Reviews (69)

Saudi fields are maturing
This book is very repetitive and too long, but it does contains a lot of useful information about oil fields and the complex business of getting the oil out. From the facts laid out in this book there is little doubt that Saudi oil fields are maturing with years of dependence on massive water injection and in recent years horizontal drilling to maintain high production rates.The production curves included in the book for eight large fields oil fields outside Saudi Arabia, including Prudhoe Bay Alaska, are sobering.Clearly there is some risk that in the not too distant future Saudi oil production will begin to decline.
Good Book, Needs Editing and Polishing
The message in this book is right on--Saudi Arabia is probably not as flush with oil as the world thinks it is.Simmons' thesis is a sound one and he defends it well.
Saudi Oil
A great deal of technical information that was a little overpowering at times. Never the less it makes it's case compellingly and logically. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Economic History    5. Forecasting    6. General    7. Industries - Energy Industries    8. Petroleum industry and trade    9. Petroleum reserves    10. Saudi Arabia    11. Business & Economics / General    12. International economics    13. Management of land & natural resources    14. Petroleum & oil industries   

Reviews (7)

What else can on say
Magnificent piece of work by the authors (scholars)! Incredible!It is about time such a compilation was put together. The significance of insects, and natural selection cannot be understated! To bad we will not be around in the near future but insects will.Enough said a must have in one's library.

Evolution has an inordinate fondness for insects
What organism has a loss of musculature in the antenna beyond the scape, possesses the Johnston's Organ, and for females the presence of an ovipositor formed by gonapophyses? The answer is an organism that seems to have the favor of evolutionary pressures for over 400 million years which has produced about 5,000, 000 species of insects that are alive today. The authors of this book estimate that perhaps 100 million species have existed at various points in this evolutionary timescale. Even if you are not an entomophile, even if you were never tempted to create a butterfly collection, and even if bee and ant stings, pesky cockroaches, and devastating grasshoppers cause you to believe that humans are better off without insects, this literary and scientific masterpiece will give you a deep appreciation for how the most successful life forms on the planet have evolved over the past 400 million years. Written for the professional entomologist and serious students of entomology, with some perseverance and discipline, along with a sizeable block in time, any reader who is interested in the subject matter can gain immensely from a reading of this book. Everything about insects is fascinating, and one could spend a lifetime for example just studying the evolution of one particular order of insects. For readers (such as this reviewer) who are not experts in entomology it is helpful to photocopy the glossary while reading the book, in order to have the important terminology readily available without having to constantly flip to the back of the book. There are hundreds of facts in the book that are fascinating and surprising. A small sampling of these include:
The story of insects
An excellent review ot the evolution of insects, with numerous line drawings and photographs. Well written and comprehensive. This book is not for casual reading, but would be indespensible for persons with a serious interest in the evolution of insects. The size of the book is quite large. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Evolution    2. Insects    3. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Insects (entomology)    7. Science / Life Sciences / Zoology / Invertebrates   

Reviews (16)

Crocs Rule and So Does This Book!
If you're an avid viewer of "The Crocodile Hunter", as I am, than this book is a must have.True, much of the information in can be picked up from the show.However, I actually enjoyed reading about Steve and Terri's adventures a bit more than watching them.You learn more about their families and what motivates them.After reading the book, I've developed a desire to learn more about wildlife conservation and what part I can play in it.I would highly recommend this book for any animal lover or Crocodile Hunter fan.

