Industrial Books

This book really opened my eyes to the conditions in which animals are being raised. Not only is it inhumane to the animals, but it is contaminating OUR food. It has many pictures, which I like, being a visual person. Read this book and you will find it very educational.

When I was first exploring the issue of eating meat vs. becoming vegetarian, a friend recommended this book. Mason and Singer look inside the world of modern factory farming, providing an unsentimental look at the reality behind your dinner. Even those who don't give a damn about animals and their suffering will be alarmed at the information concerning what's in animal feed and the conditions in meat production. An eye-opener.

If you're not a vegetarian, you probably will be by the end of this book. It's like a nightmare on paper. The book was a very informative read. Jim Mason & Peter Singer are two of the best sources for books on animal rights.
It was appalling to read what happens to animals that are being raised for slaughter. Some of this book is difficult to stomach. While it may seem unbelievable, it is a true account. Male chicks are literally thrown in the garbage, others are debeaked with a hot iron, pigs are kept confined in tiny stalls.. so tiny that they cannot turn around. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who think that this kind of abuse can't possibly happen.. but it does. This is a life changing book.

I bought this book years ago and became a vegetarian after seeing how horribly the animals are treated and how wasteful meat production is. I don't think there is anything worse than closing your eyes to what really goes on just so you don't have to take action and possibly change your lifestyle. This book will open your eyes.

Another great volume in the Apogee series on the Apollo Program. Apollo 14 followed the frightening Apollo 13 flight a year later. 14 had its moments of high anxiety as well. This volume is highly recommended for any one wanting to learn about the Apollo Program. Al Shepard, who was America's first man in space in 1961, gets his chance to walk on the moon in 1971.

First, I must make a terrible confession. I have purchased the majority of the NASA Mission Reports and undoubtedly will not stop until I have all of them. This compulsion is looked upon with disfavor by my wife, but I cannot help it. Second, I am completely amazed at how much the publisher is able to cram onto the enclosed CD's. On my latest purchase of the Apollo 14 Mission Reports, I guesstimate that there must be over 5 hours of just audio recordings, not counting all the video, documentation, and photos. My one and only caveat is that I wish the graphics and video were in higher resolution. However, in order to do that they would have to either delete some material or step up to multiple CD's or a DVD format. All-in-all, the NASA Mission Reports are a bargain for the astronautics/astronomy enthusiast. You get a closeup view of history in the making. Bravo to the author and publisher for making these available.

Once again, Robert Godwin and Apogee Books have compiled a great set of NASA documents about the Apollo era of space exploration. This time, as the title indicates, he has chosen Apollo 14. This mission was the first mission after the aborted Apollo 13 flight and had Alan Shepard as the mission commander.

The book opens with the usual NASA mission press kit. Unlike earlier missions, the press kit is significantly smaller. The next portion of the books contains an excellent section devoted to describing the ALSEP (Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package) hardware that would be placed on the moon. In my many years at NASA, I have yet to see such comprehensive documentation of this hardware package. The book concludes with the post launch mission operations report and the crew debrief.

The debrief section, which is over half the book, contains the crew comments and feelings about various parts of the mission and for the most part avoids the technical language that many of the NASA documents include. The crew debrief contains crew comments from the suiting up phase to the landing, plus comments about the training (did it or did not help the crew). There are many sections that provide a thorough crew description about the docking problems (which almost aborted the mission), lunar EVAs, and the lunar science conducted from orbit. I always find the crew debriefing quite enjoyiable, because it is the closest thing to being there.

Some general information that might be useful.

1) These reports are just scanned-in documents from previously released NASA press kits, etc., In order to preserve the spirit of the original reports, all typographical and grammatical errors have NOT been fixed.

2) Proceeds from the book goes to "The Watch" an asteroid impact research project of the Space Frontier Foundation. In other words, Apogee Books is making very little off the sale of US government produced books.

3) Many people have asked why the post mission reports are not included. Since NASA has published many books with hundred of pages (The NASA SP series), and the data from these missions is still being analyzed, it would be impossible to do.

Apollo 14 may be best known for Alan Shepard's return to space (and perhaps his golf shot on the moon). But it was also the first serious science mission as well as the return to flight after the near-disaster of Apollo 13. As usual, the text includes the pre-mission press and internal reports, and the post-mission summaries and crew debriefings. The accompanying CD contains hundreds of photos from the mission as well as an interview with astronaut Ed Mitchell.

