This is a spectacularly interesting journal. Cook was an odd sort, that's for sure. But a genius? I'd certainly say so after reading his often-daily account of his activities. Really neat book.

This well prepared abridged edition of Captain James Cook's journals is a specialized book of interest to people studying the exploration of the Pacific and/or the British Navy of that time period. Other people might find sections of it dry reading. The book is recommended for oceanography students as the 17th century voyages of exploration formed the basis for later oceanographic cruises.

Cook's voyages carried scientific personnel of that time period, many of whom died from the harsh conditions along with members of the crews. In addition to bad weather, there were diseases and hostile natives (including cannibals). Extensive charting was carried out and, on the second voyage, the Board of Longitude supplied Cook with Larcum Kendall's copy of John Harrison's H4 watch for determining longitude. Observations were made of prevailing winds, currents, temperature, and other things of scientific interest.

Natives throughout the Pacific would go to great lengths to obtain iron, expecially axes, even prostituting their wives and daughters (willing or not). Natives would attempt to steal items, if they could, leading to numerous confrontations including one in which a boat crew of the Adventure (the consort ship of the second voyage) were killed and eaten by the Maori natives of New Zealand.

Cook's journal ended several weeks before his death. The editor fills in details from journals of other people who were on the voyage, and speculates on the reason he was killed by the natives in Hawaii.

The book includes maps of Cook's routes on his voyages. It also has an index listing the names of the various individuals mentioned, with an indication of their positions on the voyages or their other positions if they were not active participants.

This re-issue of the Beaglehole edition of the Cook journals attests to the enduring importance of Cook as the exemplar navigator and Beaglehole as his nautical Boswell.

The writing is elegant and subtle and the fascination of the recital enduring.

Best there is no other!

I think this book is a wonderful source of information to anyone who wishes to find out about Kay. She lived a fasinating life. Congratulations on an 100% fabulous book.

Detailed preparation, astounding courage, sheer determination, and a little divine luck are elements of this inspirational true story of Kay Cottee's single-handed circumnavigation of the globe. An achievment made all the more inspirational because she was such a down-to-earth and 'ordinary' person, who started from nothing exept her own vision of what whe wanted to achieve. This is a book I recommended to all my friends. Kay Cottee writes from the heart, and I found this book both compelling and easy to read.

Kay Cottee is one of Australia's most esteemed women. From a relatively 'normal' childhood and adult life, Kay's dream to sail single-handed around the world makes her shine.

First Lady is the tale of Kay's progress to achieve her life long ambition. From securing sponsorship to enduring friendships, her character and humour shine through.

From horrendous conditions to eating too much, this book will inspire anyone with a dream. Kay's story reveals to all of us that with enough guts, determination (and a healthy appetite and humour!) we can achieve whatever we set out to achieve. Highly highly recommended reading!

The theft of a precious artifact results in a thrilling dual between the Australian Auborigines who owned it and the highroller who stole it to add to his collection. Beautiful descriptions bring the Australian outback and Ayers Rock dramatically to life. spellbinding! Based on authentic aboriginal belifs and practices. Read it. You won't be dissapointed

This tale simply draws one into the world of the Outback. I've read several fictional accounts of life among the Aboriginal peoples of Australia, but this one is truly beautiful. I read it in an afternoon; I simply was entranced with the lush prose and depth of character portrayed. I look forward to the next novel from this author!

This story is a real page turner, I couldn't put it down (very sticky binding). I really enjoyed Fords writing style, the way he developes his charecters and his attention to detail. I highly recomend this book to anyone who likes what I like.... (A good book)

It is no wonder that the author has children fighting over copies of this !!! When I hold it I say "MINE MINE MINE" too. The work is not only excellently WRITTEN - it manages to achieve that ever present goal of the writer - to entertain and teach simultaneously. The parables are so unforgettable - they stay with you and haunt you and make you a better person. I find myself going over and over the stories in my mind when I am quiet or even when I am not - they just keep running through my brain - and each time I learn something more. There is gentle and strong wisdom here - with a touch of magick. However it becomes very addictive - mine is being used and loved till it is worn out. This is more than a collection of stories - it is one of those creations that also becomes a beloved friend.

Laughs, chills and thrills for Children of all ages. Tia - Gam The Trickster delights with a sense of humor and mischief! Whales Canoe will take you on a trip that must be explored by young and old. This CD is a must have for entertainment.... cruising down the road, sitting around the campfire or just playing pretend!

The stories are wonderful for all ages. Entertaining and engaging. Listen to learn how the kookaburra got it's laugh. Ever wondered how kangaroos found their way to Australia? Dal Burns will draw you into the characters and stories where you will find the surprising answers!

Very well written book, containing both the background and the travel info on Java! MUCH better than the Java section of the general Indonesia guide... lots of "off the beaten track" places included.

This is one of the better travel books I've ever used. It provides information about food, lodging, and activites that are helpful whether you're travelling on an unlimited or, like me, a shoestring budget. The maps are helpful; very detailed and usually only showing the parts of cities that are interesting to tourists. There are excellent and insightful cultural essays that really add to the traveller's enjoyment.

Take this book if you're off to Java. It's a wonderful wonderful place, so don't miss it if you've ever considered going East!

This is the book, that you have to take with you. Its not the first time I took Lonley planet books with me. Its saved me a lot of money with very good b&b recommendations. The money you spend for the book you probablly earn the first night you take the advice about the hotels.

