Locke, John

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Locke: A Biography
Roger Woolhouse
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0521817862

Book Description

This is the first comprehensive biography in half a century of John Locke - “a man of versatile mind, fitted for whatever you shall undertake”, as one of his many good friends very aptly described him. Against an exciting historical background of the English Civil War, religious intolerance and bigotry, anti-Government struggles and plots, and the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Roger Woolhouse interweaves the events of Locke's rather varied life with detailed expositions of his developing ideas in medicine, theory of knowledge, philosophy of science, political philosophy, philosophy of religion, and economics. Chronologically systematic in its coverage, this volume offers an account and explanation of Locke's ideas and their reception, while entering at large into the details of his private life of intimate friendships and warm companionship, and of the increasingly visible public life into which, despite himself, he was drawn - Oxford tutor, associate of Shaftesbury, dutiful civil servant. Based on broad research and many years' study of Locke's philosophy, this will be the authoritative biography for years to come of this truly versatile man whose long-standing desire was for quiet residence in his Oxford college engaged in the study and practise of medicine and natural philosophy, yet who, after years in political exile, finally became an over-worked but influential public servant and who is seen now as one of the most significant early modern philosophers. Roger Woolhouse is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of York. He is the author of many journal articles and books on early modern philosophy, including The Empiricists, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, and, with R.Francks, Leibniz's “New System”.

Locke: Political Essays (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought)

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Locke: Political Essays (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought)
John Locke
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Two Treatises of Government
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The Political Thought of John Locke: An Historical Account of the Argument of the 'Two Treatises of Government'

ASIN: 0521478618

Book Description

This book brings together a comprehensive collection of the writings of one of the greatest philosophers in the Western tradition. Along with five of John Locke's major essays, seventy shorter essays are included that stand outside the canonical works that Locke published during his lifetime. For the first time students will be able to fully explore the evolution of Locke's ideas concerning the philosophical foundations of morality and sociability, the boundary of church and state, the shaping of constitutions, and the conduct of government and public policy.

Logic: The Right Use of Reason in the Inquiry After Truth

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Based on The Truth
Logic--a primer on sound reasoning
The mystery of ideas

Logic: The Right Use of Reason in the Inquiry After Truth
Isaac Watts
Manufacturer: Soli Deo Gloria Ministries
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1573580554

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Based on The Truth.......2002-07-02

While is true that you can't make someone believe, even in the face of insurmountable evidence, when they have already firmly chosen not to believe, in spite of the evidence, it is a sad day when someone, (for previously formed opinions?) bashes a book based on bad evidence. The reviewer who wrote "Based on 18th century axioms, since proven false" is himself making a false statement. His claim that the Bible (did he even read it?) is not infallible because it was written by liars might be a good argument had his second premise ("we can conclusively deduce that liars wrote the Bible") been true. But it is not. The Bible does not claim to be written by men, it claims to be written by men under the inspiration of God (the Holy Spirit - second person of the Trinity). There is a big difference. (Maybe not if don't believe in - or at least acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit.) But even if you don't believe in the Holy Spirit, the Bible still does not claim to be authored by men alone, as the reviewer claims. Although I do agree with his first premise ("all men tell lies") his arguement still does not show that all men lie all the time, therefore it would not follow that the men who wrote the Bible were necessarily lying at the time they were writing the Bible. Also, if we took his premise that the Bible is written by liars because all men are liars, does it not follow that we could not believe what he has written (or the authors he recommends) because they to would be liars. How then could we ever believe anything anybody ever says?
Would it not be better (and more honest) to simply say "I do not like this book because I do not believe in God"?
The reviewer has not given us any reason to reject Mr. Watts premise that the Bible "ought to be our final rule". Therefore, Mr. Watt's premise still stands. And after 2000 years of people trying to make Jesus out to be a liar, no one, ever, has been able to. Jesus claimed to be God (the book of John). The only logical conclusion is that He is. Believe it or not.

