Anyone who enjoys history or WWII military operations.
SYNOPSIS
Ian Fleming and SOE’s Operation POSTMASTER: The Untold Top Secret Story, is a historical look at just one of the Special Operations Executive’s (SOE’s) missions in West Africa. The author draws parallels between this mission, the makeup of the SOE, and Ian Fleming’s James Bond series.
The story follows a small group of soldiers from Dunkirk through special operations training to mission “Operation Postmaster.” Brian Lett explains how Ian Fleming was involved with the SOE, how he knew the individuals involved, and how he incorporated certain characteristics from each member into his fictional character James Bond. Brian breaks down the makeup of the SOE and the code words and letters utilized during the time and how Ian Fleming incorporated those into his series.
Operation Postmaster is the tell of a small group of highly motivated soldiers from all walks of life and multiple nationalities banding together to accomplish a single goal. These soldiers trained in England and Scotland, and then went to work on the Spanish island of Fernando Po, now known as Bioko, off West Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. The story describes the trails and tribulations that the SOE went through just to be able to do their job. From the pushback of the Admiralty, to the international political scene.
The detailed planning, the timely execution, and the personal fortitude of the men is quite evident. The fact that they received almost no help from their own military only added to the tale. The British General Officer Commanding (GOC) West Africa Command refused to support the mission. The only way they could accomplish this mission was to get help from the Governor of Nigeria.
CONCLUSION
Operation Postmaster is sometimes thrilling, but for the most part it just tedious. This is in no part due to the author, but due to the lack of support from the British military. In order to tell the story, the author has to incorporate the long delays, the trials, and tribulations that the men had to go through. When the story really picks up it is very good. Overall, I found it an interesting read but one I could do without. The whole operation just seemed a waste of resources for little gain and the possible international ramifications. The way the story is told it seems that the whole operation was just to prove that the SOE could “do it.”
Although there are similarities between the code names of the soldiers and Fleming’s books, there is no evidence that he used this particular mission to from his James Bond 007 series. It is evident that he used his experiences working with the SOE for the background of his series, but I believe the author put too much emphasis on this one mission. My greatest disappointment is that Ian Fleming, although promoted heavily on the dust cover, features less than I expected.
Acknowledgment
My sincere thanks go to: The Author, NetGalley, and the Publisher, for affording me the opportunity to review Ian Fleming and SOE’s Operation POSTMASTER: The Untold Top Secret Story.
Tyrants is a must read for all those studying political science.
SYNOPSIS
Tyrants, by Professor Waller Newell is an encyclopedic panoply of absorbing facts relating to despots from ancient history to present days autocrats. Waller categorizes the various kinds of tyrannical systems together with their characteristic methodologies and potential risks each poses to the society and the wider world. Tyrants spans over 2,000 years of anarchic insanity posing under the guise of political change. Professor Newell describes succinctly how tyrannical systems grow, often seeming to be ineffectual to their rise and through their inevitable fall. The pattern repeating itself again and again against the tapestry of human history. As time and technology progress the number of victims arising out of tyranny increases to terrifying levels. Newell mentions the usual suspects, Hitler, Stalin, and, Alexander the Great as well as those from the distant past.
From the onset I was surprised to observe the subject to be compelling, fascinating, and enthralling. I commend Professor Newell for taking a complex and sensitive subject and making it accessible and interesting. I felt that Newell argued well that tyrants represent an existential threat to the existence and continuation of democratic systems.
Professor Newell manages to take us from the tyrannical archetypes and through his extensive academic knowledge and skills to reveals the very heart of tyrants at their worst. Newell states from the beginning that his purpose is to prompt the current generation to realize that tyrants are not gone never to return. They are very much alive, well and living alongside us today and that they present a terrifying threat to societies across the globe.
The work is scholarly but not academic, and this is an excellent choice as it gives the greatest number of readers the opportunity to ingest this warning from history. Tyrants is particularly important due to the absence of literature covering this topic.
CONCLUSION
Tyrants is a primer for those who wish to read Professor Newell’s earlier masterpiece Tyranny. Both manuscripts will give the reader a superior knowledge of the danger that still exists in our world today; as well as the historic context against which to illuminate the cliff edge that faces civilization. This tome is concisely written and researched with inspirational interpretations throughout. I found it a compelling read even though the topic is serious. Tyrants by Professor Newell is the author at his best.
