Technology Books

I have to admit I did not expect to find this book as interesting as it turned out to be. I was only interested in identifying some species within my yard and discovered quite a bit about ants. This book won't make you an expert, but it has made me see ants from a whole new perspective, so much so that I have come to like them instead of disliking them. I can also see why it is possible to kill a colony so easily. Never knew that once the queen is gone, there is no colony. I think if ants had atom bombs they would have destroyed the earth by now - killing each other. I had no idea they were so aggressive towards one another. Anyway, great book to read.

Apart from being a great book for all kind of reader, it was, for me (eight years ago!), a start point and it was probably the cause I focus my career nowadays in these small insects. It's quite nice for a child (then better with adult, not to read alone) or young people interested in natural sciences.

I loved this book. After reading it I spent the next night telling my wife all I'd managed to remember.

Journey to the Ants is a shorter version of the authors' monumental The Ants (1990), a 732-page tome aimed at professional biologists with a lot of technical language and a clear encyclopedic intent. This book, as Holldobler and Wilson explain in the Preface, is of "a more manageable length, with less technical language and with an admitted and unavoidable bias toward those topics and species on which we have personally worked."

It is a terrific book, lavishly illustrated with many color plates, line drawings, black and white drawings, photos, etc. Especially wonderful are the color prints of paintings by John D. Dawson showing ants in various activities. His style reminds me a bit of M.C. Esher. Also notable are the many photos taken by Holldobler and Wilson during their many travels and studies. They are both renowned experts on ants around the world.

The text is both informative and entertaining. Wilson in particular is a world class science writer as well as a great scientist, and his clarity of expression and enthusiasm show through. The chapters examine and illustrate how ants live in their colonies, how they hunt prey, tend aphid "cattle," cultivate fungi, raid other ant colonies; how they fight and how they reproduce. Other chapters focus on particular species, like army ants or leaf cutter ants, or "strange" ants. Still other chapters show how ants communicate especially through pheromones and touch. There is some theory on ant origins (about 100-120 million years ago) and their evolution and present distribution. I was particularly interested in and appalled by both the way some ants are parasites and how they themselves are exploited by parasites. Our esteemed authors show how ants, for all their power and evolutionary success, can be the most naive victims of beetles, flies, butterfly larva, etc. simply because they can be fooled by smells that mimic those of the colony and/or because they can be given irresistible concoctions of food or what might be called "drugs" that make them passive and acceptive of insects that will eat their eggs and larva. They are also tricked into feeding strangers on the trail and alien larva in the colony nest!

I purposely first read a couple of other books on ants (The World of Ants: A Science-Fiction Universe (1970) by Remy Chauvin, and Ants (1977) by M.V. Brian), written by myrmecologists of an earlier generation so as to be able to better appreciate this famous work. But you need not do that. Journey to the Ants is eminently accessible to just about any literate person.

While reading I had some thoughts (as Wilson famously has had) on the differences and similarities between ant societies and human ones. Ants are not governed as we are (and as was once thought) in any way by a central authority. (They are influenced by the queen's pheromones and her behavior.) Instead ants are examples of "swarm intelligence," that is purposeful and coordinated behavior that arises from each individual doing what comes naturally to that individual. This sort of intelligence was just beginning to be appreciated when Holldobler and Wilson wrote this book. The phrase "swarm intelligence" does not appear anywhere in the book, and yet it is clear that our present understanding of how this intelligence works was gleaned in part from the work of biologists and ethologists like Holldobler and Wilson.

Ants are famous for doing human-like things that no other animals or few can do, such as gardening, tending herds, making war, and constructing elaborate living spaces. It is usually said that ants do it from pure instinct whereas we use our intelligence and the experience. Humans and ants cannot be defined independently of their respective cultures. What I wonder is, is it an artificiality to say that their intelligence, spread out as it is among the individuals and their genetic endowments, is fundamentally different from our own? Clearly ants are limited in what they can construct, what they can understand, and what tools they can make and use. I read somewhere that ants never developed fire because no ant could get close enough to a sustainable fire to tend it.

