This brilliantly researched and presented study by Buder objectively analyzes the impact that George Pullman had on the railroad industry, business in general, and his "model town" specifically. Buder looks at not only the why, but the how of the town's failure. After a good reading, discussions of "paternalism" vs. "benevolency" are sure to arise.

THE SHADOW IN THE NORTH is the second book in the Sally Lockhart series, and in my opinion, the worst (not that the others were bad - it's just that this one wasn't as good). The overall layout wasn't as well worked, thought the plot is exceedingly complicated: Six years after THE RUBY IN THE SMOKE, Sally has established herself as a financial consultant. Her friendship with Frederick Garland has blossomed into something more, though Sally refuses to acknowledge it, arousing conflict between them. However, a new case soon brings them together again ... one of Sally's clients loses a great amount of money, which she had invested in a shipping firm that collapsed. As Sally investigates this, she finds it to be all part of a bigger scheme; Fred meets a magician who is in danger because he has seen a murder. Soon, they find that these two apparently irrelevant cases are interlinked in an intense enigma.

This book is a must-read for Sally Lockhart fans, even though it lacks the fascination found in the other two, it's a good transition from the first book to the third. Enjoy!

Sally Lockhart, a financial consultant, has just found out that one of her clients lost all the money she invested in a company that went bankrupt. In order to get her money back, Sally decides to investigate who was in charge of the company and why it went bankrupt.
At the same time, Sally's friends Fred and Jim are trying to figure out who is trying to kill a famous magician, Mackinnon. This magician can see images of something that happened by touching an object. He once saw a murder taking place using this talent, but he did not see the murderer of the victim. The person who is trying to kill Mackinnon was the murderer, and he thinks Mackinnon knows everything.
The man who Sally is looking for is the same man who is trying to kill Mackinnon, but they do not realize this until later.
As they are trying to solve these mysteries, Sally realizes that she is in love with Fred, as he had said many times. Jim falls in love with Mackinnon's wife, the daughter of a duke.
I liked this book because it had two mysteries going on at the same time, but in the end they met up and were really just one mystery. This book had mystery, suspense, romance, and tragedy all in one. Sally and Fred realize they love each other but something happens to keep them apart. This is the second book in a trilogy. I read the first one, A Ruby in the Smoke, which I loved, so I thought I would like this one. There is also a third book and another trilogy by the same author, The Golden Compass trilogy, which I also liked a lot. I thought The Shadow in the North was just as good, if not better, as these other books by Philip Pullman.

The Shadow in the North follows on from Philip Pullman's 'The Ruby in The Smoke'. Sally Lockhard is no longer 16, she's a young, fiercly independent woman with a mystery to solve.

As before, Pullman draws on his knowledge of Victorian London (and, almost certainly, his interest in photography). The Shadow in the North is one of Pullman's masterpieces of characterization. He has the phenominal ability to make his readers fall totally in love with his main characters - even to the point of infatuation and, at the end of SITN, you know Sally Lockhart as well as you would know your own daughter. You're proud of her. You even wish you could be like her.

Exquisitely written, The Shadow in the North is packed tight with diverse, often terrifying characters. The plot takes dark, unexpected twists. The story-telling is amazing. Pullman is one of the few authors who succeeds on both sides of the Atlantic. When you read his books, you know why. The Shadow in the North is entirely impossible to put down until you've turned the final page... then you want more.

This is one of the most evocative, magical books I have ever read in my life. It tells the story of a young girl named Lyra Belacqua who goes out in search for a particle called Dust, which can reveal the answers to amazing mysteries. Along the way, more questions are posed that keep you wanting to turn the pages to find the answers. This book is like no other I have ever read. The plot twists keep on coming, and the similarities and differences between the world Lyra lives in and our world provide endless fascination. I don't know what other way to say it. This book is beautiful, but most certainly not for young children. Christians may take offense at some of the undertones that Pullman writes of in his book, such as the Christian church being portrayed as evil. But what everyone must remember with The Golden Compass, as with any fantasy novel, is that it is just that, a fantasy. Fantasies are only true in our dreams, and then only if we allow them to be. A young adult or adult can discern between fantasy and reality, and know they are different, though sometimes I wish with all my heart that they are not...