Yet another valuable volume for the space enthusiast.

Louis Kahn would have loved this book. Silence and beauty permeate its pages. Intense.

Architecture of Silence is a finely wrought volume of exceptional interest and beauty. Its temporal actuality immediately evokes the devotional themes which are contained within its pages. The book feels like a sacred text which was printed and bound by hand, out of love.

Cistercian cenobites understood that interior spaces were at least as significant and meaningful in the natural order of things as surface manifestations. They believed that divinity resides in places that cannot necessarily be seen or immediately sensed. Architecture Of Silence conveys splendidly the essence of this belief as expressed through the physical monuments they created in worship.

Heald is head photographer for the Guggenheim Museum of New York. He is far more than an expert photographic technician, however. The book exemplifies uncompromisingly conscious, staggeringly sensitive image making. As he composed and developed these images, Heald must have had a vivifying rapport with the same extraordinary source of energy and insight that infused the psyches of the original builders of these Abbeys. Wonderful. Inspiring. Awesome. Excellent essay too.

I was on a spiritual pilgrimage in France in October 2000, and I toured most of the abbeys that are featured in this book. I did not see this book until after I returned from France, and I must admit that the photos in this text are the most impressive of all the books that I have viewed on Cistercian architecture. I love this book ! The photographer has been able to capture the peace, simplicity, and soul of these medieval monuments. How many photography books actually bring your spirit to a deeper level of tranquility? This one surely will. The introduction is beautifully written and was composed by The expert and scholar of Cistercian architecture. I also recommend another excellent book on this subject: Cistercians: Monks and Monasteries of Europe, by Stephen Tobin.

I found this Rizzoli hard bound book a delight to read and look through. The pictures are of outside & inside views including landscapes & gardens. I never knew anything about Argentina before I bought this book. About 22 properties photographed. Text is clear, specific and inviting. Also have FAZENDAS - THE GREAT HOUSES & PLANTATIONS OF BRAZIL which is just as good. If you are a visual person and see a 1,000 things in a photograph, this book is for you. Certainly made me realise that not the great buildings are in Europe or USA.

Argentina is a fascinating country, a land of intrigue (the Peron years, the lingering mysteries of the Disappearing Ones), a land praised for the beauty of its vast landscapes and waterfalls and seemingly endless ranches where gauchos still stir the imagination, the home of the Tango, the home of the preeminent Teatro Colon, etc. But this book of richly colorful photographs and interesting writing introduces yet another aspect of the country less known - the Great Estancias.

Covering twenty two impressive estates/mansions throughout the land of Argentina author Cesar Aria shares the importance of these disparate estates. Just as the country has always been Euro-centric so are the variations of the homes here rendered. There are recreations of Italian, French and English 'palaces' (they are far too grand to be mere homes!) and the histories of the buildings combined with the histories of the families who created them. But Argentina also celebrates the vast land resources and the great captains of ranching whose country homes are equal in grandeur to the other more traditional 'museums' in the book.

The photography includes not only the facades of the buildings but also the approaches and the grounds and the interiors. The variety is surprising and the quality of the color photography is excellent. For an insider's glimpse into a country of many facets, this beautifully designed and produced book makes a fine addition to the library. Grady Harp, April 07

Tomas de Elia great photographs capture not only the european architecture of the Argentine houses and gardens but also the romantic atmosphere of the pampas. The book is impeccably designed and lavishly illustrated and allow us to wander into a part of the Argentine private world closed off to all but the most adventurous.

A gorgeous collection of photographs taken on "estancias" across Argentina's many regions, from its near tropical north, through its flatlands so reminiscent of the American Midwest, to the rugged south with its Alpine highlands. Not only is this book graced by informative text, but it is simply a treasure to gaze at for hours.

"The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications" has been the bible of amateur radio since 1926. The 80th edition carries on in the tradition set by prior editions by providing an outstanding overview of practical electronics as well as a wide range of information and over 60 projects on amateur radio communications.

The "Handbook" starts with information on what amateur radio is, from the variety of people who are involved in the hobby to how to get started as a radio amateur. The book reviews the wide range of activities available to radio amateurs, with discussions of everything from emergency communications to Amateur Radio contests and awards. There's also a glossary of ham radio terms.

