In 2004; two great scientist-explorers attempted to find the bottom of the world. American Bill Stone took on the vast; deadly Cheve Cave in southern Mexico. Ukrainian Alexander Klimchouk targeted Krubera; a freezing nightmare of a supercave in the war-torn former Soviet republic of Georgia. Both men spent months almost two vertical miles deep; contending with thousand-foot drops; raging whitewater rivers; monstrous waterfalls; mile-long belly crawls; and the psychological horrors produced by weeks in absolute darkness; beyond all hope of rescue. Based on his unprecedented access to logs and journals as well as hours of personal interviews; James Tabor has crafted a thrilling exploration of man’s timeless urge to discover—and of two extraordinary men whose pursuit of greatness led them to the heights of triumph and the depths of tragedy. Blind Descent is an unforgettable addition to the classic literature of true-life adventure; and a testament to human survival and endurance.Includes a 16-pg black and white insert
#71676 in Books Richard Pipes 2003-08-05 2003-08-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .44 x 5.20l; .35 #File Name: 0812968646192 pagesCommunism A History
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Very good and brief synopsis of the global communist movementBy Alex ScriabinPipes does a good job pointing out the glaring inconsistencies within communist ideology in both practice and application. He maintains that it is a myth that communism was a good idea in the first place; maintaining that it is a utopian ideal that would never work without a subjugation of the masses and of individual liberties. His synopsis of the Russian Revolution is good; but he himself points out that many of his conclusions differ from Sheila Fitzpatrick; whose own The Russian Revolution provides a more nuanced but equally laconic approach to the subject. I am currently reading the Fitzpatrick; having finished Pipes'. I actually think they are both excellent works on the topic; and both have their merits. I do believe that Fitzpatrick's approach is more nuanced; but I do enjoy Pipes' hard-hitting and humorous style. He does not mince words. For those looking for a brief introduction to a complex subject; this book is a good place to start.The focus is on Russia; but he does explore other Marxist states: Cambodia; China; Cuba; and so forth. I enjoyed the introduction most of all; as he explores Plato; Christianity; Thomas More; and other early influences behind the communist ideal. A solid and readable overview of an important subject.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Overview of CommunismBy Ste RRichard Pipes' exploration of Communism offers invaluable insight into how it was applied; its shortcomings and flaws; how it led to catastrophe. An excellent book for anyone interested in learning more about Communism; as well as its consequences.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent overview of the history and essence of CommunismBy Jim BrockExcellent overview of the history and essence of Communism. Not an in-depth study; but it does not pretend to be. An updated version would be nice; if someone could step into Pipes' shoes
