Book Description
Here's a lively, hilarious, not-so-reverent crash course through the great philosophical traditions, schools, concepts, and thinkers. It's Philosophy 101 for everyone who knows not to take all this heavy stuff too seriously. Some of the Big Ideas are Existentialism (what do Hegel and Bette Midler have in common?), Philosophy of Language (how to express what it's like being stranded on a desert island with Halle Berry), Feminist Philosophy (why, in the end, a man is always a man), and much more. Finally—it all makes sense!
“I laughed, I learned, I loved it!” Roy Blount Jr.
Customer Reviews:
Philosophy made fun.......2007-10-10
Harvard philosophy majors Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein present an unconventional approach to the study of philosophy in Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar...Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes. Cathcart and Klein tie in ten major principles of philosophy with the art of comedy. The two authors actually use common jokes (some of them hysterically funny) to illustrate the concepts in clear terms. From metaphysics to meta-philosophy, they have managed to find jokes that illuminate the common logic that can be used to explain major abstractions.
It is fascinating how much philosophy can be explained within the context of a simple joke, but Cathcart and Klein have successfully undertaken this task. Parallels between the constructs of philosophy and comedy surface as each chapter introduces a dialogue between Greek friends Dimitri and Tasso, questing for a greater understanding of philosophical reasoning. A brief summary of each principle is interspersed with relevant quips and cartoons. A glossary at the close of the book expands on some of the more complicated concepts that might have been confusing.
I was pleased to find that only a few of the jokes are familiar to me, making the majority of the book fresh, new material. Many are side-splitting passages that demand to be shared without hesitation. I won't quote any of the specific passages because I was dismayed to find so many had already been republished in various reviews, but I will note I spent an evening reading aloud to my family from Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar to raucous laughter. It was a hit.
Philosophy lessons by jokes.......2007-10-07
This book is like having Jay Leno as your college philosophy professor. I laughed and laughed when I read the jokes in this book. I did learn some philosophy along the way.
very funny.......2007-10-03
One of the funniest books I've read in a long time. Great use of humor to illustrate more serious discussion topics.
A fun read.......2007-10-02
I've always been interested in pholosophy, but never wanted to take the time to study it properly... this has been a fun read: I would highly recommend it to any college undergrad taking pholosophy 101: a great companion, it briefly elucidates philosophical theories with humor, as well as succinctly and directly.
fodder for the joke teller.......2007-10-01
The P. & the P. is an excellent primer of philosophy, and a treasure trove of jokes for every occasion. If you are the type who can remember a joke by hearing a subtle trigger, then this is a book you will want to have.
There are also favorite places to ingest and digest a book like this--short sections and quick jokes, some scatological, thus lending the reading forum/room to one of those circumstances.
It has served me well, and given me an excellent opportunity to multitask.
Book Description
This is a topically-organized reader containing many classics in western philosophy plus feminist and nonwestern texts. It offers an affordable alternative to existing anthologies, and its attractive price makes it ideal for supplementing with either primary sources (see Modern Library College Editions) or survey texts (see Stumpf SOCRATES and Miller QUESTIONS, SHORTER). Every reading has been traced back to its original publication reflecting a high level of scholarship. Editorial apparatus includes topic introductions, headnotes, and explanatory footnotes.
Customer Reviews:
The Whole Ball of Wax, Metaphysically Speaking.......2000-01-13
A book no respectable domicile should be without! An extremely comprehensive collection of readings, spanning the gamut of human thought. Philosophers from Descartes to Locke to Baier write on everything from The Self, ethics and the existance of god, to and anarchy and rights and goods. Would make an excellent for any intro. to Philosophy class.
Book Description
This is the first balanced introduction to Plato's work to bringing Plato himself alive, as well as discussing the importance of his works. In so doing, it allows a better understanding of who he was, what sort of world he inhabited, why his works were important in his own day, and why, two thousand years after his death, they are still regarded as so significant. By also describing the Greek society in which Plato lived, it succeeds in placing his work firmly in context for modern readers.
Customer Reviews:
A great outline of the main themes of Plato's philosophy.......2000-06-07
I found Melling's book extremely helful. It's been a while since I've read many of the dialogues, so I was looking for something to refresh my memory. This is the perfect choice for anyone who is looking to comprehend or brush up on the main ideas of Plato's writings. I especially found Melling's explanation of the theory of forms helpful. A great book.
