5 comments about The Persian Sphinx: Amir Abbas Hoveyda and the Riddle of the Iranian Revolution.

1. An extremely well written and well researched biography. It is clear that Mr. Milani is a true scholar. Rarely has a book about Iranian politics been so well researched and footnoted. Moreoever, The Persian Sphinx is easy to read. Entertaining to read for those without much knowledge about Iranian politics and a must for scholars of Iranian history and politics.



2. I found this book to be very fascinating, fair, and extremely well written. Like other readers (below), it was hard for me to put the book down once I started reading it. Through the life of Prime Minister Hoveyda, we learn how and why the Iranian Revolution succeeded and understand the reign of terror that followed the collapse of the Iranian Monarchy in 1979. I must say I did not expect an easy read when I purchased the book as I had read Dr. Milani's "Lost Wisdom: Rethinking Modernity in Iran" and found the book to be fascinating but truly academic in language and tone. Simply put, this is a very readable book and I was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. Wonderful writing!



3. In the emotional fervor of revolutions, the protagonists are often portrayed as larger than life creators of history. In The Persian Sphinx, Milani restores humanity to the story of a man who is more notable for what he could have done than for what he did.
   
   Hoveyda, like so many Iranian politicians through history was complicit in betraying his ideals through silence and acquiescence in the face of encroaching authoritarianism. The haunting story of Hoveyda shows us the paramount importance of integrity in leadership.
   
   With a tumultuous period in Iranian history as a backdrop to the story, the reader gains insight into much more than Hoveyda's life including: the incompetent regime of the Shah, the causes of the 1979 revolution, and the barbarism of the revolutionary period.
   A great read



4. For any Iranian, especially those who left revolutionary Iran in their teens, this is a must read. When I left, I was old enough to understand some things political but not most. This book sheds light on any number of subjects and people that I had been anxious to understand.
   
   Mr. Milani's style of researched and carefully documented narrations leads one to believe that the work is historically accurate. Even if not fully so, there is a lot in there to learn about the history of Iran in the 20th century.
   
   The book is written beautifully and impossible to put down. The superb English at times demands a dictionary.
   
   The documented evidence, as opposed to rumors cited by most Iranians, showing the influence/control of foreign countries on the day to the day politics of Iran under Shah is breath taking. Another amazing revelation is Hoveyda's naivete about who the religious revolutionaries were and what he could expect from them. In spite of his attempts to be connected to ordinary people, we see that he had been isolated far too much from the turn of events, almost as if he was in a bubble. But on the whole and consistent with most Iranian's impression, Mr. Hoveyda comes out in somewhat better light than most of Shah's cronies.
   
   Finally, one is left wondering about the turn of the events if Hoveyda had resigned in any of the countless opportunities he was afforded.



5. Found this book very interesting because the author of book simply presented facts, and did not express his own view.
   
   The story was sad because Mr. HOVEYDA did not have a chance for a proper trial.

No comments about Benjamin Harrison: Hoosier Statesman (Signature Ser.).

No comments about Jefferson: A Monticello Sampler.

No comments about Thabo Mbeki & The Battle For The Soul Of The Anc.

5 comments about Files on JFK.

1. To those skeptics who claim we'll never know the truth in our lifetime, ask yourself this question: Would I recognize the truth if I saw it? Wim Dankbaar's elegant research proves the old adage: Truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Thanks, Wim!!



2. As a friend of Wim Dankbaar i know how precise he is in his research.
   If he can not prove it for 100% he is not accepting it as evidence.
   A example?. There is a blurry picture of a two color Chevrolet like the
   Maroon with white 1963 Impala SS that James Files was driving in front of the Dal-Tex building after the killing on 22 November 1963.Wim then says: if you look at the shadows it must be after one o clock so it cannot be James his car because they where already gone.
   Wim spend 20 years and more than a million dollars of his own money to
   find the truth and i believe a 100% he found it.
   Tony Roozeboom Californie /the Netherlands



3. This is one great book to read. It is a must read for anyone who is interested in the TRUTH. As a private investigator, I do not subscribe to theories or schools of thought merely because they are in print. I am a true investigator by profession, and any of the information of facts that are presented in this book can be researched by anybody and verified. The only reason why more people have not heard of this book or read it is probably because they don't want to believe it or are too scared by what they might find out. I also think more people haven't read it because our so-called responsible journalists have not been as responsible as they claim to be in covering it.
   