Logic--a primer on sound reasoning.......2001-11-16

Isaac Watts' Logic and his companion volume The Improvement of the Mind are among the most extraordinary books I've ever read. The way in which Dr. Watts systematically approaches the subject of reasoning and search for the truth in common or theological matters is unique and very thought provoking. This is a book that ought to be read by many more people.

The mystery of ideas.......2001-02-27

This is probably not the book to read if one is looking for an introduction to the elementary principles of logic. Not because it is lacking in substance, but rather, the 18th century syntax will probably be too difficult for the less serious reader. But, for that reader who is willing and able to find a quiet cozy spot and finds meditating on ideas for hours on end pure bliss, this book will not disappoint. It is more than merely an elementary textbook on the rules of argumenation. The first 150 pages consist of Watts laying forth a theory of metaphysics which accounts for the nature of ideas, their objects, and the role of the senses in the collection and cultivation of knowledge. I found the book to be fascinating, precisely because Watts is such a careful and deep thinker. Regardless of whether one agrees with his metaphysical presentations of the nature of ideas, one cannot help but recognize that he was truly a gifted and brilliant thinker. Though he was mistaken on a number of theological and philosophical formulations, nevertheless, he stands (to me) as a wonderful example of one who knew of the aesthetic joy of thinking as a hobby and a habit. Buy this, find a cozy and quiet spot in a neighborhood pub or coffeeshop, and endulge yourself with this sweet little book.

The Cambridge Companion to Locke's 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding' (Cambridge Companions to Philosophy)

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The Cambridge Companion to Locke's 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding' (Cambridge Companions to Philosophy)

Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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ASIN: 0521542251

Book Description

First published in 1689, John Locke’s Essay Concerning Human Understanding is widely recognised as among the greatest works in the history of Western philosophy. The Essay puts forward a systematic empiricist theory of mind, detailing how all ideas and knowledge arise from sense experience. Locke was trained in mechanical philosophy and he crafted his account to be consistent with the best natural science of his day. The Essay was highly influential and its rendering of empiricism would become the standard for subsequent theorists. This Companion volume includes fifteen new essays from leading scholars. Covering the major themes of Locke’s work, they explain his views while situating the ideas in the historical context of Locke’s day and often clarifying their relationship to ongoing work in philosophy. Pitched to advanced undergraduates and graduate students, it is ideal for use in courses on early modern philosophy, British empiricism and John Locke.

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Most Representative Thinker in Anglo-American Tradition
The Right to Revolution and Natural Rights Philosopher
John Locke's classic in handy format +plus bonus essay
American Revolution would have been impossible without it!
A Political Theroy Classic!!!

Second Treatise of Government
John Locke
Manufacturer: Hackett Publishing Company
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ASIN: 0915144867

Book Description

This essential volume features John Locke's hand-corrected text with an outstanding introduction to Locke's life and role in intellectual history, his principal works, and their purpose. Written by the editor, Richard Cox, the introduction also outlines the course of both treatises of government and analyzes the problems of interpretation. Also included are a list of the principal dates in the life of John Locke as well as a selected bibliography.

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Most Representative Thinker in Anglo-American Tradition.......2006-08-24

John Locke (1632-1704) wrote "Second Treatise of Government" in 1690, it was the main political philosophical source that our "Founding Fathers" went to in writing the "Declaration of Independence" and in forming our government. I think you should know something of Locke to understand what influenced his thinking. His father was a small landowner, attorney, Puritan and his political sympathies were with the Cromwell Parliament. Like Hobbes, Locke attended Oxford Univ. and did not think much about the curriculum or his professors. Most of his education came from reading books in the Univ. library. Renee Descartes and Sir Isaac Newton's writings greatly influenced Locke. Like Hobbes, he took a tutoring job teaching the son of the 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, and traveled Europe. His friendship with the Earl was beneficial in obtaining government appointments. During the political unrest in England, (1679-83) he fled to Holland because his liberal notions put him at odds with the government.

