Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

I loved this book, 18 Mar 2008
I bought this book on the strength of the other reviews and it did not disappoint. The illustrations are lovely, and I was delighted to see depictions of breastfeeding the new baby included.

A must buy for second time mums!, 17 Aug 2006
I thought this book was fab. I loved the idea that it has no words but very detailed pictures. You can chose to discuss what you like with your child. Its great to see mum breast-feeding the newborn. A really good buy and very tastefully done.

A great way to discuss a new arrival, 04 Jan 2006
I found the lovely pictures in this book great, I sat down with my three year old and through the pictures we were able to discuss what would happen once his baby brother was born. A great way to prepare young children for a new baby. My 3 yr old loved it so much he'd look at the book in bed and fall asleep with his head in the book :)

Just what the doctor ordered, 19 Oct 2005
Within a week of receiving the book, I think we have read the book over twenty times, and every time my daughter loves it, great service and value for money

We love these book!, 23 Feb 2005
I bought several books to help introduce my daughter to the idea of a new baby. This and "waiting for baby" is our favorite!
there are no words, so you can make your own story and adpt to your particular sittuation. But the drawings are great, and very self-explanatory! We highly recommend it!

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

I loved this book, 18 Mar 2008
I bought this book on the strength of the other reviews and it did not disappoint. The illustrations are lovely, and I was delighted to see depictions of breastfeeding the new baby included.

A must buy for second time mums!, 17 Aug 2006
I thought this book was fab. I loved the idea that it has no words but very detailed pictures. You can chose to discuss what you like with your child. Its great to see mum breast-feeding the newborn. A really good buy and very tastefully done.

A great way to discuss a new arrival, 04 Jan 2006
I found the lovely pictures in this book great, I sat down with my three year old and through the pictures we were able to discuss what would happen once his baby brother was born. A great way to prepare young children for a new baby. My 3 yr old loved it so much he'd look at the book in bed and fall asleep with his head in the book :)

Just what the doctor ordered, 19 Oct 2005
Within a week of receiving the book, I think we have read the book over twenty times, and every time my daughter loves it, great service and value for money

We love these book!, 23 Feb 2005
I bought several books to help introduce my daughter to the idea of a new baby. This and "waiting for baby" is our favorite!
there are no words, so you can make your own story and adpt to your particular sittuation. But the drawings are great, and very self-explanatory! We highly recommend it!

MSc Distinction thanks to this book!!, 03 Aug 2008
I went to Madagascar to conduct my MSc dissertation research with a tent, this book and no existing knowledge of social science methodologies. I read it from cover to cover (a fairly easy read), made notes on the relevant sections, drew up my questionnaire using a mind map then conducted my interviews. I returned with loads of useful data which I managed to analyse with a few more resources available. I highly recommend this book for postgrads who need a coherent, logical bible to guide them through their research. I started out knowing nothing about methodology and ended up with a reasonable understanding... enough to get me a distinction!

Academically robust and highly readable, 04 Apr 2008
Many titles which aim to teach students and practitioners the art of research fall into one of two camps. At one extreme their approach is that of the 'how to... cookbook' where the reader develops the practical skills but their understanding of the underpinning principles isn't developed. At the other extreme is the highly technical (and often inpenatrable) text which provides the depth and theoretical rigour but which many students and practitioners find hard going and inaccessable, particularly for those relativly new to research.

The real value of Colin Robson's book is that it bridges that divide.
Its written in a style which is accessable and it provides a very readable account of the practice and of the principles that underpin academic research. At the same time its contents are academically robust and it takes the reader far beyond simple pragmatics and into the development of a deeper understanding of the research process in social science settings.

Its a book that both novice and experienced researchers will find usefull and will retun to time and time again for the valuable insight that it provides.

Highly recommended!

Beautifully easy tor read (What a relief), 29 Sep 2006
Briefly... the book examines challenges and methods for studying in the real world (as opposed to an experimental setting) taking in such topics as qualitative approaches, mixed-methods, and action research.

What was so welcome about the book is that it reads like a conversation with someone who is in a place to advise you without lecturing - and is as surprisingly pleasant read. Very useful and very readable.

One of the best social science research texts, 22 Feb 2002
This is an outstanding book and the new editition is simply excellent. The style is practical and accessible and is likely to be attractive to a wide range of researchers. This is a book that should be at the side of any student tackling serious research projects. A must for anyone studying researhc methods.

a fantastic resource that you will refer to time after time., 03 Dec 2000
Im currently in my third year of a degree in sociology and this book is the one that I couldnt do without. It is infinitely helpful and i would recommend it to anyone either studying or considering studying sociology or psychology.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

I loved this book, 18 Mar 2008
I bought this book on the strength of the other reviews and it did not disappoint. The illustrations are lovely, and I was delighted to see depictions of breastfeeding the new baby included.

A must buy for second time mums!, 17 Aug 2006
I thought this book was fab. I loved the idea that it has no words but very detailed pictures. You can chose to discuss what you like with your child. Its great to see mum breast-feeding the newborn. A really good buy and very tastefully done.

A great way to discuss a new arrival, 04 Jan 2006
I found the lovely pictures in this book great, I sat down with my three year old and through the pictures we were able to discuss what would happen once his baby brother was born. A great way to prepare young children for a new baby. My 3 yr old loved it so much he'd look at the book in bed and fall asleep with his head in the book :)

Just what the doctor ordered, 19 Oct 2005
Within a week of receiving the book, I think we have read the book over twenty times, and every time my daughter loves it, great service and value for money

We love these book!, 23 Feb 2005
I bought several books to help introduce my daughter to the idea of a new baby. This and "waiting for baby" is our favorite!
there are no words, so you can make your own story and adpt to your particular sittuation. But the drawings are great, and very self-explanatory! We highly recommend it!

MSc Distinction thanks to this book!!, 03 Aug 2008
I went to Madagascar to conduct my MSc dissertation research with a tent, this book and no existing knowledge of social science methodologies. I read it from cover to cover (a fairly easy read), made notes on the relevant sections, drew up my questionnaire using a mind map then conducted my interviews. I returned with loads of useful data which I managed to analyse with a few more resources available. I highly recommend this book for postgrads who need a coherent, logical bible to guide them through their research. I started out knowing nothing about methodology and ended up with a reasonable understanding... enough to get me a distinction!

Academically robust and highly readable, 04 Apr 2008
Many titles which aim to teach students and practitioners the art of research fall into one of two camps. At one extreme their approach is that of the 'how to... cookbook' where the reader develops the practical skills but their understanding of the underpinning principles isn't developed. At the other extreme is the highly technical (and often inpenatrable) text which provides the depth and theoretical rigour but which many students and practitioners find hard going and inaccessable, particularly for those relativly new to research.

The real value of Colin Robson's book is that it bridges that divide.
Its written in a style which is accessable and it provides a very readable account of the practice and of the principles that underpin academic research. At the same time its contents are academically robust and it takes the reader far beyond simple pragmatics and into the development of a deeper understanding of the research process in social science settings.

Its a book that both novice and experienced researchers will find usefull and will retun to time and time again for the valuable insight that it provides.

Highly recommended!

Beautifully easy tor read (What a relief), 29 Sep 2006
Briefly... the book examines challenges and methods for studying in the real world (as opposed to an experimental setting) taking in such topics as qualitative approaches, mixed-methods, and action research.

What was so welcome about the book is that it reads like a conversation with someone who is in a place to advise you without lecturing - and is as surprisingly pleasant read. Very useful and very readable.

