3D Books

I was a bit disappointed by this book. It is written more like a reference book than something you can read through to learn the material. It is full of various equations with little in the way of "plain english" explanations. If you are VERY comfortable with vector math and looking at lots of equations, then this book may be a good reference. If you are looking for understanding basic concepts, then you will need to look elsewhere.

In my humble opinion, mathematics is best explained through intuitions which motivate the rigor. That is, a general, high level, overall understanding of a particular problem and the "theory" behind a solution must be presented before a rigorious algebraic analysis. The particular mathematics should then read like a novel. In this sense, Trucco and Verri succeed, at various parts throughout the text, but certainly fail at others. I would say 4/5th's of the text is well written, and hence the 4 star review.

If you already understand image processing and the basics of computer vision, this book is a very good at concisely presenting more advanced algorithms to the reader. Also, because this book is so well organized, you can read it from beginning to end. Rest assured if you are looking at an algorithm on page 84, you will not need to skip ahead to later sections in the book to understand it. From the beginning, algorithms are named and presented in numbered steps for clarity of presentation. The book starts out with introductory material such as basic optics and the geometry of camera models. It continues with image denoising, as well as two full chapters devoted to image features and their detection. Finally, the more basic material concludes with a chapter on the mathematics of camera calibration. One aspect of vision that is often neglected in other computer vision books that is treated well here is that of motion. For those working in video processing, this might make this book a good selection. Also, the book gives one of the best discussions of eigenspaces that I have seen in print in chapter ten of the book, where the subject is recognition of 3D objects. I was able to code up the eigenfaces face recognition algorithm based almost entirely on the information found in chapter ten of this book. If you need an introduction to computer vision before tackling the more advanced material in this text, try Shapiro's book "Computer Vision" ISBN 0130307963. A good knowledge of linear algebra is necessary prior to understanding the algorithms in this book such as is found in Schaum's outline of Matrix Operations. Given the specific subject matter of this book, it would probably be an excellent choice for an engineer or scientist that is interested in computer vision as it relates to robotics.

I didn't know or hear about this book till one fine morning when I went to our IIT library looking for some good book on computer vision to supplement the knowledge imparted by Horn's book. I found this book and it contained most of the concepts covered thus far in my lectures. Still I was not convinced about the credibility of this book. Somehow, I started grazing through this book in leisure hours.

To my surprise, I found that it was simply an amazing book written so skillfully on computer vision from the basics. The Math fundae in the appendix were the ones I read first. They were very concise and helped me to grasp the concepts quickly. The chapters were also based on recent literature and very much coherent and self-explanatory.

This book has the potential to become a master-piece in computer vision. One unique feature of this book is the clear explanation of Math concepts in each chapter. For it to become more user-friendly, some real application oriented problems should be added.

But, on the whole, this book is an excellent book to be read along with Horn's book to fully understand the basics of computer vision. I strongly recommend this book to any novice to computer vision with little understanding of image processing concepts.

Book uses a very analytical approach. Concepts are very poorly explained and derviations are not explained. As a text this book is well suited as a review for graduate level students. Using the word introductory in the title is very misleading. Do not recommend this book to those looking for an introduction to the world of computer vision.

This is an extremely well written text. The examples are clear, and it manages to cover a lot of ground. In my opinion, this book is far better than many of the other collision detection and game-development texts.

Nowhere else will you find as good a reference on shape intersection tests and closest point computations. Ericson covers these topics swiftly and efficiently within the early sections, a task which often occupies the entirety of many lesser books. The coverage of the Gilbert-Johnson-Keerthi algorithm is likewise top-notch.

My main gripe with the book is the chapter on GPU optimization. Its placement didn't seem very logical, and the techniques it contains are quite out of date as of 2007. Fortunately, the rest of the book is so good that it can be easily forgiven.

Overall: Highly recommended.

The first half of this book explains the most popular collision detection functions. The collisions presented are mostly in 3D, but there are also some 2D versions. You can use Amazon's "Search Inside" option and take a look at the content table, which shows a large variety of shape vs shape tests. Most of the functions are explained using advanced math, and that's ok because there is no other way to show were the concepts of the book come from. There is an introductory chapter on the math used in the book, but it isn't enough. In my opinion it would have been better to remove that chapter and add some more explanations and algorithms on dynamic collisions.

