Geography Books

The morning the US Exploring Expedition is set to launch, Wiki Coffin finds himself waiting on shore. When shots ring out, he thinks he is the target. Instead, the target is a row boat floating down the river. The occupant of the boat is already dead from a broken neck. She is the wife of one of the expedition's astronomers.

Wiki is briefly accused of the crime, but the sheriff quickly realizes that couldn't be. He's able to rejoin the expedition before it completely launches. But when another death occurs not too long into the voyage, Wiki begins to suspect a connection between the two. Is there a killer on board? Can Wiki find him?

This is a series debut that shows lots of promise. Wiki, half New Zealander and half American, is a fascinating character. In fact, all the characters on board the expedition are interesting. And watching the way Wiki is treated is quite fascinating. I was not even aware of this historic expedition from the 1830's, so that aspect of it is fascinating as well. Plus, I love boats and the ocean. The mystery was good and managed to confuse me until the heart stopping ending.

The only real flaw is the historic detail. I know, I know, it's a historic mystery. But, the author, at times, overwhelmed me with ship jargon. These terms weren't explained anywhere in the book. Additionally, she occasionally slowed down the action to give us great detail about life on the ship. Some of that came into play later in the book, but even so it frustrated me at the time. And there is some needless background on the main characters that slowed things down.

Despite the overwhelming historic detail, I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to catching up with Wiki soon to see where the expedition heads next.

I came across this book, and it sounded interesting. So, I read it.

The book combines the technology of the United States in 1838 with my country's zeal for exploration. Take that, and add a mysterious death. Throw in some interesting characters, and a clever protagonist, "Wiki".

The result is a mystery that I had trouble putting down. I read most of it last night, but waited until this morning to finish. I did not want it to end....fortunately there will be a sequel.

Anyway, the characterisation (?spelling) is wonderful. I felt that I had begun to know these people....and I know nothing about ships of that time.

Somehow, the author has given us a bit of understanding of how things worked then. She also provided us with a great mystery.

The mystery is resolved....I almost got it....but, "Wiki" is quicker.

If you like books by Patrick O'Brien, or if you like mysteries, or, if you would like to try a new book, this is for you. I highly recommend it.

At the end of this book, you will definitely be left wanting more. You know that the tale has just begun and are hoping the author finishes the next story sooner rather than later. The characters are richly drawn, the descriptions of life on board detailed enough to illuminate the surroundings, but not so detailed as to detract from the story and mystery itself. I would definitely recommend this book.

In 1838 Norfolk, someone takes a shot at half Maori William "Wiki" Coffin, Jr. before fleeing the area. Wiki next sees the corpse of a woman in his boat. The Sheriff arrests Wiki for murdering Mrs. Tristam Stanton, wife of the expedition's astronomer. However, not long afterward, the Sheriff frees the "darkie" though he has no papers. Instead he believes that the killer is on the ship the Ex. Ex. already sailing on an exploration expedition in the South Seas. Since Wiki is a linguist with the expedition, the Sheriff asks him to investigate the murder on board the vessel.

As Wiki catches up to the ship, he also begins making inquiries. However, he finds the crew's bias towards his race and national origin makes it difficult to obtain answers as well as delineate who is simply a bigot from a killer. Still, Wiki persists even as the ship is wracked with blunders, confusion, and dangerous decisions that almost sinks the effort before reaching the destination let alone solve a homicide.

This is a terrific historical mystery with the emphasis on real events and relationships circa 1838. The story line contains a fabulous who-done-it, but many of the red herrings are caused by racism that makes an individual seem nasty enough to commit murder. Wiki is a wonderful protagonist who hopefully stars in future South Sea adventures, but the key to this superb tale is the insight into the seemingly doomed real United States South Seas Exploring Expedition of 1838.

Harriet Klausner

Without doubt, the best "Colored" pictures and information one could ask for!!

