1 comments about William Marshal, Knight-errant, Baron, and Regent of England (MART: The Medieval Academy Reprints for Teaching).

1. I learned after reading the Painter biography of William Marshal that it has been largely superseded by David Crouch's (which I will be reading soon), but I believe it still has much to offer.
   
   For this work, first published in 1933, Painter draws heavily on the _Histoire de Guillaume le Marechal_, a contemporary chronicle written by an obvious Marshal partisan. Naturally, the Histoire's version on Marshal's life, the glowing but vague physical descriptions, the legendary exploits and such, is to be taken with a grain of salt. However, Painter's book is much more than a mere translation of the _Histoire_. While Marshal's early life is to some extent lost in the mists of time, significant objective information becomes available beginning with his association with the Plantagenets when he was in his early 20s. From this point on, this well-footnoted book references a variety of chronicles and administrative records, and references to the _Histoire_ grow fewer and farther between.
   
   Two aspects of Marshal's life make his life story especially edifying to the medievalist:
   
   First, it shows us what virtually every younger son who didn't go into holy orders wanted to be. Marshal epitomized the late twelfth-century knight, first distinguishing himself in battle and on the tournament field, then garnering the attention of a powerful patron, Eleanor of Aquitaine, which he then parlayed into a long and profitable royal association that included marriage to the wealthiest heiress in the realm. Late in life, he became the reluctant but highly effective regent of England. Even if the _Histoire_ sometimes is a bit too glowing in its praise, somewhat over the top in detailing his exploits, "reading between the lines" renders an only slightly duller portrait.
   
   Second, his long life and intimate association with English royalty means that his story is also a crash course in early Plantagenet history, beginning with latter part of Henry II's reign and then encompassing Richard I, John, and the first few years of the boy king Henry III. While Painter probably isn't entirely fair to John, with whom William fell out a couple of times, William's experiences with John are well-documented and can still be instructive.
   
   I found Painter's writing surprisingly readable, at least as much, and probably more so, than Georges Duby's. Painter was only slightly less enthusiastic about Marshal than the writer of the _Histoire_, never applying anything but the highest of motives to Marshal's actions. But he does a good job of justifying his positions; I always felt they were grounded in realism.

5 comments about No Elbow Room.

1. I really enjoyed reading this book, it gives a good insight of the Japanese society from a foreigner's point of view, who lived and worked in Japan for several years.
   This only problem is that it's from the early 1990's and some things have changed since...



2. Do you ever find yourself in a large bookstore overwhelmed by the sheer number of titles, and wonder how so many new ideas continue to emerge in such mass quantity? Well, this is one of those books that keep us returning to bookstores with faith in the fact that we will not always leave disappointed! This book is unique in its perspective on a subject I am interested in as a professor of international business (Zicklin School of Business; Baruch College, City University of New York) - cross cultural understanding. Written in a pen indicative of ample experience in Japan's corporate world, yet from an outside Western perspective, it reveals nuances of Japanese business culture that only an expatriate can easily discern. "No Elbow Room" is blunt to a pain yet carefully objective and fair in its exposé of little known tidbits of Japanese culture and business protocol outside of the Island nation itself. Yet while set in Japan, I found myself easily adapting lessons learned to virtually any cross-cultural setting, prompting me to list this book as required reading in my "Foreign Markets, Cultures, Regimes" class. This is a self-authored text, that no doubt a large publishing house will soon discover and market to the masses. The book is short (179 pages) and a quick yet informative read. I recommend it for not just international business scholars, but as an aid for sociology class discussions, gender-relations discussions, for anyone interested in international relations, and particularly for anyone wishing to travel to Japan, particularly from the West. And if you think you're well traveled and immune to culture shock, you must pick up this book!



3. No Elbow Room is a quick and informative read into the Cultural mind set of Japanese relationships. It opens up for examination a world of contradicting correctness and sheds light on some of my own experiences in Japan. You will read it from cover to cover enjoying the wonderful illustrations and lighthearted humor.



