ERA Reviews

Walter Lippmann's vision of a cooperative America in 1914 has withstood the test of time as a paradigm for retaining our humanity during industrialization. His emphasis on science, communication, labor organization, and the women's movement has uncannily mirrored the intervening 90 years. Although a few of his sentiments and observations are outdated, the majority of his recommendations are still applicable to today's society.

The title is the clearest indication of the timeless pertinence of this work. In all eras of change, drift has been of the utmost importance. In today's world of exponentially progressing technology and corporate mechanization, we often feel helpless against the tides of nation-wide change. Mastery, then, is the ability to band together and set those changes on the course of prosperity without sacrificing our individuality.

Lippmann outlines the problems, solutions, and repercussions of mastery. Despite some aspects of the text being idealistic or anachronistic, much of what he predicted has come to pass. Although the average reader like myself may not be able to put Lippmann's ideas into direct action, his concepts still ought to help understand our responsibilities as citizens.

This is Walter Lippmann's erudite and often perspicuous examination of the "progressing" American society of the early twentieth century. For Lippmann society is in a constant state of drift and confusion. The confusion is promulgated throughout society by means of the large scale shift from pre-modern industrialism to modern industrialism. In order to obtain mastery what new forms of cohesion have to emerge? Lippmann rejects laissez-fair, William Graham Sumner's brand of individualism, and aligns himself with men like Herbert Croly (his soon to be partner at the New Republic). Society needs cohesion. Lippmann's answer, similar to Croly's, is pluralism (this is mastery). He does not buy the totally homogenous vision of society. Instead his vision is pluralist - large interest groups are emerging and social order can be achieved if a balance or common principle can be met between these common interest groups. In Drift and Mastery Lippmann discusses organized labor (in which he welcomes unions distinguishing himself from Croly), the consumer movement (the importance of objective consumer advice), the women's movement, and corporate managers (Lippmann had already abandoned his previous attraction to socialism). For Lippmann socialism was no longer needed because the robber barons were being replaced by socially minded managers who wanted to establish market share. Ownership is being democratized by the share of stock.
The book is rooted in actual observation allowing its readers to identify with it immediately. In it they observe the new modern era that is taking shape. How will the problems be solved? Lippmann sees science replacing religion as the primary device for solving peoples' problems. Science is the discipline of democracy. Science is no longer a threat. Instead it is a good thing in the Progressive Era. Lippmann even uses the word diagnose (a word with explict scientific conotations) in the subtitle.

This is Walter Lippmann's erudite and often perspicuous examination of the "progressing" American society of the early twentieth century. For Lippmann society is in a constant state of drift and confusion. The confusion is promulgated throughout society by means of the large scale shift from pre-modern industrialism to modern industrialism. In order to obtain mastery what new forms of cohesion have to emerge? Lippmann rejects laissez-fair, William Graham Sumner's brand of individualism, and aligns himself with men like Herbert Croly (his soon to be partner at the New Republic). Society needs cohesion. Lippmann's answer, similar to Croly's, is pluralism (this is mastery). He does not buy the totally homogenous vision of society. Instead his vision is pluralist - large interest groups are emerging and social order can be achieved if a balance or common principle can be met between these common interest groups. In Drift and Mastery Lippmann discusses organized labor (in which he welcomes unions distinguishing himself from Croly), the consumer movement (the importance of objective consumer advice), the women's movement, and corporate managers (Lippmann had already abandoned his previous attraction to socialism. For Lippmann socialism was no longer needed because the robber barons were being replaced by socially minded managers who wanted to establish market share. Ownership is being democratized by the share of stock.
The book is rooted in actual observation allowing its readers to identify with it immediately. In it they observe the new modern era that is taking shape. How will the problems be solved? Lippmann sees science replacing religion as the primary device for solving peoples' problems. Science is the discipline of democracy. Science is no longer a threat. Instead it is a good thing in the Progressive Era.

I love beautiful photography of machines and grew up watching the ore boats off of Cleveland. I couldn't resist buying it and I've enjoyed having it. This is a nice picture book and also has an interesting history of the development and demise of the uniquely configured Great Lakes ships. Jay Heise

For those intrigued with American marine technology this is "must buy". As a child growing up near Detroit in the 1940s these huge ships were only in my distant memories until I read Plowdens' narratives and saw the stunning photographs of the ships, the living spaces, the engines and firerooms, scenes underway, and the crew. An excellent work!

