Geography Books

As a solo female traveller, I found this book to capture my heart and desire to explore the world. This book is divided into serveral short stories written by women who dared to journey on their own. Each story was touching in it's own way, and made me realize that while few cultures understand why a woman would want to travel independantly, all cultures provide insight into the human psyche. To put it bluntly, it is a great read; I misssed my train stop because I was so riveted!

I have given this book as a gift several times. I have read it several times. It is especially good for a busy person who says they do not have time to "get into" a book, because they can sit down and read one essay at a sitting. It is inspiring to see what so many women have done, and also a great way to live vicariously if you aren't going to be traveling anytime soon. Many of these women are truly inspirational.

This is a fascinating book written by dozens of women who have travelled the world. As a man, I found it absorbing to get the female perspective on many places I have travelled to. These girls are true feminists. They make their own way and use their wits and skills to navigate through countries that are daunting for anyone to visit, let alone a single female. A great read, and I can highly recommend More Women Travel by Rough Guides as well.

Taylor has done a superb job with his first book. Each chapter is captivating and full of new information. Instead of glossing over the sometimes difficult technical material which is discussed in this book, Taylor writes in a way that shares the depth and rigor of the research that is the subject of 'Science at the Extreme'. Both the writing and the photography in this book are engaging and instructional; and in each chapter, the reader's appetite for 'extreme science' grows stronger.

It is encouraging to see a book that does such an exceptional job of bringing together the popular culture ingredients common in National Geographic and the Discovery Channel, with the rigorous components of scientific research that exist at the National Science Foundation and in academia-at-large. 'Science at the Extreme' is just the kind of work that is needed to reinvigorate student interest in science in America, although it certainly does not appear to be the objective of the book. I have no doubt that high-schools and colleges will have to start offering 'Science at the Extreme' classes after students get a hold of this book.

I'm already looking forward to Taylor's next offering, although he has a tough act to follow since the bar has been set so high with 'Science at the Extreme'.

The only thing missing in 'Science at the Extreme' is an order form for buying large-size prints of Taylor's inspiring photographs...

More than just a "coffee table" book, this is a fascinating journey into the world of "extreme science". The photography is outstanding and the commentary articulate, educational and approachable. A great "maiden voyage" from Peter Lane Taylor. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

I was very much impressed with the chapter on cave diving and the excellent leadership of the WKPP. These guys and gals are a very select few diving to depths of 300ft with total dive time of 15 plus hours. The research of florida caves is extensive and the surface has only been scraped. The dedication and team development of the WKPP is beyond anything on the planet.

SCOPE is more than a fantastic contribution to the growing list of military geography books; it is simply the best text available! SCOPE is leaps and bounds better than the Collins text. The approach of the authors is easily accessible. The combination of military history and military geography went over very well with my students who were mostly aspiring historians. Thanks to this text my students finished the semester with an understanding of how geography impacts military events and planning. I look forward to using this text in future classes and as a desk reference for myself.

A fresh approach to the study of Military Geography. Palka and Galgano truly understand the impact of geographic information on the conduct of military operations! Moreover, they clearly appreciate the changing nature of conflict and as a result have addressed the effect of geographic conditions across the full spectrum of military operations. From peacekeeping to small scale contingencies to all out war, they precisely address the range of geographic challenges encountered by military commanders in the past and the anticipated challenges of the future. The vignettes address key issues that the military leader must understand to make timely and accurate decisions.

Overall, this book is essential reading for the military leader and a must add to his professional library. Although this is a great military book, the geographic community and public in general would most certainly enjoy looking at classic military operations through a geographic lens. Additionally, all will benefit from the information presented as the traditional lines between peace and war continue to blur.

This is an essential book, for professional stewards and for students of our national and international responsibilities. It focuses our attention to the fundamentals of our current and forward conditions, all of which geography determines.

If we would understand the inner meaning of anything, we will start with the view of it by Military Geography -- and this book challenges us to achieve accurate, active understanding.