One of the best social science research texts, 22 Feb 2002
This is an outstanding book and the new editition is simply excellent. The style is practical and accessible and is likely to be attractive to a wide range of researchers. This is a book that should be at the side of any student tackling serious research projects. A must for anyone studying researhc methods.

a fantastic resource that you will refer to time after time., 03 Dec 2000
Im currently in my third year of a degree in sociology and this book is the one that I couldnt do without. It is infinitely helpful and i would recommend it to anyone either studying or considering studying sociology or psychology.

A Call for Laws, Regulations, and Tax Incentives for Encouraging Conservation and Clean Energy Use, 14 Oct 2008
If you oppose conservation and clean energy, I wonder why you would. Typical concerns relate to when conservation and clean energy reduce economic growth or reduce profits for some special interest in the near term. Longer term, most people would agree that conservation and clean energy make sense.

Journalist and social activist Thomas L. Friedman could have written a much shorter book if he had simply started with the premise that it's a good idea to have conservation and clean energy. He spends most of the book providing arguments in favor of those approaches.

Those arguments are related to these propositions:

1. Rising carbon dioxide levels are either causing global warming and more violent weather . . . or will at some point fairly soon.
2. Rapid population growth and concentration into urban areas are making pollution a greater problem.
3. Fast economic growth in the developing world is accelerating pollution.
4. Natural environments are disappearing at a rapid rate, taking with them weather-dampening resources and species which might have value that we don't yet appreciate.
5. Free markets encourage polluting rather than nonpolluting solutions.
6. Extractive energy sources encourage dictatorships, terrorism, and harm to women.

Most of these points are exemplified by an anecdote from when Mr. Friedman talked to someone while on a speaking tour, was traveling from country to country, or was helicoptering around to see some sight that interested him. Much of this book has a travelogue aspect, even though it is a book about social change.

When Mr. Friedman gets into his arguments in favor of laws, regulations, and tax incentives, his thesis is sometimes contradictory. He argues that it is more profitable to use conservation and clean energy, yet cites lots of business leaders who seem to say that they won't employ those methods unless forced to by laws, regulations, and tax incentives. That argument didn't make sense to me. It also seems like many countries are already using laws, regulations, and tax incentives to encourage conservation and clean energy use. If those approaches are a good idea, there should be all kinds of incentives to change.

The crux of Mr. Friedman's argument in favor of these governmental changes is that it is critical that the United States do more in these areas than anyone else for the following reasons:

1. It will be a competitive disadvantage to lag in these areas.
2. Economic growth in the United States depends on creating a large clean energy and conservation industry.
3. Safety from the Muslim world depends on these activities, as well.
4. Other countries will do more in these areas if the U.S. goes first.
5. People in other countries will support more change if U.S. consumers are making these changes.

The major flaw in this thesis is that the United States government can make such a large change and sustain it for several decades. Since the 1960s, there has been little consensus in the United States on any changes other than ones that favor growth of individual incomes and wealth in the short term.

The current economic crisis will put a heavy burden on economic growth for many years to come. The pending retirement of the baby boom generation will be an even heavier weight to carry.

I suspect that there will be little appetite for government to lead such changes.

Ultimately, I suspect that a more likely path to success in making these changes would be for state, city, and county governments to boycott suppliers who don't use clean energy and employ good conservation practices. Action at those levels of government often works, doesn't take a long time, and is already being successful in areas like California.

I praise Mr. Friedman for wanting to encourage conservation and use of clean energy, but I fear that he needs to spend more time thinking about how to do that . . . and less time on arguing for national changes in U.S. laws, regulations, and tax incentives. With our political system, I think he is whistling in the dark.

What do you think?

Doable, Win-Win Plan, 09 Sep 2008

In Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America, Thomas Friedman presents an irresistible opportunity for Americans--one that can save the planet and increase our wealth.

The world is flat because of globalization--which is good, as ideas and practices can spread effectively. What is not so good is that our world population is exploding and countries like India and China are seeing an increase in wealth, which puts more strain on the world's resources and increases global warming.

Friedman begins the book with a discussion of how America has changed post 9/11. He uses the example of the US consulate built in 1882 in Istanbul. The consulate was built in the heart of the city: "it was an easy place for Turks to get a VISA, to peruse the library or to engage with an American diplomat."

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the building was closed and a nearly impenetrable consulate was built. This all but stopped visitors from visiting. Although the new building does protect against attacks, it isolates Americans and impacts on how we are viewed and how we see ourselves.

Friedman writes that he wrote the book because: "An American living in a defensive crouch cannot fully tap the vast rivers of idealism, innovation, volunteerism, and philanthropy that still flow through our nation. And it cannot play the vital role it has long played for the rest of the world--as a beacon of hope and the country that we can always be counted on to lead the world in response to whatever is the most important challenge of the day."

That challenge is global warming. He proposes we begin a massive project called "code green."

Friedman identifies three broad trends in our society:
1. The post 9/11 building of walls around us to protect Americans from foreigners.
2. Since the 1980's, politicians acting "dumb as we wanna be," meaning we will get to fixing the roads, global warming and other issues when we get around to it. This includes politicians like Bush "protecting us" from gas taxes and other unpleasantries to keep our standard of living, or the fact that we are in war and don't have to make any sacrifices (save the soldier's lives.)
3. Nation building at home. This is the one good trend Friedman sees and he writes about the plethora of innovative, imaginative souls who devote their energy to finding green solutions.

Friedman considers what is now called the green movement to be more like a green party. He cites several "green" books that include the words "easy" or "lazy" in the titles. The authors write books where: "everyone is a winner, nobody gets hurt and nobody has to do anything hard." I have read several of these books and agree--much of the advice is fluff. However, I do see the recent deluge of books and articles on sustainability as changing the consciousness and buying habits of the country. Many people who begin by making "painless changes" get serious about the environment and one or two of them may be the next inventor of the solar-run car. I also believe that when millions cut down on the use of plastic and other nonrenewable resources, that it does make an environmental difference.

The increase in population and wealth and buying power all tax our already limited supply of petroleum, coal and gas--all substances that cause global warming and pollute our planet. Even if you didn't "believe" in global warming, it is a fact that petroleum--now needed in unprecedented amounts--is rapidly becoming an increasingly difficult product to procure. If you think spending $5.00 a gallon for gas for your car is a hardship, that price will be considered nothing in a few years. Folks, we are running out of time and oil.

Friedman gets that Americans can use the diminishing supply in nonrenewable resources as a means for an economic boom, for bridging the widening gap between Americans and the rest of the world and for drawing us together as a nation. Americans are an innovative and smart bunch of people and we need to get working on devising clean alternatives to fossil fuels. This will create more jobs, strong economic times and raised spirits.

Friedman presents a doable, win-win plan to raise wealth and to save the planet. A must-read.

By the author of the award winning book, HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENEGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

I loved this book, 18 Mar 2008
I bought this book on the strength of the other reviews and it did not disappoint. The illustrations are lovely, and I was delighted to see depictions of breastfeeding the new baby included.

A must buy for second time mums!, 17 Aug 2006
I thought this book was fab. I loved the idea that it has no words but very detailed pictures. You can chose to discuss what you like with your child. Its great to see mum breast-feeding the newborn. A really good buy and very tastefully done.

A great way to discuss a new arrival, 04 Jan 2006
I found the lovely pictures in this book great, I sat down with my three year old and through the pictures we were able to discuss what would happen once his baby brother was born. A great way to prepare young children for a new baby. My 3 yr old loved it so much he'd look at the book in bed and fall asleep with his head in the book :)

Just what the doctor ordered, 19 Oct 2005
Within a week of receiving the book, I think we have read the book over twenty times, and every time my daughter loves it, great service and value for money

We love these book!, 23 Feb 2005
I bought several books to help introduce my daughter to the idea of a new baby. This and "waiting for baby" is our favorite!
there are no words, so you can make your own story and adpt to your particular sittuation. But the drawings are great, and very self-explanatory! We highly recommend it!

