Very good guide for the local birds. As with all guides some of the drawings could be better.

We had this family of birds in our front yard tree that were new and unique to us. I ordered this book for my husband, and within minutes we figured out what type of bird it was! A great book.

As a novice birder, identifying species is the most challenging facet. This book is set up to facilitate rapid identification of the birds you encounter. Thumbnail pictures in the front section allow for rapid scanning of various species' prominent features without paging endlessly through the book. The data on each bird in subsequent pages is succinct and interesting to the casual or begining birder. Esoteric information is pleasantly omitted. I use it more than my Sibley guide.

My interest in this book is due to the fact that I am a fan of the St. Louis - San Francisco (Frisco) Railway. The book contains a chapter of 10 pages on the Frisco with a number of good photographs that I have not seen before. Although I am not as interested in the other material in the book as I am the Frisco, I did enjoy reading it and found it to be quite good. A good book to compliment a Frisco (or any other pre-BN railroad) collection or great for the BN fan.

Now that the BN is another vanished corporate identity, it's quite lucky we rail enthusiasts have such a fine, classy publication that summarizes the forerunnings, beginnings and contemporary era of the BN. Excellent shots of GN, NP, CB&Q, and SP&S lead to still more beautiful images of a far-reaching Western rail empire. The text is highly engaging and manages to appeal to not only the die-hard railfans, but those who are just exploring the subject.

I own hundreds of railroad books, but this is definitely within the top ten. It offers an outstanding combination of text, organization, photo quality, page layout and production quality. This is one of the most beautifully-designed railroad books you'll ever find.

I refer back to this book more than just about any other railroad photo book I own.

Some pages are so beautiful you'll probably be tempted to buy a second copy and frame some of the pages from the first copy to hang on your wall.

This beautifully illustrated and written story of a Chinese immigrant is fascinating in its scope, detail, and in putting his experience in the context of our California history. As a fourth generation Chinese, there was much here that I did not know about my ancestors' struggles and triumphs, courage and tragedies. Enjoy this wonderful story and receive an education.

If you enjoy historical books about Asian American or California history, this is a "must read." Lani Ah Tye Farkas tells the fascinating true story of her great grandfather, who arrived in California in the early 1850s and overcame racial oppression and other challenges to successfully settle in America. She then traces the fortunes of his progeny, and tells their stories through two generations. The resulting book accurately portrays the many struggles and challenges that early Chinese immigrants faced in California in the last century and a half. The book features wonderful family photographs, some tragic stories, and is fully footnoted.

If you enjoy historical books about Asian American or California history, this is a "must read." Lani Ah Tye Farkas tells the fascinating true story of her great grandfather, who arrived in California in the early 1850s and overcame racial oppression and other challenges to successfully settle in America. She then traces the fortunes of his progeny, and tells their stories through two generations. The resulting book accurately portrays the many struggles and challenges that early Chinese immigrants faced in California in the last century and a half. The book features wonderful family photographs, some tragic stories, and is fully footnoted.

The authors has painstakingly research an excellent source for those intersted in the complex issues of the modern Northern irish conflict. One can learn from a concise description form different political and culture views to internal and external causalities. Even if one has no prior knowledge of the conflict or a grasp of political and social pschological theories, the authors explains the concept in a very understandable manner.

At first Explaining Northern Ireland appears as a 'long read'. But once you start to read you'll become amazed at the details that is the Nothern Irish conflict. The authors detail the major points of view from the major political parties/influnce and the internal and external causes of the the current conflict.

Even though the book was published in 1995, it is a very good resource for anyone interested in international relations and ethino-conflicts.

For anyone with a basic knowledge of Northern Ireland looking to delve deeper into the causes of the Troubles, McGarry and O'Leary's masterpiece is the perfect place to start. In clear, well-organized chapters, the two political scientists outline the arguments, philosophies and proposals of all sides of the conflict, nationalist as well as unionist. They also explore the religious and economic facets of the Troubles, and in doing so debunk the myths that Northern Ireland is ravaged by easily-explainable theological or class divisions.

The greatest strength of the book, however, is its use of comparative political analysis to illuminate features of Northern Ireland's situation. By comparing the region to places such as the United States, South Africa, Belgium, and Israel, McGarry and O'Leary demonstrate to the reader that the Troubles, while unique in many ways, also follow trends found in conflicts elsewhere.

Though the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent establishment of a Northern Ireland parliament render the authors' conclusions a bit obsolete, the book remains vital reading. It is perhaps the only political science text available on Northern Ireland which tackles all the issues with remarable clarity, even-handedness, and insight.

This book is perfect for anyone interested in herps in the Maya Forest. Complementary to Campbell's field guide, but also includes great line drawings, range maps, and characteristics to distinguish from similar species. Also, better photos than in Campbell's guide. If I were to buy one field guide for the area, I'd choose this over Campbell's.

A Field Guide To The Amphibians And Reptiles Of The Maya World is a comprehensive survey of the crocodiles, turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and salamanders found in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. This exceptionally well laid out field guide allows the easy identification of all native and introduced species of amphibians and reptiles of the region; is enhanced with 180 color photographs and 180 drawings; provides valuable techniques for field identification; includes a glossary of herpetological terms; and for each species gives a full description, natural history, and geographic distribution information (complete with maps). There are suggested readings for those who want to know more about a particular species, even descriptions of the most characteristic vocalizations of the reptiles and amphibians surveyed. A Field Guide To The Amphibians And Reptiles Of The Maya World is a "must" for any personal, professional, or academic library collection of natural history and herpetology reference works.

