Subjects:  1. Anthropologists    2. Anthropology    3. Anthropology - General    4. Archaeology / Anthropology    5. History    6. Social Science    7. Sociologists    8. Sociology    9. Social Science / Anthropology / General   

Reviews (4)

An adventurous and purposeful life well lived
This review addresses two questions:1)why read a lengthy biography(s) of Sir Aurel Stein who, though famous in his lifetime and a continuing giant in scholarly circles, is today little known to the general public; and 2) which of the two biographies written about Stein should one read:Jeanette Mirsky's "Sir Aurel Stein--Archaeological Explorer" or Annabel Walker's "Aurel Stein--Pioneer of the Silk Road."(Both are available through Amazon.com.)
Aurel Stein: Pioneer of the Silk Road
Aurel Stein was not without his faults.From all indications, he believed in the white man's burden, and probably would have tolerated fascism for its efficiency except for the realization that Hitler's brand of itincluded anti-Semitism, and Stein was Jewish.Even the subtitle of thebook, Pioneer of the Silk Road, is Eurocentric: there were already peopleliving in the areas Stein explored, members of tribes Stein seems to havehad no interest in or ability to differentiate among.Stein was the firstwhite archaeologist in the area, and he did open up new methods of what canonly be called archaeological plunder.Stein felt that if he hadn'ttaken those antiquities, there was a good chance they would have beendestroyed where they were.He didn't know they'd sit unviewed in theBritish Museum for almost a hundred years after he took them.The realcrime is that they are not now given back to China to help right pastinjustices.Stein's racial and cultural attitudes were a product ofhis time.He was too stuck in the framework of his own culture to be ableto judge any other culture except by the standards of his own.AnnabelWalker acknowledges Stein's shortcomings and yet brings him to life as aninteresting, sympathetic individual.He loved his family and friends anddogs dearly, but beyond that, he loved the great Asian wildernesses that heroamed in, often at extreme peril.Walker evokes those places, makes ussee them as he did.Walker shows us the "pluck", as Steinliked to call it, of the man, as well as his determination to shape hislife as he wanted it, to pursue what interested him.He died the way helived, in action, pursuing his dream even in his old age.AnnabelWalker writes with insight and equanimity.Her research is painstaking,her writing style enjoyable and thought-provoking.

Memory of lost civilizations
It is only through the work and people like Aurel Stein that we can retain knowledge of the past which otherwise would be forgotten and lost in the hands of specialized predators and thieves. Well written book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1862-1943    2. Archaeologists    3. Archaeology    4. Asia, Central    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Historical - British    10. Hungary    11. Sir,    12. Social Scientists & Psychologists    13. Sociologists    14. Stein, Aurel,    15. ASIA    16. Asian archaeology    17. Biography: general    18. Stein, Aurel   

Subjects:  1. 1858-1918    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. General    4. Germany    5. History    6. History Of Sociological Thought    7. Methodology    8. Simmel, Georg,    9. Social Science    10. Sociologists    11. Sociology    12. Sociology - General    13. Philosophy-General    14. Simmel, Georg    15. Social Science / Sociology / General    16. Social Science-Sociology - General   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Social Science    3. Sociologists    4. Sociology    5. Sociology - General    6. Biography & Autobiography / General    7. Biography: general    8. History of ideas, intellectual history    9. Sociology, Social Studies   

Subjects:  1. Attitudes    2. Economic conditions    3. Education    4. Social Mobility    5. Social Science    6. Sociologists    7. Sociology    8. Sociology - General    9. United States    10. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (1)

A perfect memoir, aware of its pretensions but honest always
If you've never been exposed to the "Great Books" movement in higher education, you probably don't know who Robert Hutchins was.I only knew him as a dazzling champion of this almost-forgotten ideal of learning,as did his contemporaries.Milton Meyer showed me a man superhuman in hisaims and yet tragically flawed.He espoused the Classics without being atrue student of them, and yet was he not more Shakespearean than any of theprofessors he governed?Anyway, the book moved me. If you have any abilityto be inspired by the story of an imperfect man, read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1899-    2. 1899-1977    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Higher    8. History    9. Hutchins, Robert Maynard,    10. Individual Institutions Of Higher Education    11. Literary    12. Presidents    13. Sociologists    14. University of Chicago    15. Biography: general    16. Education    17. Hutchins, Robert Maynard    18. Literary Criticism & Collections / General    19. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    20. USA   