Entertaining, but too darned short!
To millions around the world, Steve Irwin is known as "the Crocodile Hunter," thanks to his wildly popular series on Animal Planet.To millions more, he's known as "that crazy Australian guy."THE CROCODILE HUNTER, a book by Steve and Terri Irwin, won't change anyone's mind about Steve's sanity, nor will it provide new insight into the man and his adventures for those already intimately familiar with his television exploits.THE CROCODILE HUNTER will, however, provide a few hours of distraction from the tube and more leisurely exploration of Steve and Terri's usual talking points about wildlife conservation. adventurers tend not to be introspective
disappointing. a short work. steve's life is presented in little more than outline depth. while atriculate on tv, doesn't transfer to the written page.Read more

Subjects:  1. Australia    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Dangerous animals    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Television Personalities    9. Herpetologists    10. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    11. Scientists - General    12. Wildlife    13. Zoology    14. Nature / General   

Reviews (10)

Christo
If there is one book that you need to read than this is it. Get your feet in the mud and find out who you really are. This book changed my life. Gave me the empowerment to throw off the chains of being dependent on paying alot of money for a basic need: good housing. Now I've embarked on a path of creativity, to build a house that is healthy, and will suit all my needs. My thanks are great!

Stunning AND the Absolute Last Word in Cob Info
I spent hours and hours with this beautiful and entertaining book, and I was only barely interested in Cob! This book is absolutely terrific, it is wonderfully and beautifully illustrated, includes color photos of some great cob houses, and is absolutely THE book you need if you want to learn about cob, or build your own cob structure. It is a wonderful balance of fun, personal stories, expertise, and technical info. (And really very inclusive too!) I read both Becky's and then this book. It really made me comfortable with cobbing because it is so well done, so inclusive and informative. A testimonial: Some time after reading this book over and over, we decided that cob was not appropriate for our site, and I STILL recently picked up this book for a good read!

Simply gorgeous!
First, it's fun just to browse through the gorgeous homes and creations in this book.Second, cob is well researched and documented here, for instance, did you know there are cob homes in Devonshire England that are over 400 years old?Third, this is a remarkably practical handbook for siting, designing, and building a home from cob.
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Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Architecture    3. Cob (Building material)    4. Design & Construction    5. Design & Drafting    6. Design and construction    7. Do-It-Yourself - General    8. Earth houses    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Applied ecology    11. Building construction & materials    12. Building skills   

Subjects:  1. Geology    2. Natural Resources    3. Petroleum    4. Petrology    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technology    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Technology / Petroleum   

Editorial Review

You know the saying: Give a man (or woman) a fish, and you give him dinner; teach a man (or woman) to fish and he'll have dinner for the rest of his life. The always entertaining and instructional "... for Dummies" series reeled in witty outdoors writer Peter Kaminsky to keep the rest of us fed--as in food for the table and food for thought--with this step-by-step guide to pretty much every right and obtuse angle on angling. As with all the books in the series, Read more

Reviews (15)

Only A Good Book for the Absolute Beginner--not a reference
While I am usually quite pleased with the "for dummies" type of books because they are truly a "reference for the rest of us," this one does not deliver on the latter promise. While it is fun to readand easy to understand, I learned nothing from reading this and I am only a casual fisherman at best, going on what my dad taught me over 25 years ago when I was just a boy. I think if you had no idea what you were doing at all this might be a good "get started" book, but if you know what a rod and reel are and how they work, how hooks and lines are gauged and how to hook your bait, I don't think this book will teach you very much. It also introduces a lot of new things to the beginner (such as telling you what the basic types of lures are), but tells you nothing in terms of tips for catching fish any better with these items.
the basics
This book will teach you the basics and answer some questions that you might have had about fishing. This is a good reference book that goes into enough detail to get anyone started fishing.

Really enjoyed it!
This was a great read. Learned a lot. Excellent for any beginner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fishing    2. Fishing - General    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Fishing, angling    6. Sports & Recreation / Fishing   

Reviews (3)

Stunning Photos!
Of course, everyone loves the feisty, peppy hummingbird with it's glorious colors.This book shows details that the average birdwatcher never sees.The close up photos, some in action sequence, are a delight and there are pictures even showing the nests made of cobwebs, feathers and lichens.
Unbelievable photography
This book conains the most amazing photography imaginable (the authors' companion book Hummingbirds of the Caribbean is just as wonderful).Dazzling colors and awesome stopped-action shots. I can't imagine how it was done.

