A singular perspective on how modern-day capitalism could be improved with a dose of social consciousness from the ancient past.
Brandow, founder of the industry research firm BizMiner, uses his considerable analytical skills to explore the economic values he says are imparted to modern society via the Torah and Talmud. While he acknowledges that “Jews clearly comprise the primary audience,” he hopes that “Christian progressives…might find value and comfort” in his arguments. Brandow digs deep into the Torah to identify key economic principles and social values that drove ancient commerce, demonstrating their contemporary applicability. Unlike modern capitalism, however, “The Just Market” (a term invented by the author) centers around six foundations, according to Brandow: Access to the Necessities of Life, Universal Employment Opportunity, A Level Playing Field, Commercial and Promotional Integrity, Respect for Labor and Sabbatical Values. Each of these six areas is described in detail by the author, who makes liberal use of Talmudic discussions to support the text. The most intriguing aspect of the book is the juxtaposition of The Just Market with the current world economy. Brandow masterfully compares and contrasts ancient commerce with modern commerce in assessments that are fascinating if not stark; describing the first of the foundations, for instance, the author writes, “The Just Market is not content with a welfare-based safety net that variously feeds the poor….Instead, its objective is to provide universal and ongoing access to the necessities of life through productive means.” The ancients specified requirements that are prophetic in light of today’s lingering economic ills: “outlaw harmful speculative financial instruments,” “establish a maximum profit standard” and “enforce an excess profits (Onah) tax.” The ancients even seemed prescient about immigration; according to The Just Market ethic, “foreign and minority workers must be treated without discrimination under the law.” Whether this study is merely an academic exercise or a wake-up call to modern capitalist society is open for debate; the real value here may be in simply appreciating the common-sense wisdom of our forefathers.
An ingenious premise vigorously defended by scrupulous research.
Pub Date: July 15, 2014
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Langdon Street Press
Review Posted Online: Aug. 1, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2014
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Dogged original research and superb narrative skills come together in this gripping account of pitiless evil.
Greed, depravity, and serial murder in 1920s Oklahoma.
During that time, enrolled members of the Osage Indian nation were among the wealthiest people per capita in the world. The rich oil fields beneath their reservation brought millions of dollars into the tribe annually, distributed to tribal members holding "headrights" that could not be bought or sold but only inherited. This vast wealth attracted the attention of unscrupulous whites who found ways to divert it to themselves by marrying Osage women or by having Osage declared legally incompetent so the whites could fleece them through the administration of their estates. For some, however, these deceptive tactics were not enough, and a plague of violent death—by shooting, poison, orchestrated automobile accident, and bombing—began to decimate the Osage in what they came to call the "Reign of Terror." Corrupt and incompetent law enforcement and judicial systems ensured that the perpetrators were never found or punished until the young J. Edgar Hoover saw cracking these cases as a means of burnishing the reputation of the newly professionalized FBI. Bestselling New Yorkerstaff writer Grann (The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession, 2010, etc.) follows Special Agent Tom White and his assistants as they track the killers of one extended Osage family through a closed local culture of greed, bigotry, and lies in pursuit of protection for the survivors and justice for the dead. But he doesn't stop there; relying almost entirely on primary and unpublished sources, the author goes on to expose a web of conspiracy and corruption that extended far wider than even the FBI ever suspected. This page-turner surges forward with the pacing of a true-crime thriller, elevated by Grann's crisp and evocative prose and enhanced by dozens of period photographs.
Dogged original research and superb narrative skills come together in this gripping account of pitiless evil.Pub Date: April 18, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-385-53424-6
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: Feb. 1, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2017
BOOK TO SCREEN
BOOK TO SCREEN
BOOK TO SCREEN
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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