Customer Reviews:
FILM NOIR ENCYCLOPEDIA.......2006-11-10
This book is a reference book and not the type of book you just sit down
and read for fun. It is a very comprehensive work on the film noir culture. Just about any information that you will want to know about the film noir classics will be found in this work. Fun to flip through and make a mental note of the format and where to look for your future inquiries.
Takes the definition of Film Noir way too far.......2006-06-12
If I could give this book ZERO stars, I would. I ordered this book, looked inside for about 2 minutes and promptly returned it. It excluded my 2 favorite film noir movies, The Sweet Smell of Success and ...what I deem, next to the Maltese Falcon and Sunset Blvd., as the absolute epitome of film noir....The Third Man. Not even a mention, even though it is #2 on the all time favorite film noir movie list at the IMDB website.
I thumbed through the book for a sec or two and noticed MANY full technicolor movies, some of which, because of the content of the movie, I thought had absolutely no place in a film noir book, technicolor or not. The genre is not as wide open as this author believes it is. C'mon....Dirty Harry? Sorry, but that is NOT a film noir. I did not read the book, but whatever definition of film noir he is using, it CERTAINLY comes nowhere near MY definition of film noir. And according to Wikepedia.org, my definition is correct...color films have no place whatsoever according to the "purist" view. But I'm openminded, you know, it can be in color and it can be made after 1970....I don't have a huge list of criteria. I only asked that it include a few of my favorites, but when it didn't even meet my needs with the very first glance at the index, I pretty much discounted it as hogwash. Yeah, it has loads of obscure gumshoe B movies and if that's what you're interested it, go for it. But if you think all film noir movies should be in black & white and contain the Third Man, et al, pass it by.
the indispensable gets more indispensable.......2005-09-26
This book is the bible of film noir, and the 1992 revisions of the 3rd edition make it even more useful than before. Want to know who plays every bit part in one of your favorite films noirs? The info is here. Want to know when shooting started? When it was released into theaters? Ditto. Want a chronological list of the great noirs? Or more "inside" film lists, organized by directors, stars, even cinematographers? They're here. One of the old criticisms of the previous editions of the book is that its plot summaries were sometimes incorrect in the details. The authors cleaned up some of those problems in this edition, although they decided not to add or change text that would disrupt the original page layout. This means that the new language is a compromise for space, and it doesn't quite live up to the original. And some developments of the past decade, like the discovery of a print of the silent noir "The Racket," are too recent for corrections - the bible still says, "This film is lost today." This not-so-new edition includes a great essay on neo-noir and a fine list of neo-noir films (although I miss the obsessive detail of the original listings). Also, it's paperbound instead of hardbound. But it's still a superb reference work for the film noir fanatic - so treat it well until Silver and Ward get a 4th edition on the stands.
The Essential Classic Film Noir Reference........2004-11-15
This 3rd edition of "Film Noir: An Encyclopedic Reference to the American Style" provides descriptions and analysis for nearly 300 film noirs that were produced from 1927 to 1976, concentrating on the classic period, 1940-1958. The authors are strict in defining film noir as a movement and a style -not a genre- molded specifically by the social, economic, technical, and aesthetic circumstances in post-WWII America, and therefore confined to that era. They exclude genre and foreign films produced in the post-war era that other critics might include. So "Film Noir" is a reference of "pure noir" of the classic period. It may be just as well that it doesn't explore impure noir in much depth, as this book is quite large as it is.
The authors introduce the book by defining the uniquely American classic noir style and discussing some of its common characteristics. The Encyclopedia, itself, is 314 pages long and organized alphabetically by film title. The entry for each of the nearly 300 classic noir films included provides, wherever applicable: the film's title (including working and alternate titles), it's year of release, director, producer, screenwriter(s), director of photography, music director, persons responsible for special effects, sound, score, set decoration, costumes, make-up, the production designer and/or art director, assistant director, and editor. This is followed by a cast list -divided into main and "bit" cast, the date filming was completed, the date the film was released, running time, a plot summary, and a critical analysis by one of the book's 18 contributors. The plot and analysis do often contain spoilers, including endings and surprise twists, which is probably necessary to provide analysis and to define the film as "noir". The plot summaries are useful in refreshing my memory of films seen long ago, but I avoid reading the entire summary or commentary for films I have not yet seen.
