The "Short Oxford History of Italy" series, in seven volumes, offers a complete History of Italy from the early Middle Ages to the present and, in each period, presents the most recent historical perspectives on Italian history. This means setting Italian history in the broader context of European history as a whole. It also means questioning accepted interpretations of Italian history in each of these periods and, in particular, the idea that Italy's history has been significantly different from that of the rest of Europe. Each volume emphasizes how developments in Italy in each period are best understood as variants on broader European patterns of political, economic social and cultural change This volume sets in context the tremendous changes that Italy has undergone since 1945. In place of the land of pizza, sunshine, and soccer, McCarthy describes a developing nation: an economy that has found its own road to success via the piccole imprese with an increasingly strong stockmarket and more sophisticated banking; a dynamic, traditional, family centred society; and a political system struggling to modernize after 40 years of Christian Democrat rule and Communist opposition. McCa

International economic integration is perceived as one of the paramount forces shaping the modern world. Many organizations, both public and private, are trying to combine economic activities across international borders. The European Union and the North American Free Trade Area are two examples of government-managed international economic integration. Private organizations include various criminal groups as well as international churches.
International economic integration is not a recent phenomenon; its roots can be traced back to the Roman Empire. "International Economic Integration in Historical Perspective" departs from the conventional short-term analysis and takes a long-term view of the process, offering perspectives that are both detailed and diverse. Dennis M. P. McCarthy examines seven types of organizations that exemplify international economic integration, such as colonial empires, merchant associations, religious empires, criminal empires, free trade areas, customs unions and common markets. Representative examples of each type are analyzed in a comparative framework. An introduction defines key terms and concepts; a retrospective summarizes the main insights that emerge from the book. Endnotes and a detailed bibliography offer readers ways to pursue topics further.
This timely and unique book demonstrates that international economic integration is an economic and political process that also involves political economy." International Economic Integration in Historical Perspective "will prove indispensable to students and general readers who wish to gain a firm understanding of international economics and the processes that shape the world today.

Although better known today for such classic and influential science fiction novels as Last and First Men, Odd John, Star Maker and Sirius, Olaf Stapledon also wrote eight other science fiction books, seven volumes of philosophy and social criticism, and hundreds of reviews, lectures, and articles. Common to all his works is a moral vision that is characterized by ecstatic joy and revolutionary zeal, though tempered by detachment and skepticism. This is the first book collection of original essays devoted entirely to Stapledon. Where previous critical interpretation has concentrated on individual works by the author, these essays deal with larger issues in Stapledon's writings and with his relationship to such forces as Marxism and literary modernism. The articles develop new avenues for the exploration of Stapledon's work, focusing on philosophical, linguistic, political, and structural elements, and showing how Stapledon's non-fictional writing may illuminate aspects of the fiction. In addition, the book includes Stapledon's hitherto unpublished manuscript Letters to the Future as well as a primary and secondary bibliography. An important contribution to the study of science fiction and fantasy, The Legacy of Olaf Stapledon will be of interest to scholars and students of Stapledon and of the genre.

In 1981, in uneasy alliance with the Communists and amidst a storm of revolutionary rhetoric, the French Socialist party came to power for the first time since the founding of the Fifth Republic. The only full-length study of the subject yet written, this book looks at the realities beyond the rhetoric--how the Left came to power, what the Socialists achieved in the way of social change, where they failed to diverge from policies associated with the Right, and what lasting impact their brief tenure is likely to have on French and European politics.

The end of Italy's Communist Party and the decline of the Christian Democrats reflect profound changes taking place within Italy and in Europe as a whole. In this volume American and Italian scholars challenge the prevailing wisdom that Italy's politics will never change.

Genuine karate is an Okinawan martial art for self-defense; its ongoing globalization has jeopardized its inherent effectiveness. “The changes made to karate in mainland Japan and in America have altered karate so intrinsically that it can no longer claim to be genuine karate.” Dr. Hermann Bayer, Ph.D., examines how Japan re-interpreted Okinawan karate to create its own unique style of karate-do, and how Japanese and American changes resulted in a modern karate-sport business. Practitioners of karate are often confused, misguided, and even led to believe that karate is just karate—this is far from the truth. Practitioners need a clear understanding of what their training can offer them. This can only be achieved by understanding karate's true purpose and by discerning misconceptions from facts. Contents include Okinawan karate’s “principle of never changing kata”. Karate as an Okinawan cultural heritage. Socio-cultural arguments to preserve Okinawa karate—as is. Japan—the karate reproducing country. Karate or Karate-do? The business of karate, karate-do, and karate-sport. Scientific proof of a peaceful karate mind. The laws of physics reveal weaknesses when kata are changed. This substantially researched work makes a compelling case for the socio-cultural and historic arguments to conserve genuine Okinawan karate. Supported by historical facts, scientific analysis, and public records, Dr. Bayer reveals, for all to see, the complex evolution of karate and the unsettled claims made upon it by the various stake-holders.

The end of Italy's Communist Party and the decline of the Christian Democrats reflect profound changes taking place within Italy and in Europe as a whole. In this volume American and Italian scholars challenge the prevailing wisdom that Italy's politics will never change.