After moving to the Tahoe National Forest in California, we knew we needed a book to identify the wildlife, flora, trees and insects.This is simply the most perfect book. Clearly written, beautiful photos and well organized. We use it all of the time!Karyn Lepley

This book is probably one of the best deals that you'll find if you're looking for a nature guide for the Western Forests area. It features the typical Audobon Society photos for easy identification, with a great deal of information. The best part is that plants, mammals, and birds are all combined into one book, so you don't have to buy separate guides. If you're taking a trip to the West Coast, buy this guide along with Bayard MCConnaughey's "Pacific Coast" (in the same Audobon series), and you're set.

this guide, as well as the others in this series, are an excellent first book or primary reference for those living or travelling in the areas they cover.

one of best points is that they are not exhaustive in their coverage. instead they focus on the most commonly seen species. so instead of flipping through endless pages of references to rare or seldom seen species, one can quickly find the specific plant or animal they encounter.

if one becomes more focused in study of a given type of plant or animal one can turn to more exhaustive and detailed texts -- such as audobon's own guides to birds, trees, mammals, etc.

i have found that this series is an excellent gift for those who are not specifically focused on nature studies. my parents enjoyed their gift copy -- as it enabled them to identify the trees and animals in their own back yard.

the specific entries are informative and interesting. the production values (photos, indexes) are excellent. and the opening essays are a special treat; they well written and well worth reading. they can inspire one to pay a bit more attention to the natural landscape even if all they do is drive through it.

The Wide Open Spaces of God is an excellent book. The author uses the metaphor of landscapes to describe the various stages and scenarios of life. But it's not the analogies that make this such a wonderful book, it's the prescriptive advice the author provides which help make this a fantastic read and an even better, lasting reference.

For example, one of the landscapes is called "The Valley of Darkness." It's just what you'd expect, namely, a period of deep turmoil or unexpected/unexplained difficulty. Beth talks about our knee-jerk tendencies where we want to "light our own torches" and move away from the darkness; without giving away too much of the story here, the author advises against moving away from the darkness and her argument is quite compelling.

I read this book on a recent cross-country flight and found myself stopping and thinking about the various stages of my own life, how I reacted then and how the author's insights challenged me to react and respond differently going forward. I learned a lot about myself along the way and I'll bet you will too. Highly recommended.

I really resonated with Beth Booram's concept that life's ups and downs place us in various landscapes (i.e. the desert, the deep waters, the land between). As she goes through each of 8 possible landscapes (although she says the number is unlimited), she shows us how God uses the various terrains of each to enlarge and transform us. They don't come in any specific order and don't last for any predetermined amount of time. We can move in and out of them, we can repeat landscapes, we may never even experience some of them. With each landscape, she describes its geography and tells us what we can learn about God and what we can learn about ourselves as we experience it. Each landscape has the ability to transform us if we let it.

I enjoyed Beth's poetic way of expressing herself and describing these landscapes of life. Her use of personal examples makes her ideas more accessible and real, and her honest, developing relationship with God is inspiring. This is the sort of book we continually return to for inspiration as life twists and turns us.

The concluding paragraph of the book sums it up well..."Our search is not simply to find God. Nor is it to find ourselves. Rather, it is to be present to God and ourselves through the varied landscapes of life." I long to live my life in this manner.

Beth Booram's book is both deep and practical in guiding us toward a closer experience of God. It is soul searching for my personal devotional use as well as an excellent tool for small group interaction. Great questions. Beth seems to speak from her personal insights and experiences as well as from accurate study of The Bible. I would highly recommend it.

The author captures our walk with God in new and interesting ways. She shares much of herself in the pages and takes the reader along on her journey. The book has bible study qualities as she shares scripture to illustrate each point. I have much to reflect on after my read.

I thought this book was very good for children. It gave an overview of the important facts about his life and gave excellent illustrations to accompany the text.

