Monday, November 21, 2011
Thursday, November 25, 2010
It pays to know a columnist and a chief sub editor: Ask OUP
It does pay to know the right people. This was made clearer on Monday, November 22 with a generous review of the latest Oxford dictionary by none other than the Daily Nation's chief sub editor Ng'ang'a Mbugua. Mr Mbugua, a writer and an award winning one at that, is also a columnist with the paper he chief subs. He has been very visible promoting self-publishing.
Here is his review:
Sukuma and Ugali find way into the dictionary
Should a dictionary be engrossing? Or as my former English teacher, Mrs Kabiru Kimemia, would ask: Ought a dictionary be engrossing?
Well, that is the question that came to mind when I got a copy of the latest edition of the Advanced Learner’s Dictionary which is now in its 8th edition.
Ideally, or so we were taught, one only picked up a dictionary when one encountered a difficult word. And a dictionary was not a book one lingered with.
A quick thumbing as one silently recited the alphabet (I used to start at I, J,K,L), searching for the first letter of the word, a quick slide of the index finger down the page as you looked for the word in bold and, finally, the eye resting with relief on the troublesome word.
Now, it would appear, a dictionary is not just something you consult in times of need, like one does a doctor.
The Oxford version now comes with an iwriter CD-ROM that helps one to write better essays, professional plans, and yes, book and film reviews among others. The iwriter has 14 different models for different types of writing, which means that all those young people who nurture a dream of becoming writers now have a companion and do not have to tough it out as we used to back in the day when all one had to rely on was the imagination and a ball-point pen.
And at the back of the book is so much information, including maps, pictures and drawings of all the things and places that one would need to know about from time to time — much like a compressed encyclopedia, only it is more fun.
Never in my life had I ever imagined that one could write a book review for a dictionary, especially in a country where reading is largely regarded as an endangered pastime. But this book is interesting in an intriguing way. It is not just a functional book. It is a wealth of information, and in a world where there are other media promising more fun, this particular one takes competition to the doorstep of the new media.
What’s more, I am told by the publisher, Oxford University Press, that there were two Kenyans who were involved in compiling it.
By the way, Ugali and Sukuma Wiki are now officially English words. So you need not italicise them from now on. Seriously.
Here is his review:
Sukuma and Ugali find way into the dictionary
Should a dictionary be engrossing? Or as my former English teacher, Mrs Kabiru Kimemia, would ask: Ought a dictionary be engrossing?
Well, that is the question that came to mind when I got a copy of the latest edition of the Advanced Learner’s Dictionary which is now in its 8th edition.
Ideally, or so we were taught, one only picked up a dictionary when one encountered a difficult word. And a dictionary was not a book one lingered with.
A quick thumbing as one silently recited the alphabet (I used to start at I, J,K,L), searching for the first letter of the word, a quick slide of the index finger down the page as you looked for the word in bold and, finally, the eye resting with relief on the troublesome word.
Now, it would appear, a dictionary is not just something you consult in times of need, like one does a doctor.
The Oxford version now comes with an iwriter CD-ROM that helps one to write better essays, professional plans, and yes, book and film reviews among others. The iwriter has 14 different models for different types of writing, which means that all those young people who nurture a dream of becoming writers now have a companion and do not have to tough it out as we used to back in the day when all one had to rely on was the imagination and a ball-point pen.
And at the back of the book is so much information, including maps, pictures and drawings of all the things and places that one would need to know about from time to time — much like a compressed encyclopedia, only it is more fun.
Never in my life had I ever imagined that one could write a book review for a dictionary, especially in a country where reading is largely regarded as an endangered pastime. But this book is interesting in an intriguing way. It is not just a functional book. It is a wealth of information, and in a world where there are other media promising more fun, this particular one takes competition to the doorstep of the new media.
What’s more, I am told by the publisher, Oxford University Press, that there were two Kenyans who were involved in compiling it.
By the way, Ugali and Sukuma Wiki are now officially English words. So you need not italicise them from now on. Seriously.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Macmillan Kenya's Publishing manager John Mwazemba moving on up
John Mwazemba, the affable, full of laughter and full of life publishing manager of Macmillan Kenya Publishers, is leaving the firm after 7 years four of which he served at the helm of the department.
Mwazemba, perhaps the most read of publishing managers in the country in the past 4 years, is credited with revitalising Macmillan especially its 'Breakthrough' and 'Golden Tips' revision series.
