Editorial Review

"Periodization," nutrition, stretching, peaking--who knew that so much went into riding a bike? Joe Friel's Read more

Reviews (28)

The most complete book there is...
Better than the Carmichael books, hands down. If you are a noodle around cyclist...this is not for you. However, if you are willing to read the book, do the tests to determine your fitness, and then develop your plan, and stick to it, it will make you a much better cyclist. I went from the back of the pack, struggle to keep up cyclist(got dropped several times) last year, to a front of the pack, much stronger cyclist this year. A buddy and I put togather a program last fall, and followed it thru over the winter, and now we are much better and stronger. The only other factor in my improvement was probably my Computrainer, which I rode all winter long. The workouts, along with the computrainer did the trick. The only downside to the book is that to get the full value of it you need some way to measure watts, and if you don't have the needed equiptment, you may not get the full benefit.

Fantastic
This is an excellent resource for anyone wishing to get into or improve on already existing road racing skills.

Much better than the competion
I had read all the Chris Carmichael traning books, and found them lacking.There isn't enough detail about what lies behind his programs to allow one to adapt them very well.
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Subjects:  1. Cycling    2. Cycling - General    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Training    6. Fitness training   

Reviews (1)

The indispensible Tropical Pacific field guide.
Pratt, Bruner, and Dickinson have produced a superb field guide completely covering all the islands of the tropical Pacific from Hawai'i west through Micronesia.This is a true field guide:it gives the field marks of everyspecies, notes problems in identification with special emphasis ondistinguishing similar species, and wastes no space on matters not relatedto identification.(The exception is that Pratt, a significantornithologist as well as an expert in identification, summarizescontroversies in classification whre appropriate.)Read more

Subjects:  1. Birds    2. Birds & Birdwatching    3. Birds & Birdwatching - General    4. Birds & Birdwatching - Guides    5. Hawaii    6. Identification    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Oceania    10. Biological Sciences    11. Birds (ornithology)    12. Birds and Natural History    13. Nature / Birds & Birdwatching    14. Pacific Ocean    15. Reference works   

Reviews (16)

"Sail on, sail on, sailor..."
Weighing in at a hefty five pounds plus and almost 1000 pages long, this book is as important to your boat as its keel, and almost as dense. First published by Nathaniel Bowditch in 1802 and carried on board every U.S. Navy vessel, THE AMERICAN PRACTICAL NAVIGATOR ("BOWDITCH") is the quintessential seafarer's reference.
I know nothing
I bought this book for my brother who is in the Navy. He said it is required for them to have. He said it has been very helpful. Other then that, I know nothing else about this book.

A 'must' reference for any serious boater
The 2002 bicentennial edition of Bowditch's American Practical Navigator is a weighty tome prepared and published by the national Imagery and Mapping Agency in Maryland. Packed with international and foreign nautical charts, details on Logan navigation, discussions of navigation regulations and ocean chemistry and properties, and logarithm charts, The American Practical Navigator is a 'must' reference for any serious boater, and for libraries where boaters congregate. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americas (North Central South West Indies)    2. History    3. History: American    4. Sailing - Navigation    5. Transportation   

Reviews (4)

dated
This is a very old book as far as fiberglass boats go.Must later prcedures,and products not included. There is some usefull info in the book

Ready, Set, Fix
This book was not only very informative, but also a very great read.I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down once I started.Quickly I now have the knowledge I need to continue my work on my project boat.I would recommend this to anyone looking to work with an old boat of any kind.True enough, some tricks here will save you money.

I think there are better books out there . . .
This is a good book.It is complete, to be sure.For the expert fiberglass repair person, I cannot speak, but it is certainly difficult to read for an amateur.Generally, a bit much to swallow.I think that other books have similar information more elegantly stated.The fault is not with the content, but the presentation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - Boatbuilding    2. Boating - General    3. Boats and boating    4. Fiberglass boats    5. Maintenance and repair    6. Ship Maintenance And Repair    7. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    8. Small Ship Design And Construction    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Boating    12. Shipbuilding technology & engineering    13. Ships & shipping: general interest    14. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Reviews (3)

Master of landscape photography
Another stunning book of American Landscape!!
wonderful photos
After seeing these photos, I'm further inspired to visit all the national parks!
First class tribute to our parks
What a beautiful book! Covering all of our nation's National Parks, David Muench's photography is incredible. From the Great Sand Dunes to Canyonlands, from Carlsbad to Glacier, he's captured our nation's most beautiful land. Great quality book--I immediately wanted to hike up a mountain. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. National parks and reserves    2. Nature Photography    3. Parks & Campgrounds    4. Photo Essays    5. Photoessays & Documentaries    6. Photography    7. Pictorial works    8. Pictorials    9. Subjects & Themes - Landscapes    10. Travel - United States    11. United States    12. United States - General    13. Photographs: collections    14. USA    15. Zoos & wildlife parks   

Reviews (30)

Great, general survival text
This book does a great job of covering a variety of survival topics and techniques without seeming disorganized. Sections are divided well, and wording is direct and uncomplicated. This is a good book for serious outdoorsmen in addition to those just looking to brush up their knowledge "just in case".

