I Could Never Be So Lucky Again

Book Description

After Pearl Harbor, he led America’s flight to victory

General Doolittle is a giant of the twentieth century. He did it all.

As a stunt pilot, he thrilled the world with his aerial acrobatics. As a scientist, he pioneered the development of modern aviation technology.

During World War II, he served his country as a fearless and innovative air warrior, organizing and leading the devastating raid against Japan immortalized in the film Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo.

Now, for the first time, here is his life story — modest, revealing, and candid as only Doolittle himself can tell it.

Customer Reviews:

The Foremost Aviator of his Generation.......2007-10-08

"I Could Never Be So Lucky Again" is the personal memoir of James Harold (Jimmy) Doolittle as told to Carroll Glines. Jimmy Doolittle was simply the foremost aviator of his generation.

No one else even comes close.

He was born in Alameda, CA in 1896, the son of a carpenter. He spent much of his childhood in Nome, AK. His parents split up and he and his mother moved to Los Angeles. As a child he was taught boxing to properly channel his pugnacious disposition. He attended Manual Arts High School and was initially a mediocre student.

In another book, Frank Capra describes Manual Arts as the school that got the students Los Angeles High School didn't want. Interestingly enough both the famous movie director Frank Capra and Jimmy Doolittle were classmates as well as gymnastics team members. This high school was pivotal in Doolittle's life. It was where he met Josephine Daniels. Josephine was at the top of their class. Doolittle modified his behavior becoming a better student and goal oriented in order to be worthy of Josephine.

Jimmy became an Army aviator. He immediately displayed considerable talent along with a wild streak which aggravated his commanding officer. Fortunately Mrs. Doolittle proved to be a moderating influence on her husband. Along with his flying excellence, LT. Doolittle earned one of the first doctorates in Aeronautical Sciences from MIT. He led a team that standardized aircraft control panels. Doolittle was the first to make an all instrument flight, taking off and landing his plane (within feet of the take-off point) while the cockpit windows were covered.

He set numerous aviation records and won every major air race. Despite this, he remained a 1st LT in the Air Force. Peacetime promotions were slow. Even with his air race winnings, he needed more money to support his family. He accepted an executive position with Royal Dutch Shell.

Doolittle returned to active duty as Lieutenant Colonel. In this capacity he planned, executed and led a bombing attack on Tokyo. This was the only time land based bombers were launched from aircraft carriers. Most of the planes did drop their bombs over Tokyo. It was also the first successful attack on the Japanese home islands in recorded history. However none of the planes survived the mission and Doolittle was ordered back to Washington.

Instead of a court martial, he was promoted to Brigadier General and awarded the Medal of Honor.

This may seem like the reviewer has told the whole book but don't worry there's a lot more for the reader to enjoy. The book is well written, never drags and sets a comfortable pace. It is full of interesting stories and facts. Mr. Glines has a proven track record as aviation historian and his expertise shows.

Any money spent on this book would be well spent.

Lucky.......2007-02-04

This book is for the fans of "The Greatest Generation"-type books. Both Patton and Macarthur got cinematic limelight, but we hear less about Admiral Nimitz, and even less about Doolittle. This book completes the Temple of the World War II Titans.

As I read, two things impressed me. First was Doolittle's down-to-earth and conversational style. I felt like he was sitting next to me, chatting on the on the golf course, and just reminiscing between tees. The second was the drastic changes in flight that occurred during his fourscore and ten years. He saw aviation from the Wrights brothers to the Space Shuttle. All in one lifetime!

I was also surprised how involved he was in developing aviation technology--he had a hand in the modern cockpit instrumentation. Things such as the artificial horizon, radar, and the dashboard layout came, in part, from him.

Other surprising things were behind-the-scene info Billy Mitchell, supply problem in WWII, and also the three friendly fire incident he was involved with. It puts a perspective on the current conflagration.

In order to round out the book, you need two supplementals. The first is to see "Patton." Doolittle provided the air cover for Old Blood and Guts, and the book contains many references and quotes from Patton. Yes, he was accurately portrayed in the movie, except for his voice. Doolittle mention he had a high, almost feminine quality to his voice, which explains his potty tongue.

The second is to read "Catch-22." Yes, Heller is writing about serving under Doolittle. As I read, I wondered if Dreedle=Doolittle.