David Plowden has spent many hours sailing aboard older Great Lakes Steamships. His goal was to capture the essence and emotion of this unique type of steam vessel. The days of the the reciprocating steam engine aboard commercial frieght ships has come and gone just like the old venerable steam locomotives. The beautiful black and white photographs, coupled with an insightful narrative, gives the reader the most realistic vision of an era which will never again be experienced in human history. When David set out to do this project, he sensed the urgency of his mission. Today, most all of these vessels have been retired or scrapped and will never again feel the the seas, or the warmth and love of thier the crews. I have personally observed David as he stolled about our decks with great love and devotion for these ships. This book is a culmination of that love. This artists goal, to capture these vessels as they lived and breathed, has been majestically fulfilled. It is a must for anyone with interest into the daily workings of steamships, steam engines, and the people who lived among them. This book truly captures an "End of an Era".

It is a shame that such a truly critcal subject as the Jewish right and its Messianic pretensions, has at this point, only one good resource in English, and this is it. More specifically, The Ultra-Orthodox right, has found it's chronicler in Avi Ravitzky and his history of their Messianic throught. He provides a comprehensive historical summary of the Messianic idea, going all the way back to the Destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, then moves the discussion to the subjects of radical anti-zionism, religious zionism, contemporary Messianism in the various ultra-orthodox sects, and their continuing relavance in Jewish religious politics.

Especially important are the "Three Oaths" which the Rabbis developed to forestall Messianic Zionism, after 70 AD. These were so successful, they prevented Zionism from developing in times when it could have, and made the 20th century development of it much more difficult. However, the Three Oaths were only one strand of Jewish Messianic thought, which to a large degree still ignores the stupendous developments of the past 60 years as having no significance.

However, for this writer, the Holocaust and the birth of Israel, are exactly what would seem to an untrained observer: the arrival of the Messianic age. In my recent book, "Jewish History and Divine Providence" I provided an integrated Messianic view of Jewish history from a Liberal point of view. However, I begin from the point of view of Maimonides, whose messianic views were as sober and rational as the rest of his thought. In addition, the Kabbalah and its special rationality, is also critical in my analysis.

Ravitsky provides one side of the Messianic debate. However, until now a liberal side to this debate has been lacking. Those who read both Ravitzky and "Jewish History and Divine Providence" will get the full story.

Aviezer Ravitsky has done great work covering the history and beliefs of the full spectrum of religious responses to Zionism. From those who believed that Zionism was evil because of its secular nature and attempt to replace Divine Redemption with political redemption, to those who believe that the establishment of the State of Israel was preparation for Divine Redemption. He explains the differing points of view in such an unbiased and understanding manner that you are left wondering who is right. This was a mind-bending trip, and in my specific case, greatly helped me understand the beliefs and concerns of the Satmar Hassidim, whom my family left behind two generations ago in Satmar.

A superb scan of theologically hard-right sects within modern Judaism, with a suprising focus on the situation in the NYC area and American religious Jews generally. The book could benefit from a fuller treatment of the Orthodox view toward Zionism in the pre-state period, but this area is in fact addressed fairly well. It is surely an essential volume in any collection pertaining to the history of Zionism.

This book will be more useful to students of International Relations Theory than it will to the average person interested in foreign affairs. Reading the works of the grand theorists like Waltz, Keohane and Nye is kind of like geometry at time...you wonder how does this affect me in real life? Hulsman tries to make that connection.

Hulsman outlines the major theories and then quantifies how real people (policymakers like Clinton, William Perry, Strobe Talbot, Congressmen like Joe Biden, etc.) show their leanings as neo-realists or institutionalists based on intiatives they have supported or voting records, for example.

This is a fascinating book bridging the gap between theory and practice...and shows that International Relations Theory is not just a matter for academics to ponder on college campuses.