Although I expected this book to be well over the head of my 5-year-old son, he loved it. It was an interesting book that held his attention on its own merits. The pictures, although not as many as he was used to, helped the story along. But when he learned that this was a book about a real person, someone he had heard of, he was thrilled. He's asked me to get him more books about real people. I definitely will.

I thought this book would be well over the head of my five-year-old son; it has more words on each page than he's used to (because it is geared for the young reader). This book is so well written that it kept his attention throughout. And when he realized that this was someone he had heard of, he was hooked. Now he wants to know about all the presidents. (He doesn't realize how many of them there are!)

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to start their child down the path of enjoying history.

If you love your young children who are just learning about history, you owe it to yourself and to them to rush and press the order button for this classic kids' book. Lushily and lavishly illustrated, this wonderful tome details the true story of the man who would become the first president of the United States. This book is an excellent start for any young man or woman to get a grip on the early history of our great country. I am choked up as I write these words because I know this incredible book will become an heirloom that I will pass down from generation to generation. This powerful, and moving testiment to the formation of our land will never be forgotten by this impressed reader. It's simply one of the most wonderful books ever written and I thank God for its existence.

Original breakthrough research that crosses the barriers of anthropology, theology, psychology and cross-cultural views of the dying process and beyond. Dr. Miller is a gifter writer and researcher who provides the entree for both the skeptic and the inquisitive to explore the most profound issues that we will all eventually confront. She accomplishes accomplishes her goal while providing the reader with extraordinary insights into alternative perceptions of life and after death. I could not put this inspirational book down until I read the final words, "we can only imagine."

After Death is a book that can offer not only solace but meaning to anyone facing death, their own or that of a loved one. We are used to thinking of dying as an unalterably lonely experience, but with this book as a companion it need not be. There is great comfort in discovering the depth and range of how our fellow humans imagine, understand, and, in some cultures, even know the after-death.

As important as the content, to me, is the author's voice-a voice of great warmth, compassion, and intelligence. As one reads this book, one feels more and more deeply the sense of human kinship in this journey-a profound antidote to loneliness and fear. I found this to be a truly transformative work.

This readable, page turner engages the reader from the start in asking the fundamental question of life, what begins after death? The author is widely traveled and well-versed in comparative religions and belief systems. Written in an anecdotal and open style, the author states no positions but offers different views from Native American philosophies to Brazilian religious beliefs. A must read for anyone with the smallest sense of curiosity about how our global neighbors wrestle with the place/voyage after death. Great gift for New Agers to seniors to skeptics and saints

This beautiful book takes you on a guided tour of the geographical exploration of America. And it does that by showing and explaining over 300 of the maps explorers created while discovering North America. Many of these maps are richly detailed and visually stunning. The seven-page map catalog in the back of the book "sums up" these maps by providing the page on which the map appears, map name, map author, and source. Some of these are in vaults and not available for public viewing.

Hayes is a solid researcher and you can trust his work. That scored big points with me, because I've recently come across several books that present themselves as factual--when in reality they are poorly-researched and full of misinformation.

Unlike some authors, Hayes honors his contract with the reader.

Hayes combines his solid research with a writing style that brings the subject to life, warts and all. The journey he takes you on starts in 1000 AD and continues to the present day. With Hayes as your guide, you follow the explorers as they discover North America and its wonders. These include the wide prairies, complicated coastal waterways, expansive rivers, and many mountains that make North America such a geographical treasure trove.

Hayes does a good job of arranging the maps by area and era. For example, he looks at the West and starts with maps from the earliest years of exploration and then proceeds to the most recent maps. Through Hayes' narrative, you see history unfold as though you are there watching the explorers themselves. We see their human side, which is sometimes self-defeating. Hayes uses a combination of objective observation and witty commentary to provide a tour that is both informative and entertaining.

The maps in this book reflect the knowledge and the ignorance of the times in which they were drawn. For example, the obsession with a "Northwest Passage" across the continent--a short trade route to China--caused many mapmakers to draw in waterways that weren't there. Other mapmakers would then copy and propagate the mythological features.

