Haskell and Phillips' literary companion vividly preserves a wonderful exhibition of art for those who were unable to make it to the Whitney to see it, and, for those who did and wish to relive The American Century again and again. The vivid reproductions of the art, along with thoughtful, relevant writing offers readers and art enthusiasts a thrilling, in-depth look at the best of American art and culture in the last century. The book, as well as the exhibit, works equally well as a history text, and would be a valuable asset to any high school history classroom. The book's aesthetic appeal makes it perfect for display on any bookshelf of coffee table--which is a shame. Sadly, many people might neglect the actual text, which is as detailed and valuable synopsis of American history in the twentieth century as any other printed to date.

Dennis R. Hidalgo

Thomas Bender, ed. The Antislavery Debate

What can a historian do when there is not enough empirical evidence to produce a quantitative and comprehensively thesis for a social historical problem that defies psychological scrutiny? David Brion Davis opted for an answer that satisfies cynic assumptions with circumstantial evidences. Davis argues that the strength of abolitionism in early industrial Britain derived from its susceptibility to the needs of the dominant political elite. It was particularly influenced by this new bourgeoisie capitalist class' modes of industrial discipline. Antislavery main, and unconscious, purpose was to desensitize English society to the newer forms of oppression evident in the increasing wage labor. His context of conceptual reference appears to flow from Marxism and Freudian thought: the rise of an oppressing bourgeoisie driven by its hidden and selfish Id. To Thomas Haskell this idea of unconscious "self-deception" and motivation by class interests is not convincing. For him, it is impossible for the historian to bring concrete evidence to bear, which will distinguish between unconscious intention and unintended consequences. Following what appears to be a more objective goal, Haskell intends to draw a straighter line between the rise of the market economy and the rise of the abolitionist movement in 1750s. In doing so he moves from a quasi-Freudian historical analysis to an Ericsonian: that of a cognitive change of behavior. For Haskell capitalist and market expansion broaden social perception that in turn promoted moral responsibility. The most powerful catalyst in this process of change was the "intensification of market discipline, and the penetration of that discipline into spheres of life previously untouched by it." To this Davis decries Haskell approach for being more economic deterministic than a rationalistic. To this, John Ashworth adds that Haskell is not able to follow up the empirical inclinations of his Davis' critic since he does not supply enough evidence to support his argument. Indeed, his only example of moral switch to Antislavery is the Quaker John Woolman. Without knowing Haskell is caught in one of the most frustrating traps of an empirical driven discipline. His response is that he is not looking for a comprehensive societal change but for a mechanism that might have caused the change. The problems this approach is the usefulness of such "found" mechanism if there is no proof that the mechanism was indeed used sufficiently as to merit its historical validity. Nevertheless, Haskell bottom line is his desire to demonstrate that abolitionists rationally attached the worst evil of their times. Davis and Ashworth's response to Haskell's premise is that wage labor could have been also attacked and was not. Ashworth spend most of his time criticizing Haskell and throwing some bits toward Davis. Yet he is also able to provide an interesting proposition. First, he asserts Davis' starting point as the place to launch the investigation: the emergence of a dominant class. This would lead us to the disregarding of wage labor abuses and protected interests. But instead of moving completely toward Davis, he detours into the cultural notion of family and its effect on productivity. The simple conclusion, thus, is that since slavery, through its detrimental effect on family and society, slowed the pace of economic advance, "it is not surprising that to more people than ever before it seemed an unmitigated evil." Haskell response to this is that these family values could have been in existence long before the abolitionist movement, thus, rendering useless in the debate. Ashworth's last answer is that the production ethos has a long family history, it was the innovation brought by master-wage earner relationship that transformed the view of family into a more entrepreneurial project. Clearly this debate is provocative, but narrowly conceived, as is mainly centered around Marxist concepts of history, evasive evidences and a revival of neo-Whiggists approaches. Very little criticism could be employed against the authors since they exhausted most of it that could be applicable to their line of argument. However, an also important critique to a combine look at the arguments presented may be the dearth of sociological and cultural approaches that may enhance the historical view that as historians we are trying to discover.

The Attentive Listener by Harry Haskell isn't for the faint-hearted, nor is it for them looking for an easy read. It is a complicated, highly evolved kind of a book, the sort that could only have been written by someone with an incredible depth to his understanding of music. Not for everyone by any means, but Haskell's book is a must for any music critic or anyone heavily interested in the history of music. I recommend it!

