Crystal growth and characterization: Proceedings of the ISSCG2 springschool, Japan, 1974

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Crystal growth and characterization: Proceedings of the ISSCG2 springschool, Japan, 1974

Manufacturer: distributors for the U.S.A. and Canada, American Elsevier Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Crystallography | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books
General & Reference | Chemistry | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0444110615

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Thomas Edward Lawrence was born illegitimate in 1888, "the son of unmarried parents who had vanished from one life to recreate themselves in another." (His father left four daughters, a marriage, and a hefty inheritance in Dublin to start a new life in England with the woman who'd been his children's governess.) Lawrence matured into an elusive man whose shifting personas baffled admirers and detractors alike. Explorer and Arabian scholar Michael Asher, himself familiar with the desert lands in which Lawrence made his military reputation during the First World War, accepts him as a complex bundle of contradictions. The story of this romantic Englishman's involvement in the Arab revolt against Turkey is, as always, a gripping physical, political, and spiritual adventure, and Asher retells it well. The book's most noteworthy achievement, however, is the balanced assessment of Lawrence as "a real man with a real blend of strengths and weaknesses ... whose inner lack of strong identity allowed him to be anything and anyone he felt others needed him to be." Biography purists may be put off by Asher's first-person intrusions into the narrative (frequently to retrace Lawrence's most famous journeys or to consider the veracity of incidents Lawrence described in Seven Pillars of Wisdom), but they serve to anchor a near-mythic existence in the geographic realities of the region he loved. --Wendy Smith

Book Description

"Lawrence of Arabia " began World War I as a map clerk and ended it as one of the great figures of the war. He altered the face of the Middle East, and almost single-handedly formulated many of the precepts of modern guerrilla warfare. Yet he refused any honors for his achievements and spent much of the rest of his life in the ranks of the army and the Royal Air Force, in near obscurity.

Lawrence deliberately turned his life into a conundrum and set out to mystify those who came after him-beginning with his own account of the Arab Revolt, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, in 1926-thereby assuring his place as a mythical cult-figure for posterity. He saw himself as an intellectual rather than a soldier, and a wanderer after sensations rather than a man of action. He wore an endless series of masks.

But who was the real man behind these disguises? Desert explorer and Arab scholar Michael Asher set out to solve this riddle of appearances. Retracing many of Lawrence's desert journeys, he gained startling new insights into his character. The result is a biography that captures the elusive man behind the myth.

Customer Reviews:

A Little Review.......2007-09-05

Having read a few books about T.E.Lawrence and his own tome i found Michael Asher's book easily the most enjoyable of the lot. Any man who took the time to physically visit the routes Lawrence (claims) to have made, has something to say. A very worthwhile book.

Damien in Dublin

Lawrence: the Eccentric, Uncrowned King of Arabia.......2006-12-20

Whether or not you truly want to delve into the life of Lawrence of Arabia and this particular biography depends, I think, on whether you want to preserve the dynamic image of him as portrayed in the movie Lawrence of Arabia by David Lean or want to dig deeper into the eccentric world of the real T.E. Lawrence. I myself am no Lawrence scholar and have something akin to a passing interest in him as a sort of mythological figure like Wyatt Earp or Daniel Boone. This particular book was picked up randomly at a library book sale for a quarter to supplement my knowledge of T.E. Lawrence beyond the movie and to help me prepare to read his memoir Seven Pillars of Wisdom, which I've heard is quite literary and even difficult without a bit of background on Lawrence and the Arab revolt.

As a writer and a scholar, Asher is reasonably capable and has adequate credentials to tell his tale. What has been mentioned in other reviews and which I'll echo here is that he unfortunately wants to interrupt the flow of Lawrence's biography by interjecting his first-person accounts of his travels around the same areas Lawrence traveled. Although this story-telling technique doesn't ruin the book, it slows down the pace and adds little if anything the reader needs or wants to know. To me, it serves as an annoying distraction. It's typical also for Asher to want to pick apart the mind of T.E. Lawrence and give some debatable theories about the motives behind Lawrence's actions. Certainly, Asher appears to do his homework and his assumptions about Lawrence seem well supported, but what is hard to take is the unequivocal nature of Asher's assertions. He himself never doubts his assumptions.

