Outdoors Books

Ive studied Silat for years, and have several books on the subject. I have not yet found anything remotely close to this in terms of content, detail or value.

***If you're at all interested in Pencak Silat this book is a must have.***

It is an invaluable reference guide for practitioners, and a wonderful introductory read for curious seekers...

I find this book integral to my training. It answers many questions on a variety of Silat topics, i.e. posture and movement, in Guru Stark's own words. It is a great help for independent or distance training.

-Bill

The author gives a great introduction to the art of Pencak Silat Pertempuran. Well written and reader friendly, this first volume will give the reader a better understanding of what Pencak Silat is about. This first volume covers everything from Silat strikes, to evasions, to entries all of which are fully illustrated. I anxiously await the second volume.

Just wanted to post a quick review on this book. Pencak Silat Pertempuran Vol 1 is an awesome supplement for those training in PSP (Combat Silat), not to mention a great book on Silat. In general the book IMHO seems to be targeted to the PSP practioner, but by all means it also serves as a great study of Pencak Silat in general.

The book is well written, well thought out and contains a plethora of pictures demonstratng the movements the author is describing. A real must have for anyone interested in Pencak Silat.

I can not wait to own/read/study Volume 2.

Great job!

Great book and very easy to understand. I have been practise martial art for about 20 years and this is one of the most well written books I have met on my journey. Buy IT!!

it is a great thing to see, every once in a while, when somebody manages to outdo themselves, even after a great first work. And in the Vol.2, Guro Stark certainly did, and then some!
Even my criticism about his first volume (photo quality) does not hold this time. Yes there are a couple of pics that are bit blurred, but in no way does that imede the understanding ofthe techniques presented. The main thing, however, is the fact that he does superb job of trying to pass the information intended, and some information it is. Never have I seen a book so detailed in description of the material presented, yet concise enouhg not to be smothering.
Especially worth commendation is the fact that for the firt time someone has presented (to my knowledge)in detail the weapon portion of Silat, instead of just giving a scarce information of the tools used within particular system. Guro Stark gives excellent instruction on the use of pisau and golok, as well as the applicability of karambit.Also, in this book the genius of Mr. Stark as the founder of the system shines through, because it becomes clear that everything he did in he first book falls in place really nicely, and makes one's attempts at grasping the new material much easier.
Bottom line - two thumbs up (but only because there is just two)!

Guru Stark's 2nd book is a great followup and expands in detail on the Jurus-jurus, the weapons of PSP and the Harmau/Monyet of PSP. This book (like the 1st book) is a must have for anyone studying Pencak Silat Pertempuran and would be interesting to any martial arts practitioner, especially silat. Buy a copy. You won't be disappointed.

Volume 2 of Guru Stark's book will take the reader even deeper into the art of Pencak Silat. I was unable to put the book down. The amount of detail, photos, and explanations in this book are phenominal. This book is a must have for anyone interested in Pencak Silat. I anxiously await for the release of Volume 3 !!!

This book is inspirational. It helps you maintain fitness habits and I like George's philosophical nature. I recommend this to runners and non-runners alike. We will miss the wit and humor of Sheehan who died of cancer during the last decade.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I was amazed at how Dr. Sheehan wrote about things that I have thought about, dreamt about, and had to deal with in my running and life. All types and levels of athletes and even non-athletes will love this book. If you are a runner, this book will help you take a deeper look. This book will also help non-runners understand their running loved ones better!

This is one of my top 5 favorite books ever. Not only is it highly motovating in terms of running, but it is very inspiring in terms of life in general. George Sheehan was a living hero and this book can help you become a hero too.

Being an amature philospher and a middle of the pack runner, one of the more memorable events in my running career, was meeting Dr. George Sheehan and getting a signed copy of this book.

Dr. Sheehan was one of the best writers I have ever read. I don't know if it is my love of the subject, the quality writing, or the ability to connect with his life, but I love to read his work!

I remember reading his column in the 'Runners World' before anything else every month--I just couldn't get enough.

This book is no different.

ak shares years of experience - coupled with the k.i.s.s. principal.

my intermediate fly tying instructor spoke highly of the book so - sight unseen - i bought it and i'm so glad i did.