Locke writes the "Second Treatise of Government" to justify the Revolt of 1688 and the ascension of William of Orange to the English throne. The book argues against two lines of absolutist ideas. The first is Sir Robert Filmer's "patriarchal theory of divine right of kings; secondly, Hobbes argument for the sovereign's absolute power in his book "Leviathan." Locke argues that government emanates from the people. Locke's treatise rests like other political writings on its interpretation of human nature. He sees our nature opposite the way Hobbes did, decent and not as selfish or competitive. Man is more inclined to join society through reason and not fear. Man prefers stability to change.

His very important contribution to "law of nature" theory was his bias toward individualism. In state of nature, before government, men were free independent, equal enjoying inalienable rights "chief among them being life, liberty, and property." Where have you read that before? Property rights receive much attention in this treatise. Locke argues that government based on consent of man can still preserve freedom independence and equality.

His political writing had immediate influence in the world and influenced our founding fathers in their struggle against tyranny. He is an excellent writer and his theories are easy to understand by the laymen. As a graduate student of political philosophy, I recommend if you have an interest in politics, philosophy, or government then you must read Locke's "Second Treatise of Government"

The Right to Revolution and Natural Rights Philosopher.......2005-02-19

John Locke's Second Treatise on Government is the Natural Rights philosophy's greatest essay. Locke, an English freethinker, wrote both his Frist and Second Treatise on Government to refute the patriarchial and absolutist writings of Sir Robert Filmer. Locke clearly believes man is imbued with the natural right to life, liberty, and property. He believes men have a right to live free from tyrannical government.

Locke shows how when a government degenerates into tyranny the "people" have a right to revolt and throw off such government. Sound familar? Jefferson wrote these words into the Declaration of Independence. Locke believes that liberty is a man's right by his very nature of being human. He points out how that men come together to form a government, based upon a social contract, and that the rulers or government must abide by that contract or man returns to his natural state. In the natural state men are not bound to the current ruler but may institute new government for their security and protection.

Although he believed that government should not be changed lightly or on a whim, and believed that the ruler must violate the contract and usurp power, he nevertheless pointed out that government is of men, not God or gods. He repudiated the doctrine propagated by Filmer, that rulers are appointed to rule by God, ie: the Divine Right of Kings.

This "wee little book" as Jefferson put it, has had a tremendous influence on the Western world. Locke, a child of the English Enlightenment has caused conservatives and other tyrants, socialists and communists to shudder at the right to throw off tyrannical government. A truly great read.

John Locke's classic in handy format +plus bonus essay.......2003-10-14

In his book, Second Treatise of Government, John Locke (1632 - 1704) writes that all humans are born equal with the same ability to reason for themselves, and because of this, government should have limitations to ensure that people are free from the arbitrary will of another person, according to the laws of nature. Government, in Locke's view, is a social contract between the people in control, and the people who submit to it.

The editor of this edition, C. B. Macpherson, gives a little background and overview in his introduction to this book. He writes that the book "was directed against the principles of Sir Robert Filmer, whose books, asserting the divine authority of kings and denying any right of resistance, were thought by Locke and his fellow Whigs to be too influential among the gentry to be left unchallenged by those who held that resistance to an arbitrary monarch might be justified." (p. viii)
Locke's book served as a philosophical justification for revolting against tyrannical monarchies in the Glorious Revolution and the American Revolution. His book was practically quoted in the Declaration of Independence.

Locke lays out his basis for government on the foundation that people are able to reason. Because of this, people have inherent freedoms or natural rights. Though he believed in reason, Locke was an empiricist, meaning he believed that all knowledge of the world comes from what our senses tell us. The mind starts as a "tabula rasa", latin for an empty slate. As soon as we are born, we immediately begin learning ideas. Thus, all the material for our knowledge of the world comes to us through sensations. Nevertheless, Locke had an unshakable faith in human reason. He believed that people do learn what is right and wrong, regardless of what they choose to do. Locke believed that faith in God, certain moral norms and understanding consequences were inherent in human reason. So, even though people acquire everything they know about the world through the senses, they are able to think for themselves and reason at a higher level about what they learn.