However, if the reader can accept that Asher's views are valid, then the reader should also be prepared to discover that Lawrence was more than a little eccentric, something bound to undermine the beautiful myth around the man. Aside from the details given about Lawrence's truly weird need for self-debasement in the form of flagellation as well as his decision to spend his adult life after Arabia as an enlisted man in the military, what bothered me most about Lawrence as discussed by Asher was his tendency to play with facts, an inclination apparently noted by other biographers. Given the reality that reality is often subjective, I do like to know the facts as accurately as they can be reported. Apparently, Lawrence seems to have appreciated the value of propaganda and chose to exploit it to achieve his ends, which are not terribly clear. Therefore, it's hard to know the whole truth about what happened during the Arab revolt, and Asher finds numerous holes in Lawrence's story. I'm happy to report that Asher does make clear that Lawrence accomplished much of what he claims to have accomplished, so Lawrence was indeed a dynamic fellow and the right person at the right time to do what he did, but he also makes clear that there are bizarre, masochistic motives that drive Lawrence. Therefore, if you want to truly know the man behind the myth, read on. If you want to preserve a myth, watch the movie, and then read an encyclopedia for broad details about Lawrence's life and the Arab revolt.

A Good Introduction.......2006-07-13

I am by no means a Lawrence scholar. I picked the book up at a discount because at the time I was preparing for a deployment to Iraq and was reading everything I could on the recent history of the Middle East. I found the book well written and fascinating. Historicaly accurate? Who knows? But it was a great introduction to a Western icon closely tied with the rise of the Saudi kingdom and the current map of the Middle East. After reading this I read Lawrence's own "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" and who knows what the absolute truth was regarding Lawrence and his exploits. All I know is that this book made for a good reading. I appreciated Asher's insights into Arabic culture and customs. Certainly as we struggle to win the "hearts and minds" of the people in Iraq, any scholarship that helps us to understand how a Westerner can succesfully interact with the Arab peaple is a welcome read.

An uneven book about a fascinating man.......2003-07-31

This is a large and invovled biography of T E Lawrence, written by an author who starts out as an admirer, and remains so to the end, though to a much lesser degree.

Though there is a lot of information about the battles in the desert, i found this book most interesting when the author explores Lawrence's psyche and personality, and attempts (not always successfully or believably) at the truth behind the myth. He tests a lot of the claims about the great man, and mainly finds them wanting. This book is especially strong when it admits that it comes to no definate conclusion - rather, the author presents the facts as he sees them and lets the reader decide.

This book is probably one of the better Lawrence biographies out there at the moment (though i would not say nearly the best) as it delves into the contradictions of the man and the myuth, and isn't afraid to 'pull punches' and not make excuses for the more troubling aspects of Lawrence's personality.

I finished this book wondering why such a genius felt compelled to fabricate so much about his life, but also seeing him as more ' three-dimensional' than the common myth.

Lawrence deserves much better.......2003-02-18

This book fails in many ways. The reason it gets 2 stars instead of one is that it's hard to discuss Lawrence without some fascinating things coming through.

First, Asher makes himelf part of the biography. He discusses his own personal travels in a manner that add absolutely nothing to the reader's understanding. The final paragraph of the book begins with "I." Further, the frequency and manner in which he interjects himself in the book is highly annoying.

Second, there are numerous factual problems with the book. At one point Asher refers to Turks shooting their rifles at Bedu who are over two miles away. Even a trained sniper with modern equipment wouldn't take that shot. Further, his description of Lt. Junor's plane crash is at odds with other accounts. Asher says the plane erupted in flames even though there are published photos of the crashed plane that show otherwise. Lastly on this point, Asher doesn't use Tunbridge's writings on Lawrence's days in the RAF as reference material. It's a surprising omission.

Third, as other reviewers noted, Asher writes extensively about Lawrence's psyche. This would be sensible if Asher was either trained in psychology or referenced studies by those who are; unfortunately, neither is the case. Instead there are a few bibliographical references to works on psychology, but none specific to Lawrence. Asher's vehement discussion of Lawrence's mother makes the reader wonder whether the author or the subject had the greater maternal relationship issues.