I meet John while in Washington D.C. on a school trip he was a fascinating man so I decided to read his book. Anyone who is interested on anything on foreign policy in Europe Read This Book. And John if you ever read this please feel free to email me and tell me what's new. Ken

If you are interested in politics, especialy forign affairs, than you have to read this book. It is informative and very interesting. This is the first book from a very intellegent author who is on the rise. My suggestion to you is read this book and then keep an eye out for his next book.

I purchased this book just prior to buying my first E-Type in 1982. Although the writing style reflects the author's background as a newpaper editor, his knowledge of these terrific cars enabled me to make an educated decision when buying my car. Since the book was published in 1976, much of the information regarding parts availability and suppliers has changed (thankfully for the better), and many of the photos have dated themselves. Still, I would advise anyone who has considered allowing a Jaguar E-Type to move in with them to first buy two books: this one, and a good shop manual. Armed with this knowledge, your E-Type experience should be a positive one. I enjoyed my 1965 coupe for almost sixteen years and never once called for a tow truck

Handy, matter of fact history. Some interesting observations on purchase and ownership. Some technical drawings which I haven't seen elsewhere

I first bought this book back in '87 when I purchased my first Jag. The title of this book says it all. To even HAVE the word ERA associated with a particular model of car is very unique. When the Toyota Tercel is finally discontinued, will a book be written about it at all? And who would call it "the end of an era"? Chris Harvey respectfully tells the history of the heart and soul that was given the E-TYPE, and he understands the wave of emotion the car imparts to the casual observers as well as the patent enthusiast. Chris' perspective gives the reader real insight into the hows and whys of the XKE, how it evolved over the years, the forces that affected this evolution, and finally, why it had to end. He explains well the balance of art & engineering that went into the car, and at the same time makes this a practical read for the E-Type owner, restorer or auto historian. A must have for the E-TYPE library.

Professors Amato and Booth present a wealth of statistical summaries regarding families in _Risk_. The suggestion from stress indicators that marriage satisfaction among couples has diminished in recent decades presents an interesting basis for policy discussions. Some of the statistics conform to contemporary expectations, others appear contrary. The book's value stems from the synthesis of these facts. Policy recommendations however, presnt a mixed bag. As sociology professors, the authors retain an overt fondness of current fad of maximized individual freedom as embodied in "no-fault" unilateral divorce statutes that discourage marital investment and facilitate dissolution, at the expense of children. While couples in low-conflict but unsatisfactory marriages are suggested be more accommodating for the sake of children, until the law protects the interests of the non-divorcing partner and/or offspring, such recommendations will fall on deaf ears.

A Generation at Risk holds appeal as compelling as its subtitle suggests - Growing up in an Era of Family Upheaval. Indeed, we have probably witnessed the most rapid change of family as an institution over the past decades throughout family history. Research is numerous and has addressed many aspects induced by "family upheaval" from macro- to micro-level. Amato and Booth's work has systematically mapped the cause-effect relationship between two generations: how each set of family-of-origin's characteristics (including parents' socioeconomic status, parents' gender nontraditionalism, parents' marital quality and divorce) affect offspring's well-being of various dimensions (including children's socioeconomic status, children's quality of intimate relationship, social integration and psychological well-being). They have done a remarkable job to answer the question we all have: whether changes in family life have harmed or benefited children, and to what extent.
The great advantage of their research is to use longitudinal design to obtain information on independent variables from the parents over a period of 15 years as their offspring grew up and to obtain information on dependent variables from the offspring by the end of the study period. Therefore it avoids the inaccuracy due to retrospective errors and lowers the same-source bias. The longitudinal design especially remedies the point-in-time data provided by most surveys that are poor at measuring changes over time. It enables the researchers to analyze the data with life course theoretical framework.
However, like all surveys in which every respondent is given the same set of questions, in-depth probe cannot be pursued. The authors have drawn lots of inference that possibly or probably links the independent and the dependent variables. For example, in explaining why unmarried children of non-traditional parents tend to leave home relatively early, it is assumed that their parents encourage residential independence yet such an assumption cannot be substantiated by the given data. Another drawback lies in the sampling bias that only married parents in 1980 were chosen and the non-traditional form of families were left out.
Having said that, the data source for this research is extremely rich. Besides the standard information available such as parents' education and income, this study also has collected extensive information on the gender division of housework and childcare, gender attitudes, marriage quality, marital conflict, and divorce proneness. The measurement of offspring's well-being is also inclusive from the socioeconomic attainment to intimate relationship, from social integration to psychological well-being.