Highest praise
The wife and husband team of Esther and Robert Tyrrell logged over 30,000 miles of travel to photograph and document the 16 species of North American hummingbirds.Using his own special high-speed strobe techniques, Roberthas photographed the tiny colorful birds in a variety of activities flying,perching, and nesting.The book contains over 200 amazing photographs,reproduced in dazzling color.In her text, Esther has culled informationfrom hundreds of sources and provides a comprehensive and well-writtenoverview of the birds' anatomy and behaviors.A must for any bird lover! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Birds    2. Birds & Birdwatching - General    3. Hummingbirds    4. Individual Species Of Birds    5. Nature / Field Guide Books    6. Nature/Ecology    7. North America    8. Nature / Birds & Birdwatching   

Reviews (9)

Yes, A Useful Walking Technique
While ChiRunning was the first running technique book I'd ever read, ChiWalking is definitely the first walking book I've ever set eyes on. With something that we do almost unconsciously, it's kind of silly to think that we'd need an instructional on how to put one foot in front of the other, right?
If you love to walk, don't pass this book by!
****
inspirational
I have only read the first few chapters, but I can already tell my life will be improved when I take actions described. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    3. Health aspects    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Tai chi    7. Training    8. Walking    9. Sports & Recreation / Walking   

Reviews (18)

RV Trip Review
I really enjoyed the second half of the book more, when the trip actually got started.However, for non-experienced RVers the first part of the book would be very helpful.

A Fun and Useful Book; All that it Lives Up To
I'm in the early stages of planning a major road trip, and Phil and Carol's book is exactly what I was looking for to help my husband and I cover our bases and ensure a smooth transition to life on the road for a while.
We're on the road and loving 'living the dream'
Can two adults really share a small RV for thousands of miles and not drive each crazy?
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Reference - Tips    3. Special Interest - General    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. Travel / Adventure    7. Travel / United States / General    8. Travel Guides - U.S.    9. Automobile travel    10. Recreational vehicles    11. Special Interest - Adventure    12. United States - General   

Reviews (5)

Nice Book
Well, this is a great beginner's textbook to Plant Physiology, especially when you have very little background in the field.(I major in Physics and took Plant Physiology as an elective.)The text is quite easy to understand, and there are great diagrams to complement the text.However, the text is getting a little bit out of date, as new plant hormones and genes are being discovered at a rapid pace right now.Overall, it was a pretty nice book for someone being introduced to the field.

an excellent review on plant physiology for students
I teach plant physiology at the University of paris. I have bought the first edition of this boor five years ago and I have bought the new one about one month ago. It was a concise, clear and well up to date documentedreview. I appreciate particularly all the section on bioenergetic andtransport in solutes in relation with morphology and development of theplant. I appreciate also very much the part on the influence of the lighteither for the classical phytochrome or to the appartition of the effect onthe blue light. Scheme are simple, but precise and well descibed. This bookwas a very good intermediate between books of pure biochemistry or puremorphology.All information is integrated and well discussed. In the domainof the plant physiology I think really on my knowledge that this book wasactually, in the domain of the plant physiology, one of the best review,and perhaps the better.

It is a useful tool for understanding plant physiology.
I teach plant physiology for biological sciences students in Bogot�, Colombia. I think this book is excelent. Also, it is written in a comprehensive English, and explainsclearly the principles of plantphysiology for everyboby including Spanish speakers. It is a very good wayto motivate undergraduate students with the knowledge in plant physiology.I would liKe to congratulate the authors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Life Sciences - Anatomy & Physiology    2. Plant physiology    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics   

