From Caveman to Chemist: Circumstances and Achievements (American Chemical Society Publication)

Book Description

Tracing the oddities of the history of chemistry. Salzberg examines cultural and political influences on the ideas of chemists. He follows the evolution of chemistry from the Stone Age beginnings of ceramics and metallurgy, through the rise and decline of alchemy, to the culmination of classical chemistry in the late nineteenth century. Chapters one through nine lead from prehistoric technology, through ancient and medieval science to the study of chemicals and reactions that resulted in the sixteenth century birth of scientific chemistry. Chapters ten through fifteen focus on key chemists such as Sala, Boyle, Black, Lavoisier, Dalton, Berzelius, Laurent, and Arrhenius as they developed the ideas that led to classical chemistry and the concepts of molecules, chemical reactions, homology, valence, and molecular formulas and structures, among others. Twenty illustrations enhance the text. Also included are six timelines and two maps to help readers understand the influences of early history on chemistry.

Book Description

This engaging, up-to-date, chronological introduction presents human prehistory within a framework of themes, issues, and debates. Featuring a consistent chapter format and an appropriate level of detail for students with no previous exposure to archaeology, it also offers outstanding pedagogy including maps, timelines (interactive on the companion Online Learning Center), chapter summaries, lists of key terms, 16 pages of full color photos, and more!

Customer Reviews:

Strong on Fossil Forms, Weak on Latter-Day Cultures.......2006-01-19

I have used this book for about three years in my archaeology class, discontinuously I must admit. It's good for those who want a strong biological perspective in humankind's cultural evolution, but it comes up short when it comes to regional civilizations. Treatment of the state-level societies in each region (e.g., Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Mesoamerica, Andean America) could be more detailed, and the book would be easier to follow if it used a sequence of culture model for each region from its Neolithic to florescence to decline. In treating fossil hominids and their material culture, from the earliest human and humanlike forms through the Lower Paleolithic to the Mesolithic traditions and their makers, however, this is a solid presentation.

Putting more than the past into perspective.......2000-03-31

Kenneth Fader's "The Past In Perspective" is a book designed for those who wish to learn the basics regarding the field of archaelology. Focusing on the cultural evolutions of mankind, Fader never lapses into the jargon so popularly found in some textbooks. This is a book designed to introduce over five million years of human evolution, so naturally it is best for those who are new to the topic. Although I used this book for my archeology class, it contains information that could interest anyone with a flair for history. All in all, it is easy of to follow and does its best to represent all sides of arguments that are presented, although at times it seems to stress a war between religous and evolutionary ideas that may, or may not exist as much as the author would like them to.

Amazon.com

One of Chinua Achebe's many achievements in his acclaimed first novel, Things Fall Apart, is his relentlessly unsentimental rendering of Nigerian tribal life before and after the coming of colonialism. First published in 1958, just two years before Nigeria declared independence from Great Britain, the book eschews the obvious temptation of depicting pre-colonial life as a kind of Eden. Instead, Achebe sketches a world in which violence, war, and suffering exist, but are balanced by a strong sense of tradition, ritual, and social coherence. His Ibo protagonist, Okonkwo, is a self-made man. The son of a charming ne'er-do-well, he has worked all his life to overcome his father's weakness and has arrived, finally, at great prosperity and even greater reputation among his fellows in the village of Umuofia. Okonkwo is a champion wrestler, a prosperous farmer, husband to three wives and father to several children. He is also a man who exhibits flaws well-known in Greek tragedy:

Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so did his little children. Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness. It was deeper and more intimate than the fear of evil and capricious gods and of magic, the fear of the forest, and of the forces of nature, malevolent, red in tooth and claw. Okonkwo's fear was greater than these. It was not external but lay deep within himself. It was the fear of himself, lest he should be found to resemble his father.

And yet Achebe manages to make this cruel man deeply sympathetic. He is fond of his eldest daughter, and also of Ikemefuna, a young boy sent from another village as compensation for the wrongful death of a young woman from Umuofia. He even begins to feel pride in his eldest son, in whom he has too often seen his own father. Unfortunately, a series of tragic events tests the mettle of this strong man, and it is his fear of weakness that ultimately undoes him.

Achebe does not introduce the theme of colonialism until the last 50 pages or so. By then, Okonkwo has lost everything and been driven into exile. And yet, within the traditions of his culture, he still has hope of redemption. The arrival of missionaries in Umuofia, however, followed by representatives of the colonial government, completely disrupts Ibo culture, and in the chasm between old ways and new, Okonkwo is lost forever. Deceptively simple in its prose, Things Fall Apart packs a powerful punch as Achebe holds up the ruin of one proud man to stand for the destruction of an entire culture. --Alix Wilber

Book Description

This is Chinua Achebe's classic novel, with more than two million copies sold since its first U.S. publication in 1969. Combining a richly African story with the author's keen awareness of the qualities common to all humanity, Achebe here shows that he is "gloriously gifted, with the magic of an ebullient, generous, great talent." -- Nadine Gordimer

Customer Reviews:

True to it's title.......2007-09-22

It is amazing how a novel first published in 1959 about a Nigerian village, pre-colonization, still has relevance today. Talk about transcending time as well as cultures! Chinua Achebe is a magnificent story teller. I love authors who have the ability to transport me to worlds that seem so different from my own.