I found myself reading this book with my tabletop globe at my side. As Hayes discussed the various islands, bays, rivers, and other features, I wanted to know where each one was and how it fit into the overall map. I also found myself frequently comparing the explorers' maps to the globe and chuckling as Hayes revealed how this or that map differed from reality--and why.

Because I have an interest in geography, I would have been satisfied with just the maps and some brief explanatory text. And I think even someone not especially interested in geography would have found such a book worth sitting down with for an afternoon if that's all it contained, because these maps are just so intriguing. But, there's more. Far more.

Yes, I've already said Hayes also explained other things. But, he didn't throw in a few "human interest" tidbits about the explorers. He told the story behind the story. The stories of the political machinations that drove many of these explorations would have made an interesting book in its own right. So, now the reader gets this great set of geography lessons while also enjoying the kinds of plot twists you might expect from a good novel. Great stuff!

Get this book for your tabletop, if you want something visually impressive for your visitors. Read this book, if you want a great read that leaves you with an impressive knowledge of the exploration of North America.

Derek Hayes' new book, "America Discovered: A Historical Atlas of North American Exploration," should appeal to the members of a number of literary categories, both ordinary and scholarly. First, for those who simply enjoy beautiful coffee-table books, this is one you can be proud to display as the artwork and colorful maps meet the highest standard. Second, if you are an American history buff, this book will enthrall you with its vivid recollections of early continental exploration and later discoveries and settlement across the Western frontier. Third, if you love maps or are into cartography, either as an avocation or as a profession, you will appreciate the numerous historical maps included in the work. Fortunately, I am a member of all three groups, so I especially appreciated Hayes' contribution to my personal library.

The author is a trained geographer and map researcher. He attended the University of Hull and the University of British Columbia and has spent many years traveling the world collecting and researching historical maps. This is the fifth historical atlas that Hayes has written and designed. I want to make a special point of "written and designed." There are many American history texts which cover the same period and topics which Hayes does in this book. But how many of them are "designed" to be aesthetically pleasing as well as meeting the highest levels of scholarship. I have some insight into that matter since I taught American history for a number of years. There are not very many books about American history that are both beautifully designed, worth spending time just to contemplate the illustrations, and still exhibit a text worth reading for its own sake.

The features and structure of "America Discovered: A Historical Atlas of North American Exploration" can be briefly stated. There are two hundred and eighty maps included in the book, covering a period of time from the fifteenth century to the twentieth century. This means that the reader can view maps created by cartographers at the "initial discovery" of America by European adventurers, based on the knowledge of the time, and follow the progression of map creation and design as more and more knowledge is gained about the American continent. It is interesting to note, for instance, that many of the early maps depict the present state of California as an island rather than attached to the American mainland (I didn't know that!). And for those who like geographic trivia, let it be known that this major inaccuracy about California continued even into the nineteenth century. Besides the many maps, there are a number of illustrations displaying persons and events of significance to American history. At the end of the book the author provides a map catalog with some facts about each map, a selected bibliography so readers can continue on with other resources, and a comprehensive index of topics. Lastly, the book is printed on acid-free paper which means it will virtually last forever.

Most of my book reviews are nine-hundred to a thousand words in length. This one is not. Why not? Simply because I can find nothing negative at all to say about this superb piece of writing and craftmanship. (Maybe there is a typo somewhere in the text, but if so, I couldn't spot it.) I highly recommend this book to everyone, regardless of whether or not you fit into one of the categories I named in the first paragraph. If you are a true bibliophile, like I am, you will appreciate this addition to your personal library. But a warning or two might be prudent. Older children and teenagers may find the maps in this book so captivating that the book might suffer the damage of overuse. In that case, it might be advisable to purchase two copies: one to use and one to cherish. Moreover, if you decide to purchase one as a gift for a relative or friend, be aware. Once you actually see the quality of this publication, you won't want to part with it. In that case, it might be advisable to purchase two copies: one as a gift and one for you to cherish. I think at this point, I've said enough. Any more said would merely be redundant.