His books include Tyrants: A History of Power, Injustice and Terror (forthcoming from Cambridge University Press), Tyranny: A New Interpretation (Cambridge University Press), The Soul of a Leader: Character, Conviction and Ten Lessons in Political Greatness (Harper Collins 2009), The Code of Man: Love, Courage, Pride, Family, Country (Harper Collins, 2003), What Is A Man? 3000 Years of Wisdom on the Art of Manly Virtue (Harper Collins 2000), Ruling Passion: The Erotics of Statecraft in Platonic Political Philosophy (Rowman and Littlefield 2000) and Bankrupt Education: The Decline of Liberal Education in Canada (University of Toronto Press 1994, with Peter C. Emberley).
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
My sincere thanks go to: The Author, NetGalley, and the Publisher, for affording me the opportunity to review Tyrants.
Sir Francis Bryan: Henry VIII’s Most Notorious Ambassador
Author
Sara-Beth Watkins
Publisher
Chronos Books (February 1, 2020)
Format
Kindle, Paperback,
Page
176
Language
English
ISBN #
1789043417 ISBN 13(978-1789043419)
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Sara-Beth Watkins is a successful and popular author. She is an autodidact and grew up in Surrey, England. During her childhood she was drawn to the subjects of history and writing. Following a career as a tutor of the written word, she branched out to professional writing. Her early works were successful, and they focused on self-help. The success of her initial releases inspired here to combine her childhood interests and the result has been an avalanche of superb historic works of littérature.
WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE?
Those who enjoy historic literature in general or Tudor history, in particular, may enjoy this manuscript. Scholars or academics studying college courses in history may find Sir Francis Bryan very useful.
SYNOPSIS
Sir Francis Bryan is a comprehensive and detailed life of a Tudor aristocrat. The period referred to by the title is from 1490 when Francis Bryan was born to his death in 1550. The volume explores the life and times of Bryan; his heritage, Knighthood, and other heraldic awards acquired during King Henry’s monarchy and thereafter.
Bryan was a loyal functionary of not just one monarch but several Royal Houses during his lifetime. He was very well rewarded for his friendship and his loyalty. However, the rewards were all too often depleted by the demands placed upon him by the very sovereign that accorded them to him. ‘The Field of the Cloth of Gold (June 1520)’ is where Bryan paid more than the King for the much-heralded celebration. A celebration that preceded The Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530’s.
Watkins has managed to take a character and present the man behind the myth. There is a genuine sense of him, his personality and his human failings. We are left in no doubt that he was a ‘man’s man’ that is to say someone who works hard, plays hard, and likes to chase the ladies.
Bryan lived at a time in English history that saw momentous constitutional and religious changes. A period of great upheaval, wars, religious inspired pogroms and strife. It was a time that friendship nor marriage alone could guarantee your safety. It is safe to assume that Bryan was blessed with what would be labeled today as a considerable degree of social intelligence. He navigated his way successfully across several monarchs’ rule, and survived.
Whilst Watkins has provided us a comprehensive and detailed biography through extensive research, she has avoided the licentious and depraved aspects of Bryans life’s choices. There is a hint of his lascivious tastes, but an accurate account is missing. There is no doubt as to Bryan’s skills in diplomacy, aided by his knowledge of several languages, “savoir faire” in his mandated tasks. Bryan cleverly negotiates the daily dangers of court life and of managing the expectations of his close friend and King. He used his personality, confidence, intelligence and elan, to communicate truth to power and maintain his head.
Watkins has produced a concise and broad ranging personal history in a succinct format. The book holds together well, and it is suffused with material.
CONCLUSION
There is a significant skill in writing historic biographies and maintaining a pace that holds the reader’s attention. This skill is even more admirable when taken into consideration the vast gaps in the historic record for a person’s daily life experiences. This lack of accurate information is true even of those in close contact with the monarchs.
Sara-Beth Watkins has managed to write yet another captivating, informative and entertaining read.
Sir Francis Bryan includes monochrome pictures, references, a bibliography and an Appendix.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My sincere thanks go to: Sara-Beth Watkins (Author), NetGalley, and the Publisher (Chronos Books) for affording me the opportunity to review Sir Francis Bryan: Henry VIII’s Most Notorious Ambassador.