This book is even-tampered in its approach to war. It is not as idealized as John Wayne, but did not swerve into the demoralizing MASH or Platoon.

Great Read.......2006-11-10

I really enjoyed this book. Doolittle was your classic underachiever in school and had what some could call a troubled youth. This book paints the picture of a guy who overcomes those shortcomings to excell in life. Along the way he provides a few hints on how to be more effective in your own life. A great view into one of Americas true heros.

Pleasant, self-aware reflections of a WWII hero.......2006-06-01

A pleasant, easy read, I Could Never Be So Lucky Again contains the self-aware reflections of a World War II hero and one of the giants of military aviation, General James Doolittle. The book starts with the real climax of his story, the surprise air raid over Japan a year after Pearl Harbor that was a huge morale boost to America. After pulling you in with that story, Gen. Doolittle starts back at the beginning, and just works his way through his life, telling interesting anecdotes and offering personal reflections along the way.

The book's title is apt: this guy crashed more airplanes and had more close calls than I imagined someone could, without a scratch to show for it. His worst injury wasn't even from flying, but came from showing off some stunt moves in South America, when he fell from a second story balcony. He lived a full life--stunt pilot, doctorate from MIT in aeronautical engineering, military aviator, national hero, business leader.

But don't expect an engrossing thriller that yanks you through the book. At times he goes into excruciating details, especially about air raids during his time in the African and European theaters in WWII. And in terms of excitement, the Tokyo bombing raid is definitely the peak of his life, after which he became a general and wasn't even allowed to fly on missions over enemy territory. How exciting can planning strategic bombing and selling aviation fuel be?

Yet he really lets you into his heart, more than you would expect from a crusty old general from his generation. He loved his wife, whom he knew to be a huge support and foundation for his successes--she shows up in almost every chapter (and plays sweetly in the books final lines). His reflections often turn to regrets and mistakes he made, such as a serious faux pas during his first meeting with General Eisenhower. He allows his humanity to show through, and gives you a chance to learn from his mistakes. As a result, I left knowing that this national hero didn't deserve a pedestal after all--which I almost think is the way Doolittle wanted it.

i highly recommend this book.......2004-03-02

James H. Doolittle (Jimmy) went to school in Los Angeles where he became interested in airplanes and engines. During college he joined the Army and went to flying school. After flying school he received his pilot's license and became a stunt pilot. He than married Josephine Daniels (Joe.) Than in 1941 World War 2 broke out and President Roosevelt wants to attack the home islands of Japan. For some reason Jimmy ends up leading it. They succeeded but have to bail out over China. When he returns he gets chosen by General Eisenhower to lead the invasion of Africa. While he was in Africa the German code "Ultra" was broken, giving America the advantage over Germany. The War in Europe ends and he gets transferred to the Pacific to "end the war." Jimmy never flies a mission and the war ends with the dropping of two atomic bombs. Although the war has ended the fight begins in Washington to create a new but equally powerful service to be known as the Air Force. They also wanted there to be a Department of National Defense; this is harder due to the Navy. After the Air Force and the D.N.D. are established the Korean War breaks out and ends. After this war General Dwight Eisenhower (Ike) becomes the president of America. More happens I'm just not going to tell you the ending...
This book includes a great amount of detail and knowledge of the 2nd World War. It tells you a little to a lot about most of the battles that occurred during the war. It really shows the depth of the war.
The only part I don't think works is how the beginning takes place during the 1940's. The 2nd chapter tells about his childhood.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who's interested in World War 2, airplanes, aircraft technology, the history of Shell, or anyone who needs to read an autobiography.

I Could Never Be So Lucky Again: An Autobiography

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The Amazing Doctor Doolittle
So Much More to the Man Who Led the Tokyo Raid
Superbly written and presented autobiography...
about CV Glines author
Enlightening

I Could Never Be So Lucky Again: An Autobiography
James H. Doolittle , and Carroll V. Glines
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0887407374

Customer Reviews:

The Amazing Doctor Doolittle.......2006-01-25

One of the sad things about books, especially non-fiction books, is that sooner or later they always slip into the past and few people ever read them again. The same seems to be true of America's great heroes, most of them anyway. They too seem to slip into the past and before long they too are all but forgotten. If you said to most Americans today, for example, "What do you know about Doctor Doolittle?" They would likely say, "Oh, he's the amazing fellow who talks to the animals." True, but there was once another Dr. Doolittle, one much more amazing than that other fellow, and this is his story - the story of an aviation pioneer, a war hero, and a truly great American.