MSc Distinction thanks to this book!!, 03 Aug 2008
I went to Madagascar to conduct my MSc dissertation research with a tent, this book and no existing knowledge of social science methodologies. I read it from cover to cover (a fairly easy read), made notes on the relevant sections, drew up my questionnaire using a mind map then conducted my interviews. I returned with loads of useful data which I managed to analyse with a few more resources available. I highly recommend this book for postgrads who need a coherent, logical bible to guide them through their research. I started out knowing nothing about methodology and ended up with a reasonable understanding... enough to get me a distinction!

Academically robust and highly readable, 04 Apr 2008
Many titles which aim to teach students and practitioners the art of research fall into one of two camps. At one extreme their approach is that of the 'how to... cookbook' where the reader develops the practical skills but their understanding of the underpinning principles isn't developed. At the other extreme is the highly technical (and often inpenatrable) text which provides the depth and theoretical rigour but which many students and practitioners find hard going and inaccessable, particularly for those relativly new to research.

The real value of Colin Robson's book is that it bridges that divide.
Its written in a style which is accessable and it provides a very readable account of the practice and of the principles that underpin academic research. At the same time its contents are academically robust and it takes the reader far beyond simple pragmatics and into the development of a deeper understanding of the research process in social science settings.

Its a book that both novice and experienced researchers will find usefull and will retun to time and time again for the valuable insight that it provides.

Highly recommended!

Beautifully easy tor read (What a relief), 29 Sep 2006
Briefly... the book examines challenges and methods for studying in the real world (as opposed to an experimental setting) taking in such topics as qualitative approaches, mixed-methods, and action research.

What was so welcome about the book is that it reads like a conversation with someone who is in a place to advise you without lecturing - and is as surprisingly pleasant read. Very useful and very readable.

One of the best social science research texts, 22 Feb 2002
This is an outstanding book and the new editition is simply excellent. The style is practical and accessible and is likely to be attractive to a wide range of researchers. This is a book that should be at the side of any student tackling serious research projects. A must for anyone studying researhc methods.

a fantastic resource that you will refer to time after time., 03 Dec 2000
Im currently in my third year of a degree in sociology and this book is the one that I couldnt do without. It is infinitely helpful and i would recommend it to anyone either studying or considering studying sociology or psychology.

A Call for Laws, Regulations, and Tax Incentives for Encouraging Conservation and Clean Energy Use, 14 Oct 2008
If you oppose conservation and clean energy, I wonder why you would. Typical concerns relate to when conservation and clean energy reduce economic growth or reduce profits for some special interest in the near term. Longer term, most people would agree that conservation and clean energy make sense.

Journalist and social activist Thomas L. Friedman could have written a much shorter book if he had simply started with the premise that it's a good idea to have conservation and clean energy. He spends most of the book providing arguments in favor of those approaches.

Those arguments are related to these propositions:

1. Rising carbon dioxide levels are either causing global warming and more violent weather . . . or will at some point fairly soon.
2. Rapid population growth and concentration into urban areas are making pollution a greater problem.
3. Fast economic growth in the developing world is accelerating pollution.
4. Natural environments are disappearing at a rapid rate, taking with them weather-dampening resources and species which might have value that we don't yet appreciate.
5. Free markets encourage polluting rather than nonpolluting solutions.
6. Extractive energy sources encourage dictatorships, terrorism, and harm to women.

Most of these points are exemplified by an anecdote from when Mr. Friedman talked to someone while on a speaking tour, was traveling from country to country, or was helicoptering around to see some sight that interested him. Much of this book has a travelogue aspect, even though it is a book about social change.

When Mr. Friedman gets into his arguments in favor of laws, regulations, and tax incentives, his thesis is sometimes contradictory. He argues that it is more profitable to use conservation and clean energy, yet cites lots of business leaders who seem to say that they won't employ those methods unless forced to by laws, regulations, and tax incentives. That argument didn't make sense to me. It also seems like many countries are already using laws, regulations, and tax incentives to encourage conservation and clean energy use. If those approaches are a good idea, there should be all kinds of incentives to change.

The crux of Mr. Friedman's argument in favor of these governmental changes is that it is critical that the United States do more in these areas than anyone else for the following reasons:

1. It will be a competitive disadvantage to lag in these areas.
2. Economic growth in the United States depends on creating a large clean energy and conservation industry.
3. Safety from the Muslim world depends on these activities, as well.
4. Other countries will do more in these areas if the U.S. goes first.
5. People in other countries will support more change if U.S. consumers are making these changes.

The major flaw in this thesis is that the United States government can make such a large change and sustain it for several decades. Since the 1960s, there has been little consensus in the United States on any changes other than ones that favor growth of individual incomes and wealth in the short term.

The current economic crisis will put a heavy burden on economic growth for many years to come. The pending retirement of the baby boom generation will be an even heavier weight to carry.

I suspect that there will be little appetite for government to lead such changes.

Ultimately, I suspect that a more likely path to success in making these changes would be for state, city, and county governments to boycott suppliers who don't use clean energy and employ good conservation practices. Action at those levels of government often works, doesn't take a long time, and is already being successful in areas like California.

I praise Mr. Friedman for wanting to encourage conservation and use of clean energy, but I fear that he needs to spend more time thinking about how to do that . . . and less time on arguing for national changes in U.S. laws, regulations, and tax incentives. With our political system, I think he is whistling in the dark.

What do you think?

Doable, Win-Win Plan, 09 Sep 2008

In Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America, Thomas Friedman presents an irresistible opportunity for Americans--one that can save the planet and increase our wealth.

The world is flat because of globalization--which is good, as ideas and practices can spread effectively. What is not so good is that our world population is exploding and countries like India and China are seeing an increase in wealth, which puts more strain on the world's resources and increases global warming.

Friedman begins the book with a discussion of how America has changed post 9/11. He uses the example of the US consulate built in 1882 in Istanbul. The consulate was built in the heart of the city: "it was an easy place for Turks to get a VISA, to peruse the library or to engage with an American diplomat."

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the building was closed and a nearly impenetrable consulate was built. This all but stopped visitors from visiting. Although the new building does protect against attacks, it isolates Americans and impacts on how we are viewed and how we see ourselves.

Friedman writes that he wrote the book because: "An American living in a defensive crouch cannot fully tap the vast rivers of idealism, innovation, volunteerism, and philanthropy that still flow through our nation. And it cannot play the vital role it has long played for the rest of the world--as a beacon of hope and the country that we can always be counted on to lead the world in response to whatever is the most important challenge of the day."

That challenge is global warming. He proposes we begin a massive project called "code green."

Friedman identifies three broad trends in our society:
1. The post 9/11 building of walls around us to protect Americans from foreigners.
2. Since the 1980's, politicians acting "dumb as we wanna be," meaning we will get to fixing the roads, global warming and other issues when we get around to it. This includes politicians like Bush "protecting us" from gas taxes and other unpleasantries to keep our standard of living, or the fact that we are in war and don't have to make any sacrifices (save the soldier's lives.)
3. Nation building at home. This is the one good trend Friedman sees and he writes about the plethora of innovative, imaginative souls who devote their energy to finding green solutions.

Friedman considers what is now called the green movement to be more like a green party. He cites several "green" books that include the words "easy" or "lazy" in the titles. The authors write books where: "everyone is a winner, nobody gets hurt and nobody has to do anything hard." I have read several of these books and agree--much of the advice is fluff. However, I do see the recent deluge of books and articles on sustainability as changing the consciousness and buying habits of the country. Many people who begin by making "painless changes" get serious about the environment and one or two of them may be the next inventor of the solar-run car. I also believe that when millions cut down on the use of plastic and other nonrenewable resources, that it does make an environmental difference.