My 10 year old sister has been bugging me to read "The Golden Compass" for ages. I finally got around to reading it and I'm dumbstruck. This book belongs on a shelf with Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings." It is at times amusing, thought-provoking, frightening, spell-binding, gripping, and fascinating. The ideas are unique and original. I especially like the panserbjorne, armored polar bear mercenaries who are anything but cute and cuddly. And the idea of daemons, animal manifestations of your soul, is captivating. I found myself wishing I had a daemon. Pullman manages to keep the story exciting, enthralling, rich with vivid prose and ideas. I have to say, this is the third best fantasy book I've read (and I've read quite a few). The top five are 1)"The Lord of the Rings" 2) "The Amber Spyglass" (the third book of the trilogy of which the Golden Compass is the first book) 3)"The Golden Compass" 4)"The Subtle Knife", the sequel to "The Golden Compass" and "The Hobbit"I highly recommend "The Golden Compass" to anyone who can read them and is ten and up (some of the ideas are too frightening and complex for anyone who is younger). The same goes for "The Subtle Knife." I wouldn't recommend "The Amber Spyglass" for anyone under 12, because the plot is more complicated than the first two books. Five stars.

I have listened to The Golden Compass for the second time, and it has lost none of its spellbinding nature the second time around. The production is superb, and the characterizations by the readers full of drama, enhancing a book that already stands on its own. Lyra, the main character, is a strong female protagonist, like Sally Lockhart of Pullman's other trilogy, The Sally Lockhart Trilogy, although younger. Ideas such as "dust" and the creation of "daemons" keep you intrigued. One character I tho't was weak, however, was Lee Scoresby, the Texan aeronaut. I think Pullman created him after John Wayne,of whom I'm not fond. There are so many interesting characters (e.g. Mrs. Coulter, Iorek Byrneson (sp?) the armored bear, the gyptians, etc), however, that we can forgive Pullman one less than stellar creation.

I think this is a series that teens 14 and up would enjoy. It has some violence and a dark tone to it, but it's far more benign than many books for that age group, yet enough to keep a teen's interest. Pullman's writing has a lot of depth, and I personally encouraged my 14 yr old son to read it (and he has expressed an interest when he heard part of the audio production.).

But please don't compare it to JK Rowling's books--yes, they both have witches, but the tone is very different and the stories appeal to a much older crowd.

The "Subtle Knife" I admit wasn't quite as entrancing as the "Golden Compass", but it was better in other ways, such as the piecing together of the lives of Will and Lyra, which was by far one of the best points of the book, you really had to think and remember the present and past. Once again you meet up with characters from the other book, Miss Coulter, Serafina, and the rest of the witches, etc. So you must read the first book. The ideas are wonderful from the daemons to the windows in the air. Personaly I thought the angels were a bit strange but interesting. The details are done quite well, which is expected of Phillip Pullman. I must say the beginning was a bit strange since at the end of the "Golden Compass" you stand ready to go through the window, but you end up at Wills house. I thought it was a little confusing (beginning) but it straightened out. The ending leaves you almost stupified.Its also extremely suspenceful at points especially the ending. If your the emotional type you will shed a tear or two.

Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy really increases the reading pulse of kids and adults alike. After reading the first book in this series, "The Golden Compass", I looked forward to the second and was not disappointed.

"The Subtle Knife" continues the plot of "Compass" as Lyra Belacqua (now Lyra Silvertongue) continues her search for the nature of the spiritual particle known as Dust. After crossing over into the haunted world of Cittagazze, she encounters young Will Parry. Will is from our world and, after providing a respite for his ill mother, begins the search for his father, an explorer who disappeared in the arctic shortly after Will was born. Will accidentally trips into Cittagazze through a slice in the continuum. Once they stumble onto one another Lyra and Will's adventures really take off. Witches, soul-eating Specters, exploding dirigibles, shoot outs, break-ins at an English mansion, tortures, communications with spirits on an Oxford computer, even angels, percolate to the top in this adventure. Wow!