Great info and a fun read
My 7 year old son loves the idea of being a survival expert. Most of his "survival" involves spending the afternoon in the year eating sandwiches in his tent.I purchased the "SAS Survival Handbook" as a something fun to read with him.
GOOOD
If you want just one book of survival, than this is your best shot. Just by it and than you'll see... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Handbooks & Manuals    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Outdoor Skills    5. Outdoor Survival Techniques    6. Reference - General    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Survival skills    10. Wilderness survival    11. Sports & Recreation / Camping   

Editorial Review

When Read more

Reviews (13)

Bible of Boating, but maybe you just need a little prayer.
If you could only buy one book on boating, this would be it, but it's overkill for a beginning recreational boater. The newcomer to boating will get lost in all the detail if he tries to use this as a practical manual. With all the books on boating, it might be better to label this as an intermediate-advanced reference book. Sure, it's got everything, but most weekenders don't need to know everything, just the basics.

an absolute boater's neccessity
Chapmans is the must-have for any boater who wants to do things the right way. I regularly go to this book. Easy to read, organized and practical. A bit big to bring onboard, however.

Don't Leave Home (or the Dock) Without It!
Our most frequently asked question: "What's the one book you'd recommend for a boater?"Our answer every time: "Chapman's."Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating And Sailing    2. Motorboats    3. Navigation    4. Pilots and pilotage    5. Sailing - Navigation    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - General    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Transportation   

Reviews (11)

Simply stunning
The book has stunning photos that truly show the birds as they would be seen in real life. The use of mini "quizzes" throughout the book set it apart from other books like it. The book is a learning tool vs. only a reference tool. The descriptions are easy to follow. The range maps are clear and the layout is easy to understand. This is the birding book of the year.

Another good approach to Shorebird I.D.
Superior photography to other shorebird guides on the market.Images of mixed species flocks for comparison makes this guide very useful for real life situations.Consistent and well thought-out layout.Probably not best thought of as a field guide, but rather a study guide and a 'get-back-to-the-car reference.'

A New Standard in Shorebird Guides
This is the best photographic guide to Shorebirds period. There are hundreds of photos, over 300 pages for just photos most of them with several photos per page. Not only that they have great captions. Example Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs each have 12 photos showing both in one shot, breeding, non-breeding, juvenile, juvenile molting, resting, flying, with other species and all the photos tell you where and when (what month) they were taken. Each species also has range maps and the text is first class. Each species is covered as to Status, Taxonomy, Behavior, Migration - both spring and fall and adult and juveniles, Molts - first year and adult, and lastly vocalizations. The authors stress the Structure of each species rather than detailed colorization. Shorebirds can vary greatly in color especially during migration but their structure stays the same. Also one often observes these birds against bright lighting making their structure stand out.
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Subjects:  1. Bird Watching    2. Birds & Birdwatching - General    3. Identification    4. Individual Species Of Birds    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Pictorial works    8. Shore birds    9. Nature / Birds & Birdwatching   

Reviews (69)

Hike on!
As a somewhat outdoor type (ski regularly, backcountry camp about once a year) I found this to be a pretty fascinating look at survival that comes at it from many different perspectives.It is not a survival guide per se.It is not an in-depth account of the survival stories that it tells (most of these stories can be found more detailed in more exhaustive accounts like "Touching The Void".)What this book is (as the cover indicates) is a look at that profound question of why some survive and others don't and what drives us to risk our lives for thrills.Like the systems he describes, even this question has many factors.There is no one way to survive, or one factor that makes somebody a survivor.All too often, the greatest "survivor", doesn't.And realizing and accepting that fact seems to be a big part in giving the best effort to beat the odds.
Compelling journalistic account about the moxie of survivor-adventurers
Elements of "Deep Survival" were quite memorable, especially the story of the ill-fated sailing venture where one incredible woman managed to survive unbelievably difficult circumstances.The work did remind me "The Perfect Storm" at that point.However, I agree with another review that the lengthy summary of Joe Simpson's ordeal on the West Face of Suila Grande WAS lackluster in comparison with the actual narrative in "Touching the Void.As a long-time climber, I found Gonzales' account of the tragedy on Mt. Hood realistic and compelling. Those of us who have survived mountain accidents can certainly identify with the stories related by the survivors of the fall down the ice field and with Gonzales' handling of that horrible event.My hands started sweating as I recalled some of my more harrowing adventures in the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.He's clearly a journalist/adventurer a la Jon Krakauer, not a scientist, so anyone reading the book should read the technical passages about neuroscience, etc. in that context.