   This book presented information about our government that I already knew from studying politics in college (I have a bachelor's degree in Political Science). It presents information that I have been telling my friends about since I was in college. This information can easily be verified by simple searches on the internet.
   
   I recommend this book to anybody who is really interested in the truth.



4. AS A FORMER HOMICIDE DETECTIVE AND IN CHARGE OF A HOMICIDE DISTRICT TEAM IN MY STATE , I HAD MANY QUESTIONS ON THE JFK ASSASSINATION. READING THE BOOK ON FILES ANSWERED 99% OF MY QUESTIONS. ANY ONE WHO WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED IN DALLAS NEEDS OT READ THIS BOOK, IT IS A BOMB SHELL FOR SURE.
   RON MILLER



5. I'd been looking forward to reading this book and it certainly provides another perspective on the whole JFK conspiracy theories.
   I would suggest though that before the next version is produced that someone proof reads it properly. There are many confusing grammatical errors and words missing, leaving the reader to re-read a passage or statement in order to grasp the author's meaning. For me, that fact alone made it an awkward read.
   Once again, a book on the JFK assassination that raises more questions than it answers... I doubt that we will ever know the truth.
   If you are interested in the JFK conspiracy theory - you will enjoy this book.

2 comments about Ronald Reagan: A Life In Politics.

1. I am confused why they sell these books at the Reagan Library. Admittedly they are long, through, and have wonderful cover at. But the content is what disturbs me. Not the entire content, but just three things.
   
   The first snag is that Cannon does not like Reagan. He clearly admits this in-in his footnotes:
   
   "It was the only time Reagan ever complimented me on anything I write." (Governor, 311n)
   
   This quote sums up the books main negative bias. This book is a history of Reagan as filtered through Cannon's philosophical grid. This makes for a tedious read. He takes Reagan on Lou Cannon's terms. Maybe that is why Cannon had a weekly column that included "Reaganisms," (President, 102n).
   
   Cannon is, however, fascinated by him. He freely admits this in the 1991 preface to President Reagan. This provides a positive bias, which saves the book from being a multi-volume hit piece.
   
   The second snag, is the books are almost all context. It is always "Reagan And": Reagan and Unruh, Reagan and Meese, Reagan and Reagan, and Reagan and Nancy. But we never see Reagan as an individual.
   
   The Gipper's tag-line is the Great Communicator, but Cannon rarely quotes him. This sucks the life out of the Regan magic. Read Michael Reagan's quote book on his father and then read this book. It is like seeing two different men. One is a lively and deep thinker; the other is a vague buffoon. But will the real Ronald Regan please stand up?
   
   Reagan also had a gift for humor. Peggy Noonan observed that Reagan had "an encyclopedic memory for jokes." (When Character Was King, 228). However, Cannon, in his chapter on Reagan's humor, talks about his humor in the abstract and recounts his juicier ethnic jokes (President, 101-102).
   
   The last snag is in the area of analogy. The second book is subtitled "The role of a Lifetime." His rhetorical device is to cast Reagan merely as an actor who gets the chance to play a president. This is a combination of "I'm not a president, but I play one on TV" and the plot to the film "Dave."
   
   Hover, this rhetorical device affects his logic. David Hackett Fischer calls this "the fallacy of insidious analogy" ("Historians' Fallacies," 244ff). The problem is that Cannon's analogy takes over his writing. It also become contradictory at times.
   
   For example, Chapter six of the presidential book discuses what Canon calls "the script." What he means by the script is the core philosophical ideas that Reagan had that attracted the voters. Cannon freely admits, "But it was the script that was compelling, and it was Reagan who wrote it." (President, 66). Then in later chapters he speaks of Reagan taking direction and needing a director (President, Chapter 10, p. 25, 32, 116, ).
   