This paperback book is everything it's cracked up to be: umpteen tips on tying smarter and faster. The photographs are superb. A. K. still doesn't think much of many modern synthetics, exhibiting a strong preference for natural materials. Although not a professional, I just tie for my own use, this book will save me the purchase price in materials alone, with the time savings a bonus. This is not a recipe book - this is a how to tie in (fill in the blank) material better, more consistently, and quicker.

This book is a great resource for both beginner and advanced tyers...tyers who are looking to get better at their approach and technique. The insights that Mr. Best relays in his work are gained from thousand and thousands of ties. Having trouble with spinning a deer hair muddler head - I'll bet you can get some help from his section on just this topic - including how to better clip them. Same goes for his tips on building wings and proportionate bodies, tails, etc. My personal experience here saw me go from a tyer with 6-7 years experience back in the ealry 90's, struggling with some techniques, to a tyer with a better understanding of what I was doing wrong, (or how I could overcome my difficulties), and produce a better fly, more quickly. Not necessarily an "enjoyable" read, but a read that you will get something out of...a "workbook" for lack of a better term. One I keep going back to - to brush up from time to time.

Simply put, this is a great book that will aid any fly- tyer, from a beginner who can barely stick a hook in a vise to the expert tying for a living!

As most fly tyers who are looking to purchase books on the subject know, most (if not all) tying- related books begin with a background on the tools of the trade and how to use them. Well, AK Best takes this and runs with it - in a VERY productive way! Sticking a needle into a cork to work with palm-held embroidery snips like a 3rd hand, etc... I could write a book just about this book! This book is not one of specific patterns, but rather one of techniques to be applied for multiple patterns.

Yes, the 'Flytyer's Benchside Reference' (ISBN 1571881263) is great for techniques, don't get me wrong! I don't care for that book's price, either, but it is a great book. Best's book, however, delves into more of the holistic view than the Benchside Reference. That is to say, Best looks at things in an efficiency-of-tying AND functionality-of-catching-fish perspective, where the Benchside Reference seems to simply list EVERY possible way of doing the task required without care for the time or energy used to tie. They both have their respective benefits: If you are looking for multiple ways of doing something, the Benchside Reference is the way to go; if looking for a very efficient way, then I find AK Best's book to be far superior.

For the crux of this book: graphics are large enough and numerous enough to fully see what is going on; language is narrative and brief, not using circumlocution to attempt a persona of godliness; the price is high for a book (in my opinion, as a cheap-skate), but worth it in the savings on materials alone. Again, this is a wonderful book for all tyers, regardless of experience.

I've always loved gambling, whether in a friendly poker game or I'll place a trifecta during lunch so after work I can see if I hit--there's a thrill in not knowing, having the possibility--I mean, maybe you won ten grand and you don't know it. I never thought much about that thrill, but when I saw this book on the shelf in Barnes & Noble and flipped it open I came across all these passages with people's insights on why and how people gamble. I never really thought of gambling in connection to belief or religion, but this book shows how gambling goes way back into the history of many cultures and how it appeals to that contest between human beings and their destinies. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand gambling better.

This book contains a lot of wit and wisdom gathered from a vast array of sources. Gambling pervades the economy of the American masculine soul, so we need to study it as art and as disease, and this book is a wonderful resources in that regard. Like the man said in the pool hall, take this book to Las Vegas along with "Das Kapital" and your lucky mojo charm.

"Eat your betting money, but don't bet your eating money," may be true for some, but betting $20 of your eating money on this book will get you food for thought. The book groups quotations in categories and starts each category with commentary by editor Paul Lyons. Quotations come from writers, gamblers, sages, and whatall from all over the world and throughout history. A sure bet if ever there was one.

The quotes, including Einstein, Shakespeare, and Woody Allen are abundantly witty, with hopeful speculation mingling with multiple sarcasm. Loved it, and fully recommend it for all levels of gambling enthusiasts. Lyons did an excellent job of editing this book, and amazingly managed to transcend the trap of the quotation book genre.