Locke presumed that there are universally recognized principles and that the consequences are practically scientific. He was greatly influenced by Isaac Newton (1647-1727) who wrote The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. Locke took the ideas that there were "natural laws" in science and tried to extend that to society.

Natural laws, or rights, in Locke's view, are obvious and learned through human reasoning, and apply to everyone. They are also called "self-evident," which appears in The Declaration of Independence. All humans are created equal, and Locke bases this idea on the golden rule, that people are to do to others as they would have others do to them. Natural equality is the basis of the first and most important "natural law" which is to care for one another. (p. 9) Locke believes that with or without government, there were universal natural rights.

Without government, people are unprotected from harm by other people. Where there is no government, people are free to do as they please, even to harm others. In this state, natural laws still apply, such as the right of people to protect themselves and seek reparation for injuries done to them. However, people are naturally inconsistent in executing punishments, because they have a propensity to act out of hate or revenge. Therefore, laws are necessary in a civil society to fairly arbitrate justice. The purpose of creating a civil society is to avoid major conflicts and keep peace.
Thus, civil government is a "contract" between people to regulate their affairs fairly. According to Locke's theories, people enter into a social contract by forming governments that will preserve order.

Locke describes a civil government as being democratic with some checks to ensure that it does not overstep its boundaries, and having both legislative and executive powers. A civil government is democratic or representative, meaning laws are created by the consent of the people through the voice of a majority vote. The legislature should represent the people equally based on population. (Salus populi suprema lex) All people are subject to the law, including the rulers-no one is above the law. Even the legislature needs "standing rules" to keep it from over-stepping its boundaries. Locke advocated the principle of division of powers. Because the legislature only meets at appointed times to create or revise laws, there needs to be an executive power that is constantly enforcing the laws. So Locke describes a division of the legislative and executive powers.

In contrast to what was being claimed by the rulers of the time, Locke taught that the purpose of government is to serve and benefit the people and that it should be controlled by the people for which the government was made. His claim that people have the right to rebel against government was controversial. Second Treatise of Government served as a foundation for future political philosophies.

American Revolution would have been impossible without it!.......2001-12-19

It is difficult to write a review of the Second Treatise of Government in that it is a book whose central ideas so permeate both British and American thought that no review can do it justice.

Any student of American history, particularly of the revolution and the formation of the Constitution, out of necessity should read this book. It is a book that the revolutionaries themselves were well acquainted with, and formed the rational basis for justifying both the Revolution and the establishment of the Constitution.

Locke is, also, suprisingly easy to read, even today. Cogent, well-formed arguments inform every page of this masterwork. This is a fascinating book that shaped history itself.

A Political Theroy Classic!!!.......1999-09-19

Locke has come up with a blockbuster here. This book is a sure best seller. The gripping narrative makes it a must have for anyone who is involved in any political society. Also, a great read for those of you living in a state of nature.

An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (Great Books in Philosophy)

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A thought-provoking book
One of the major works in Western Philosophy
Not unless you need it...
Only to Be Used in Scholarly Research
Worth Re-Cognising

An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (Great Books in Philosophy)
John Locke
Manufacturer: Prometheus Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0879759178

Book Description

Locke's Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690) withstood an onslaught by traditional theologians, for rejecting orthodox theology and the concept of innate ideas: as he suggested that God could make matter think. The Essay quickly became one of the most influential books of the eighteenth century, and its contributions to the philosophy of space and time, matter and power were quickly hailed as formative contributions to the philosophy.