Lynn Sykes is a Higgins Professor Emeritus, of Environmental Earth Sciences at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Sykes graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Master of Science (M.Sc.) in geology from MIT in 1960. Later Sykes attended Columbia University where he earned his Doctorate in seismology in 1965. Three years later Sykes became a faculty member and was named the Higgins Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences. He taught geophysics, plate tectonics, and environmental hazards. Sykes became a member of the staff of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University in 1965 and remained there until 2005 when he retired as a professor emeritus.
Dr. Sykes is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is a fellow of the Geological Society of America and the American Geophysical Union which honored him with its Macelwane and Bucher Awards. Although Dr. Sykes is currently retired, he continues his lifelong research on earthquakes and nuclear explosions.
WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE?
Professor Sykes ‘a posteriori’ writing style combined with the lack of ‘layman’ terms could prove to be off putting for those who are unlettered. Despite this, the science is well described and completely comprehensible to those with even a fundamental comprehension of basic High School science. For these reasons I would suggest that this manuscript is best suited to individuals with a strong interest in the subject or a broad knowledge of the science. Students of earth sciences, geophysics, oceanographers, and those who lecture in any of these subjects are the target audience. Those who would like to know more about the life and times of Dr. Skyes may appreciate the detailed biographic information about the scientist, his academics and his social journey.
SYNOPSIS
The manuscript is very well written and is replete with an abundance of facts relating to the geologic sciences. In chapter one, Sykes provides a brief informative introduction on the subject. He has taken the time to provide beautifully detailed colored plates that significantly improve the understanding of the subject.
I the next chapter Dr. Sykes introduces himself. I note that some reviewers saw this as a negative aspect of the volume; I did not, I found it both fascinating and elucidating. His qualifications clarified the extensive education and of over half a century of experience that collectively with his illustrious academic background supports the science in his text.
The following chapters, except for one, focused on complex and detailed information communicated via glorious full color plates, diagrams, photographs, and graphs.
Within these chapters there are repeated mentions of the illustrious and notable, J. Tuzo Wilson (Ph.D.) of Toronto University. It was Dr. Wilson who recognized and originated the Theory of Transform Faults, a radically innovative method of earthquake study and analysis. Dr. Wilson is referenced 21 times throughout the book. Whilst the eminent German Geophysicist, Meterologist, and acknowledged originator of the Continental Drift Theory Dr. Alfred Wegener Ph.D. is only mentioned once. I considered the limited discussion on Dr. Wegener’s work on Continental Drift to be concerning. It was, after all, Dr. Wilson’s theory that ultimately led to today’s model of Plate Tectonics.
CONCLUSION
Whilst the Plate Tectonics and Great Earthquakes cannot be described as scintillating or thrilling read it is informative, knowledgeably written, and full of a wealth of valuable information. The volume can undoubtedly prove to be a challenging read. However, if you apply yourself and commit to completing the book, your reward will be an improvement in understanding a modern and increasingly relevant scientific discipline.
If I entertained any suggestions for improvements to the layout of the book; I would suggest that the plates are placed in-situ with the relevant chapter and not collated in the rear. I found it incredibly tedious and time asking to move back and forth to examine the graphics.
I found the glossary and references to be clear, concise, and useful.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My sincere thanks go to: The Author, NetGalley, and Columbia University Press, for affording me the opportunity to review Plate Tectonics and Great Earthquakes.
BREXIT: The Benefit of Hindsight: King vs Rich Trade-off
Author
Peace E. Ani MBA
Publisher
Matador (6 Aug. 2019)
Format
Kindle, Paperback,
Page
120
Language
English
ISBN #
1838590714 ISBN #-13 (978-1838590710)
“Whilst Brexit is inherently political, this research focuses on the economic and financial markets consequences.”
BREXIT, Ani E. Peace, (6 Aug. 2019), Loc 128.
AUTHORS BIO
Peace E. Ani is a lettered academic with an MBA and an Oxford Scholar. Her expertise for the past 15 years has been in the financial services sectors; specifically, in Investment Banking, Asset Management and Specialized Insurance.
WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE?
Anyone interested in reading about the numerous influences involved in attaining the best BRITEX for the Banking Industry would deem this a thought-provoking read. Students of finance, financial or asset managers, CEO’s of major corporations and economists could benefit from the simplified but enlightening information contained therein.