Subjects:  1. AIDS (Disease)    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Family relationships    5. Fiction    6. Gay fathers    7. Patients    8. Sociologists    9. United States    10. Bergman, Susan    11. Health    12. Heche, Don   

Subjects:  1. Bibliography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Horowitz, Irving Louis    7. Learning and scholarship    8. Political science    9. Sociologists    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - General    12. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Sociologists    4. Ross, Edward Alsworth   

Editorial Review

Fred Cuny, a fearless and hugely ambitious Texan, was nicknamed "Master of Disaster" for his handling of relief projects worldwide. He stood out in a bureaucratic world with his unorthodox methods and obvious success. In 1995, during a visit to a mountain border town in Chechnya that was under heavy Russian bombardment, Fred Cuny disappeared.Read more

Reviews (23)

Cuny was a man with a mission !
I read this book a couple of years ago, and just recently reread it.What a fascinating story.For those who are interested in humanitarian crises, and what it takes to make things happen; within the myriad non-governmental organizations and governments as well; this is the book for you.
Mired in Mystery
I selected this book because I'd read the author's previous work, wanted to know more about Chechnya, and was curious about a man who would try "to save the world."Anderson's telling of the tale of Fred Cuny is illuminating and thought-provoking.I wanted to share this story with others who also knew little about the world where Cuny lived and worked.The continuing unrest in Chechnya makes this book as timely as it was on the day it was published.
a little less author, a little more Fred
This is definitely a captivating tale about a horrid and bizarre situation, but one wishes for a little less of the author's not so interesting tale.The author strikes me as a bit too macho, exaggerating the risks and missing out on important details of Fred Cuny's life (focusing too much on the macho aspects that the author clearly favors).Definitely worth a read but don't be turned off by the author's overblown bravado. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Cuny, Frederick C    4. Disappeared persons    5. Disaster Relief & Rescue Operations    6. Disaster Relief Services    7. General    8. Human Services    9. INTERTECT (Firm)    10. International relief    11. Philanthropists    12. Philosophy    13. Political    14. Sociologists    15. Philosophy / Political   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Social Science    3. Sociologists    4. Sociology    5. Sociology - General    6. Social Science / Sociology / General    7. Sociology, Social Studies   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Bourdieu, Pierre    3. France    4. General    5. History    6. Methodology    7. Philosophers    8. Philosophy    9. Social Science    10. Sociologists    11. Sociology   

Reviews (7)

Less About Elephants, More About Bureaucracy & Ego
No one should dispute Leakey's dedication to the wildlife and people of his native Kenya.This book, however, is a rather dull account of the political intrigue and manouvering Leakey faced from 1989 to 1994 when he was involved with Kenya's various wildlife services.Those in the field may value his insights and perseverance, but the average reader may find his grandstanding and, at times, painstaking defensiveness a bit hard to stomach.I'd much rather read a book by those out in the field (such as rangers) who saw the elephants every day and who would have many a tale to tell about fighting off poachers and dealing with tourists and natives.Leave this book for the bureaucrats in world wildlife agencies.