Those who have worked with Mwazemba, including yours truly, agree that he is one loyal employee - and he loves reading and editing to the death!
As Mwazemba leaves, Macmillan will be hard-pressed to find a successor with as much visibility in the press as Mwazemba. He was a regular contributor to The Standard and The EastAfrican where he signed off as "Publishing Manager, Macmillan Kenya Publishers" and in a way marketed the firm.
Mwazemba is joining the African Economic Research Consortium as Technical editor.
We wish Mwazemba the best of whatever lies ahead.
Mwazemba, perhaps the most read of publishing managers in the country in the past 4 years, is credited with revitalising Macmillan especially its 'Breakthrough' and 'Golden Tips' revision series.
Those who have worked with Mwazemba, including yours truly, agree that he is one loyal employee - and he loves reading and editing to the death!
As Mwazemba leaves, Macmillan will be hard-pressed to find a successor with as much visibility in the press as Mwazemba. He was a regular contributor to The Standard and The EastAfrican where he signed off as "Publishing Manager, Macmillan Kenya Publishers" and in a way marketed the firm.
Mwazemba is joining the African Economic Research Consortium as Technical editor.
We wish Mwazemba the best of whatever lies ahead.
Friday, August 27, 2010
E-books? Think again
(From the Wall Street Journal)
Are E-Books Worth the Money?
by Brett Arends
Thursday, August 26, 2010
If you walk out of the cinema this week with a burning desire to read Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love," you can download it onto your Amazon Kindle electronic book reader — if you have one—for $12.99.
Then again you could just walk into your local Borders bookstore with a coupon and get the paperback for $10.
Barnes & Noble will charge you $12.99 to read the book on its e-book reader, the Nook. But it's only $9.36 (shipping may cost you extra) if you order the paperback at bn.com.
As a society, we have gadget-itis. No new machine that goes ping goes unsung. People stand in line for hours to purchase an iPhone barely distinguishable from the one already in their pockets. Amazon's newest Kindles sold out within days of going on sale. (Those who bought quickly will receive theirs this week.)
E-book readers are booming. Amazon (AMZN - News) says in the past few months sales of e-books have zoomed past sales of the paper ones. While e-books are still in an early stage—the Association of American Publishers says that so far this year they account for 8% of consumer books, compared to just 3% in 2009—the growth rate is dramatic. (This is one of the problems besetting Barnes & Noble, which has just announced a quarterly loss following a decline in sales of traditional books.)
[See The Best Android Phones on the Market]
Beyond all the hype, are e-book readers a good deal? Are they worth the money? If so, how can you get the maximum return on your investment?
Here are six money tips for pennywise book lovers.
1. Casual readers probably shouldn't bother.
The median American book-buyer purchases just seven books a year, according to an AP-Ipsos poll in 2007.
An e-book reader right now typically costs about $150 (more on this below). Even if you save a couple of bucks per book by downloading them onto your e-book reader, the payback isn't going to be much for the casual reader. If you saved $5 a book, you'd have to buy 30 just to earn back your initial investment. If you only saved $2 a book, you'd have to buy 75.
I don't want to sound negative. I happen to think e-book readers are great. But that's because I read books avidly. (I've been known to take 10 books on a beach holiday.) If you are in my camp, e-book readers let you carry a library in your pocket or bag. But if you're a casual reader, they probably don't make much economic sense yet. (On the other hand, once you buy an e-book reader you will probably buy and read more books.)
2. The books aren't as cheap as they should be.
E-books are far, far cheaper to produce, distribute and sell than paper ones. There is no paper, no printing, no trucking and no retail space.
So they should cost a lot less to buy, but the deal often isn't anywhere near as good as it should be. Amazon has tried to drive prices for best sellers down to $9.99, but the publishing industry has fought back. A lot of best sellers go for $12.99 instead. That may be cheaper than the hardbacks, but the gap should be wider.
As in the case of Elizabeth Gilbert's runaway success, you may sometimes find the traditional version cheaper. Looking for Stieg Larsson's "The Girl Who Played With Fire"? It's $7.99 on the Kindle. I bought it in Borders, with a coupon, for $5.68.
Books are cheaper in electronic format, but not all.
3. Savvy readers read the classics anyway.
Why? Because they're free. From Aesop to "Zarathustra." From "Hamlet" to "Huckleberry Finn." They won't cost you a penny. These books are outside of copyright. Just go to Gutenberg.org and download them. Thousands of them. And they're better than most of the stuff published more recently anyway.
