No comments about The Command Of The Howe Brothers During The American Revolution (77798).

4 comments about Shoemaker by Levy.

1. Gene Shoemaker was truly a giant of 20th Century Science. Involved in the development of (and frustrated by) the vestigal scientific programs attached to the oh-so-political US moon program, Gene Shoemaker was a frequently-acknoledged genius. Perhaps most famous, along with his wife Carolyn and (this book's author) David Levy, for his work discovering the comet chain (Shoemaker-Levy 9) which impacted Jupiter in July 1994, Shoemaker's true legacy lay in his role as a key proponent of the theory, now widely-accepted, that most of the craters we observe in the solar system were caused by meteor or comet impacts instead of being cause by volcanism, and that this process has been at work on the Earth for millenia as well, as can be seen at places like Meteor Crater in Arizona.

   Levy is always a treat to read, with an enthusiastic and easygoing style which keeps the subject accessible and the language casual. He moves the narrative effectively, and frequently refers back to earlier portions of the book to jog the reader's memory regarding various details. The book follows a more-or-less chronological course in relating Shoemaker's life, although it does follow concurrent threads in seperate chapters, so it may confuse less-attentive readers from time to time as Levy covers Shoemaker's gological work during a particular decade in one chapter, and in the next might jump back to the end of the previous decade while describing his astronomical work.

   The book's only real flaw is in it's extreme reverence for Shoemaker and the resultant unwillingness to dig for "dirt" in the process of profiling this colorful and contentious man, understandable considering how close Levy was to Shoemaker, and how close he remains to Shoemaker's wife Carolyn. While the general impression is that there was little actual dirt to be found, Levy glosses over some conflicts in Shoemaker's life, especially the significant personal break with his one-time student and co-collaborator Eleanor Helin, whose near-Earth object research has been truly influential as well. Additonally, passing but tantalizing mention is made in places of his (apparently) less-than-perfect relationship with his children when they were young.

   All in all, these lapses are insignificant (worth a point off a pefect score, though), especially since it will most likely be many years before we are treated to any more thorough and (perhaps) less-biased biography by any other writer. Heartily recommended to anyone who likes a good biography or who has an interest in geology or the search for near-earth objects.




2. 
   This is an excellent (and probably the only) bio of Eugene Shoemaker, who nearly singlehandedly pioneered impact geology, and by doing so helped make modern, secular catastrophism palatable to scientists. On page 55 Levy quotes Stephen Gould (from "The Panda's Thumb") regarding the origin of gradualism as "a common cultural bias"; discusses Cuvier's near miss regarding the source of catastrophes attested throughout the fossil record (pp 51-52); and most nobly and notably, recounted with pretty good accuracy the central thesis of Velikovsky's Worlds in Collision without resorting to the childish distortions and namecalling found in most books which mention Velikovsky at all. This factual, non-inflammatory mention of Velikovsky and what may be the most controversial non-political work of the 20th century reveals Levy as a man of reason, courage, and character.
   
   This biography is highly recommended.
   
   Also recommended:
   
   -:- "Dark Matter" by Thomas Van Flandern
   -:- "The Deep Hot Biosphere" by Thomas Gold
   -:- "Voices of the Rocks" by Robert Schoch et al
   -:- "Night Comes to the Cretaceous" by James Lawrence Powell
   -:- "Rain of Iron and Ice" by John S. Lewis
   -:- "T Rex and the Crater of Doom" by Walter Alvarez
   -:- "Noah's Flood" by Walter C. Pitman and William B. F. Ryan
   -:- "Catastrophe: A Quest for the Origins of the Modern World" by David Keys
   -:- "Worlds In Collision" by Immanuel Velikovsky
   -:- "Earth in Upheaval" by Immanuel Velikovsky
   
   



3. A truly delightful book about the premiere scientist. The book takes you from the early days when Gene was a kid collecting rocks in a jar, to his prominent role with the Apollo project to the seach for asteroids. Levy writes in such a way that you almost feel that you were friends with the man. Looking over his shoulder as he takes college kids on field trips to Meteor Crater and in the control room for the Voyager missions. I never knew Gene was involved in so many aspects of astronomy. Anyone who relishes science biographies should not miss this one.



4. Soon after pieces of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 began impacting Jupiter, I checked Jupiter with my 3.5" telescope and was delighted to see impact spots. Just a day before astronomers were fearful that there would be no visible trace of the impact and of the reaction of the media to the "non-event".