The book continues with the fundamentals of electronics theory. First is a review of the mathematics required for applied electronics. For those who need a refresher, the chapter provides an excellent review of electronics mathematics, from significant figures and equations to complex algebra and logarithms. It also includes examples to help those with little prior background in math understand the principles involved.

Next, the book discusses the fundamentals of electronics, from DC theory to AC theory, including both resistive and reactive components. This is followed with information on digital signal theory that starts with the basics of binary logic and builds up through computer hardware. The section on electronics theory wraps up with a discussion of analog signal theory. This chapter covers the various circuits used in radio communications and the devices used in these circuits, from the ubiquitous transistor to integrated circuits. Each of the chapters in the fundamental theory section has a glossary of the terms introduced in that chapter.

Fully half of the handbook covers practical radio design and related projects. This section of the handbook starts off with a chapter on safety practices for radio communications that discusses antenna and tower safety, electrical wiring including grounding, RF radiation, and other dangers encountered in radio (it's amazing how many chemical hazards there are in a radio shack!).

The rest of the design and projects section covers virtually everything in modern communications, from the characteristics of components at RF frequencies to power supplies and from communications filters to radio wave propagation. In each chapter, there is a review of the basic theory on the topic followed by projects that apply the theory. In addition, the projects are of practical items that the radio amateur will need.

For example, the chapter on Antennas discusses the theory of how antennas work. Following a discussion of dipoles and half-wave antennas, there are four projects for building dipole antennas for HF operation on various bands. There is similar information for vertical, yagi, and quad antennas, as well as discussions about antennas for mobile operations; each followed by one or more projects.

The Handbook includes chapters on construction techniques including information on electronics components, how to use common electronics tools, circuit construction tips, electronics test instruments, and electronic system troubleshooting and repair techniques. There are several related projects, including a frequency counter and several signal generators.

The ARRL Handbook bills itself as "The comprehensive RF Engineering Reference." I believe the handbook lives up to this statement and more. As a practicing RF engineer in the past, I can attest to the usefulness of the handbook to radio technicians and radio engineers. My team and I referred to the ARRL Handbook constantly in designing and maintaining MF, HF, VHF, and UHF installations.

As an instructor, I continue to find the ARRL Handbook as a useful reference for both Communications Systems classes, but also as an excellent resource for basic electronics circuits and components. I'm currently using the fundamental theory portions in the study sessions I hold for those preparing for electronics technician certifications.

This is an outstanding book for anyone interested in amateur radio or wireless communications. I also strongly recommend it as a reference for radio technicians and radio engineers.

Review by Mike Powers, Radideo.com Guide, January 2003

I have been involved in the hobby for less than a year and am a non-technical person. This book is a real work of art for what I would call a "technical user" or "technician". The manual is a superb desk referance.
However, for the greenhorn, ARRL has other books that are written at a more simple level and there is also a "Dummies" title that is a pretty good book in spite of the heavy overlap with "Now You're Talking".
There is content on antenna installation and principals that even newbies can understand, but again, ARRL has some titles that are targeted toward this need.

This book, published by the Amateur Radio Relay Lague, is a must-have item for any serious amateur radio operator.

Any question you might have about RF, antennas, tuners, amplifiers, and so on are in this book.

I would recommend this book to any ham who's interested in working HF or building antennas. It's not really necessary for most new hams who are planning on working two meters for awhile since most of the information doesn't really apply to working 144MHz on a handheld.

Otherwise, pick up a copy. I wouldn't buy one every year since the technology doesn't change that much, but support the League and get a great book by buying this item.

When I recently picked up the newest edition of the ARRL Handbook, the first thing I noticed was that they had changed the subtitle from ?For the Radio Amateur? to ?For Radio Communications?. This was done to reflect the fact that a large percentage of these handbooks are purchased by non-amateurs. Electrical Technicians and Engineers, Laboratories and Researchers often have a copy on their shelves. So with the 80th edition they made the slight name change to better appeal to the wider audience of active users. The book covers just about any major category of radio communications one can think of from Fundamental Theory, to Construction Techniques to Operating Practices. It is a excellent reference source for anyone with a question about radio. Off course for anyone with a very specific interest the ARRL has other books that deal with a more specialized subject, but for a starting point I would purchase this book first.