Jimmy Doolittle was born in California, raised in Alaska, and attended high school in Los Angeles, but his real story began when he dropped out of UC Berkley and joined the Aviation Section of the US Signal Corps during World War One. That war ended before Doolittle could see action, but in the years that followed he would be the first man to fly across the United States in less than 24 hours (1922) and then in less than 12 hours (1931); win, among others, the Schneider Trophy (1925), the Bendix Trophy (1931), and the Thompson Trophy (1932); earn one of the first doctorate degrees to be awarded in aeronautical science (MIT/1925); be the first airman to fly an outside loop (1927); help develop the aircraft instruments needed to allow pilots to fly safely in all weather conditions; become the first airman to fly an airplane from takeoff through flight and landing on instruments alone (1929); set the transcontinental speed record for passenger flight (1935); Convince Shell Oil to develop facilities for the production of the 100-octane gasoline needed by America's war planes during World War II long before there was a market for it (termed by some at the time as "Doolittle's Million Dollar Blunder"); Lead "Doolittle's Raiders" in the first attack on the Japanese homeland following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor (April 18, 1942); and command the 12th Air Force, North Africa (1942), the 15th Air Force, Italy (1943), the 8th Air Force, England (1944), and the 8th Air Force, Okinawa (1945). Along the way, Doolittle was awarded, among other things, the Congressional Medal of Honor; the Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross; a fourth general's star; and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

This is a great book about a great American who should not be forgotten. (BTW - If you read and enjoy this book, you might try reading "Yeager." Although their lives were somewhat out of phase, in time, Doolittle and Yeager appear to have been kindred spirits.)

So Much More to the Man Who Led the Tokyo Raid.......2004-09-10

Childhood in the wilds of Alaska, early aviation pioneer, test pilot, Shell Oil executive, Tokyo raider, 8th Air Force Commander, and so much more. When American hero James Doolittle passed way in 1993, he completed a life that would be difficult for a dozen men to replicate. Though acknowledged in history as the man who led the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, Doolittle's autobiography, I COULD NEVER BE SO LUCKY AGAIN, shows that there was much more to the man than his daring bomber mission. Raised on the Alaskan frontier, Doolittle eventually relocated to California where he garnered a reputation as a prankster and daredevil. During the First World War he joined the fledgling Army Air Corps. Though Doolittle was retained in the United States throughout the war, he chose to remain in service and help advance military aviation. In the years that followed, Doolittle was a key figure in the development of more advanced avionics, instrument flying, and proponent for 100 octane gasoline for aircraft. Aside from breaking cross country flight records and chasing Mexican bandits in early air-to-ground missions, Doolittle tourned South America as an aircraft salesman.

I COULD NEVER BE SO LUCKY AGAIN is not just about Doolittle's military adventures. In the book he is an advocate of higher eduction. He accomplished a two-year masters degree in one year. So as not to waste the remaining year the Army alotted him, Doolittle went on to get his doctorate at MIT. His statements about the value of advanced education are as true now as they were then.

Though he shed active duty for a higher paying job at Shell, Doolittle continued to log flight hours for Shell and as a military reservist. Seeing that war was inevitable, Doolittle rejoined the active ranks and pulled off 1942's gutsy attack on Tokyo. Any average man, after receiving his Congressional Medal of Honor from the President, could have called it quits then and there. Not Doolittle. He went on to command various Army Air Force units in North Africa and Europe. He argued with General Eisenhower and frequently corresponded with General George S. Patton.

Doolittle remained active throughout his life. Indeed he was a consultant to numerous firms and on the board of directors of several more. He was called to head various government commissions throughout the remainder of his life. In addition, he was a loving father and devoted husband.

In summary, I COULD NEVER BE SO LUCKY AGAIN is an autobiography, military narrative, aviation technical development history, and a guide as to how to lead an ethical and fulfilling life. At times some of the chapters bog down when Doolittle inserts whole passages of archival correspondence. No matter. The autobiography is a great work by a great and modest man. The title of the book reflects that modesty as Doolittle writes that I COULD NEVER BE SO LUCKY AGAIN is reflective of his marriage, and not the Tokyo Raid. We miss you Jimmy.

