Book Description
For roughly 99% of their existence on earth, Homo sapiens lived in small bands of semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, finding everything they needed to survive and thrive in the biological richness that surrounded them. Most if not all of the problems that threaten our own technologically advanced society - from depletion of natural capital to the ever-present possibility of global annihilation-would be inconceivable to these traditional, immediate-return societies. In fact, hunter-gatherer societies appear to have solved problems of production, distribution, and social and environmental sustainability that our own culture seems incapable of addressing.
Limited Wants, Unlimited Means examines the hunter-gatherer society and lifestyle from a variety of perspectives. It provides a brief introduction to the rich anthropological and sociological literature on non-agricultural societies, bringing together in one volume seminal writings on the few remaining hunter-gatherer cultures including, the !Kung, the Hadza, and the Aborigines. It examines the economics of traditional societies, and concludes with a multifaceted investigation of how such societies function and what they can teach us in our own quest for environmental sustainability and social equality.
Limited Wants, Unlimited Means is an important work for students of cultural anthropology, economic anthropology, environmental studies, and sustainable development, as well as for professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in prehistoric societies, environmental sustainability, or social justice.
Customer Reviews:
highly underrated reader.......2006-08-25
this book completely destroys from front to back and should be a starting point for anyone interested in egalitarian / immediate return hunter-gatherers and band life. the book does a fabulous job of starting out with an excerpt from Marshall Sahlins' "the original affluent society", the key to upturning the anthropology world on its head. the book goes over mechanisms of hunter-gatherer life that keeps them autonomous, cooperative bands and displays how relationships within them are fluid, neglecting them of leaders. James Woodburn's works from the Hadza on this are crucial on the comparison between immediate return and delayed return societies. Women's status is covered by the late Eleanor Leacock and the book is concluded with an essay by Paul Shepard entitled "A post-historic primitivism" that completely shreds historical consciousness.
John Gowdy did an amazing job at putting all these essays together in such a coherent way throughout covering so much ground. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Hunters and Gatherers is a good companion to this.
its ok if you are an economist.......2001-10-05
but kinda dry if you are not. still, the information is very useful
insightful and timely.......1998-04-06
This is a wonderful collection of articles on economic anthropology. The book begins with the seminal article by Marshall Sahlins' on the "original affluent society" which debunked the myth that pre-agricultural life was "short, nasty and brutish". Monographs by Richard Lee and Lorne Marshall that originally appeared in 'Man the Hunter' are included.
The main thrust of the book is that primitive cultures had found a way of living on this planet that was sustainable, but in the neolithic era our farming ancestors abandoned this way of living for a much more ardous life-style that is ecologically unsustainable. What was the basis for this change? This book explores some of the canonical assumptions in our economic thought and how it differs fundamentally from that of primitive cultures. This is a great starting point for anyone interested in paradigms for sustainable development. References and further reading lists are particularly useful.
Average customer rating:
- Vindicating Teilhard
- A great contribution
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The Biosphere and Noosphere Reader: Global Environment, Society and Change
David Pitt
Manufacturer: Routledge
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0415166454 |
Book Description
The Reader is the first comprehensive history of the noosphere and biosphere. Drawing on classical influences, modern parallels, and insights into the future, the Reader traces the emergence of noosphere and biosphere concepts within the concept of environmental change. Reproducing material from seminal works, both past and present, key ideas and writings of prominent thinkers are presented, including Bergson, Vernadsky, Lovelock, Russell, Needham, Huxley, Medawar, Toynbee and Boulding, and extensive introductory pieces by the editors draw attention to common themes and competing ideas.
The Biosphere and Noosphere Reader includes an introduction by former Sovier Premier Mikhail Gorbachev.
Customer Reviews:
Vindicating Teilhard.......2002-05-20
Coined in 1922 by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin SJ (1881-1955), in association with Edouard Le Roy and Vladimir Vernadsky, the word and notion of the NOO-SPHERE were introduced to the English-speaking world by Vernadsky's paper on "The Biosphere and the Noosphere" published in 1945 in "American Scientist" (Vol.33, pp.1-12). In "Fundamentals of Ecology" (1962:26; 1971:35) Eugene Odum said, "This is dangerous philosophy, because it is based on the assumption that mankind is now wise enough to safely take over the management of everything!" In fact, Teilhard assumed nothing about the wisdom of HOMO SAPIENS. But, whether we like it or not, we ARE increasingly responsible and accountable for the management and husbandry of everything, starting with Planet Earth but already extending to the nearest "islands" of outer space. As Mikhail Gorbachev said in 1999 in his foreword to this Reader, "We have reached the phase in cultural evolution where we must assume full responsibility for our power... Knowing and reaching our fullest potential within the constraints of the BIOSPHERE must be the ultimate goal - the driving vision of the 21st century. And the NOOSPHERE concept suggests a philosophy for such a necessary balance" (p.x).