   Cannon may misunderstand the necessity of delegation. The role of the president is to be the leader. That is, he articulates the vision, and then empowers his staff and cabinet to implement the vision. That is why he said, ""Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority and don't interfere as long as the policy you've decided is carried out." (President, 150). Ill timed or not, it is not only sound advice, it is the only way to run a country. A micromanager could not last three second as president.
   
   To be sure, Reagan may not have done follow-up as well as he should have, but he did understand the genius of individual people. He was not just remaking country, but truing everyone into demi-gods by empowering them.
   
   I think I have said enough, but there is one comment that just grates me. In Chapter 9 of the president book, Canon describes the rise and fall of the M/X missile. During one Cabinet meeting, Regan showed up with a cartoon of Uncle Sam playing as hell-game with Brezhnev. This clinched the issue for Reagan. (President, 138). Cannon conclude the chapter saying that Reagan was a "president who skimped on preparation, avoided complexities and news conferences, and depended far too heavily on anecdotes, charts, graphics, and cartoons." (President, 140)
   
   Cannon forgets that Reagan had an intuitive sense of people, and was able to connect without the use of the Cabinet and Bureaucracy (President, 119). One obvious was he did that was by listening to them. Another way was attuning himself to the humor. Cannon forgets the power of humor and that George burns said, "Truth is the basis of all good comedy."(Governor, 107). That one political cartoon illustrated a truth that would do honor to Socrates or Kierkegaard. For Cannon, the medium was the message. End of story.
   
   The gubernatorial book is the better book. Cannon does not feel the need to cover as much as he does in the Presidential book (Some of the material is redundant). The Presidential one has long chapters that sometimes get muddled. Chapter 8 covers Reagan's humor and thought patterns, and Chapter 11 covers Regan's early life-kind of late in the book for that. Also, Hinckley isn't mentioned by name in the narrative about the assassination, which is covered in half a paragraph, and then resumed in the narrative about the melt-down of Alex Haige.
   
   What would have helped this book? First of all, Cannon needs to sort out what he really thinks about Reagan. He is fascinated and even at times charmed by Reagan. But it is a love-hate relationship. Cannon disagrees with Reagan politically and philosophically. It is almost like Canon is afraid of Regan and feels the need to cut him down a notch.
   
   Canon makes the comment that Reagan may have never read E. B. White (President, 97). I suggest the same for Cannon: Remember Strunk and White's first rule of Composition: Place Yourself in the background (Strunk and White, 70).
   
   Secondly, "Check your premises." Figure out why you have this attraction to reign, and name concretes. Both were Irish and had Alcoholic fathers (President, 174n), but there is something deeper.



2. I did read the whole book just so I could comment on it. The part about him being docile when visiting his parents home made me throw up. But I persevered and read the rest of it. I just don't understand why the President and Nancy let this book happen. If you hate Reagan and you hate Conservatives, then this book should make you very happy. I threw my copy away. No way was I going to give this to the library like I usually do.

5 comments about Bismarck: The Man and the Statesman (Sutton History Classics).

1. Bismarck may be read by high school students,housewives and educated men and women...A.J.P Taylor wrote to several audiences at once. So I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a well written book and wants learn about the facts of Bismarck's accomplishments. Furthermore "Bismarck" is a great example of what politicians do and say. The Difference between what constituents want to hear and what great politicians actually do. Examples are when British politicians make anti-Euro currency declarations in order to gain votes, while at the same time quietly adopting European integration measures. Conversely Italian politicians agreeing quickly to sound pro-European Integration,while all the while in practice stalling every European integration measure so as not to loose voters. This book is a great introduction into Parliamentary and extra parliamentary manoevuring,the basics on Right,Center,Left and the Grand coalition,or all party initiatives for US readers.
   Summing up,Bismarck is a pre-requisite to understand European politics and history as well as great lessons in practical politics.



2. This has been one interesting read that I just could not put down! A.J.P. Taylor really knows how to make history interesting, concise and maybe a bit too explicatory.