Okonkwo was a man that was obsessed with masculinity and the "power" of being masculine. Although I could see how harsh, abusive, and unyielding Okonkwo was towards his family, oddly I felt sympathy for the man. He was the product of his environment and culture. Apparently his callousness was worsened because of his fear that he should become like his father ----- a man with no title, in his culture, the equivalent of being a woman.

How many of us struggle to balance the new with the old? And how often do we question or all out resist changing times.... be it attitudes or ideas, advancements in technology, religion, policies, music, etc. Most of us reach a certain age where we would prefer our traditions be left alone. In some instances there should be no room for compromise, but in other instances perhaps there truly is improvement/advancement to be gained.

Okonkwo's struggle is exactly that. He strives to leave behind a proud legacy. However, he makes bad decisions along the way. The more he tries to make things right the more it seems that misfortune comes his way. He's angered and confused about the changes that come upon his village but that combined with his pigheaded demeanor make for a disastrous result. It's a good book to take up beyond school required reading. Achebee gives his readers a great deal to consider.

Things Fall apart audio.......2007-09-11

My son had a senior project to do over the summer, he had to read this entire book and the first day back to school, he had a test on it, my son does not do well on reading, he can read great, but he has trouble remembering what he read, so I thought if he listened to it being read to him, he could follow along better, well he did, and he done well on his test and essay, I would recommend this product to anyone with similiar problems as my son has with reading.......

Things Fall Apart.......2007-09-10

My son needed this book for school and we received in time for school. Great service!

All you never wanted to know about yams... and other such things........2007-08-08

I had to read this for my high school advanced English class. I regret ever having picked it up. I feel very lucky that my brain was not fried after reading The-book-that-should-not-be-named. In short, if you want to read a bizarre book about African people and yams, then read this book. If not, go read something else.

It Drags.......2007-08-07

While the story itself is useful in giving a student the right mindset for African studies, the story itself lacks much of the marvel of other historically-based books. While the book is pointed towards lower-classmen in high school, the true audience should be college, where adults can completely analyze and idnetify the key points and emotions of the story.

Average customer rating:

No Need for This Notes
the best
Life as he knew it, was not to be
"Things Fall Apart", is an ok book, it is very elaberant

Things Fall Apart (Cliffs Notes)
John Chua , and Suzanne Pavlos
Manufacturer: Cliffs Notes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

African | History & Criticism | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Book Notes | Education | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Literature & Fiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Reference | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Cliffs Notes | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

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

Literature & Fiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Reference | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0764586475

Book Description

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.

In CliffsNotes on Things Fall Apart, you explore the ground-breaking work of author Chinua Achebe, considered by many to be the most influential African writer of his generation. The novel, amazing in its authenticity, leaves behind the stereotypical portrayals of African life and presents the Igbo culture of Nigeria in all its remarkable complexity.

Chapter summaries and commentaries take you through Achebe's world, and critical essays give you insight into the novel's themes and use of language. Other features that help you study include

Character analyses of the main characters
A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters
A section on the life and background of Chinua Achebe
A review section that tests your knowledge
A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sites

Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Download Description

Considered by many to be the most influential African writer of his generation, Achebe's works have been translated into more than 45 languages. This story paints a sweeping picture of Nigeria, informing the world of the dense riches of the country and culture.

Customer Reviews:

No Need for This Notes.......2007-02-07

Things Fall Apart is an easy book to read. This CliffsNotes are not really needed. Besides that, I'd like to say a couple of things. In page 98, the chapters "Choosing a Language" and "The Use of English" explain why Achebe chose to write his book in English. I think it is a contradiction. If one (or the main) of Achebe's purpose writing this book was to restore dignity to the Igbo culture, the first thing he could have chosen to do is to write the book in his own language. I come from Catalonia and our language has been prosecuted for so many years. I know what I am talking about. If Catalans chose to write in Spanish because it is a majority language, Catalan would be dead by now. It is a matter of integrity. In fact, if the book was good at all -but written in Igo language-, it would have been translated into English or any other language. Second, the brief synopsis is a plot spoiler. I would have liked to be told they were about to tell me how the end of the book goes. Anyway, this is a review about the CliffsNotes, which are good, although not necessary for an easy book to read. If I was about to review Achebe's book itself, I would not give it more than 2 stars.
One thing I still do not understand though is why ClifssNotes are still being printed, when they can be read for free at their own website. I mean, I bought this book, but found out later about the free online service, which is exactly the same text printed on paper

the best.......2001-08-07

a book for anyone. things fall apart needs to be read by an open minded person...seeking to learn, share and understand. those who aren't open cannot hope to grasp its depth.