4. Be aware of the potential costs of buying a Kindle.
Amazon sells the best-selling e-book reader. It's a great product, very easy to use—much easier, I've found, than the competition. But Amazon has given the device a cellular connection and a keyboard so you can access its online bookstore any time, any place, to buy a book. Good for them. Not so good for you. The results are predictable: You may end up making lots of impulse purchases. Don't be surprised if you spend hundreds of dollars on books in your first year. (Amazon now sells a Kindle that only has a Wi-Fi connection instead of cellular. This may save you money, as the connection will only work in a Wi-Fi hot spot. By the time you've found one, you may have decided you don't want the book.)
5. Be aware of the costs of the rivals.
The main ones are time and hassle. The many rivals to the Kindle generally use a software platform from Adobe, and it can be a pain. Even worse: Adobe provides only very basic help if things go wrong. In extremis, you may find yourself emailing India. I asked Adobe why this was. A spokesman explained that because Adobe Digital Editions was given away for free, the company only provides "a baseline level of support, which is web-based," he says. This includes "an active user forum"—in other words asking other customers how to solve your problems. Good luck with that.
If you can overcome that problem, rivals do offer benefits that may save you money. First, they let you shop around for e-books at different online bookstores, and many run promotions. Second, they will let you borrow some e-books online from your local library. Third, many of them come without any wireless connection whatsoever. That means fewer impulse purchases.
6. And if you're thinking of buying a book reader—wait!
At least, hold off for a month or two or maybe even a few weeks. Prices simply have to come down. They may do so fast.
Amazon's first Kindles went on sale three years ago for $399. Its latest versions, out this week, start at just $139. That's cheaper than rivals. They're going to have to respond.
There's an upgrade cycle going on as well. E Ink Corp., the company that makes most of the screens, has developed a newer version with somewhat sharper contrast. (Handy if you're reading fine print, but not so important for most books).
In a rational market, we should see big price cuts this fall, especially as the last of the old models go on sale. Of course, that's in a rational market. Let me know if you ever find one.
Write to Brett Arends at brett.arends@wsj.com
Are E-Books Worth the Money?
by Brett Arends
Thursday, August 26, 2010
If you walk out of the cinema this week with a burning desire to read Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love," you can download it onto your Amazon Kindle electronic book reader — if you have one—for $12.99.
Then again you could just walk into your local Borders bookstore with a coupon and get the paperback for $10.
Barnes & Noble will charge you $12.99 to read the book on its e-book reader, the Nook. But it's only $9.36 (shipping may cost you extra) if you order the paperback at bn.com.
As a society, we have gadget-itis. No new machine that goes ping goes unsung. People stand in line for hours to purchase an iPhone barely distinguishable from the one already in their pockets. Amazon's newest Kindles sold out within days of going on sale. (Those who bought quickly will receive theirs this week.)
E-book readers are booming. Amazon (AMZN - News) says in the past few months sales of e-books have zoomed past sales of the paper ones. While e-books are still in an early stage—the Association of American Publishers says that so far this year they account for 8% of consumer books, compared to just 3% in 2009—the growth rate is dramatic. (This is one of the problems besetting Barnes & Noble, which has just announced a quarterly loss following a decline in sales of traditional books.)
[See The Best Android Phones on the Market]
Beyond all the hype, are e-book readers a good deal? Are they worth the money? If so, how can you get the maximum return on your investment?
Here are six money tips for pennywise book lovers.
1. Casual readers probably shouldn't bother.
The median American book-buyer purchases just seven books a year, according to an AP-Ipsos poll in 2007.
An e-book reader right now typically costs about $150 (more on this below). Even if you save a couple of bucks per book by downloading them onto your e-book reader, the payback isn't going to be much for the casual reader. If you saved $5 a book, you'd have to buy 30 just to earn back your initial investment. If you only saved $2 a book, you'd have to buy 75.
I don't want to sound negative. I happen to think e-book readers are great. But that's because I read books avidly. (I've been known to take 10 books on a beach holiday.) If you are in my camp, e-book readers let you carry a library in your pocket or bag. But if you're a casual reader, they probably don't make much economic sense yet. (On the other hand, once you buy an e-book reader you will probably buy and read more books.)
2. The books aren't as cheap as they should be.
E-books are far, far cheaper to produce, distribute and sell than paper ones. There is no paper, no printing, no trucking and no retail space.