We are reminded, however, that this is a little above "Harry Potter" as for the second time in two books one of the main characters close to Lyra dies. As a matter of fact, a number of folks die in this story. The much ballyhooed allusions to "Paradise Lost" abound. While no 12-year-old will necessarily be familiar with Michael and the fall of the angels, the subplot of Lyra's father, Lord Asriel, building a fortress to prepare to battle the "High Authority" for heaven will keep them glued to the pages. References to a "New Eve" and a "New fall" keep the Milton comparisons churning along for literay students more interested in scholarship than in entertainment. Asriel, for example, is a son of Manasseh, who was related to Joseph of Technicolor Dreamcoat fame. But who cares?

Still, if you think Pullman is anti-Christian because he paints the church in Lyra's world as totalitarian and shows little clarity as to whether the "Authority" is good or not, or whether you think he is sexist because Lyra cooks for Will, please don't lose sight of the fact that this is still a children's book where, hopefully, children's heroes will prevail.

As with all middle books of a trilogy, Pullman ends this one with a cliff hanger ending. He concludes the series with "The Amber Spyglass". I can hardly wait.

I love reading (well, my English teacher tells me, "You don't know how to read a book.") She's on my list of teachers-i-dont-like. Anyway, this and the Golden Compass are the best books! Anyone who knows me can tell (even if they dont know what the books are or anything). What's that "Lyra Silvertoungue" ever-imprinted on your right hand? they ask, as if i could explain. What's your screen name (GldCmpsGrl) stand for? Could it be Gold Campus or Computer girl? Nope! Everyone should read this book for a couple of reasons: 1. I wouldnt have to answer all those ?s. 2. It's the best book in the world. 3. My friends wouldn't think I was as strange as they do now. 4. I could talk to them about something not stupid. 5. What is all that 'stuff' on ur walls? would be a comment like, cool walls. And the list continues... Oh yea, one last comment, If they change the date The Amber Spyglass is comming out one more time (unless sooner than April) ill scream!

In my opinion, The Tiger in the Well is a good read, but not up to the standard of the Ruby in the Smoke, and the Shadow in the North. The plot drags on, and did not really involve me. The idea was very innovative, and the story chilling, but it did not seem to be portrayed with the suspense and depth of the first or second books. However, there were several positive sides to the book. Sally's growth as a character was central to this book, and her personality and feelings are explored to a much greater extent than in other books. For the first time, Sally seems vulnerable, even afraid, rather than confident, which is an interesting twist in the series. The introduction of new characters is also interesting. Overall, it is still a good book, and a must for any fans of Philip Pullman, if you're willing to put up with a drawn out plot lacking some of the suspense of the previous books.

Pullman is a brilliant writer and one of my very favorites, with this trilogy in particular which I enjoyed immensely. The first book [Ruby in the Smoke] drew me in with its intriguing mystery and (don't ask me where this comes from, but I felt it) jubilant spirit. After such a beginning I looked forward to the Shadow in the North (now my favorite of the trilogy). This one tore my heart out and that's all I will say. I scrambled through the tiger in the well as they seemed to gain brilliance as the trilogy progressed. This one (and some, okay most, will say I get a little too involved in the stories I read) brought be from a state of utter helplessness to firey rage and all the way back to the beginning with an unsurmountable joy that everything is upsidedown and thats the way we like it. I refuse tell someone I don't know to read a book, because like people, every story has a personality and very rarely does everyone get along. I will say, that if my previouse ramblings have intrigued you do go ahead and read these books...you've nothing to lose.

This book did a pretty good job of tying up all of the loose ends Pullman left with "Ruby in the Smoke" and "Shadow in the North". The only problem I have with this whole trilogy is one that many Pullman fans share: what about Sally's real mother? Anyway, at the beginning, you're almost as outraged as Sally ("This can happen in England? ")when she finds out that some stranger is trying to take away her precious Harriet in a custody lawsuit. You watch, enraged, as she tries to handle the problem herself as her dimwit lawyer simply "spreads his hands and tries to look mature" instead of helping her; and she only gets herself into more trouble. Finally, at the end of her rope with her sexist barristers and Parrish, whoever he is, Sally goes into hiding, eventually sinking to London's East End, packing her toddler daughter Harriet around with her. It's mentioned in both "Ruby in the Smoke" and "Shadow in the North" that Sally is a firm capitalist . . . until she sees what life is like on the less fortunate side of the fence. She meets a woman who's missionary-turned-doctor who's made it her mission to cleanse the East End of poor health circumstances; Miss Robinson, who runs a shelter and crusades against stingy landlords who enforce awful living conditions, and Daniel Goldberg, a Hungarian socialist willing to help Sally in ways that no one else can. The polt takes inummerable twists and turns and you begin to find out what really happened to Ah Ling that night on the docks . . . Read this book. Although it is not my favorite out of the Sally Lockhart trilogy (Shadow in the North is, though this one comes in a close second) it's just as wonderful as it's predecessors.