A lovely book, plenty of inspirational photography and sufficient detail to inspire the intended pool builder or professional. Coffee table interest

The photography is fabulous. Many of the pools were designed by the author, but this does not detract from the book. It is well balanced. The chapters include: the natural pool, lap pools, infinity edges, indoor pools, historical pools, among others.

Detailed analysis of a few each of several different types of pools: lap pools, "natural" pools, indoor pools, famous pools, etc., all in California. Not a construction manual, but full of details worth considering when designing a pool. A must for anyone considering getting a pool on a difficult or very special piece of land.

This excelent book is focused exclusively on design. Very inspiring and unique. Do not expect to find anything about maintenance, it is a book meant for designers. A must for landscape designers and architects.

The newest edition of the Speer Manual remains one of the two best resources for beginning and experienced handloaders. The consolidation of so many of the historic component manufacturers and the loss of many of the traditional experts in this field makes this easy to read volume even more useful. It is a mix of readable, simple instructions and up-to-date ballistic science. It is a must for every handloader's library.

I have owned this book for years and I have used it a lot to reload. It lists the primers to use by name and number, it shows the case dementions, it tells a short history of each round and it has a wide veriety of loads.

My only complaint is it is gettin somewhat long in the tooth and doesn't list a lot of newer loads. For example in the 223 round section it only lists two loads for the heaver bullets used in target shooting - the 75 grain and the 80 grain bullets. Today there are several other weights of bullets available (69 grain, 77 grain etc)and this manual doesn't cover them.

If you are using newer rounds such as the short magnums this book will not list them and you will have to look elsewhere for information. Don't overlook the internet for basic reloading information. Hodgdon's site lists a lot of basic loads for use with their powders.

Another item I like about the book is the print. It is large enough to read easily and the type face is crisp and clear.

AD2

This book is jammed packed with information on every aspect of reloading, and it is the book to have if you are a beginner. In fact, the only thing to warn you about is if you are going to buy an RCBS kit, the manual may be included. Speaking of RCBS their website can answer any questions this book doesn't. If you are a beginner I recommend getting my Learn Handgun & Rifle Reloading in Under 41 Minutes dvd (ASIN: B0006PT29Y) to go along with the manual--as this video shows in detail the more complicated mechanical aspects of reloading--that will take you awhile to figure out if you haven't seen it done first.

Still waiting for Amazon to update the listing for #14 which is now out - I wish the best of luck to the unrealistic and greedy sellers of used copies above as the new version is currently $26.99 at Midway.

We just purchased a property with an old barn and this book was recommended to us as an initial resource. It has provided a good overview of barn history and guidance for restoration.

Excellent book on how to tackle serious structural deficiencies of your barn from foundation up to the roof.I think you could use this usefull information on other types of buildings such as older homes and garages.In fact this book will show you how to replace rotted out logs in a log cabin.Many simple pictures and diagrams on how to get it done.Also good basics on how to run water and electric utilities once you square up your building.

It's easy to say that this is the best book on renovating barns - it's the only one that I know of. But, this book is very, very good. I'm lucky enough to be able to spend much of my time designing new barns and helping clients restore old ones. I'm amazed and embarrassed by how much I learned from this book. Nick Engler presents a good primer on barn design, and then goes to work, explaining in detail how to repair each and every common problem with old barns. If your barn is leaning, if the stone foundation is buckled, if your pole-barn posts are rotting, if your timbers have splintered, if your roof sways, you'll learn what to do to fix the problem and to keep it from happening again.

if you are looking for good, solid, usable information on restoring old barns and the mechanics of their structure, this book is the bible on it. quite detailed and good instructions. the author doesn't just tell you it can be done, but how to do it as well. this book won't help trendy city folk, with no building skills, pick out carpet samples for turning a barn into a home, but it is the number one resource on the structure of barns and making them solid and usable again before changing their purpose. I highly recommend this book.

I just started riding a year and a half ago, and I have added a lot of books to my little horsey library, but this one went above and beyond what I expected. How to mount bareback? Got it. How to "read" age by looking at teeth? A full page! Measure horse height? Got that too!Conformation,how to tie, how to tell if horse needs shoeing, braiding,and so much more! I will be referring to this book for a long time, and I will also recommend it to all my friends who are taking up riding. Invaluable!