   Somehow I didn't take time to reflect on the "rightness" that the comet was discovered by the scientist most responsible for our current understanding of past and future impacts on the Earth. I guess it just seemed obvious that Shoemaker was the one to find the comet. (Actually, his wife Carolyn was the first to see it on film Gene and David Levy exposed.)

   The day after his death I heard of the idea to include some of his ashes on the Lunar Prospector satellite that was soon to launch, orbit, and eventually crash on the moon. While I instantly recognized what a wonderful idea that was, my memory was fuzzy on his long contribution to lunar exploration.

   Levy's biography is a wonderful summary of the Shoemakers' life and contributions to astrogeology. Shoemaker will be remembered as one of the most important scientists of the 20th century. Shoemaker's enthusiasm for geology was a key to his success and Levy concentrates on that, leaving the technical aspects to the bibliography. The result is a book anyone can read and all can learn from.

   Five stars, several asteroids, and dozens of comets!

3 comments about The Father of Forensics: The Groundbreaking Cases of Sir Bernard Spilsbury, and the Beginnings of ModernCSI.

1. Evans' writing is very compelling and pushes you easily along the dateline of modern forensic techniques. His storytelling skills are marvelous and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I am only part way through and find myself trying to savor every page by reading only a little at a time. I don't want this book to end!



2. Colin Evans has written a number of excellent books on forensics and this one is just as much of an edge-of-your-seat page-turner as the others, if not more so. The book's focus is on a subset of the many cases in which Britain's Sir Bernard Spilsbury was involved as the much revered, indeed legendary, forensic pathologist. The main highlights of Spilsbury's life are also included. The author's writing style is as witty as it is engaging, often tongue-in-cheek. The words that he uses to describing these many cases seem to be very carefully selected and put together. But it is much more likely that this excellent style of writing simply comes naturally to this most gifted author; I cannot praise it enough. This book will be indispensable to anyone who enjoys reading well-crafted true crime stories in which forensics plays an important role. Very highly recommended!



3. I've read accounts of other forensic pathologists at the turn of the century, but this one is easiest to digest. It has a smooth reading style, lays out the crimes in sufficient detail that you can follow the 'plot' and then shows how Spilsbury and his associates helped lay the forensic groundwork for conviction. Cases include such well-known murders as "The Brides in the Bath," among others.
   
   Besides the fascination at watching the growth of forensics at the hands of the pioneers (Spilsbury doesn't get all the kudos in this book) you also catch a glimpse of the personal toll exacted by the long hours and hideous conditions.
   
   For readers keen to see a glimpse of early forensic technique and the men behind the emerging technology, I highly recommend Evan's informative book.

2 comments about Arnold O. Beckman: One Hundred Years of Excellence (Chemical Heritage Foundation Series in Innovation and Entrepreneurship).

1. This biography of Dr. Beckman was created to coincide with his 100th birthday last year.

   While many will not recognize his name, all have had their lives improved by his many innovative contributions to science, medicine, and education. Chemistry as we know it mostly advanced through the development of instruments that can rapidly, inexpensively, and accurately analyze biological and mineral substances. Our modern manufacturing processes rely on these instruments as do our physicians in isolating and diagnosing diseases. Many of these tests were first accomplished by either Dr. Beckman or the company he founded, Beckman Instruments. His company also played a key role in pioneering critical components and instruments for secret projects such as those for radar and the atomic bomb during World War II.

   In parallel, Dr. Beckman played a big role in the development of Cal Tech, as a student, professor, major donor, and trustee. The rise of that institution from being a small school to one of the world's very top universities benefited, in part, from Dr. Beckman's efforts on Cal Tech's behalf over many decades.

   Dr. Beckman's company continues to thrive today as Beckman Coulter, and is leading the way to finding new ways to diagnose diseases.

   If you are like me, you will enjoy reading about how many important chemical and electronic innovations occurred. Dr. Beckman was often involved. For example, Beckman Instruments was at one time briefly a leader in work developing the first semiconductor technology, before there was a Silicon Valley. It was fascinating to see how the team split off to become Fairchild and later Intel.

   Dr. Beckman was very generous with his charity, and has donated hundreds of millions of dollars.

   The biography is unusually detailed on both the personal and the scientific side. The book also benefits from having many excellent photographs. I particularly liked the many side bars that made it possible to read in more depth about particular aspects of Dr. Beckman's life. .

