Reviews (3)

Fantastic truly is the word for this second collection of John Byrne F.F. stories
Want some good, old-fashioned superhero storytelling, with adventures that are truly imaginative, innovative, and full of heart?Then get this second volume of Fantastic Four stories written and drawn by John Byrne.In this collection, writer/artist Byrne continues making the F.F. his own, but he also more fully embraces the goings-on in the Marvel Universe at large, resulting in some memorable appearances by Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, Daredevil, and the like.The multi-issue Galactus story is a particular stand-out (that's where most of the superhero guest appearances just mentioned take place), and for those who like big, epic fights, the battle with the shape-shifting Skrulls at the end of the volume will nicely do the trick.There are still some great John Byrne stories to come in future "Visionaries" collections (I'm mainly thinking of "The Trial of Reed Richards" here), but this particular volume arguably contains the best stories of Mr. Byrne's run.

This is a fantastic (pardon the pun) book!
I grew up reading the byrne F4, it was one of the grandest reads, it was epic but he kept it down to earth by makign the connection with the characters.
Vol. 1 = get on with it. Vol. 2 = much, much better.
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne Vol. 1 left me with the feeling that Byrne was really keeping his good stuff in his back pocket until he had established himself on the FF.In Volume 2, you get a much better sense of the kind of Fantastic Four Byrne was trying to create.His art is its usual outstanding self, but the "just get on with it" feeling you got from most of the short vignettes of Vol. 1 is nowhere to be found.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 4-6    2. Comics & Graphic Novels - Manga    3. Graphic Novels    4. Graphic Novels - Superheroes    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Special Interest - Adventure    7. Comic book & cartoon art    8. Comics & Graphic Novels / General   

Editorial Review

At first blush, the subtitle of intrepid traveler Eric Hansen's floral account might seem, well, hyperbolic. After taking this whirlwind tour of the hidden world of rare orchid collectors, the reader will find the words well chosen. Hansen invites us into a strange demimonde of intrigue and desire, at the center of which is the orchid, that shadowy and somewhat sinister parasitic oddball of the plant kingdom. Orchid raising and trading is big business. Worldwide, the retail economy in orchids adds up to some $9 billion; in the United States, wholesalers ship nearly 8.5 million plants a year, while in Holland a single nursery produces 18 million. "Several million people worldwide now grow orchids," the author notes, "and this botanical craze has already eclipsed both the nineteenth-century frenzy for orchids as well as the tulip madness that gripped the Netherlands in the seventeenth century."Read more

Reviews (72)

Hansen turns his gaze
Eric Hansen is an author who seeks out that which is foreign to the Average American or Western European. His "Motoring with Mohammed" and "Stranger in the Forest" fascinate because of their exotic cultures and locations. "Orchid Fever," on the other hand, focuses on the intersection between the Western and the exotic, and our culture is the one that comes off as strange and illogical. The locus of that intersection is the orchid and its cultivation. The cultural structures, the bureaucratic labyrinths, the idiosyncratic obsessions associated with this family of plants is almost . . . almost . . . unbelievable. It's typical Hansen: excellent prose, strange worlds.

Close-up look at some interesting folks
A very entertaining and engrossing look at those interesting individuals in love with orchids.The book also gives some examples of CITES which is a law designed to protect endangered animal and plant species. However if what Mr. Hansen writes is true the law just doesn't work the way it's supposed to.Quite an insightful and thought-provoking work.
Orchid Fever is a great read!
OK, I admit it. I am a plant nut of the run of the mill, garden variety type. So reading Eric Hansen's book about the wild world of orchid people made me understand that I am really quite normal.This book is a must for anyone who is interested in plant development, plant collection and exploration.It also tells a chilling tale of government regulation gone amuck.
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Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues    2. Flowers - Orchids    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Special Interest - Adventure    5. Travel    6. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (2)

Almost as fun as the hikes themselves!
This is a wonderful book that goes into great deatil about the many trails in and around the South Bay.It breaks down the area by specific parks and then suggested hikes, including mileage, elevation loss or gain, and time.It even has a neat little appendix outlining hikes by category (ie., short hikes, hikes to see spring flowers, etc.)The text is detailed, explaining what you will find around every bend, and the historical information on the parks is very interesting.I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get out and away from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.

