In the first sentence of "The Gorbachev Factor," Archie Brown tells his readers that his work "is neither a history of the Gorbachev era, nor a biography of Mikhail Gorbachev." On reading that, this "country boy" had to ask..."well what is it?" Well, by the end I knew: Brown's work is an outstanding analysis of Mikhail Gorbachev's influence on Soviet history in the 1980's. It is a well written, well researched and well documented account not just of Gorbachev's role during this time, the the myiad factors that influenced Gorbachev. Now, there "ain't" no doubt that Brown likes Gorbachev. While Brown points our more than ove of Gorbachev's faults, the lion's share of Brown's work tend to vindicate his actions and elevate his intent. But this is no simple apology for the leader of a regime that fell. Rather, it is an in-depth look at the incredable challenges and paradoxical results of Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership of the Soviet Union.

I enjoyed reading Patch's book a lot due to the - in my opinion - very balanced description of Bruening within the collapsing Weimar Republic. It descripes very well the complex situation democratic politicians have been faced with at the end of the Weimar Republic. Bruening himself is evaluated regarding his politics under his regime of the "Notstandsverordnungen" by Patch in the context of his intentions and beliefs as well as in the context of tactical moves, he took to maintain power. Unfortunately, contemporary science especially in Germany focuses on specific politicians only and evaluate latter almost always in terms of their standing in relation to the successors in form of the NSDAP from an ideological point of view. Fortunately, Patch does not repeat this mistake. So Bruening, Patch explains clearly, was alienated within the dominant leftish emigrant group opposing the Nationalsocialist due to his somewhat ambivalent point of views. Patch examines correctly, that Bruening was in line with Stresemann, but less gifted, in finding a balance (even after the war) to follow an integrational international policy and failed finally also in his struggle with Adenauer in the 1950s.

As someone with a deep respect for Chinese history and culture who has lived in China, I read this book with great interest.

The volume contains alphabetically arranged entries covering persons, practices, and concepts relating to the Communist-Nationalist revolution in China. Despite being a monumental work, a couple of basic flaws detract from its usefulness. First, this work needs an index. Secondly, all names and titles are presented in English (there are no Chinese characters in the text).

Other features of this dictionary include a 14-page chronology, consisting of events in the history of the conflict. This is followed by a 11-page introduction to the civil war.

Given the importance of this work and since it is the first English language text of its kind, I recommend it to all teachers and students of Chinese history and culture.

Boydson goes to prove that the average woman ha had to work long and hard hours that have been often under paid and overworked while the men get their payment, the women must endure long hours and work extra hard. This book seeks to tell how the women have built the economy and have been one of the major leaders yet do not get the credit that they deserve. Think about the long hours put in spinning, canning, and doing the house work without air conditioning and yet still how it is today! This si the book to read for all historians.

If you want to know something about Honduran history and politics, if you want to know why that unfortunate land is so unfortunate, read this book. I don't think there is another book which will give you the background so well. It is readable and informative. How well I remember living there many years ago and often finding it difficult to buy a banana in the consummate 'banana republic'. That said it all to me. This book explains why that could be. Read it.

When this book fell into my hands, I thought that it would be a golden opportunity to compare subsequent history with what this author had to say. This book is actually a combination of two addresses that the author gave on the subject of Marxist socialism, or communism, as we would call it today.

The second address is entitled A Critique of Socialism, which he gave before the socialist Ruskin Club of Oakland, California in 1904. In it, the author expresses his belief that communism is in fundamental conflict with societal necessities, namely rent, interest and profits. The first address, which was delivered in 1913 before the League of the Republic at the University of California, I found much more interesting. In it, the author has hardened his position on communism, and shows that in practice it would produce laxity, inefficiency and waste.

I found this book to be quite interesting. The author, speaking from pure theory (as no communist state had been attempted up to that point), successfully demonstrated the weakness of communist theory and inadvertently predicted the fatal flaws of the Soviet Union. Now, does this book contain any brilliant insights that have escaped modern thinkers? I'm afraid not. Therefore, I would call this an interesting historical document, but not a book for all ages.

Insight's City Guides combine stunning photography with literate text and a smattering of basic travel information. The Insight Venice guide is worth adding to your bookshelf, but its practical advice is getting a bit long in the tooth and its heft makes it less than ideal as a take-along guide. - Durant Imboden, Venice for Visitors, http://govenice.miningco.co

I highly recommend this summary of Iranian history. One volume for two and a half millennia of history! It is readable and interesting. It gives the reader a little peek into what makes the heart of an Iranian beat. Should be of interest to anyone interested in Iran, the Middle East, Sufi, Rumi, etc.

Jobs in Russia and the NIS is a pioneer book which opens many doors. The book is an excellent source if you are interested in work involving the former Soviet Union or living there. This is a one of a kind book.

Though there are many books being published about getting jobs abroad, this is the only book which is Russia and NIS specific. All types of organizations are listed such as US government, non-profit, volunteer and private.

Ms. Forbes has also included a much needed section with the addresses of embassies in the United States, time differences between the US and each republic and other useful information which is important when traveling or looking to reside in the former Soviet Union.

There is even a short history at the beginning of the book to get the reader acquainted with the region if s/he is not already.

The one major drawback of the book is the date of publication. Russia and the NIS are literally changing daily so that the information in the book may very well be outdated, e.g. visa requirements. Even the US listings after further research have several errors like addresses changes and mergers.

What would make this book even better is a much needed update including the world wide web addresses and telephone numbers.

Despite any negatives, the book is an outstanding source. Trying to find out information about companies and organizations operating in the former Soviet Union is not easy, and that makes this book a gem. Jobs in Russia and the NIS gives the researcher a concrete place to begin. It may not be the end all, but it is a GREAT place to start.

Even for a non-skating or non-Sabovcik fan, it's an interesting book. A look into the sport when the Iron Curtain was still present, and the trials the athletes under the system had to go through. Also, a good biography on an interesting man. Most people would not be interested in an Olympic bronze medalist from 1984...but the writing is pretty lively, honest, and often humorous. Not a whole lot of pictures, but an interesting read.