Most of the second half of the book deals with the different structures to optimize collision detection queries, showing pros and cons for all of them, so the developer can select the one that best fits it's project. The last part of the book is on hardware optimizations.

I agree with other reviewers the CD doesn't bring enough code, and no executable code at all. What one finds in the CD are the pieces of code exactly as they are printed in the sheets, sorted in files by chapter. In my opinion that presentation makes the author look like he is just adapting the algorithms from other papers. Having runnable code is not just a fancy feature, but a necessity for programmers. With compilable code one can see how it works, getting a better idea of how the algorithms are integrated in the actual graphical engine, and it's also a proof the code has no bugs (otherwise reveals them). I'm removing 1 star only because of this reason, hoping a new edition will enhance the content.

This book saves a lot of research, time and money. Just compare this table of collision tests: http://www.realtimerendering.com/int/ with the book's content. You will see that many of these tests are explained and included in the book (and there are some more not in that table). This book is a great compilation of those algorithms which are pretty dispersed in papers and books.

Two things stand out about this author: 1) he drives every discussion toward performance issues, and 2) he provides just enough source code for a developer like me to lock in the concepts. That's a great combo that makes this book a hands-down winner.

I've never worked in gaming. I've been doing CAD/CAE/CAM, mostly with Java and CATIA v4 / STEP data, for ten years. I'm currently involved in a robotics planning project, where I've been able to model all the kinematics of an 8-DOF robot system, but the scale of the collision detection challenges has overwhelmed me...until reading this book.

I've read MANY collision detection books over the years and this is by far the best one i've seen to teach programmers how to LEARN collision detection from basic tests to highly advanced algorithms.

This book does more than collision.

Don't get me wrong -- it does all of the collision you'll likely need in any kind of current game, in good detail, with derivation of why it works, including source code. However, it also serves as an excellent primer in game geometry for anyone who might not have an intuitive understanding of what a closed manifold mesh is, or why the separating axis theorem works, or why T junctions are a problem.

I'm pretty well versed in the field, and I use this book as a comprehensive reference, and I love it. But even if you're a newcomer, you need this book, because it contains everything you need to know! And, conversely, if you don't know what's in this book, you won't have the success you want.

I really do owe the author of this book, as well as the book salesperson who included this book, without my asking, with two other books on computers which I had asked be held for me at a local bookstore for me ( all three of which I picked up later), many thanks, because I did not know that I needed this book and I absolutley did. At the time I was thinking of buying a computer for the fist time, knowing very little about computers at all, and this book provided me with information that I absolutey needed in order to make an informed choice about what kind of computer to buy. I am very happy with my purchase and don't know what I would have done without this book. The book provides a good overview of computers including hardware and software, how computers work, bytes, and types of computer systems(PC-personal computer, Macintosh, mainframe, set-top box) and then, using very helpful graphics-a typical computer, as well as operating systms, 9 pages on the Macintosh, plus a very nice introductions to the internet and web,including what the internet offers, e-mail, getting connected, web browser, multimedia on the web, web portal, children on the web, web pages and shopping, ), as well as buying a computer (considerations such as cost, Brand-name and clone,and after sale-service), upgrade(condsiderations such as cost and effective upgrades), mouse, keyboard, input and output, printer (ink-jet and laser),modem, processing ( memory-memory size, program requirements, memory chips, virtual memory,ROM and CPU, Memory Cache and Bus). If you are thinking of buying a computer, especally if you are new to computers, but even if you are not, I really can't recommend this book enough to help you in making your decision. The edition of this book that I have is the Fourth Edition © 1998 and it only goes up to the Windows 98 operating system and Windows NT in Windows and Mac OS 8 in Macintosh (UNIX is also covered, as is MS-DOS), however. It's time for a new edition.

This book is a must read for all of our computer students here at First Bytes Computer School. It is especially helpful for first-time computer buyers and beginning students. We keep copies on hand for reading before and after classes.

As a computer teacher of older adults, the "simplified" books are excellent for beginning students. I would like fewer "cutesy" graphics, but the information is good, and it works well for beginning students.

I bought this to help my clients and friends that aren't techie at all. They own a computer and want to know more but the volumes of reading that can be done is overwhelming for many. I am a Microsoft Professional and I really enjoyed reading this from cover to cover. I found the information within to be accurate, informative, fun and fast. In fact while on vacation 2 of my relatives, who liked it as much as I did, bought it (with me in the store to be sure they found the right book)!