I think that students, no later than their twelfth year, should be offered this book for their basic development. For professionals in all fields it is an essential tool. The authors are top professionals, professors at our United States Military Academy, the world's premier institution for leader development.

For anyone who is teaching their 8 or 9 year old how to write this is one fine book to read because it is so well written. I am a homeschooler who is using IEW to teach my children to write and this book is loaded with "dress-ups". All that aside, the story line is captivating, the characters are memorable, and there are lessons to be learned here that will last a lifetime.

THIS REVIEW IS ONLY ABOUT THE ORIGINAL VERSION, NOT THE MODERN REWRITE!!!

When I first read this book (at around 9), I loved it because of the main character, Mary. She was described as "disagreeable," but I liked her -- and I was disappointed when she changed from her "contrary" self into a nice little girl. I also loved the other characters (especially Martha, the "sturdy" housemaid and the "robin who showed the way" and Ben Weatherstaff), and the descriptions.

For example, Mary explores Miselthwaite Manor on a rainy day; she's heard that the house has over a hundred rooms-- and the book is so vividly written that all these years later, I can still remember her playing with a set of ivory elephants, finding a mouse and her young family in a sofa....Other vivid small moments are the maid talking about the moors and opening the windows which made me long to go to Yorkshire and breathe in the moor air. THe story itself is quite suspenseful and I loved that, too.

Now that I'm grown up, I still love all those things, but I understand why Mary had to change (though I still wish she hadn't!). Now, parts of the book (like her reaction to the flowers starting to grow in the garden) make me cry -- they're touching and Mary is too. I appreciate the descriptions and characters and plotting even more than I did as a child and agree that this is probably the best children's book ever written -- and one of the best books ever written, too.

It inspired me as a writer. I am the author of BLOW OUT THE MOON, which is also about a contrary child (but an American) who transforms herself as a result of kind-hearted English people in the English countryside. I didn't copy THE SECRET GARDEN, but the English boarding school I went to as a child (which is the subject of Blow Out the Moon) did remind me of that book!

This is a classic book about a girl, Mary, who is forced to go to her uncle's mysterious mansion to live. But when a boy is discovered in a secret passage, Mary gets suspicious, and a little scared.
All that suspicion is gone when the mean gardener tells her the story of a secret garden. Of course, her curiosity gets the better of her and she goes to find it, that is, with the help of her new birdie friend. The two of them embark on a journey that will change their lives.
Every night when I read this book, I could not put it down because it was so good! When you think the problems are over, another one joins in. I enjoyed reading this book, and I hope you do too!

-6th Grade Student-

Reading this book to my kids made me want to find out more about my own great-great-great grandmothers!

A book that tells the story of a family over generations, shows strong women, and expresses an unapologetic, matter of fact opposition to war would be of interest if it were not so well done. But it is well done. Telling the stories in the voice of the author's daughter is brilliant, tying the past to the future.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous.

I have bought copies of this book for my nieces and great-nieces, from adult to infant (OK, the infants will have to grow a bit before they understand, but even they like the pictures.) I think it would be good for the boys to read it, too, but I think that would be a harder sell.

I found this book to be simply inspirational. Hearne sets up a time line of sorts, depicting seven strong, determined women from her heritage who are rugged yet feminine and caring. Each woman differs remarkably in her interest and education, but is portrayed as a positive and vital part of the family. The focus on the wars through out the lives of these women demonstrates the integral part women played on the homefront, more often than not with out the credit they deserved. This is a book that would spark interest in female readers who might not otherwise be curious about their own heritage.

This novel tells the story of the expedition of Lewis and Clark across early 1800s America, but not from the usual perspective. It doesn't use the point of view of Lewis or Clark, but those of John Colter and George Shannon, two Privates on the expedition.

Colter is an experienced mountain man and hunter, and Shannon is an inexperienced graduate of West Point, who tries, unsuccessfully, to get promoted to Lieutenant. The two Privates have an on and off relationship, ranging from tolerating each other to, figuratively, wanting to kill each other. They also have reasons for wanting to be away for a long time.