The increase in population and wealth and buying power all tax our already limited supply of petroleum, coal and gas--all substances that cause global warming and pollute our planet. Even if you didn't "believe" in global warming, it is a fact that petroleum--now needed in unprecedented amounts--is rapidly becoming an increasingly difficult product to procure. If you think spending $5.00 a gallon for gas for your car is a hardship, that price will be considered nothing in a few years. Folks, we are running out of time and oil.

Friedman gets that Americans can use the diminishing supply in nonrenewable resources as a means for an economic boom, for bridging the widening gap between Americans and the rest of the world and for drawing us together as a nation. Americans are an innovative and smart bunch of people and we need to get working on devising clean alternatives to fossil fuels. This will create more jobs, strong economic times and raised spirits.

Friedman presents a doable, win-win plan to raise wealth and to save the planet. A must-read.

By the author of the award winning book, HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENEGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET.

Life Saver, 29 Sep 2008
This book saved my life on the MN330 unit at Royal Holloway. If you are doing it, you need to get to know. Well worth £25, and it's the only book I haven't wanted to sell after completing a year. It's nice.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

I loved this book, 18 Mar 2008
I bought this book on the strength of the other reviews and it did not disappoint. The illustrations are lovely, and I was delighted to see depictions of breastfeeding the new baby included.

A must buy for second time mums!, 17 Aug 2006
I thought this book was fab. I loved the idea that it has no words but very detailed pictures. You can chose to discuss what you like with your child. Its great to see mum breast-feeding the newborn. A really good buy and very tastefully done.

A great way to discuss a new arrival, 04 Jan 2006
I found the lovely pictures in this book great, I sat down with my three year old and through the pictures we were able to discuss what would happen once his baby brother was born. A great way to prepare young children for a new baby. My 3 yr old loved it so much he'd look at the book in bed and fall asleep with his head in the book :)

Just what the doctor ordered, 19 Oct 2005
Within a week of receiving the book, I think we have read the book over twenty times, and every time my daughter loves it, great service and value for money

We love these book!, 23 Feb 2005
I bought several books to help introduce my daughter to the idea of a new baby. This and "waiting for baby" is our favorite!
there are no words, so you can make your own story and adpt to your particular sittuation. But the drawings are great, and very self-explanatory! We highly recommend it!

MSc Distinction thanks to this book!!, 03 Aug 2008
I went to Madagascar to conduct my MSc dissertation research with a tent, this book and no existing knowledge of social science methodologies. I read it from cover to cover (a fairly easy read), made notes on the relevant sections, drew up my questionnaire using a mind map then conducted my interviews. I returned with loads of useful data which I managed to analyse with a few more resources available. I highly recommend this book for postgrads who need a coherent, logical bible to guide them through their research. I started out knowing nothing about methodology and ended up with a reasonable understanding... enough to get me a distinction!

Academically robust and highly readable, 04 Apr 2008
Many titles which aim to teach students and practitioners the art of research fall into one of two camps. At one extreme their approach is that of the 'how to... cookbook' where the reader develops the practical skills but their understanding of the underpinning principles isn't developed. At the other extreme is the highly technical (and often inpenatrable) text which provides the depth and theoretical rigour but which many students and practitioners find hard going and inaccessable, particularly for those relativly new to research.

The real value of Colin Robson's book is that it bridges that divide.
Its written in a style which is accessable and it provides a very readable account of the practice and of the principles that underpin academic research. At the same time its contents are academically robust and it takes the reader far beyond simple pragmatics and into the development of a deeper understanding of the research process in social science settings.

Its a book that both novice and experienced researchers will find usefull and will retun to time and time again for the valuable insight that it provides.

Highly recommended!

Beautifully easy tor read (What a relief), 29 Sep 2006
Briefly... the book examines challenges and methods for studying in the real world (as opposed to an experimental setting) taking in such topics as qualitative approaches, mixed-methods, and action research.

What was so welcome about the book is that it reads like a conversation with someone who is in a place to advise you without lecturing - and is as surprisingly pleasant read. Very useful and very readable.

One of the best social science research texts, 22 Feb 2002
This is an outstanding book and the new editition is simply excellent. The style is practical and accessible and is likely to be attractive to a wide range of researchers. This is a book that should be at the side of any student tackling serious research projects. A must for anyone studying researhc methods.

a fantastic resource that you will refer to time after time., 03 Dec 2000
Im currently in my third year of a degree in sociology and this book is the one that I couldnt do without. It is infinitely helpful and i would recommend it to anyone either studying or considering studying sociology or psychology.

A Call for Laws, Regulations, and Tax Incentives for Encouraging Conservation and Clean Energy Use, 14 Oct 2008
If you oppose conservation and clean energy, I wonder why you would. Typical concerns relate to when conservation and clean energy reduce economic growth or reduce profits for some special interest in the near term. Longer term, most people would agree that conservation and clean energy make sense.

Journalist and social activist Thomas L. Friedman could have written a much shorter book if he had simply started with the premise that it's a good idea to have conservation and clean energy. He spends most of the book providing arguments in favor of those approaches.

Those arguments are related to these propositions:

1. Rising carbon dioxide levels are either causing global warming and more violent weather . . . or will at some point fairly soon.
2. Rapid population growth and concentration into urban areas are making pollution a greater problem.
3. Fast economic growth in the developing world is accelerating pollution.
4. Natural environments are disappearing at a rapid rate, taking with them weather-dampening resources and species which might have value that we don't yet appreciate.
5. Free markets encourage polluting rather than nonpolluting solutions.
6. Extractive energy sources encourage dictatorships, terrorism, and harm to women.

Most of these points are exemplified by an anecdote from when Mr. Friedman talked to someone while on a speaking tour, was traveling from country to country, or was helicoptering around to see some sight that interested him. Much of this book has a travelogue aspect, even though it is a book about social change.

When Mr. Friedman gets into his arguments in favor of laws, regulations, and tax incentives, his thesis is sometimes contradictory. He argues that it is more profitable to use conservation and clean energy, yet cites lots of business leaders who seem to say that they won't employ those methods unless forced to by laws, regulations, and tax incentives. That argument didn't make sense to me. It also seems like many countries are already using laws, regulations, and tax incentives to encourage conservation and clean energy use. If those approaches are a good idea, there should be all kinds of incentives to change.

The crux of Mr. Friedman's argument in favor of these governmental changes is that it is critical that the United States do more in these areas than anyone else for the following reasons:

1. It will be a competitive disadvantage to lag in these areas.
2. Economic growth in the United States depends on creating a large clean energy and conservation industry.
3. Safety from the Muslim world depends on these activities, as well.
4. Other countries will do more in these areas if the U.S. goes first.
5. People in other countries will support more change if U.S. consumers are making these changes.

The major flaw in this thesis is that the United States government can make such a large change and sustain it for several decades. Since the 1960s, there has been little consensus in the United States on any changes other than ones that favor growth of individual incomes and wealth in the short term.

The current economic crisis will put a heavy burden on economic growth for many years to come. The pending retirement of the baby boom generation will be an even heavier weight to carry.

I suspect that there will be little appetite for government to lead such changes.

Ultimately, I suspect that a more likely path to success in making these changes would be for state, city, and county governments to boycott suppliers who don't use clean energy and employ good conservation practices. Action at those levels of government often works, doesn't take a long time, and is already being successful in areas like California.

I praise Mr. Friedman for wanting to encourage conservation and use of clean energy, but I fear that he needs to spend more time thinking about how to do that . . . and less time on arguing for national changes in U.S. laws, regulations, and tax incentives. With our political system, I think he is whistling in the dark.

What do you think?