Fourth, is Asher's style, or more accurately, styles. At times he uses the contemporary jargon of British soldiers, whereas at other points he writes in a very stilted manner adding unnecessary Latin phrases to the text. His best writing is when he's providing background or contextual material such as the discussion of British military actions elsewhere in WWI.

Lawrence was one of the most fascinating personalities of the 20th century. He deserves a much better biography.

Book Description

There are approximately 220,000 people with spinal cord injury in the United States and about 10,000 new injuries each year. This straightforward book is designed to help them--and their family members and friends--during the rehabilitation process and the journey that follows. Written by three professionals in rehabilitation medicine and psychology, Spinal Cord Injury is an easy to understand, comprehensive resource for everyone with SCI, containing essential information for people who are newly injured and for those who have longer experience in coping with injury.

The book thoroughly reviews the challenges that may be encountered by people with spinal cord injury throughout their lives, addressing all aspects of spinal cord injury, from psychological, sexual, and social matters to transportation, housing, and employment. The authors explain how spinal cord injury affects physical functioning and how those changes may lead to lowered self-esteem, depression, family conflicts, and social isolation -- all problems that can derail the adaptation process. But they remind readers that, as with any major life crisis, spinal cord injury can be a catalyst for positive change. A spinal cord injury challenges a person to find creative channels for self-expression, personal strength, and new ways of being in the world. One of the book's most important messages is that a meaningful life is possible after spinal cord injury and that psychosocial adjustment is not necessarily linked to one's degree of physical function or disability.

Illustrating each chapter with patient histories--ranging from relatively mild to moderate to severe disability--the authors begin by demystifying what takes place during emergency treatment and hospitalization and explaining the consequences of different kinds of spinal cord injury. Later chapters describe rehabilitation, returning home, and learning to live independently. Chapters include: Part I--Trauma, Hospitalization, and RehabilitationChapter 1: Into the Wilderness: Trauma and HospitalizationChapter 2: Lost and Searching: RehabilitationChapter 3: Reading the Map: AdjustmentPart II--The Challenge of ReadjustmentChapter 4: Going Home: Old Territory in a New LightChapter 5: Focus on the FamilyChapter 6: Lovers' Lane: Dating, Coupling, and SexualityChapter 7: Life Goes On: Independent LivingPart III--Successful Living with Spinal Cord InjuryChapter 8: The Next Frontier: Spinal Cord Injury ResearchChapter 9: The Journey ContinuesChapter 10: Concluding Thoughts

Life after spinal cord injury is a progression through medical recovery, emotional adjustment, social integration, and fulfillment of personal goals. People with SCI must find the courage and persistence to redefine personal and professional relationships as well as their own relationship with a changed self. Spinal Cord Injury: A Guide for Living is a much needed resource that will help people with spinal cord injury overcome obstacles in managing the challenges of their new lives.

Customer Reviews:

outdated.......2003-05-30

Of interest; the book's authors are throat and mouth specialists. Also, they are not aware that their institution ( Johns Hopkins) is making great strides in SCI research. that's a invaluable contact they neglected to study. Bold predictions are made claiming that SCI will not be cured within several decades, 100 years etc. Yet they tell the reader to move on with your life and still have hope for SCI therapies. Here's the problem- they do the worst thing imaginable, they condescend to the patient, providing false hope, if they clain SCI treatments (valid ones) are hundreds years away, then why should patients stay hopeful if it will not help them or anybody with a SCI in our lifetimes? These are serious claims from authors whose credentials do not include spinal cord injury.

Finally, a real life approach!.......2001-11-27

Since my SCI in May of 1999 we have accumulated a pile of books dealing with various aspects of SCI. At 1/10th the price, this book is many times better than any of the others. Their down to earth approach leads you from the point of injury until the day you make the transition from patient to the new you. Outstanding!

