BOOKSHELF
[Editor’s note: The November issue erroneously listed
the class year of Joel Pfister ’73, author
of Individuality Incorporated: Indians and the Multicultural Modern.]
Donald Holden Watercolors introduction by Richard
J. Boyle ’51 and commentary by Donald Holden ’51.
An inspiring collection of watercolor paintings that portray beautiful
North American landscapes (Ruder Finn Press, $24.95).
World-Systems Analysis by Immanuel Wallerstein
’51. An academic introduction to studying history and
development based on the structures of world systems. Wallerstein
gives a concise outline and description of his method while defining
its purpose and future in social sciences (Duke University Press,
$16.95).
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High Noon in
the Cold War: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and the Cuban Missile Crisis
by Max Frankel ’52 |
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High Noon in the Cold War: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and the
Cuban Missile Crisis by Max Frankel ’52.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author provides new insight into the
struggle that almost brought about a nuclear war. Frankel examines
the actions and policies of Kennedy and Khrushchev and corrects
the common misconceptions surrounding the issue (Ballantine Books,
$23.95).
Making Our Schools More Effective: What Matters and What
Works by Martin Patchen Ph.D. ’53. This
book focuses on making schools as effective as possible and examines
various aspects of curriculum, graduation rates and testing as well
as issues such as vouchers and the minority “achievement gap”
(Charles C. Thomas, $49.95).
The Cry of the Sirens by William Kronick
’55. The luck of a famous Hollywood film director runs
out as unfortunate circumstances leave him broke and alone. He finds
redemption when he is reunited with his oldest friend from college.
Now, his only struggle is trying to understand why he killed him
(Author House, $25).
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The Invention
of Painting in America by David Rosand ’59,
Meyer Schapiro Professor of Art History |
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The Invention of Painting in America by David
Rosand ’59, Meyer Schapiro Professor of Art History.
This study of early American painting shows how painters invented
ideas, styles and traditions. Citing examples by Copley, Homer and
Pollack, Rosand defines the “American” characteristics
of these paintings and their influence on contemporary art (Columbia
University Press, $29.50).
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Finding Ruth
by Paul Winick M.D. ’59 |
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Finding Ruth by Paul Winick M.D. ’59.
A young boy, plagued by guilt after his mother’s death, tries
to find forgiveness in the medical field. An encounter with a terminally
ill 11-year-old ignites his passion for pediatrics (Author House,
$14.95).
Sophokles: Philoktetes translated by Seth
L. Schein ’63. This modern translation of Sophocles’
tragedy offers a scholarly yet readable text that restores the original
Greek structure. The introduction, notes and interpretive essay
offer a comprehensive understanding of this classic (Focus Publishing,
$10.95).
Minutes of Coroners Proceedings: City and County of New
York, John Burnet, Coroner, 1748–1758 edited by Francis
J. Sypher Jr. ’63. A historical glimpse into recorded
coroners’ proceedings from the time when New York was a mercantilist
port city reveals a dangerous urban center where unnatural, and
often violent, deaths were common (New York Genealogical & Biographical
Society, $27.50).
Patents in the Knowledge-Based Economy edited
by Stephen A. Merril ’65 and Wesley M. Cohen.
An educational collection of works that describe the patent system
in terms of quality and litigation of patents. The compilation also
contains a section that focuses on software and biotechnology patents
(National Academic Press, $67.50).
Running Through Fire: How I Survived the Holocaust
by Zosia Goldberg as told to Hilton Obenzinger ’69,
with an introduction by Paul Auster ’69. Goldberg,
a Jew who lived in the Warsaw Ghetto, embarked on a dangerous escape
and found help from unlikely sources (Mercury House, $15.95).
a*hole by Hilton Obenzinger ’69.
This experimental novel delicately intertwines the lives of a female
film critic, a boy sinking into the earth, a crazy postal man, a
nostalgic father, a lucky archaeologist and a detective working
the most important case of his career (Soft Skull Press, $11.95).
Kuhn vs. Popper: the Struggle for the Soul of Science
by Steve Fuller ’79. Fuller explores the effects
of the infamous debate between Thomas Kuhn, who held that science
was just another human activity, and Karl Popper, who believed in
the legitimacy and impact of scientific discoveries, and how these
views play into ongoing discourse on the development of scientific
inquiry (Columbia University Press, $24.50).
The End of a Natural Monopoly: Deregulation and Competition
in the Electric Power Industry edited by Peter Z. Grossman
’70 and Daniel H. Cole. This collection of essays
discusses the impact of technology and deregulation on the traditionally
monopolistic practices of the electric power industry (Elsevier
Science, $95).
German Literary Culture at the Zero Hour by Stephen
Brockmann ’82. In analyzing the literary works of German
intellectuals following World War II, Brockman examines the conflicts
of a nation coping with defeat, destruction, political division
and war crimes (Camden House, $75).
Explicit Content by Black Artemis ’90.
This riveting debut novel — written by Sofia Quintero ’90
under a pseudonym — focuses on two women trying to reach stardom
in the hip-hop music industry. Friendship quickly turns to rivalry
as one is lured away by promises of solo stardom. As they struggle
to be first to release an album, it threatens not only their friendship,
but also one woman’s life (New American Library, $12.95).
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It’s Just
a Plant by Ricardo Cortes ’95 |
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It’s Just a Plant by Ricardo Cortes
’95. This educational, yet provocative, children’s
book about marijuana offers unbiased information, in a comprehensible
format, on the characteristics, dangers and benefits of marijuana
and is useful for parents or educators (Magic Propaganda Mill, $17.95).
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Real Country:
Music and Language in Working-Class Culture by Aaron
A. Fox, associate professor of music and director, Center
for Ethnomusicology |
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Real Country: Music and Language in Working-Class Culture
by Aaron A. Fox, associate professor of music and director,
Center for Ethnomusicology. Through a glimpse into a rural
working-class town in Texas, this book examines how country music
not only is entertainment for the community but also is a way of
life (Duke University Press, $22.95).
Changing the Subject: How the Women of Columbia Shaped
the Way We Think About Sex and Politics by Rosalind
Rosenberg, Ann Whitney Olin Professor of History at Barnard College.
Women began pressing for admittance to Columbia University following
the Civil War, resulting in the establishment of Barnard College
20 years later. In subsequent years, women have gained advanced
degrees and faculty positions. Rosenberg examines the local history
in the context of national feminist movements (Columbia University
Press, $29.50).
Laura Butchy ’04 SOA,
Peter Kang ’05, Carmen Jo Ponce ’08
Columbia College Today features
books by alumni and faculty as well as books about the College
and its people. For inclusion, please send review copies to:
Laura Butchy, Bookshelf Editor
Columbia College Today
475 Riverside Dr., Ste 917
New York, NY 10115-0998 |
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