Environment Books

The Kerski and Ross book is an outstanding resource for not only teachers of Geography or Environmental Science but absolutely anyone who wishes to understand more completely the world we live in. The book's format is easy to follow and can be read from cover to cover or can easily be used as a reference guide. This is a great resource for highlighting and illustrating environmental concepts. I highly recommend it!

I was asked by a friend to review this book from a layman's point of view. My educational background is that of a 50+ late-bloomer and my work background as a data secretary in a middle school. I have no political, scientific, or environmental agenda.

This book is a must-have for anyone interested in life and how to maintain life-processes. The authors have the same ideas, and have provided the means to maintain our life-processes. They have no hidden agendas other than to present all the topics by which Mother Earth can and should be treated. Mankind needs to bury any personal agendas to maintain life as we know it. The environment needs to be protected and we need to put in place the many ideas and facts presented to stop the current damage.

The book is arranged by all topics in alphabetical order. It is written with a minimum of technical language and can be understood by any and all age-groups and by any and all educational levels. It is a modern up-to-date book where additional information can be found starting at the web sites listed.

With nearly 200 entries about all aspects of the environment - from biology to climatology to geography to demographics to current issues - this is an excellent reference for all aspects of learning about the environment. It'll be a standard on my bookshelf and should be in the home of everyone interested in the world around them.

Excellent book, great bridge in the gap in the relevant literature. If you are a budding botanist, it is a must read, very comprehensive and a must-have in order to gather information and follow the scientific method

This is a good book. I've seen the new edition, which is really just a reprint, with no updating that I could notice -- the computer analysis applications could have used an update, as technology has advanced in the years since its original publication. If you liked the original, you'll like this one.

It's an excellent manual that should be read by anyone planning to go in the field.

I intended to use this book for a class starting in Feb 2004, and since the release date was supposedly late 03 or Jan 04, I felt confident in ordering it. No such luck. It never did arrive, and the distributor was quite unapologetic about not even being able to track where the books were or when they might get to the US (it's a British publishing house). They even told me that I should have known better than to plan on it being out when they said that it would!!

But that's not Gary Martin's fault, and I suppose it's a testament to how popular the book is. Too bad we did not get to use it.

This book is one of the very few that is perfect for teaching a college level ethnobotany field methods class. It covers the how-tos of data collection, hypothesis testing, plant identification and collection for both general purposes and for phytochemical analysis. The book also includes sections on anthropological, ecological, economic, linguistic, conservation, and community development skills and knowledge necessary to going into the field to do ethnobotanical research.

Class curriculum can be easily organized around the information provided in Martin's book. The only drawback to this book is the fact that it sold out very quickly in its first edition and the first reprint, both in 1995, so at the moment its back ordered waiting on the next reprinting.

E.O. Wilson recently stated his belief that man's search for spirituality would be one of the major historical episodes in the 21st century. Regarding this, he feels we need to create a new epic based upon the evolution of humanity. Loyal Rue has substantially started us on this path in this very readable and concise book whose ideas I truly wish every person would thoughtfully consider. I can't imagine an open-minded person not finding this book compelling.

Starting with the premise of a "narrative drive" in human nature as the primary mechanism for how we come to terms, if not understanding, with what we observe, philosophy and religious studies professor Loyal Rue sets forth a quite aesthetically pleasing argument that the story of evolution (radiant energy to matter to atoms to molecules to life to consciousness), offers a truthful and spiritually nourishing epic that not only instructs us on "how things are" but also "what things matter." And just so that you understand "everybody's story," he quite succintly lays out the evolutionary epic from the "big bang" on in language and depth that should not intimidate anyone with the most modest scientific literacy.

Explaining that as many of the propositions and explanations offered to us by the traditional "wisdom traditions" that emanated from the Axial period (Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Zorasterism,...) have either not stood up to the light of scientific investigations or no longer comport to the realities of the modern human condition, the author supports his contention that the story of evolution, unlike many of the old "wisdom traditions", has the power to unify all of humanity and strengthen both natural and social systems. (Think of the death and enviromental destruction that has occurred over the centuries under the moral guidance of these old wisdom traditions - it would be hard to do much worse!). And regardless of what explanation you find emotionally or intellectually attractive regarding the creation, the author argues that the story of evolution still stands.