A good book made better
I just replaced my battered copy of the first edition with the latest, third one, and it's a real winner! These authors' books are always educational, interesting and complete. And best of all they lead one into many fine hiking adventures around the bay. I've spent many a fine summer day following their instructions. It's about time they put out a new edition, because of all the new parks and trails they had to cover. Recommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. California    2. Guidebooks    3. Hiking    4. Parks    5. Santa Clara Valley (Santa Clar    6. Santa Clara Valley (Santa Clara County)    7. Santa Clara Valley (Santa Clara County, Calif.)    8. Travel    9. Travel - United States    10. United States - Pacific - California    11. United States - State & Local - General    12. United States - West - Mountain (General)   

Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Hiking    3. Mountaineering    4. Nevada    5. Red Rock Canyon National Conse    6. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area    7. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (Nev.)    8. Rock climbing    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. United States - Pacific - Nevada   

Reviews (1)

a really good 4wd guide book
I found this very informative showing good facts and details, examples would be gps coordinates and road information (like you'll pass mine shaft on rt then road forks).One will find that the book also has a detailed road description in reverse, in case you are on a road traveling from the other end.You will also love the maps, lots of them, on every page. Then on each page the author talks about what hazards to look for and what sights to see, goes into good overall detail, very well done. The book goes over facts of 4 wheeling for the novice and the pro so that all can enjoy the outdoors and be safe at the same time.When traveling these roads you'll have the guide next to you with page marked for constant referance. Take your camera and a tripod to record your trip. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Skills    2. Special Interest - Adventure    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. United States - Mountain - Arizona    6. United States - South - West South Central (General)    7. United States - West - General   

Subjects:  1. Personal Finance - Retirement Planning    2. Reference - General    3. Retirement Plans    4. Special Interest - Senior    5. Travel    6. Travel - General    7. Travel Guides    8. Travel / Reference   

Reviews (2)

Pennsylvania Hiking Trails
Overall this book describes all of Pennsylvania's hiking trails. Pennsylvania has over three thousand miles of hiking trails, so it is important to find a good book the depicts all of them. It also includes several modern waterproof topographical maps that are very useful with navigation of the trail. Longitude and latitude are availible for compass and navigation headers. However while this book is an excelent guide, it does seem to be never-ending with the trails. There is always one after another. Although this is one of my favority hiking guides. The philosophy of the book states, "The basic goal of this edition is to provide the hiker with a comprehensive list of available hiking areas and trails". This book is still not limited to trails alone, it shows helpful places to camp, and to restock supplies. This book was written with the help of the Keystone Trails Association which is an alliance of Pennsylvania organization's which share the belief of helping hikers. This book is an excelent guide.

Definitive guide
The definitive guide to the AT that you can buy. Extremely detailed directions. Great waterproof maps with side trails and elevations. If you get lost using this guide, you're just plain stupid. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Hiking    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. United States - Mid Atlantic - Pennsylvania    5. United States - Northeast - Middle Atlantic (General)   

Reviews (7)

A Good Knot Book
This book gives clearly illustrated instructions on tying many very useful knots.It organizes them under headings of Sailing, Hiking and Climbing in which they are most commonly used.The author includes the strength of most of these knots which describes how much they weaken the lines in which they are tied - often leaving less than 50% of the original strength of the line!Some knots do not hold well when bending (you will learn the definition of this term, as well as "hitch" and "knot") together two ropes of unequal size. Maybe you should use a different knot?Budworth has a suggestion!
A nice introduction to the world of knots...
I bought this book for my husband for Christmas, and we've both come to like it very much. Neither of us are "knot aficionados", as it were, but wanted a book which would allow us to explore some knots we might need in our outdoor activities (horseback riding, camping, sailing, etc.) As the beginners at knotmaking we are, this book has proven to be excellent for us. DO NOT, Repeat DO NOT buy this book
There are better books for the beginner or intermediate. DAWSON'S book is nice, so is the MORROW BOOK OF KNOTS. Neither suffers from the deficiencies of Budworth's book. The faults include:Inadequate, minimal, poorly-written textual instructions;VERY poor illustrations, possibly even errors, make it very hard to figure out how to do the knots;A choice of hard-to-read sans serif type faces, make the text hard to read;Surprising omissions of some of the most useful knots. For example, the Marlinespike Hitch is a quick (1 second or so) way to put a temporary loop around a tool handle or rod anywhere along a line, to give you a 'handle' to pull on.; The author is purportedly a world-class expert on knots. Unfortunately, he is not an expert on putting a book together, and allowed his name to be put on something that reeks of a slopped together 'pastepot' job.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hiking    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knots and splices    5. Outdoor Skills    6. Reference    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills   