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A thought-provoking book.......2005-04-03

Another book I read while getting my BA in Philosophy at UCLA. The most interesting thing about this work of Locke's is that we also have Leibnitz's New Essays, which discusses it point by point. As far as I know this is a unique situation among the extant works of the classic thinkers.

One of the major works in Western Philosophy.......2005-01-20

It has been many years since I pondered and repondered over this volume. Locke is an important figure in the history of Western Philosophy. He is really the founding figure of the great empirical tradition which would go through Hume all the way up to the various analytical philosophies of the twentieth century.
He is also a major political thinker whose importance for the great founders of America cannot be overestimated.
Locke talks about the mind as tabula rasa as a blank slate which experience writes upon, and reflection compounds into ' complex ideas' The simple ideas come through experience. This total rejection of inherent ideas, and inherent structures of the mind is something which a lot of modern linguistic theory rejects.
As to the way we apprehend experience immediately I think here too Locke is in some way contradicted by modern psychological theory which would speak in some sense about our structuring that experience through our own participation in perception. In other words Locke's model of perception is I believe a far too ' passive one'. I cannot however judge, as I do not know enough about the subject whether or not Lockean categories in these areas of perception, reflection and in general description of the way we experience and know the world have any force today.
Locke's political thinking is incorporated in the Declaration of Independence with its formulation of rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As strong opponent of tyrannical authority in the political world Locke's thinking made a real impact on the world. He is one of those thinkers at the foundation of modern democratic thought.
The book is not easy reading. I can remember going back over it again and again to try and understand the difference between primary and secondary qualities- I can remember trying to understand how much of what Locke says has validity and is ' really the truth'.
Parenthetically I think of how as a young person knowing the truth finding the truth was such a supreme value for me. And how I thus felt it so important to know whether Locke was ' right' or not. Time and experience perhaps have made me worse. And I see this work as yet one more effort to interpret and understand Reality . This is as if to say I at this age anyway seem to accept the idea that I myself will not know and find the truth in regard to everything, including the philosophy of Locke.
Again. This is one of the major works of Western philosophy and it should be read and studied by one who cares to know the Western philosophical tradition.

Not unless you need it..........2004-01-01

For the most part, this book is unreadable and uninspiring. The abridged editions are not much better. It was highly influential in its time, so it's standard reading for history-of-philosophy courses. This is one of several excellent reasons why you shouldn't take history of philosophy courses.

For the voluntary reader, the fact that Locke was highly influential also means that his ideas have been developed into something clearer and more interesting by the intervening generations. Read Hume or a 20th-cent. empiricist instead.

Only to Be Used in Scholarly Research.......2003-12-29

The Nidditch edition of Locke's Essay is commonly considered the authoritative version of the text. This in mind, the Nidditch text is to be avoided for the beginner to Locke. This is not due to any oversights or editorial intrusion that corrupts the work. Considering Nidditch restored the text and avoided the common editorial tendency to use paragraph introductions for each section (which Locke did not), atop of not having to contend with translation liberties, it stands as the only scholarly edition of the work. However, because it is restored to its original state, one must remember that capitalization for any and all (deemed) pertinent terms or phrases was a common practice during Locke's time. As such, readers in the 21st century typically associate a capitalized letter (unless it is a proper name or title) with a new sentence, thus a new thought. Having to continuously reorganize one's thoughts to conform to Locke's now archaic prose style (which occurs anywhere from one to six or more times in a typical sentence) distracts from the overall content of the work. As such, the reader may be well advised to obtain another critical edition of the work and use the Nidditch text as a reference tool.

Worth Re-Cognising.......2003-04-05

Any search for this text will result in a plethora of commentaries upon it, whilst it itself seems almost doomed to take second place. The importance of this work to philosophy cannot be underestimated; Descartes is held in common perception to be the figure who changed the course of philosophy. Whilst it is true he may have dipped his toes in uncharted waters, Locke was the first to plunge in. Here we find human understanding stripped to its first principles and from there rebuilt in such a fashion as to purge the presumptions of our age. Locke recommends modesty to the philosopher and thinker throughout and in our current times this message might need restated. In a world, which owes so much to the United States Constitution, it would be appropriate for us all to see what it owed its own origins to and be recalled to values of liberty, modesty and reason in a way which does not rush headlong into a catastrophe of pride.