   Anyone who wants to understand about the challenges of being an inventor-businessperson will enjoy this book. Those who are interested in understanding more about how modern instruments developed will find the book like a history of science. Anyone who wants to learn about being a good example will find Dr. Beckman to be a worthy source of study, as well.

   After you finish this book, consider where you have stopped following your curiosity. Then take some more steps in those directions. Like Dr. Beckman, your greatest accomplishments may be ahead of you as you follow your curiosity into the uncharted territory of the next big thing.

   Look on life with interest and pursue it with high standards!




2. An interesting book about an interesting man. In 1997 "USA Today" listed the top 10 charity givers in America, and Arnold Beckman was listed 10th as having given $280 million to charity. A man who does that is worth reading about!

No comments about Fritz Muller: A Naturalist in Brazil.

3 comments about Moth Catcher: An Evolutionist'S Journey Through Canyon And Pass.

1. It provides some great information about the distribution of the various silkworm moth species and how some of them have evolved in recent history, and how some of these events came to pass naturally.



2. Told with the narrative fluidity of a memoir, Moth Catcher: An Evolutionist's Journey Through Canyon and Pass is an amazing look into the scientific research of author Michael M. Collins. Moth Catcher introduces the reader to a fascinating canyon and pass environment in Sierra Nevada that is what geneticists call a "hybrid zone" for silk moths. In the hybrid zone, two species of silk moths interbreed to produce fertile offspring - unlike lab-bred hybrids between the same two species. These naturally occurring hybrid populations serve as unique, non-reproducible laboratories in nature, offering an exceptional opportunity to gain greater insight into how evolution itself operates. A handful of color photographic plates illustrate this exceptional account of the hidden wonders of one of nature's smaller species. Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Moth Catcher is as highly recommended to the lay person with a budding interest in natural science as it is to professionals curious to hear a firsthand account of fieldwork and its astonishing results.



3. Michael Collins' book very effectively bridges the gap between the passions of a lover of nature and the frontiers of scientific discovery - in new evolutionary thought.
   
   The book is introduced with a beautiful poem written by his daughter, who says so much in a few chosen words.

1 comments about Sigmund Freud (Grandes biografias series).

1. Sigmund Freud: el libertador de la cárcel moral del hombre, genio iluminado y médico que encontró la vía para la curación de los males del alma. La psicología, la filosofía moral, la historia de las civilizaciones, la antropología o la teología han sido algunos de los campos en los que ha cristalizado la metodología psicoanalítica.

3 comments about Time Of Their Lives.

1. Informative. Worth reading. Well-written. Fictionalized perhaps, but based on true events. Third person accounts are sometimes better than biographies because it takes out the personal bias and often looks at events with greater perspective.



2. I never would have purchased this book if I had known that the first sentence of the Authors' Note states that "This book is a fictionalized account of actual events". There are also NO pictures in the book.



3. It was very informative, a behind the scenes look at the people who were involved with the Dionne family. But, it skipped around a lot and ended way too soon.

   It was so much more straight-forward than the somewhat angry book the girls wrote about themselves.

3 comments about "Most of the Good Stuff:" Memories of Richard Feynman.

1. This is probably not the first book to read about Feynman. I think the best introductory read is Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman. However, this one is unique in that it gives a first hand objective account of his life, personality and achievements (particularly in Physics). It's unfortunate that I have had to skip parts of certain essays (written originally for Physics Today) because they required the kind of Physics knowledge that I do not have, in order to understand and appreciate what Feynman's contribution was to the problem. Nonetheless, the book is a pleasure to read, and some essays are gems in that respect. I especially liked Richard Feynman and the Connection Machine by W. Daniel Hillis. Just when I'm thinking I've learned all of the interesting Feynman stories that I will ever get to know, I come across yet another one that makes me smile and shake my head. I wonder if there are any left after reading this book :)



2. Divided into seven sections (The Early Years, At Los Alamos, The Cornell Years, The Research Physicist at Caltech, The Teacher at Caltech, The Public Physicist and Consultant, and Feynman--The Man), this fine book presents Richard Feynman as he was seen by those closest to him--his friends and colleagues. To their credit, they present him as they knew him, the qualities with the flaws.
   
