The book reflects an extensive experimental experience and a deep fundamental understanding of the properties of fero- and anti- ferroelectric liquid crystals. It is a widespread story about the fascinating and complex properties of these materials, which was written as a result of many years of successful work of the leading researchers in the field. All the chapters strictly follow the role of combining the explanations of the experimentally observed features with the theoretical description of the associated processes. This not only provides a complete overview to the active researchers in the filed, but also gives quite a rare opportunity to the students and newcomers to learn about complex physical phenomena starting from the first principles. The understanding might be further extended by following the numerous carefully collected references listed at the end of the book. It is nowadays hard to find such a systematic and complete text regarding modern material science, therefore do not miss a chance read it.

This is the most interesting book in the field of ferroelectric and antiferroelectric liquid crystals, published recently. The book covers the whole field and is full of data which can be useful for researchers as well as for students. Therefore, the book can be very helpfull for research and can also serve as a school book. It can be used as a reference book in this field.

This book has a way of making the reader consider all the possibilities that exist of seen and unseen influences, both positive and negative.

The "truth is out there" is really brought home in various chapters in this book. If what Dr Fred Bell writes is true, and I personally feel that what he reports has credence, then humanity can benefit. I am fascinated by all the explanantions from ET cover-ups to proper nutrition. Nutrition not only of what we ingest, but of "spiritual" nutrition from a cosmic point of view, free of religious dogma.

This book is a must read, I really enjoyed it.

This book is no nonsense, and when I was done, I really had a much clearer understanding of not only what was going on in the world, but in the universe, and myself. It elegantly blends hard core Physics , Mathamatics, in a creative and truly freesh look, at the inner workings of life, and offers down to earth solutions to today's crazy problems. I thought the book was Amazing, and it should be read by everyone.. I can say truly that this is one of those best books to keep.. :)

While this is subtitled "A Christmas Tale", this wonderfully written story is a story of belonging in a small, isolated community - a wonderful gift that is set at Christmas. Two aspects of the story make this a memorable bit of literature: First, the discription of the physical setting and the small details making the village unique, isolated and realistic are superb. Second, the understanding of human group behavior is outstanding - both in the definition of "outsiders" and in the common story required to become an "insider". This aspect is established early and confirmed by the climax of the story.

Excellent writing, excellent control of characters, interesting and simple plot ... well worth your time.

This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. The story is simple: A boy and a girl get lost in the mountains on their way home; it's Christmas Eve, and the two are somewhere in the Alps. What makes the books so unique is the way in which the children's ordeal is described: They are moving through a landscape that is made almost abstract by the snow; this is pure poetry! - Stifter is a forgotten genius of 19th century European literature; I'm glad that his touching Christmas Tale - and ideal Christmas present, by the way - is now available in this beautiful edition!

I read this book, Its great. Easy to read and understand. Author tells you what you need and how to use the stones for improved health. Good for beginners. I hope she will continue with more information. A good informative book.

I enjoyed reading Sela Weidemann Randazzo's book. I feel that it not only gives remedies for various ailments, it gives hope and optimism for the future itself. It doesn't matter what religion you are. This book carries a universal message of love and of healing. I only hope that Sela will continue to write and share her knowledge with us.

A must-read for anyone who loves the Ozarks, or lives in the Ozarks, or is simply curious about this region that once lured Victorian travelers in search of healing waters. The stories of ambitious capitalists who came seeking their fortunes are especially fun, and the images -- from kitschy ashtrays to truly lovely photos of fellas showing off their catch of the day and ladies in respectable bathing ensembles -- remind us why this region was called "the sportsman's paradise, the tired man's retreat, and the end of the artist's dream."

Collaboratively compiled, written and presented by photographer Leland Payton and travel writer Crystal Payton, See The Ozarks: The Touristic Image is an engaging and impressive showcase of tourism-related advertisements and memorabilia that have lured travelers to the Ozarks since before the era of the horseless carriage. Full-color photographs and insightful narrative concerning the appeal of the Ozarks as a vacation spot then and now fill the pages of this highly recommended treasure trove of American regional and advertising history.