"Film Noir" has 5 informative Appendices that explore topics and films not covered in the main section of the book. Appendix A is a lengthy essay explaining the rationale for excluding genre films from the film noir movement. It addresses The Gangster Film, The Western, The Period Film, and The Comedy separately, discussing films that reflect the noir style and what they share and do not share with film noir. Appendix B is a series of lists: A chronology of film noir, listed by year, 1927-1976. Directors listed alphabetically with their films. The same for Writers, Directors of Photography, Composers, Producers, Actors & Actresses, and Releasing Companies, each category with its own list. The criterion for inclusion in the lists is participation in at least 2 film noirs. Appendix C is a survey of "Other Studies in Film Noir". It comments on significant articles and books published on the subject of film noir, from 1955's seminal work by Borde & Chaumeton, "A Panorama of American Film Noir", through 1992, when the latest edition of this book was published. Appendix D discusses "Additional Films from the Classic Period" which were not included in the earlier editions of the book, because they were unavailable or overlooked. Here, 50 films are discussed according to their characteristic noir elements -femme fatale, alienation & despair, maniacs & mayhem, etc. Why these films were simply not included in the Encyclopedia section of this 3rd edition is a mystery to me. Appendix E is a lengthy discussion of Neo-Noir,1966-1992, including a filmography. In the back of the book, you will find a fairly comprehensive Index of films, names, book titles, and most references you might want to locate in "Film Noir".
Film Noir aficionados and students will find "An Encyclopedic Reference to the American Style" endlessly fascinating and useful. The critical analyses are thoughtful. The authors' inclusions, exclusions, and definitions of classic noir are always well-articulated and thought-provoking. A single source that collects the production details for each film is a big time-saver.
A Great Reference - and you CAN avoid spoilers..........2004-09-17
Have others noted, this is both a great reference and a good way to discover these films -- a real gem. One of the reviewers here mentioned that the reviews are so clinical in laying out the plot as to constitute spoilers. I agree, but I would also point out that the reviews are very structured, making it easy to avoid "spoilers."
The first paragraph of each review is the complete plot summary, usually right to the last scene of the film. After the plot summary paragraph, the second and all subsequent paragraphs discuss the non-plot elements of the film, such as the production history, cinematography, etc. Thus you can read a sentence or two of the first paragraph to get the flavor of the story and skip to the second paragraph to learn more about the film without spoiling the typical noir twists and revealing the ending.
The structure of the reviews is so consistent that it has to be by design, and is just one more little touch that makes this an enjoyable, as well as authoritative, read.
Amazon.com
The global power of soccer might be a little hard for Americans, living in a country that views the game with the same skepticism used for the metric system and the threat of killer bees, to grasp fully. But in Europe, South America, and elsewhere, soccer is not merely a pastime but often an expression of the social, economic, political, and racial composition of the communities that host both the teams and their throngs of enthusiastic fans. New Republic editor Franklin Foer, a lifelong devotee of soccer dating from his own inept youth playing days to an adulthood of obsessive fandom, examines soccer's role in various cultures as a means of examining the reach of globalization. Foer's approach is long on soccer reportage, providing extensive history and fascinating interviews on the Rangers-Celtic rivalry and the inner workings of AC Milan, and light on direct discussion of issues like world trade and the exportation of Western culture. But by creating such a compelling narrative of soccer around the planet, Foer draws the reader into these sport-mad societies, and subtly provides the explanations he promises in chapters with titles like "How Soccer Explains the New Oligarchs", "How Soccer Explains Islam's Hope", and "How Soccer Explains the Sentimental Hooligan." Foer's own passion for the game gives his book an infectious energy but still pales in comparison to the religious fervor of his subjects. His portraits of legendary hooligans in Serbia and Britain, in particular, make the most die-hard roughneck New York Yankees fan look like a choirboy in comparison. Beyond the thugs, Foer also profiles Nigerian players living in the Ukraine, Iranian women struggling against strict edicts to attend matches, and the parallel worlds of Brazilian soccer and politics from which Pele emerged and returned. Foer posits that globalization has eliminated neither local cultural identities nor violent hatred among fans of rival teams, and it has not washed out local businesses in a sea of corporate wealth nor has it quelled rampant local corruption. Readers with an interest in international economics are sure to like How Soccer Explains the World, but soccer fans will love it. --John Moe
Book Description
Soccer is much more than a game, or even a way of life. It is a perfect window into the cross–currents of today's world, with all its joys and its sorrows. In this remarkably insightful, wide–ranging work of reportage, Franklin Foer takes us on a surprising tour through the world of soccer, shining a spotlight on the clash of civilizations, the international economy, and just about everything in between. How Soccer Explains the World is an utterly original book that makes sense of our troubled times.