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Living with Spinal Cord Injury
Adrian Cristian
Manufacturer: Demos Medical Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Physical Impairments | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Spinal Cord Injuries | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Nervous System | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 193260300X

Book Description

This is the definitive guide to dealing with the major challenges faced by those with spinal cord injuries, as related to health, finances, and their social support system. It is primarily designed to identify medical and non-medical problems that individuals may face as they live with SCI for a number of years. Medical issues are considered by body system and include discussions of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, the urinary system, the musculoskeletal system, the skin, and psychological issues. Following these discussions there is a section that deals with mobility and transportation issues, including wheelchairs, the selection of vans and minivans, and the usefulness of a fresh look at rehabilitation issues. A section on managing finances includes a chapter on dealing with home health attendants while appendices provide information for caregivers, a glossary of commonly used terms in SCI, and a helpful list of resources. A wealth of practical advice by other people with spinal cord injuries as well as experts in the field has also been provided to help tackle the daily challenges faced by those with SCI.

Wheeling and Dealing: Living with Spinal Cord Injury

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An Excellent Book on Spinal Cord Injury

Wheeling and Dealing: Living with Spinal Cord Injury
Esther Isabelle Wilder
Manufacturer: Vanderbilt University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Public Health | Administration & Policy | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Physical Therapy | Allied Health Professions | Medicine | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Spinal Cord Injuries | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0826515355

Book Description

WHEELING AND DEALING evaluates the appropriateness of the biomedical and social models of understanding disability. 32 men and women living with spinal cord injury discuss their experiences and views on a wide range of topics including physical health sexuality, dating, friendship, education, employment, religion and spirituality, and political and social ideologies. While respondents' opinions challenge many widely-held myths about the disability, their views are often at odds with those of disability activist scholars in the field.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Book on Spinal Cord Injury.......2007-02-25

I have read many books on spinal cord injury and this one ranks very high. The discussions of statistics on spinal cord injury are great. I have not seen a better discussion of the psychological and sociological aspects of spinal cord injury. If you are doing research on spinal cord injury, this book is a definite must in your collection.

Spinal Cord Injuries (Diseases and People)

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Spinal Cord Injuries (Diseases and People)
Elaine Landau
Manufacturer: ENSLOW PUBLISHERS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Spinal Cord Injuries | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0766014746

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Living With Spinal Cord Injury
Richard J. Boyle
Manufacturer: Vantage Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Medical | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Spinal Cord Injuries | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0533131995

Managing Spinal Cord Injury A Guide to Living Well with Spinal Cord Injury

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Managing Spinal Cord Injury A Guide to Living Well with Spinal Cord Injury

Manufacturer: NRH Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spinal Cord Injuries | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0966167635

Product Description

Comprehensive overview of medical, psychological, social, financial and many other challenges of living with spinal cord injury.

Sexuality After Spinal Cord Injury : Answers to Your Questions

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Important basic resource

Sexuality After Spinal Cord Injury : Answers to Your Questions
Stanley H., Ph.D. Ducharme , and Kathleen M., Ph.D. Gill
Manufacturer: Brookes Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Sex | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Spinal Cord Injuries | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Healthy Living | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Family Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1557662657

Book Description

Anatomy, fertility, sexually transmitted diseases, self-esteem, sexual satisfaction, and parenting are among the many physical and emotional issues discussed in this candid and compassionate guide. Drawing heavily on the experiences of men and women living with spinal cord injury (SCI), this handbook relays practical information while acknowledging different lifestyles, tastes, values, and orientations. The convenient question-and-answer format allows individuals with SCI to explore their questions in private and at their own pace.

Customer Reviews:

Important basic resource.......2000-02-22

This book is an important basic resource for people with SCI and the people who love them. While the material is heavily slanted to male sexuality issues after SCI, some female issues are also addressed. The format is designed in questions and answers, which allows the reader to skip around and read whatever topics they are interested in, or ready to deal with.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Palaestra, published by Challenge Publications Limited on January 1, 2003. The length of the article is 322 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Not Just Surviving: Women Living a Full Life with a Spinal Cord Injury.(Video Recording Review) (video recording review)
Publication: Palaestra (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2003
Publisher: Challenge Publications Limited
Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Page: 53(1)

Article Type: Video Recording Review

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