Doable, Win-Win Plan, 09 Sep 2008

In Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America, Thomas Friedman presents an irresistible opportunity for Americans--one that can save the planet and increase our wealth.

The world is flat because of globalization--which is good, as ideas and practices can spread effectively. What is not so good is that our world population is exploding and countries like India and China are seeing an increase in wealth, which puts more strain on the world's resources and increases global warming.

Friedman begins the book with a discussion of how America has changed post 9/11. He uses the example of the US consulate built in 1882 in Istanbul. The consulate was built in the heart of the city: "it was an easy place for Turks to get a VISA, to peruse the library or to engage with an American diplomat."

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the building was closed and a nearly impenetrable consulate was built. This all but stopped visitors from visiting. Although the new building does protect against attacks, it isolates Americans and impacts on how we are viewed and how we see ourselves.

Friedman writes that he wrote the book because: "An American living in a defensive crouch cannot fully tap the vast rivers of idealism, innovation, volunteerism, and philanthropy that still flow through our nation. And it cannot play the vital role it has long played for the rest of the world--as a beacon of hope and the country that we can always be counted on to lead the world in response to whatever is the most important challenge of the day."

That challenge is global warming. He proposes we begin a massive project called "code green."

Friedman identifies three broad trends in our society:
1. The post 9/11 building of walls around us to protect Americans from foreigners.
2. Since the 1980's, politicians acting "dumb as we wanna be," meaning we will get to fixing the roads, global warming and other issues when we get around to it. This includes politicians like Bush "protecting us" from gas taxes and other unpleasantries to keep our standard of living, or the fact that we are in war and don't have to make any sacrifices (save the soldier's lives.)
3. Nation building at home. This is the one good trend Friedman sees and he writes about the plethora of innovative, imaginative souls who devote their energy to finding green solutions.

Friedman considers what is now called the green movement to be more like a green party. He cites several "green" books that include the words "easy" or "lazy" in the titles. The authors write books where: "everyone is a winner, nobody gets hurt and nobody has to do anything hard." I have read several of these books and agree--much of the advice is fluff. However, I do see the recent deluge of books and articles on sustainability as changing the consciousness and buying habits of the country. Many people who begin by making "painless changes" get serious about the environment and one or two of them may be the next inventor of the solar-run car. I also believe that when millions cut down on the use of plastic and other nonrenewable resources, that it does make an environmental difference.

The increase in population and wealth and buying power all tax our already limited supply of petroleum, coal and gas--all substances that cause global warming and pollute our planet. Even if you didn't "believe" in global warming, it is a fact that petroleum--now needed in unprecedented amounts--is rapidly becoming an increasingly difficult product to procure. If you think spending $5.00 a gallon for gas for your car is a hardship, that price will be considered nothing in a few years. Folks, we are running out of time and oil.

Friedman gets that Americans can use the diminishing supply in nonrenewable resources as a means for an economic boom, for bridging the widening gap between Americans and the rest of the world and for drawing us together as a nation. Americans are an innovative and smart bunch of people and we need to get working on devising clean alternatives to fossil fuels. This will create more jobs, strong economic times and raised spirits.

Friedman presents a doable, win-win plan to raise wealth and to save the planet. A must-read.

By the author of the award winning book, HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENEGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET.

Life Saver, 29 Sep 2008
This book saved my life on the MN330 unit at Royal Holloway. If you are doing it, you need to get to know. Well worth £25, and it's the only book I haven't wanted to sell after completing a year. It's nice.

A must for new UK entry graduates, 21 Sep 2007
This is an excellent source of UK Planning Law and Practice for, in particular, overseas students who have no prior knowledge of the UK Planning system. This applies to those from countries like New Zealand and australia who have their planning systems originating from the UK, as the UK has its own distinctive system unlike the land use zoning patterns of New Zealand the US.

It is quite a substantial book however all chapters are useful and cover subjcts from Development Control to Urban Regeneration. It is a must-read before you arrive in the UK or begin practice.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

I loved this book, 18 Mar 2008
I bought this book on the strength of the other reviews and it did not disappoint. The illustrations are lovely, and I was delighted to see depictions of breastfeeding the new baby included.

A must buy for second time mums!, 17 Aug 2006
I thought this book was fab. I loved the idea that it has no words but very detailed pictures. You can chose to discuss what you like with your child. Its great to see mum breast-feeding the newborn. A really good buy and very tastefully done.

A great way to discuss a new arrival, 04 Jan 2006
I found the lovely pictures in this book great, I sat down with my three year old and through the pictures we were able to discuss what would happen once his baby brother was born. A great way to prepare young children for a new baby. My 3 yr old loved it so much he'd look at the book in bed and fall asleep with his head in the book :)

Just what the doctor ordered, 19 Oct 2005
Within a week of receiving the book, I think we have read the book over twenty times, and every time my daughter loves it, great service and value for money

We love these book!, 23 Feb 2005
I bought several books to help introduce my daughter to the idea of a new baby. This and "waiting for baby" is our favorite!
there are no words, so you can make your own story and adpt to your particular sittuation. But the drawings are great, and very self-explanatory! We highly recommend it!

MSc Distinction thanks to this book!!, 03 Aug 2008
I went to Madagascar to conduct my MSc dissertation research with a tent, this book and no existing knowledge of social science methodologies. I read it from cover to cover (a fairly easy read), made notes on the relevant sections, drew up my questionnaire using a mind map then conducted my interviews. I returned with loads of useful data which I managed to analyse with a few more resources available. I highly recommend this book for postgrads who need a coherent, logical bible to guide them through their research. I started out knowing nothing about methodology and ended up with a reasonable understanding... enough to get me a distinction!

Academically robust and highly readable, 04 Apr 2008
Many titles which aim to teach students and practitioners the art of research fall into one of two camps. At one extreme their approach is that of the 'how to... cookbook' where the reader develops the practical skills but their understanding of the underpinning principles isn't developed. At the other extreme is the highly technical (and often inpenatrable) text which provides the depth and theoretical rigour but which many students and practitioners find hard going and inaccessable, particularly for those relativly new to research.

The real value of Colin Robson's book is that it bridges that divide.
Its written in a style which is accessable and it provides a very readable account of the practice and of the principles that underpin academic research. At the same time its contents are academically robust and it takes the reader far beyond simple pragmatics and into the development of a deeper understanding of the research process in social science settings.

Its a book that both novice and experienced researchers will find usefull and will retun to time and time again for the valuable insight that it provides.

Highly recommended!

Beautifully easy tor read (What a relief), 29 Sep 2006
Briefly... the book examines challenges and methods for studying in the real world (as opposed to an experimental setting) taking in such topics as qualitative approaches, mixed-methods, and action research.

What was so welcome about the book is that it reads like a conversation with someone who is in a place to advise you without lecturing - and is as surprisingly pleasant read. Very useful and very readable.

One of the best social science research texts, 22 Feb 2002
This is an outstanding book and the new editition is simply excellent. The style is practical and accessible and is likely to be attractive to a wide range of researchers. This is a book that should be at the side of any student tackling serious research projects. A must for anyone studying researhc methods.

a fantastic resource that you will refer to time after time., 03 Dec 2000
Im currently in my third year of a degree in sociology and this book is the one that I couldnt do without. It is infinitely helpful and i would recommend it to anyone either studying or considering studying sociology or psychology.

A Call for Laws, Regulations, and Tax Incentives for Encouraging Conservation and Clean Energy Use, 14 Oct 2008
If you oppose conservation and clean energy, I wonder why you would. Typical concerns relate to when conservation and clean energy reduce economic growth or reduce profits for some special interest in the near term. Longer term, most people would agree that conservation and clean energy make sense.

Journalist and social activist Thomas L. Friedman could have written a much shorter book if he had simply started with the premise that it's a good idea to have conservation and clean energy. He spends most of the book providing arguments in favor of those approaches.