Customer Reviews:
Quick, informative read for an American.......2007-09-23
Just finished up this amusing set of essays about soccer and how it relates to "globalization." The book isn't quite what it promises to be on the cover -- I mean, no real "theory" emerges. It's more just a set of observations relating to this particular author's travels around the world experiencing soccer in different locales and writing about it. The transitions between chapters are usually smooth but this is really 10 essays that all have to do with culture and soccer.
But they're fun to read. The author covers:
* Soccer in Serbia and how nationalist fans of Red Star Belgrade formed the nucleus of the Serb paramilitary forces created during the Milosevic regime (and the ties between the most notorious Serb thug, Arkan, and soccer -- I had no idea he ran the Red Star fan organization and then bought a soccer club),
* Celtic vs. Rangers and how the two clubs exploit Catholic/Protestant resentment
* How Tottenham became "Jewish" and the history of Jewish and Zionist soccer clubs (and other clubs like Tottenham associated with Jews and how it hurts them)
* Corruption in Brazilian soccer and why all the Brazilian teams are no good (it's not just because Brazil is less affluent)
* The results of a traditional Ukranian club recruiting several players from Africa
* The role of soccer in the rise of Berlusconi (once and perhaps future Italian prime minister)
* How soccer intersects with Iranian history and society
* The role of FC Barcelona in the Catalan nationalist movement over the years
* The overlap between Americans' attitudes toward soccer and those same Americans' attitudes toward globalization
I enjoyed learning more about these people and places through the lens of sport. As an American, it's interesting to be reminded how passionate some of the feelings are about these teams -- but I guess our media is a bit more ginger in covering the less politically correct aspects of how these teams have come to represent cultural resentments, etc., in so many places.
It's a bit like a P.J. O'Rourke book (without the ideology and with fewer punchlines) in the sense that it's a very first-person account of places you're never going to go, told by someone with a fresh set of eyes who lacks background but nevertheless sees a lot. And It's a pretty fast read -- about 250 pages but the pages are very narrow with larger print -- perhaps an effort to disguise just how short the book actually is.
Very much worth it. Whether a non-soccer-fan would enjoy it is more dodgy, but it's possible. And that's probably as good an endorsement as any.
Quirky--but intriguing--book.......2007-09-03
This is a quirky work; it ends up proving more satisfying than one might have imagined. The subtitle:"An Unlikely Theory of Globalization." That subtitle provides a takeoff point for the book. The author notes that (Page 5): "On my travels, I tried to use soccer--its fans, its players, and strategies--as a way fo thinking about how people would identify themselves in this new era."
He explores the role of soccer by a series of case studies of teams--in Serbia, Scotland, Brazil, England, Jewish teams, the Ukraine, and so on.
In the end, I am not sure how well he links these various nationalistic loyalties to teams with globalization.
However, this is an intriguing book that gets one to thinking about much larger issues.
Wow.......2007-06-22
This book is an amazing combination of football, history, and politics on an international level. It exceeded my expectations by far. If you like the above topics, then you shall enjoy it.
Great Read...........2007-06-15
As a first generation american (Italian/Polish) and a fan of football and politics I found Foer's book to be an intriguing read. I'd recommend it to anyone that either loves the game and would like to know more about the integration of the sport and religion/politcs as well as American detractors and novice soccer fans who'd like to know more about why the rest of the world is so infatuated with the game.
For any soccer fan..........2007-05-29
As a follower of the Bundesliga, the stories and histories of the other leagues in Europe were fascinating! I especially enjoyed the Celtic/Ranger and Barca/Real stories that provided a much needed context to why these are two of the biggest rivalries in sports today. The political influence of some of these clubs is something to read...that power just doesn't occur here in the states. Overall, I thought the book was a great read for the new or casual fan, as well as the long time super-fan. A must read!
Average customer rating:
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El mundo en un Balon/ How Soccer Explains the World: Como Entender La Globalizacion a Traves Del Futbol/ an Unlikely Theory of Globalization (Arena Abierta/ Open Sand)
Franklin Foer
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ASIN: 8483066025 |
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This digital document is an article from Commonweal, published by Commonweal Foundation on December 3, 2004. The length of the article is 879 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: Critics' choices for Christmas.(How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization)(The Folly of Empire)(The Words We Pray)(Book Review)
Author: J. Peter Nixon
Publication:
Commonweal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 3, 2004
Publisher: Commonweal Foundation
Volume: 131
Issue: 21
Page: 28(1)
Article Type: Book Review
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This digital document is an article from American Economist, published by Thomson Gale on September 22, 2006. The length of the article is 3371 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: How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization.(Book review)
Author: John Levendis
Publication:
American Economist (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 22, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 50
Issue: 2
Page: 86(4)
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Wide world of sports: soccer mirrors globalization and its discontents.(Culture and Reviews)(Book Review): An article from: Reason
Michael Young
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Title: Wide world of sports: soccer mirrors globalization and its discontents.(Culture and Reviews)(Book Review)
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- The bright side of chess analysis
- A fine work
|
Secrets of Chess Training (Batsford Chess Books)
Mark Dvoretsky
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Customer Reviews:
The bright side of chess analysis.......2002-04-13
I am on the middle scale of chess rating (~1700) so the reader needs to factor this.