Julian C. Lee's field guide of the amphibians and reptiles of the Maya world is excellent. The color photographs make it easy to identify the animal in question; the maps give the reader the distribution of the form; the text gives a short synopsis of the characters and natural history of the taxon; the photos, line drawings, and the PRICE make it all worth while. Any person visiting the outback of the Yucatan Peninsula needs a copy of this book. All Nature Touring Companies should have it available for their clients. A wonderful addition for any professional herpetologist bookshelf.

As a new Fly fisher I bought this book when it was first published. This book has become an indispensible guide for my fly fishing. Recently I used the information for a stream in the Jemez Mountains and had a very productive day. The maps are very good. The information is right on as well. If you come to New Mexico to fly fish this is the book to have to increase your enjoyment!

Having grown up, lived-in and travelled extensively in this area, this book is a must-have for any fly fisherman interested in Northern New Mexico. The maps, hatches and river recommendations are on the mark -- highly recommended.

This is the most comprehensive guide to fly fishing Northern New Mexico. You'll find virtually every fishable piece of water in this guide. The book is divided up into sections concentrating on specific bodies of water. Each section is written by a local expert. There are excellent, easy to read maps for all the rivers and lakes as well. A must for visiting Northern New Mexico

I love this cookbook, not only because I love the flavors of the wine country and John Ash has a great mix of recipes that convey them, but also because the philosophy behind the recipes relies so heavily on using fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. The recipes are not super-simple, but if you have some cooking experience and are willing to take the time to search for the best ingredients, the rewards are well worth it.

I have used this book more than any other cookbook in my home. I am constantly learning about new, fresh ingredients and the results are really wonderful. Every time I cook using these recipes, my friends ask me for the recipe. I've purchased this book for several friends too - it's a great gift, especially if you live in Northern California. Visiting John Ash's restaurant is a wonderful experience too!

As a collector of cook books and as one who entertains regularly (both for friends and for business - it is not unusual for us to have over a100 people in a month at home for corporate related dinners) I find this book the one that I most often turn to. It is imagnative yet practical, sufficiently different to a lot of theothers that I have and everything that I have tried has been a huge success. Would love to know if John Ash has written another one.

This is the a prototype for all other historical railroad books combining a fairly comprehensive selection of high quality photographs and well written informative text. Certainly a must for anyone interested in the Great Northern Railway.

This book by Charles Wood is the authoritative history of the Great Northern Railway. As a long time GN fan and director of the GNRY Historical Society, I can tell you no other book on this subject comes close. You will enjoy the format of many photograghs, informative captions and accurate text. It is the "bible" for GN fans.

Fred W. Black, Mill Creek, WA. USA

A comprehensive history of the Great Northern Railroad. A "loving" tribute to a truly great railroad which never fell into receivership like many of the other large roads (such as the Pennsylvania and New York Central). Included are hundreds of photos and memorabilia. If you're a fan of the Great Northern, or even railroads in general, you'll love this book...if you can find it! It is currently out-of-print

If you like to paddle on the Calif coast, this is the book for you. My wife and I have paddled (we thought) most of the coast, this book brought us to places that we could only dream of. They way its laid out, you can plan for a part/full or overnight trip. Tips on where to go, what you might see, camping, lodging, ect are great. If you paddle the Calif coast, you will be happy to have this book.

Outstanding, useful guide to the coastal areas - greatly appreciate the tips on local conditions and access.

Roger and Jan's book gives seakayakers invaluable information regarding some of the most beautiful paddling areas on the west coast. The maps included with the easily understood text allow the reader to easily visualize the targeted area. This guidebook will be of interest to paddlers of all skill levels since most of the featured paddles also include intermediate and advanced level alternative routes. The sidebars scattered throughout the book impart interesting information about the area. This book is a must have for those interested in exploring the coast of California.

I watched the movie, (The Secret) before I read the book. I adored the plot and immidiatly had to buy the novel. After reading it, I came away with a wonderful feeling. I loved all the characters and the book just contained so much more.

A wonderful book for any Catherine Cookson lover. :o)

Catherine Cookson has done it again. Another great book; one can't put down. Freddy is a likeable imp always coming out on top and Belle is a headstrong young girl who finds out what true love really is. Marcel who is a Dr, Jekyll/Mr. Hyde character is well written. A good book from start to finish

Catherine Cookson's Harrogate is another 'magnate'of fiction.Immediately one is endeared to Freddie-he's small he's slippery and he's lucky!The luck somtimes turns bad-Mr Gallagher sees to that but usually the luck is good and loving.His love of Maggie Hewitt is an everlasting love, somewhere between motherly love and 'falling in love'. When Mr Gallagher is gone he still has the power to threaten and ruin Freddie's successes.And Belle, Belle, Belle! Nearly murdered! Yet through Maggie and Freddie's intercession she becomes a beautiful woman ,but noticed by the wrong man....... This novel is riveting-not to be put down from start to finish! One of the very best of Catherine Cookson's creations.