Moral guidance is an essential function of any wisdom tradition. The author shows us just how an objective morality is to be found in the "story of evolution." A morality that I found simple, penetrating, broad in scope, and exceedingly useful to man's future prospects.

I've personally felt that everyone should find a belief system that satisfies their own emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs. I'm not here to proselytize nor do I care what a person chooses as long as it's benign and tolerant (remember, they're "belief", not "knowledge" systems). But if you're more of an epiricist and find what is continually being revealed to us by science (an open and democratic investigative process subject to severe critical review) as more attractive than the old mythologies and religions for explaining "how things are," you're going to really enjoy this book.

I don't have time to write at length, but I want to say that this book is another example of Rue's lucid thinking and incisive statement of issues. He captures perfectly the critical need today for re-shaping the basic myths we live by, and he also manages to map one of the most important parts of the territory in which religion and science and interact. Even readers who disagree with Rue's own resolution of the issues will find this book essential reading.

As a scientist I have always felt uneasy about the widely accepted position that science and religion should be kept in separate, logic-tight compartments and that science is intrinsically devoid of moral values. Rue's closely reasoned analysis make it clear that this is not the case at all. He argues that the continued well-being of our species depends on the development of a synthesis between science and religion that is sufficiently convincing rationally and sufficiently compelling emotionally to inspire us to turn away from our present course of action--the destruction of our life support system, Planet Earth. As a life-long agnostic, I find his synthesis of science and religion particularly convincing because (1) it leaves room for a fairly wide range of personal beliefs, (2)it also leaves room for the changes in scientific knowledge that the future will surely bring, and (3) it includes a strong focus on ecological morality. Definitely a must-read.

Eugen Tsui is a visionary who sees in the natural world forms and functions that can be used by man in his created environments to the benefit of mind, spirit, ecology and wallet. Innovative and unorthodox building methods and materials; making the most of the vast sea of unapplied knowledge overlooked by most architects is his specialty. Tsui ia a genius who is unlikely to be fully appreciated by his own era. In this book Tsui explains his ideology and presents visuals to stun the mind out of its "stick-built" suburban tract house rut.

This book is a must have for anyone interested in reinventing their view of how humans can build and design. Includes a detailed analysis of Eugene Tsui's Philosophy of studying nature to help us architect our environments and housing. Showing many re-world examples in nature where animals and creatures create amazingly responsive architecture. The book then takes these principles and shows how this can be translated into helping architects become more innovative both aesthetically and technically. Eugene trancends the typical and primarily aesthetic ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright and other "Organic Architects" showing how nature can help guide us to build more ecologically advanced architecture that is more responsive to the new millinium.

Eugene Tsui has added another gospel to his bible for evolutionary architecture. What can't be captured in merely addressing his architecture is the clarity, force and intelligence of his writing. In addition to being one of the few architects who can write coherently, Eugene Tsui has a unique, compelling presence felt throughout the book. When finished, I felt braced, urged on and encouraged in my own life pursuits. This book is worth every cent of its price, and is priceless for its spiritual value.

a new field - or major branch - of Architecture is now upon us. As Senior Advisor for Arificial Intelligence, i recommend quickscan of this matter. Graphs & color pgs help speed input, comprehenshun. Recommend translation to video, etc. Read w hiliter & make notes freely...Do it in team-read fashion.

a new field - or major branch - of Architecture is now upon us. As Senior Advisor for Arificial Intelligence, i recommend quickscan of this matter. Graphs & color pgs help speed input, comprehenshun. Recommend translation to video, etc. Read w hiliter & make notes freely...Do it in team-read fashion.