SYNOPSIS
BRITEX: The Benefit of Hindsight; King vs Rich Trade-off is a primer for anyone who wants to recognize the likely impact on the Banking Sector dependent upon how the politicians govern the nation. It is not an opinion piece on the ‘soft’ aspects of BRITEX.
Ani begins by tightly defining her chosen subject and continues to maintain that focus throughout her thesis. She makes good use of empirical as well as graphical data to enhance and inform the reader. The writing, whilst it is scholastic, is always clear and concise. Ani is thoughtful in providing a glossary and a list of terms for the layperson otherwise unfamiliar with the financial jargon.
The monograph proved to be enlightening and informative, well-paced and not at all dry. In fact, I found her work to be educational and remarkably edifying. It was refreshing to follow a tract that didn’t focus on the myriad of interrelated trivia that has plagued the BRITEX debacle.
The considerable research that Ani put into this piece is evident. Her theories are effectively constructed and cited. It came as no surprise to me that this is part of her doctrinal thesis. I was considerably impressed by her ability to maintain the focus of her writing and the clarity with which she expressed her thoughts.
I thoroughly did enjoy following this work and I harbor no reservation in heartily recommending it to you. Ani has managed to inform the discussion without sermonizing and has managed to deliver a cogent and concise doctrinal study.
CONCLUSION
To a certain extent, this tome clarifies some of the potential financial implications for the Banking Community. I feel that it is a missed opportunity by excluding the ‘soft’ aspect of the situation; those being the social factors that influenced the ‘leave’ vote in the first place Before I read this book, I thought that it might have limited appeal however, after completing it I’ve completely changed my mind. I currently believe that this is a valuable source of insight for all those involved in the BRITEX experience. If you take the time to peruse this manuscript carefully, you will gain an insight that you may have lacked otherwise.
Pros
I liked the extensive utilization of relevant tables, lists, glossaries, diagrams, and notations. The empirical tabulations were crucial, informative and made delving into the data a cinch. I was impressed by the clarity of the prose as well as the meticulous research and citations. Due to the author’s skill in writing, the manuscript was a far more peasant read than I had at first expected. Although finance can be a terribly droll read for the ‘layman’ the writer managed to deliver an intelligent, well-paced, and informed text. I was equally impressed by the brevity of the work, only 120 pages and yet the subject was focused throughout. The graphics and the illustrations were used where they best suited the conversation. I did find the information interesting and informative but not as timely as I would have expected.
Cons
Whilst I enjoyed the time and effort utilized in the preparation and illustration of this thesis, I found the dated information in many of the tabulations to be of concern. In a period of electronic economic timescales that can be counted in milliseconds, having charts and tables that are 5 years old to prove an opinion in the present is questionable. Another issue when using such old economic data as a predictor of future performance in support of a thesis is that past performance is not an accurate predictor of future performance.
I was disappointed that several factors capable of affecting the outcome of BRITEX were absent; for example, the lack of International Banking Bloc activities and responses were missing. There was a lack of speculation on the rapidly deteriorating position of Deutsche Bank and its potential for collapse. Nor did the thesis include the affect arising out of the global market from other Monetary Blocs such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS). Nor were politically motivated factors influenced by the nations disappointment that democracy had ended as a result of the government defying the will of the electorate included. One alternative BRITEX pathway that was ignored is the establishment of the population to declare a republic as a means of re-establishing the status quo. A good analyst will try to identify the probable outcomes of any given situation, but a great one will consider all potential outcomes and consider strategies for each. I was equally disappointed that there wasn’t more discussion on the titanic forces dragging the world towards a Globalist Financial System; regardless of the wishes of the global population. Globalization represents a genuine missed opportunity and its inclusion I believe would have had the potential to alter the conclusion. I didn’t feel that the key factor, the Customs Union, was explored enough and that conversation should have been examined in more meticulous detail.
Acknowledgment
My sincere thanks go to: The Author, NetGalley, and the Publisher, for affording me the opportunity to review BREXIT: The Benefit of Hindsight: King vs Rich Trade-off.
Penny Cameron Le Couteur, Ph.D. & Jay Burreson, Ph.D.
Publisher
Jeremy P Tarcher; Reprint edition (May 24, 2004)
Format
Kindle, Paperback, Audiobook
Page
384
Language
English
ISBN #
10-1585423319 ISBN #-13 (978-1585423316)
“for this physicist, reading Napoleon’s Buttons was like being a kid accidentally locked overnight in a candy store. The treats? Lots of neat chemistry that I should have known but didn’t (having had awful college chemistry teachers), a whole bunch of entertaining anecdotes, and not a few breathtaking historical generalizations.”