Buy the book.

Superbly written and presented autobiography..........2004-01-12

This book definitely stands out as one of the superior autobiographies to come out of a major World War II figures. Its come a bit late but I found it to be quite rewarding reading material. Perhaps he was right, he would never be this lucky again since his life story appears to be filled with eternal good fortune, blessed by a first class mind and abilities. I was surprised to learned how much time he spent in Alaska (my home state) and many other details of his life which most readers will not know about. The book proves to be quite addictive and I frankly, read it in a single sitting. The man have done and experience so much stuff that it must have seem to be like a dream to him, looking back. I considered the book a must read material for anyone interested in a major World War II figure or anyone with any interest in aviation history.

about CV Glines author.......2001-02-12

I had the great pleasure of meeting Gen. Doolittle in 1985 at the Anatole Hotel in Dallas Texas at the dinner in honor of him sponsored by George Haddaway. Years later I got to know CV Glines and see him regularly now.

This is the most thorough biography I have seen on Gen. Doolittle and CV worked closely with the General and later his family. The book answered one of my lingering questions about "The Raid on Tokyo": Was the Hornet spotted AND reported by the picket boat that they sank? The answer came when an outbound flying boat passed underneath the B-25s as they approached Tokyo.

I am not looking forward to the portrayal of Gen. Doolittle by Alec Baldwin in the new Disney Movie "Pearl Harbor". I have a sense of dread and foreboding about what Disney may do to the facts

Enlightening.......2000-08-09

I found this book to be two things. First, it was a wonderful overview of US air history delivered by an indisputable authority on the subject. Second, I learned a lot about a true American hero, both in achievement and personal life. How refreshing to discover a humble, brilliant, down-to-earth individual who made such a positive impact on our country! The book was well written and easy to read. In some places it threatened to be tedious, but nothing serious (hence the 5 star recommendation).

Book Description

The Albigensian Crusade, which forms the main subject of William of Puylaurens' Chronicle, was a defining episode in the history of France. Launched in 1209 by Pope Innocent III, it was directed against the aristocracy of southern France (especially the Counts of Toulouse) who were accused of protecting heresy, and especially Catharism, a dualist heresy which represented a major threat to the Catholic Church. The Crusade ended in 1229 with the defeat of Count Raymond VII of Toulouse. It was followed in the 1230s by the establishment of the Papal Inquisition against heresy. The long-term outcome of the Crusade was the defeat of Catharism, and the establishment of French Royal power in the region. William of Puylaurens' Chronicle, here translated into English for the first time, is one of the main contemporary accounts of these events. It describes heresy in the south of France in the early 13th century; provides a narrative of the Crusade; and then outlines the growth of the Inquisition and the sustained attack on heresy which followed, including the siege of the Cathar fortress of Montségur in 1243-44. This translation is accompanied by an introduction, full notes, appendices, and a bibliography.W.A. SIBLY is a former Domus Exhibitioner in Classics at Balliol College, Oxford; M.D. SIBLY read history at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. They have also translated Peter of Les Vaux de Cernay's History of the Albigensian Crusade (also published by Boydell & Brewer).

Book Description

Taking a systematic approach, this text stresses the adequate formulation of policy problems as a crucial step in solving them. It covers the historical evolution of policy analysis, the definition and formulation of complex policy problems, and the analysis of policy arguments. For professionals working in the fields of public policy evaluation and public administration.

Customer Reviews:

A brilliant diatribe written by a bureaucrat's bureaucrat.......2006-06-02

Everyone once in a while a work comes along that redefine the way humanity organizes itself. The Bible, the Magna Carta, the Unibomber Manifesto, and Mr. Dunn's book all can be placed in that category.

Having attended his classes while in graduate school, I internalized his teachings and made myself a better bureaucrat than anyone could has imagined. Every day I use his book to enlighten me on the manners and ways of building a better bureacracy in my village panchayat in Viknashapathanam District of Andra.

This book is only book I use.

Informational Structure of Policy Analysis: Dunn's approach.......2000-04-06

C. Nicandro Cruz UNAM. México

This book is an precise and extensive endeavor for understanding the problems, boudaries and potential use and application of knowledge for improving governmental performance.