Explores the design of the physical workplace and the role this factor plays in improving productivity and operational effectiveness. Based on a four-year research project conducted by the MIT School of Architecture and Planning's Space Planning and Organization Research Group, this book introduces the concept of Process Architecture, meaning engaging a wide array of stakeholders in rethinking the dynamic relationship between work processes and the spatial, technological, financial, and organizational environments with which these processes occur. The authors provide a comprehensive explanation of the approach and framework with cases from the field. For those concerned with organizational strategy and design, this work introduces a key aspect-the workplace-often overlooked in organization change initiatives. This is an thoughtful book with original thinking. Highly recommended. Reviewed by Gerry Stern and Yvette Borcia, founders, Stern & Associates and HR Knowledge Network, authors of Stern's Sourcefinder: The Master Directory to HR and Business Management Information & Resources, Stern's CyberSpace SourceFinder, and Stern's Compensation and Benefits.

In Exploring The Gaps: Vital Links Between Trade, Environment And Culture, James Lee (director of the Trade Environment Database Project) focuses on the interrelationship and mutual influences and impacts between economic, ecological, and social factors. The rapid pace of globalization is seemingly outstripping human abilities to absorb the changes imposed by telecommunication, commerce, and resource exploitation. Very highly recommended and informative reading for students of environment issues, international trade, and cross-cultural studies, Exploring The Gaps features contemporary cases (including examples of endangered species) to underscore the dilemmas within environments and cultures. The reader will also be offered a strategy and approach for meeting the challenges that continued globalization presents.

Exploring the Gaps, really does in itself fill the gaps between the current electronic age, and this global society that we live in, while giving us the historical context for the interconnectivity of these separate elements. This dynamic analysis brings in various points that should be considered in this age.

While many might suspect it to be purely academic, everyone from the dot-com manager to the international businessman will benefit from this book. International Trade, and Electronic Trade are not mutually exclusive terms anymore. This book makes that clearer than ever.

The historical perspectives offered here confirm that this process started ages before the "dot-com age". This historical context is invaluable. This is as much a history book as it is a book about the present and the future. There aren't many works that marry economics, anthropology, sociology, history and geography in such a fascinating manner, with implications for today's e-world.

One recommendation would be to have a few more graphics, but when read in conjunction with the websites listed, this book really does come alive in a sense.

The globalization debate and discourse is richer for this book.

Exploring the Gaps, really does in itself fill the gaps between the current electronic age, and this global society that we live in, while giving us the historical context for the interconnectivity of these separate elements. This dynamic analysis brings in various points that should be considered in this age.

While many might suspect it to be purely academic, everyone from the dot-com manager to the international businessman will benefit from this book. International Trade, and Electronic Trade are not mutually exclusive terms anymore. This book makes that clearer than ever.

The historical perspectives offered here confirm that this process started ages before the "dot-com age". This historical context is invaluable. This is as much a history book as it is a book about the present and the future. There aren't many works that marry economics, anthropology, sociology, history and geography in such a fascinating manner, with implications for today's e-world.

One recommendation would be to have a few more graphics, but when read in conjunction with the websites listed, this book really does come alive in a sense.

The globalization debate and discourse ir richer for this book.

This was terrific when we had guests visiting us on the Maine coast. It was helpful to me as well.

This is a very understandable--and geologically accurate--guide to "geology" as most of us find it--in pebbles and other rocks that we pick up along our hikes and explorations. Written for east coast lithologies (rock types) this is a lucid, understandable, but not overwhelming, succinct guide to understanding the pebbles found in and around many New England streams--and also in the abundant glacial tills of the area. Covers the basics of what the rock is made of, and how OLD it's likely to be--and of course, what it's called. It's fun, it's portable, and it's a great field companion for kids (AND adults) on any hike--or even a stroll around the back yard.

"A Field Guide To The Identification Of Pebbles" by geologist Eileen Van der Flier-Keller (Associate Professor in Earth Sciences at the University of Victoria) is a very nicely illustrated laminated fold-out pamphlet specifically and effectively designed to help children identify twenty-eight various rocks and pebbles commonly encountered on beaches and along rivers. "A Field Guide To The Identification Of Pebbles" is an ideal gift and 'kid friendly' reference for youngsters involved in beach and backyard explorations of the rocks, minerals and pebbles they come across.

My children and I love this book. It has a wonderful message, and the pictures are beautiful. It has become a favorite at our house.