The expedition is one day after another of very hard work, rowing or pulling their boat upriver, hauling supplies down the side of a waterfall, or walking for days without seeing another person. Shannon's paralyzing fear of deep water is no help. Colter seriously considers abandoning the expedition, and joining a much more lucrative one, but his conscience gets in the way (he made an oath to the expedition). Also holding him back is another member of the expedition, Sergeant Ordway, who seems to have made it his personal mission to make Colter's life a living hell.

Some of the Native American tribes encountered along the way, who Colter would rather avoid at all costs, are decent and reasonable, while others are simply bloodthirsty thieves. Among the former are the Mandans, near whom the expedition makes camp for the winter. It seems to be almost a point of honor among the Mandans for their women to be intimate with the "paleskins" (the men of the expedition are happy to oblige). Against his better judgement, Colter meets, and falls very hard for, a recently widowed woman named Fragrant Grass.

Every waking moment of Colter's life, after the expedition continues on its way, is filled with thoughts of Fragrant Grass. Several chances to desert present themselves, but Colter's conscience again gets in the way, along with Sergeant Ordway. They reach the Pacific Coast, spend a miserable winter there, and Colter gets back to Fragrant Grass, only to discover that she is no longer "available."

This is a fine piece of writing. The author does a good job with the characters, and with showing a famous bit of American history from an uncommon perspective. My only criticism about this book is that the length could have been reduced by at least a few pages. I understand what the author was trying to do, and this is the sort of story that takes a long time to tell, but, personally, this book did not have to be 671 pages long. Don't let that get in the way of reading a really interesting story.

Immediately after finishing Margaret Wymans book, Mission, I eagerly picked up Shining Mountains, Western Sea. To my delight, it was everything I had inticipated, and more. This passionate account of Lewis and Clark's expedition, is impossible to put down. Wyman's character development is exceptional. This historic crew came alive for me as I followed their labor-intensive adventures from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean. Throughout the book, the emotional account of their tragedies and triumphs literally kept me awake and turning pages, long after my bedtime. I am anxious for Wyman to complete another book. Judging by her first two novels, I'm a fan hooked for life!

After non-stop reading Wyman's "Mission", I needed to check out her other book. WOW! This lady can weave a web of suspense, intrigue and personal connection! You will be so curious about the amazing personalities of the story, don't plan on going to sleep too early! THE BEST PART: The setting is so historically accurate that you cannot help but wonder how much research went into the book.
I heartily recommend both this and "Mission" to anyone who loves a great story, colorful characters and the untold stories of America's REAL history.

Yesterday, 26 April, I wrote a review for you of this book under the above title, & I'm wondering if it is possible to add 2 words to the final sentence of that review. The final sentence said, "It breathes with life." What I'd like for it to say is, "It breathes with life and love." I hope it's possible to make this addition. Thanks!

First & most basically, this is a geography & history text, complete with dates, stats, maps, data, 329 footnotes & a 253-item biblio. But it is unlike any such book I've read. As the title says, it describes life on the land of central Siberia by focussing on the tiny village Djarkhan, representative of 250 such hamlets in the huge Republic of Sakha. Djarkhan is in "polar land," less than 300 miles south of the Arctic Circle (1200 miles north of Chicago!), with 8 or 9 months of what I can only call winter. How the people have managed to survive there since 1600, from pre-Czarist to post-Communist eras, is an enthralling, almost unbelievable, story. But the sub-text of the book tells another tale, of 3 Djarkhan natives -- a grandfather who was honored in distant Moscow as the Sakhala record-holder for hay cutting, a mother who was "the most famous plastic oral surgeon in Sakha," & a daughter who is the co-author of this book with her husband, a distinguished American geographer. Thus its 112 pages of text are enriched with 62 personal photographs, reminiscences by villagers & on-the-spot observations. It breathes with life.

I was lucky enough to have a chance to assist the authors in the manuscript typing for this book, getting to read it as I typed. Without any education in geography, this book was easy to understand, but educational at the same time. I have never enjoyed an academic book more than I enjoyed this one. The people and places in the book come to life as stories are told as only a native villager could tell them. A must read for anyone interested in cultural studies.