The early settlers, investors, missionaries, traders, and other explorers of the North American continent had rough hand-drawn maps or no maps at all to guide them. As a result many of them made their own maps as they traveled. The tremendous variety of these hand-drawn maps makes this collection of maps and historical information fascinating reading.

The book is loosely organized along historical lines although maps with a similar theme are placed together. For example, some of the chapters, and therefore map collections, include "Seeking Furs and Lost Souls, Finding the Mississippi, West from Carolina, Ascending the Missouri, Crossing the Mountains, Russian Alaska, The Emigrant Trails, and The Great Western Surveys.

These are high quality copies of the original maps and a treasure to anyone interested in history. It includes many well-written historical accounts of the explorers and other travelers to augment the maps. While it is an excellent choice for a library addition, America Discovered: A Historical Atlas of North American Exploration is a joy to read and belongs on the shelf of everyone interested in the history of the North America.

This Is a great Book, I have not found any books about this specific topic and I was very happy to have found this one. Any Architect, Urban Planner, Government agency that wants to have a deep understanding of poverty housing structures and their place in big cities and their possible solutions should read this book.. The Authors seem very professional and experienced in the topic, I just loved the book, a great source of information and learning

Este libro debe ser leído y estudiado por todas aquellas personas que sean servidores públicos y deseen aspirar a cargos municipales: Alcaldes, planificadores urbanos, trabajadores sociales....

The two architect/authors involved in ANALYZING URBAN POVERTY spent years working on projects to revitalize barrios in their home country Venezuela, and their new book explains in detail how people can use GIS technology to identify and ultimately improve the quality of life in poor urban areas. Collections catering to urban planers and designers, architects, and which are strong in sociological analysis will find this crosses genres in surveying the real-world applications to GIS in helping the poor, making it an invaluable, unique guide.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Any literature or history aficionado would enjoy this book. I have recently gotten interested in this area of the world and have just finished a historical fiction novel called The Tenderness of Wolves and a movie entitled Snow Walker that opened my eyes to this frozen area of the world and its inhabitants. The author has completed a tremendous amount of research into Mr. Hearn's life and adventures, but the anecdotes he tells make it come alive. I forgot to cook supper tonight because I was so engrossed!

Exploration stories often focus on the tropics. David Livingstone, Albert Russel Wallace, Richard Burton and others are readily recalled. The polar quests of Amundsen, Cook, Peary and Byrd probably follow in popularity. The upper latitudes seem almost overlooked. With little land mass approaching Antarctica and its pole, Canada and Russia are left for investigation by the enquiring mind. Having offered the life of one such wanderer in John Rae, McGoogan now reaches further back in time and place to reveal the life of Samuel Hearne. It's a fine study of a dedicated man.

McGoogan's lively narrative traces Hearne's Royal Navy career, then follows him to the Hudson's Bay Company [HBC] station of Prince of Wales Fort. With the Canadian Arctic still a terra incognita, various quests were under consideration - the Northwest Passage and/or an inland sea leading to Asia being prime contenders. A more specific ambition arose with indications of a vast copper resource near the Arctic Sea. Hearne pursued this rumour by trekking across the Canadian tundra to find it. Various interludes occurred along the way.

Hearne's expeditions to the Arctic seem pre-ordained to failure. Having but a hazy notion of what confronted him wasn't a hindrance. Bureaucracy proved the more serious impediment. The British attitude toward indigenous peoples compounded faulty notions of requirements for such a trip. With no idea of how Native Peoples? societies were structured, British HBC agents blundered into one crisis after another. In today's world, for a man to suggest that women must accompany the expedition to perform specialised tasks would bring down the wrath of the Human Rights Commission. In the 18th Century rise of the HBC in Canada women performed essential roles. No Native Peoples? women meant no Native Peoples? men. No men, no expedition. McGoogan explains all these circumstances without apology or condemnation. It's a professional historian's approach, worthy of full praise.