A wildlife conservation story to inspire
Dr. Richard Leakey has authored a compelling account of his time at the helm of Kenya Wildlife Services. The book recounts the bush war against poaching, and contains a very vivid description of Kenyan political life. Sadly - and ironically - the success of Dr. Leakey's management of KWS created a long list of political adversaries that eventually forced Leaky to resign from the post. Saving the elephants: the ultimate management challenge.
Anyone who has ever been to Kenya's extraordinary game parks to see the elephants, or dreamed of doing so, will be fascinated by this story of how these parks came to be the refuges they are and not the corrals for government-sanctioned poaching that they were.When paleontologist Richard Leakey took over the Department of Wildlife and Conservation in 1989, rampant corruption, theft, absenteeism, and a don't-care attitude were hallmarks within the department.
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Subjects:  1. African elephant    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Kenya    7. Kenya Wildlife Service    8. Leakey, Richard E    9. Paleontology (General)    10. Political    11. Scientists    12. Sociologists    13. Wildlife    14. Wildlife conservationists   

Reviews (2)

An important book to read
After his father was diagnosed with cancer, Blake Morrison & his family watch him quickly deteriorate & die within a matter of weeks.In trying to come to terms with his death, the author takes you back to thetimes he spent with his father through childhood to adolescence &adulthood.He writes an honest account of his feelings towards his fatherboth good & bad, alternating between memories of the past & thecurrent trauma of watching him fade away. The love hate relationship of a son with his father.
I very English book, a small social commentary on the parts of Britain and a class of British life that the foreign visitor rarely sees. Until recently, all through Britain the local Doctor ( or G.P. as he would also be known) was looked up to as being something else, something better and yet had contact to all classes. In the days up until the 1960's, he was perhaps the only person in a village other than the local Church of England clergyman that had been to a University; as a result the Doctor's son was considered something unusual.In my English schooldays in the 1950's, the sons of Doctors were certainly regarded so. Blake Morrison has written a book of childhood to adulthood memories of his father. The fact that the book is based on the few weeks between his father being diagnosed to be suffering terminal cancer to his death, it is in many ways not a light subject, but everywhere there is a glimmer of humour. For anyone like me, who has lost one or both parents i! t underlines that feeling you have that you have from time to time , in good and bad times , that you would like to be able to have a short chat with the old man... but now it's too late. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. English authors    7. Family relationships    8. Fathers and sons    9. General    10. Great Britain    11. Poets, English    12. Sociologists    13. Family & Relationships / Fatherhood   

Reviews (1)

Great Book! So much to learn from!
The author is amazing. Having travelled all around the world and to write a brilliant book about each county's culture. Great learning tool ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anderson, Barbara Gallatin    2. Anthropologists    3. Anthropology - Cultural    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Ethnology    7. Field work    8. Social Science / Anthropology / Cultural    9. Social Science / Customs & Traditions    10. Sociologists    11. Sociology    12. United States    13. Women    14. Women anthropologists    15. Cultural And Social Anthropology    16. Customs & Traditions    17. Social Science   

Reviews (1)

better served
It is a fact one would be better served reading Said rather than this book. Even the author of this book must likely vouch for such. Herein however, Hussein has patiently parsed and related the strands and materials from which Said works. The volume is clear to be sure, but lacks the polished prose and sparkle of its subject. This work does not review the life course of its subject. Rather, it reviews the works of the author, influences and arguments, aesthetic and political. For the most part Abdirahman Hussein writes of his subject with approval that at moments appears to be gushing. It is generally a disappointment that there are not more works of this nature and as a result of such puzzling paucity, this volume proves pleasing. Edward Said's work compels intellectuals to engage themselves politically and ideologically. As a result of a lacking synthesis or presiding theoretical bent in Said's work, some may conclude that it comes less thoughtfully produced. Mr. Hussein does well to clearly demonstrate that Edward Said's critical might and blight stem from the acute care he brings to his site specific interpretation of texts and situations. As curious and losing as it sounds, Hussein shows Said at work cultivating reason and taste while showing the world too often subdued and framed by something other than reason. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Literary Criticism    3. Sociological Theory    4. Sociologists    5. Biography: general    6. Literary theory   

Subjects:  1. Economic man    2. Enlightenment    3. History & Theory - General    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Self-interest    8. Sociologists    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - General    11. Europe    12. History of ideas, intellectual history    13. Mandeville, Bernard,--1670-1733--Contributions in sociology    14. Political Science / History & Theory   