This is a great book to give to computer 'newbies' . I gave it to my parents who are buying a computer for the first time, they have never been on the internet, and barely know how to use the mouse. It explains things very well. It covers the basics without being too simplistic. Its an 'easy' read that doesn't intimidate computer 'newbies'. It does a great job explaining hard drives, RAM, chip sets, bus speed, modems, etc. It even tells how to make sure your phone is properly set up for the Internet - like turning off call-waiting. The illustrations are great! This is a great book to help a person decipher all the computer talk when it comes to buying a computer for the first time!

This is a very fun to use book, with detailed and specific explanations and easy to apply examples, so that, by the end of the reading, you can do some things on your own that look very real.

this book was to vague for me. I have read other books about perspective so i am fimiliar with perspective terms. I would not advise someone who is just beginning to learn about perspective purchase this book as a first one.

This is an essential starter book for anybody who wants to learn to draw in 3 dimensions.

Draw five circles in a ring
And add a little dot
Use a ruler to connect
the edges to the spot
Chop the ends with curvy lines
Erase what you don't need
It's so easy, anyone
Can follow and succeed

Write your name or draw a box
Then draw another two,
Or three and four, and before long
Your perspective comes through
Horizons, roads, vanishing points
Interiors and out
With practice you can draw this stuff
Without a single doubt

It gets much harder at the end
But once you've grasped the rules
You'll find it takes a little time
Applying all the tools
This makes it so much easier
It has a chatty style
I think that once you try this book
You'll find it quite worthwhile


Recommended for ages 9 to just before senility.



Amanda Richards, July 13, 2008

"DRAW 3-D" has given me a new eye for perspective drawing, how to size objects for distance. I love practicing technique. Great book!

This is one extraordinary book on perspective. Although directed at young people, it is wonderful for anyone who likes to draw. I got two copies, one for my niece. She loves it! It makes perspective fun and easy. This author is an amazing teacher. Makes it completely panic free.

This is one of the best effects books I've purchased. It's not intended for people that just start out with effects, it's meant for people that want to learn to do actually work. I like the realworld format of the book, with projects that are similar to what you would get in actual production. Great Book!

While containing some interesting ideas, I strongly wished it had been more in-depth and advanced. Many of the techniques used are rather simple and obvious. Unless this is one of the first Maya books you read, you'll probably know at least half of the contents.

There is some good material here: Keller shows the readers how to use things in some unobvious ways and challenges them to look for solutions in unexpected (and fast) ways. If you're a beginner, some of these techniques may help ingrain things you've learned, but haven't had much cause to use, making you a better vfx person.

I'd recommend this to self-learners who are looking to extend their knowledge, but aren't ready for more technical material. If you're already comfortable with visual effects, this book probably isn't for you.

not really worth the money I spent, there a few things that are worth taking note, but not what you would expect with a title like that, the online forums and tutorials are one's best bet to learn neat fx.

Its not as boring as other manuals, and it explains how to accomplish things, while bringing the ideas of how to use them in better situations. I really enjoy the reality of client speak that is presented in it.

This book is a must have for Maya users who are interest in becoming VFX artists or Generalists.
I've bought many Maya books and I must say that I feel I've gotten the biggest bang for my buck with one.
Looking forward to Eric Keller's next book.
Rudy Sarzo

While Mr. O'Rourke's book does a very good job of explaining in depth the terminology of 3d computer graphics, the book is very sparse in illustrations that display how the concepts translate into final rendered imagery. With the exception of the middle of the book, which has glossy reproductions from actual computer generated 3d scenes, the book looks and feels like a high school algebra textbook.

I'm entirely new to 3D modeling and animation. I found this book to be exceptionally well written. The author provides a clear and concise explanation of the principles of 3D computer graphics, with easy-to-understand examples throughout. As stated in other reviews, it is not software specific. If you are looking for an introductory but thorough 3D primer, I recommend this book without reservation. It should provide a solid foundation for those who have little or no prior computer graphics experience.

I agree with prior reviews that this book is well written and provides an excellent introduction to 3D computer graphics. If you're new to the field and want to learn about the general terminology and techniques of 3D computer graphics then this would be a top choice. Just don't expect, however, that after finishing you'll be ready to plunge into creating your own rendering engine or even be up to speed on using an existing engine. If you're looking for technical detail, then you'll have to look elsewhere.

