Encyclopedias Books


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Encyclopedias Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Encyclopedias
Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up
Published in Hardcover by Candlewick (2005-07-12)
Author:
List price: $27.99
New price: $15.76
Used price: $4.32
Collectible price: $27.99

Average review score:

Adopted Japanese grandson
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-27
Enjoyed greatly by a 10 year old Japanese boy who lives in Chiba, Japan. He also practices his English with the delightful pop-ups.

Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-09
Bought this book for my 5 year old granddaughter who is really into Dinosaurs. She was thrilled with it.

Since opening it, she wants to look at it every day. It's been 2 weeks now and she is still enjoying it.

At first glance, you may not notice all the "small pockets" on each page which also pop-up to reveal even more 3D pictures.

Overall, a great purchase and I would highly recommend it.

Just what every pre-historic buff loves!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-17
In selecting this book for a young boy who simply adores anything dinosaur, I felt it was something he would really like. I underestimated his reaction. He was simply thrilled and he especially liked the several smaller pop-ups located in each page's corners. It was defintiely a winner as far as he was concerned.

Pop ups are cool
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-17
Kids love pop-ups and my son Miquel who is 6 loves this very much and it educates him as well. Very highly recommended

Great Product
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-20
Item arrived fast and was as described. would buy from seller again. Thanks for the great item and price.

Encyclopedias
The Star Trek Encyclopedia
Published in Paperback by Star Trek (1999-10-01)
Authors: Michael Okuda, Denise Okuda, and Debbie Mirek
List price: $35.00
New price: $18.44
Used price: $11.00
Collectible price: $35.00

Average review score:

Good Source of Reference
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-17
Before I lost this, I was constantly using this as a point of reference for the time line of things and to make sure I wasn't mispelling certain things.. getting other things right, what was where, what all kinds of Star ship classes there wear, etc... this was all for a fan fiction novel that I was, am.. writing. Good thing I put some of those things I was always looking at.. on paper.. so I didn't have to lug the book around everywhere I went.

Granted it's lacking the last few seasons of Voyager and the whole of Enterprise, but I thank Okura for even making "an" edition of these, though it would be nice for a new one.

Excellent reference book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-11
This is a great book, with one rather glaring error. Under the SETI entry, there is a picture of Pioneer's plaque. On the plaque, the Pioneer appears to be launched from the second planet from the sun. As we all know, the probe was launched from the third planet, Earth.

An increadible Guide to the Star Trek Universe,but outdated...
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-07
If you consider yourself a Trekkie or just someone who is truely intersted in Star Trek this Encyclopedia is a must buy period.It has insight to every facet of the Series.From the Original to Voyager you'll know details to everything.You'll won't be able to just glance through it once.I consider myself a huge Trekkie and like to think I know alot about the Shows,but I'll find myself amazed when I discover details about a certain charecter of Episodes I've forgotten or never knew exsisted.Especially interesting is the Timeline parts of the book,The breakdowns of Ship commisions and Designs,information about Actors,Cuisine,backstories of Charecters.You name it and they have everything about it...well almost everything.

You have to realize this fact before buying this Encyclopedia is that it was made in 1999.It's been 9 Years.Alot of History has happened in Star Trek since then and if you don't realize this now,you'll be disapointed to discover that to information about Deep Space Nine's last Season,the last 2 Seasons of Voyager,The whole of Enterprise and Star Trek Nemesis.All of this information is non-exsistant.And just imagine the frustration of people who actually owned this book through the years and reread it wishing it had all this wealth of new information.I honestly can't comprehend why Pocket Books would not release the Book with all of this missing information availible.Or make a CD-Rom of it.

This might sound like I'm ragging on the Book,but that would be impossible to do.Wiether or not this info is in this paticular Book doesn't really matter,because it extensively covers in scrutinizing detail of all the Series up to Deep Space Nine Last Season,Voyager's last 2 Seasons,the whole of Enterprise and Star Trek Nemesis.And believe me you'll be more than satisfied with that alone.