So they should cost a lot less to buy, but the deal often isn't anywhere near as good as it should be. Amazon has tried to drive prices for best sellers down to $9.99, but the publishing industry has fought back. A lot of best sellers go for $12.99 instead. That may be cheaper than the hardbacks, but the gap should be wider.
As in the case of Elizabeth Gilbert's runaway success, you may sometimes find the traditional version cheaper. Looking for Stieg Larsson's "The Girl Who Played With Fire"? It's $7.99 on the Kindle. I bought it in Borders, with a coupon, for $5.68.
Books are cheaper in electronic format, but not all.
3. Savvy readers read the classics anyway.
Why? Because they're free. From Aesop to "Zarathustra." From "Hamlet" to "Huckleberry Finn." They won't cost you a penny. These books are outside of copyright. Just go to Gutenberg.org and download them. Thousands of them. And they're better than most of the stuff published more recently anyway.
4. Be aware of the potential costs of buying a Kindle.
Amazon sells the best-selling e-book reader. It's a great product, very easy to use—much easier, I've found, than the competition. But Amazon has given the device a cellular connection and a keyboard so you can access its online bookstore any time, any place, to buy a book. Good for them. Not so good for you. The results are predictable: You may end up making lots of impulse purchases. Don't be surprised if you spend hundreds of dollars on books in your first year. (Amazon now sells a Kindle that only has a Wi-Fi connection instead of cellular. This may save you money, as the connection will only work in a Wi-Fi hot spot. By the time you've found one, you may have decided you don't want the book.)
5. Be aware of the costs of the rivals.
The main ones are time and hassle. The many rivals to the Kindle generally use a software platform from Adobe, and it can be a pain. Even worse: Adobe provides only very basic help if things go wrong. In extremis, you may find yourself emailing India. I asked Adobe why this was. A spokesman explained that because Adobe Digital Editions was given away for free, the company only provides "a baseline level of support, which is web-based," he says. This includes "an active user forum"—in other words asking other customers how to solve your problems. Good luck with that.
If you can overcome that problem, rivals do offer benefits that may save you money. First, they let you shop around for e-books at different online bookstores, and many run promotions. Second, they will let you borrow some e-books online from your local library. Third, many of them come without any wireless connection whatsoever. That means fewer impulse purchases.
6. And if you're thinking of buying a book reader—wait!
At least, hold off for a month or two or maybe even a few weeks. Prices simply have to come down. They may do so fast.
Amazon's first Kindles went on sale three years ago for $399. Its latest versions, out this week, start at just $139. That's cheaper than rivals. They're going to have to respond.
There's an upgrade cycle going on as well. E Ink Corp., the company that makes most of the screens, has developed a newer version with somewhat sharper contrast. (Handy if you're reading fine print, but not so important for most books).
In a rational market, we should see big price cuts this fall, especially as the last of the old models go on sale. Of course, that's in a rational market. Let me know if you ever find one.
Write to Brett Arends at brett.arends@wsj.com
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Is government all about lies and control?
I am reading Tim Weiner's 'Legacy of Ashes: History of the CIA' which depicts the CIA and the US government as built on layer upon layer of lies and intrigue all with the aim of controlling the world, or rather running the world via proxies, stooges of the worst kind..
The book gives some nasty revelations about JFK's death: Could he have been killed by a guy sent by Fidel Castro? (One of the agency's bosses seems to have warned the leadership that once the agency eliminates other countries' heads of states, there is no stopping such countries from coming for the head of the US president and/or leaders). I begin to understand the US-Cuba frosty relationship; and that of US-Iran.
interesting read. Now, if only someone could do an exhaustive writing o the Kenyatta and Moi governments then another does the Kibaki government (that will have to come like in 30 years time, I guess)... that would make for great reading.
The book gives some nasty revelations about JFK's death: Could he have been killed by a guy sent by Fidel Castro? (One of the agency's bosses seems to have warned the leadership that once the agency eliminates other countries' heads of states, there is no stopping such countries from coming for the head of the US president and/or leaders). I begin to understand the US-Cuba frosty relationship; and that of US-Iran.
interesting read. Now, if only someone could do an exhaustive writing o the Kenyatta and Moi governments then another does the Kibaki government (that will have to come like in 30 years time, I guess)... that would make for great reading.
