sloppy research and annoying lack of fact-checking. For example, the author mentions several times that Bobby and Ethel were married in 1951. They were actually married in 1950. The book also states that Bobby and Ethel's first-born son was Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. In fact, he was their second-born son (he was born in 1954); Joseph P. Kennedy II (born in 1952) was the first. Also, Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy is mentioned several times as JFK's "eldest" sister, and is even misidentified as such (in place of Rosemary) in one of the book's photographs. Perhaps the author fell into Joe, Sr.'s spell of pretending that Rosemary, the actual first daughter and third child, never even existed. These are just a few examples.
This book is a waste of time.
Readable but flawed book about a charismatic but flawed man.......2003-01-23
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not for the research -- as many of the other reviewers and the footnotes section of the book attest, most of the information has been available to us in other forms. But for the insights and attitude. Perret seems intent on making Kennedy human, and he succeeds. Kennedy is at once a visionary legislator (one of the first advocates of abolishing the mandatory retirement age and an early friend to both labor and Israel) and a bored playboy/senator (if a bill didn't interest him, he couldn't be bothered with it). A reckless womanizer who didn't really care about the impact his escapades had on his wife or career, yet one of the first politicians to recognize the power of the women's vote. And perhaps it was his confidence in his own rampaging heterosexuality that made him so comfortable with homosexual men -- something not very common in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Most of all, Jack managed to balance overwhelming ambition and opportunism with a secret but very strong core of idealism and conscience. I wish Perret had been a bit more discerning in choosing his sources. (I mean, J. Randy Taraborelli and Seymour Hersh, for heaven's sake!) But this complaint did not detract from readability of the book. It left me feeling profoundly sad about what this nation lost nearly 40 years ago, and how different the world today would be if JFK, for all his myriad faults, had lived out his natural life.
Book Description
This long overdue work tells 'the real story' behind motor racing legend Sir Jack Brabham. The book presents a fascinating account of his life, including unpublished material detailing his early racing career on two wheels and four in Australia. It then goes on to cover his incredible career from 1953-1970 which saw him win three Formula 1 Driver's World Championship titles, multiple F2 Championships, become the world's first dominant manufacturer of single-seater racing cars, and the first-and so far only-driver to win a World Title in a car bearing his own name. The Jack Brabham Story is lavishly illustrated with photographs, memorabilia, and superb full-color photographs of his racing cars. The book's highly entertaining but detailed narrative will appeal to all racing enthusiasts.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Autobiography.......2007-06-02
I have many books about the man and the machine but as you would expect the best details come from Black Jack's own pen. Excellent information especially his pre Grand Prix life and Cooper years which aren't covered well in other Brabham books. Great photos from his personal collection. Best of all you get his true feelings about his career, life and specific incidents.
This book is a must have if you are a serious fan of the history of Formula One.
Average customer rating:
- Goes the distance- ahead on all the score cards!
- Fantastic Film Facts
- A must have for any boxing fan...
- Just the book I've been waiting for.
- Not the Best Research
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The Boxing Filmography: American Features, 1920-2003
Frederick V. Romano
Manufacturer: McFarland & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
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ASIN: 0786417935 |
Book Description
The love affair between boxing and Hollywood began with the dawn of film. As early as the days of Chaplin, the "boxing film" had assumed its place as a subgenre, and over the decades it has taken the forms of biographies, dramas, romances, comedies, and even musicals and westerns. Such well known pictures as The Champ, Body and Soul, Don King: Only in America, Girl Fight, The Irish in Us, The Kid from Brooklyn, Somebody Up There Likes Me, Raging Bull, each of the Rocky movies and When We Were Kings are just a few examples of the feature films included in this filmography.
Thoroughly researched, this work examines 98 boxing films from the 1920s through 2003. Each entry provides basic filmographic data (the film's studio, its genre, its length, cast and credits); a detailed synopsis of the film; illuminating commentary on the boxing sequences; and excerpts from contemporary reviews. Most entries also summarize the making of the film, with particular attention to the training of the actors for the boxing scenes. The filmography also includes information on studio publicity releases and advertisements, press books and exhibitor campaign materials for each film.