An enjoyable and informative introduction to Plato.......2000-04-07
Although Oxford University Press does publish books for the specialist scholar, it also seems to have an aggressive publishing program aimed at making knowledge accessible to the student and general reader. In its "Opus" series, OUP seeks to provide "concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects." Melling's "Understanding Plato" is a welcome addition to the Opus series, and it fulfills the objective of the series admirably. Because I devoted most of my time and energy developing my law practice for two decades, I simply was not able to read much philosophy. Recently, however, I have been able to find the time for philosophy, and I read "Understanding Plato" before re-reading Plato's dialogues. Melling's short book was the perfect re-introduction to Plato. I congratulate Melling and OUP for a job well done.
Customer Reviews:
Re-Discovering Plato, Techne and Aporia.......2006-10-12
David Roochnik, a former student of Stanley Rosen, provides a clear and persuasive analysis of the use and meaning of techne in Plato. As well, he devotes a chapter to the pre-Platonic inception and transformation of the term. His thesis, even 7 years later, is quite radical as it challenges much of the predominant and conventional ways of understanding Plato as a philosopher seeking a science of moral knowledge. He engages with such promiment scholars as Marthat Nussbaum and T. Irwin. Roochnik's book is a significant contribution to the recent attempt to re-appreciate a philosopher so often seen to be a footnote to modern thinking. Finally, anyone interested in the question of technology will find this study worthwhile and very illuminating of the difference between its ancient form and the current understanding.
Platonic hubris.......1999-12-04
If Roochnik's thesis is correct, great injustice has been done to Plato. You would think, after 2,500 years we would have this right, but, unfortunately Roochnik thinks we are teaching Plato all wrong. Roochnik does battle with a thing he calls the SAT (standard application of techne) which is a scholarly consensus that Plato had an art (techne) of virtue and it was teachable. The problem with this thesis is, as Dr. Roochnik points out, that it makes Plato a Sophist and not a philosopher. This is a welcome exercise in philosophical and interpretive hubris. It has a quality that Kierkegaard called angst, a sympathetic antipathy. One can imagine scholars attracted to the book for it's lively and fascinating discussion of pre-socratic techne, at the same time, put off by the thesis that everyday the world over paid professional academics are misrepresenting the thought of one of the foundational figures of western culture. Can you not imagine such a one holding his nose as he footnotes a reference? It is to laugh!
clear but shallow.......1999-10-01
Roochnik's 20 years of study has revealed a clear but shallow book on Plato; he forges his "techne" glasses on everything he touches leaving the reader with no clear understanding of what Socratic wisdom consists of. His Plato becomes boring and uninsightful. Readers should skip this book and go directly to Strauss or Bloom for a clear and meaningful understanding of PLatonic wisdom.
Customer Reviews:
Theon of Smyrna.......2000-07-05
This is a great book for people interested in plato, pythagorianism, and the effects of pythogoras on the works of plato. It's probably less interesting for achademics because it's focused on a aspect of plato's work wich are not generally concidered to be of great importantce in achademic circels. This is unfortunate because this work, allong with a few others, clearly shows that to understand plato's meaning it is quite essential to be aware of the importance Plato placed on these mathmatical theories and how they relate to his philosophy. Anyway, beautifull book and a good, clear translation. I'd also recommend: T.Taylors 'the theoretical arithmatic of the pythagorians', Nicomachus of gerasa's 'introduction to arithmatic', 'the pythaogrian source book'(compilation), and most importantly E.McClain's "pythagorian Plato". This last book, propably the best book I've ever read, is much easier to understand after having read (and studied) theon. It's to bad the achademic word chose to ignore this aspect of greek philosophy, I think it would have greatly increased our understanding of ancient philosophy and the history of western thought in general. This is of course no reason not to persue the subject ourselves, so for those of you who are inclined to do so, this book is a great start. Obviously it's not easy reading and you can clearly see the translators trouble in translating some of the the mathmatical passages. It's a great book simply because it exists (in english). It is one of a handfull of books on this subject to have survived to our time and one of the very very few that someone as actually taken the trouble to translate. My thank to the translator and publisher for making it available to the (non-greek-speaking) public!