Reviews (3)

Good lightweight primer
I thought it was an excellent book in which I learned something after almost 20 years of field work and backpacking.Weakness: He should have had a little more detail about packing light in different environments besides the preface.In particular, hiking high elevations even in the summer months requires a little more insulation at camp.

A rather lightweight book ...
With a nod to the author's experience, I'd say the book is light on content.
Lightweight Backpacking makes sense!
What a wonderful little book with some just amazing ideas!I've been lightweight backpacking for several years now, and Don Ladigin has included bits of his wisdom that will make time spent out in the wilderness even more rewarding.Some of his ideas seem so simple and straightforward, I wonder why I didn't think of that!Thanks Don! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Backpacking    2. Camping    3. Equipment and supplies    4. Hiking    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports & Recreation / Hiking    8. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Reviews (3)

Colorado
This item was purchased as a gift for another family member.We already own a copy, purchased from a source other than Amazon.

A lovely companion volume
For those who enjoyed the first volume, Volume II is a lovely companion book. In an interview, John Fielder explained that he could only put so many photos in the first volume, but going back through the hundreds of pictures that didn't make it in, he realized there were many more that were just as deserving to be published. I'm thrilled to include this book in my collection and highly recommend it for Colorado history lovers.

Ignore the Media Hype
As a Colorado history buff, I'm a little annoyed at all the hype the media has given the Fielder-Jackson project.The fact of the matter is Fielder's project is in no way original or ground-breaking.Several other photographers have quietly done similar projects over the years.The first that I know of to publish a then-and-now book on Colorado was Robert L. Brown, who published a series of such books in the 1960s.The first person to start work on a then-and-now book in modern times was Grant Collier, who reshot the images of his great-great grandfather, Joseph Collier.Joshua Dinar has also done a book called "Denver: Then & Now" and there have been a number of other regional Colorado books with a similar theme done over the years.Of these books, "Colorado: Yesterday & Today" by Grant Collier is, in my opinion, undoubtedly the best.It is significantly more interesting because he reshot the images of his great-great grandfather.Collier also did the best job of finding the exact spots where the historic photos were taken and he provided a lot more historical text and insight than any of the other modern books.The next best modern book is probably Fielder's "Colorado 1870-2000," in part because of the impressive size of the book.After this, I would put "Denver: Then & Now," followed by "Colorado: 1870-2000 II".I rank this book last because it consists only of the rejects from his first book.So while the book was released in 2005, the modern photos in it were taken back in 1998.The photos in this book were rejected from the first book for a reason.They are not as historically interesting as those in the first book and Fielder didn't do a great job of precisely re-shooting the images.So unless you own all of the other books listed above, I don't see any reason to buy this book.I do also recommend Robert L. Brown's books, but since the "modern" photos in his books were taken in the 1960s, they are obviously a little outdated.But the books provide interesting insight into two past time-periods, and they also provide a lot of historical text on each of the towns in the book.
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Subjects:  1. Colorado    2. Environmental conditions    3. History    4. Landscape photography    5. Photo Techniques    6. Photography    7. Subjects & Themes - Travel - General    8. Subjects & Themes - Travel - U.S./West    9. United States - State & Local - General    10. United States - West - Mountain (General)    11. Wilderness areas   

Reviews (10)

A must-have for any Route 66 traveller!
This book is fantastic.It's like having Drew sitting next to you on the ride, pointing out sites of interest, giving you bits of history about each and every town you pass along the entire length of Route 66.
A book to dream by
Even if I can't do the drive right now, this book is an inspirationtowards that SOMEDAY when I get in the car and go.