Friday, May 7, 2010
World Bank bans Macmillan Publishers over Sudan bribery
From Macmillan Publishers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY 6 MAY 2010
Macmillan Publishers moves to address concerns over its education business in Southern Sudan
The international publishing business, Macmillan Publishers Ltd UK (“Macmillan”), has today confirmed that it has voluntarily referred to the Serious Fraud Office its concerns over historic payments made by a subsidiary of its education business, Macmillan Education, to secure a contract in Southern Sudan.
The move comes after the company reached a civil settlement agreement with the World Bank over allegations that improper and unauthorised payments were made to public officials in Southern Sudan in an unsuccessful bid to secure a contract funded by the World Bank.
Annette Thomas, Chief Executive of Macmillan, said:
‘Our message today is clear: we will not tolerate any form of potentially unlawful behaviour. We are deeply shocked to have discovered these issues, and are sorry for the harm that such behaviour will have done.
‘Macmillan is a business with strong values rooted in education and development, which we hold dear. We will work tenaciously to protect it from bad conduct.
‘There is no suggestion that these concerns have affected any of Macmillan’s other principal businesses, and it is the case that they are confined to a limited part of our education business. Despite this, we take the situation very seriously and have been co-operating fully with the authorities.’
Meanwhile, the company, with expert support, has conducted a review of Macmillan Education’s practices and procedures, and has prepared and begun implementation of a revised ethical framework, including comprehensive risk assessment and training of all relevant staff. The moves are designed to prevent any recurrence of potentially unlawful behaviour. A new, board-level, Risk & Compliance Committee is also being set up.
-ends-
Notes to Editors
1. Macmillan was founded in 1843 by Daniel and Alexander Macmillan and entered a period of international expansion in the 1960s. Today, the group has over 7,000 staff with offices in more than 80 countries and is one of the largest and best known international publishing groups in the world.
2. Macmillan’s education division, Macmillan Education, is one of the world's leading publishers of English Language teaching and school curriculum materials, with over 150 years of publishing experience. Macmillan Education works with teachers, students, institutions, educational authorities and Ministries of Education to develop high quality course books and supplementary materials to suit the needs of teachers and students of all levels.
3. Media enquiries to Jon McLeod on +44 (0)7775 530978, email jmcleod@webershandwick.com.
From the ICM website
http://news.icm.ac.uk/business/world-bank-bans-macmillan-publishers/6389/
World Bank bans Macmillan publishers
10:00am GMT, Friday, 7 May 2010
International publishing company Macmillan has been banned from all World Bank contracts for the next six years.
Macmillan, one of the best-known international publishers, has been banned from all World Bank contracts for the next six years, after admitting to bribery payments relating to a Trust Fund-supported education project in southern Sudan.
The publisher has been declared “ineligible to be awarded World Bank-financed contracts” and has itself voluntarily referred its concerns to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) over the “improper and unauthorised payments made to public officials in southern Sudan in an unsuccessful bid to secure a contract funded by the World Bank”.
Leonard McCarthy, Integrity Vice President at the World Bank Group, said: “This agreement is an acknowledgement of past wrongdoing by Macmillan and demonstrates the World Bank’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all those who participate in World Bank-financed projects, including those who do not actually get contracts, are held to the highest levels of integrity, while also encouraging companies to come forward and join our fight against corruption.”
Macmillan was originally barred for eight years, however this was reduced to six years due to an early acknowledgement of misconduct by the company. This, in turn, could be reduced further – to three years if Macmillan implements a compliance programme and cooperates with the World Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency (INT).
Annette Thomas, Chief Executive of Macmillan, said: “Our message today is clear: we will not tolerate any form of potentially unlawful behaviour. We are deeply shocked to have discovered these issues, and are sorry for the harm that such behaviour will have done.
“Macmillan is a business with strong values rooted in education and development, which we hold dear. We will work tenaciously to protect it from bad conduct. There is no suggestion that these concerns have affected any of Macmillan’s other principal businesses, and it is the case that they are confined to a limited part of our education business. Despite this, we take the situation very seriously and have been co-operating fully with the authorities.”
Macmillan has its headquarters in Hampshire, England. Its Macmillan Education subsidiary is one of the world’s leading publishers of English Language teaching and school curriculum material, operating in 130 countries, and is based in Oxford.
By Susanna Woods
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY 6 MAY 2010
Macmillan Publishers moves to address concerns over its education business in Southern Sudan
The international publishing business, Macmillan Publishers Ltd UK (“Macmillan”), has today confirmed that it has voluntarily referred to the Serious Fraud Office its concerns over historic payments made by a subsidiary of its education business, Macmillan Education, to secure a contract in Southern Sudan.