Product Description
Sudies in the Philosophy of David Hume -
Plato's Meno: Text and Criticism - Meta Meditations: Studies in Descartes
Product Description
Clear and to the point, Monarch Notes provide students and interested readers with an excellent supplement for the understanding and appreciation of the world's great writing. Each volume helps the reader to encounter the original work more fully by placing it in historical context, focusing on the important aspects of the text, and posing key questions. Monarch Notes include: background on the author and the work; detailed plot summary; character analysis; major themes in the work; critical reception of the work; questions and model answers; guides to further study. (Book dimensions: 5.25 x 8.25 x 0.33 inches).
Average customer rating:
- Not Free SF Reader
- A well developed set of characters never fails
- Awkward at times
- Magic Time shapes up to be a well-told, inconsistent series.
- Anfelgire - a worthwhile read.
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Magic Time: Angelfire
Marc Zicree , and
Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Psychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Bohnhoff, Maya | ( B ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0061059587
Release Date: 2003-09-30 |
Book Description
Across America, technology has been eclipsed by magic, as ordinary people become the embodiments of their darkest desires, deepest fears -- and purest selves. Searching for the source of this terrifying phenomenon -- and to save his sister Tina, transformed by it into one of the ethereal creatures known as flares -- former lawyer Cal Griffin and his band of unlikely heroes follow the visions of the charming lunatic Goldie and the fragile song of a cursed bluesman to a secret haven hidden from its malevolent power. The domain of the bluesman and his protector Magritte -- a callgirl turned flare -- is a wondrous sanctuary from the madness. But how long can it survive if the evil beyond it is allowed to flourish? For the world is unraveling little by little. And the salvation of everything left worth saving requires that Cal and his companions journey deep into the very heart and soul of darkness to confront the beast ruling the Ruby City once called Chicago. But first they must conquer the darkness within themselves.
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
I just could not get into this book, and I tried a couple of times. The setup is certainly something I would often enjoy, with the coming of a supernatural world overtaking modern technology, which fades. However, this is not a patch on Mark Chadbourn's take on a similar story, for example.
A well developed set of characters never fails.......2004-07-16
Beginning this book I was unsure as to where the author was going with the story. It seemed that we had a motley crew of people that had not only fallen through the cracks of society but through the fingers of the "Source". It was in this that I realized the brilliance of the book. It gave me an impossibly intimate feeling of each character and a look into each of their minds as they wandered together through the story. Un-like every other book I read where the thoughts and reasoning of the secondary characters is truly secondary if not altogether left out. I was privy to the brilliance of the authors being able to spin the tale and give me so many different, yet deeply developed, points of view. I feel in a way I understand society better now after reading this book. Again hats for such amazingly rich characters.
Awkward at times.......2004-06-28
the flow of the book is a bit troubling, as they, the characters seem to be bumbling along, they also seem to overcome impossible odds, i love fantasy, but the odds of them defeating some of the things they overcome isnt very likely.
the plot does seem to redeem itself with a few twists on character roles, but somehow i feel as though these were due to the authors styles, and ideas on the plot going back and forth, and makes this a ad-lib transcript they worked out for enjoyment.
Magic Time shapes up to be a well-told, inconsistent series........2003-10-26
It's always interesting to see one author write in another's world. That's what's happening here; despite his top billing on the cover, Marc Zicree's only contribution to Angelfire was the world and overall story it takes place in - all the writing is Bohnhoff's.
Bohnhoff fits her story well into the continutity set up in Magic Time, adding new layers to this twisted version of the US. Her locations are imaginative, and the new characters sympathetic - as in the first book, none so much as the ones who aren't quite human anymore. She also does an admirable job of adding depth to the main characters - particularly Colleen, who I was glad to see shake off the tough, masculine stereotype she embodied in the first book. There are some genuine relationships, friendly and un-, cropping up between the questers, too.
Much of this development comes from Bonhoff's use of a first-person viewpoint that rotates between the four main characters. This technique, a significant change from Magic Time, is at best a mixed blessing. While first-person storytelling allows for useful insight into the protagonists' characters, it abandons two of the elements of the first book that I enjoyed.