This book is well researched and very objective. The researcher uses extensive data sources to offer support for the claim that money has only a secondary effect, and that parental involvment is a much more important factor for child sucess. In short, to improve society, we need better parents rather than more money.

I bought this book along with a book about Jane Addams and Hull
House. Hilda writes an honest, extremely interesting, straight forward tale of her own life, and the part Jane Addams played in it. At times I felt as if I was there at Hull House with her, so clear was her portrait. I walked the streets of turn of the century Chicago with her, and shared her joys and sorrows. The only thing I wish the author had included was more about members of her family and their day to day life. But otherwise, a highly interesting portrait of a remarkable woman.

This is an excellent account of a young Jewish woman's life as she immigrates from Poland and grows up in Chicago. Jane Addams and Hull House play an integral part in making her who she was when she passed away. Inspiring and interesting, it is a quick read and a good book for a project on immigration or settlement homes in Chicago.

When Hilda Satt Polacheck first approached publishers with her memoirs, a shief of loosely bound, handwritten papers in the 1950s, she received in answer a resounding "NO." She went back home, plowing her way though her life story again, making revisions, checking dates, & in general shoring up her work. Yet, when she again approached publishers with the work, she was again refused. Curious, she found the courage to ask one of these publishers why. "There is no interest in the life of an obscure woman," she was told. Hilda believed him, & went to her grave in the late 1960s without trying to find another publisher. And though her memoirs were indeed eventually compiled by her granddaughter & published post mortem, the loss of Hilda's own deft hand on the final product is inestimable. These are the words of Hilda Satt Polacheck, yes, but one wonders would this already gorgeous work would have been had Polacheck herself been able to see it through to the end.

An immensely gifted storyteller, Polacheck's strong, intelligent voice makes I CAME A STRANGER a riotous romp through the Progressive Era, studded throughout with celebrity cameos from all the major figures of the age. From Jane Adams, Polacheck's own personal mentor, to Emma Goldman, Dr. Alice Hamilton & too many others to mention, there are hardly any figures of import in the socialist movement of that time whom do not appear at least once in this amazing memoir. A story which is at once mundane & extraordinary, she mingles her matter-of-fact descriptions of immigrant life in a less than magnificent Chicago with unbelievable, yet true tales which illustrate the greatness, and great energy of the times in which she lived. Her life spanned a great many significant historical events, & Polacheck weighs in on ALL of them, offering her opinions with great candor & wit flavored by her own life experiences.

Hilda Satt Polacheck emigrated from Poland, fleeing the terrible Pogroms which forced her family to drop their affluent lifestyle & become faceless, nameless Jewish immigrants in 1890s Chicago, she becomes fully a product of the Jane Adams aesthetic, & through close association with the woman herself, and Hull House, comes to exemplify all the good that came of Adams' dream. It is also the only such accounting of the inner workings of a settlement house from an immigrant herself, & as such offers an inestimable glimpse behind the scenes, through the untutored eyes of one who experienced it from the inside.

For the past year I have been engaged in a lengthy research project on John Brown and his biographers. Robert Penn Warren's John Brown: The Making of a Martyr was written when Warren was just 24 years old, and, although it demonstrates the wonderful literary ability Warren would become famous for, the book should not be used as history; Warren's anti-Brown sentiments are obvious; his tone his extremely condescending, as he take numerous snipes at Brown throughout. Warren criticizes the work of previous Brown biographers, such as Oswald Garrison Villard, but that does not stop him from using Villard as his main source, even copying some of his words nearly verbatim. Warren does make some good points, though, like how Brown created his own martyrdom, and his prose is eloquent. Many readers go for this book because of how well told it is, but for the best, most complete, accurate, unbiased, detailed biography, read Stephen B. Oates' To Purge This Land With Blood. When it comes to research, leave this one alone.

This book does an excellent job of tracing not only John Brown's travels through Harper's Ferry, but also the genesis of his abolitionism.