David Goodstein, American Scientist
AUTHOR(S) BIOs
Dr. Penny Le Couteur, Ph.D., was born in New Zealand and attended the University of Auckland. She attained her Ph.D. from the University of California in Santa Barbara. Dr. Le Couteur has been teaching chemistry for over three decades. She was recognized as an outstanding educator of chemistry in Canadian Collages. She was formerly The Head of Capilano’s Chemistry Department as well as the chair of Pure and Applied Sciences.
Dr. Le Couteur currently works as an award-winning professor in the Dean of Arts and Sciences office at Capilano College, British Columbia, Canada. She currently resides in North Vancouver, Canada.
Doctor Jay Burreson, Ph.D., is the co-author of Napoleon’s Buttons: How Seventeen Molecules Changed History. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Hawaii. He worked as an Industrial Chemist for Mag Tech in Oregon, USA. Currently, he is a Fellow of Marine Natural Products at the University of Hawaii, USA.
WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE?
This title was initially intended for gifted students age 14-18 years old. Astonishingly, it has been favorably received by a considerably more diverse audience from children to adults. This scholarly work will appeal not only to those with an academic background, but also to those with little or no background in chemistry.
SYNOPSIS
Napoleon’s Buttons is a refreshing read that combines not one but two disciplines: organic chemistry and associated history. The book was authored with the intention of it being an introductory primer for students of organic chemistry with-in the age range of 14-18 years old. However, this text has proven to be a hit with adults as well.
The authors have taken the subjects of chemistry and history and melded them together to produce a compelling combination. The prose are skillfully written in a coherent and accessible style with plenty of illustrations, formulae, and comprehensive end of chapter summaries. In my humble opinion, these summaries are irreplaceable as they allow the reader to glean the bulk of the information in the chapter in a convenient bite-sized manner. The chapters cover various molecules, complete with a concise anecdotal historic context for each. They included isomers and chirality concepts in an intelligible manner for those unfamiliar with the terms.
Central to the success of this volume is the historic connections of the various interactions between historical influences, social and cultural pressures, and the political forces of the time. In the case of olive oil, all those factors were changed through the popularity of the resultant product.
THE PERIODIC TABLE
CONCLUSION
Pros
Students will find the script to be compelling reading on a number of levels. The formulae are aptly described and easy to understand. The context strengthened the subject considerably. The science described in this text is similar to The Scientific American and not as demanding as The New Scientist Magazine. The combination of story telling and the scientific underpinning makes this book a fascinating and engrossing read.
Cons
Although the title suggests that there are only 17 molecules discussed, there are more. In addition, I question why a glossary was not included in a text meant for teenagers. Although the first chapters provide a brief introduction to chemistry, I feel a more comprehensive introduction would have been helpful for all those who have no prior knowledge of the scientific discipline. This would be incredibly beneficial for those with little or no instruction in the use or knowledge of chemical formulae.
The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human Dysfunctional Behavior
Author
Ivan Fuchs
Publisher
Radius Book
Group (April 19, 2019)
Format
Kindle, Hardcover,
Audiobook
Page
604
Language
English
ISBN #10 /#13
9781635766011
/ 9781635766011
“This book is an attempt to explain some of the
phylogenetic mechanisms that brought about in humans the innate liability of
developing varied forms of dysfunctional or maladaptive behavior, the graver of
which are categorized as mental disorders.” The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human
Functional Behavior. (Fuchs, 2019, LOC 104).
Prescient
Please note, if you are not a psychiatric professional read the summary and then go to the Synopsis and take a look at the diagram I have provided for your understanding. If you are a mental heath professional please read on.
Author’s Bio
Dr. Ivan Fuchs is the author of The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human Dysfunctional Behavior. Dr. Fuchs retired after 3 decades of experience gained from working as a Practitioner of Clinical Psychiatry. Originally from Hungary, Dr. Fuchs emigrated to Israel early in his career where he currently resides today with his family.
“In my
opinion, these mechanisms, or more exactly, their extreme poles on a
diversified scale (as a result of relaxation of natural selective pressures),
constitute the inherited foundations of most common mental disorders.” (Fuchs,
2019, LOC 209).
