Most Popular Books by John S

Though we have other distinguishing characteristics (walking on two legs, for instance, and relative hairlessness), the brain and the behavior it produces are what truly set us apart from the other apes and primates. And how this three-pound organ composed of water, fat, and protein turned a mammal species into the dominant animal on earth today is the story John S. Allen seeks to tell. Adopting what he calls a “bottom-up” approach to the evolution of human behavior, Allen considers the brain as a biological organ; a collection of genes, cells, and tissues that grows, eats, and ages, and is subject to the direct effects of natural selection and the phylogenetic constraints of its ancestry. An exploration of the evolution of this critical organ based on recent work in paleoanthropology, brain anatomy and neuroimaging, molecular genetics, life history theory, and related fields, his book shows us the brain as a product of the contexts in which it evolved: phylogenetic, somatic, genetic, ecological, demographic, and ultimately, cultural-linguistic. Throughout, Allen focuses on the foundations of brain evolution rather than the evolution of behavior or cognition. This perspective demonstrates how, just as some aspects of our behavior emerge in unexpected ways from the development of certain cognitive capacities, a more nuanced understanding of behavioral evolution might develop from a clearer picture of brain evolution.

This comprehensive anthology provides translations of texts illustrative of Buddhist philosophy and doctrine as well as descriptive, concrete accounts of Buddhist practices, rituals, experiences, and life situations. The book also covers the development of Buddhism in a wide variety of geographical and cultural areas.

Silk has long been considered a symbol of wealth and luxury. But thousands of years ago, the production of silk cloth was one of China''s most prized secrets. So how did silk become one of the most sought-after materials in the world? With lavish illustrations and a highly informative text, The Silk Route traces the early history of the silk trade-from the mulberry groves of China to the marketplace in Byzantium-and explores how two of the world''s greatest empires were brought together, forever opening the channels of commerce between East and West.

In this theoretically original work, two distinguished authors explore the mutual interdependence of states and firms throughout the world. They show how global structural changes - in finance, technology, knowledge and politics - often impel governments to seek the help and cooperation of managers of multinational enterprises. Yet, as Professors Stopford and Strange demonstrate, this is constrained by each country''s economic resources, its social structures and its political history. Based on grass-roots research into the experience of over 50 multinationals and more than 100 investment projects in three developing countries- Brazil, Malaysia and Kenya - the authors develop a matrix of agendas. They present the impact on projects of the multiple factors affecting the bargaining relationships between the government and the foreign firm at different times and in a variety of economic sectors. In conclusion they offer some guidelines for actions to both governments and firms and some points to future interdisciplinary research.

You''ll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer''s. It''s like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go—they''ve done the legwork for you, and they''re not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer''s Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You''d be lost without us! This guide is specifically geared to travelers who want to go to Greece for beaches, beautiful weather, and island-hopping. Its centerpiece is a feature no other guide offers: a full chapter on cruises, written by one of the cruise industry''s leading specialists and featuring candid reviews of each line and tips on how to get the best deals. We''ll start you off with a quick overview of Athens, your gateway, before setting off to explore the most beautiful and appealing of Greece''s many islands, including the Saronic Gulf Islands, Crete, the Cyclades, the Dodeconese, the Northeastern Aegean Islands, the Sporades, and the Ionian Islands. If you''re exploring on your own, you''ll rely on us for dozens of detailed island and town maps, complete details on ferries and flights, and a wealth of information on accommodations, sightseeing, dining, and nightlife. This is the only guide you need to discover the best of the legendary Greek Isles!

A high-spirited and expert account of the American Revolution in the Carolinas

STARFLEET CORPS OF ENGINEERS For centuries, Risa has been the garden spot of the Alpha Quadrant, the place to go for rest, relaxation, and recreation. When the S.C.E. crew of the U.S.S. da Vinci learn their latest assignment is to Risa, they expect to find themselves in paradise. But paradise isn''t what it used to be. Something is draining power from the complex weather systems that keep the planet pleasant, and if the S.C.E. doesn''t determine the cause soon, Risa as they know it will cease to exist forever! Paradise Interrupted

Modern Greece: A History since 1821 is a chronologicalaccount of the political, economic, social, and cultural history ofGreece, from the birth of the Greek state in 1821 to 2008 by twoleading authorities. Pioneering and wide-ranging study of modern Greece, whichincorporates the most recent Greek scholarship Sets the history of modern Greece within the context of a broadgeo-political framework Includes detailed portraits of leading Greek politicians Provides in-depth considerations on the profound economic andsocial changes that have occurred as a result of Greece’s EUmembership

Horace King (1807-1885) built covered bridges over every large river in Georgia, Alabama, and eastern Mississippi. That King, who began life as a slave in Cheraw, South Carolina, received no formal training makes his story all the more remarkable. This is the first major biography of the gifted architect and engineer who used his skills to transcend the limits of slavery and segregation and become a successful entrepreneur and builder. John S. Lupold and Thomas L. French Jr. add considerably to our knowledge of a man whose accomplishments demand wider recognition. As a slave and then as a freedman, King built bridges, courthouses, warehouses, factories, and houses in the three-state area. The authors separate legend from facts as they carefully document King’s life in the Chattahoochee Valley on the Georgia-Alabama border. We learn about King’s freedom from slavery in 1846, his reluctant support of the Confederacy, and his two terms in Alabama’s Reconstruction legislature. In addition, the biography reveals King’s relationship with his fellow (white) contractors and investors, especially John Godwin, his master and business partner, and Robert Jemison Jr., the Alabama entrepreneur and legislator who helped secure King’s freedom. The story does not end with Horace, however, because he passed his skills on to his three sons, who also became prominent builders and businessmen. In King’s world few other blacks had his opportunities to excel. King seized on his chances and became the most celebrated bridge builder in the Deep South. The reader comes away from King’s story with respect for the man; insight into the problems of financing, building, and maintaining covered bridges; and a new sense of how essential bridges were to the southern market economy.

Summaries and conclusions after each chapter

A revision of a much-admired text distinguished by the exceptional prose and historical/mathematical context that have made Simmons'' books classics. The Second Edition includes expanded coverage of Laplace transforms and partial differential equations as well as a new chapter on numerical methods.