Most Popular Books by John Lawrence

Reynolds takes readers on a behind-the-scenes tour of the world''s most notorious secret societies, including their origins and histories, initiations and rituals, secret signals, and members.

In Russia in the Making (originally published in 1957), John Lawrence presents the long and complicated history of Russia as a living and intelligible whole from the very beginning. Based on a wide knowledge of Russian history and a considerable experience of Soviet ways, his book provides an admirable starting point for wider reading. The author gives a clear outline which demonstrates how authoritarianism is in the tradition of Russian history. Full value is given to the immense changes brought about by the revolution, and the book ends with an analysis of the changes in social structure that forced Stalin’s work into another mould. This book demands no previous knowledge of its subject. The author has used his knowledge of Soviet ways to produce from a complicated and confusing record a most readable and easily digestible narrative.

Corporate governance brings transparency to corporate decision-making, however more research is needed into the rationale for the diffusion of governance codes to developing countries. This book explores why listed corporations in Peru decided to comply with a voluntary code of corporate governance practice introduced in 2014 to over 200 corporations registered on the Lima stock exchange. It looks at why some listed corporations would incur the expense of actively complying with such a code when it is neither suited to their corporate ownership structures, nor to their equity markets. Combining empirical research with a sound theoretical base and interviews with those working in the field, the book comes to an objective conclusion that rejects the description that big businesses in Latin America are self-interested and frequently corrupt, and instead are concerned about sustainability and building legitimacy in their chosen domains.

In ''History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921'', John Lawrence O''Connor provides a meticulously researched chronicle of America''s most prestigious horse race. Through a detailed examination of the Derby''Äôs evolution, O''Connor employs a narrative style that melds rigorous historical analysis with vivid storytelling, offering insightful context about the social and cultural dynamics of the era. The book illuminates pivotal moments, legendary horses, and the emergence of betting culture that shaped the spectacle of the Derby, reflecting broader trends in American society and the burgeoning popularity of horseracing. John Lawrence O''Connor, a historian with a profound passion for equestrian sports, draws upon a rich tapestry of archival material and oral histories to paint an authentic picture of the Kentucky Derby''s formative years. His scholarly pursuits in American sports history and thorough understanding of horse racing imbue this work with a depth of accuracy and a keen sense of place. O''Connor''s affinity for storytelling, combined with his historical rigor, enables him to present a narrative that is both informative and engaging. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in American sports history, equestrian culture, or the evolution of popular events. O''Connor''s captivating prose and thorough analysis make it an essential addition to the library of anyone seeking to understand the significance of the Kentucky Derby in the American cultural landscape.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1871.

This richly detailed biography examines the colorful life and preaching of evangelist John Lakin Brasher (1868-1971), effectively destroying old stereotypes that portrayed holiness folk as fanatical and uneducated. Relying primarily on Brasher''s 25,000 manuscripts and on extensive sound recordings of his preaching and storytelling, J. Lawrence Brasher analyzes the dynamics of holiness religious experience and explores the beliefs, rituals, politics, cultural context, and folklore of the southern holiness movement.