So,most definately buy this now and enjoy it and you will.But just realize it's outdated and once you do that then you can truely enjoy this Encyclopedia the way the Publisher intended you enjoy it:with wonderment and fun.

Outstanding, but an update is overdue!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-16
I bought this book in 2003, and it covered most of the bases then, but only the movies through 1998 ("Insurrection" IIRC; "Nemesis" is not covered.), and the 5th season of Voyager. It just covered the last season of DS9. And of course it has none of the "Enterprise" series.

There have also been events such as the Paramount auction of all the series and movie paraphernalia since then, and that could be a chapter all by itself.

I came on Amazon today expecting to see a new and updated version for sale, and was disappointed that the old edition is still all that's available.

Michael and Denise Okuda know everything there is to know about ST, and are the perfect people to update this. If I were shopping today for the first time I would say wait for the new edition, but buy a used paperback 1999 just to see what it's all about.

Keeping my fingers crossed that someone sees the demand for an updated version!

OK if you ignore obsolecence
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-18
Nothing on the end of Voyager's Delta Quadrant wanderings? Nothing on Enterprise's backstory additions and newly-created anachronisms? Both this book and the related Star Trek Chronology need serious revamping. I appreciate the Okuda's insider Trekker style, but this reeks of willful blindness!

Encyclopedias
The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells
Published in Hardcover by Element Books (2004-01-01)
Author: Judika Illes
List price:
Used price: $76.29
Collectible price: $75.00

Average review score:

AWESOME!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-12
This is one of the most interesting books that I've ever read. We originally got it to make up our own book of shadows for Halloween, but not I can't stop reading it! Highly recommended.

Interesting reference
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-24
While this book is quite interesting, the authors seem to confuse, potions, charms, incantations, spells and magical ceremonies quite frequently. Also the majority of 'spells' listed are quite outdated or obscure.

Fantastic
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-05
This encyclopedia has almost every spell that you could need. From banishings, cleansings, love spells and even curses, this book is as close to the classical ancient tome of spells that you are likely to get. It was money well spent. It truly is the Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts.

Absloutely Amazing Book...best I've seen yet
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-17
This book is trulu amazing! I could not wait to get it, and when I did I was not disappointed. I spent 2 days reading this book and I can't imagine what other book you would ever need. It contains everything from recipes for inks, oils, incenses, and potions, to history, health warnings on herbs, spells, hexes, and antidotes. This is definitely a book that will be well used and well loved. It is a huge book with huge potential and would be a welcome addition to anyone practicing spellcraft. Highly recommended!!

A great reference book!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-02
The book is amazing. It's so big and I payed the full price for it but its one of my best new age reference books I have. The spells come from all kinds of magickal forms. So you can weed out what you need and what you do.
Amazing book!!

Encyclopedias
The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga
Published in Hardcover by DK CHILDREN (2006-09-25)
Author: DK Publishing
List price: $40.00
New price: $22.41
Used price: $21.25

Average review score:

A must for any Star Wars Fan!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-18
I wasn't sure what exactly to expect from this book. When I got it and started looking at the page after page of amazing documented discriptions of anything and everything you would see in these movies I was so pleased with my purchase. The only thing I noticed was the emphisis on Episodes 1-3 and remaining episodes were all lumped together in a quick glance almost. The book is amazing non the less and I am more then pleased with it, and can't wait to give it to my significant other for his birthday.

Star Wars Fanatic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-26
Bought this as a gift for my 9yr. old son.
This is a great book for the Star Wars fanatic.

Star Wars the Complete Visual Dictionary
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-11
I like this item very much. My husband is a Star Wars fan and I got this book for him. I ordered this book and within a week I received it.

Love it!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-29
Got it as birthday present for my 5 year old. We all love it. He pours through the photos by himself, we read it together. I am learning all sorts of details (and they are plenty) about all the star wars characters. Who knew! This book could be the movie prop person's notebook/bible it is so complete and thorough.

The only drawback is my son finds the picture of darth sith too scary and we have to rush past that page. Oh well. Get it, great price, worth every penny.