Customer Reviews:
Goes the distance- ahead on all the score cards!.......2005-01-06
Boxing and the movies- two staples of 20th century Americana examined in a thorough, entertaining and personable point of view. Romano's passion for and knowledge of both artforms shines through. Part history lesson, part film critique, part reference book, part social study- highly enjoyable!!
Fantastic Film Facts.......2004-11-22
This is a book of substance for serious boxing fans, film fans,and devotees of American sports history, complete with amusing anectdotes, fascinating facts and interesting quotes. I found it a great read, and am keeping it on my coffee table. Great holiday gift idea.
A must have for any boxing fan..........2004-11-11
An outstanding effort! As a boxing fan, this book is a must have. The 'short story' format is truly engaging, and makes this book a joy to read.
The depth and breadth of the author's knowledge of the sport, and films centered around the sport, is immediately apparent. I was blown away by both the quantity and quality of research put into this book (it is not uncommon for a brief 3 page treatment of a film to reference 20 to 30 footnotes from 6 to 8 different sources).
Well done Mr. Romano... Your passion for boxing was truly appreciated by this reader.
Just the book I've been waiting for........2004-11-10
Just the book I've been waiting for - what a great read for any film and/or boxing fan like me! Each film's write-up is like a short story, chock full of interesting details on the film, actors, and sports icons. It's thoroughly researched, there are hundreds of footnotes! The book is a permanent part of my library; check it out (for yourself or as a unique present) and I'm sure you will agree. Here's hoping that Romano, a skilled writer, has another book in the works.
Not the Best Research.......2004-11-04
I found myself filling in a lot of blanks. Romano could have done better research on a few of these movies. He does not include Cagney on Cagney as a source and it shows. In Cagney on Cagney, James speaks on several things he did to train for the movies, like how much weight he lost, life experience as a fighter, his trainers, and where he got his keen ability to move like a boxer. He lost 35 pounds for City for Conquest, and that's not in the book. I lost trust for the author as a careful researcher. If he did not bother to read a source as important as Cagney's autobiography, what else did he not do? Don't waste your time on this gimmick book. The table of contents is the best part.
Hold out for a 2nd edition, with improved research.
Average customer rating:
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Franz Schubert and His Times
Karl Kobald
Manufacturer: Associated Faculty Pr Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Schubert, Franz
| Composers
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ASIN: 0804607567 |
Customer Reviews:
Good Biography.......2003-08-27
Considering the time it was written, This book gives a solid biographical illustration of Franz Peter Schubert, as well as all the people who played a major role in Schubert's life. It demonstrates the reciprocal influences that people, places and events had on his works, effectively portraying the context within his life of each work.
However, being an old piece of writing, this book does not address new findings, or theories of schubert's life of modern times, such as the heated issue of his potential homosexuality. This book at best only brings forth circumstantial evidence.
If you just want a biography, this is still a good book to read, however if you are looking for a thorough musical analysis, then I would reccomend other resources.
Average customer rating:
- A concise and interesting look at Schubert with some of the romance removed
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Franz Schubert in His Time
Ernst Hilmar , and
Reinhard G. Pauly
Manufacturer: Amadeus Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Schubert, Franz
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General
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ASIN: 0931340071 |
Customer Reviews:
A concise and interesting look at Schubert with some of the romance removed.......2006-02-03
This concise and helpful book came out in German in 1985. It was translated and published in English in 1988. The purpose of the book is not a biography of the composer, but to remove some of the sentimentalism that grew up around the composer almost immediately after his death at thirty-one in 1829. His friends said wonderful things about him and as the composer's fame grew, they got more attention by telling better stories.
Ernst Hilmar shows us how private music making in salons had been around since the Baroque and how these evening musical events evolved in Schubertiads. It was not so much something different than went on in other homes; it was just that the focus in these was the genius of a specific composer. We also get a chapter on the state of music publishing in Vienna and in neighboring countries. Schubert fared poorly with these businessmen. However, they were very grateful to have his publications once he died and his fame grew. Sound familiar?
