Excellent book

This is a superb and very practical book; it makes a refreshing change to see down-to-earth, day-to-day practical examples of what employers should actually DO, rather than a dull recital of the law.

A sorely needed refresher course

I have no hesitation in giving Professor Grayling's book five stars. <br /><br />It is an education and vigorous refresher for anyone like myself who recognises names like Spinoza, Locke, Voltaire, Milton, de Tocqueville, but has only a hazy understanding of what they stand for, and only a patchy idea of the significance of the Glorious English Revolution of 1688 and the American and French revolutions, but has now in these times an uneasy feeling that the ideas and principles underpinning free societies are neglected. In as little as three hundred well written pages he explains it all.<br /><br />I will let others extol the virtues of the book and here draw attention to one serious flaw, or to be kind to the author, to draw attention to an issue on which I wish he had said a lot more. <br /><br />His priorities are wrong.<br /><br />The book is exactly what it says it is"The Story of the Struggles for Liberty & Rights" but the opening and closing chapters discuss the threats to Liberty that we face today.<br /><br />In the opening chapter he poses the question, in relation to the growing Muslim population in Europe, of how we deal with those whose ideas on Liberty and Rights are different from ours and who if they got their way would bring an end to the Liberty that we have painfully gained over the last 500 years. He doesn't answer this question.<br /><br />Mistakenly, in my view, in these opening and closing chapters he concentrates on the threats to Liberty posed by the anti-terrorist measures taken by the US and UK governments. <br /><br />As awful and as worrying some of these anti-terrorist measures are [1][2] they can at least be discussed. Your life will not be threatened, the Politically Correct (PC) roof will not fall on your head, respected national figures can and do state their views. But, these measures and the terrorism that brings them about are only symptoms, symptoms of an underlying religious malaise, and that is Islam as it mainly manifests itself in the world today.<br /><br />He could say a lot more about the threat to Liberty from Islam. Perhaps his views are constrained by the observations he makes in relation to the persecution of minorities in Nazi Germany. <br /><br />Religion is a very sensitive subject [3]. It is a sobering thought that a US presidential candidate who said openly that he wasn't too sure about God or that he was an atheist, wouldn't stand a chance. Could it be that the authors of the American Constitution, a beacon of Liberty, would be rejected by today's American voters?<br /><br />Could we discuss openly and have a debate at a respected political level of the problems and potential problems caused by Islam in Liberal societies, and in the way we discuss measures to combat terrorism, discuss what we should and will do about it. I fear not.<br /><br />We have started 2008 in the UK with a prime example of the difficulties. The Bishop of Rochester has drawn attention to the voluntary segregation of Muslims in the UK and the enclaves they have created which he says have become"no go" areas for Christians. <br /><br />Of course, the bishop's use of the term"no-go" was a mistake. It has too many wrong meanings. The PC roof has fallen on his head, political figures from right, left and centre are falling over themselves to criticise or distance themselves from the bishop. <br /><br />But the bishop is essentially right. There are a growing number of places which are growing in size in the UK where the culture around you is Islamic. Mohamed in its various spellings is now the most popular name for a boy in the UK. The bishop didn't say it, so I will say it for him. It wont be long before these Islamic communities will be demanding Sharia law. What then Liberty?<br /><br />Not all Muslims, perhaps only a minority, believe and practice the aspects of their religion that are so inimical to free societies. But these beliefs and practices<br /><br />- women are essentially male possessions<br /><br />- death is a just punishment for apostasy and insulting Islam or the prophet<br /><br />- that Islam trumps all other religions<br /><br />- Muslims have a sacred duty to impose Islam everywhere, by force if necessary<br /><br />to name a few of the worst, cast a dark shadow wherever Muslims live.<br /><br />The bodies that represent Muslims are a cause of concern. Western suits and PR officers are no guarantee of a modern outlook or reasonableness. The secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain when asked if stoning was a bad thing said it"depended on the stones". He also thinks arranged marriages are a good idea and we in the UK should have them. His predecessor, whom the UK government rubbed shoulders with, is notorious for having said of Salman Rushdie that death was too good for him. <br /><br />Perhaps a very great danger is not having a clear idea of what or who represents a form of Islam that can truly be part of a Liberal society [4]<br /><br />These are the sorts of issues and threats that I wish Professor Grayling had given more space to and, from his philosophical standpoint, offered some ideas on how they can be dealt with.<br /><br />Notes<br /><br />[1] That a high American official made out a case for torture must have had Torquemada laughing in his grave.<br /><br />[2] Professor Grayling is spot on in his criticism of the UK ID card scheme. I speak with some authority having studied the subject. Prof Grayling refers readers to the press in general to learn more about this nonsense, to which I would add and strongly recommend the Report and Evidence published by the UK Parliamentary Committee concerned with home affairs. The pages of my copy are stained with tears of laughter and rage.<br /><br />[3] Having read this book I checked out Amazon readers comments on other works by Prof Grayling. I was shocked at the virulence of some of the attacks on him because he is, apparently, an atheist.<br /><br />[4] Irshad Manjii in an excellent review of"Arguing the Just War in Islam" a recent book by John Kelsay, writes:<br /><br />The moderates whom Kelsay has studied"do not in fact dissent from the militant judgement that current political arrangements are illegitimate. Some moderates agree with militants that"democracy" implies a kind of moral equivalence between Islam and other perspectives. And such a situation is dangerous not only for the standing of the Muslim community, but for the moral life of humankind"<br /><br />[International Herald Tribune, 5-6 January, 2008]<br /><br />I would add to this that 25 percent of UK Muslims sympathised with the London bombers.