could have written this opus on the history of atomic theory AND felt compelled to cite the views of both Nietzsche (the phenomenalist Antichrist) and Marx ("Hadrons of the World Unite"??). To round things out, there's even a quote from Levi-Strauss! To be sure, this is a flawed opus. Published posthumously in 1998 (the author died in 1996), the text has a hurried feel to it, as if compiled from notes by an anonymous editor. As a consequence, the coverage is as uneven as the chapter lengths variable. Chapter 6 ("Principles and Primordial Substances") consists of one very helpful figure with a one-paragraph description, together occupying the better part of a single page. The chapter on "Hindu Atomism" (much touted in the pages of the journal, Science) rightly attribues atomism to the Hindu Nyaya-Vaishisheka school. But it neglects the much more prominent place of atomism in Buddhism (with its doctrine of momentariness), devoting only 1/2 page (of 8 total!) to Buddhist thought. In contrast, the chapter on the 20th century takes up nearly 100 pages. On the whole, Western philosophy fares better; yet the hackneyed phrasing of Whitehead's famous quote about footnotes to Plato--"All of Western philosophy is but a long commentary on the writings of Plato" [p.49]--indicates that the translation leaves something to be desired. Still, the work does have its "moments." Part I on the Greek inception of atomic theory, 4 element theory, Platonic/Pythagorean modifications, and the Aristotelean arch-enemy (of undifferentiated substance and divinely impressed form) is excellent, as is Part IV, which focuses on the scientific developments of the 19th & 20th centuries. The intervening Parts II (the "dark ages") and III (Renaissance to Enlightenment) are tedious and unhelpful litanies of obscure names devoid of historical context. The 7-page chapter on Kant is particularly disappointing (nor does the author seem to recognize the strong similarity with Bohr's views). Ditto the naive comment that "a few philosophers such as Hume occasionally challenged the notion of causality." Had the author not intentionally dodged the fundamental problem of the relationship between "the mathematical structures produced by the human mind with the structure of phenomena of Nature" (p. 291), this book would have been far richer. Instead, like Epicurus, his true motivation is to extol the *moral* value of atomism in an accidental universe without purpose (cf. p. 212), and to debunk the Aristotelean/Catholic notion underlying transubstantiation of the Eucharist (p. 125). This partially explains his not infrequent lapses into Whiggism (cf. pp. 224, 233, 241). Still, there is not another work like this one. And although "the victory of the classical atomic theory proved short-lived...if it had ever materialized [p. 256, sic!]" the unfolding of the atomic vision of the universe, from the pre-Socratics to quantum uncertainty, makes an exhilirating story.

This book provides a nice survey of competing schools of thought, including nonwestern societies such as Hinduism and Islam. Occasionally a paragraph or sentence seems to contradict another nearby, as if the author, editor, and reviewers missed it. These might be resolved but that doesn't help the reader if the solution isn't apparent. After all, we read it to get the scoop, not to add on to our present confusions. Also, there is that maddening habit of providing translations from ancient sources that need further translation despite their appearance in English. This happens when the translator sees no need to stop, think, and either offer the reader something that makes sense or simply avoid the choice of translated material altogether. This habit is widespread and I did indeed expect to see it in Pullman's book too.

Excellent overview from pre-Socratic philosphy/chemistry up to modern chemical concepts. Focus is primarily on the conceptual nature of theories and science and how the paradigms shift with new data. I thoroughly enjoy owning this book.