Reviews (7)

you can't find an alternative.
when i was a student, i used to think, like many other reviewers, that the book is extremely dry. but now as a researcher in atmospheric-oceanic dynamics, i realise that the book is useful in explaining the most essential and elementary theories behind the dynamics one can encounter in meteorology or climate dynamics.
An Underrated Text
This book, often simply referred to as "Holton", has been roundly cursed by undergraduates since it was first published. I know, because I was one of them.However, as the years went by, and as the number of classes requiring Holton as a text went by, I realized two things.First, that this book was not meant to hold your hand through all the derivations.It requires a competent instructor who can use Holton as a detailed companion to rigorous coursework.This book is NOT for the average person who wishes to study alone.The second thing is that this book was written to fill a gap.There were no similar atmospheric dynamics texts.As a consequence, it must cover a large amount of material in a rather small, college textbook-sized space.It does this well.Yes, the author's writing style is dry to the extreme, and yes, physical explanations are often lacking.However, if you have access to a competent professor, neither of these are problems.One final thought... as we call the book simply "Holton" remember that Frankenstein's monster is often called simply "Frankenstein", but we will leave comparisons to the reader - and to the author!

Paramount
Useful introduction to dynamic meteorology.Covers many fundamental concepts and concisely.It is not a good fluid dynamics book.It is developed for the atmospheric scientist.It contains an exceptional chapter on waves.Also, there are some elementary concepts related to stratospheric dynamics and general circulation that are very well-written. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dynamic meteorology    2. Earth Sciences - General    3. Earth Sciences - Meteorology & Climatology    4. General    5. Physics    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Meteorology    9. Science / Earth Sciences   

Reviews (30)

Regional but excellent
Definitely a regional book.If you travel in N. Georgia up to New England, this is a must-have guide.The black and white line drawings do aid in identifying plants having structure and shape as the defining characteristic because light and shade of color do not come into play as they might in photos.As in birding, the preference for either photos or drawings is an individual one and, until Newcomb's landed in my library, I used photo guides for wildflowers but preferred drawn guides (like Peterson's) for birds.This is the book that changed my mind on that point.
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide
Two types of flower-identification books are available, those that use pure pattern recognition and those that require you to look at the flower. Pattern recognition books usually have pretty pictures of flowers arranged by color and then require you to search many pages to find one that looks like your flower. Newcomb's takes an alternative approach; it requires that you actually look at the flower. The key system is simple to use; for example, how many petals does it have, do the leaves alternate or are they on opposite sides of the stem, is it an herb, bush, or vine, etc. Only after narrowing down the possibilities extensively do you arrive at the pattern recognition stage and have only a few possibilities from which to choose. I have methodically found the names of several different flowers that I could not find even after exhaustive searches of other books. The book is not filled with pretty pictures, it is filled with information and excellent, simple line art.

Great Guide
If all the drawings in this book were in color, then this book would be hard to beat.I love this guide, but sometimes I have to reference a book with color pictures to be certain of an identification. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Climbing plants    2. Flowers    3. General    4. Identification    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Northeastern States    8. Shrubs    9. Wild flowers    10. Nature / General    11. Trees & wildflowers   

Reviews (3)

ARare Textbook!
Molles "Ecology: Concepts and Applications" is a rare textbook for three reasons: Great for non-technical study
This book is the first science text I have ever encountered which I enjoy reading.It generally takes the form of a series of stories which the author deftly uses to illustrate ecological concepts.It's not technical enough for a serious ecology student, but I hope that many people read it to gain an appreciation for ecology without encountering some the fanaticism which had previously turned me away from the subject entirely.Thanks.

Great for non ecology major students
Molles has outdone himself with this book.It presents the reader a greatbook for students who are not majoring in ecology and a great way tounderstand ecology and the different field works done in the area.Thetables and organization are great.I speacially like the way the authormakes a subject easy to understand and the way the tables and pictures helpyou to understand.It's a great book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ecology    2. Life Sciences - Ecology    3. Nature/Ecology    4. Science    5. Applied ecology    6. Ecological science, the Biosphere    7. Human ecology    8. Science / Ecology   

Reviews (4)

This is pretty good!
I bought this study guide to help me in my geology class. It isn't the same edition as my textbook but it is still the same. The chapters are the same and it has really helped me remember the material. The pages have fill in the blank and multiple choice and practice quizzes.All the answers are at the end of the book. I recomend this for anyone who is taking geology and is using the "Earth" book.