Best book EVER!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-18
WOW!!! This is the perfect book for anyone interested in knowing their stuff in the Star Wars world. Every character is represented according to chapter so some characters are represented more than once. Anakin is shown as a child in Episode I but is shown older in the next episode, etc. The book is divided by Episodes. Information on star ships, Tie Fighters, Light Sabres and more are also included in this book along with photos for each and every reference. This book is not only for children but adults can learn a thing or two from its contents.

Encyclopedias
Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife
Published in Paperback by DK ADULT (2005-09-19)
Author: David Burnie
List price: $25.00
New price: $9.98
Used price: $9.98

Average review score:

Animal book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-03
I wanted a book that showed all types of animals for my grandchildren to look at. This book has beautiful color pictures of every animal imaginable. As the children age (they are only 6 and 4 yrs old ) and are able to read at higher levels, they can learn about each animal in great detail.

The photography is beautiful, vivid colors, and explanations of everything is provided. I see them picking this book up as teenagers and still finding something they missed.

great book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-30
My 8 year old son wanted this book after seeing it at school. This was one of the first animal books he has wanted as he is much more interested in sports. He read it for hours, made lists of important things to remember, and wanted to read it to me at night. Great value, very detail oriented.

C'mon, let's take a look!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-17
5 stars for this magnificent family book! Why? I have to very inquisitive daughters who ask many questions. Of course many relate to the natural world, more specifically insects and animals. When the inevitable questions come I say "C'mon let's check the book". We check this book often and have spent hours going through the pictures. What greater way to spend time with your kids,than learning together. The pictures are beautiful, the information is concise and interesting. A truly great book for the family, for browsing, and the coffee table. Great value! I also recommend D.K. publishing's HUMAN. Another amazing book.

Amazing Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-26
Great! Very detailed information but not too lengthy. Nice for quick reference. Clear photographs. It's a thick book with lots of information but it is very organized. Not just about basic animals but nearly every known animals in the world and the areas they live in. I would recommended it for kids, teens, and adults alike.

Fantastic book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-08
This is the book I've been looking for- tons of information and beautiful pictures. I highly recommend.

Encyclopedias
The Quilter's Ultimate Visual Guide: From A to Z-Hundreds of Tips and Techniques for Successful Quiltmaking (A Rodale Quilt Book)
Published in Hardcover by Rodale Pr (1997-12)
Author:
List price: $29.95
New price: $9.88
Used price: $5.07

Average review score:

Beginning to quilt
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-08
I thought this book was ok. It does have a lot of information about quilting terms. It more of a book to look up things you might not understand when you are doing a project. I bought another book at the same time and it is a good book to have with it.

How did I get along without it?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-27
A friend recommended this book -- it is the Quilting Bible, as far as I am concerned. Concise, descriptive. I don't know how I got along without it!

Fantastic Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-13
I'm very new to quilting and this was the first book I bought. It has real, "applicable" tips and information that I think even a more experienced quilter could find handy. Everything from what needles to use for hand quilting, how to put on a binding to how to make biscuit quilts. Her instructions are easy to understand and follow as well. I'm using this book constantly as I make my first quilts. I highly recommend it!

Step by Step Visual Instructions
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-09
Great book for the beginner as well as the expert. It shows detailed information with photos so you get an accurate picture of how to do it. Make those precious gift items that will be treasured for years to come. I ordered the book and gave it away. After my friend showed me what she made I had to go out and get one of my own. It gives such detailed photos that it makes the craft easy and fun. I have made numerous things now and given so many as gifts. I have save so much money by making these things myself and in the long run they mean so much more to the people I give them to. They have told me they will keep them in the family for years to come. If you think you don't have the talent -- don't worry. I thought that too about myself. But, with the easy to follow directions the only talent you need is knowing how to read. Plus, you will enjoy every second and get a real sense of accomplishment with the finished product. Great gift item for that stay-at-home loved one who can't get out. Even for the busy person who thinks they don't have time because this book makes the steps simple to follow. Well worth the money.

Not what I was looking for
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-21
I found this book to concentrate more on applying applique, stencils, and designs of that nature. Which is fine if you enjoy quilting using those techniques. I would of like to of seen more ideas with log cabin, flying geese, and Irish Chain quilts.