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talent borrows, genius steals
Fake casts do more than get you out of work.
Interesting Read
Great Story that is very Graphic and Realistic
four words

A History of Violence
John Wagner , and Vince Locke
Manufacturer: Vertigo
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ASIN: 1563893673

Product Description

Different cover but same book/isbn.

Customer Reviews:

talent borrows, genius steals.......2006-09-26

The other night I was listening to old time radio and an episode of Suspense came on called "Night on Red Mountain". Listening to the episode I came to know that the author(s) of this graphic novel/film borrowed HEAVILY from this episode. You can listen to it yourself to find out. It's too funny really.

I found you out John Wagner!

Fake casts do more than get you out of work........2006-09-14

When I watched A History of Violence earlier this way, I was impressed. It took the "American Dream" family, and threw them into a terrible situation, yet wasn't entirely predictable. Unfortunately, it suffered from a bit of lack of interest, for lack of better term, about 2/3 through, and kind of lost itself. Regardless, I loved the movie, and made sure to check out the source material it was based on. Imagine my surprise when I read even 1/4 of the book and discovered that the movie took out TONS of things. Finishing the book, I've come to the conclusion that when placed next to it, the movie pretty much pales in comparison. But I'm not one of those people that freaks out and claims that one has to be better than the other- they're both good in their own right, offering things the other doesn't. Though I do admit, the book kept me interested 100% through, from beginning to end. A History of Violence is an extraordinary title, and as the intro by the author explains, is better than any fantasy epic could be if only for the fact that this sort of thing happens every day in real life. Unassuming normal, everyday people get tossed into terrible scenarios, and it's not pretty. That's scarier than some bald guy in purple and green trying to take over the world any day. Imagine getting death threats via someone next to you while you're taking a break at lunch getting shot right through the head, then a call later saying that it was just a warning, and they're watching your every move. What would you do? This book does just that, and then some.

Tom McKenna is your average Joe, living in a small town where everyone knows everyone else on a first name basis. He runs a small diner, and gets along with everyone quite well. It's a dream city if you ask me- never any trouble, everyone goes about their own business, has manners, etc. But one night, just as he's about to close up the shop, two men come in demanding coffee, despite being told that they're about to close. One of the people leaving the diner automatically knows that these two men are dangerous, and calls for the police. She was right- the two men just killed two people earlier that day, and have planned on a stickup for some quick cash. What better location than a town in the middle of nowhere? Unfortunately, for them at least, Tom knows how to handle the situation. Being held at gunpoint, he gives them their coffee alright- splashing some in one guy's face, then breaking the coffee pot over another's. He reverses the gun on one man and blasts him several times, shooting him right through the glass door. Who knew he had it in him? Certainly not the townsfolk, much less his family. News about the situation gets out, though Tom lays low and insists everyone go back to their daily lives. It's almost like he knew something bad would come of it, as soon after he's shown on tv, some very serious, shady characters begin to follow him around town in a black car. One of them says that he knows Tom, but calls him Joey. The man is clearly dangerous- missing an eye and covered in scars, and gives Tom a scare once he walks through the door. Yep, they know each other, especially since the man has Tom's finger that he claims was lopped off in a boating accident. From here on, it's Tom's word against theirs, as he tries to keep his family safe. But they're not safe- they're being followed around as well, and things go downhill from there. Even after the situation is seemingly taken care of, Tom still has to explain his past- who he really is and what it is that he did to make these people come after him...and come face-to-face with the root of the issue, involving someone who he thought was long dead.