Those arguments are related to these propositions:

1. Rising carbon dioxide levels are either causing global warming and more violent weather . . . or will at some point fairly soon.
2. Rapid population growth and concentration into urban areas are making pollution a greater problem.
3. Fast economic growth in the developing world is accelerating pollution.
4. Natural environments are disappearing at a rapid rate, taking with them weather-dampening resources and species which might have value that we don't yet appreciate.
5. Free markets encourage polluting rather than nonpolluting solutions.
6. Extractive energy sources encourage dictatorships, terrorism, and harm to women.

Most of these points are exemplified by an anecdote from when Mr. Friedman talked to someone while on a speaking tour, was traveling from country to country, or was helicoptering around to see some sight that interested him. Much of this book has a travelogue aspect, even though it is a book about social change.

When Mr. Friedman gets into his arguments in favor of laws, regulations, and tax incentives, his thesis is sometimes contradictory. He argues that it is more profitable to use conservation and clean energy, yet cites lots of business leaders who seem to say that they won't employ those methods unless forced to by laws, regulations, and tax incentives. That argument didn't make sense to me. It also seems like many countries are already using laws, regulations, and tax incentives to encourage conservation and clean energy use. If those approaches are a good idea, there should be all kinds of incentives to change.

The crux of Mr. Friedman's argument in favor of these governmental changes is that it is critical that the United States do more in these areas than anyone else for the following reasons:

1. It will be a competitive disadvantage to lag in these areas.
2. Economic growth in the United States depends on creating a large clean energy and conservation industry.
3. Safety from the Muslim world depends on these activities, as well.
4. Other countries will do more in these areas if the U.S. goes first.
5. People in other countries will support more change if U.S. consumers are making these changes.

The major flaw in this thesis is that the United States government can make such a large change and sustain it for several decades. Since the 1960s, there has been little consensus in the United States on any changes other than ones that favor growth of individual incomes and wealth in the short term.

The current economic crisis will put a heavy burden on economic growth for many years to come. The pending retirement of the baby boom generation will be an even heavier weight to carry.

I suspect that there will be little appetite for government to lead such changes.

Ultimately, I suspect that a more likely path to success in making these changes would be for state, city, and county governments to boycott suppliers who don't use clean energy and employ good conservation practices. Action at those levels of government often works, doesn't take a long time, and is already being successful in areas like California.

I praise Mr. Friedman for wanting to encourage conservation and use of clean energy, but I fear that he needs to spend more time thinking about how to do that . . . and less time on arguing for national changes in U.S. laws, regulations, and tax incentives. With our political system, I think he is whistling in the dark.

What do you think?

Doable, Win-Win Plan, 09 Sep 2008

In Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America, Thomas Friedman presents an irresistible opportunity for Americans--one that can save the planet and increase our wealth.

The world is flat because of globalization--which is good, as ideas and practices can spread effectively. What is not so good is that our world population is exploding and countries like India and China are seeing an increase in wealth, which puts more strain on the world's resources and increases global warming.

Friedman begins the book with a discussion of how America has changed post 9/11. He uses the example of the US consulate built in 1882 in Istanbul. The consulate was built in the heart of the city: "it was an easy place for Turks to get a VISA, to peruse the library or to engage with an American diplomat."

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the building was closed and a nearly impenetrable consulate was built. This all but stopped visitors from visiting. Although the new building does protect against attacks, it isolates Americans and impacts on how we are viewed and how we see ourselves.

Friedman writes that he wrote the book because: "An American living in a defensive crouch cannot fully tap the vast rivers of idealism, innovation, volunteerism, and philanthropy that still flow through our nation. And it cannot play the vital role it has long played for the rest of the world--as a beacon of hope and the country that we can always be counted on to lead the world in response to whatever is the most important challenge of the day."

That challenge is global warming. He proposes we begin a massive project called "code green."

Friedman identifies three broad trends in our society:
1. The post 9/11 building of walls around us to protect Americans from foreigners.
2. Since the 1980's, politicians acting "dumb as we wanna be," meaning we will get to fixing the roads, global warming and other issues when we get around to it. This includes politicians like Bush "protecting us" from gas taxes and other unpleasantries to keep our standard of living, or the fact that we are in war and don't have to make any sacrifices (save the soldier's lives.)
3. Nation building at home. This is the one good trend Friedman sees and he writes about the plethora of innovative, imaginative souls who devote their energy to finding green solutions.

Friedman considers what is now called the green movement to be more like a green party. He cites several "green" books that include the words "easy" or "lazy" in the titles. The authors write books where: "everyone is a winner, nobody gets hurt and nobody has to do anything hard." I have read several of these books and agree--much of the advice is fluff. However, I do see the recent deluge of books and articles on sustainability as changing the consciousness and buying habits of the country. Many people who begin by making "painless changes" get serious about the environment and one or two of them may be the next inventor of the solar-run car. I also believe that when millions cut down on the use of plastic and other nonrenewable resources, that it does make an environmental difference.

The increase in population and wealth and buying power all tax our already limited supply of petroleum, coal and gas--all substances that cause global warming and pollute our planet. Even if you didn't "believe" in global warming, it is a fact that petroleum--now needed in unprecedented amounts--is rapidly becoming an increasingly difficult product to procure. If you think spending $5.00 a gallon for gas for your car is a hardship, that price will be considered nothing in a few years. Folks, we are running out of time and oil.

Friedman gets that Americans can use the diminishing supply in nonrenewable resources as a means for an economic boom, for bridging the widening gap between Americans and the rest of the world and for drawing us together as a nation. Americans are an innovative and smart bunch of people and we need to get working on devising clean alternatives to fossil fuels. This will create more jobs, strong economic times and raised spirits.

Friedman presents a doable, win-win plan to raise wealth and to save the planet. A must-read.

By the author of the award winning book, HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENEGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET.

Life Saver, 29 Sep 2008
This book saved my life on the MN330 unit at Royal Holloway. If you are doing it, you need to get to know. Well worth £25, and it's the only book I haven't wanted to sell after completing a year. It's nice.

A must for new UK entry graduates, 21 Sep 2007
This is an excellent source of UK Planning Law and Practice for, in particular, overseas students who have no prior knowledge of the UK Planning system. This applies to those from countries like New Zealand and australia who have their planning systems originating from the UK, as the UK has its own distinctive system unlike the land use zoning patterns of New Zealand the US.

It is quite a substantial book however all chapters are useful and cover subjcts from Development Control to Urban Regeneration. It is a must-read before you arrive in the UK or begin practice.

Excellent introductory text to key comtemporary debates, 25 May 2002
This book provides undergraduates, particularly first year students in human geography a comprehensive grounding into the key debates within human geography. It is also a good text for any students wishing to re-familiarising with a variety of geographical issues. This book is easy to understand, but never simplistic. It also excellent case study material and references for further reading. A near essential book for any human geographers.

wish it was around when I started studying geography, 25 Oct 2001
This book gives the reader everything they need to start on a subject. It summarises as it goes along and provides recommendations for further reading on each topic. A brilliant all round introduction for human geography students.

A contemporary description of human geography, 02 Mar 2001
This book combines the expert views and knowledge to produce a book showing the varied spectrum of human geography. Using descriptive terminology, and detailed case studies, it relates to human behaviour and other aspects in a geographical spatial context.

It covers every aspect of human geography, from the historial development of hegamonic nations, to social-economic geography, to contemporary issues such as equity and sustainability. This book is a helpful undergraduate student textbook, precisely focusing on the subject. This book is technical and may not be be everyday readable material.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

I loved this book, 18 Mar 2008
I bought this book on the strength of the other reviews and it did not disappoint. The illustrations are lovely, and I was delighted to see depictions of breastfeeding the new baby included.