Mr. Kotov provides a scientific approach to chess calculations. In reality chess cannot be defined. Science just helps. What makes a better help is actual life lessons.
This is really what this book is about. It does not matter how strong is the material of this book, whaich I am sure is for the very advanced player, but the style of thinking that everyone should be looking for. We are not computers, so pretty suitable for Mr. Kotov's work, but we are human beings that we need to factor many things when it comes to playing chess.
The reader will not regret the time spent in front of this book as the material is very enjoyable to read as well as the sujects presented.
The book presents to the reader an approach in thinking, i.e. analysing, in chess with a support from a great chess trainer and games played by GMs. What else you might ask for?
I hope this review does not look like I am selling this book or the book is like a magic stick that will do mirecles for the reader. The book, above all, needs dedication and determination from the reader to gain the required benefit.
Good luck and happy reading.
A fine work.......2000-06-11
I am not completely through this work, but it was very informative on the endgame. Some may look for more than that, but we are reminded that "Opengins teach you openings, endgames teach you chess". Dvoretsky has good reason to be considered the best trainer in the world.
Book Description
Some people appear to be "natural born leaders." But are they literally born that way? Or have they been taught, coached, rewarded, and reinforced in ways that enable them to be leaders?
According to The 108 Skills of Natural Born Leaders, no one is born a leader. But everyone has the natural born capacity to lead. We label people "natural born leaders" because they consistently and frequently model qualities that inspire others to commit to their direction.
This book identifies the skill set that causes others to see people as natural born leaders, helps readers assess their current level of these skills, and coaches readers to master their weak areas. Readers will learn:
* Foundation skills, including self-awareness and the ability to establish rapport
* Direction skills, including the ability to set a course and develop others as leaders
* Willing follower skills, including the ability to influence others and create a motivating environment.
Customer Reviews:
Cliche puree, anyone?.......2007-04-09
This book is a random jamble of oddly-assembled cliches without direction or application. The writing style is comprised mainly of four to five word sentences, run together with little regard to flow or building a point. References are often cited with no explanation, and often as many as six references are made to other chapters within a single paragraph. The most useful advice in this book is "read articles or books about..." the topic at hand. At least the author admitted in this instance that he has no idea what he's talking about and had the decency to refer the reader elesewhere for advice. It's no surprise that no real publisher picked up this horrible book. It's easy to see this isn't as much a book as it is a collection of old-school powerpoint slides smashed together into a "book".
A HIGHLY USEFUL SELF-DEVELOPMENT BOOK........2005-04-15
Starting with a description of the basic categories of leadership skills (foundational, direction, and influence), the book provides a self-assessment instrument showing your match with an ideal profile, pointing up areas of strength and weakness. The remaining chapters describe the various skills, clustered by the basic categories. The reader should pick from the array of skills, and focus on those most important or which they want to stress in their repertoire. This is a highly useful self-development work. The book's value is entirely based on the seriousness of the reader in using it as a learning tool. Strongly recommended.
Practical Business Principals Clearly Expressed.......2001-07-31
The Nine Natural Laws of Leadership is interesting and valuable but The 108 Skills of Natural Born Leaders rises above and beyond. The message to me is that with attention to these laws and ideas, we all are (or can become) natural born leaders.
This newest Warren Blank book benefited me in many pratical and useful ways. I plan on buying one for my assistant and deputy and one for each of my division managers.
Immediate Value-Added.......2001-06-15
I'm an avid reader of business, management, leadership books and 108 Skills is one of the best I've ever read! It provides literally hundreds of practical suggestions on "how-to" improve Leadership skills. I was able to apply many of the ideas immediately to my own work environment, with great results. I then made sure all of my management and staff got a copy -- which has definitely increased our ability to work efficiently as a team. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is seriously interested in improving their ability to Take Charge and lead oneself and others. In fact, I'm planning to use 108 Skills as a guide in our new training programs, and have great confidence that my employees will learn important skills for both their personal and professional lives.
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