Encyclopedias
Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet (Donna Kooler's Series)
Published in Paperback by Leisure Arts (2002-09)
Author: Donna Kooler
List price: $24.95
New price: $13.00
Used price: $9.99

Average review score:

second copy
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-28
I bought this to replace a copy I owned that was destroyed in this year's flooding. It's a great reference book, with clear instructions and pictures.

A must have resource
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-24
This book is a must have resource for the crochet enthusiast! Patterns are always nice to have but what I like the most are the detailed how-to's and the stitch encyclopedia in the back. Donna Kooler provides all of the information you need to create your own design with the stitches, beginning counts, repeats, et cetera. I would recommend this to anyone interested in expanding or even just entering the world of crochet.

Ahhh! The Philosopher's coat!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-13
I've made two of the philosopher's coats in different color palettes, and it was challenging and fun and great! Note to advanced crocheters: the directions are somewhat limited. I guess she figures that if you get to this stage, you don't need everything spelled out. I've had a ton of compliments on both coats. The other patterns are fine, but this was the reason I bought the book. Don't be intimidated! You'll love the challenge of it, and when you're done, you know you've created something very special.

great for everyone
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-11
I'm a international student in usa which means I have some problem with crochet pattern. This book is very helpful because it has symbol and picture to show how to do it. Since I have a basic crochet , I can easily follow instruction . recommand for a beginner!!

Fantastic book for all skill levels!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-08
This book has fantastic how to diagrams as well as projects! It provides a history of crocheting that really adds. I bought this book for my daughter for Christmas, and after looking through it with her, I had to have one for myself. Great author, great book, great choice.

Encyclopedias
The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine
Published in Hardcover by Chef John Folse & Company Publishing (2004-12)
Author: John D. Folse
List price: $64.95
New price: $63.94
Used price: $64.90

Average review score:

Very Large Coffee table book attractive, but prefer Prudhome
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-05
I purchased this book recently. It is very large and will not fit on many book shelves. Includes a great variety of recipes including many that you would probably classify as italian, german, or of other origin. Attractive pictures, and a large number of pages devoted to the history of cooking in Louisiana. I would not call it exhaustive, but it has a nice variety of recipes. I have only tried making the gumbo so far and would say that I prefer the recipe in Paul Prudhome's Louisiana Kitchen. If you could only buy one book, I would recommend the Prudhome cookbook over this one. I found the Prudhome recipies more appealing and the book is much less costly.

Authoritative
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-10
This book is unbelievably impressive. After four years, I finally got my copy. This book is roughly 800 pgs. About 100+ are dedicated up front to the story of the seven nations that make up Cajun and Creole cuisine. I love this insightful info. Does it help you cook any better know, but if you like a little background info with your cookbooks, this over-achieves.

What I thoroughly enjoyed was the brief explanation of the difference between Cajun and Creole cuisines. It was only a couple of paragraphs, but I appreciated the plain English. (It's the little things that make me happy.)

The recipes, as expected, are voluminous and accommodate a range of skill sets. Each recipe has a short comment. I would've liked a little more information about the origin of the particular recipe, but I'm greedy like that. (For instance, are these Folse's recipes or a particular family's recipe, etc.) The recipes are organized into the following chapters:

-Roux, Stocks & Sauces
-Breakfast & Lunch
-Appetizers & Hors d'Oeurves
-Soups
-Salads
-Veggies
-Seafood
-Poultry
-Meat
-Wild Game
-Desserts
-Breads
-Dairy
-Beverages
-Festivals
-Plantations
-Holiday & Special Occasion Menus
-Lagniappe

Now here is why four instead of five stars: this is a definitive text (which should have earned a James Beard award), but the photography leaves a lot to be desired. There is a ton of it, but it is poorly lit. It and the graphic design of the book give the entire thing an `80s feel. This was first published in 2004! Although this is a classic reference on Southeastern Louisiana cuisine, the photography makes it feel slightly less than polished. With that said, it is still more than worth the cost of ownership.