A must buy for second time mums!, 17 Aug 2006
I thought this book was fab. I loved the idea that it has no words but very detailed pictures. You can chose to discuss what you like with your child. Its great to see mum breast-feeding the newborn. A really good buy and very tastefully done.

A great way to discuss a new arrival, 04 Jan 2006
I found the lovely pictures in this book great, I sat down with my three year old and through the pictures we were able to discuss what would happen once his baby brother was born. A great way to prepare young children for a new baby. My 3 yr old loved it so much he'd look at the book in bed and fall asleep with his head in the book :)

Just what the doctor ordered, 19 Oct 2005
Within a week of receiving the book, I think we have read the book over twenty times, and every time my daughter loves it, great service and value for money

We love these book!, 23 Feb 2005
I bought several books to help introduce my daughter to the idea of a new baby. This and "waiting for baby" is our favorite!
there are no words, so you can make your own story and adpt to your particular sittuation. But the drawings are great, and very self-explanatory! We highly recommend it!

MSc Distinction thanks to this book!!, 03 Aug 2008
I went to Madagascar to conduct my MSc dissertation research with a tent, this book and no existing knowledge of social science methodologies. I read it from cover to cover (a fairly easy read), made notes on the relevant sections, drew up my questionnaire using a mind map then conducted my interviews. I returned with loads of useful data which I managed to analyse with a few more resources available. I highly recommend this book for postgrads who need a coherent, logical bible to guide them through their research. I started out knowing nothing about methodology and ended up with a reasonable understanding... enough to get me a distinction!

Academically robust and highly readable, 04 Apr 2008
Many titles which aim to teach students and practitioners the art of research fall into one of two camps. At one extreme their approach is that of the 'how to... cookbook' where the reader develops the practical skills but their understanding of the underpinning principles isn't developed. At the other extreme is the highly technical (and often inpenatrable) text which provides the depth and theoretical rigour but which many students and practitioners find hard going and inaccessable, particularly for those relativly new to research.

The real value of Colin Robson's book is that it bridges that divide.
Its written in a style which is accessable and it provides a very readable account of the practice and of the principles that underpin academic research. At the same time its contents are academically robust and it takes the reader far beyond simple pragmatics and into the development of a deeper understanding of the research process in social science settings.

Its a book that both novice and experienced researchers will find usefull and will retun to time and time again for the valuable insight that it provides.

Highly recommended!

Beautifully easy tor read (What a relief), 29 Sep 2006
Briefly... the book examines challenges and methods for studying in the real world (as opposed to an experimental setting) taking in such topics as qualitative approaches, mixed-methods, and action research.

What was so welcome about the book is that it reads like a conversation with someone who is in a place to advise you without lecturing - and is as surprisingly pleasant read. Very useful and very readable.

One of the best social science research texts, 22 Feb 2002
This is an outstanding book and the new editition is simply excellent. The style is practical and accessible and is likely to be attractive to a wide range of researchers. This is a book that should be at the side of any student tackling serious research projects. A must for anyone studying researhc methods.

a fantastic resource that you will refer to time after time., 03 Dec 2000
Im currently in my third year of a degree in sociology and this book is the one that I couldnt do without. It is infinitely helpful and i would recommend it to anyone either studying or considering studying sociology or psychology.

A Call for Laws, Regulations, and Tax Incentives for Encouraging Conservation and Clean Energy Use, 14 Oct 2008
If you oppose conservation and clean energy, I wonder why you would. Typical concerns relate to when conservation and clean energy reduce economic growth or reduce profits for some special interest in the near term. Longer term, most people would agree that conservation and clean energy make sense.

Journalist and social activist Thomas L. Friedman could have written a much shorter book if he had simply started with the premise that it's a good idea to have conservation and clean energy. He spends most of the book providing arguments in favor of those approaches.

Those arguments are related to these propositions:

1. Rising carbon dioxide levels are either causing global warming and more violent weather . . . or will at some point fairly soon.
2. Rapid population growth and concentration into urban areas are making pollution a greater problem.
3. Fast economic growth in the developing world is accelerating pollution.
4. Natural environments are disappearing at a rapid rate, taking with them weather-dampening resources and species which might have value that we don't yet appreciate.
5. Free markets encourage polluting rather than nonpolluting solutions.
6. Extractive energy sources encourage dictatorships, terrorism, and harm to women.

Most of these points are exemplified by an anecdote from when Mr. Friedman talked to someone while on a speaking tour, was traveling from country to country, or was helicoptering around to see some sight that interested him. Much of this book has a travelogue aspect, even though it is a book about social change.

When Mr. Friedman gets into his arguments in favor of laws, regulations, and tax incentives, his thesis is sometimes contradictory. He argues that it is more profitable to use conservation and clean energy, yet cites lots of business leaders who seem to say that they won't employ those methods unless forced to by laws, regulations, and tax incentives. That argument didn't make sense to me. It also seems like many countries are already using laws, regulations, and tax incentives to encourage conservation and clean energy use. If those approaches are a good idea, there should be all kinds of incentives to change.

The crux of Mr. Friedman's argument in favor of these governmental changes is that it is critical that the United States do more in these areas than anyone else for the following reasons:

1. It will be a competitive disadvantage to lag in these areas.
2. Economic growth in the United States depends on creating a large clean energy and conservation industry.
3. Safety from the Muslim world depends on these activities, as well.
4. Other countries will do more in these areas if the U.S. goes first.
5. People in other countries will support more change if U.S. consumers are making these changes.

The major flaw in this thesis is that the United States government can make such a large change and sustain it for several decades. Since the 1960s, there has been little consensus in the United States on any changes other than ones that favor growth of individual incomes and wealth in the short term.

The current economic crisis will put a heavy burden on economic growth for many years to come. The pending retirement of the baby boom generation will be an even heavier weight to carry.

I suspect that there will be little appetite for government to lead such changes.

Ultimately, I suspect that a more likely path to success in making these changes would be for state, city, and county governments to boycott suppliers who don't use clean energy and employ good conservation practices. Action at those levels of government often works, doesn't take a long time, and is already being successful in areas like California.

I praise Mr. Friedman for wanting to encourage conservation and use of clean energy, but I fear that he needs to spend more time thinking about how to do that . . . and less time on arguing for national changes in U.S. laws, regulations, and tax incentives. With our political system, I think he is whistling in the dark.

What do you think?

Doable, Win-Win Plan, 09 Sep 2008

In Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America, Thomas Friedman presents an irresistible opportunity for Americans--one that can save the planet and increase our wealth.

The world is flat because of globalization--which is good, as ideas and practices can spread effectively. What is not so good is that our world population is exploding and countries like India and China are seeing an increase in wealth, which puts more strain on the world's resources and increases global warming.

Friedman begins the book with a discussion of how America has changed post 9/11. He uses the example of the US consulate built in 1882 in Istanbul. The consulate was built in the heart of the city: "it was an easy place for Turks to get a VISA, to peruse the library or to engage with an American diplomat."

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the building was closed and a nearly impenetrable consulate was built. This all but stopped visitors from visiting. Although the new building does protect against attacks, it isolates Americans and impacts on how we are viewed and how we see ourselves.

Friedman writes that he wrote the book because: "An American living in a defensive crouch cannot fully tap the vast rivers of idealism, innovation, volunteerism, and philanthropy that still flow through our nation. And it cannot play the vital role it has long played for the rest of the world--as a beacon of hope and the country that we can always be counted on to lead the world in response to whatever is the most important challenge of the day."

That challenge is global warming. He proposes we begin a massive project called "code green."