My 5 and 7 year old daughters LOVE this book. We have read it three times since receiving it in February. We tend to read it like we do chapter books as there are natural stopping points. The book is captivating, full of imagination, and very easy to follow. The illustrations are charming. My 7 year old enjoys how the words SON and SUN are used throughout the book. It is a beautifully written story with a strong message which clearly comes through. Many of the flowers mentioned in the books are now planted in our yard as this book has sparked an interest in gardening with my daughters. Thank you Andrea for creating the Flower Kingdom Series. We can't wait for more books!

This book is sure to delight young and old alike. The characters come to life in the illustrations and the message is subtle, however presented beautifully for readers of all ages. I look forward to future books in the series.

This book is a lifesaver! I had little to spend and needed immediate assistance on how to move forward with protecting my hills home and still keep it beautiful. This is a MUST HAVE or as I rather consider it fire resistance for dummies! Thanks so much, looking forward to your next edition!

A must publication for anyone planning on protecting his/her property from wildfires. Informative and inclusive, chock full with many helpful suggestions.

Doesn't matter where you live, everyone should read this and all would benifit. There is some wonderful information in this book and I highly recommend it to all. When will we start living in harmony with nature instead of living against it?! This book will help every community. Get it!

This, the third book in the much acclaimed Irish Trilogy, offers a unique insight into the life and times of the 1916 Easter Rebellion and the years that followed. Walter Macken was a Master Storyteller, who wrote about Irish life "from the inside", drawing the reader in completely. A book you won't want to put down until the very last page, and one that you will read, and re-read! A book that is as good today as when it was first published.

The Scorching Wind is the third in a trilogy that began during Cromwellian days in Ireland in the mid 1600's, and ends with this novel in the early 1900's. It is the story of a Connacht family through the generations, and this final book in the trilogy begins in 1916 and ends after the truce of 1922. It is the story of a young man, the son of a school teacher, and his brother. The young man, who is a medical student, is not politically inclined but is drawn into the struggles for freedom in Ireland. It is a powerful story of a young man and the fight within himself, the love for his older brother, and the tragic events that led to the establishment of the Free State of Ireland. Excellent book and a powerful and passionate historical trilogy.

Walter Macken, a native of Galway, was born in 1915 and died in his home city at the age of 51. A writer, an actor and a playwright, he is perhaps best known for his novel "Flight of the Doves" - which was adapted for the cinema - and his "Irish Trilogy". "The Scorching Wind" is the third book of this trilogy, and is set in the early 1900s. Although the book itself is a work of fiction, many of the 'background' events actually happened - for example, the Easter Rising of 1916, the partition of Ireland in 1921 and the Irish Civil War (1922-23).

The book opens in the West of Ireland in 1915, with two brothers resting in the shade of a haystack. Much to the disgust of their father, Dualta - the elder brother - has joined the British Army. Dualta believed the words of John Redmond, the leader of the Home Rule Party at Westminster. Redmond had suggested that Ireland would be granted Home Rule if the Irish Volunteers fought for the British in the Great War - a false promise. The book focuses more on Dominic, however - the younger of the two brothers. He sees his brother off to war, the pair travelling with a close friend called Poric into town. Poric has also disappointed Dominic's father, his former teacher, by joining the police. Shortly after leaving his brother and friend. Dominic meets a man called Sam Browne - who gradually involves Dominic in the struggle for freedom. Among the many others who also become involved are Lowry, an acquaintance of Dominic's at college and the pretty Finola Brady - not to mention Poric and Dualta, on his return from war.

While this is the third book in a trilogy, it's not strictly necessary to read them in order. However, I think it's probably better if you do - if you enjoy one of them, I have no doubt you'll enjoy all three. It appears the heroes of the two previous books (Dominick, in "Seek the Fair Land" and Dualta, in "The Silent People") are ancestors of the two brother. In a way, I found this to be the saddest book of the three, with the differences between the two brothers becoming more pronounced as the book progresses. (If you've enjoyed this book, you might also want to try "Call My Brother Back", by Michael McLaverty. It's set in Belfast, at the same time as this book - McLavery, like Macken, is an excellent storyteller.)