Who
is the audience for this textbook?
Dr. Ivan
Fuchs forms a thesis in TheEvolutionary Mechanism of Human
Dysfunctional Behavior. Dr. Fuchs based his theory on his extensive
professional experience; principally psychiatry, knowledge of biology, genetics,
and primatology. Dr. Fuchs thesis is not peer reviewed or published in any
professional scientific journals. Dr. Fuchs expresses doubt that this
publication will have broad appeal and he believes that it will fall into a
narrow niche’ primarily for medical professionals. Those most likely to benefit
from reading Dr. Fuchs theory would be: Professional Mental Health Clinicians and
Researchers; Research Fellows, Students of Psychological Medicine; Researchers
of Psychiatric Medicine; Students of Psychiatry, and Clinical Psychiatrists
interested in this evolving subject.
Synopsis
Due to
the complexity of the Fuchs theory and the myriad of related co-dependencies, I
have chosen to focus on the key concepts of his treaty. I’ve done this in order
to minimize extraneous issues and to simplify the review to enhance
understanding for the reader.
In brief, the author of The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human Dysfunctional Behavior posits that there are two separate and distinct Natural Selection Pressures that have influenced human development over Phylogenetic Period. The Selective Pressures are the Active and Reactive Mechanisms of Mental Disorders.
Natural Selection Pressures
1. Active Mechanisms of Mental Disorders
Consisting of three key mechanisms; these are as follows:
Forces of Natural Selection
Intra-group Natural Selection Pressures (IGNSP’s)
Late Stage of Human Evolution; Post Agricultural Revolution 10,000 years ago.
2. Reactive Mechanisms of Mental Disorders
4. Relaxation from Natural Selective Pressures due to genetically diverse factors including but not exclusive to: Cross cultural breeding, advances in democracy, proliferation of technology, and interbreeding.
Dr Fuchs
volume does not contain any illustrations or models of his theory, so I have
created one here to aid the reader in understanding his central concept.
Geneticist
Theodosius Dobzhansky “It is possible and indeed probable, that occupational
differences between human populations usher in some correlated genetic
differences” (Dobzhansky, 1962, p. 250). And: “When the environment is highly
diversified, as it is in civilized societies, all these genotypes may find
suitable opportunities.” (Dobzhansky, 1962, p. 250).
Dr. Fuchs
proposes that the relaxation from Sexual Selection Pressures also have
influence vis-à-vis the “Good Genes Hypothesis: (Buss, 2008, pp. 190-191), as
well as “minor Marriage” custom of third-world cultures (Wilson, 1998, p. 175),
where decisions relating to marriage are not made by the couple, but controlled
by some authority figure often for the financial benefit of the bride’s family
in the form of a dowry. Dr. Fuchs observes that only humans and some primates
share aberrant behaviors and responses to Evolutionary Mechanisms. He also
postulates that over time incidences and varieties of mental health disorders
have increased in humanity arising from the Reactive Evolutionary Forces.
“To my knowledge no evidence exists that the human genome is changing in any overall direction. The big story in recent human evolution is not directional change, not natural selection at all, but homogenization through immigration and interbreeding. Its main consequence is the gradual erasure of previous racial differences. It also increases the range of individual variations within the population and across the entire species. Many more combinations of skin color, facial features, talents, and other traits influenced by genes, are new arising than ever existed before. Variance increases, the extremes are extended new forms of hereditary genius and pathology are more likely to arise.” (Wilson, 1998, pp. 271-273, emphasis added).
Conclusion
The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human Dysfunctional Behavior by Dr. Ivan Fuchs is likely to be best received by medical professionals. Due to a combination of the complexity and virgin science nature of the subject, there will likely be limited interest from the laity. The appeal could be increased through the utilization of diagrams, images, lists, tables, and chronology; as well as empirical evidence.
This book is based more on Dr. Fuchs opinion rather than on The Scientific Method. The complete lack of peer review papers, the absence of empirical and other supportive data impedes its worth. However, the theory is an interesting and challenging one. As with many books of its type it provides a very dry read. This dryness could be ameliorated through appropriate use of graphic enhancements. I also noticed a great deal of repetition within the text. The repetition Dr. Fuchs states is an aid to impress elements of his theory in the mind of the reader.