Full of information!
I have a lot of Route 66 books. This is definitely one of the better ones. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile travel    2. Description and travel    3. Guidebooks    4. Special Interest - Adventure    5. Travel    6. Travel - United States    7. Travel Guides - U.S.    8. United States - General    9. United States Highway 66    10. West (U.S.)    11. Travel & holiday guides    12. Travel / United States / General    13. USA   

Reviews (1)

Usefull stuff in, out with the rest...
I bought this book 2 months ago while planing a trip to OZ & NZ later on this year.
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Subjects:  1. Australia & Oceania - Australia    2. Australia & Oceania - General    3. Australia & Oceania - New Zealand    4. General    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel - General    8. Travel Guides    9. Australia    10. New Zealand    11. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (7)

Selling Corporate Aviation!!!
I read the first half of the book and during the entire course of the book, all the author does is "See Corporate Aviation". I would not recommend this book to anyone seriously wanting to get insights into the working and economics of corporate aviation. I guess the author wrote the book to popularise corporate aviaiton.

NBAA Guide Expansion
There are a very few books covering the Corporate Aviation Management topic.I had been waiting for some corporate aviation material for a while, because the existent texts were not updated with the new facts and changes of the business aviation since the 9/11 events.
Excellent Reference
This book was the best reference I had while preparing for the NBAA Certified Aviation Manager's exam in 2004.
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Subjects:  1. Aeronautics    2. Air Transportation    3. Airlines    4. Airports    5. Aviation - Commercial    6. Aviation - General    7. Business / Economics / Finance    8. Entrepreneurship    9. Local service airlines    10. Management    11. Management - General    12. Reference - General    13. Transportation    14. Aerospace & air transport industries    15. Business strategy    16. Transportation / Aviation / General   

Reviews (5)

The new lightweight bible
This is definitely the new bible for
Plenty of pro/con tips for assessing each piece and how to work with it more efficiently
If you're an avid backpacker tired of carrying a heavy pack into the wilderness, then LIGHWEIGHT BACKPACKING & CAMPING: A FIELD GUIDE TO WILDERNESS HIKING EQUIPMENT, TECHNIQUE AND STYLE is for you. Undoubtedly the first question will be how all 'the essentials' can be taken while reducing weight: there's new gear and techniques on the market which can achieve both goals, and all are covered in a book which comes from one of the leading authorities on the lightweight backpacking movement. This isn't just a review of the latest equipment: it adds plenty of pro/con tips for assessing each piece and how to work with it more efficiently.
Funny, the 1st reviewer works for Ryan Jordan
I'd say Andy's review is pretty self-serving since he works for Mr. Jordan. From [...] :
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Subjects:  1. Hiking    2. Sports & Recreation   

Subjects:  1. Reference - Guides (General)    2. Special Interest - Family    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. United States - Pacific - Hawaii    6. United States - West - Pacific (General)    7. Hawaii    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Reviews (6)

I have used this man's safari service
David's book is a glorious account of average people spending time with nature's truly inspiring flora & fauna.If you're planning on going on safari, this is a must have.If you've been, this will bring back wonderful memories.Peter & Dana

Feel Africa at Home
We have been on two Safari's and "On Safariby David Anderson" tells it all for less than $100.It keeps memories alive and well...the joy of picking up this book and living the greatest vacations of our life is priceless!Everyone that looks at this book cannot believe how beautiful the animals, the people and the views are.The Lodges are especially suprising to all!
Great Guide to Africa!
If you are thinking about a trip to Africa and are unsure of what to expect, "On Safari" reveals many hidden treasures and serves as a practical guide to planning a great safari in the wonderous land of Africa.
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Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Africa    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Safaris    5. East Africa    6. South Africa    7. Pictorials    8. Photography   

Reviews (10)