An outstanding introductory textbook in physical geology
Despite the proliferation of introductory physical geology textbooks in recent years, none have surpassed the quality of Tarbuck and Lutgens' "Earth".The text is accurate, up-to-date, well-organized, andexceptionally lucid.The writing flows nicely and presents complex topicsand ideas in a way that is easy for non-scientists to understand, while atthe same time resisting the trend toward "dumbing-down" that hasrecently affected many introductory textbooks in Earth sciences.The bookis also illustrated wonderfully with diagrams that are effectivelydesigned, beautifully executed, and perfectly matched to the accompanyingtext.The photographs are likewise outstanding in subject and quality,with great efforts obviously having been made to find excellent picturesthat complement the text and clearly illustrate the features and processesbeing described.The overall quality of the photographs is far better thanin most other textbooks of this kind.Substantial improvements have beenmade for the sixth edition, including the addition of helpful illustrationsto the glossary and the addition of many new photographs throughout thebook (for example, compare the 5th and 6th edition pictures of drumlins,moraines, igneous rock textures, tsunamis, sinkholes, etc.).Afterexamining many textbooks, I have decided to use this one in theundergraduate course I will teach next year.

Earth - an average introductory textbook
This book has dozens of errors, but in its defense, I must say that every introductory textbook I've used or reviewed has similar errors. For example, thermal expansion due to daily temperature fluctuations does NOT fracture rocks. Fire fractures rocks, and local fires can occur in manydeserts. The photo of a rock split is actually due to ice (not frost)wedging. Deserts can be freezing. The book does not address the importanceof past climates. Most of North America's landforms were formed under wet,warm climates, not today's. The hydrologic cycle should be expanded to thegeohydrologic cycle, which incorporates plate tectonics. Plate tectonics,as presented, is rather primitive. We're in, I'd say, 3rd generation platetectonics, but it is not being taught. Mountain glacial landscapes areentirely misinterpreted, based on a false paradigm originating in the1840s. Yosemite Valley is far more a relict tropical landscape than aglaciated one, and Bridalveil Falls has existed for 10s of millions ofyears before glaciation. Evolution of desert landscapes is equally as bad.The authors don't understand pediments, which are exhumed weathering fronts(as in Joshua Tree National Park) or exhumed detachments (as in the MojaveDesert). Etc., etc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Earth Sciences - Geology    2. Environmental Engineering & Technology    3. Environmental Science    4. Interactive & Multimedia    5. Physical Geology    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Textbooks    9. Geology & the lithosphere    10. Science / Geology   

Reviews (25)

Great for Disney fans who want to know more
This book was great!It explains the reasoning behind why and how all the current attractions were constructed.I would have liked to see a little more on the past and the potential for future attractions, but it was good.It is really interesting to see why this ride was built just like it was and how the idea formed into what it is.

The Mouse is Best.
A great behind the scenes look at the Best Place on Earth.For those who want to pick the brains of the Imagineers to hear their versions of what we see at the Magic Kingdom. I really appreciated this book.

The Magic of the Magic Kingdom
It's kind of funny to have a field guide to Disneyland, but it really does answer a lot of the questions that you have walking around.It's a good size for carrying with you which is why it's a filed guide, I guess.I just read it home.That works well too.It's an interesting book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amusement parks    2. Buildings    3. Design    4. History    5. Parks & Campgrounds    6. Special Interest - Family    7. Travel    8. Travel - United States    9. United States    10. Walt Disney Company    11. Walt Disney World (Fla.)    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (11)

What you would expect.
I needed this book for my science olympiad team.It is exactly what you would expect from the Audubon society.Great colors, good quality, great examples. I ordered many other field guides at the suggestion from other teachers.

