John Jacobs – författare

This political biography of Phillip Burton (1926-1983) is the riveting story of one of the most brilliant, driven, and productive legislators of his--or indeed any--era of American politics. A ruthless and unabashed progressive, Burton terrified his opponents, ran over his friends, forged improbable coalitions, and from 1964 to 1983 became one of the most influential Representatives in the House. He also acquired more raw power than almost any left-liberal politician ever had. Moving from grassroots campaigns to epic battles in the California state capital, and finally to the very pinnacle of power on Capitol Hill, John Jacobs's inside account of Burton's life shows how politics really works. He demonstrates the exercise of power in the hands of a superb strategist and shows an unheralded master going about his life's work during the glory years of postwar American liberalism. Burton was an unforgettable, uncontrollable figure whose relentless day-and-night politicking distilled the raw essence of American politics. Jacobs brings to life Burton's seething, perpetual sense of outrage, gargantuan appetites, and dedication to the disenfranchized.Animated by a sometimes frightening drive for power--his only modern counterpart is Lyndon Johnson--Burton played a pivotal role in California and U.S. politics, championing welfare and civil rights, landmark labor legislation, environmentalism and congressional reform. His achievements included the groundbreaking black lung bill for miners and their families; Supplemental Social Security for the aged, blind, and disabled; and helping to secure America's extensive national park system. Burton's failures were equally dramatic: in 1976, at the height of his power, he lost, by one vote, the chance to become House Majority Leader. Had he won this critical political fight, he no doubt would have become Speaker of the House. Jacobs's account is based on Burton's personal papers and hundreds of interviews with people at every stage of his life, including four Democratic Speakers of the House. The result is a book that brilliantly demonstrates how one person can make a difference in public life.

This is one of the first complete collections of medieval Latin fables to appear in modern English. Odo of Cheriton (c. 1185- c. 1247) wrote sophisticated fables, filled with great wit and humor, yet highly moral, even didactic, in keeping with the age in which he lived—one vigorous in religious, philosophic, scientific, and social debate and conflict.Jacobs’ translation of the 117 fables makes them available to a new readership at a time when interest in fables, parables, and fairy tales is growing.In addition to the fables themselves, Jacobs has provided a substantial Introduction which discusses Odo of Cheriton’s life and his 13th-century world. As the first comprehensive discussion of Odo’s career and critical analysis of the fables, the Introduction will interest medievalists and a broad range of readers.Drawing upon modern critical techniques, Jacobs sheds new light on medieval narrative and modes of interpretation. He also shows how the moralizing commentaries attached to representative fables are integral to the fables’ narrative art.The text is illustrated with seventeen exceptional sketches taken from the album of Villard de Honnecourt— a near contemporary of Odo. These drawings have a fluid vitality which perfectly complements the delightful narratives.

In a much-needed comprehensive introduction to Silius Italicus and the Punica, Jacobs offers an invitation to students and scholars alike to read the epic as a thoughtful and considered treatment of Rome’s past, present, and (perilous) future. The Second Punic War marked a turning point in world history: Rome faced her greatest external threat in the famous Carthaginian general Hannibal, and her victory led to her domination of the Mediterranean. Lingering memories of the conflict played a pivotal role in the city’s transition from Republic to Empire, from foreign war to civil war. Looking back after the events of AD 69, the senator–poet Silius Italicus identified the Second Punic War as the turning point in Rome’s history through his Punica.After introductory chapters for those new to the poet and his poem, Jacobs' close reading of the epic narrative guides students and scholars alike through the Punica. All Greek and Latin passages are translated to ensure accessibility for those reading in English. Far more than simply a retelling of Rome’s greatest triumph, the Punica challenges its reader to make sense of the Second Punic War in light of its full impact on the subsequent course of the city’s history.

In a much-needed comprehensive introduction to Silius Italicus and the Punica, Jacobs offers an invitation to students and scholars alike to read the epic as a thoughtful and considered treatment of Rome’s past, present, and (perilous) future. The Second Punic War marked a turning point in world history: Rome faced her greatest external threat in the famous Carthaginian general Hannibal, and her victory led to her domination of the Mediterranean. Lingering memories of the conflict played a pivotal role in the city’s transition from Republic to Empire, from foreign war to civil war. Looking back after the events of AD 69, the senator–poet Silius Italicus identified the Second Punic War as the turning point in Rome’s history through his Punica.After introductory chapters for those new to the poet and his poem, Jacobs' close reading of the epic narrative guides students and scholars alike through the Punica. All Greek and Latin passages are translated to ensure accessibility for those reading in English. Far more than simply a retelling of Rome’s greatest triumph, the Punica challenges its reader to make sense of the Second Punic War in light of its full impact on the subsequent course of the city’s history.

In Practical Golf, world-renowned teacher John Jacobs presents a simple, sound way to an improved game, no matter the skill level. Distilling his unrivaled knowledge of golf into clear, practical instruction, Jacobs shows how to develop a consistent swing, improve mental attitude, achieve superior results from the rough, cure a slice in five minutes, get greater distance, and much more. For decades, this book has helped golfers lower handicaps and better enjoy the game, making it one of the best ever.