The move comes after the company reached a civil settlement agreement with the World Bank over allegations that improper and unauthorised payments were made to public officials in Southern Sudan in an unsuccessful bid to secure a contract funded by the World Bank.
Annette Thomas, Chief Executive of Macmillan, said:
‘Our message today is clear: we will not tolerate any form of potentially unlawful behaviour. We are deeply shocked to have discovered these issues, and are sorry for the harm that such behaviour will have done.
‘Macmillan is a business with strong values rooted in education and development, which we hold dear. We will work tenaciously to protect it from bad conduct.
‘There is no suggestion that these concerns have affected any of Macmillan’s other principal businesses, and it is the case that they are confined to a limited part of our education business. Despite this, we take the situation very seriously and have been co-operating fully with the authorities.’
Meanwhile, the company, with expert support, has conducted a review of Macmillan Education’s practices and procedures, and has prepared and begun implementation of a revised ethical framework, including comprehensive risk assessment and training of all relevant staff. The moves are designed to prevent any recurrence of potentially unlawful behaviour. A new, board-level, Risk & Compliance Committee is also being set up.
-ends-
Notes to Editors
1. Macmillan was founded in 1843 by Daniel and Alexander Macmillan and entered a period of international expansion in the 1960s. Today, the group has over 7,000 staff with offices in more than 80 countries and is one of the largest and best known international publishing groups in the world.
2. Macmillan’s education division, Macmillan Education, is one of the world's leading publishers of English Language teaching and school curriculum materials, with over 150 years of publishing experience. Macmillan Education works with teachers, students, institutions, educational authorities and Ministries of Education to develop high quality course books and supplementary materials to suit the needs of teachers and students of all levels.
3. Media enquiries to Jon McLeod on +44 (0)7775 530978, email jmcleod@webershandwick.com.
From the ICM website
http://news.icm.ac.uk/business/world-bank-bans-macmillan-publishers/6389/
World Bank bans Macmillan publishers
10:00am GMT, Friday, 7 May 2010
International publishing company Macmillan has been banned from all World Bank contracts for the next six years.
Macmillan, one of the best-known international publishers, has been banned from all World Bank contracts for the next six years, after admitting to bribery payments relating to a Trust Fund-supported education project in southern Sudan.
The publisher has been declared “ineligible to be awarded World Bank-financed contracts” and has itself voluntarily referred its concerns to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) over the “improper and unauthorised payments made to public officials in southern Sudan in an unsuccessful bid to secure a contract funded by the World Bank”.
Leonard McCarthy, Integrity Vice President at the World Bank Group, said: “This agreement is an acknowledgement of past wrongdoing by Macmillan and demonstrates the World Bank’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all those who participate in World Bank-financed projects, including those who do not actually get contracts, are held to the highest levels of integrity, while also encouraging companies to come forward and join our fight against corruption.”
Macmillan was originally barred for eight years, however this was reduced to six years due to an early acknowledgement of misconduct by the company. This, in turn, could be reduced further – to three years if Macmillan implements a compliance programme and cooperates with the World Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency (INT).
Annette Thomas, Chief Executive of Macmillan, said: “Our message today is clear: we will not tolerate any form of potentially unlawful behaviour. We are deeply shocked to have discovered these issues, and are sorry for the harm that such behaviour will have done.
“Macmillan is a business with strong values rooted in education and development, which we hold dear. We will work tenaciously to protect it from bad conduct. There is no suggestion that these concerns have affected any of Macmillan’s other principal businesses, and it is the case that they are confined to a limited part of our education business. Despite this, we take the situation very seriously and have been co-operating fully with the authorities.”
Macmillan has its headquarters in Hampshire, England. Its Macmillan Education subsidiary is one of the world’s leading publishers of English Language teaching and school curriculum material, operating in 130 countries, and is based in Oxford.
By Susanna Woods
Monday, April 26, 2010
David Baldacci and Graham Greene
Even with the reading I pride myself in, I had not read either Baldacci nor Greene so when I went to the bookshop, I picked 'The Simple Genius' and Greene's 'The Power and the Glory.'
I enjoyed Baldacci but it wasnt as gripping as I thought it would be; let me see how Greene goes ...
I enjoyed Baldacci but it wasnt as gripping as I thought it would be; let me see how Greene goes ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)