4. Fun, Fun, Fun. A funny and informative documentary of first-hand experiences in Japan. A must if you are considering working for a few years for a company in Tokyo. Also a must if you want to get insight into the workings of a culture totally different from American and European cultures. The illustrations are hilarious. The book is precise with marvelous drawings. There are informative comments on improving the lot of women in Japan. Be prepared for a fun ride!



5. Kenneth writes a detailed and fascinating read. What an experience. Having stayed in Japan myself for a while, I found No Elbow Room to confirm some things I had suspected about living in Japan. Great book!

No comments about Henry Ford: The Wayward Capitalist.

2 comments about Survival of the Coolest: A Darwins Death Defying Journey into the Interior of Addiction.

1. The Survival Of The Coolest: An Addiction Memoir is the true story of one of the great-great grandsons of Charles Darwin, his addiction to heroin, near-death experiences, and eventual treatment and recovery. Arguing strenuously against the "war on drugs" mentality that pervades today, The Survival Of The Coolest tells of a life where drugs were an effect, not the cause of the author's severe problems. An invaluable, soul-baring personal testimony of descent and redemption, offering a real-world viewpoint of the problem of drug addiction from one who has been there firsthand.



2. As a Darwianian scholar, I'm always fascinated by anything Darwin, so I picked up this book. William Pryor, Darwin's great-great grandson grew up in a world of priveldge that few will ever comprehend. Yet he felt empty and his search for fulfilment and identity took him into the world of hardcore drug addiction at the height of the beatnik movement. He 'hung out' with some of the biggest names in rock and roll forever searching for the illusive answers. When he finally hit rock bottom, and opted for a 'clean' life he found at least a portion of the identity he had been seeking. His recovery has allowed him to build a successful business career as a renowned entrepreneur in Britain and gives him the right to discuss drug-addiction and recovery from a vantage point that few of us ever want to know. This book should be required reading by all those in the recovery field and anyone who was ever baffled by the illure of illicet drugs.

2 comments about The Charlton Story: Earle Perry Charlton, 1863-1930, One of the Five Founders of the F.W. Woolworth Company.

1. This book is a fascinating window on the life and character of Earle Charlton, the quintessential entrepreneur. Winston Churchil, said that "we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Earle Charlton's life and legacy is a remarkably American story. From the meager lifestyle of a blacksmith's son to the phenomenal financial success, wealth happiness, cultivation of family and finally to the full expression of his charitable impulses; he embodies every business person's dreams. This book helps to convey the humanity and sensitivity of a man driven to succeed personally while not losing sight of the trials and sufferings of others less fortunate. This is a great account of an entrepreneurial dream capstoned with a legacy of humane philanthropy. Everyone should read the story of the life of Earle P. Charlton for inspiration, focus, civic mindedness and family values.



2. The Charlton Story is a well-written and important tribute to one of America's greatest business entrepreneurs. Earle Perry Charlton, one of the five founding fathers who made the F.W. Woolworth Co. the most successful and well-known discount chain of all time, was also one of the most generous of men. His personal letters, many of which are reprinted in this book, provide insight into his strong business ethics ...his dealings with employees...and much more. This book is a fine addition to the library of anyone interested in business or biography.

1 comments about Kali Yuga Odyssey: A Spiritual Journey.

1. Many people throughout the world yearn for truth, explanation, and meaning in life. They are unwilling to settle for conventional wisdom or generalities; they must dig deeper. They are driven by inner voices leading them on journeys that will transform their thinking, beliefs, and lifestyles. Such people tend to have an impact on the world.

   One such person is JT Ross Jackson, a successful businessman, a brilliant systems scientist, and a global visionary. In search of spiritual truth, he embarked on a number of experiences that challenged his perception of what is possible. He attended workshops with renowned teachers. In search of more understanding, he took a trip to India where he had a week-long "awakening." He recorded his experiences in detail in a journal that evolved into his new book, THE KALI YUGA ODYSSEY: A Spiritual Journey (Robert D. Reed Publishers. ISBN1-885003-44-7. October 2000).

