As I said in "Imperial Stars, the Stars at War", this series is an investigation of the probably future governments that we will take with us into Space. In this volume, which is also a collection of short Sci-Fi stories and essays, he not only continues his attack on the Social Sciences, he attempts to reason which would be the government, one of freedom or one of tyrrany.

So which will it be? He highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both, and his conclusion is that initially it will be empire, and eventually it will be republic.

I regret to say that there are no startling new breakthroughs in this book like the Pournelle Chart in the first volume, but the difference in perspective is worth it. The highlight of this one is the discussion of Tribesman, Barbarian, and Civilization as three evolved stages of government. To understand it, you must read it.

I thank Jerry Pournelle for this wonderful series.

Republic Confidential: Volume 1; The Studio picks up where the Crown studio history series left off years ago and does so with a vengence. Volume 2 of the planned trilogy, "The Players" in addition to this volume and the forthcoming 3rd will be THE indispensible source on the San Fernando Valley action factory.

Volume one is packed with stills, promo shots, candids, press book art, trade ads and all the detail you need to learn how the studio worked. Not only is there a complete listing of all releases but behind the scenes views of the production staff, bios of directors, and the faces of people you've only seen as credit lines on your favorite feature or serial.

On its own its magnificent, when the set is complete it will be beyond ballyhoo. If you've only got two inches of shelf space this should be in it. I could go to the thesaurus but its not necessary. Incredible research, amazing package quality, insightful articles and Republic Studios in your lap.

I'm a college student, and had a book review on the War of 1812 due in a few days. As like many students, I was too drunk to start the assignment when it was given out two weeks earlier. One of the points that makes this book so great is that it's compact, it's not wordy. It gets straight to the point, and offers a rather objective view at what brought around the War of 1812. It's not a difficult read. I suggest this book to anyone who has a report to do, and not too much time to do it in!

The sales ranking of this exceptional book depicts the fact that the State of Affairs prevailing in the State of Bihar in India is virtually unknown in the world. The writing is so excellent, satirical and humorous, that even Parkinson's Law pales as compared to this book. The use of English language is exceptionally brilliant. The renowned writer has earned brickbats for speaking out the bitter truth, unfortunately. The analyses of examples are shocking and unbelievable but true. Maybe ignorance is a bliss!

Cathy Salay, My name Rosemarie Salay and I am from San Antonio Texas. I was just looking under the name Salay and your name came up. I wondered if somehow we were related. My grandparents were from Czechoslovakia. If you happen to read this please write back. I know nothing about my heritage and if you could in some way help me it would be nice.

Continuing the tradition of the unparalleled Gazetteer series, The Republic of Darokin focuses on the Renaissance-era plutocracy of Mystara - a world of backroom intrigues, sinister dealings, chivalrous courts, espionage, and flashing blades. The ultimate realm of adventure for thinking players and swashbucklers alike! There are also details on the Merchant character class (which is actually quite interesting), culture, society, secrets, caravans (ideal for adventure hooks), and more! A wonderful book that provides you with unique new vistas for adventure.

Bankruptcy is in the air these days, from Enron to overextended former dot-commers. So-called "bankruptcy reform" -- intended to make bankruptcy more difficult and more punitive for debtors -- has been pushed by large creditors for years, and almost passed in the most recent session of Congress.

I'm a first-semester law student. I came to this book with a solid, basic understanding of modern bankruptcy law (gained as a business person and as a legal assistant prior to starting law school). As an undergraduate I took two semesters of legal history, and I have an extensive personal interest in American history.

Despite my background, until I read this book I had no real appreciation of the implications of failing to have an effective bankruptcy law. Focusing primarily on the second half of the eighteenth century (both before and after the American Revolution), Republic of Debtors does an amazing job of showing the social, humanitarian and economic consequences of failing to provide for an orderly discharge of debts in bankruptcy, especially when combined with creditors' remedies such as imprisonment for debt.

I, for one, had never confronted the fact that imprisonment for debt survived so long after the American Revolution, nor did I realize that, aside from some brief experiments, the US did not adopt a set nationwide laws on bankruptcy until the late nineteenth century.

Professor Mann tells the story by drawing on a wide variety of primary materials, including the diaries of imprisoned debtors and documentation of court cases. One particularly interesting chapter deals with the an elaborate form of self-government that evolved within one of the debtor's prisons. As many of those imprisoned were relatively well-educated and had been involved in the movement for independence from England, it was only natural that they would have their own constitution and elected government.

Then, as now, there was a tension between the moral and economic aspects of bankruptcy. On one hand, debtors can be viewed immoral spendthrifts, on the other, as hapless victims of the vicissitudes of a world-wide economy or the bad actions of others. These same tensions underlie the current debate on changes to bankruptcy law, driven by creditors who are seeking a return to a more punitive, moralistic approach to dealing with insolvent creditors.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the modern bankruptcy debate, early American legal history, or social and economic history generally. It is also just a cracking good read.

Cheers!

Luis J. Rodriguez once again has painted a vibrant and complex picture of those who work, live, love and die in "The Republic of East L.A." Rodriguez's prose is straight-forward yet poetic as he tells us about the varied struggles of cholos/as, a budding journalist, a limousine driver, immigrants, working people, all sorts of gente. My favorite story is "Sometimes You Dance with a Watermelon," where forty-year-old Rosalba (an immigrant living in poverty and already a grandmother) needs to escape her crowded home to get a momentary bit of joy. She rouses her favorite granddaughter, Chila, and they drive to Grand Central Market where they buy a watermelon. Rosalba balances it on her head and starts to walk swaying "back and forth to a salsa beat thundering out of an appliance store." She and Chila get caught up in this joyous dance:

"Rosalba had not looked that happy in a long time as she danced along the bustling streets of the central city in her loose-fitting skirt and sandals. She danced in the shadow of a multi-storied Victorian -- dancing for one contemptuous husband and for another who was dead. She danced for a daughter who didn't love herself enough to truly have the love of another man. She danced for her grandchildren, especially that fireball Chila. She danced for her people, wherever they were scattered, and for this country she would never quite comprehend. She danced, her hair matted with sweat, while remembering a simpler life on an even simpler rancho in Nayarit."

This is a powerful, beautiful collection.

This book is the most in-depth, honest, surprisingly accurate book ever on Korea. As a native Korean, I believe that his perspectives on Korean economic, political, social issues go along well with information he provides with. Distinctive analysis of the Korean society and its people and ample examples and stories will amaze you. Oh, no. If you were not an insider of Korean issues, you may never be able to fathom the depth of this book's value. Strongly recommended to foreign business people who are open to Korean culture and Korean people who need to look into an expert's insights about Korea.

Baughman's book is a joy to read because of his skillful writing. This is an ideal eaxample of how to write a book of this sort. Every point he makes is worth making and is increadibly clear. He never repeats his points and covers a great deal of territory. I definitely recommend this book to any student of American history, media studies or consumer culture.