   The book is especially successful in communicating Feynman's way of thinking, the processes he used in attacking problems. The essay entitled "Richard Feynman and the Connection Machine" by W. Daniel Hills is notably successful in this regard, and by itself justifies the purchase of the book. I found it especially interesting that Feynman was fascinated, as I am, by the potential of cellular automata for modeling fluids. Readers with the same interest should also consider purchasing Seek! Selected Nonfiction by Rudy Rucker.
   
   Five or so essays by other physicists who knew Feynman contain mathematics that is proably beyond the ability of the average reader (certainly mine), but even these contain gems of insight that reward readers who wade through them.
   
   All in all, a most satisfying experience.
   
   Also recommended: Feynman's Rainbow: A Search for Beauty in Physics and in Life



3. Fascinating and insiteful lectures from many of the great people in the world of physics. Amusing anecdotes, touching tributes, and glimpses into the private life of a genius who was also extremely human and persevered through very painful personal problems to help create the atomic bomb while his wife was seriously ill, yet keeping his spirits up and his sense of humor. Never a person to rest on his laurels Feynman is shown in this book as a person who listened intently to other people's theories, no matter how odd they sounded and never assumed anything was right or wrong until he worked it out for himself from first principles. It's all here, his life, his work, his friends, family and colleagues - but most of all his spirit.

3 comments about Tupolev - The Man and His Aircraft: The Man and His Aircraft (Reference).

1. This is a finely detailed work on the historical achievements of Andrei Tupolev and the firm that bears his name. Every aviation library should have a copy as well as any aviation buff.
   
   Co-Authors: Amazon should recognize the late Mr. Paul Duffy as well as Mr. Kandalov as authors of this work. With all respect to Mr. Kandalov, Paul Duffy was very close to the Tupolev family and without him this book would not have been written.



2. Andrej N Tupolev is the greatest aeronautical mind of all times. Like clockwork for 50 years of his unmatched career, every aircraft this genius designed had scored several world records! Tupolev's TU-144, the world's first giant supersonic transporter and the true marvel of aeronautical engineering still remains unsurpassed today, some 30 years after its maiden flight.
   However, the book's courageous attempts to illustrate the unique and exceptional talent of Tupolev falls short of its mark. Although well-structured points are made regarding the revolutionary milestones achieved by Tupolev, such as the variable geometry canard winglets and nose-cone or the delta wing design, which ushered in the 3+ Mach epoch, they are lost on the average reader.
   Tupolev's work isn't even fully understood by the West aeronautical community today let alone by a biography reader. It helps to know some facts on the TU-144 victory before reading.
   The Brito-French monopoly Airbus, although painstakingly retracing Tupolev's steps with a network of spies, only managed to trudge haplessly behind the master producing no more than a pathetic feat with an equally befitting humdrum name, the Concorde. Concorde, following years of development snags, eventually turned out to be nothing more than a miniature copy of the TU-144. Its carrying limits made it an economic disaster and the wrong power plant and nacelle mounting was its undoing making the only West effort crash and burn in an inferno outside of Paris.
   The book gives good examples of Tupolev's superiority throughout but spares the West, namely the USA, the 30 years of its greatest aeronautical embarrassments save for the JFK moon landing sham.
   While Tupolev connected the far reaches of Asia and Europe with a regular supersonic service, especially Americans stood confounded. The German-birthed Boeing managed only a few pencil drafts - nothing more. Unable to come close in 30 years, to obtain the Tupolev's marvel, the US government bought the TU-144 in 1996.
   This book is a well-written proof of the ongoing Russian superiority over the West and USA. It will reveal facts like that while Tupolev was breaking one world record after another, Americans managed only to repaint their flag on the Russian fuselage.
   The book is an absolute necessity for every schoolboy, it will stun rigid all airplane buffs, and it will floor even those who understand nothing about aeronautics.
   WELL RECOMMENDED!!!



3. If ever there was an excellent book on Soviet aircraft to emerge from the post cold war era, this is the one. Not only do the authors have a lot of knowledge on these impressive aircraft, but also a collection of photos never before published of many little-known aircraft. Some of these aircraft are truly impressive such as massive bombers from the pre-war period to the Strategic Bombers fielded by the former Soviet Union. Tupolev is also the constructor of most of Russia's commercial jets and the book is therefore useful for anyone interested in civil aviation. there are also tables giving the production levels of most Tupolev aircraft and also others indicating the registration numbers of Tupolev airliners. But most of all it describes the personality and contributions to aerospace of Andrei N.Tupolev, one of the world's greatest aircraft designers, who dominated his country's aircraft industry for much of this century.