Sally Lockhart has been orphaned at 16 by the death of her father. She has come to live with a relative that does not want her - and her life is in danger. Dark figures are movinf around her as she tries to solve the mystery of a message sent to her by her father before she dies. The only clue she has is the name Marchbanks and a phrase, the "seven blessings". Sally is in a race against time, because as she tries to put the puzzle together others are racing to silence her permanently - and she has no idea how many enemies she has.

I had to read this book in one afternoon because I didn't want to put it down. Sally is a great character who really draws you into her world, and the strong supporting characters around her draw you into their world and keep you there. The story is great, but in the end I found it a little bit disspointing at how Pullman pulls everything together (which is why it has four stars and not five). I have the rest of the books in this series from a friend and can't wait to read them too.

These books are completely different from the Dark Materials Trilogy and should be read in their own right. The best part about this book is that Sally is the kind of person that I would have been friends with at the same age - and I can see a little bit of me on her too. Guys should like this book too as their is action, adventure, and suspense.

I've read this book at least 5 times, it's wonderful and full of suspence. The Sally Lockhart series are one of the best that i've ever read, Philip Pullman wrote them beautifully, in a style that reminds one slightly of Dickens, just a touch more modern. From the first page to the last one (that leaves you craving for the next in the series), the pace never lessens, but does not, I am thankfull to say, overdo it. Set in the 17 century London, we are introduced to a set of vividly described characters, that one quickly starts to love! The beautiful Sally who's "had a throgh grounding in military tactics, can run a business, ride like a Cossack and shoot straight with a pistol" but hasn't aclue of what a lady needs to know, is left to fend for herself when her father, who raised her alone, is drowned under suspicios circumstances in the South China Sea. Thogh she doesn't know it, she is already in terrible danger, and with her investigations she only brings herself deeper in to the heart of an unbelievable plot, closely entwined with her own past, opium smuggling, and a ruby. She wouldn't of lasted long without the help of her friends...
A great book!

It's been nearly ten years since I first read this book... I'm 22 now, and it remains one of my favorites. Pullman tells the story of a desperate teenage girl's search for the truth about her father's death without pulling any punches or talking down to his audience (which is probably between the ages of twelve and fifteen or so); there are allusions to sex and violence, but they are not explicitly descriptive. The novel's mystery is intricate and pervasive, but almost as important to its texture is the look we are given at how several lonely and unhappy people become a family for each other, even in the face of danger and loss. Sally Lockhart is a wonderful protofeminist heroine, whose bravery, intelligence, and independence should inspire most readers; the secondary characters, such as Fred and Jim, are charming and more than up to the challenge of being Sally's associates. The conclusion is stunning, and readers who enjoy this novel will want to read the other books about Sally and her friends (Shadow in the North is particularly heartrending). I find the Sally books generally more emotionally-involving than _His Dark Materials_, but the high quality of the writing remains constant. I still make a point of picking up Pullman's newest books when they come out, and _The Ruby in the Smoke_ is the book that started it all.

I ordered this book from the United States, as the release date in Australia is uncertain and I didn't want to wait! I am left amazed at the breadth and depth of Pullman's achievement. I don't personally agree with his worldview, but still appreciated the complexity and further development of his characters, especially Mrs. Coulter, the unexpected and sometimes heart-wrenching twists in the plot, and the skilful pulling together of the various elements from the previous two books in the series. There are powerful passages, gentle passages, sections that make your heart pound; this book runs through a large gamut of feeling, and is written on an epic scale. The whole series is one I will come back and read again someday, and I'm sure I will find something new in them each time. This is not writing for children, in spite of the fact that the main characters are children. Pullman is asking serious questions about being human and the struggle of living in this world. The clarity and beauty of his prose stands out in all three books, and "The Amber Spyglass" is definitely up to the standard of the first two books in the series. I still consider "The Golden Compass" (or Northern Lights) to be the best in the series, but "Amber Spyglass" comes close behind.