The chapter on concert life in Schubert's time is quite interesting. The rise of the musical societies transformed what was a strong culture of amateur (in the good sense) music making into these mass festivals that we saw in, say, Mendelssohn's time. The chapter on the theater and the cult of Rossini in an otherwise moribund operatic life in Vienna helps us understand why Schubert failed to write a single successful opera in his life.
The chapter on dance music not only helps us understand its role in Schubert's output, we also get an idea of how the waltz evolved from something quite wild. It was banned not only for its indecent gyrations, but because it was so frantic before it became what we know today, that those who knew were sure that the rapid and deep breathing would lead to consumption. Schubert's dances focus more on the minuet, Laendler, the Ecossaise, and the popular Deutsch. It seems that the "vulgar" waltz was not sought out in Schubert's circles.
I also enjoyed the chapter on the literary scene with its censorship and its effect on Schubert's friendship with Mayrhofer once the poet became a censor. Schubert was a keen judge of poetry and its suitability for setting to his music. Some of the poets he selected were not so well known that he was likely to find them without someone point him to them. However, just as some of those singers who introduced the songs are very well known today but were insignificant and unknown in their life, some of the poets are famous only because Schubert made their works into immortal Leider.
The last chapter provides a summation and a vivid portrait of Schubert in his time with much of the romance about him removed. He tried to get work, was known - but not well known, had some publications - but not the major works we know today, he lived in Biedermeier Vienna - but was not himself so pedestrian, he was aware of Beethoven - but did not ape him.
There is a chronology of the composer's life, a bibliography, and an index of people referenced in the book.
Average customer rating:
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Schubert: His life and times
Peggy Woodford
Manufacturer: Midas Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Schubert, Franz
| Composers
| Classical
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| Music
| Entertainment
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General
| Music
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ASIN: 0859360954 |
Average customer rating:
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Schubert: His life, his work, his time
Joseph Wechsberg
Manufacturer: Weidenfeld and Nicolson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Schubert, Franz
| Composers
| Classical
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
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General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
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ASIN: 0297773712 |
Average customer rating:
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Franz Schubert;: And his time,
Karl Kobald
Manufacturer: A.A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Schubert, Franz
| Composers
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General
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ASIN: B00085LR4K |
Customer Reviews:
Very thoughtful of the time involved in chess........1998-05-12
Not that the author was Big Blue, but the impression left was one of serious-mindedness, caring of all moves but watchful of the strategic best.
I would read it again.
Book Description
To hand down the wisdom he had gained from years of battles, more than two millennia ago the famous Chinese general Sun Tzu wrote the classic work on military strategy, The Art of War. Because business, like warfare, is dynamic, fast-paced, and requires an effective and efficient use of scarce resources, modern executives have found value in Sun Tzu's teachings. But The Art of War is arranged for the military leader and not the CEO, so making connections between ancient warfare and today's corporate world is not always easy. Now, in Sun Tzu and the Art of Business, Mark R. McNeilly shows how Sun Tzu's strategic principles can be successfully applied to modern business situations. Here are really two books in one: Mark McNeilly's synthesis of Sun Tzu's ideas into six strategic principles for the business executive plus the entire text of Samuel B. Griffith's popular translation of The Art of War. McNeilly explains how to gain market share without inciting competitive retaliation ("Win All Without Fighting"), how to attack a competitor's weak points ("Avoid Strength and Strike Weakness"), and how to maximize the power of market information for competitive advantage ("Deception and Foreknowledge"). He also demonstrates the value of speed, preparation, and secrecy in throwing the competition off-balance, employing strategy to beat the competition ("Shape Your Opponent"), and the need for character in successful leaders. In his final chapter, McNeilly presents a practical method to put Sun Tzu and The Art of Business into practice. By using modern examples throughout the book from GE, Microsoft, ATandT, BMW, Southwest Airlines, FedEx, and many others, he illustrates how, by following the wisdom of history's most respected strategist, executives can avoid the pitfalls of management fads and achieve lasting competitive advantage. Even though down-sizing continues to increase corporate competition, and new technology constantly changes the playing field, the basics of business and strategy remain essentially unchanged. Sun Tzu and the Art of Business illuminates the fundamental strategic principles, providing lessons every manager must know to succeed today.
