Jacques Derrida was famously asked a few years ago, by a newspaper journalist, to explain deconstruction "in a nutshell". Derrida's response, whether a wry smile or a volley of foul language (the latter unlikely as Derrida is, by all accounts, a very gracious man) is unrecorded but in all likelihood the reporter was left in little doubt as to the impossibility of such a task.

Our soundbite obsessed journalist friend might have been better advised to consult Christopher Johnson's excellent book. At just 55 pages this is about as close to a "nutshell" as he could hope to find. In by far the best "Derrida for beginners" book I've read, Johnson focuses on Derrida's critique of a text by Levi-Strauss in order to provide a clear, detailed, and thorough demonstration of what deconstruction is, how it works, and its implications for many of our most deeply held beliefs and assumptions regarding language, signification, consciousness and reality.

A book of this length cannot, of course, hope to provide a complete overview of Derrida's work, but the central idea - that the entire Western tradition of philosophy/metaphysics is based on fundamentally flawed and unsustainable principles (of "presence", moments of "originary truth" etc.) - is clearly explained. Much light is also shed on why Derrida himself is often difficult to read, especially in English translation.

Highly readable and fascinating throughout, this book is an essential buy for anyone interested in understanding the thought of one of our world's most radical and original thinkers. And it costs almost nothing. Buy it!

This book is a must have for the technician or engineer involved with electrohydraulic motion control. Mr. Johnson has removed the mysticism of designing a hydraulic servo system and replaced it with an objective method. This book details helpful hints and insight that are not presented in other technical publications. A very practical manual with the right amount of theory to back it up.

It gave me a new insite to the different life styles and beliefs of someone that I know. It was more of a diary of events that developed in someones life. I would highly recommed this book and have to many of my friends. With the "goth/vamp" children running around these days, it is refreshing to see that someone is documenting the correct development of things to come.

Up to date research results, high-fiber, low-fat, low sugar recipies. Nutritional values given, not exchange counts. Recipies are clear, easy to follow, and delicious. I'm a cookbook freak, and this is one of my favorites. Real value-for-money.

Yes, It's a great book -- Not only a dictionary of jargons, but also a collection of guidelines for study and research in various fields within the discipline. Most items provide a brief but critical review on the topics, all by preeminent figures in related areas. It's will be great helpful for both students and professionals.

No, Samuel Johnson did not write the first English Dictionary. Let's dispense with that up front. However, he did write an incredibly high quality one, the first high quality English Dictionary actually, and he did it practically singlehandedly. (For the details of the effort, please see "The Making of Johnson's Dictionary," by Reddick, also available here at Amazon.)

Johnson wrote his Dictionary at a time when people read Dictionaries, not just referred to them. Knowing that, Johnson pursued his goal of putting a stake in the ground as to the meaning of words while developing and promoting a point of view; he was very careful about the quotations he used to illustrate his words, and the choices he made have been the subject of numerous books.

Johnson knew, in writing a Dictionary, that any attempt to cement the language was due to failure, and he said as much in his famous Preface. However, he felt obliged to make an effort (heck, he'd already received some advance money, and had to make good!), and over the course of years produced a volume that reigned supreme until the advent of the Oxford English Dictionary.

(You may already be aware of amusing definitions found within, such as oats, pensioner, etc., but it would be a shame to let the amusement distract you from the achievement that this represents.)

McDermott has included both the 1st and 4th editions on this CD-ROM, thus providing the two major editions Johnson produced (other editions are either skeletons, sans quotations, or very similar to these here), and its presence on CD-ROM makes it mcuh handier than pulling two heavy volumes off the shelf (which would cost you thousands of dollars anyway). I only have two regrets, neither of which should stop you from buying this. One, the CD-ROM does not include Johnson's Preface (it is easily available in paperback Johnson anthologies, but the absence seems pointless). Two, unless I haven't figured the interface out, it's a bit clunky: words are not searchable, one must click sections open.

That being said, I am still very glad I have my copy, and I bought a second for my alma mater.

I have read the Diesel Detailing Projects. I must say that this book is all you need to get started on your first model. I have recreated a different model than the first model, but, this book helped me out with various tips and tricks of the trade. I suggest that you buy this book and read it if you are into the hobby deeply.

My name is Holly Joy Tammaru. I'm 11 years old. This is the best book of the series! I really enjoyed reading about Kate and her horses Windsong and Breeza. It is really interesting how Kate discovers the mystery about her two horses. After you read the part about the barnfire you just have to find out if Windsong really died or if she escaped.What really surprised me was how Anders turned out to be so nice afterall. Mrs. Johnson you did a great job on this book!It was so exciting that I couldn't put it down. Too bad this is the last book of the series!

This book is like a nice walk with a good friend who has a talent for telling great stories. You go along for the pleasantness of the walk, and find yourself transported right into the middle of the story. Here you are, some forty feet above the current level of the sea, standing on a shelf of land that contains the perfectly preserved remains of a coral reef. In another area, some 260 feet above sea level you come across a fossilized seabed jammed with the shells of thousands of oysters. Ancient shark teeth litter the ground on top of a 130-foot high mesa. Your friend walks on a few yards and, with infectious enthusiasm, reads the next chapter of the story to you.

Six hikes around the Punta Chivato area on Baja's Gulf coast introduce you to the fascinating story of Baja's geologic history. If you love Baja, love geology, or just love a nice hike, you'll LOVE this book!