First Rate Book on Aitrline Economics

Academically Rigorous, Yet Comprehensible
This is the best introduction to the fundamentals of airline economics that I have ever read. Doganis, an analyst and teacher these days, is able to take all his years in industry (including a stint as CEO of Olympic Airways of Greece) and distill it into a useful text full of real world examples. The third edition is updated to include new developments like Internet ticketing, and was written post-9/11, so that sections dealing with issues such as security are up to date.
Great overview, at times too basic
Having worked in airports for the past 10 years, and now moving to the airline side, I wanted a broad overview of airline economics. The book did a first rate job.Read more

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics, Commercial    2. Airlines    3. Aviation - General    4. Business & Economics    5. Business/Economics    6. Industries - General    7. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    8. International - General    9. Transportation    10. Aerospace & air transport industries    11. Business & Economics / International    12. Reference works   

Editorial Review

Based on 15 extended trips to the Canadian far north over a five-year period, Read more

Reviews (22)

Good Arctic Study
This is a really good book.I think the author's ability to describe the Arctic environment and its inhabitants in glorious detail.Each chapter is devoted entirely to an Arctic creature or an environmental characteristic or to some historical context.My favorite chapter by far is "Ice and Light".In this chapter we get, I think, the most detailed description to be found on the colors of icebergs, flora, fauna, sea, and general landscape of the Arctic.In addition to that, we get an added bonus (especially for you astro-geeks out there).Lopez delves into the atmospheric phenomena that occur in and around the Arctic.I found this section to be truly amazing.The occurrence of these atmospheric effects resulted in some unique sightings by early explorers only to be later attributed to these phenomena.All in all, this is a really good read.

One of my favorites...
My favorite book, since I was in high school, has been Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire. I never thought any book I ever read could trump the drama and emotion of that book, but Arctic Dreams is its equal, if not its superior. I do admit I am biased. This book is like a life story of a person I have been in love with for my entire life.I've read a ton of books on the Arctic, and this is one of the best.
Extensive account on wildlife too....
I especially liked his account of polar bears, harp seals and whales and their intermingling relationships. His description of how he perceived his surroundings made me feel as if I was there! In fact, it made me book a 10-day trip to Alaska in order to escape the stresses of city-living for a while! I was somewhat surprised by the chapter on Eskimos and a thorough discussion of their origin since I had expected this book to be a travelogue at best. Of course, it is much more. The chapter on Ice and Light, for instance, is outstanding and has probably the best description I have read on the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis)!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arctic regions    2. Description and travel    3. Discovery and exploration    4. General    5. Natural History    6. Nature / Field Guide Books    7. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    8. Nature / General   

Reviews (2)

A must-have book if you plan to hike the PCT
It's got the bare essential data you need for the hike.
Couldn't Be Better
I can't think of anything this guide has left out.It provides not only thorough trail descriptions and maps for each segment that are detailed and clear, but also a history of the trail, both natural and historic, advice on planning your trip, and a complete list of agencies to contact for trail permits.I appreciate the details regarding flora and fauna, as well as advice from everything to supply stations to how to deal with bears.I don't believe that I have ever seen a more thorough and complete trail guide. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Hiking    2. Parks & Campgrounds    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (10)

Almost as good as being there!
I just could not put it down.This book was the turning point that convinced my wife and I to take our first cruise.Chester's whit and expert storytelling gave us all the information we needed to make our first cruise a treasure for a life time.Almost as much fun as the book!
Good if you're going to the Caribbean
If you're going on their itinerary, this might be a helpful book to read about port options, etc.If you're staying at the Ritz of the ship, you can know the extras you're going to get. I've been on an Alaskan cruise, and will be going on a Mediterranean cruise next summer, and NOT staying in a suite.
Chesterh, and What it's All About
Chesterh is the straight guy in a funny world only because he is the funny guy who has straightened out the fun of being on a cruise for the average Joe. I wish I would have read the book before my first cruise. I had a lot of those little things happen to me and I thought I was brain dead until I read "What Time Is The Midnight Buffet?" Chesterh put it all up front and I couldn't stop laughing which was noticed by others in quiet zones. It is a great read, and if your going on your first, second or third cruise you'll love it. Plenty of humor, good tips and do's and don'ts. Thanks Chesterh hope to read another in the future.
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Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues    2. General    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    7. Travel / General    8. Travel writing