In the past, I spoke about my love for Williams-Sonoma New Orleans: Authentic Recipes Celebrating The Foods Of the World (Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World). It is still a valid text because it is a great quick reference. The photography is drop-dead gorgeous. However, if you want comprehensive and in-depth, this encyclopedia is for you.

Thank you, John Folse, for this epic undertaking. Any other cookbook you purchase for this cuisine will simply be for collector's purposes. Trust me, you don't need anything else!

totally in love with this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-05
My friend had this book and from the moment I laid eyes on it, I thought "I have to have one for myself" I am addicted to it. I read it every night. I can picture the finished recipes in my head, when I read them. The best thing that I love about the book is that it brings you back into history on when, who, and how the recipe was, first, created. If you love Louisiana food and the Louisiana way of life, you will be obsessed with it. Christina Laborde, Marksville, Louisiana.

One big cookbook
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-22
Like it says its a Encyclopedia, theres a bit of history in the front that makes for great reading. The best part is the recipe's which are varied and very good. My Wife's a great cook and has well over a 100 cookbooks already but she uses this one quite often.

Absolutely Outstanding- wonderfully illustrated too!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-10
This is the most impressive book yet on cajun/ creole cooking. Outstanding in every way (except perhaps the cornbread, all of which had sugar in it, and grandma would whop him over the head with her iron skillet for THAT). Can't wait to cook from this.

The recipes, history, festivals, photos, and everything else make this HUGE book indeed an encyclopedia. Impressive that the Italian and German settlers to the state were included in the history and recipe tradition as well, as they generally seem to be left out.

Encyclopedias
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
Published in Hardcover by Little, Brown (1999-01-07)
Authors: Michael T. Murray and Joseph E. Pizzorno
List price: $39.25
Used price: $202.07

Average review score:

Staying healthy naturally
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-30
I purchased an older version of this book and now plan to get the updated version. I am really impressed. The book is easy to read, has lots of great information, and answers many questions. It is easy to follow and I think a PLUS for any one who is interested in natural medicine. Too bad more conventional doctors don't have a copy of this book.

I've saved thousand$ on doctor visits!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-05
I've owned the earlier edition of this book for over 10 years and have used it exclusively for all ailments. It has always provided the most sensible advice. My father frequently called me for medical advice from my book so I bought him this latest edition. He says it has helped him in talking to his doctor by providing good information on the disease, cause, treatment options. It takes the naturopathic approach to treating illness, avoiding pharmaceuticals, and focusing on natural remedies. I would not be without it.

Great Resource
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-27
As a former skeptic of naturopathic medicine, I would like to tell people that are considering purchasing this book that it is a balanced, well-written resource.

I appreciate the fact that it cites what we know from mainstream medicine and then illustrates how alternative natural therapies can be applied to various conditions. I also pleased that for each condition, multiple therapies are recommended instead of just one. This allows the reader the ability to tailor their treatment plan to their needs and available materials.

Very educational and well written. Would highly recommend.

A must to have book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-19
An Excellent book with great info. A must to have book at an unbeatable price makes it an excellent value for money. The info are up to date and usefull.

Natural Medicine at it's best..
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-17
This book is the single most amazing book I have read on medicine and medical conditions. I have many medical books, and although they are quite definitive with regard to illnesses and mostly orthodox medication as a remedy, this book will open your eyes to a whole new world. The medical community does not treat the body holistically, and i do not mean that in a hippyish, spiritual way, but genuinely. There are so many specialists in the world, each being specifically trained as a gastroenterologist, cardiologist, etc,. but only clinical diagnosticians seem to view the body as a whole. Mr. Michael Murray has extensive knowledge on psysiology and anatomy, and it is clearly evident that he has insight into the genuine reasons for so many illnesses, as he is not under the thumb of pharmaceutical companies that doctors rely on so much. He has covered all the areas of the body, trying to be understandable and as succinct as possible, (this is an encyclopedia, not a text book per se), while not undermining the integrity of the medical information he dispenses. EVERY SINGLE home that can get their hands on this book will benefit for their lifetime. All I can say is there is no other book on medicine that for the lay person, will help them, inform them, and possibly cure them, like this book!