I found the scattered nature of the sections in this book added to the difficulty of understanding the underlying theory. There was a lack of flow that created confusion at times; not due to the subject matter or the jargon but arising out of the jumps across multiple chapters. I found run-on sentences and the generally poor use of punctuation and grammar impeded the enjoyment of reading. The combination of writing style, lack of infographics, and poor punctuation made this book a beast to read. Happily, these limitations are easily remedied with the aid of a competent editor. To the editor please include a glossary of medical terms for the uninitiated.
Summary
For the layperson, this book discusses the opinions of Dr. Fuchs. In short, the idea is that in the past humanity and some primates collaborated on the basis of natural selection. This natural selection changed across time from Active to a Relaxation of the forces (pressures) that had earlier shaped humanity. In the later stage (Relaxation Phase) the pressures changed by external factors such as technology and interbreeding. As a result, there is speculated to be an increase in the number and variations of mental health disorders. It is also expected that there will be an increase in the numbers of geniuses and other gifted humans. The concept is interesting and challenges traditional theories. If you are interested in this topic, I would wait for the illustrated and re-edited version.
Suggested
Reading
Bake, M.
(1998) Darwin’s Black Box: The biochemical challenge to evolution. New York:
Simon & Schuster.
Sadock’s
comprehensive textbook of psychiatry, 8th Ed., Col. 1 Philadelphia:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
P. R
Adoriaens &A. De Black (eds.), Maladapting minds: Philosophy, psychiatry,
& Evolutionary theory. Oxford. OxfordUniversity Press.
Daly,
M., & Wilson, M. (1995) The Man Who Mistook his Wife For a Chattel.
Perry,
S. (2011). Manipulative monkeys: The capuchins of Lima’s Barbuda. Cambridge,
MA: Harvard University Press.
Acknowledgment
My sincere thanks go to: The Author, NetGalley, and the Publisher, for affording me the opportunity to review of The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human Dysfunctional Behavior.
“Robert Gardner worked as a journalist for four years before
moving into public relations with the British Aircraft Corporation becoming
Head of Publicity and later Vice President of British Aerospace and BAE
Systems. Robert Gardner, who is now retired, was appointed MBE in 2001.”
Who is the Target
Audience?
The Battle of Britain Broadcaster: Charles Gardner, Radio Pioneer and WWII Pilot will appeal to anyone interested in British WWII history. History students will find the contents of this book revealing and a genuine look into the times of Britain’s greatest conflict.
Synopsis
The Battle of Britain Broadcaster is unlikely to be a populist favorite. I felt whilst reading this book that it was a publication too late in the day to ever be truly popular as it might have been. That being said, the book is resplendent with fascinating nuggets of intelligence on a myriad of subjects. I found the involvement of Gardner with Lord Mountbatten on the matter of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip Of Greece when he was attending The Naval collage at Dartmouth at the age of 18 and the Princess was a mere 13 years of age to be most revealing. Gardner managed to go far on a Gammer School Education and reached the dizzying heights of the Ministry of Information and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). During his service to King and Country he established many of the principals of broadcasting that the BBC uses today.
Conclusion
I really did want to love this book, but it never really happened. It felt trapped in the past like a man living off of bygone glories. People in today’s Britain are more concerned with right now rather than with the future or the past. For this publication; the Britain of World War 2 and the Britain of the Eurozone of today are literally worlds apart.
Acknowledgement
My sincere thanks go to: NetGalley and Air World for affording me the opportunity to review Battle of Britain Broadcaster: Charles Gardner, Radio Pioneer and WWII Pilot.
This is Going to Hurt was written by Adam Kay. In this book he shares his personal anecdotes as a doctor working in the British National Health Service (NHS) during early 2000s. His recollections come from a diary he kept, detailing the ups and downs of life on the wards. Kay was inspired to write this book after a senior member of the government had made a claim that junior doctors, expecting to work less than 79 hours per week, were greedy. In This is Going to Hurt, Kay shows us the extremes of being a young doctor in the modern NHS.
Who is the Target
Audience?
This is Going to Hurt is suitable for all those interested professionals or amateurs who find the life of doctors to be scintillating reading. Kay doesn’t spare us the gritty facts of life of a junior doctor and later a Senior Registrar. In this book there are some really funny tales and some truly dreadful stories of life and death. If you enjoy blood and guts descriptions of desperately sad and appalling ends, then you may enjoy the wild ride hanging on the white coat tails of Dr. Kay. If you are British, you may also gain a greater appreciation for the young medics that you interact with during your health visits.