Te basis of Dunn's approach to policy analysis, is that it depends to the production and transformation of five policy relevant information (about policy problems, policy futures, policy actions, policy outcomes and policy performance) through five policy-analytic procedures (problem-structuring, forecasting, recommendation, monitoring, and evaluation).

Perhaps the most important distinction is that problem structuring, "...which affects the use and asessment of the other four procedures, is really a metamethod (method of methods) that funtions as central regulator of the overall process of policy analysis." (page 65)

This analytical framework provide one of the most single effective way to analyze public policies and government programs, where the most important analyst's role is both to generate useful knowledge for decision making in all phases of policy process, and to generate plussible arguments by analythical procedures.

It is an ideal book for bachelor and graduate students interested in public problems that face governements, and in the role that can play all policy analyst in policy making.

Dunn's contribution to the study and use of policy analysis in academic and professional activities its out of question. 06-04-200

nickcruz@teleline.es

I want to know about what is the proposal of analysis's Dun.......1999-02-21

What is educative policy What is the politics analysi

The Individual and the Political Order, Third Edition: An Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy

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The LD bible.
Debate Mediocrity
THE LD Debate textbook
Definitely a must read for any Lincoln-Douglas Debater.
Great book!

The Individual and the Political Order, Third Edition: An Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy
Norman E. Simon, Robert L. Bowie
Manufacturer: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0847687805

Book Description

Written in an accessible yet sophisticated style, The Individual and the Political Order, Third Edition is a text appropriate for students at all levels. This thoroughly revised edition challenges its readers to critically respond to a sustained defense of liberalism. Additions include examinations of communitarian and feminist critiques of liberalism, discussions of hate speech regulations, responses to the most recent work of Rawls, a study of humanitarian intervention efforts in other countries, and an expanded and updated bibliography. Visit our website for sample chapters!

Customer Reviews:

The LD bible........2006-05-29

While there are certainly sources that better engage the meat of social and political philosophy, this is a good introduction. First-year debaters should start here, and use this as a springboard for more in-depth readings on specific issues or by specific theorists.

This is an excellent first guide. My copy is well-worn and much-loved.

Debate Mediocrity.......2001-11-18

Simon and Bowie do provide a basic sketch of philosophy which is particularly relevant to LD debate. what they do not do is provide the most up to date, ardent, or quotable defense of any of them. I would reccommend Grady's Dictionary of Philosophical Quotations or Singer's overview of ethics much more highly for any debater who aspires to more than mere mediocrity. In the world of debate, this is the huge survey lecture course taught by a barely qualified TA. Those with intellect and motivation can do much better and needn't waste their money and confine their minds. Besides, LD is outgrowing this outmoded paradigm anyway--just read the LD-L if you wont take the word of a national circuit debater.

THE LD Debate textbook.......2001-06-27

High school debate students who are just starting out would be well served to pick up a copy of this book. It is a terrific background source for a wide variety of philosophical concepts that are often used in competitive Lincoln-Douglas debate. It is important not to use this book as a primary source of evidence, but merely as a text to gain understanding of the philosophy in the vernacular. In conjunction with Scott Robinson's "L-D Road Guide", this book is a terrific tool for novice debaters.

Definitely a must read for any Lincoln-Douglas Debater........1999-10-07

If you want to get deep in your knowledge of philosophy, get this book. I bought it for my high school students.

Great book!.......1998-06-29

If you are in LD debate - this is a must buy.

Political Theory: An Introduction, Third Edition

Average customer rating:

Political theory winner!
It may be boring if you need for courses

Political Theory: An Introduction, Third Edition
Andrew Heywood
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Political | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 033396179X
Release Date: 2005-03-10

Book Description

The new third edition of the highly successful text has been revised and updated throughout to take account of new issues such as identity and difference, globalization and multiculturalism. The book provides a clear and accessible introduction to political theory and key concepts in political analysis. Each chapter discusses a cluster of interrelated terms, examines how they have been used by different thinkers and in the various political traditions, and explores related debates and controversies.

Customer Reviews:

Political theory winner!.......2007-10-08

This is simply the best text on intro to political theory I've ever read. As a philosophy grad, this would be the one I'd use in the classroom as the primary text. Heywood is very thorough and detailed, but presents the material in such a way that it is very accessible to anyone interested in learning more about political concepts and process.