With the possible exception of Blessed John Duns Scotus, no one since St John of Damascus has surpassed Teilhard in his reverence for the "stuff" of creation and of our incarnation. He was fascinated at the many forms of matter, culminating thus far in our genes and the brains that stem thereform. In the known {and knowable?) universe, they are unsurpassed in molecular complexity and reflective competence. Potentially linked together globally by a world-wide-web or internet of communications media, our brains constitute that form of reflective or "thinking" matter that Teilhard called "the NOO-SPHERE." It is concentric with the solid, liquid, gaseous and reproductive or "living" forms of matter, which Edward Suess described as Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.
In this excellent collection of readings, Paul Samson and David Pitt have largely vindicated Teilhard's vision of the NOOSPHERE and will have opened the eyes of many to the depths that are yet to be seen in the mysteries of the universe.
A great contribution.......2000-09-14
This book has come to fill a gap and to present to students and lecturers an excellent tool for the handling of this subject in a serious and responsible way. I strongly recommend the book, particularly for ecology and environment courses in the social sciences.
Book Description
This book was designed as a reader to accompany Humphrey, Lewis, and Buttel, Environment, Energy, and Society: A New Synthesis (2002). The reader is divided into eight parts exploring issues and topics central to the study of the environment, rural and urban problems.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent Survey of Environmental Issues
- Extremely useful source of reference for business students
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Business And The Environment: A Reader
R. Welford
Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1560326093 |
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Survey of Environmental Issues.......2005-02-21
This book covers all the main environmental business issues. It is broken up into 5 sections and has several articles on each section. The sectoins are: Perspectives on Business and the Environment; Business Strategy and the Environment; Research, Development and Technology; Techniques for Environmental Emprovement; and Business and the Economy. The book has seventeen articles, each written by an expert in the field. In addition, the editors introduce each environmental issue and set teh framework for understanding what the articles are talking about.
The only downside to this book is its age. It was written in the mid-90s, so some of the information is out of date.
Extremely useful source of reference for business students.......1999-09-12
This Reader brings together 17 of the most important and innovative articles written in the first half of this decade on the interaction of business and the natural environment. All but three were previously published between 1991 and 1995; one was not previously published while two were specially written for this collection.
Written by some of the world's leading business and environmental consultants, academics and practitioners, this book examines the role business has played in bringing about the current global environmental crisis. It also maps out the various ways (sustainable development being one of them) in which business can help protect the environment in the future.
All the main issues are covered in the five parts of the book: Perspectives on Business and the Environment Business Strategy and the Environment Research, Development and Technology Techniques for Environmental Improvement Business and the Economy
An editorial commentary and introduction to each part provides a helpful overview and outlines the key issues. Comprehensive lists of sources and recommended further reading are also included. This is an essential reference for undergraduate and postgraduates students of business, management studies and environmental courses as well as environmental managers and consultants.
Richard Welford is Professor of Corporate Environmental Management and Director of the Centre for Corporate Environmental Management at the Huddersfield University Business School and Professor of Sustainable Management at the Norwegian School of Management in Oslo. Richard Starkey is a researcher at the Centre for Corporate Environmental Management at the Huddersfield University Business School.
Reviewed by Azlan Adnan. Formerly a research officer with the Malaysian Timber Council's London office and Business Development Manager with KPMG's Kuala Lumpur office, Azlan is currently managing partner of Azlan & Koh Knowledge and Professional Management Group, an education and management consulting practice based in Kota Kinabalu. He holds a Master's degree in International Business and Management.
Book Description
Take your four-wheeler into the hills safely and responsibly with expert guidance from four-wheeling fanatic Jim Allen. Beginning with basic modifications, such as increasing ground clearance and traction with larger wheels and tires, Allen gathers speed for more advanced and radical mods, such as installing lift kits and increasing suspension articulation. Step-by-step photo sequences guide do-it-yourselfers through a variety of rewarding modifications.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent reference for anyone who drives offroad........2007-04-10
Disclaimer: I've met Jim Allen and had some email correspondence with him over the years. He was also the instructor for a good friends Land-Rover School trip in Colorado (approx.) 10 years ago.