Synopsis
The most significant part of This is Going to Hurt is dedicated to the abuse and neglect that many doctors are exposed to working within the British NHS. Dr. Kay discloses the scarcity of essential amenities required for proper medical care in the NHS. He explains the long hours of unpaid work forced upon doctors. He describes the lack of sleep and the abandonment of family, friends, and holidays. Worst of all, he describes how the enumeration is woefully inadequate for the myriad of drawbacks. Ultimately, after long periods of neglect by his employers a life altering incident prompts a change in his thinking and eventually leads him on a new path.
Conclusion
Adam gives us a view of the true life of a doctor on the wards of a British NHS hospital. He reminds us that doctors are only human. They are not infallible; they need love, care, and respect as we all do. They have the failings we all share and he prompts us to realize that. Most of all he wants us to understand that neglecting those who care for us is dreadful and that we should value and cherish the sacrifices; social, financial and psychological that doctors working in the NHS endure to provide you with world class health service.
Acknowledgment
My sincere
thanks go to: NetGalley, and Picador for affording me the opportunity to
review This is Going to Hurt.
Scott Allan, Emily A. Beeny, and Gloria Groom (Ed.)
Publisher
Getty Publications 1st Edition (25 Jun, 2019)
Format
Kindle
Page
400
Language
English
ISBN #
1606066048 ISBN #-13 (978-1606066041)
The editors of this work should be proud. They have managed to create a work of art that Édouard Manet would have considered a fitting epitaph. The publication is dripping with beautifully reproduced works by the brilliant and talented Manet.
Who is the Target Audience?
This book is a must have for anyone who enjoys the Impressionist period of Modern Art. I would especially recommend this volume to students of art history or those with a love of the Impressionist Movement. There is so much information in the book that it could reasonably be considered as an encyclopedia of the artist and his works.
Synopsis
The contents are arranged in an organized fashion with accompanying high-quality photographic images of Édouard Manet’s paintings, sketches, personal letters, and more; much more. The Editors include a useful chronology dating from 1876 until Manet’s death in 1882. You can expect to learn about his background, his years at the Salon (Portrait of Antonin Proust, 1880. Cat. 22). We also learn details of his personal challenges experienced shortly before his tragic death. It is evident from Manet’s works included herein that Velasquez was one of his major influences. I believe that is most evident in Manet’s oil painting on canvas entitled A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, 1881. The Editors have made it easy to reference the illuminations.
The aspect of the book I enjoyed the most is the personal letters which Manet illustrated with wonderful watercolor sketches. Sketches that elevate an otherwise mundane note to a whole new level (See the Chapter entitled: Manet’s Little Nothings). After reading this “Manet Encyclopedia” I have a more complete understanding of the man and his work. I found the Chapter on Manet’s methods and Materials to be interesting and educational; as any artist would. By viewing the artists’ palette, we can see the insight for the paintings he created. There are close up images of individual brushstrokes revealing some of his methods in applying oil paint; an aspect that I found to be very helpful. I adored the summary of pigments detailed in a table complete with abbreviations, techniques employed, and references. There is even a color chart detailing individual colors that Manet used in his palette. Keep a look out for the Chapter on Manet’s private selection of personal letters 1878-83, for a genuine insight into the mind of the artist. It’s appropriate that the chapter of personal letters is followed by Plates that include a Portrait of Édouard Manet, 1867 (painted by Henri Fantin-L’atour) See Cat. 1. The Plates are resplendent with painting after painting. I laughed when I saw his painting of a brioche with a rose in it. This image in particular speaks of the artist’s outlook on life. I have yet to see a better painting of Irises in watercolor than the one contained in this tome.
Conculsion
The book concludes with a Catalogue of the Exhibition – 1866. Manet was at the height of his power as is evident from the contents of the catalogue. The Editors generously provide us high-quality images of the paintings from the 1866 exhibition. This is the seminal work in my opinion of the late years of Édouard Manet and is a fitting epitaph to the great artist. I have no compunction in recommending this work of editorial art to you.
Acknowledgment
My sincere thanks go to: NetGalley, and J. Paul Getty Museum for affording me the opportunity to review “Manet and Modern Beauty.”