It may be boring if you need for courses.......2000-01-19

I've to know what this book says for my elective course, Introduction to Political Science, in Istanbul Bilgi University - Faculty of Law. If you are not a native English speaker, it may be hard to study. I advise you to develop your English before being responsible about the content of this book. I rate it as 4-stars because it is really well-prepared.

Political Science: A Comparative Introduction, Third Edition

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Political Science: A Comparative Introduction, Third Edition
Rod Hague , and Martin Harrop
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312397461

Book Description

The new third edition of a leading textbook has been comprehensively revised and rewritten throughout to cover key developments into the 21st century with new chapters added on political communication and non-democratic regimes. Lively, accessible, student-friendly, and truly international in its coverage, with a wide range of pedagogical features, the book includes full-page country case studies, debate boxes, and many charts and exhibits.

Book Description

An eye-opening look at the ecological foundations of prosperity

In this lively, concise, and hard-hitting book, Eric Davidson makes available to readers the exciting new ideas of ecological economists, who have been revolutionizing and greening the once "dismal science." Redefining economic concepts to allow for the primacy of our water, air, soil, and forests, he reveals the necessary steps to a genuine, rather than illusory, prosperity.

Most estimates of wealth today are based upon gross domestic product, and many economists even see future wealth being created free of the constraints set by natural resources. Eric Davidson, scientist at the famed Woods Hole Research Center, calls such thinking "Marie Antoinette economics" and reveals its grave underlying fallacies. In valuing land or forests, for instance, we tend to discount their future value for our own children; in analyzing costs and benefits, the price of these natural resources upon which we ultimately depend is usually wrong; and damages to these resources are seen as "externalities." Davidson exposes these fallacies and offers a blueprint for a truly sustainable economy.

Amazon.com

Eric A. Davidson's engaging and informative book couldn't have come at a more timely moment. In an age when high technology is driving our economy and propelling us further from the ecological system that physically supports us, You Can't Eat GNP sends a loud and urgent message: the economic system will fail if the ecosystem is not carefully managed.

As Davidson explains, the system of neoclassical economics, which governs our economy, assigns value to goods depending on the level at which they're produced and consumed. For example, marketed consumer products like bread hold high value, while bread's main ingredient, flour, holds less. Flour in its unprocessed form, wheat, holds even less value, and the soil from which wheat is grown holds the least worth of all. This triangle has become an exact inversion of the ecologist's pyramid, however, in which soil--which supports the entire ecological system, from plants to herbivores to carnivores--is viewed as the pyramid's stabilizing resource. Davidson argues these opposing models must be integrated in order to preserve the ecological system that sustains our economic system. He doesn't propose a "back to nature" solution, nor does he negate the importance of technological developments stimulated by our present mode of economics. He does, however, agree with R.H. Tawney's observation that "If economic ambitions are good servants, they are bad masters." Davidson examines the environmental effects of rigidly employed economic values such as cost-benefit analysis and considers the inevitable economic effects of global warming, waste disposal, and the failure to pursue sustainability. Though his proposals for change are not extensive, he does offer workable (and sometimes controversial) suggestions for both individual and community action.

An author as well as a respected scientist, Davidson writes in clear, lucid prose, making the sciences of economics and ecology accessible to the nonscientific reader, without dumbing down his arguments. He supports his points with relevant, contemporary examples, highlighting the vital importance of managing the economy in conjunction with the environment. As this intelligent treatise wryly reminds us, no matter how booming the economy, we'll never be able to eat our gross national product. --S. Ketchum

Customer Reviews:

Not what I expected.......2004-11-11

I wanted to write an enthusiastic review of this book because of its provocative title which suggests economic solutions for ecology. Unfortunately, the book emphasizes ecological problems more than economic solutions. It also doesn't look enough into the economics of sustainable development, but author Eric Davidson does offer sound ideas on environmental regulation.

The author starts his thesis with the idea that soil is the building block for our survival as human beings. I agree that soil is critical and appreciate the details of soil erosion. However, I was looking for thought on the larger picture: sustainable development and the corresponding economic/ecologic conflict. Likewise, I tired of reading about the green house effect, forest depletion, and the exhaustion of water resources without thought devoted to how we might address general reduction of natural resources, i.e., apply potential eco-economic solutions.