Encyclopedias
Dune Encyclopedia
Published in Hardcover by Putnam Adult (1984-07-13)
Author: Willis McNelly
List price: $19.95
Used price: $60.00

Average review score:

Super Reader
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-26
An overview of the places, people and technology in the Dune universe. This explains a lot of the detail of things that Herbert just mentions in passing, such as the scientists that invented shields, or space travel, or things like that.

It is very useful to gain a better understanding of all those finer points.

A must for Dune fans!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-21
My copy of the Dune Encyclopedia is from 1985 and I remember seeing it on the shelf at the bookstore and purchasing it without even looking at it first!

It gives excellent detail about the technology written about in the series and insight that really adds to the Dune experience.

If you can find a copy of this book it is well worth the read. I am just amazed it is selling for $50.00+ (I paid $10 for mine in 1985) It would be nice to see this come back into print so more people can enjoy an in depth exploration into this wonderful series.

Irony
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-18
The first time I ran into the Dune Encyclopedia was purely by accident. I was on Morpheus (a P2P downloading site) and I typed down "DUNE" on the search bar, on the generated list was "The Dune Encyclopedia".

It took days for it to download because only one person was sharing it... meaning that not many people knew it existed and not many people have a digital ebook copy of this book.

Once it was finally on my computer I read as much as I could -- sadly my computer was experiencing many problems and crashed.

Sinse then, I've never been able to find another digital copy. I've resorted to purchasing a $30 one here on good ol' Amazon, however, sinse it's out of print and no publishing house is making any money off of it anymore, I say we as fans should force it back into print as an ebook.

Holy Grail found!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-13
Just recently I found a good condition copy of The Dune Encyclopedia at a local used book dealer. I was completely shocked to have found it on the "recent arrivals" shelf in the Sci-Fi section. I grabbed it up and leafed through it to verify its existence. It was real alright. The fact that I bought it for only $4.50 is more extraordinary. Yes, $4.50 !!! They must not have realized what a treasure they had.
So keep looking everyone, there are still hidden treasures out there to be found.

Wonderful compliment to the Dune series, however...
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-08
The Dune encyclopedia should be read by all Dune fans as it provides some answers to the questions raised in the first four books of the series. The book is quite exhaustive in its scope totalling over 500+pages with illustrations. Almost every subtlety here is discussed in depth from Alia's degeneration to the elemental makeup of prehistoric Arrakis.
However, Frank Herbert himself in the forward admitted that while he endorsed the encyclopedia it was by no means a definitive source being that it was a collection of-highly intelligent well thought out- fan conjecture.
And the fan bias/expectations show in some cases.
A few to list are:
*The behaviour of the Duke leto in buying a BG concubine when everyone in the Imperium trusted the Bene Gesserit only in respects to how far they could throw one.
-The fate of Scytale the Tleilaxu face dancer.
-Piter De Vries was the first to create and employ residual poisons, however all of a sudden everyone and their wetnurse in the entire Imperium seems to know about it and utilizes it.
-The only instances of homosexuality(in the whole of the Imperium mind you) showing up in Harkonnen ancestry and descent even with contrary evidence in regards to certain characters. *rolls eyes*
- Modified Duncan Gholas when Leto specified that he only accepted the unchanged, original.
-The involvement of the Bene Gesserit in the Wanna Marcus/Harkonnen/Yueh incident, which only serves to make them look like veritable idiots.
Other points of contention are less the fault of bias but rather assumptions being made about the series before it had concluded with Dune Heretics and Chapterhouse Dune.
The illustrations are also quite helpful in giving one a visual of the characters and some of the technology used in the Dune series.
All in all this compendium of fan enthusiasm should be enjoyed with a grain of salt. It is certainly a better alternative than Brian Herbert's mauling of the mythos. I would suggest purchasing a copy if at all possible only because a reissue of the encyclopedia will be one edited to fit the inconsistencies in the prequals and thus not true to the vision of Frank Herbert and the scholars who created this work in his honor.


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