3. I really love books like this one. Now this book may not be the definitive, authoritative biography of Bismarck and it certainly leaves out some key points, but the book is only 288 pages. The book is not supposed to be the definitive work on Bismarck's life. I don't see how someone could pick up a book that is less than 300 pages and think that it will have everything they need to know about one of the greatest politicians the world has ever seen.
   
   So why do I like this book enough to give it five stars? The book is very well written and Mr. Taylor has a nice style so the book is entertaining and easy to read. It is also filled with very good information and, for its size, the book does a very good job hitting the major highlights of a very important historical figure. I think the book does a fantastic job giving the reader a lot of information for the pages read.
   
   I really like these short, well written books on history. They make reading about a topic that is outside one's course of study or interest accessible. The relative small size of the book means it isn't as intimidating as other works and hopefully gives the book a wider audience.
   
   The main thing is know what you're buying here and you won't be disappointed. You cannot get a definitive biography of Bismarck into 300 pages or less, but you can get a really good book that is informative and fun to read. I really liked this book and I think others will enjoy it as well.



4. this portrayal of Bismarck gives him a more human aspect.For one thing,Taylor quotes Bismarck's memoirs often,in regard to his motivations and decisions.The other author of a bio on Bismarck,Crankshaw in particular,believes Bismarck's memoirs are not reliable at all and are in fact clouded due to the Iron Chancellors bad memory and multiple(at time unconscious layers of deceit. So being familiar with Crankshaws more recently published bio,it sort of deflates Bismarcks bombastic,philosophic,at times idealistic quotations that Taylor generously sprinkles his bio of Bismarck with.Taylor is aware of Bismarck's duplicity in politics,however the difference between Taylor and Crankshaw is one of degree.Crankshaw's is a supreme deflation of the puffed up Chancellor.Taylor gives credit to Bismarck however for designing social legislation that was later copied by most European governments.Bismarck's 3 wars against Denmark,Austria,and France were contained and had limited objectives,and according to Taylor "cost thousands of lives whereas the wars of the 20th century have cost millions of lives".You can see from a read of Taylor's book how the German govt. could have believed that the War started in 1914,would probably be over as quickly as the other 3 successful wars that lasted a month or two during Bismarck's tenure ithe 1870's.Of course in Crankshaw's work he would say that Bismarck's 3 relatively bloodless wars helped to set up the greivances that led to WW1.Taylor also injects alot of his own philosophical musings into his works. One quote is an an oftake about learning from history,he says,basically that sometimes governments in attempting to correct errors of the past commit even bigger ones in the effort.Still you can't help but believe from Taylor's book that there been a "Bismarckian" type figure in 1914 WW1 could have probably been avoided or have at least been on a smaller scale.But was Bismarck responsible for thwarting coalitions in German government and as a result making the German confederations too dependent on a strong central person?Both of these bios on Bismarck are worth a read and complement each other.Crankshaw seems to take amusement by mentioning that Bismarck's wife became known in later life as a "malicious gossip".He also spends time on Bismarck's son Herbert who Crankshaw characterizes as a dud.This despite being carefully groomed by the Iron Chancellor in the hopes of a little nepotism.Crankshaw concludes it was a "bad hair day" for Herbert.Taylor indulges in none of this type analyzation in his bio,although I'm sure he was aware of the facts or lack of facts.Numerous references to Bismarck's "Lutheranism" is mentioned in the Taylor work,but he was willing to work with Catholic interests if they didn't interfere with the Iron Chancellor's views on a strong and united Germany.



5. Taylor's "Bismarck: The Man and the Statesman" is an accessible piece to the casual reader as well as a provocative piece to the more seasoned historian. Taylor's evaluation of Bismarck's character is the primary strength of this work. More specifically, the author paints Bismarck as an epic statesman who thrives on conflict to the extent to which he needs to create conflicts where they may not exist. He also toys with Bismarck's megalomania in a non-accusatory way--leaving the reader to make such a judgment. The reader is also left to assess whether Bismarck was an opportunist or one who created opportunities. Concerning Bismarck's character, Taylor demonstrates a subtle, tongue-in-cheek (which could be read as anything but subtle or tongue-in-cheek) sense of humor which increases the allure of this book.
   