For the most part, I'm a reader of fiction. As a student, I read so much non-fiction as part of daily life that I really seek an escape when it comes to my private time. So, when Richard Corfield came to speak at the University of Washington, I wasn't expecting to spend the next several days pouring over his book.

"The Silent Landscape" outlines the voyage of the HMS Challenger, one of the most important sea voyages to date. Not only does Corfield outline the voyage, he stops along the way, and punctuates the discoveries of the Challenger crew with brilliant descriptions of the technology used at the time, the personal trials undertaken by the crew, and the conditions of life aboard the ship.

Students of oceanography will no doubt be familiar with the Challenger. Anyone with even the remotests interest in the subject would do well to read this book. Not only informative, Corfield's writing style is pleasant and the layout of the work economical and extremely well done.

The Silent Landscape: The Scientific Voyage Of HMS Challenger by Oxford University based earth scientist and science writer Richard Corfield is the true and inherently fascinating story of one boat's 1872 journey and mission to map and sample the ocean floor. This was the first nautical voyage dedicated exclusively to oceanic science. Traversing three and a half years and 69,000 nautical miles, the members of the expedition suffered from suffocating tropical heat to extreme arctic cold. The HMS Challenger and its crew endured hardships and made history in its seminal and ground breaking contributions to human knowledge. A most amazing and engaging true story, The Silent Landscape is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended contribution to academic 19th Century Science History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Probably the most famous scientific sea voyage was that of Charles Darwin in the _Beagle_ from 1831 to 1836. Darwin's findings, after many years of cogitation and hesitation, were the foundation of his _Origin of Species_, but the _Beagle_'s voyage was not one primarily dedicated to science. It was by a naval ship bound for exploration but also for territorial annexation. From 1872 to 1876, however, HMS _Challenger_ circumnavigated the globe for no purpose other than getting scientific information, especially about the sea. In _The Silent Landscape: The Scientific Voyage of HMS Challenger_, Richard Corfield has told the story of this remarkable voyage, but has also taken extraordinary leaps into the science the voyage sparked well into our current century. It is an inspiring story of the importance of pure science.

_Challenger_ was originally a warship, but for its new endeavor, most of its guns were removed to make way for laboratories. The corvette was changed to the first scientific exploration vessel the world had seen. It was a ship on the cusp, with both sails and steam. There was a naval staff to run the ship and the sounding and dredging apparatus, and also the "scientifics," the boffins who were to make the scientific investigation and documentation. There are many first findings reported here, like the "manganese nodules" (which are composed of more than manganese), balls of metallic rock which litter the sea floor like potatoes. The way such stones are formed is still a matter of dispute, but they are of serious interest now to oceanic mining conglomerates. Professor Corfield has told the story of the voyage in sequence, but, as with his section on plate tectonics, he frequently jumps ahead for a century to tell what has been found since the _Challenger_. Just when the reader might be close to an overdose of scientific detail, Corfield lightens the story with quotations from the journals of the members of the crew to reflect on the danger or the tedium of the work.

The official report of the voyage of the _Challenger_ occupied 50 volumes, the last published in 1895. Corfield explains that the voyage laid the foundations for current theories of climate change, global warming, continental drift, and much more. "Its importance can hardly be exaggerated," he says, and part of the appeal of this volume is that _Challenger_'s legacy of discoveries in the twentieth century are so well laid out. But Corfield stresses also that _Challenger_ was a milestone in the history of humanity, a first voyage for knowledge for its own sake. One of the most appealing characteristics of our species, the quest for satisfaction of curiosity, was manifest on this first voyage. It was the start of a grand tradition of oceanic and aerospace exploration.

An important major reference work, Sonoran Desert Plants is an exhaustive study of the woody plants native to the Sonoran Desert. 80 species are treated, and each species treatment includes excellent grey tone photographs and distribution maps, in addition to the discussion. This is an absolute sin qua non for students of the Sonoran Desert, botanists, naturalists, and aficionados of the cacti of the region. I reviewed this book several years ago & have not changed my mind about the book even though I am selling my copy now. I have moved "biomes" and really have no need for Sonoran biology texts anymore.