This book is short, easy to read, yet it gives the reader a simple but clear picture of the solid state. It was used as a reference book for the introductory solid state physics course which I took in my first year of graduate study at Harvard. I enjoyed the book a lot.

A small and easy to understand text, not too much math

this is the best reference book i have found on this topic. everything you could reasonably expect is spelled out in it explicitly. highly recommended.

I found this is a very good reference for my beginning in studying of lattice dynamics and thermodynamics of crystals. It provides the theory framework for the equilibrium thermodynamics properties of perfect crystals. To me, this book is very helpful to understand the theory in physics of solid state. It starts with the basic theories of thermodynamics, such as, thermodynamics functions, state variables, wave propagation, etc.. Then it moves to crystal potentials (and their expansions about the equilibrium configuration, the stability and symmetries. etc), to crystal vibration problems(eigenvalue problems and operator theories for Hamiltonian system), and to the advance topic of phonon thermodynamics, band-structure theory, and pseudopotential perturbation theory. Finally, it provides the model calculation and experimental data analysis. All materials are treated gradually from simple to complicated (I means mathematically) Graduate level knowledge in mathematics is necessary to read this book. Allover, I think this is a very good reference.

An amazing book! A real gem to own for anyone interested in understanding or building a radio from scraps. This simple little book is filled with illustrations and text that is worth more than 100 radio books put together. I bow to the author.

To many, crystal radio construction means purchasing electronic components to assemble into radios. The best tinkerers build their own! In The Voice Of The Crystal, author Friedrichs takes a step back in time to reveal the secrets of constructing all the necessary components "from scratch".

Inside this volume you'll find 185 pages of practical information on the fabrication of electronic components suitable for use in building crystal radio sets. Basic theory and simple analysis are combined with dozens of examples of historical practice, work by contemporary experimenters, and construction details for many instruments fabricated by the author himself.

Inside are discussions and plans for three different homemade headphones, (including one fabricated from cigarette lighter parts,) detectors, fixed capacitors, a rotary variable condenser, single layer, spider web and basket coils, and a precision double-slider coil. Throughout, the author shares his thinking and practical experience in the construction of these devices. The Voice Of The Crystal is profusely illustrated, containing well over 120 photos and hand-prepared illustrations.

First, be aware that the exciting Tim adventure that begins in "Die Sieben Kristallkugein" ("The Seven Crystal Balls") is concluded in "Der Sonnentempel" ("Prisoners of the Sun"), so be sure you have both before you start reading this one. As our story begins, Tim is on the train reading how the Sanders-Hardiman Ethnographic Expedition has returned a trip to Peru and Bolivia. The gentleman reading over Tim's shoulder predicts trouble, drawing a parallel between what happened with the curse of King Tut-Ankh-Amen's tomb and these explorers violating the Inca's burial chambers. "What'd we say if the Egyptians or the Peruvians came over here and started digging up our kings?," asks the gentleman; What'd we say then, eh?" The comment is important, not only because tragedy does strike the seven members of the expedition as they fall prey to the Crystal Balls of the book's title, but because one of the themes that Hergé develops in this particular epic is the respect Europeans should have for other cultures and ways of life. This point has been implicit in many of Tim's adventures, but it is a dominant element this time around.

Assisted by his good friend Captain Haddock, Tim becomes embroiled in the mystery, which takes a more personal turn when Professor Bienlein is kidnapped. One interesting twist in this story is that Struppi actually ends up causing more trouble than Schulze and Schultze. There is a seriousness to what happens in "Die Sieben Kristallkugein" and "Der Sonnentempel" that reflects a significant turning point in Hergé's work, laying the ground work for his greatest tales, the two-part Moon story and "Tim in Tibet." The ability of Hergé to mature as a storyteller over the course of his long and distinguished career is impressive and these stories deserve the accolades they have received and the affection with which they have been embraced by generations of readers. There is also something compelling about the simple line drawings of the characters against the detailed backgrounds drawn by Hergé, which creates a classic comic book art form.

This book explores a little-known branch of gemology dealing with India and its system of astrological gemology. The author has an excellent knowledge of Sanskrit and discusses the ancient Indian method of planetary astrology and how it relates to precious stones. For those interested in this, the book is a "must have."