The action-packed last book, The Amber Spyglass, of an AWESOME trilogy, was one of those books I'll never forget. Throughout the book, different events are happening and like all good books, the author leaves you hanging at the end of every chapter. I couldn't put this book down! For anyone who loves to read as much as I do, I would definetly recommend this book and the rest of the series. The characters in the book are so well developed that you feel you've known them for a long time. The religious aspect of this book was a bit different to put it mildly, but if you aren't willing to accept other viewpoints on religious happenings then just don't read books that will upset you!! The ending was so perfect but TOTALLY unexpected!! I must admitt I cried a lot and didn't want it to end the way it did, probably because I love a good, happy ending. When i finished I found myself wishing for more of Lyra and Will and especially Pan who was my favorite character throughout the book. If you love fantasy, adventure stories this book is for you.

Harry Potter? C.S. Lewis? Tolkein? Pullman puts them all to shame, working the magic for a third time with the Amber Spyglass. Ghosts, ghouls, angels, witches, bears, and that evil golden daemon are back again, as Pullman catapults us in to a world (worlds) very different than our own, but eerily parallel. Will, Lyra, and the bulk of the characters from the first two books are back, more developed and lovable than ever, and as determined as before to give us an amazing story. With its theological implications, its amazingly detailed plotlines, and its grand theme of how the simplest things have the most profound consequences, this book is without a doubt worthy of sharing a trilogy with its predecessors. It remains to be seen if this amazing epic will be read by millions, but for those who do read it, you will be as happy as a mulefa (read the book). Eric

After finishing the 4th Harry Potter book I moped around for a few days lamenting the fact that the next installment isn't due for publication for quite some time. Luckily, a friend of mine suggested the Dark Materials series by Phillip Pullman. Five pages in to The Golden Compass I was hooked. With a "Potter like" fervor I ripped through the first book in two very long nights. After which I was useless at work, but just as satisfied as when I first discovered the work of J.K. Rowlings. A great read!

A note to parents: The world that Pullman conjurs is a bit darker than Harry Potter's. There is more violence and some very frightening situations. I'd say 11 and up would be a good age for these books.

... About a month ago, desperate for something I could loose myself in, I picked up "The Golden Compass." It was in the "young - mature" or some-such section of the bookstore, and I was put off until I read the frontpiece. It seems to me any book that begins with a (truly frightening) quote from "Paradise Lost" deserves a much broader placement than "young - mature."

I raced through the trilogy, glad the only wait I had to experience between volumes was the time it took to catch my breath.

"His Dark Materials," is a deep climb into myth and archetype that is the hero's journey, a critique of organized religion, a travelogue of alternate worlds, and a breathtaking adventure. Philip Pullman has pulled together a cast of characters that seems to touch on the entire diversity of Western mythology, including the wild-western; as well as every dark bedroom fear of childhood. The trilogy is grounded in the coming-of-age story of his protagonists (Lyra and Will), and flies into fantasy with the telling of a new age in the universe.

As a writer Mr. Pullman works a dynamic that races with gore and violence, gentles in natural idyll, provokes with psychology, philosophy, theology, and what some would call "heresy," and compels with deft plotting, and well crafted characters.

I'm glad I read this series as an adult, wish I had read it as a 12 year old, would recommend it to the mature young reader with no hesitation, and to the older reader who has not lost his or her sense of wonder.

I'd forgotten that books can be this exhilarating and enjoyable. Philip Pullman has done some wonderfully imaginative things with the worlds he creates in the His Dark Materials trilogy. Particularly cool are the armored bears, great intelligent polar bears who craft semi-magical armor for themselves and live in a roughly ordered society. His conception of daemons as magical creatures that each and every human possesses, that are able to shapeshift until their human partner reaches puberty, is also a stroke of genius. There were other elements of the books that impressed me deeply, but I won't go into them for fear of ruining a pleasant surprise for anyone who decides to read them.

It's been a long time since a book kept me up reading until 4 AM, but these three books all gripped my imagination with such intensity that I plowed through them as quickly as I could.

These books were first recommended to me as being on par with the Harry Potter series, but I've found Pullman's work here to be far superior to Rowling's. It's more richly detailed, more imaginative, more deeply thought-out, is stocked with more interesting and well-realized characters, and is more compelling and entertaining at all turns. Clearly Pullman was writing for a more mature audience than Rowling, but he still stands head and shoulders higher as a writer and world-maker.

If there were any justice in the world, Philip Pullman would also be an insufferably famous multimedia star.