International economic integration is not a recent phenomenon; its roots can be traced back to the Roman Empire. This informative volume departs from the conventional short-term analysis and takes a long-term view of the process, offering perspectives that are both detailed and diverse. Author Dennis McCarthy examines seven types of organizations that exemplify international economic integration (colonial empires, merchant associations, religious empires, criminal empires, free trade areas, customs unions and common markets), and representative examples of each type are analyzed in a comparative framework. Timely and unique, this book demonstrates that international economic integration is an economic and political process that also involves political economy. With an introduction defining key terms and concepts; a retrospective summarizing the main insights, and endnotes and a detailed bibliography offering readers ways to pursue these topics further, McCarthy's book will prove indispensable to students and general readers who wish to gain a firm understanding of international economics and the processes that shape the world today.

Treasured for centuries by karate's top masters, the Bubishi is a classic Chinese work on philosophy, strategy, medicine, and technique as they relate to the martial arts. Referred to as the "bible of karate" by famous master Chojun Miyagi, for hundreds of years the Bubishi was a secret text passed from master to student in China and later in Okinawa. All of karate's legendary masters have studied it, applied its teachings, or copied passages from it. No other classic work has had as dramatic an impact on the shaping and development of karate as the Bubishi. Karate historian and authority Patrick McCarthy spent over ten years researching and studying the Bubishi and the arts associated with it. The first English translation of this remarkable martial arts manual includes numerous explanations and notes. McCarthy's work also includes groundbreaking research on Okinawan and Chinese history, as well as the fighting and healing traditions that developed in those countries, making it a goldmine for researchers and practitioners alike. For the final word on the true origins and spirit of classic Okinawan martial arts, one need look no further. This karate book is one of the best karate training supplements available. This new paperback edition includes additional commentary from the translator, as well as a new foreword.

Reckoning with History brings together original essays from a diverse group of historians who consider how writing about the past can engage with the urgent issues of the present. The contributors-all former students of the distinguished Columbia University historian Eric Foner-explore the uses and politics of history through key episodes across a wide range of struggles for freedom. They shed new light on how different groups have defined and fought for freedom throughout American history, as well as the ways in which the ideal of freedom remains unrealized today. Covering a broad range of topics, these essays offer insight into how historians practice their craft in different ways and illuminate what it means to be a socially and politically engaged historian.

Reckoning with History brings together original essays from a diverse group of historians who consider how writing about the past can engage with the urgent issues of the present. The contributors-all former students of the distinguished Columbia University historian Eric Foner-explore the uses and politics of history through key episodes across a wide range of struggles for freedom. They shed new light on how different groups have defined and fought for freedom throughout American history, as well as the ways in which the ideal of freedom remains unrealized today. Covering a broad range of topics, these essays offer insight into how historians practice their craft in different ways and illuminate what it means to be a socially and politically engaged historian.

Italy since 1945 sets in context the tremendous changes that Italy has undergone in the last 55 years. In place of the land of pizza, sunshine, and soccer, McCarthy describes a developing nation: an economy that has found its own road to success via the piccole imprese with an increasingly strong stockmarket and more sophisticated banking; a dynamic, traditional, family centred society; and a political system struggling to modernize after forty years of Christian Democrat rule and Communist opposition. McCarthy also looks at the role of the Church, including Pius XII's wartime activities and the 'foreign pope', John-Paul II before finally turning to sport in Italy - the only country to have 3 daily newspapers devoted to the subject.

Authoritative, accessible, and absorbing, the book examines modern Italy through the eyes of 10 leading commentators and explores the Italian experience in the wider context of both the nation's past and its wider contemporary European position.

Genuine karate is an Okinawan martial art for self-defense; its ongoing globalization has jeopardized its inherent effectiveness. “The changes made to karate in mainland Japan and in America have altered karate so intrinsically that it can no longer claim to be genuine karate.” Dr. Hermann Bayer, Ph.D., examines how Japan re-interpreted Okinawan karate to create its own unique style of karate-do, and how Japanese and American changes resulted in a modern karate-sport business. Practitioners of karate are often confused, misguided, and even led to believe that karate is just karate—this is far from the truth. Practitioners need a clear understanding of what their training can offer them. This can only be achieved by understanding karate's true purpose and by discerning misconceptions from facts. Contents include Okinawan karate’s “principle of never changing kata”. Karate as an Okinawan cultural heritage. Socio-cultural arguments to preserve Okinawa karate—as is. Japan—the karate reproducing country. Karate or Karate-do? The business of karate, karate-do, and karate-sport. Scientific proof of a peaceful karate mind. The laws of physics reveal weaknesses when kata are changed. This substantially researched work makes a compelling case for the socio-cultural and historic arguments to conserve genuine Okinawan karate. Supported by historical facts, scientific analysis, and public records, Dr. Bayer reveals, for all to see, the complex evolution of karate and the unsettled claims made upon it by the various stake-holders.

"Protest Nation" is a guide through the speeches, letters, broadsides, essays, and manifestos that form the backbone of the American radical tradition in the twentieth century. With examples from socialists, feminists, union organizers, civil-rights workers, gay and lesbian activists, and environmentalists that have served as beacons for millions, the volume also includes brief introductory essays by the editors that provide a rich biographical and historical context for each selection included. Selections include a fiery speech by socialist Eugene Debs, an astonishing treatise on animal liberation by Peter Singer, "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson, Harvey Milk's "The Hope Speech" and many others.

This handy guide places Albert Camus' The Stranger, one of the seminal texts of existentialism and twentieth-century literature in general, in the context of French and French-Algerian history and culture. In it, Patrick McCarthy examines the way the work undermines traditional concepts of fiction. In addition, he explores the parallels and the contrasts between Albert Camus's work and that of Jean-Paul Sartre. Overall, this account provides students with a useful companion to The Stranger. This second edition boasts a revised guide to further reading and a new chapter on Camus and the Algerian War.