Friedman identifies three broad trends in our society:
1. The post 9/11 building of walls around us to protect Americans from foreigners.
2. Since the 1980's, politicians acting "dumb as we wanna be," meaning we will get to fixing the roads, global warming and other issues when we get around to it. This includes politicians like Bush "protecting us" from gas taxes and other unpleasantries to keep our standard of living, or the fact that we are in war and don't have to make any sacrifices (save the soldier's lives.)
3. Nation building at home. This is the one good trend Friedman sees and he writes about the plethora of innovative, imaginative souls who devote their energy to finding green solutions.

Friedman considers what is now called the green movement to be more like a green party. He cites several "green" books that include the words "easy" or "lazy" in the titles. The authors write books where: "everyone is a winner, nobody gets hurt and nobody has to do anything hard." I have read several of these books and agree--much of the advice is fluff. However, I do see the recent deluge of books and articles on sustainability as changing the consciousness and buying habits of the country. Many people who begin by making "painless changes" get serious about the environment and one or two of them may be the next inventor of the solar-run car. I also believe that when millions cut down on the use of plastic and other nonrenewable resources, that it does make an environmental difference.

The increase in population and wealth and buying power all tax our already limited supply of petroleum, coal and gas--all substances that cause global warming and pollute our planet. Even if you didn't "believe" in global warming, it is a fact that petroleum--now needed in unprecedented amounts--is rapidly becoming an increasingly difficult product to procure. If you think spending $5.00 a gallon for gas for your car is a hardship, that price will be considered nothing in a few years. Folks, we are running out of time and oil.

Friedman gets that Americans can use the diminishing supply in nonrenewable resources as a means for an economic boom, for bridging the widening gap between Americans and the rest of the world and for drawing us together as a nation. Americans are an innovative and smart bunch of people and we need to get working on devising clean alternatives to fossil fuels. This will create more jobs, strong economic times and raised spirits.

Friedman presents a doable, win-win plan to raise wealth and to save the planet. A must-read.

By the author of the award winning book, HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENEGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET.

Life Saver, 29 Sep 2008
This book saved my life on the MN330 unit at Royal Holloway. If you are doing it, you need to get to know. Well worth £25, and it's the only book I haven't wanted to sell after completing a year. It's nice.

A must for new UK entry graduates, 21 Sep 2007
This is an excellent source of UK Planning Law and Practice for, in particular, overseas students who have no prior knowledge of the UK Planning system. This applies to those from countries like New Zealand and australia who have their planning systems originating from the UK, as the UK has its own distinctive system unlike the land use zoning patterns of New Zealand the US.

It is quite a substantial book however all chapters are useful and cover subjcts from Development Control to Urban Regeneration. It is a must-read before you arrive in the UK or begin practice.

Excellent introductory text to key comtemporary debates, 25 May 2002
This book provides undergraduates, particularly first year students in human geography a comprehensive grounding into the key debates within human geography. It is also a good text for any students wishing to re-familiarising with a variety of geographical issues. This book is easy to understand, but never simplistic. It also excellent case study material and references for further reading. A near essential book for any human geographers.

wish it was around when I started studying geography, 25 Oct 2001
This book gives the reader everything they need to start on a subject. It summarises as it goes along and provides recommendations for further reading on each topic. A brilliant all round introduction for human geography students.

A contemporary description of human geography, 02 Mar 2001
This book combines the expert views and knowledge to produce a book showing the varied spectrum of human geography. Using descriptive terminology, and detailed case studies, it relates to human behaviour and other aspects in a geographical spatial context.

It covers every aspect of human geography, from the historial development of hegamonic nations, to social-economic geography, to contemporary issues such as equity and sustainability. This book is a helpful undergraduate student textbook, precisely focusing on the subject. This book is technical and may not be be everyday readable material.

Utter Drivel, 04 Apr 2008
I do not know how Americans view Islam but as an Englishman/European it seems to me that Said's views are so much poppycock.To make a couple of points in a limited space.

Of course we have a stereotypical view of Islam just as Islam has a stereotypical view of us - and these views are largely hostile .So what? For century after century Islam was an enormous threat to what might loosely be called Christendom. It shaped every aspect of European history and was directly responsible for Europes colonial empires. Up till around 1750 they were a dangerous direct competitor to our interests.Gibbon writing in the 1780s was the first to think that the danger had passed .On a local scale the threat lasted even longer - Barbary pirates ravaged the coast of England up till the 1830s carting off coastal villages into slavery and at even later dates on the west coast of Ireland and that was at the height of the British Empire ! .By a strange inversion left wing academics and Said have made Europeans and Americans see these things entirely from the point of view of Islam ie as uniquely a problem of western imperialism largely ignoring about a thousand years of history.

Common sense would suggest that as our knowledge of these societies grew in the 19th century so stereotypes would break down.Said says the opposite - they served to reinforce them. Common Sense is right - stereotypes did break down.He makes much of the fact that as a boy he saw these european pictures of the east and they bore no relation to the societies he knew.It never seems to occur to him that as a Palestinian/American he might not be seeing these pictures as a European sees them and a 19th century European at that. 19th century Europeans , for whom these pictures were intended , were preoccupied with the dehumanising and mechanising aspects of industrial society ,their own society, and used other societies to show up these concerns.European attitudes were complex and contradictory but they were not attempting to give an accurate view of oriental society as their viewers well understood. When Gauguin paints a picture of a naked Tahitian girl we dont think he is trying to justify French imperialism nor do we think that he is saying much about Tahiti. Naked Tahitian girls did not buy his paintings. He was saying a great deal however about 19th century France with its rigid stifling conventions compared with the natural grace of a simpler more primitive world. Said is himself guilty of a kind of mental colonialism.He assumes that he understands what these pictures are about and is going to tell us what they mean. But he does not understand them because he does not understand 19th century Europe and he gets it wrong.

Finally Said does not seem to understand that the British did not need to justify their oriental empire by regarding other societies as inferior and their rule as necessary to bring enlightenment to the natives. He assumes that, like the Roman Empire, it was acquired through conscious effort.Nothing could be further from the truth. The British Empire in India was acquired in a haphazard way through chance .They thought that as it had been delivered into their hands by fate they had as much right to be there as their Moghul predecessors. Early British colonialists simply adopted the customs of the dominant Muslim culture which they much admired.- even to the point of practising polygamy.It was only after the Indian mutiny in the late Victorian period when the British were forbidden to intermarry with the natives that they turned into a caste and thought that they had to justify their presence in the country by adopting spurious notions of superiority.

In short western attitudes to the orient mirror by and large oriental attitudes to the west - often confusing and contradictory. Americas particular support for Israel owes much to a particular sense of their own identity and is not shared by European countries. Said's thesis is in my view nonsense..



Said too much..?, 01 Feb 2008
Drawing upon the work of Michel Foucault, Edward Said claims that Western ideas of the `Orient' are not based upon objective facts but are created through academic and cultural `discourses' which serve to promote Western imperialism - often despite `liberal' intentions.

This mythical `East' is the antithesis of the West, a negative or inversion of the Occident, and is used to define both in binary opposition to each other and to facilitate the political and domination of the East.

However in order to demonstrate the existence of this `Orientalism' Said falls back on an equally stereotypical and monolithic `West' which he constructs entirely from the carefully selected writings of a handful of 19th Century middle-class, white, male English and French authors.

This tactic not only ignores or misrepresents a large body of Western authors sympathetic to the East and sensitive to differences within it, but also glosses over Western heterogenities of class, race, sex, religion and generation in order to manufacture a homogenous `Occident' devoid of differences.

Said is as guilty of *Occidentalism* as those he criticises are of *Orientalism*.

Said fails to provide any evidence that the `West' defines itself in binary opposition to a mythical `East' that Western scholars have created for just this purpose, he simply *manufactures* the k