The correspondence between Gibran and Haskell was so well documented that you feel a part of their unique relationship. They exchange so many huge ideas and beautiful thoughts. I found myself taking notes when I'd come across these clear, heart-jolting ideas. I felt at times like I was eating my favorite food or drinking my favorite drink. Enriching reading although Gibran's personal beliefs wander farther and farther from my own as his life progresses.

Cancer Treatment, by Charles M. Haskel, M.D. F.A.C.P.,4th edition is by far the most comprehensive book on the subject that I have read. It is not a book for the uninitiated in understanding cancer and all the myriad diagnosis and treatments. But with statistics rising to the fact that one in three people will have some form of cancer within their lifetime, it is important to know what the options you or your family member have or will have when diagnosed. The reader has to be strong and optimistic. This is a factual book with great hope and a lot of reality. Doctors are always positive when they look at you and your family member, but they only tell you what they think is best for you to know. If you are strong, astute, practical and want to know the real facts then read this book and go back to this doctor alone, with book in hand, (he will know the book) and then ask for a frank discussion with her or him. I am a writer, researcher and producer with many international awards. I highly recommend this book for your library. It I well laid out, not opinionated and worth the price.

Inventors are individuals who have an intuitive ability to recognize inherent flaws in the way things are done, or the tools used to do them. They are able to apply their creative skills to visuallising, describing and sometimes, fabricating a working model incorporating their improvements. While often the drawings or models are adequate for evaluation, they require the skills of a trained technician, an Engineer, to bring them to production standard. Then, to convince the public that they must have this newer, better mousetrap, requires the altogether different skills of a promotor/marketer. Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman, the founder of Lotus Engineering, possessed all these attributes. Indeed, his innovative application of these diverse (in ordinary mortals) skills is undoubtedly the key to his recognition as the most influential figure in the development of the modern motorcar. Colin Chapman was undeniably, a genius. To reveal this fact without recourse to cliche requires someone with knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of "ordinary" Engineers, and an understanding that extremes of temperament, or eccentricity are often tools of a superior intellect, used to motivate, to inspire enthusiasm for advanced concepts. Chapman protege and fellow engineer, Hugh Haskell has performed this task admirably. A perceptive writer, and associate and friend to many of the central figures in the phenomenon that was Colin Chapmans' Lotus, he was able to convey the facts behind the myths in engaging, yet authoritative, discourse. He fondly recalls the Chapman-inspired enthusiasm that was part of being a member of the Lotus team. His insightful narrative conveys, in terms familiar to the layman, the brilliant originality of Chapmans' engineering achievements. He takes us from Chapmans' childhood, through the formative years, and the times when "Lotus" was synonymous with leadership in innovation. He also tells how, when forced by circumstance, Chapman was able to find loopholes to achieve an outcome against the efforts of short-sighted officialdom. Almost unbelievablely, there were occasions when the Chapman innovations were so far ahead of the pack that the rule-makers legislated against him to "level the playing field". Haskell hasn't avoided the issues that Chapmans' unconventional approach to matters financial aroused in the minds of many. Indeed, he includes anecdotes that confirm the young Chapmans' admirable negotiating skills. The book also describes Chapmans ventures into other fields,...from bathroom furniture, through luxury cruising yachts to micro-light aircraft, the fertile mind of Colin Chapman left his mark of originality, and his minimalist design philosophy is apparent in many of his creations, light on material substance they may be, but they're full measure for clever engineering. A winning combination. This is a damned good book, a tribute by one engineer to a colleague who happened to be one of the Twentieth Centurys' greatest automotive engineers. Read it,...be inspired.

This guy, Harry Haskell, sure knows his music history. I suppose this book is too esoteric for some, but if you like history and music as I do, then you'll love this book. I highly recommend it.

I did not want to put this book down! I felt at sea with this most unique and fascinating character, Elizabeth Pengelly! As a reader...like most, I relish a good journey and this one proved magical! A most compelling work of art!

When can we expect the next journey?

the best book i have ever read. tells so much about love and feelings of lovers...

Dr. Gil has provided us with the child-friendly language and specific information that children need to heal the trauma of abuse. The format & the simple text simplify this painfully difficult subject, both for the child and for the adults who care for them. This is a critical resource for anyone working with abused children, well worth the meager price.