   "Kali Yuga" is an ancient Vedic term meaning "the age of darkness." It is defined as "an age where spiritualism is deficient and materialism rules." According to the teachings, each age comes to an end eventually, giving way to a new age.

   Jackson continued to seek experiences with various figures who greatly influenced his thinking. He had a growing concern for the degradation of the environment. This concern culminated the establishment of Gaia Trust, a self-financing fund based on income earned from Gaia Corporation, a currency fund manager founded by Jackson as well.

   Gaia Trust encourages the establishment of ecovillages that are small, sustainable communities where social, ecological, and spiritual aspects are integrated into a holistic lifestyle. This is also the subject of another new book by Jackson called, AND WE ARE DOING IT! Building the Ecovillage Future (Robert D. Reed Publishers. ISBN 1-885003-45-5. $9.95. September 2000).

   According to Dr. Rashmi Mayur, Director of the International Institute for a Sustainable Future, "In sharing his discoveries, Jackson describes the role and destiny of humans, and each of our roles in healing an anguished earth." The author's candid description of his experiences with different masters, along with his knowledge of mythology, symbology, and philosophy, make this book an important contribution in the areas of self-help, spiritual development, and metaphysics.

5 comments about Ben & Jerry's: The Inside Scoop: How Two Real Guys Built a Business with a Social Conscience and a Sense of Humor.

1. A good recount of how the company got going, but the last few chapters dragged.

   There are things to learn about how Ben and Jerry developed their company:
   1)They are geniuses at this. They actually figured out mass production without knowing what they were doing, they figured out marketing from scratch, they encountered financing and survived.
   2)They had a near masochistic willingness to work. Boy did these guys work hard (it would kill me to do what they did, even if I had the will to do it).
   3)They could adapt incredibly.

   4) and finally: There are pitfalls and prices to trying to make social profits and business profits at the same time and to not planning your company to be as big as it already is.

   You can learn about businesses in their growth phase from this book. You can learn about making sure a company has sufficient controls in place for its size. You may be able to learn whether you have what it takes to be an entrepeneur.

   The first 3/4th of the book were fun to read but for some reason the last couple of chapters, when Ben and Jerry were playing less of a part in the business, were slow and boring (I don't exactly know why but I know they dragged).




2. I read this book at the suggestion of a business school professor. It was supposedly a great illustration of the trials and tribulations of entrepreneurs.

   I found that the book tried more to be humorous than to convey any business knowledge to the reader. Everything seemed to be an inside joke. Rather than producing a well thought-out account of a business experience, the book fell flat with dumb humor. I was very unimpressed with how the company was run, and I don't feel like I got much from the book.




3. It's a chronicle of the intriguing journey of junior high friends who split the $5 cost of a home study course in making homemade ice cream and turn it into a $237 million company (1999 sales). Ben & Jerry's antics of giving away ice cream so they can 'get the ice cream into people's mouths so they will buy it,' take on some unusual situations. Free cones are offered to folks who register to vote, donate books to Head Start, or send postcards to elected officials for a variety of causes, and to celebrate at Fall Down Festivals with block long stilt walking races, music and other amusements. Solar-powered mobiles are used to transport the ice cream and a show on the road. They still sponsor customer appreciation day once a year when free cones are dipped all day.

   It's hard to resist a bowl or cone of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough or Cherry Garcia as you read this humorous show and tell of two guys who really want (and do) make a difference. You'll be ready to book a snow shoe tour of the Vermont plant by the time you finish reading about these guys' mission. Their values-led business (in addition to having fun) is to produce the best ice cream from Vermont dairy products, to increase the value of the of the company for the stockholders and create career opportunities and financial rewards for employees, and to improve the quality of life for the community. (They donate 7.5% of pretax profits to Ben & Jerry's Foundation that supports a variety of causes that improve the quality of life for children.)

   I'm using this book as a project for an organizational communications course and enjoyed the reading (and eating) more than I ever expected. It was the most fun I've had doing homework!