First, there is very little insight into the minds of the "tweaked" humans, since Bonhoff, unlike Zicree and Hambly, chose not to use them as viewpoints. In Magic Time, those viewpoints provided not only the most interesting characters in the book, but a perspective on "the Change" that was refreshingly -not- that of a normal person in a world gone mad (which, let's face it, aren't that hard to come by). Cal and co. are deeper this time around, but they're not nearly as interesting as what we were shown in the first installment, and the cast feels generic without the inclusion of the series' most inventive aspect.
Second, relegating the storytelling to a tight-knit group means that there's no hint of events outside of their personal experiences. Magic Time left a few threads dangling with regards to the country as a whole, and Angelfire doesn't even acknowledge them. Most supporting characters from the first book have ceased to exist, and the remainder have only references in the dialogue, not actual appearances.
You'll notice that I haven't said much about the actual plot. That's because there's not much to say. It starts well enough, and development for the protagonists is well-done, but there's not much happening other than character growth and introduction up through the middle of the book. And once the climax comes, it's stocked with cliches and almost aggressively predictable. To top it off, there's next to nothing in the way of new information about the series' presumed villain, the power called "Source". Fortunately, Bonhoff's pacing and characterization keep the writing interesting, but the plot is disappointingly generic all around.
If you liked the beginning of Zicree's series, Angelfire is worth the read. Just don't expect the expansiveness of the first book - Magic Time was about the world as much as its characters, but Angelfire is first and foremost a quest story.
Anfelgire - a worthwhile read........2003-04-11
The second book in a series based on an idea by Marc Scott-Zicree, Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff has crafted an absorbing post-apocolypse tale about a group of friends on a quest in a magically changing landscape. I read the first book by Scott-Zicree and thought it was ... OK; an interesting idea in which technology is replaced by magic. Bohnhoff has taken the intrepid group of characters created by Marc, and imbued them with depth and interest. I liked the fact that the flaws of the characters turn out to be strengths essential to the survival of the group. I also liked the fact that she has imbued the romantic aspect of the novel with some surprises - the hero who gets the girl is not the obvious candidate. Definitely a worthwhile read
Average customer rating:
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Magic Time: Angelfire: Library Edition
Maya Kaathryn Bonhoff , and
Marc Scott Zicree
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: MP3 CD
General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
High Tech | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Unabridged | Literature & Fiction | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Literature & Fiction | MP3 CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Science Fiction & Fantasy | MP3 CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
ASIN: 078618454X |
Book Description
In the dark recesses of the Galaxy waits an alien race. More machine than organic, they seek out inferior races which they can assimilate. They are called the Phalanx, and they have just targeted Earth as their next meal.
Humanity is helpless against the onslaught of the assimilation the Phalanx brings. Those creatures that are genetically different, known to us as mutants, possess the ability to defend themselves against the Phalanx. Of those, the group known as the X-Men present the greatest threat to the Phalanx's plans for domination.
Through means of assimilation, subterfuge, and incursion, the Phalanx have prepared a preemptive strike against the X-Men. Armed with this knowledge, the mutants have launched a desperate strike of their own, to find seven fledgling mutants: Husk, Chamber, Skin, Jubilee, M, Synch and Blink -- all that stand between the Phalanx and victory.
Customer Reviews:
varied, but def. not for newbies........2005-04-24
this book includes the 3 storylines that were made up x-men crossover called "the phalanx covenant". the first storyline (reprinting uncanny x-men #316-317 and x-men #36-37) features the characters that would eventually become the x-men group known as generation x, and is def. the best of the 3. highlights include banshee rejoining the x-men family and the surprise cooperation of the white queen and sabretooth. the second story (x-factor #106, x-force #38, and excalibur #82) is less focused and features so many characters and situations that were set up before these books that newbies will prob. be very confused. the story works best when it concentrates on rahne (aka wolfsbane), cannonball, and the cypher-warlock entity called "douglock". the last is a two-parter (wolverine #85, cable #16) featuring wolverine, cable, jean grey, and cyclops, and is pretty decent although not particularly original. although again newbies will be wondering details like who hodge and lang are, which will detract from their enjoyment. as a bonus the book reprints generation x #1 which introduces chamber and penance. the artwork and writing are all representative of marvel's 90's roster (inc. andy and adam kubert, scott lobdell, fabian nicieza, etc.), and although the 90's isn't really thought of as being a golden age of marvel comics there's some good stuff here. also includes some concept art by bachalo.