This book is excellent in giving the reader the "big picture" of foundational knowledge needed to learn technical animation. I strongly suggest using this book in introductory courses that teach technical-based animation, looking at techniques, not creativity.

As an instructor in 3D computer animation I find this book to be an excellent text for the classroom. O'Rourke knows his stuff and presents the material in a well-thought out, logical format. The only negative is that it's time for a new release.

You won't walk away from this book a database expert or be able to write complex VBA or SQL but this book will get you up and going fast. The pictures are not just page filler or asthetic but to the point. At one point I loaned this book to a friend of mine who is a non-technical administrative assistant because her boss had a need for a simple database. My non-techie friend was able to easily browse this book and develop a database to suite her needs with no prior access experience.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs to jump in and just start building.

If your needs are absolutely simple, this book will take you there. (But if so, you probably don't need a database program.) If you need to know, for example, how to save information in a large Excel97 table in a format Access97 can read, this book is no help.

This book helped me understand the basics of Access very quickly. I'd recommend it to anyone just starting to learn Access.

I have read other books on Access and other computer topics. Teach Yourself Access 97 VISUALLY is by far the best I have read. A picture is worth a thousand words, this book has 500 great pictures to really help you understand. I am looking forward to purchasing other "VISUALLY" books.

You won't learn the details of creating a Visual Basic Access database with this book. You will gain a strong foundation and understand database basics and how to use the not very intuitive Access interface in about an hours worth of reading.

This book will help open the world of databases to you. Its amazing how much databases can help you organize and automate your job. This book helps to take the mystery away from the word DATABASE and opens the idea up that database creation is not just for your MIS person. After all a database is just a spreadsheet with a face and a lot more possibilities.

i just got this book today and i have read the first few chapters..This book is exceedingly good for n00b(me)...they explain all the tools in detail. if you just look at the size of this book, it has more than 1000 pages,this is a good deal for sure. However, the tuts are really simple and short, so if u already know the basic aspects of 3ds, then get a diff book..otherwise, AN AWESOME BOOK FOR NOOBS!!!

I'd just like to say that i am extreamly pleased to have bought this book. I am a begginer to 3d Max, and i have bought books on max's previous release (3) and have not understood much of what i was being "tought"... with this book, it has set me on the way and has made me more than competant, while making me understand most of what i have read. Im no professional, but this book has made me feel at ease, and like i am starting to know the program now, and how it all works....

i reccomend this book to anybody who is new to the program and who could use a reference book.

I based this book on the reviews from the users here on AMAZON, and I must say that they were accurate.

Here is what I've found after flipping through this book for about a week now:
It is an indispensible reference when it comes to things like "hey, what is this little button here?" or "how do I get to that particular rollout again?" You will not find insight into WHY you would use certain functions, you will only find WHAT they do. To reach the enlightened level of a 3D PROFESSIONAL, you are going to have to go to other books.
This book has a tutorial on nearly EVERY page, but these tutorials are JUST for the section you find them in, and do not go anywhere beyond the basics. THIS IS NOT A BAD THING! You just need to realize that this is a REFERENCE book, nothing more.

If you are one of those people who don't know what all the menus and buttons are for and want to learn THE BASICS of MAX 4 while sipping Scotch on your couch and not staring at a computer screen reading the help file, by all means, get this book.

This book is a hands on training. It covers every aspect of the software. Excelent source for those who want to learn 3D Studio Max.

First, let me give you a brief description of my background. I'm a experienced 2D artist with applications like Photoshop and Illustrator. I've been doing 2D art for a few years, I figured its about time I transitioned to 3D. I purchased 4 books on 3D Studio Max. "Inside 3D Studio Max 4" , "3D Studio Max 4 Bible", "Modeling a Character in 3DS Max" and last, and least "3D Studio Max 4 Indepth". I recommend all these books except the last mentioned, its some kind of mix of intermeidate information at a begginers level. Nevermind that though.