Life as he knew it, was not to be.......1999-07-02

Achebe comes across as a prolofic and impartial writer who meticulously documents the Igbo lifestyle in a western traditional realist genre. His sketches evoke a sense of pride yet displeasure at the Igbo 'rituals' and values which we seet through Okonkwo's and Nwoye's eyes, respectively. People who have lost their identity and are in search of their roots will find this book enlightening. The lesson I have gleaned from 'Things Fall Apart' is nothing in life is permanent and therefore whilst I try to cling on to what I have now, I must be open to new ideas and influences which I could learn to adapt to.

"Things Fall Apart", is an ok book, it is very elaberant.......1999-02-05

I recommend this book for Sophmores in High School, I read it in the 7th grade

Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart: A Casebook (Casebooks in Criticism)

Average customer rating:

Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart: A Casebook (Casebooks in Criticism)

Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

African | History & Criticism | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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

Literature & Fiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0195147642

Book Description

Chinua Achebe is Africa's most prominent writer, and Things Fall Apart (1958) is the most renowned and widely-read African novel in the global literary canon. Translated into close to sixty languages, Things Fall Apart is the novel that inaugurated the long and continuing tradition of postcolonial inquiry into the problematic relations between the West and the countries of the Third World that were once European colonies. This collection explores the artistic, multicultural, and global significance of Things Fall Apart from a variety of critical perspectives. The essays selected for this casebook represent the most important and well-established critical work written on the novel to date. This volume also contains an editor's introduction, an interview with Chinua Achebe, and suggestions for further reading.

Things Fall Apart (MAXNotes Literature Guides) (REA) (MAXnotes)

Average customer rating:

A very helpful guide

Things Fall Apart (MAXNotes Literature Guides) (REA) (MAXnotes)
Sara Talis O'Brien
Manufacturer: Research & Education Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Notes | Education | Reference | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0878912339

Customer Reviews:

A very helpful guide.......2007-04-05

I used this book when I read and taught Achebe's novella and I found it to be quite helpful. I'd recommend it for students and teachers alike.

Understanding Things Fall Apart: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents (The Greenwood Press "Literature in Context" Series)

Average customer rating:

Understanding Things Fall Apart: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents (The Greenwood Press "Literature in Context" Series)
Kalu Ogbaa
Manufacturer: Greenwood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Book Notes | Education | Reference | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0313302944

Book Description

Things Fall Apart is the most widely read and influential African novel. Published in 1958, it has sold more than eight million copies and been translated into fifty languages. African culture is not familiar to most American readers however, and this casebook provides a wealth of commentary and original materials that place the novel in its historical, social, and cultural contexts. Ogbaa, an Igbo scholar, has selected a wide variety of historical and firsthand accounts of Igbo history and cultural heritage. These accounts illuminate the historical context and issues relating to the colonization of Africa by European powers, in particular Britain's colonization of Nigeria. Fascinating materials bring to light the novel's cultural context--folkways, language and narrative customs, and traditional Igbo religion. Among the documents included are a slave narrative, interviews, journal and magazine articles, and historical essays. Each chapter is followed by questions for class discussion and ideas for student paper topics. A selection of maps and photos of Igbo culture complement the text. Following a literary analysis, historical documents trace the European powers' partition of Africa and the creation and colonization of Nigeria, home of the Igbo people. Several chapters on Igbo cultural harmony feature materials that explain the Igbo view of the world of humans and the world of the spirits, Igbo language, and traditional Igbo religion and material customs. Selections on the African novelists' novel place Things Fall Apart in the context of African literature and emphasize the difference between African and Western elements of fiction. A concluding chapter examines the debate on writing African novels in ex-colonizers' languages. This casebook will greatly enhance the reader's appreciation of the novel and understanding of Igbo history, society, culture, and civilization.

Achebe's Things Fall Apart (Continuum Reader's Guides)

Average customer rating:

Achebe's Things Fall Apart (Continuum Reader's Guides)
Ode Ogede
Manufacturer: Continuum International Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

All Deals | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

Literature & Fiction | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Things Fall Apart: A Novel

ASIN: 0826490832

Approaches to Teaching Achebe's Things Fall Apart (Approaches to Teaching World Literature)

Average customer rating:

Approaches to Teaching Achebe's Things Fall Apart (Approaches to Teaching World Literature)

Manufacturer: Modern Language Association of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

African | History & Criticism | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0873525477

Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart: A Routledge Guide (Routledge Guides to Literature)

Average customer rating:

Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart: A Routledge Guide (Routledge Guides to Literature)
David Whittaker
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

African | History & Criticism | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0415344565

DV8 #30 (Things Fall Apart Part 1 of 3) September 1999

Average customer rating:

DV8 #30 (Things Fall Apart Part 1 of 3) September 1999
Mike Heisler
Manufacturer: Wildstorm Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000RHLU1Y

Product Description

"Forgotten But Not Gone"

DV8 #31 (Things Fall Apart Part 2 of 3) October 1999

Average customer rating:

DV8 #31 (Things Fall Apart Part 2 of 3) October 1999
Mike Heisler
Manufacturer: Wildstorm Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000RHG0Y6

Product Description

"Trust"

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books