   The genius of "Bismarck" is the author's treatment of the great statesman's strategic negotiations with Russia and Austria-Hungary. Less stellar, but still impressive, is the analysis of Bismarck's means and ends of German unification.
   
   Taylor is less adept in his evaluation of Bismarck's domestic policies. Notwithstanding the fact that Bismarck's foreign policy legacy has overshadowed his domestic policy triumphs, Taylor offers little more than a perfunctory analysis the creation of the most extensive social welfare state of the 19th Century. The author even goes so far as to deem the socioeconomic safety net as the model for other European states. If this is the case, and I agree that it is, then it deserves more treatment. A second weakness is Taylor's unremitting comparisons to William Gladstone. Taylor openly concedes to the futility of this parallel, then goes on to fruitlessly draw this parallel throughout the book. A final chink in the armor of this otherwise sturdy biography is the final chapter, "Into the Grave and Beyond", in which Taylor unsuccessfully tries to superimpose the legacy of Bismarck onto two World Wars and Cold War diplomatic relations. Though I appreciate Bismarck's impact on these eras, I can't help but wonder if this deserves either a more thorough treatment or no treatment at all. Of course, perhaps I selfishly just want Taylor to elaborate on Bismarck's legacy.
   
   Taylor's "Bismarck" is highly acclaimed and rightfully so. It will satiate the curiosities of some readers and further inspire the curiosities of others.

3 comments about The Secret Chief Revealed.

1. The Secret Chief Revealed: conversations with Leo Zeff, pioneer in the underground psychedelic therapy movement, Strolaroff, Myron, MAPS Sarasota, FL, 2004
   Reviewed by dogbreth (willing to accept comments) bethere@centurytel.net
   A quick read loaded with insights, The Secret Chief Revealed serves multiple purposes effectively. The actual "text" of the conversations is under 100 pages, but the introductions, forward, prologue, tribute, epilogue, appendixes, additional tributes and section devoted to resources introduce the reader to some of the main personalities involved in psychedelic research and extend the book to close to double the length of the text.
   Leo Zeff, now deceased, is revealed as former Jungian therapist who tried LSD originally around 1961, when it was still a legal chemical. He found insights that he had been looking for and believed that it was possible that some of his therapy clients could also benefit as well. He worked out a protocol, which changed over the years for providing a responsible safe self exploratory trip using LSD for psychotherapy. When the federal government outlawed LSD Zeff made the difficult decision to continue to treat people using psychedelics (Zeff had been a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, he respected the government and was very spiritual). It was most likely Zeffs spirituality that kept him treating people with psychedelics after they were made illegal as the chemical could bring about spiritual experiences and enhanced his clients' lives.
   Zeff did not like to refer to psychedelics as "drugs" rather "medicine". It could be used properly or improperly, just as morphine or antibiotics. Working as a Jungian therapist Zeff believed he was there to basically assist his clients in finding their own solutions, more of less waiting it out. With LSD the solutions came much quicker, often with a single trip. In therapeutic use of LSD Zeff had his clients agree to a basic set of rules: 1. they would not leave the house or place where the trip was taking place without his permission, 2. they agreed that there would be no physical harm or violence to them, him or anyplace they were, 3. reiterate the security agreement - they must agree that they will never reveal to anybody else where and with whom they had the experience without his prior approval, 4. there would be no sex during the experience, 5. the client had to agree to follow Zeffs directions no matter what, the client had to agree to follow his commands without question and have faith in him. Prior to taking the medicine they would then read a prayer aloud. The clients were asked to bring in photographs of family and important people and places in their lives as well as personal articles which would stimulate a therapeutic conversation which would take place prior to the effects of the medicine. Once the medicine took effect the client would lie down, put a cover over their eyes and headphones on so that they could listen to music.
   Music was played the entire time during the experience. Zeff believed this to be very important. This is one area in which I wish the conversation/text had delved deeper. The music which was considered so important is barely discussed other than to say that it was always on. It is mentioned that the music would very based upon the clients tastes, the impression I get is that classical or jazz were the main genres.
   The conversational tone of the book provides wonderful insights into Leo Zeff as a person. He obviously had a good sense of humor and was living life to its fullest. His language is full of colloquialisms which enhance the readers' ability to "see" him as he speaks.
   In working with clients the initial tripping experience was always with LSD, this was to establish the clients base-level dose. Initial dose level would be 250 micrograms, if the client did not turn on with this amount a booster of 125micrograms would be given after about an hour. Additional boosters might be given if the client did not appear to be affected by the medicine. Zeff makes the comment that some clients would claim that it wasn't having an effect so he would tell them any additional amount wouldn't benefit them so they weren't going to get any "and you know, when they find out they can't have a booster they lay down and the sons of bitches they turn on! (Much laughter)." (p. 91).
   Over the years medicines other than LSD were used, primarily psilocybin, MDA, harmaline, Ibogaine, and MDMA (which Zeff states is a "beautiful trip"). The initial dosage and follow ups would establish the base-line dosage levels for other medicines, Zeff states that three grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms was the equivalent to 250 micrograms of LSD).
   The text of the book is informative and entertaining. Other sections provide the reader with excellent introductions to some of the main personalities in the psychedelic therapy and creation movement, but Appendix III is what I found to be of phenomenal value. It is the "Resources" area, and has an extensive list of books, internet sites and other areas of interest for the reader. Published by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) 100% of the profits of this very reasonably priced book go toward psychedelic psychotherapy research.