Co-authored by plant ecologists Raymond Turner and Tony Burgess along with botanist Janice Bowers, Sonoran Desert Plants: An Ecological Atlas is an enlarged and thoroughly revised edition of the original 1972 atlas. Packed cover to cover with figures, distribution maps, black-and-white photographs, and detailed information concerning the taxonomy and ecology of 339 plants, Sonoran Desert Plants is a superb in-depth manual especially recommended for ecologists studying the Sonoran desert area. A glossary, index, and impressively extensive compendium of cited literature round out this specialist's resource.

I found this book to be quite unique in the way it covers its subject area. I know of no other book which seeks to treat in a botanical manner the more conspicuous and important woody plants of the Sonoran Desert biome. I discovered the existence of plants that I previously did not know about. Each species is covered very well, with notes on its appearance, distribution, ethnobotany, and ecology. Excellent half-tone black and white photographs. I can't recommend this book too highly if one is interested in learning more about the Sonoran Desert woody plants.

Though many in the U.S. are more familiar with hearing names like Fodor's or Rough Guide, Cadogan Guides are among the best you will ever find! I orginally checked out this series because the guide series I wanted was sold out. However, as soon as I began flipping through these guides, I was hooked. You will not find a higher-quality product in any price range!

Full of cultural insight and truly HELPFUL tourist info, Cadogan gives you a feel of what or where exactly you are visiting and why it is important. Cleverly written, the editors are able to infuse a dose of humor without detracting from the factual presentation.

This guide will not only give you all the maps, directions, tips, and hints for success on your trip to Southern France, but will actually teach you enough so that you don't HAVE to feel like a tourist.

Witty, insightful, and affordable, Cadogan Guides remain the best buy for your money. They will also work great as a cultural supplement to any bare-bones guides you're taking.

If you are looking for a travel guide that not only provides an overview of the most important sights, places to eat, stay, etc., but does so in a contextualized setting where you also have at your fingertips a detailed description of the region's history, art, architecture, culture, and cuisine, then the Cadogan series will be the perfect match. This is the kind of travel guide that you can read just for fun, to learn about a place and its history, even if you have no intention of or opportunity to visit the place in person. Once you've flipped through its pages, though, chances are it will have whet your appetite to get on the next plane and explore everything you've just read about. As with the Cadogan books on Italy and Spain by the same authors, this book gives an excellent detailed summary of the political and social history of southern France, along with chapters on the area's different cultures, languages, and arts. This introductory material is followed by a series of chapters devoted to each sub-region, including an unusually strong emphasis on the Languedoc in addition to Provence.

My husband and I are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel once or twice a year. I always plan for our trips by buying and studying 3 guidebooks, one with lots of pictures, the Blue Guide to the site in question, and if available, the Cadogan guide. Most guide books contain practical information and cover the major tourist attractions almost like a top-ten list. The Cadogan guides, written by individuals who have lived in the region, delve much deeper, providing coverage of smaller, little known places that are fun to find and explore. I know of no better way to discover and experience local life and color. We are independent travellers, almost always booking flights, cars, and reservations on our own on the web. We also enjoy delving into places off the beaten track. The detail in Cadogan is much more encompassing than that in any other guide we have used. The driving directions are usually right on the money. Its literary, architectural, and historical information is particularly helpful. We have discovered many little known gems because of these guides. If you prefer group tours that stop for short periods at several locations, Loire and other Cadogan books are too detailed. But if you have the time to wander a bit, these are the guides for you.
Regarding South of France specifically, its coverage of artists, writers, ancient ruins, food and wine, history, villages, beaches, and local color is superb. Vignettes are provided for each area on topics of interest unique to the site. An added bonus is the enjoyment of rereading the guide to stimulate memories of where we've been. Can't recommend South of France highly enough if you have the time for an extended visit.