Fanatic he may have been, but he was a fanatic on the right side of history. Also, there's no indication that Mr. Brown was a horse thief or a meglomaniac, although he did declare bankruptcy and did desire to lead, with the aproval of freed blacks, a provisional territory until slavery had been eliminated from the south.

Apologists for southern slavery, like Steve Quick below (who seems to be a hardcore southern apologist), should remember two words that destroy any moral argument they might muster in support of the antebellum South, and against the actions of John Brown, and later the Union.

The first word, obviously, is "slavery." It is unjustifiable, and any attempts to do so are disgraceful. It's sort of like saying that Hitler built good roads.

The second word is "Andersonville." The absolutely inhumane treatment Union soldiers received at the hands of the Confederates should never be forgotten.

The Harpers Ferry raid was the ember that ignited the Civil War. It was also part of a conspiracy, hidden in history almost as much as it was at the time, involving wealthy, prominant Northerners. Among them were Stowe and even Fredrick Douglas. Brown himself was a horsethief, a murderer, and a meglamaniac. Among the evidence found on his person was the constitution of the "new republic" he would usher in after Southern whites had been slaughtered by his army of freed slaves, naming himself as the new provisional president. This well researched book so completely debunks Brown as anything but a traiterous, intolerant tyrant that it is amazing that even today he can be viewed any other way. This book will raise your awareness to a brand new level, almost as much as it raises your blood pressure.

I came across Fanny Kemble during a chance visit to a Georgia plantation on the Altamaha River, near Butler Island, where Fanny wrote her journal. An acclaimed Shakespearean actress born into a theatrical family, she had been touring America with her father when she met Pierce Butler, a wealthy member of Philadelphia society with possessions in the South. He courted her with such persistence that she finally agreed to give up her career and marry him. (Needless to say, Philadelphia society did not smile upon the union.) After the birth of two daughters, she persuaded Pierce to take her and the children to Butler Island, where she learned firsthand about the source of the family's wealth: hundreds of slaves worked in the rice paddies on Butler Island and in the cotton fields on St. Simon's Island, where the prized long-fiber Sea Island cotton was grown.

Fanny had been in contact with New England abolitionists and was well aware of the slave problem; but she was unprepared for the appalling conditions she found in the slave quarters, in the fields, and especially in the infirmary. She prevailed on her husband to mitigate the harsh rules imposed by the overseer, procured blankets for the infirmary and sewing material for the women; taught them to make clothes and take care of their babies; and even tried to teach some of them to read - which was, of course, frowned upon. She found that some of the slaves were skilled craftsmen and suggested that they should be paid for their work like any artisan.

An accomplished horsewoman and energetic walker, she also learned to row a boat so she could explore, unchaperoned, the coastal waterways. Her unconventional, spirited life style drew reprimands from her husband, but earned her the respect and admiration of the slaves.

The journal she kept on Butler Island gives a lively account of her daily routine. For those who imagine the lives of southern plantation owners along the lines of Hollywood movies, this book provides a healthy dose of reality. With an outsider's keen and critical eye, she chronicled her own involvement in a dark chapter of American history. She did not publish the journal until 1863, when she was divorced from Pierce and had returned to England. It came out just before the battle of Gettysburg and may have influenced public opinion in England which had been drifting toward favoring the South.
Today, the Butler plantation no longer exists; but neighboring "Hofwyl" gives a visitor a fairly good impression of what plantation life may have been like before and after the Civil War.

I purchased this book from Amazon in September but just managed to finish it this weekend. Why the delay? The book is a hard and melancholic read. In page after page Fanny Kemble narrates the abomination and sheer evil of slavery. We are introduced to folks who pious in their ways and beliefs show absolutely no compassion or outrage towards sanctioned barbarism. There is the case of one little girl who cannot conceive or imagine the notion that she can be a free woman. Then there is the sanctimonious Mr. Butler who is supposed to be a "good massa" to the chattel that is his property. I cannot begin to chronicle the innumerable injustices done to fellow humans.

But then in the midst of this filth there is a bright shinning light. That light is Fanny. This brave and intellignet lady fought against big odds to somewhat improve the plight of the slaves on her husband's plantation. Often not taken seriously, or worse treated condescendingly, Fanny nevertheless kept at it.