2. I had heard nothing of this man before or these kind of studies, and I was very eager to read this book. Not only did I find the book interesting on many levels, but I also found many of the stories quite motivational. I, myself, have tried out many spiritual and mind-opening paths with psychoactives before such as LSD, Psilocybin, and MDMA, so I could somewhat relate to what Leo and many of his friend's stories were talking about. For people that have not even taken a step into this kind of field, I still recommend everyone semi-interested enough in fixing problems in life or just psychology in general to read this book. It had a very profound effect on me after I read it, and I truly thank Leo Zeff and the many others that carried on with the illegal experiments to gain further knowledge about these mystical drugs. If it were not for them, then the world would truly be blinded by the brain-washed lies of many activists against drugs that could actually help somebody like myself.



3. The Secret Chief of the title is Leo Zeff. Mr. Zeff was a therapist who specialized in the use of psychedelic substances (LSD, MDMA, etc.,) as adjuncts to therapy. The book is Mr. Zeff's collected experience and wisdom on the subject, as told to Myron Stolaroff (the interviewer and author). At under 170 pages the book is a short, quick read. Because it's a collection of transcribed interviews, the overall tone of the book is informal and conversational. At the same time, it's very informative, and loaded with practical information on conducting psychedelic sessions. Mr. Zeff lays out guidelines for screening people, proper set & setting, dosages, and qualitative differences between the different substances he worked with. The rules he set down for his sessions are simple and practical - it's obvious he wanted to achieve optimum results with minimal difficulties.
   
   The Secret Chief Reveled differs from the original Secret Chief in that there's an additional 25 pages of text (Appendix II,) and also some photos. In the appendix, we get to hear from 7 people who knew Mr. Zeff (including his son and daughter), and they describe how the sessions went, and what impact Mr. Zeff's work had on them. After reading Mr. Zeff's first-person account in the main part of the book, it was nice to read this part and get some additional perspective. It made the whole read a little fuller.
   
   All in all, I found this to be an interesting, entertaining, and surprisingly practical book. Mr. Zeff spent a long time conducting these sessions and increasing his knowledge; Myron Stolaroff did a great thing by interviewing Mr. Zeff and preserving his wisdom for posterity. If you like this book and are still interested in practical information on hallucinogenic psychological work, I recommend Stanislav Grof's book "LSD Psychotherapy." It's a much longer read and geared more to the professional clinician, but Grof also goes into much greater detail.

1 comments about Theodore Roosevelt and the Politics of Power.

1. It's available from Waveland Press, Inc., I recently purchased a new copy of it.

No comments about Barbara Bush: Presidential Matriarch (Modern First Ladies).