A History of Violence is divided into three chapters- Tom dealing with the thugs, explaining his background, and the resolution of him dealing with the problem head-on. And each chapter keeps you excited, never wanting to put the book down. I made the mistake of bringing the book to work, reading it on my breaks, and often found myself taking somewhat extended ones all too often, and even a few extra ones. The book is that good. There's never a dull moment, the pacing moves fast yet steady, and there's always some new twist to spark your interest just in case you might have gotten tired. I actually recommend watching the movie first just so you don't get disappointed seeing it with the full book in your memory, and seeing that most of it is left out. Everything here blends together so well, it's hard to compare it to any other Stateside graphic novels. Some have claimed that the book is incredibly graphic in terms of violence, but I strongly disagree. Compared to a series like Sin City or Berserk, AHoV is nothing. Presented in black and white, most of the blood is done in a nice spotted ink look, which blends in with most of the scenery and characters. There are also a lot of cutaways from those especially violent moments, such as when a thug gets his hand removed via an elevator. Just as he realizes that it's about to be taken off, we go from a face shot of him screaming in agony, then immediately to another location. It would've been rather boring for them to stay on it for so long, wouldn't it? When people are shot, which happens frequently, they just get shot, and it's done. No multiple panels showing the wound or guts flying everywhere. Once it's done, it's done, like an old western movie. But, there was one panel, that took up an entire page actually, that literally had me say, "oh my god" when I saw it. It was something I didn't expect, and I sure won't spoil it here. When you think of someone being tortured, I'm sure you expect just a bunch of cuts, bruises, and maybe some broken bones. Trust me when I say that the torture results here are by far the most extreme I've ever seen. Also worth mentioning is how Tom and one of his buddies take care of a mob boss, literally wiping the smile off his face, ten fold.

If I had any complaints, and it really caused me to reconsider giving this a 5 star overall rating, it's the art style. It's not that it's BAD by any means, just...well, it looks like story boards done by a high school art student. Literally, the characters and scenery are all sketchy, and it's hard to tell some characters apart most of the time unless they're wearing distinctly different outfits. During Tom's flashback, I really couldn't tell the difference between him and Richie during close-up shots. In the book's introduction, the writer explains that the book was a bit rushed, done without any real thought aside from some quick inspiration. Not to insult his vision, but it shows through the art. But, at the same time, had anyone else done it, I don't know if it would've turned out as good, like what I just mentioned about the quick cuts from gun shots and everything. I don't know, it'd be interesting to see AHoV redone with a different artist, keeping each panel the same regarding content. Everything else though, such as the text, is easily readable and I have no other gripes...aside from the book ending. I really want to see more of these characters. They're all so real, especially the mob guys. The way they talk is somewhat typical, yet they're a blast to read.

AHoV is definitely worth your time and money, especially with how cheap it is now. It's a prime example of how comics aren't "just for kids" like some would have you believe. Again though, if you have any intention of watching the movie, watch it before reading so you won't end up hating it for everything it's worth. I can't wait to read this again, which I plan on doing multiple times.

Interesting Read.......2006-09-10

After watching the film and being disappointed in it I decided to check out the book. To my surprise the book is much much better. The movie just felt like the producers tried to throw shocking graphics in, such as all the sex scenes, and there was many holes to the story. The graphic novel goes into more detail of all the events including how things got to where they are currently. The movie never tells the past of Tom or what exactly he did so we have to assume. The book is just as graphic as the movie, if not more Graphic, at least as graphic as a Graphic Novel can get. The images are very sketchy and in black and white. It is a quick read but if you dislike Comic Book style of writing or violence this book obviously is not for you.

Great Story that is very Graphic and Realistic.......2006-06-02

A History of Violence is Graphic and Realistic. The suspense and story build and there are many surprises. It is enjoyable to watch a relatively average individual react to an extra ordinary set of circumstances.

The Graphic Novel and Movie are different enough that each should be experienced. I thoroughly enjoyed both.

four words.......2006-04-24

It's a comic book.