Fantastic introduction

This is a great overview of the theory behind human rights and how they function in the context of international relations. <br /><br />Donnelly outlines a compelling and detailed case, which remains very readable and non-specialist. <br /><br />Made me think again about the politics of humanitarian intervention. He also critiques fashionable views in the 'cultural relativism' mold with great skill.

Absolutely Wonderful.

Goodes book"Commercial law" 2nd Edition is quite interesting.It encapsulates the basics of the commercial law transaction,if not the whole of it.
As a Postgraduate student of Commercial Law in the University of Wales Swansea,i use the book extensively and the clarity and ease with which i could understand the book greatly helps.
I find the chapters on Money and Payments equally interesting.As a Lawyer,i am not quite knowledgeable in the legal characteristics of money but Using Prof Goode`s book has greatly enhanced my understanding of the concept.
Particularly i want to commend the author and the publishers for the clarity in production.
As a Postgradute Student in a foreign land,i can say that Goode`s book is sine qua non amongst the commercial law textbooks i have come across in England.
Keep up the good work,Prof.

Bagehot - A critical Appraisal

Bagehot's great treastise remains the definitive text on the British political system. Although written in the mid 19th century (in the period between the two reform Acts), 'The English Constitution' demonstrates a grasp of electoral politics, its underlying values and competing interests, as well a a rare insight into the parliamentary form of government and its component workings, which can inform present-day debate and can elighten the contemporary student of political science.

'The English Constitution' is not merely a study of 'comparative government', lucid as it is (particularly in its comparison witht the American presidential system), but is a work of great sociological import, exploring - in its treatment of the 'dignified' and 'efficient' functions of political institutions - the legitimacy of power, in a way which justly lays claim to a universal appeal.

Bagehot's writing style is always clear and to-the-point, as befits his training as a journalist. 'The English Constitution' is, of course, not mere journalistic 'copy', but is a deep and far-reaching analysis of the political life of the nation, at a crucial stage in this country's social, political and constitutional development.

Excellent

A very good summary of statute and case law in planning. I bought it for my Planning Masters Degree and am still using it as a development control officer. Clear and easy to read.

Decoding Advertisements is a first-rate book!

Decoding Advertisements is a witty, clever, and accessible introduction to the pernicious world of advertising. Judith Williamson writes for a general audience, and has loads of interesting insights to offer into the ways in which advertisements shape our thinking and personalities. This book is a must for anyone who has ever wondered what advertisements are _really_ selling. Kent Worcester

Ignore the one-star reviews

First of all, you should ignore all the one-star reviews of this book. Those reviews criticize the MLA, not the book. The book itself is really good. One of my English professors recommended it to our class. She also said that every English major should have a copy of it. I had always used Diana Hacker's book in other classes. After she recommended it, I decided to check it out at the bookstore. After skimming through it, I decided to buy it. It was so much easier to follow than Hacker's book. I will use it in the future. Gibaldi devotes an entire chapter just to plagiarism (and how to avoid it). <br /><br />Brandon Simpson <br />

Very clear and concise reference for wannabe cops

As a prospective police officer myself, I was looking for a set of books to help my understanding of law, and Blackstone's have done it here

the best book in the world.