The book is published on a yearly basis, but since the soft cover copy I purchased retails for $34.95, I wouldn?t purchase a new copy every year. The basic technology doesn?t change that fast, most of the yearly changes are adding and removing projects. The new edition does have revised chapters, including ones on Modulation Sources and Digital Signal Processing, but I wouldn?t run out to purchase it if I had last year?s copy, unless I had a specific interest in the new material. Personally I have a hard cover edition from the 80?s and a CD edition from the late 90?s and much of the basic information is still the same. I would recommend for the average user that they purchase a new copy every 5 to 10 years unless they have a specific need. I might also recommend alternating between paper copies and CDs. CDs are archival and easy to store and duplicate (for back up purposes of copyrighted material), but for manuals of this sort it is also convenient to have a hard copy to thumb through at their workbench.

Reviewed by Trip for Huntress Reviews.

This book does an excellent job of showing the cream of the crop of collectable 19th and 20th century perfume bottles (and often their presentation boxes). The text is profusely illustrated with small black and white photos, while also containing several full color sections illustrating in detail hundreds of different bottles. The text goes into intricate detail for the novice to expert collector without dumbing it up or talking down. The 16 pages of concise bibliographys at the back are infinately useful, if you are wondering when where why who or how a house started its probably in this list. Jam packed with facts, tips, annecdotes and illustrations by a TRUE expert in the field.

This book is lavished with the most magnificent perfume bottles and their pacaging. full color photos of Lalique, Baccarat, and other exquisite bottles along with the histories of the fragrance companies who commissioned them. There is also an index of these companies for quick refrence. I found the title missleading. the author is of the belief that the "art of perfume" died 30 years ago. All of the bottles are from the late 1800's to the 1960's and I feel that the title should have mentioned this. If you collect antique bottles or are looking for a good fragrance history book, this is a must.

As an avid collector of advertisements and literature on perfume, this is the first book I always recommend to fellow collectors. In the past ten or twelve years, many books were published to cater to the exploding popularity of perfume bottles as a collectors item. Christie Lefkowith's book stands out because of its focus on the ART of perfume bottles (hence the title), rather than their monetary value. Bottles are viewed in the cultural context of their time, with photographs of by far THE best quality I have ever seen in perfume books. I agree with the previous reviewer, though: too bad the book ends with the fifties. There should be a sequel.

I know that the writers are savvy perfume bottle collectors. They have incorporated years of experience into this book. That is the reason why that among all the books on this subject, this one is the most appealing. I have also used part of her materials (w/permission) to write my book (published in Chinese).

This is certainly not my favorite book on dynamics or control, but everyone references it, so you should probably have a copy of it if you're a serious aeronautics guidance and control professional.

Blakelock's text is a very fine book. You may also find Control Systems Engineering by Nise (now in 3rd Edn)of benefit.

Blakelock's book is probably the most practical flight control book out there for both planes and missiles. Unfortunatly fly-by-wire and some other newer methods now practicable because of increased on-board computing power are not really covered but are hinted at in places. This tome provides probably the easiest to understand approach to aircraft control in existance. Straightforward and oriented to a step-by-step approach, it beats many of the "classic" texts popular with many professors hands down. Being a controls kind of guy, I particularly enjoy his use of normalized stability derivatives which result in controller designs already in units that can be directly used for servomotor design. A good understanding of this book will be of enormous use to even the most moderm airplane control system designer. For many years this book has been the secret weapon of those "in the know".
This book is oriented almost exclusively to frequency domain methods but there is a state variable approach chapter. Currently, there is a return to state-space methods movement in progress but this material in Blakelock is mandatory even for understanding the state-space methods. Examine Stengel's new work Flight Dynamics.

I used this book as a ready refence for all my six degree-of-freedom missile modeling. An excellent presentation. There are 13 chapters with 9 Appendices. I suspect this book is out-of-print - get it while you can!

THIS BOOK IS UNQUESTIONABLY THE BEST QUALITY REFERENCE BOOK EVER WRITTEN! David Hoyle confidently explains the underlying logic behind ISO and QS requirements in such a manner that the reader is amazed at the simplicity of the requirement and how it will benefit his company. I feel more motivated and positive each time I use it!

