I first happened to see this book on the counter at a local bookshop, noted the price,and commented to the bookseller that at $150 I would not be thinking of buying it,though I liked the look of the book. His reply was "Well,it's an academic book, and they are very expensive these days". How true! Fortunately, I later discovered the paperback edition at less than half the price of the hardback; so I bought it and am glad that I did.