The other aspect of British imperialism's shortsighted view is the relationships among Canada's Native Peoples. Hearne and others would counsel peace to those who had been warring when the British still painted themselves blue. These animosities were not easily quelled and might break out without warning nor discernible reason. Hearne was confronted with this near the mouth of the Coppermine River. McGoogan, relying on Hearne's own account, describes the massacre of an Inuit settlement leading to the naming of "Bloody Falls". The event remained fixed in Hearne's memory for the remainder of his life.

Hearne, seeking an ephemeral copper lode, traversed immense stretches of the Canadian North. With various teams, but particularly relying on a Dene negotiator, Matonabbee, Hearne viewed the Arctic Ocean, the first European to reach it overland. The copper wasn't there, nor, in Hearne's opinion, was there any possibility of a Northwest Passage. He saw the Great Slave Lake, but when he later reported on his journey, skeptics were confounded by how far west it lay. Canada's vastness overwhelmed chair-bounded geographers. Hearne wasn't simply seeking mineral wealth. He recorded copious observations on plant and animal life in the region, as well as collecting information on the native peoples. More than just an adventurer, Hearne is credited by McGoogan as being one of earliest naturalists.

Hearne's return to England was less than satisfactory. An account of his travels netted him not a penny - he died before publication. One event, a likely meeting with Coleridge at a boy's school, may have led Hearne to become the source of the Rime of the Ancient Mariner. While the notion is McGoogan's speculative idea, it's plausible enough to be valid. It certainly provided a good, if unexpected, title for the life of an Arctic explorer. McGoogan presents that life vividly, with only minor, forgiveable, embellishments. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

This book by Ken McGoogan recalls Peter C. Newman's fascinating books about the Hudson's Bay Company: Caesars of the Wilderness and The Company Adventurers. I think that schoolchildren should be reading these books rather than dry old history tomes. And, if all you have read are these history textbooks, then I suggest you give yourself a chance to revisit these amazing explorers. The story of Samuel Hearne is magnificently told by Ken McGoogan and it will have you thirsting for more stories of the amazing men and women (yes, women!) who lived, fought, loved in a cruel land. It was a book I could not put down.

I was 6 years old when I received this book, and to this day I credit Koa and friends for instilling in me a great curiosity and appreciation for international travel, foreign languages, and cultures beyond my own. The illustrations are brilliantly colourful and tenderly rendered; these alone will invite the reader to sit down and follow the koala from country to country (or from cover to cover, as it were). Today I realize I have been inspired by this dear book for almost 30 years, both creatively and in my travels. Hope this one comes back in print someday soon.

I received this splendid book as a Christmas gift, I guess I was about ten. Just to remember the artwork gives me the wanderlust! Sorry to see it's out of print for the time being.

I received "Around the World with Koa Koala" for my ninth birthday. I read this book from cover to cover about a million times. I credit this book with my desire to travel all around the world. I am now 30 years old.

I want to thank the author for giving me my travelling jones.

This book summarizes the ethnic and racial diversity in the U.S. in a stunning and graphical way. Highly recommended to anyone who wants a one-stop source of the latest demographic information about the United States

I admire Michael Jangs work and am looking forward to a soon to be published/released book "Where do the hero's go when they die" by author Mitchell Altieri.

The Atlas Of American Diversity documents the diversity and variance of race and ethnicity in America today, and examines the issues that affect the different groups. The topics covered include immigration and migration, socioeconomic status, health, crime, language, and politics. The data and text are enhanced and illuminated with color maps and charts. The Atlas Of American Diversity is an essential, core title for school and community library reference and demographic collections.