The book is well organized and addresses complex issues in a logical, well ordered fashion. The author uses excellent examples to illustrate his points. The "task lists" and "Do's and Don'ts" provided for each section are the single best reference checklist I have come across. He makes extensive use of charts and diagrams to illustrate interdependencies and processes.

What I like best about this author is that he clearly understands the real world and the problems and challenges that face every company. He sites real-world examples and solutions. He takes a common sense approach so that you get a quality company and product, not just an expensive bound manual. So many other quality authors come off as dry and unyielding losing sight of the real goal.

The first thing any company should do when contemplating ISO or QS is to go and buy a copy of this book for every Senior Executive and Manager!

David Hoyle is a true pioneer in Quality and a guy to keep your eye on. I also follow his speeches and articles. I have no doubt that his contributions will someday reshape this field.

I not only read this book, but also I was the chief editor for a translation of it into Farsi (a limited companywide translation). Being Editor for the Farsi translation, I had to read it letter by letter, and compare the concepts with the original text. So I can claim that I am one of those who has read the book deeply and completely in detail. This is such a handbook that makes companies needless of consultors, for many parts of the implementation project. It takes the managers' hand, carrys them step by step, giving a deep insight onto the thoughts behind the physical name of "QS-9000". None of the words has been neglected to read critically from the consistency and interpretablity point of view. I and all the translation team, enjoyed and learned a lot through reading the book. (Unfortunately I have not the address of Mr. Hoyle and looking for his address, to communicate directly, to take the greetings and thanks of the team and mine, and to send a Farsi translation to him.)

We completed the translation and desktop publishing in only 28 days, (it takes normally at least 1 year)! What is clearly identifiable, Prof. Hoyle knows the backbone of ISO9000 and QS-9000 philosophy well, that is why his comments on the ambigous or confusing parts are completely consistent with ours as advisors with many practical experiences. I had some footnotes on Farsi translation of this book, but this never lessen a bit the value of it and I pride that it was a real remote training course of Prof. Hoyle himself for me and our experts.

The handbook can be also a good guide for implementing any standard system like VDA 6.1, ISO TS 16949, French, and Italian automotive companies' similar standards, becouse it is concept-oriented and not QS-9000 word- or phrase-dependent.

I leave my e-mail address, and looking forward to any kind mail about the address of Proffessor by others khowing him.

David Hoyle's book on QS-9000 is one of the best books I've read on the automotive standard. I use it as my 'bible' for instruction and for creating documentation. I would recommend it to anyone who is contemplating certification.

David Hoyle's QS-9000 Quality Systems handbook is essential reading for all interested parties who require a succinct accurate analysis of QS-9000, Quality System Requirements.

As a practicing QS-9000 Registered Lead Auditor the writer has informally recommended the text to numerous corporations worldwide. Divided into two parts - Preparation for QS-9000 and Satisfying QS-9000 requirements.

Part 1 - Preparation for QS-9000 initially reviews quality assurance fundamentals in clear language including discussion on the quality , price and cost relationship. The mechanics of the QS-9000 registration process (similar to ISO9000) are covered together with a listing of key QS-9000 requirements and many common misconceptions. ( These may be useful in discussing an invalid nonconformity with an over zealous QS-9000 auditor !!)

Part 2 - Satisfying QS-9000 requirements takes each of the 23 sections of QS-9000 (2nd Edition February 1995) and in very good detail explains the! actual QS-9000 requirement and how it may be incorporated within a quality system. A useful Task List, Questionnaire and 'Do & Don't' listing is included at the end of each section.

In summary its hard to criticize this book as it is truly a world class text !

Roland J. Kelly QS-LA , CQE , BS MS Natonal Standards Authority of Ireland Fremont California USA

I am just now getting my Avon business started and am inspired by the history of this great company and the loyalty to the Avon reps. I highly recommend this book to Avon reps and customers.

This book has really helped me understand the history of AVON. I have been an AVON Independent Sales Representative for 2 years and this book is very informative and will help your AVON business.