This travel book on Samoa is full of information to help one maximize a trip to Somoa. It has some great descriptions of Samoan history and places of interest. I am worried though. I am worried that if ever go to Samoa I will not know how to properly act. The author of this travelogue time and time again warns the reader about Samoan cultural mores which should be followed. But I am afraid I will forget some of them and be a shameful traveler.

This book has everything you need to know when travelling to Samoa. Nothing is missed and you should be able to plan a long or short stay in Samoa. Everything is as described in the book and nothing is really out of date. The only problem is that some of the maps lack detail to be useful, however quality maps are available in Apia.

This book is PACKED with information! It is also a really great size (smallish) to tuck in my travel bag and take along to be sure not to miss anything on my first trip to Samoa. :o)

My kids really enjoy this book. It was a gift from Grandma for my oldest son because he likes to say funny words. This book is full of funny words and names that all three of our kids love. At the end of the book, my daughter always wants to know "what happend to Grandma", so we come up with all kinds of possibilities. This is a wonderful book and is read often as our bedtime routine.

This is definitely the best picture i have ever read to my children and i would recomend it to all parents and children alike. It makes you smile and feel so content and happy as you reach the last page. The illustrations, superb, the story, edge of your seat stuff.

Recommend t for everyone, young and old.

This beautifully illustrated book set in Australia's outback has the most interesting animals I've ever seen! The multicultural theme can be used in classrooms and at home to promote an understanding of native animals of Australia, relationships with elders, women of independence, and travel. The story is beautifully written in prose and the illustrations are patterned in pencil/charcoal and brilliant pictures.

I use this book in class rooms all over the place, from 6 year olds to 12 year olds. I am currently planning a 10 week program of literature and art around this book for 10 year olds. The older kids appreciate the things that the younger kids don't pick up on,eg: family relationships between different characters at different times. It a great jump start to talking about Multiculturalism in Australia and how this came about, where the different nationalities came from and why. Discussions about war are also valid. I am using it to focus the kids on their place, physically and metaphorically, we will be creating our own maps and writing to go with them. We are then going to 'publish' them in our own book and hold an exhibition of the original art works in conjunction with their completed page and the completed book.

This book came out in 1988 during Australia's bicentennial of the European invasion of Australia. It shares a title with a book by Sally Morgan, an Aboriginal women whose search for her own identity and place was published at the same time. This book can be read in either direction. For younger children, it may be easier to start at then end an move forwards. For older children, part of the fun is in uncovering the history of the place - an inner urban area of Sydney.

The book emphasises the timeless continuity of the place, and that even though we might be the temporary custodians of a piece of land, we share a common history and linkage through our humanity, and our Aboriginal history. Lushly illustrated by Donna Rawlins, and words by Nadia Wheatley. A valuable asset to any school library, primary or secondary, and public library, as well as the shelves at home.

My son first showed interest in t at about age 4, and has returned to it periodically since - ie over 2 years. It will stay with him for many years yet!

This is a richly detailed, and very touching book about one place though history. Although it is a children's book, adults will find plenty to interest them, especially if they have an interest in history. There are maps drawn by the characters of where they live that are interesting to observe for the continuity through time. Wars, immigration, and environmental change all play a part. Some things remain the same.

Altough the book is the best we (Olivia fans) have along the lines of a biography, I found that her birthdate is listed incorrectly. Maybe someone will write a biography that spans Olivia's career to the present.

If Peter Ruffs' book followed Olivia's career till the nineties,it would have been the perfect ONJ-biographie.Unfortunately it stops in 1979 when her pop career was merely starting.Except that fact it's a very good book which tells us in details all about Olivia's life and career.It contains lots of pictures in B&W and a discographie for singles and albums.This book has become a real collectible for Newton-John fans.

Taking in consideration that this is a black & white paperback, it does a superb job of recounting "Lovely Livvy's" meteoric rise from a member of the failed group TOOMORROW, to her record-breaking Physical album. This was the very book that introduced me to Olivia, & I've been a steadfast fan since! Sensitively written w/ plenty of candid & publicity photos. Highly recomended if you're an ON-J fan. And it may make you one if you aren't

it is difficult to remember that this book is a true story and not only is it true but it is written by the mother involved. it must have taken great strength and resolution to write of the happenings in Jaqueline Gillespies life. It is a life story of horror, abuse and insecurity which is fought to win the happiness of self-confidence, love and happiness only to have it all taken away again by one cruel and unfeeling person. to have survived the nightmare which surely still goes on for the author is a credit to the soul that she has. the ending leaves the reader unable to sleep and praying for the safe return of two loved children to their mother. The book also relays the true story to all the people who ever doubted Jaqueline Gillespie and to all who failed her in her fight for her family. I am sure that they are still squirming in their realisation that they were weak, ignorant and corrupt - and worst of all ... that they regard money and status in higher esteem than they do the lives of innocent children ... "the future of their country".

An exceptionally moving book about a woman trying to fit into a society that does not tolerate her (she is half Chinese, half Australian). She marries a Malaysian prince and moves to Malaysia where she has two children. She leaves her husband taking her children with her back to Australia and tries to begin afresh, but her children are kidnapped and taken back to Malaysia to live as strict Muslims with their father. This true story goes on to relate how she tries to get her children back and her journey to find happiness. This book made me cry at every chapter and it put my own problems into perspective.

A very sad book about the life of a woman who was so desperate to feel like she belonged to something that she ended up sacrificing her happiness. When she does eventually leave, her children are taken away from her... a very sad book but once I started to read I could not stop.