One of the Best.......2003-08-13
This series was something of a rebirth of my interest in the X-Men. It had been a long time since I'd read of new and interesting heroes, and these ones were definitely enough to keep my attention going. A definite read for any X-Men fan, regardless of previous knowledge.
The Book(s) That Started it All.......2000-05-24
Like the title says, this is the book (or collection thereof) that started the best (IMHO) comic book series ever. This shows how the GenX kids got together, and it depicts their first adventure together, sadly however, there is one who will not stay with them for very long. A MUST READ for any comic book fan!
Average customer rating:
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X-Men: Origin Of Generation X TPB
Scott Lobdell
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
X-Men
| Characters
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Marvel
| Publishers
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000LSBPUA |
Amazon.com
Foodies may declare crêpes "in" or "out," but they are a welcome treat for most of us. Lou Seibert Pappas explains that "crêpe" is the French word for pancake, and that the dish originated in Brittany, in northwestern France. Until about 100 years ago, all crêpes were made from buckwheat flour. Pappas departs from that tradition by providing 15 recipes for different kinds of crêpes. Eleven are savory, including ones made with whole wheat flour, with minced herbs, and with chickpea flour, while four are sweetened to use in making desserts. Photos accompanying Pappas's meticulous directions illustrate how to turn out light, delicate crêpes and how to fold them around fillings in 11 ways. She also explains what to do about problems such as small holes or cracking edges.
Crêpes also offers novel ways of serving the pancakes, such as the Party Stack with Pesto Fillings; Salad Basket Crêpes with Grapes, Blue Cheese, and Hazelnuts; and Chicken, Corn, and Red Pepper Crêpes. In addition, you will find Wild Mushroom Crêpes and other classics. Cannelloni and Cheese Blintzes are reminders that crêpes are more than a French favorite. --Dana Jacobi
Book Description
Ever-popular in France, delicate and delicious cr pes are once again basking in the international culinary spotlight. This gorgeously illustrated cookbook features more than 40 recipes for sweet and savory cr pes, all sure to delight friends and family alike.
Customer Reviews:
Love this book!.......2007-08-26
I originally found this book at a library, but after checking it out over and over again -as I love it, I checked on Amazon and it was here!! Love it! It has such a wonderful variety of crepes, using different flours etc., sweet and savory, and so many tips and ideas. I share this book title with everyone at my cooking shows. Definitely worth the price and then some!
Just what I was looking for..........2007-08-19
I took a crepe making class just to learn the technique and take the fear out of crepe making. While I took away from that class a few recipes, none were interesting enough to make at home. This book is wonderful--what closed the deal on purchasing it was when I saw that it included a recipe for blue corn crepes. While vacationing in Santa Fe, I fell in love with their blue corn pancake/muffin mix. I can't wait to make the blue corn crepes with the blue corn mix I brought back to Houston. The recipes in this book are exactly what I was looking for--diverse and simple to follow.
Excellent crepe overview.......2007-05-07
I opened the book, and made excellent crepes right away, within minutes. Can't do much better than that!
Excellent crepe recipes, fillings leave a little to be desired.......2007-03-16
The introduction to this book and the basic recipes for crepes are well worth its price. The crepes turn out tender and flavorful every time. One of my new favorites for savory crepes is the Garbanzo Flour Crepe recipe. Another excellent feature is that Seibert-Pappas gives useful information on how to fold and store crepes.
One drawback to this book is that Ricotta cheese is used as a filler in virtually all of the savory crepe recipes. This can be a problem if you do not like ricotta cheese or if you do not like it when it is combined with certain foods (e.g. seafood). The recipes for dessert crepes are more varied.
Crepe Book Almost Useless.......2007-02-10
I was disappointed with the book because it is not for the average cook. Too many of the recipes have unusual ingredients, and they are not satisfactory for my needs. I give the book a 2 rating, although I'm sure that more adventuresome cooks might find it excellent.
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- Sappho's Leap: A Novel
- Scrooge Meets Dick and Jane
- Seconds of Pleasure: Stories (A Black cat book)
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