The first five chapters are a delight to read. They narrate her journey to the plantation along with her experiences at stops along the way. But from then on be prepared for a long sad book. This is an important book that deserves your attention. The next time I visit one of those beautiful antebellum mansions with the aroma of magnolia's in the air I will remember the cost of human lives wasted. I will remember Fanny.

Fanny Kemble Butler was a remarkable woman. In a time, circumstance, and place which precluded her following her life's dream, she settled down into marriage with Pierce Butler, who had adamantly and ardently pursued her hand. She left a very successful career as an actress and gave up, for a time and at her husband's request, her ambition and even her beliefs. She strove to make this marriage work and to "save her husband's soul," when she discovered, after the marriage, the actual source of her husband's family's income, the rice plantations that lay in Georgia. They had two children together before she finally persuaded him to allow her to visit his Georgia rice plantations, where hundreds of negro slaves labored to support the family's wealthy lifestyle in New England. Fanny's heartfelt pleas to free the negroes not only fell on her husband's deaf ears, but he eventually forbade her to even tell him of their plight, and even went so far as to forbid her to continue the practice of helping out in their infirmary. Still, the slaves of her husband's two plantations temporarily benefitted from her visit, which must have been like a ray of light in a very dark existence. The stories speak for themselves, and Fanny makes it her duty to record every one in the slaves' own voices. This book affected me deeply, especially when I read of Fanny's eventual unhappy divorce from her husband, whom she still loved, and her enforced separation from her children. Scholarly reading for every student of the nineteenth century, in the subjects of enslavement, the plight of married women, and general attitudes toward women and slavery by men in power and the common people.

For chess players it's a very useful account of Kasparov's matches with Anand and against Deep Blue. However, the style is very dull and, although fluent, it is obvious that the author's first language is not English. Some analysis is presented in this book but not in any useful way - neither in depth for the expert nor descriptive explanation for the novice.

In stark contrast to the quality of writing, Dominic Lawson's book on the Kasparov-Short match, End Game, is a much more enjoyably read as an account of a world championship match, although it lacks any chess analysis.

Khodarkovsky also seems unable to have his own opinions on the matches and appears only to present Kasparov's point of view. He often drones on how intelligent and wonderful Kasparov is, without there being any relevance to the story. There is also a lot of criticism of IBM's behavior in the second Deep Blue match but no attempt to get a perspective from outside the Kasparov team. This is understandable if he wants to remain as a trusted aide for future matches, but it doesn't make for enjoyable reading.

These criticisms of style and approach aside, the book is very worthwhile to the chess player as it gives the world champion's perspective on one of his title matches and also on the most important man-versus-machine games ever played.

A New Era was a very interesting book! This book provides coverage of Kasparov's championship defense against Vishy Anand, as well as his two matches against Deep Blue. The difference between this book and other books on the matches is that it is written by one of Kasparov's team, master Mikhail Khodarkovsky. This means that it includes much inside information about how Garry was feeling through the matches as well as fascinating insights into how their team prepared for each game and the general strategy of match play.

Kasparov is a very common hero for chess players not just because he is perhaps the greatest player ever but also because he often shows his emotions both on and off the board. He is a passionate person, as exhibited by his play as well as his views on politics and other topics. This book illustrates this aspect as he goes through the emotional ups and downs that comes from playing at the pinnacle of the game.

The games themselves were fascinating. I also have read Patrick Wolff's account of the 1995 World Championship match as well as Pandolfini's book on the second match against Deep Blue, so I had some background on the games. It is interesting to compare the feelings of Anand in Patrick Wolff's book (he was one of Anand's seconds) with that of Kasparov's during the same match.

My only criticism of the book is with regards to the analysis. It is detailed and includes Kasparov's own preparation and analysis. However, at times I feel it could be over the heads of less than advanced chess players because there is little commentary. However, I felt I could enjoy the games overall anyway. However, I don't think this detracts too much from the book overall as I felt the strength of the book was Khodarkovsky's perspective as an inside person in Kasparov's life.

If you are a fan of Kasparov's, you would do well to read this book. If you are a fan of chess, I also highly recommend it.

A great book about the greatest player ever, and how he changed the world.