Enjoy but beware of the wilderness.
Wilderness is so-called because it instills an element of fear and awe to those who live by the predictable rhythms of urban and suburban life (of course, there is also such a thing as urban wilderness; same rules as spelled out in this book may also apply).Wilderness is there to appreciate by those who should also be cognizant of its risks and any unforeseen circumstances.
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Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (16)

Excellent book, inspiring and motivating
I was new to cycling, and I had no idea what I am doing, tried different sources of information, however nothing like this book, its very friendly and targeted towards beginners and even advanced cyclist, the book took me to a whole new level I would not even dream about, very simple and practical to use, unlike other books where they describe advanced training schedule that's not quiet possible if you are working or a full time student like me, it has chapter about female cyclists, very interesting and helpful. The book also describe nutrition thoroughly a subject always overlooked by beginners.
Great training guide for any long distance ride
I've recently decided to ride in my first 200 mile ride and thought I better prepare myself mentaly as well as physically.So I purchased this book.
Kind of Lame
I did not get much out of this book.It looks like a lot of ideas were copied from long distance running data. Important issues like clipless pedals were skimmed over. Also I would like to have seen a chapter on common breakdowns and how to avoid them.Training and nutrition were discussed to death..... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling    2. Cycling - General    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Training   

Reviews (7)

Simply The Best
If you are going to Disney with your kids, this is, hands down, the best guide out there.

my kids (and grandkids) like action
My kids & I used to make a yearly pilgrimmage to WDW in Orlando and now my gradnkids want to do the same. So off I go again. But I wouldn't leave the house (or the car) unles I had Wiley's great guide book in my bag. Everything we need to know is there and the yearly updates make this an imperative take-along travel choice.
Excellent Guide
This is one of the best travel guides that I have used! I took my kids to Disney and this book helped me avoid the long lines (that we all know about!), know where to eat and helped me find a good hotel where my kids could be kids. This is a must if you plan on going to Disney! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family recreation    2. Florida    3. Guidebooks    4. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    5. Orlando Region    6. Orlando Region (Fla.)    7. Parks & Campgrounds    8. Special Interest - Family    9. Travel    10. Travel - United States    11. Travel Guides - U.S.    12. United States - South - South Atlantic (General)    13. United States - South Atlantic - Florida    14. Walt Disney World (Fla.)    15. Travel & holiday guides    16. Travel / United States / South / South Atlantic (DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV)   

Editorial Review

This is the classic from which many of our staff first learned toread, starting us on a path of unremitting bibliophilia.Read more

Reviews (75)

An unforgettable book!
Poor little birdie came into this world and his mother was out getting him his first meal. He goes through a series of, "Are you my mother?" to planes, cows, dogs, until he almost gives up. As this book unravels, you cheer on the birdie while he goes through his wonders of who he feels a sense of belonging to. P.D.Eastman uses repitition and adds easy drawings to perfect a child's love and want to hear this book OVER AND OVER again. One of the first books I learned to read by and still own the same raggedy copy.

Are you my favorite book?
Our Grand daughter acts out this entire book with dramatic embellishments and subtle interpretation.It is the most interactive book a youngster from 6 months on can love and enjoy forever.

I loved this book as a child...but it's really inappropriate now!
First, let me say that I learned to read from this book. When I was a kid I knew all the words and I loved it! But then again, I didn't know any better, and frankly, neither did my mom and dad. I was lucky in that the book applied to me: I looked like my mom and dad and therefore the message of the book, that your mother is the one who looks most like you, was seemingly harmless.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Birds    2. Birds    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Family - New Baby    6. Family - Parents    7. Fiction    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Birds (ornithology)    11. English literature: fiction texts    12. Juvenile Fiction / Family / New Baby    13. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Editorial Review

Concise and yet packed with detail, Read more

Reviews (121)

The void of the mind...
Some of us are adrenalin junkies. We need to feel the rush, the tension and the accomplishment that comes with scaling 21,000-foot mountains, such as the Siula Grande. Then there are people like me, who would rather read of other's accounts of such incredible experiences. And Joe Simpson reaches your psyche in ways few other writers could. Part of it is just the knowledge and fearful horror of what he went through -- realizing that not only did he make it through the experience, but that he was able to articulate such inexpressible fears and feelings in such a vivid, moving way. Of course one can never truly understand what Joe Simpson experienced, but when one reads his words and begin to let your mind wonder into the "void", isn't the book as close as anyone would want to get? This vicarious adventurer says yes, yes, God yes.