I totally love this book. I have been working as a judge for eight years now, and everything the honourable Judge says certainly comprehends my knowledge gained in court (together with Judge Sheindlin's book"Beauty Fades, Dumb Is forever")I have a great respect for this incredible judge, and anyone who doesn't familiarize themselves with her in the show will love to discover the magic Judge Judy holds.She has the ability to apply her knowlage and wisdom in all area's and i hope many people out there can be influenced by this opinionated woman.Just like myslelf, she has an answer and thought on everything and she puts these idea's forward in a remarkably witty manner.Definately a great read, highly recommended to anyone of any age.

Enthralling, easy reading story of major courtroom battles

Geoffrey Robertson has defended many freedoms in his career with the law, including Oz obscenity trial, Matrixx Churchill trial. He specialises, for this book at least, in doing battle with the UK government who are extraordinarily defensive - and prepared to manipulate the law if necessary. Super read - no legal jargon, no knowledge of the law necessary.

Will Precedent Rule in a Supreme Court Led by Public Opinion?

When The Brethren came out in 1979, it was a blockbuster for two reasons: Previously those who had worked at the Supreme Court kept mum about what had gone on there, and we learned that the justices didn't think very much of Chief Justice Warren Burger. Instead of seeing court opinions as fine works of excellent legal minds, those opinions now began to look more like"opinions" of those with differing philosophies. Since then, we have been blessed with many back-stage looks at the Supreme Court.<br /><br />In The Nine, Jeffrey Toobin finishes undressing the Supreme Court so that we see it as an extension of political partisanship, rather than as the guardian of the Constitution and liberty against the tyranny of government. What's changed? It's pretty simple: Presidents have gotten good at finding nominees who will continue to adhere to the president's philosophy after joining the court. Previously, conservatives turned into liberals and vice versa. That won't happen in the future.<br /><br />To me, two parts of the book were most revealing: the political partisanship among Republican Supreme Court justices involved in Bush v. Gore in wanting to make President's Bush's first election look as free of taint as possible (now, that's a good trick if you can do it), and the willingness of the Roberts-led court to reverse earlier decisions without even bothering to observe that they are doing so.<br /><br />If you want certain kinds of precedents that control behavior (on abortion, minority rights, school prayer, and executions), just vote for a president who has the same views . . . and keep that president in office for 8 years so that he or she can appoint a majority that agrees with you.<br /><br />It's a tawdry end to what was once an important branch of government.<br /><br />Mr. Toobin is to be commended for being able to attract so many people to interview with him. It's a lot of work to gather so many details about the personalities, backgrounds, and decisions of the Supreme Court in recent years (mostly focusing on the time during which the same nine justices served without change until the death of Chief Justice Rehnquist).<br /><br />I have had enough interaction with one of the justices reported on to be able to say that Mr. Toobin's account of that justice's characteristics seems right on. I'm assuming that the others are equally accurate from having seen how well this one was done.<br /><br />The book does have a weakness: I thought that Mr. Toobin was a little too narrow in his assessments of the impact of past decisions. For instance, in Bush v. Gore, Mr. Toobin accurately points out that even if Gore had prevailed in the case the Florida election had already been certified. I think that's too narrow a view: With a Gore win (if accompanied by a win in the recount), I believe that the legal process would have found a way to reverse the certification and bring Al Gore to the White House. Otherwise, it would be clear that justice wasn't being done.<br />

Clear and readable

This book is great for cutting through the legal jargon and tells me exactly what I need to know for running my business. Expanding and hiring staff is a big step for me. This book has saved me a lot of time and money. Recommended.

Alternate title

Well researched re-appraisal.For a contemporary viw see Lord Simon's autobiography. My suggested alternate title gives,in my opinion,the flavour of Parker--400 Good Reasons To support Bush and Blair's Foreign Policy