I'm an experienced off road driver (4-wheeler?). I bought the book because I knew that with Jim being the author, it would be useful and entertaining and I wanted to read what he had to say. I wasn't wrong. Coinciding with the arrival of this book was the (unexpected) purchase of a new rig--a modern Land Rover to complement my "old school" Series truck. This book definitely helped ease the transition between driving the modern "auto" Discovery and the old manual rig.
I don't believe the purpose of the book is to tell you "what truck to buy" or "how to use a specific truck" and so I feel that the criticisms along those lines somewhat miss the mark. The book is intended to explain the "art and science" of offroad driving in general, to provide background information about the activity, and to outline expectations that you should have--and that others will have of you--while participating. I think it does a spectacular job of doing so. Jim's approach is thoughtful and friendly. The photos are (in many cases) worth the price of the book in and of themselves and the diagrams are clear and useful.
My girlfriend, who is new to the activity, has placed this book on her bedside table and is also finding it very helpful. I think I'll be able to convince her to take the wheel of our new truck soon--much sooner than if she hadn't been able to read "how to" do it herself!
This book has something to offer anyone who is interested in driving offroad and I would consider it a "must" for their bookshelves.
Best 4x4 book on the market!.......2006-12-04
I am a professional 4-Wheel Drive Instructor and this is the number one book I recommend to my clients. I cannot say enough about this book. Whether you are a beginner or a trail-hardened expert, this book offers something for everyone at every level. It is down-to-earth, easy to read, thorough, and applicable to all types of four-wheel-drive vehicles and terrain. As your skills and experience increase, you can go back to this book and glean more than you did the last time you read it. Even if your 4-wheel-drive is a push-button-do-everything-for-you variety, you will at least be able to understand WHAT your vehicle is doing FOR you.
The author's style is professional, yet personal; thorough, without putting you to sleep; respectful of trails, vehicles and other wheelers, without being preachy. Very helpful and descriptive charts, diagrams, and photos.
My only complaint is that Jim did not write this book sooner!
Four-Wheeler's Bible.......2005-09-21
Very good book with lots of information and very detailed. The illistrations are great also. The only area it was a little weak in was driving technique (everything started to sound the same and could have been more detailed).
A lot of info, maybe not all useful.......2005-08-29
This is a good book. It contains a lot of information, although not all of it is useful. This is a great book for someone just getting into four wheeling.
My personal thoughts are that this book should have been Jeep or LandRover specific (Those are the authors obvious favorites) instead of trying to be all encompassing of 4x4's. Basically, there was not enought specific information on any type of area or vehicle, and not enough gereral information. The author seemed stuck somewhere inbetween, making this book not really good for either use.
I did read the book cover to cover, so I guess it couldnt have been that bad either. I gave it four stars because it did have some info and was a pleasant book to read.
Jim Allen's 4-Wheeler's Bible.......2004-01-31
Jim Allen's casual style will keep the seasoned off-roader's turning pages without overwhelming or intimidating the new comers.
The 4-Wheeler's Bible doesn't simply proclaim a technique "right" but explains the reasoning behind it. The vehicle and trail shots are not the typical 4x4 book's fluff, but are excellent tools in demonstrating both good and bad driving techniques. Jim Allen spends as much time documenting and illustrating the common mistakes as he does the proper techniques, in doing so he allows the reader to not only learn from his experience but from other peoples mistakes (I know I'd much rather learn from someone else's crunched bumper or seared drive shaft than my own).
You will not only read the 4-Wheeler's Bible cover to cover, but you'll find yourself referring back to it over and over again.
Average customer rating:
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Four-Wheeler's Bible
Jim Allen
Manufacturer: MBI PUBLISHING COMPA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GLJNA6 |
Book Description
ANDY ROUSE is renown for his noval and evocative images that convey the experience of getting up close and personal with some of the greatest and potentially most dangerous creatures in the world.
o Birds and sea life, nocturnal animals, on safari and at the zoo
o Approaching wildlife ethically (and safely!)
o Capturing close-ups and portraits, group and habitat shots
o Exposure, focal length and making the best use of natural light
o What to take and where to go, including wlidlife `hot spots' such as Africa and Borneo
Customer Reviews:
Useful, concise.......2007-03-10
As the previous reviewer says, this may not add anything over other books, but I found it a good read. Lots of tips on what to bring, how to shoot, and how to look beyond the obvious shot and make something interesting. It's also small enough to squeeze into a bag and take it with you. Also has tips for digital and film photographers.