Good survival story
This book is worth reading & Joe Simpson is without a doubt a great writer. I do recommend this book if you like survival / adventure stories.
Climb, Joe, Climb!!!
True Story of overcoming the mind and the mountain.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Case studies    4. General    5. Great Britain    6. Huayhuash, Cordillera    7. Mountaineering    8. Mountaineers    9. Peru    10. Search and rescue operations    11. Simpson, Joe    12. Special Interest - Adventure    13. Sports    14. Sports & Recreation    15. Sports - General    16. Yates, Simon    17. Sports & Recreation / Mountaineering   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (20)

A great guide to getting out of a survival situation.
Unless something is wrong with you, your goal when thrust into a survival situation is to get out of it as fast as you can. That is the premise of this book. You won't find detailed instructions on building and using a fire bow. You won't find recomendations on the biggest, baddest knife. The one used in the book has about a 4 inch blade and retails for less than $20. You will find practicle suggestions for fire. You will also find suggestions on assembling a survival kit that's thorough but not enormous. There is scientific discussion on the human body's reaction to the environment. All of this is presented in a humorous style. The book focuses on preparation for a survival situation and how to get out of it. Not learning flint knapping, snare building, dead falls, etc. I found the book informative and easy to read. Those offended by the few cartoon characters should get a life.

98.6 Rates a 100%
Down to earth, straight forward, factual, No BS here.
Much better titles out there
Besides the dedication to "all Beings of Light," living "within a conscious understanding of our true Selves" and his gratitude for "all the Ascended and Cosmic Ones, to all the Archangels, Archeia, and angels, elementals, and Elohim"... and his characters "Elvis Parsley, Willy Nilly" and others, by the time you weed through all his flakey or cutesie fluff content, the meat on the bone is practical and useful, but lost.By three chapters in, I truly felt like I had wasted my time.
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Subjects:  1. Handbooks, manuals, etc    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Wilderness survival    6. Health & Fitness / Health Care Issues    7. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    8. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (1373)

Fast paced, educating account of extreme mountaineering
Mr. Krakauer's account of the deadly trip to the top of Mt. Everest has a credibility to the story that many other action filled, non-fiction works have.Due mostly to the fact that Mr. Krakauer was a reporter who was there, a member of a team who witnessed the way the disaster unfolded in one of the most unforgiving environments in the world.His book is a chronicle of the things that went wrong with the expedition, things that were red-flags to those there but were not heeded.Some of the book deals with the commercialization of Everest, where if you have the money, you can find a guide that will risk your life, his life and others lives to get you to the top.Some of those who died were Everest guides, people who knew the signs of things going wrong, yet they still made the fateful decision of pressing on for the summit.Part of the book, about Beck Weathers is amazing and does give some hope to the extents and abuse the human body can take with a certain frame of mind.Albeit, it cost him his hands and part of his face, the fact that he survived is amazing none-the-less.
Read "The Climb," too...
I give "Above Thin Air" 5 stars because it is a magnificently written work about Everest, but Krakauer's venom towards Anatoli Boukreev was and is inexplicable when the facts of that night are laid bare.
Non-Fiction at Its Best
I couldn't put this book down. To be honest with you, I rarely enjoy non-fiction, yet the way with which Krakauer creates tension - something that most likely is not that difficult as Everest on its own is a formidable place - is as effective as some of the best fiction writers out there. I was also impressed with how he was able to situate the expedition and the characters involved within the rich tradition of Everest mountaineering. His descriptions of Hall and Fischer are remarkable and he has immortalized them for the general public as they have been immortalized with climbers for years. I also like the way with which Krakauer is honest about what he is and is not sure about concerning his account. Being above 26,000 ft. makes it very difficult to be sure of what took place. Overall, I was quite impresed with this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Essays & Travelogues    3. Everest, Mount (China and Nepal)    4. Krakauer, Jon    5. Mountaineering    6. Mountaineering accidents    7. Mountaineering expeditions    8. Specific Groups - General    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - General    12. Sports & Recreation / Mountaineering   

Reviews (13)

Really essential
Quite a bit of good info here although Nigel does let his rather strong opinions shine through in some areas.Smile.

Nearly best book
After my 22000 nautical miles bluewater sailing and cruising life still I feel myself really beginner.
Great book
Lot's of sailing info packed into one book. Covers many different aspects of sailing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Navigation    4. Sailboats    5. Sailing    6. Sailing - General    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Transportation    9. Travel    10. Sports & Recreation / Boating    11. Cruising    12. Seamanship   

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 (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