4. This was a really good book that shows "How Two Real Guys Built a Business With a Social Conscience and a Sense of Humor." This should be required reading for MBA's along with Hawkin's Growing a Business.



5. Although Ben & Jerry's: The Inside Scoop was a little long-winded at times, I thought it was a good easy-to-read book for non-business majors wanting to start a business. Lager's style of writing makes Ben & Jerry seem like two regular guys up the street who had a dream and went after it with all the gusto they could muster. The book would not serve as a business plan protocol necessarily, however, it does display the true entrepeneriual spirit needed in order to make a business successful. Lager does a wonderful job of showing how Ben & Jerry fed off of each other and when one door closed in their face, they found another way in through a different door or window -- exactly what has to be done if you are going to grow a successful business.

   Lager captured the realism of the trials and tribulations experienced by most individuals who begin their own business. I would recommend this book to anyone who was thinking of beginning his/her own business because it gives a look at the real side of starting your own business by making Ben & Jerry two real guys who simply wanted to start their own business so they did not have to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for someone else. By putting all the business jargon aside, I felt this was a worthwhile read for someone who needs the reassurance that anyone can start a business and this is how Ben & Jerry started theirs.

2 comments about Jacob Bunn: Legacy Of An Illinois Industrial Pioneer.

1. It is not often that you get to read about some of the interesting men who had their 'ups and downs' in creating the industrial history of the mid-west of the USA. Andrew Call brings to life a great guy in this respect: Jake Bunn (1814-1897). You can meet Jake and his family again if you read Stealing Lincoln's Body where he is just as interesting.
   The writer helps us to learn and understand how business was done by such companies as: Illinois Watch, Sangamo Electric Co. and even the very obscure Bunn-O-Matic Corp. But more importantly we learn about the legacy of "honorable behavior towards creditors' during tough times that the Bunn banking family showed during the Panic of 1973.
   This is a fine biography that reminds us of the importance of 'ethics and integrity' in business from a young first-time writer.



2. Though I find my usual tastes rest solely within the fiction genre, I was surprised by the excitement with which I turned pages through this author's first effort.
   
   The book reads like a Who's Who Among American History's Past at times; traverse history during a turbulent, though defining, time as America itself develops from infant to industrial giant-with your guide Jacob Bunn. Resourceful, ambitious, and passionate, Jacob has his ups and downs (though overwhelmingly successful) as he risks business venture after business venture-always keeping his focus on integrity. From grocery stores, banks, and timepieces, to close personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, Jacob Bunn seems to have tried it all.
   
   You'll be surprised to find out what you didn't know as the author drops historical names that can be directly or indirectly associated with Mr. Bunn (maybe even more surprised by some of the ways Jacob continues to influence everyday life in the present day). Colorful and educated conjecture, but never far-reaching hyperbole, each period in time is described thoughtfully and accurately.
   
   A must read for any history buff, and a `gateway book' for all of those who aren't.

No comments about Memoirs in a Country Churchyard: A Tobaccoman's Plea : Clean Up Tobacco Row!.

1 comments about Aspinwall Empire.

1. I admit that I am a pretty biased reviwer because the author is my late grandfather, and the book is a biography of my great-great-great uncle. However, it is not just a book for us relatives! The Aspinwall Empire is a biography of William Henry Aspinwall, a highly successful 19th century American businessman and philanthropist. Aspinwall has been all but forgotten today, but he made many important contributions to the United States. Among other things, he was a pioneer in the clipper ship area, built the railroad that traversed the Panama isthmus, was a founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the ASPCA, and a benefactor to many causes and institutes, including the Virginia Theological Seminary (where Aspinwall Hall still stands as a tribute to him and his brother, John Lloyd Aspinwall). There are many more noteworthy contributions that Aspinwall made, and my Granddaddy spent over five years putting together an extremely thorough, but still interesting, biography that chronicles them. It is a very interesting read, especially for history buffs (and of course Aspinwall relatives!) . My grandfather was very proud of his book, and I encourage everyone to check it out and see why.