Calling all Avon Ladies! This book will give you a new understanding of our company, the founding leaders and the progression it has taken over the years. Every serious Avon Representative should have an understanding of this company we represent. I was wowed by the in depth information provided. I had heard bits and pieces of this history over my 25 years with Avon, but this book was able to fill in the blanks and tie it all together for me. Also a great read for any person in direct sales. If you are in Avon's leadership program, this book is a great downline gift or incentive award. Would also serve as a great testimonial to give to a prospect showing how solid this company is and it's bright future. We've waited a long time for a book with this information in it!

I think it's a great idea to have some kind of knowledge in making this business a success for everyone. I never thought they would come out with a book, but if and when it comes out, I am going to read it! Great job at making something so lucrative in helping the women of today advance further!

With so many books advocating single methodologies as if they were a single "silver bullet", Dr. El-Haik integrates many of the leading contemporary approaches in a complementary manner.

The first third of the book does a creditable job of explaining the two axioms and many of the correlaries. It then goes on to show the relationship to Quality Function Deployment, Robust Engineering, the Quality Loss Function, Concept Development, TRIZ and reliability.

This book is quite comprehensive, but not at all a quick read, as there are many mathematical illustrations that need to be studied to appreciate.

A added plus for those who are anxious to get right into Axiomatic Design is a software download that can make the relationships easier to handle.

Given "Voice of Customer", the job of engineers is to develop design concept and to perfect the design concept. Their challenge is to win in "Cost", "Quality" and "Time-to-Market". Stuart Pugh said "The wrong choice of concept in a given design situation can rarely, if ever, be recouped by brilliant detailed design." He also said "One thing is certain. It is extremely easy to select the wrong concept and very difficult to select the best one." This book integrates Axiomatic Design (by Nam Suh) and Robust Design both at the theoretical and the mathematical level. The concept of axiomatic design is extremely important in generating a winning concept, while robust design optimize its performance for robustness against various noise factors such as customers' usage environment and aging.

Also, there is a good chapter about reliability from axiomatic design perspective. The book contains a lot of examples that help the leader really grasp the concept. It provides an in-depth and clear coverage of all the important, philosophical, theoretical, implementation and technical aspects of the integration of axiomatic design and robust design (the so called axiomatic quality) to readers. In addition, the book discusses and illustrates very clearly the whole axiomatic quality deployment and execution process, which is an integral part of Design For Six Sigma approach. I am sure that this book will any reader develop skills in applying axiomatic design and robust design as an integrated quality approach in industrial or service implementation.

Shin Taguchi, President, American Supplier Institute, Inc.
Livonia, Michigan

"Axiomatic Quality" provides a thorough and chronological description of the axiomatic design and quality process. Dr. Basem El-Haik provides a detailed roadmap for the design and launch of mistake-free products, processes, and services. Mistake-free means satisfying the Customers requirements at product launch and throughout the products service life.

Basem integrates the design and quality process through the use of axiomatic design. He provides a thorough description of the axiomatic design theorems (independence and information) and their many corollaries. Basem provides a thorough description of the requirements flowdown process using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and the "zigzagging" process to develop products that satisfy the axiomatic design theorems. Best of all, he provides excellent product and process examples that span the entire design development and launch phases. The step-by-step examples can be used as templates for the implementation and integration of the various Six Sigma tools (QFD, Axiomatic Design, Morphological Matrix, Robust Design, etc.) within any product development program.

"Axiomatic Quality" strengthened my understanding of the Design for Six Sigma process and its relationship to the development of superior products, processes and services. Axiomatic Quality also serves as a "how to" reference for use in the design development process. I keep a copy of Axiomatic Quality on the corner of my desk for reference and review.

Basem El-Haik has made a significant contribution to the evolving field of Design-for-Six-Sigma (DFSS). Axiomatic Design has long been a compelling methodology, but as a discrete design methodology it did not have the leverage that Basem has created by integrating it with other Six Sigma methods.

This integration is particularly apparent with his work combining the design axioms developed by Nam Suh with Robust Design optimization. The application relevant introduction of Design Domains, Functional Requirements, Domain Mapping, and Decomposition (Zig-zagging) creates an effective foundation for the 'effective' implementation of Taguchi's Parameter Design.

This book is a must for the professional implementer of DFSS or anyone interested in demystifying the fundimentals of system design. As as Six Sigma professional, I have included "Axiomatic Quality" as part of my evolving DFSS tool box.