3D Studio Max 4 Bible has been a excellent book, I've only read about half of it but so far its proved to be a excellent reference and tutorial based book. Some of the tutorials are a little to simple, but the author is trying to make sure you know exactly what hes talking about, and that you fully understand it. So simple isn't bad. At times its flow is a little disorianted meaning its hard to read a chapter and then say "Oh!, I want to try that" because its a little different then that. It goes into each aspect of 3Ds Max and lays out what each button and tool does. If your BRAND NEW to 3D Studio max and 3D Modeling in general this book is unmatched. I think my mom, having no computer knowledge what so ever, could sit down and follow the tutorials and create a spinning couch in a mater of a few hours, and understand exactly how she did it. Its a great book. At times you'll find your self yawning because it goes so into detail, but months from now, when your doing your first big scene your going to be happy you read that chapter on viewport configuring, because if you didn't your not going to realize "Hey!, theres a easier way to do this" and so on and so on. Plus if you skim the book because your so excited to make your 3D logo/character and you get lost while doing so, you can flip to the chapter that pertains to your question and it will start right from the beggining on that topic. Through out the whole book it rarely references back to something you previously read to make the writing easier, it always uses the menu standards so you don't get lost, ie File->Views->so on and so on. I'm in love, I haven't put the book down yet, but I will admit sometimes I find my self getting itchy fingers and paging ahead to the more advanced chapters on editing mesh's etc.

Anyways, I suggest this book to Absolute Begginers or people looking for an Excellent Reference book for all the commands/buttons/options that 3Ds Max has. If you really want to master 3Ds Max your going to need to purchase other books like Inside 3Ds Max 4 by New Riders publishing, books like those skip the "how to use the interface" type chapters and tutorials and move into the more advanced methods of doing things.

But remember, this will only teach you how to use the pencil, no book will ever teach you how to be a good artist, thats what imagination and patentice is for.

A SUPER BOOK - I am proud to add to my libray of 3-D Publications. Truly an inspired work. Excellent layout and a GREAT STORY to go along with the photographs!

This is not the book to pick up if you're interested in the 1906 earthquake. Although informative, that is not what this book is trying to achieve. The book is much more a history book about the way photographers using 3-D technology recorded the aftermath. As such, it provides us with amazing photography, and very good quality enlargements of the original photos, so that we may compare "flat" 2-D to the 3-D.

This book is a gem! Having a longtime interest in the SF Quake, I look forward with great interest to new books, and recently there have been a few. This one is unique in that it offers a well written text with rare glimpses of the event through steroscopic scenes. Mr. Burkhart must have spent numerous hours hunting for these never before seen photos that capture that tragic day so perfectly. Thoroughly researched and beautifully presented, I would receommend this book to seasoned historians as well as casual readers.

This is one of the best books I've seen about the 1906 Earthquake. As a 5th generation Californian, I am impressed not only by the multitude of 3-D images of the quake, but also by the fascinating historical accounts that this book contains. Whether you are intereted in the quake itself, the fire or the stories that go with the 1906 Earthquake, this book has something for you. My 87 year old mother loves it, as does my 5 year old grandaughter. I highly reccomend this book!!!!!

Earthquake Days: The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake & Fire in 3-D is an impressive photographic spectacle about the historic San Francisco Earthquake and is quite like no other treatment of the subject. The vintage black-and-white photographs have been treated so that they appear in 3-D with the aid of the accompanying viewer! The photographs are quite vivid to the naked eye as well, and the accompanying text by California-born historian David Burkhart recounts the historical debacle captured in the tragic images. In addition to the photographs of the city's devastation, Earthquake Days includes vintage newspaper clippings, sketches, cartoons, and the like concerning the disaster. A truly unforgettable visual presentation of a sad event in American history.

Boy...Lewis sure is a witty fellow!!...I like his writing style...very descriptive....a true social observer.....A lot of "savage Indians" and interesting characters with Green River knives along young Mr.Garrard's journey .....some of the language is VERY un-PC by today's standards....I'm surprised Al Sharpton hasn't called for a boycott of this book ;)...Nice footnotes and forward....They say it is a classic Southwest history book and I agree...

I've read a number of histories of this period and have at times seen historians' references to this book. I've considered reading it for about thirty years and finally purchased it. I had no idea what a well written and entertaining book this was. If you've any interest in the late fur trade era, you should get this one.

Lewis H. Garrard was an exuberant 17 year old tourist in the Old West of 1846-1847. He traveled down the Santa Fe Trail with a wagon train and stopped off at Bent's Fort on the Arkansas River of Colorado and spent a couple of months with the Cheyenne Indians and the traders and mountain men who lived around the fort. When Governor Charles Bent of New Mexico and twenty others were killed in Taos in an Mexican/Indian uprising he joined an informal expedition of mountain men to take revenge. His group arrived after the U.S. army had recaptured Taos, but Garrard was in Taos for the trial and hanging of nine of the revolutionary trouble-makers, even loaning the hangman several lariats when he ran short. "Wah-to-yah" is said to be the only account of the trial and hanging of the Taos revolutionaries.