My friend owns a copy and I'm thinking of getting my own. The photographs are fantastic and gave me plenty of ideas.
SAME OLD INFO.......2007-01-10
I wish the font size would have been bigger. Most information has been written about in other books.
Book Description
When sixteen-year-old Polly O'Keefe journeys to Athens, she feels confused and betrayed.
The past eight months at home were different from any other time in her life. She met the brilliant, wealthy Maximiliana Horne, who gave her encouragement and made her feel self-confident. Polly idolized Max, until she learned a starting truth that left her wounded and angry.
Now on a trip to Greece arranged by Max, Polly finds romance, danger, and unique friendships. But can she find a way to forgive Max and remember her as more than a painful memory?
Customer Reviews:
Must Read for Mature L'Engle Fans.......2006-03-16
I adored this book. The imagery... wow, although nothing is ever just imagery with L'Engle, it's life, every sense, as always, is brought to life in her descriptions. This is no different. The reason that I say that it is for mature fans is that it does deal with homosexuality and sex some. However, it is not in a bad way, it neither condones nor condemns it. In wonderful fashion, she once again forced you to think for yourself. Really though, it's a wonderful book and had me absolutly enthralled, start to finish.
House Like a Lotus.......2005-12-22
Typical Madeleine L'Engle fare, which means not only a good story, but depth to characters, as well. Her main character faces some problems that bring about a lot of mature growth. If you like L'Engle, you won't be disappointed.
House Like a Lotus--Typical L'Engle fare.......2005-08-10
If you are a fan of Madeleine L'Engle, you won't be disappointed. This is a book rich in layers of meaning. It is sweet, poignant--a coming of age novel; however, it has much to be gained by adults, as well. It's definitely a worthwhile read.
somewhat dated.......2005-07-30
I'm 21, but I read this for the first time when I was 11 or 12, and I was hardly shocked by it. If anything, L'Engle's other books are far more frightening and "adult." They deal with global politics, the possibility of the end of the world, etc. This just has queer people in it, and they're not even very out queer people.
Rereading, I have to keep reminding myself that it was written 20 years ago. The tone that the adult characters take towards Max is meant to be tolerant and compassionate, but, while Max certainly gets to be a complex character, homosexuality is treated as a subject better not talked about in polite company. Hopefully we've evolved somewhat as a society since then such that it isn't considered rude to tell a precocious teenager that two women who have lived together for many years are, indeed, partners.
And I am sad that Meg, after all of her adventures, has been utterly tamed. In some ways Max gets to be one of the most complex adult characters in L'Engle's books: she points out Meg's sense of loss, and she gets to make mistakes, and be generally vivid. The other adults are far less multidimensional.
Opening Flower.......2005-07-14
I was introduced to L'Engle when I was seven years old, through "A Wrinkle in Time." Since then, I have choosen to read many of her other young adult fictions, and slowly crossed the threshold to her more "adult" stories.
I am only 19 and have just read Lotus. The introspectivity through the book by many characters is amazing. The story moves, taking you through life the way Polly feels it. Through a play with time, L'Engle offers the reader more objectivity then Polly and also allows the catalysmic event the novel is centered around to be a softer blow.
I am sure this book has had its share of controversy becuase of one of the subject matters: homosexuality. However, though homosexuality is a part of the book, it is never the real point to be focused on. L'Engle goes beyond, showing compassion for her characters and painting realistic people, neither making homosexuality a sort of amazing dream or a dreaded, evil thing. The hardest thing for me to comprehend in this book was the way lesbianism is treated. Being raised in the world of today, I never realized that people regarded homosexuals as evil - as some of the less unenlightened characters in this book take for granted. However, the main character herself is also shaken by her close friend being a lesbian.
This book was a wonderful read. I would recommend it to anyone with an open heart. I has also proved to me beyond doubt that Madeline L'Engle is an amazing author for all the good subject matter in the world.
Books:
- Marine Wildlife of Puget Sound, the San Juans, and the Straits of Georgia
- Mexican Everyday (Recipes Featured on Season 4 of the PBS-TV series "Mexico One Plate at a Time")
- Michigan Wildlife Viewing Guide (Watchable Wildlife Series)
- Micromammals and Macroparasites: From Evolutionary Ecology to Management
- Mist on the River: An Angler's Quest for Steelhead
- Monkey Business: Swinging Through the Wall Street Jungle
- National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashore Creatures (Audubon Society Field Guide)
- National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region (Eastern)
- Notes from the Shore
- Once upon a Wilderness
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