Customer Reviews:
Practical application of a classic book on strategy.......2004-08-04
McNeilly's book is a terrific introduction on how to apply the principles taught by this classic book on strategy.
As a marketing representative for my company, I use these principles everyday, in order to win business, and frustrate my competitors.
I always recommend McNeilly's books as a starting point to anyone wanting to learn about strategy.
Pragmatic Look @ Sunzi's (Sun Tzu) Principles of Strategy........2004-08-03
Mr. McNeilly book on Sunzi (Sun Tzu)is one of my favorite books on practical strategic application. ...
As a sftwr developer-prjct mgmt consultant, found his ["Six Strategic Principles"] to be pragmatically effective in any strategic challenges. ...
Also, technically abstract enough where the reader(-implementer of the ["Six Strategic Principles"]) can devise their own spin to their own strategic challenges. ...
The examples that are introduced were efficient enough for me to understand. ...
Have successfully utilized [McNeilly's Six Principles] for different strategic scenarios (i.e., market research, product development, close quarters negotiation, etc.).
McNeilly's book is one of those few books that's worth re-reading once a year for a mental refresher course. ... (Yes! This Cardinal does re-read this book once per yr.)
Have recommend this book to my assoc(s). Also, given away many copies of this book to those who are interested in Sunzi Strategic Principles.
Overall, I find his writing to be extremely sharp; his ability to explain how to apply Sunzi (Sun Tzu) principles to military conflict and business is nothing short of extraordinary.
Recommend this book to anyone who is serious about strategy.
Entertaining read, but unsatisfying.......2003-02-24
This book doesn't seem to be too detailed in it's examples and explanations. The basic principles are given, but there is not enough about the actual successful applications of these principles. I felt frustrated throughout the book when he would continually make references to a brief overview of a military event to prove his point or when he mentions "a well known company." The "well known companies," he would use these as support for his arguments/theories on how to apply them in business. He would say how the companies did this and that, and brought about certain results. I was left so frustrated because I wanted DETAILS! I wanted to know who these companies were and see for myself what happened and what significance it had to the company. Sadly, he hardly gives you any of this.
You are better off reading books written by Executives(active or retired). They will give you a perspective that is more pragmatic and more 'ordinary' if you will. And don't make shortcuts, actually read 'The Art of War' if you care about this topic.
Great book for people w/o a business sense!.......2002-08-30
Ignore the first review of this book - it seems to be by a person who's not read it, but feels that they know what it's about.
I'm finding this book an ESPECIALLY great read, coming from a non-business point of view.
If anything, I'm an engineer, and this book clearly lays out things that make you think "hmm, that's plainly clear, but I would have never realized it".
It doesn't give you answers on how to run your own business, but it gives you the methods for finding them.
highly recommented
You must read it!.......2002-06-07
The Art of War (the traduction is included in the book) in itself is very interesting. Even if it was written more than 2000 years ago, you can still learn from those principles.
The work made by Mark K McNeilly helps the reader to apply the greats principles ot Sun Tzu works in modern business life. The six principles are related to strategic management and really make sense.
It's clear and interesting. You must read it!
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- JOURNEY INTO DARKNESS: Follow the FBI's Premier Investigative Profiler as He Penetrates the Minds and Motives of the Most Terrifying Serial Criminals
- Lady Jane: Nine Days Queen Of England 1553
- Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses: A Memoir
- Lilibet: An Intimate Portrait of Elizabeth II
- Madame de Pompadour: Mistress of France
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Life: The Movie: How Entertainment Conquered Reality
Lincoln
A Question of Character: A Life of John F. Kennedy
President Kennedy: Profile of Power
Commander in Chief: How Truman, Johnson, and Bush Turned a Presidential Power into a Threat to America's Future