Garrard was a lot more tolerant than most travelers, obviously enjoying the company of the Cheyennes and his extravagant and untutored White companions. He feels the need to express himself occasionally about moral issues and the lack of civilized values of the Indians, Mexicans, and other prairie dwellers - but his condemnations are rote rather than persuasive. Garrard, we imagine, probably shared buffalo robes with comely young Cheyenne women and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as he did buffalo hunting, dog-meat feasts, and tall tale sessions with the mountain men. He also demonstrates a moral core, condemning the U.S war against Mexico and the wholesale hanging of the revolutionaries in Taos -- sentiments which were not popular in the West at the time.

"Wah-to-yah" -- the Indian name for the Spanish Peaks of southern Colorado -- is perhaps the best account you will find of a young man's adventures in the Old West of mountain men and unconquered Indians. It is similar to Francis Parkman's "The Oregon Trail." The two young men were in the West during the same year but Garrard's book is "the fresher, the more revealing, the more engaging, the less labored" in the words of A. B. Guthrie's introduction to "Wah-to-yah." Garrard is a likeable person; Parkman is not. Both were keen observers and good writers.

"Wah-to-yah" is on the short list of essential books about the Old West. It's easy and engaging reading. We need an annotated edition, however, which will tell us more about the many characters - some of them famous, such as Kit Carson -- Garrard meets and the places he visits and put the book in its historical context of its times.

Smallchief

Main character - Lewis H. Garrard
Location - present-day American southwest
Story - Adventure of a seventeen year old among the Indians (mainly Cheyenne) and Indian traders
This book is absolutely brilliant! Lewis experienced a time and place that is gone forever and he documented it with a style, flair and grasp of the English language that most of us will never possess. I can't recommend this book enough. It is essential reading for those interested in the Old West and have no choice but to live vicariously through books such as Garrards. Again, this book is truly brilliant. It is literature of the highest degree. Thank you Lewis for putting your western adventure down in words for all to enjoy. Well, at least those with enough good taste to seek out such a book.

Lewis H. Garrard was an exuberant 17 year old tourist in the Old West of 1846-1847. He traveled down the Santa Fe Trail with a wagon train and stopped off at Bent's Fort on the Arkansas River of Colorado and spent a couple of months with the Cheyenne Indians and the traders and mountain men who lived around the fort. When Governor Charles Bent of New Mexico and twenty others were killed in Taos in an Mexican/Indian uprising he joined an informal expedition of mountain men to take revenge. His group arrived after the U.S. army had recaptured Taos, but Garrard was in Taos for the trial and hanging of nine of the revolutionary trouble-makers, even loaning the hangman several lariats when he ran short. "Wah-to-yah" is said to be the only account of the trial and hanging of the Taos revolutionaries.

Garrard was a lot more tolerant than most travelers, obviously enjoying the company of the Cheyennes and his extravagant and untutored White companions. He feels the need to express himself occasionally about moral issues and the lack of civilized values of the Indians, Mexicans, and other prairie dwellers - but his condemnations are rote rather than persuasive. Garrard, we imagine, probably shared buffalo robes with comely young Cheyenne women and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as he did buffalo hunting, dog-meat feasts, and tall tale sessions with the mountain men. He also demonstrates a moral core, condemning the U.S war against Mexico and the wholesale hanging of the revolutionaries in Taos -- sentiments which were not popular in the West at the time.

"Wah-to-yah" -- the Indian name for the Spanish Peaks of southern Colorado -- is perhaps the best account you will find of a young man's adventures in the Old West of mountain men and unconquered Indians. It is similar to Francis Parkman's "The Oregon Trail." The two young men were in the West during the same year but Garrard's book is "the fresher, the more revealing, the more engaging, the less labored" in the words of A. B. Guthrie's introduction to "Wah-to-yah." Garrard is a likeable person; Parkman is not. Both were keen observers and good writers.

"Wah-to-yah" is on the short list of essential books about the Old West. It's easy and engaging reading. We need an annotated edition, however, which will tell us more about the many characters - some of them famous, such as Kit Carson -- Garrard meets and the places he visits and put the book in its historical context of its times.

Smallchief