Audubon Field Guides Great Gifts
I purchased complete sets of Audubon Field Guides to everything for Xmas gifts this year - some given singly, some as sets.Fantastic quality; they were theme-appropriate depending upon to whom they were given and they were received with the most excitement and appreciation of any gift I have given for years.Plus, the prices were far below retail.Thanks for great service and top quality items.

Great feild guide for quick info
i loved this book i was doing a report on tourmaline and it gave me info that no othe book i looked at had ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Collection and preservation    2. Collectors and collecting    3. Minerals    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. North America    7. Rocks    8. Rocks & Minerals    9. Nature / Rocks & Minerals    10. Rocks, minerals & fossils   

Subjects:  1. Ecology    2. Effect of human beings on    3. Environmental Engineering & Technology    4. Environmental sciences    5. Human Ecology    6. Life Sciences - Ecology    7. Nature    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Ecological science, the Biosphere    11. Science / Meteorology   

Reviews (1)

Great read
For those who enthusiasts of Sport Business and/or the financing of amateur, collegiate and pro sports, this is excellent ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Corporate sponsorship    2. Economic aspects    3. Finance    4. General    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports administration    8. Sports & Outdoor Recreation   

Reviews (10)

Sky & Telescope's Pocket Atlas is now my FIRST reference
Having had it for two star parties now, it's become my favorite reference.
S&K and Sinnott Trump All Other's With New User Friendly Astral Guide!
S&K's new Pocket Sky Atlas is the triumphal culmination of years of research and thoughtful formatting work. Quite simply, it represents the easiest to use "at the scope" guide yet available. I highly recommend this work for the neophyte star gazer, as well as the most seasoned amateur astronomer.

Wouldn't want to go out with out it
There are two small atlases I consider to be absolutely indispensable.Sky and Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas is one of them.The charts in this atlas were well chosen.Each covers just the right amount of sky to give both a good perspective of the area you are looking at, and enough detail for star hopping with binoculars or finder scope, (stars are shown down to magnitude 7.6).Stick figures highlight the constellations to provide an easy and intuitive reference for what part of the sky the chart covers.An all sky view key of the charts is provided at the back of the book so that charts are easily located.The charts are well organized and very easy to navigate.
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Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Astronomy - Star Guides    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Star Observation   

Reviews (55)

I'd go elesewhere for a broader view of energy issues
The title of this book is a good summery of their views.Most if not all of what the authors have to say is true and much of it interesting. They talk a lot about computers and how they will make cars more efficient and even about one author's theory about how life began.They are very optimistic about science finding ways to handle our energy needs without much change in our lifestyle or the health of our economy.However if you want to know something about how much oil is left, what are the prospects for specific alternative energy sources and how global warming will impact the trade offs I suggest you go to another source.The best I have found is: ENERGY AT THE CROSSROADS by Vaclav Smil.He is an academic who has studied energy issues for 40 years.It is a tougher read because it has a lot more pertinent science and information.He is not given to prediction because he has seen so many fail but he does address the issues in a thoughtful and nuanced way.

A Grand Tale
Huber and Mills tell a happy and triumphant story in The Bottomless Well.Our energy future is secure."Energy technology is now poised to evolve faster than at any time before in human history."Don't worry about the details, the markets will work it all out (markets never fail).The story is cast as a battle between order and chaos, life and death. It is a "chronicle of humanity's struggle against the second law of thermodynamics, not in theory but in the real world . . . It is a story of ingenious valves and gates that flip open and closed, with just the right timing, to push energy up the thermodynamic hill, to structure our environment, and to add order to our lives." xxix.Capitalists are on the side of order.Ghandi and government regulators are on the side of chaos.
Great material but inflated and unnecesarily devisive...
A character in the recent dystopian science fiction film The Island works all day injecting fluids into wires that disappear into the wall next to him.He is never told "where these wires go," and his curiousity to find out eats away at him.Without this crucial contextual knowledge, his understanding of his own role in the system is facile.