Editorial Review

Lesbian scholar and activist Karla Jay's memoir is rich in sexual detail and family trauma, but may be enjoyed best as a personal history of the turbulent era in which its author came of age. She brings fresh first-hand reports on some of the most pivotal events in the rise of the New Left--from the 1968 student riots at Columbia through the Stonewall riots to the 1970 feminist takeover of the Read more

Reviews (5)

Feminism 101
Oh, what a fun read! This is one person's perspective, one person's story. Karla Jay does not claim to speak for all feminists, and it is important that those willing to take the time and energy to write their experience do so -- it is in so doing that herstory manifests. We all have our own perspective on the time in which we live -- just note how many people yell at the TV while watching the news!
Interesting times, but this account lacks introspection
I found reading this book a little like looking through a high school yearbook.It has a certain "those were the days, my friends" feel to it.It's interesting mainly because the times were interesting, and it's fun to look back.But it left me wanting something more substantial. An accurate celebratory account of very special days.
I shared some, though by no means all, of the exciting times described by Karla Jay in her book. I am very proud to have worked with her on four books, and pleased to remain her friend. This shouldn't disqualify me fromrecommending this book to friends and stranger alike. The word"liberation" in the title of this book is key. Read this book tofind out more about the pioneers of feminism and gay liberation. You'lllearn a lot and have a good time. I laughed out loud at some lines I'veheard before, and some that were new to me. You'll surely enjoy Karla'shumor, too, along with her honesty and compassion for her fellow humanbeings, male and female. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Gay Studies    3. Lesbian Studies    4. Politics/International Relations    5. Social Science    6. Sociologists    7. Specific Groups - General    8. Women   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. General    3. History    4. Philosophy    5. Social Science    6. Sociologists    7. Sociology    8. Sociology - General    9. Sociology - Social Theory    10. Modern Western philosophy, c 1600 to the present    11. Social Science / Sociology / General    12. Social theory   

Reviews (9)

A book for all ages
As a young person who was born in the United States but whose parents were born in Cuba, identity has never been black and white for me--although it has always been blue, red, and white.This book crystallized so many emotions that I had felt my entire life but had never really examined.If you are 22 and have never been to Cuba, but still call yourself Cuban or if you are 60 and think if your childhood on that island paradise everyday--this book will make you laugh, it might make you cry, and it will certainly make you think.For over forty years now Cubans have been hoping for that "next year" to come to fruition, but we are still waiting.This book will make you long for "next year" like never before.Read it--you will never forget you did.

Will next year be THE year?
That is the question that has echoed throughout the Cuban exile communityfor over 40 years.As the older generation fades, the new generationcontinues to ask, to wonder, if the next year will finally be the year whenCuba will be free and Castro will be, and there's no other way to say it,dead. Honest and Very Funny
That we Cubans and Cuban-Americans can find humor in any situation--even the most tragic and overwhelming--is a testament to our strength.This book is a poignant, funny, and sometimes sad tale of one man's struggle tofind his identity.It is a very personal self-examination, but one thatmost of us (all us "hyphenated" people) can relate to.Are youCuban?Are you American?Are you "of Cuban descent"?Are youCuban-American?Are you one person at home and another at work? These aredifficult questions, and he walks us through the even more difficultprocess of trying to find an answer.Does he have an answer?Yes and no. The author also explores the Cuban community's rise from its initial statusas an underprivileged, immigrant, "exile" community, to itspresent role as an assimilated, politically active, financially powerfulethinic force.All of this adds more depth to his own personal identityissues.The book is fascinating, thoughful, and full of relatives we canall look at and say "I have an aunt/uncle/mother/father/etc. just likethat!" Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Cuban American families    6. Cuban Americans    7. Florida    8. General    9. Hispanic American Poetry    10. Hispanic American Sociology    11. Miami    12. Poets, American    13. Single Author    14. Sociologists    15. Biography & Autobiography / General    16. Childhood and youth    17. Pérez Firmat, Gustavo