It is hard to top a book this good.By far the most comprehensive information needed to ride safely and well.Yet so clearly written a child could understand it. Small wonder that this book is endorsed by Olympic Gold Medalist and twice World Champion Bruce Davidson,and by the United States Equestrian Team.

This book goes over everything a beginning rider or just someone who wants to go over riding tecniques could ever want to go. If you want to learn a lot and have a good, well written horse book you should read this book. Once you are done reading this book you will find yourself a better and mone confident rider.

The best possible book for the beginning rider, this book doesn't stick simply to riding, but has chapters on taking lessons, the first horse (buy, lease or rent?), riding clothes, tack and equipment, horse psychology, mounting-dismounting and falls, riding position, riding aids for each gate and movement, cavalletti and jumping, care of the horse, and a diagnostic chapter on problems and emergencies.

Filled with clear line drawings and straight-to-the point text, this book does a thorough job of covering just about everything you could need to know to get started in riding. I use it in conjunction with Cherry Hill's Arena Exercises as the basis of riding lessons.

Steve Edwards' book was my first purchase as an avid rockclimber when I visited Santa Barbara in January 2002 to prepare for my transfer to the area. Even before using the guide to locate the local climbing I enjoyed it immensely for the history and personal flavor given by the author.

There is much more to this book than a climbing guide. It is also a personal pilgrimage. Steve experienced a golden era in Santa Barbara climbing that he describes so vividly yet knows has passed forever. His is the passion of a personal life transition that we all go through and there is both joy and sadness in the writing. His obsessive intensity and endurance for physical training is mirrored by an affection for caffeine, alcohol and nicotine that make him such an interesting character. Steve is also a movie connoisseur from his early days running a video shop in the student quarter (Isla Vista) next to UCSB and he blends this knowledge with climb descriptions for occasional flashes of brilliant humor. And I should refrain from commenting on the Reverend Speefknarkle! Steve's defining picture is buffed and honed on "Pieces of You" atop the fantastic Pine Mountain boulderfield.

The book fulfills its primary purpose as a tool for guiding the climber in locating and selecting appealing routes exceptionally well. My copy is already dogeared and marked up with yellow highlights after just one season and it has never led me astray. Only rarely have I disagreed with the grades Steve gives for difficulty and quality but this is to be expected for these subjective ratings.

In summary, this book is a must buy for any climber interested in the Santa Barbara - Ventura region yet it has deeper appeal as literature capturing one man's personal journey through the 90's. How we all wish to turn back the hands of time!

I visit the Santa Barbara area often. So I picked up this book and thumbed through and became intrigued enough to buy it. Not for the rock climbing information (although the personality and names given to each trail had me captivated); instead I became curious to know this philosophical guide writer, Steve Edwards. Formerly thinking all rock climbers were a bunch of daredevils, this guide opened my eyes to the depth of committment it takes to be a rock climber, much less, write a guide! And their love of the earth is more honest and real than most armchair environmentalists. Reading this book definitely helped me grow. I hope you will read it and then go hug a rock - and maybe even a rockclimber!

I am the author of this title and didn't know where else to submit corrected info. The book is called: Rock Climbing: Santa Barbara & Ventura

220 pages

The guide features over one thousand routes and boulder problems along California's central coast from the outskirts of Los Angeles to the wine country north of Santa Barbara.

I have a jpg of the cover that I will send to you if you email me at: mannyvarjak@hotmail.com

Whether served up with a tray of Bombay Sapphire martinis (shaken, two olives) or a six-pack of ice cold Oly, let this text be your companion to some of the best and most scenic climbing areas in America! Looking for steep, gargantuan sport routes that make your tendons twitch just looking at 'em? How about classic sandstone slabs with holds so fragile they may break if you merely pass gas? Or maybe you're into divine boulderfields so vast that first ascents are possible until Jesus comes back to spot you? This book has it covered. Steve Edwards has done a first class job of directing you in entertaining fashion to the climbing, history, and lifestyle that Santa Barbara climbing is all about. Read it over coffee and cigarettes not just as a guide, but as fine literature. It's better than 'Atlas Shrugged', and shorter too!