This book was very disappointing. I had watched the movie and thought that I could get more insight by reading the book...I think that I was done in 10 minutes reading... Terrible to even market this as a book.

John Locke and the Ethics of Belief (Cambridge Studies in Religion and Critical Thought)

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John Locke and the Ethics of Belief (Cambridge Studies in Religion and Critical Thought)
Nicholas Wolterstorff
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Epistemology | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 052155909X

Book Description

In this important study Nicholas Wolterstorff interprets and discusses the ethics of belief which Locke developed in the latter part of Book IV of his "Essay Concerning Human Understanding." After lengthy discussion on the origin of ideas, the nature of language, and the nature of knowledge, Locke got around to arguing what he indicated in the opening Epistle to the Reader to be his overarching aim: how we ought to govern our belief, especially (though by no means only) on matters of religion and morality. Professor Wolterstorff shows that what above all placed this topic on Locke's agenda was the collapse, in his day, of a once-unified moral and religious tradition in Europe into warring factions. Locke's epistemology was thus a culturally and socially engaged one; it was his response to the cultural crisis of his day. Convinced also that of genuine knowledge we human beings have very little, Locke argued that instead of following tradition we ought to turn "to the things themselves" and let "Reason be your guide." This view of Locke, in which centrality is given to the last book of the "Essay," invites an interpretation of the origins of modern philosophy different from most of the current ones. Accordingly, after discussing Hume's powerful attack on Locke's recommended practice, Wolterstorff argues for Locke's originality and discusses his contribution to the modernity of post-sixteenth-century philosophy.

John Locke, Toleration and Early Enlightenment Culture (Cambridge Studies in Early Modern British History)

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John Locke, Toleration and Early Enlightenment Culture (Cambridge Studies in Early Modern British History)
John Marshall
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 052165114X

Book Description

John Marshall offers an extensive study of late seventeenth-century practices of religious intolerance and toleration in England, Ireland, France, Piedmont and the Netherlands and of the arguments which John Locke and his associates made in defence of 'universal religious toleration'. He analyzes early modern and early Enlightenment discussions of toleration; debates over toleration for Jews and Muslims as well as for Christians; the limits of toleration for the intolerant, atheists, 'libertines' and 'sodomites'; and the complex relationships between intolerance and resistance theories including Locke's own Treatises.

The Selected Political Writings of John Locke (Norton Critical Editions)

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He defines what it means to be civilized!

The Selected Political Writings of John Locke (Norton Critical Editions)
Paul E. Sigmund , and Paul Sigmund
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0393964515

Book Description

No other series of classic texts achieves the editorial standard of the Norton Critical Editions. Each volume combines the most authoritative text available with contextual and critical materials that bring the work to life for students. Careful editing, first-rate translation, thorough explanatory annotations, chronologies, and selected bibliographies make each text accessible to students while encouraging in-depth study. Each volume in the series is printed on acid-free paper, and every text remains in print. Norton Critical Editions are the choice of excellence for scholarship for students at more than 2,500 colleges and universities worldwide.

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He defines what it means to be civilized!.......2006-04-25

John Locke has more influence on Western political culture than just providing Jefferson with his ideas and words for the Declaration of independence. Through his writings, particularly through his Second Treatise and Social Contract, he defines what it means to be civilized.

Combatants and non-combatants, criminals and soldiers, he presents a clarity that is missing in today's political world. If only our political leaders, and members of the press would read Locke . . there would be less ambiguity on who is and who is not deserving of our attention. As an example, non-combatants have never given their permission to be a potential target, and anyone not respecting this fact is a criminal. Period.

Some of his writings may no longer be relevant, such as his arguments against divine rights of kings, and he may be too idealistic in his expectations that people will only take what they need, but he was writing over 300 years ago, within a political climate quite different than at the present time, and at least some of his remarks should be placed in this perspective.

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