Mr. Davidson clearly demonstrates that sustainable development must reconcile ecology and economy. One of the strong points of the book is a pyramid graphic that contains economy within ecology. He mentions a similar concept: the "Precautionary Principle" as a way to plan for the future. Yet, aside from mentioning cost benefit analysis and discounting, Mr. Davidson only scratches the surface on how to approach sustainable development from an economic perspective. Eco-economics is mentioned but not elaborated on as the author doesn't claim this as an area of expertise.

Some strong regulatory ideas are presented such as limiting road construction and other governmental intervention. He suggests pollution permits, which have become a reality (see The Wall Street Journal 11/8/04). These and other regulatory ideas aren't listed until the end of the book. I would have liked to see the book begin with these ideas and made more central to the argument.

For a book focusing on eco-economics, I recommend "Beyond Growth" by Herman Daly.

Quick, straight forward, engaging.......2001-12-13

Over the Thanksgiving break I read You Can't Eat GNP: Economics as if Ecology Mattered by Eric Davidson (Perseus Publishing, 2000). The economics aspects would probably be way too basic for most economists, and the ecology aspects too basic for environmentalists, but I was extremely pleased with its straightforward explanations of the interaction of economics and ecology. A book like this might get these two groups to begin to understand each other's language.

a perfect little book.......2001-09-08

This book is great for the beginner in environmental economics. For someone who is concerned about the environment but insecure about defending arguments against those with some economic background, here is you ammunition. It is easy to read and full of examples of how natural resources are not taken into account properly in current economic theory, and therefore not conserved as they should be. It is a basic idea but this book maps it out wonderfully. I think this would be a great read for intro level environmental studies courses in high school or college.

Economics as a Life Science.......2001-05-24

Both ecology and economics share the same Greek root, oikos, meaning, literally, "house." Linked with nomics it means management of the house. Linked with logy it means study or knowledge of the house. Obviously, study and knowledge should go hand in hand with management, and good ecology should be a basic ingredient in good economics. Unfortunately, in the recent past, ideas about management of our world as encoded in conventional economic theory, in biologist E. O. Wilson's words, "can be summarized in two labels: Newtonian and hermetic. Newtonian, because economic theorists aspire to find simple, general laws that cover all possible economic arrangements. ... hermetic - that is sealed off from the complexities of human behavior and the constraints imposed by the environment." Eric Davidson's book is a readable summary of many of the main ideas of ecological economics. He begins by describing three basic fallacies of the mainstream economic model. The first he calls the "Marie Antoinette" fallacy. The mainstream model assumes near perfect substitutability between land (natural resources), labor, and capital. If we deplete all our natural resources, "no problem" claims the mainstream model, we simply substitute more labor or capital - or as Marie Antoinette reportedly said when the French peasants were complaining about not having any bread - "well, let them eat cake!" The truth is that manufactured capital, human capital, social capital, and natural capital function more like compliments than substitutes and a sustainable economic system requires a safe minimum of each of these four types of capital. The second fallacy Davidson calls "Custer's folly" - the assumption that the technological cavalry will come over the hill to save us from ecological disaster just in time. The problem is that while technology might come up with solutions, it is foolhardy to assume that it will, especially when the stakes are so high. It is much more rational to assume that technology will not come to the rescue at the last minute and take a more precautionary approach that assures our sustainability regardless of hoped for technological changes. The third fallacy is "False complacency from partial success." If we can solve some environmental problems, we can, by extension solve all environmental problems. Davidson likens this line of argument to a claim by a spouse abuser that he is a good person because he no longer beats his spouse as much as he used to. The truth is that many environmental problems that have appeared to be "solved" have actually just been moved to other regions or countries or social groups, often as a consequence of more open trade. Also, in the crowed world in which we now live, many new technologies have unintended consequences that may completely undermine and outweigh their initial, positive effects (i.e. DDT, chloroflorocarbons).

beyond gnp.......2001-01-01

The premise of Davidson's book is that if you look at the gross national product abstractly, it's easy to lose sight of the impact that a non-environmental approach to business takes. An economist's traditional tools don't take into account such stuff as soil, forests, garbage, and produce. Only when they do, will the affect of environmentalism be understood. Good book, well argued.

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