It is widely assumed that everyone is "interdisciplinary" nowadays, that everyone works at the intersections of conventional disciplines. But if being flexible, multiskilled and polymathic are the prerequisites of survival in today's world, why do educators and art marketeers tend to maintain conditions that advocate and encourage specialist outcomes? The aim of this new anthology in the Occasional Table series is to critically reflect upon the role of specialism in art and society. Why do some seek to transcend the parameters of specialization, and others maintain that deep levels of achievement can only be attained with highly focused methods and forms? Edited by David Blamey, Specialism includes texts by Matthew Cornford, Neil Cummings, Dan Fox, Anouchka Grose, Mingyuan Hu, Stephen Knott, Frances Loeffler, Nina Power, Rick Poynor, Alistair Rider, Andrew Robinson, Irit Rogoff and Ruth Sonderegger, Chris Watson, Jon Wozencroft and Ian Whittlesea.

The Best Works of Balzac compiles some of the most influential novels and short stories by the renowned French author Honoré de Balzac. Known for his realistic portrayal of French society in the early 19th century, Balzac's works are characterized by intricate character development, detailed descriptions of social structures, and a deep exploration of human nature. The collection includes masterpieces such as 'Eugénie Grandet' and 'Père Goriot', showcasing Balzac's keen observation of human behavior and his ability to capture the complexities of everyday life. Honoré de Balzac, a prolific writer and a prominent figure in French literature, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of the society around him. His commitment to portraying the realities of his time in a nuanced and compelling manner set him apart as a literary giant of his era. I highly recommend The Best Works of Balzac to readers interested in exploring the intricacies of human relationships, societal dynamics, and the impact of ambition and greed. Balzac's narratives provide a rich tapestry of emotions and motivations that continue to resonate with audiences today.

Honoré de Balzac's 'The Human Comedy - La Comédie humaine (Complete Edition)' is a monumental work of literature that consists of a vast collection of interconnected novels and stories portraying French society in the early 19th century. Balzac's literary style is characterized by his realistic portrayal of human nature, intricate character development, and keen observations of social dynamics. The Human Comedy delves into various aspects of society including politics, love, money, and ambition, providing a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the human experience. Balzac's storytelling is rich in detail and his characters are complex and deeply nuanced, making the reader feel fully immersed in the world he has created. Honoré de Balzac, a prominent French novelist and playwright, drew inspiration for The Human Comedy from his own life experiences and observations of society. His unparalleled dedication to depicting the complexities of human behavior and social structures sets him apart as a master of realist fiction. Balzac's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create vivid and lifelike characters make his work both engaging and thought-provoking. I highly recommend 'The Human Comedy - La Comédie humaine (Complete Edition)' to readers who are interested in exploring the intricacies of human nature and society through the lens of a masterful storyteller. Balzac's magnum opus offers a profound and enlightening reading experience that will leave a lasting impact on anyone who delves into its pages.

The Human Comedy is the title of Honoré de Balzac's multi-volume collection of interlinked novels and stories depicting French society in the period of the Restoration (1815–1830) and the July Monarchy (1830–1848). Balzac organized his works into 3 groups: "Etudes de Moeurs au XIXe siècle" (Studies of Manners in the 19th Century) + "Etudes philosophiques" + "Etudes analytiques". Balzac wrote that the "Etudes de Moeurs" would study the effects of society and touch on all genders, social classes, ages and professions of people. Meanwhile, the "Etudes philosophiques" would study the causes of these effects. Finally, the third "analytical" section would study the principles behind these phenomena. Contents: The Ball at Sceaux The Purse Vendetta A Second Home Domestic Peace Paz Study of a Woman Another Study of Woman The Grand Breteche Albert Savarus Letters of Two Brides A Daughter of Eve A Woman of Thirty The Deserted Woman La Grenadiere The Message Gobseck The Marriage Contract A Start in Life Modeste Mignon Beatrix Honorine Colonel Chabert The Atheist's Mass Pierre Grassou Scenes From Provincial Life Ursule Mirouet Eugenie Grandet The Vicar of Tours The Two Brothers An Old Maid The Collection of Antiquities The Lily of the Valley Two Poets A Distinguished Provincial at Paris Eve and David Scenes From Parisian Life Scenes from a Courtesan's Life A Prince of Bohemia A Man of Business Gaudissart II Unconscious Comedians Ferragus The Duchesse de Langeais The Girl with the Golden Eyes Father Goriot Rise and Fall of Cesar Birotteau The Firm of Nucingen Secrets of the Princesse de Cadignan Bureaucracy Sarrasine Facino Cane Cousin Betty Cousin Pons The Lesser Bourgeoisie Scenes From Political Life An Historical Mystery An Episode Under the Terror The Brotherhood of Consolation Scenes From Military Life A Passion in the Desert Scenes From Country Life Sons of the Soil The Magic Skin Christ in Flanders Melmoth Reconciled The Unknown Masterpiece…

Here is an idea that just might save the world. It is that science, properly understood, provides us with the methodological key to the salvation of humanity. A version of this idea can be found in the works of Karl Popper. Famously, Popper argued that science cannot verify theories but can only refute them, and this is how science makes progress. Scientists are forced to think up something better, and it is this, according to Popper, that drives science forward.But Nicholas Maxwell finds a flaw in this line of argument. Physicists only ever accept theories that are unified – theories that depict the same laws applying to the range of phenomena to which the theory applies – even though many other empirically more successful disunified theories are always available. This means that science makes a questionable assumption about the universe, namely that all disunified theories are false. Without some such presupposition as this, the whole empirical method of science breaks down.By proposing a new conception of scientific methodology, which can be applied to all worthwhile human endeavours with problematic aims, Maxwell argues for a revolution in academic inquiry to help humanity make progress towards a better, more civilized and enlightened world.