A striking conclusion is that perhaps the real difference between us comes from our ability to grow a million times bigger in size which allows us not only to tend fires, but to develop brains large enough to handle abstract thought such as in language, which further allows us to develop and share ideas, concepts, practices, and all the other aspects of our culture in a way that is impossible for ants, whose brain size is limited by their anatomy.

So, although ants were here long before we arrived, and although they probably will be here long after we are gone, it is impossible to say which life form is the more successful. We do have at present the capability, which ants do not, of enhancing our ability to survive through genetic engineering and the development of biologically friendly machines, and even the ability to migrate away from this earth so that our genes and ourselves are not in one basket, so to speak. Should a planet-sterilizing event hit the earth, we could be on Mars and still survive.

But then there is this insidious thought: perhaps the ants, like our resident microbes, will find a way to come with us!

Don't miss this book. You are in for a treat.

There is few to say that has not been said. It is very well written and the information is mind-boggling.

As many online forums as there are, sadly there are only very few titles out there that deal with the topic. Until now, the best one (now out of print) was Design for Community. But Patrick O'Keefe has changed this for good with this amazingly comprehensive title that is packed with great (and fairly timeless) advice about how to start, develop, promote and manage your online community. Two chapters at the end deal with tips on how to keep your online forum interesting and how to monetize it.

Personally, the only downside I found in the book is that it has a very heavy emphasis on forums (phpBB, more specifically), leaving outside some of the aspects specific to social media. However, the knowledge that the author has included in here can be relatively easily ported to help folk wanting to manage social networks or other social applications.

As for me, I am getting a copy of the book for each of the Administrators in my communities.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in forums. From seasoned veterans to forum noobs this book is a great resource. I have yet to find a comparable resource of the same quality on this subject. I highly recommend it.

Patrick pours years of community management experience and firsthand real-world examples into what could be called the manual for online community managers or owners.

I especially like how he outlines best practices while also giving personal advice just as he would if he were talking to you face-to-face. His candid, personal writing style makes you feel like you're reading advice from a friend more than a typical management book.

Managing Online Forums also has numerous examples of forms, guidelines, notifications and more and they are all downloadable from the book's website.

If you run or are thinking of running an online community, you owe it to yourself to buy Patrick's book.

I thought I'd been doing community work long enough that I wouldn't find much new in this book. I was flat wrong. While some of the more technical discussion wasn't relevant to my needs, the rest of the book is a treasure trove of ideas and tips for effectively managing communities.

If you're just starting your own community or are brining on new staff members, get this book, read, absorb.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R358T2YX60AECK Great book if you're wanting to start an online forum. It has everything you need to know from an expert who's done it multiple times. Highly recommend it.

This is a charming but unsentimental view of animals on Maple Hill Farm. Through wonderful drawings and brief text, animals are portrayed as individual personalities, each with a role to play in farm life through the cycles of life from birth to death. One of my favorite characters is Willow, the cat, who "is not very interesting" because she spends all her time just being beautiful. It is a valuable book for teaching young children that animals should be cherished and cared for for many reasons, that animals are deeply entwined in our lives. It is a deceptively simple book that children and adults can enjoy together and discuss on many levels.

Quite a bit has changed about the world we live in, but it's wonderful to know that our friends at Maple Hill Farm are still keeping it real. This was one of my favorite books as a child and I can't wait to read it to my son (due in January.) I just ordered a new copy of this book and was so pleased to read it again and realize how fun it is to read as an adult. I love that there's no quest, no competition, no major challenges- it's just life on a farm with lots of real animals that have unique personalities.

It's exciting because all of animals are fun and goofy and they do all the usual things that chickens, goats, cats, horses, dogs and sheep do. The cats catch snakes and move kittens around, the horses get dirty and chase each other, the chickens eat ants and take sun baths, the dogs bark at geese and chew up pillows. None of them wear clothes, talk or drive cars, and I kind of find it refreshing. Not that there's anything wrong with fantasy, but I love that reality can be just as entertaining for kids and adults.

And, yeah, I did start crying when I got to the end- the quiet corner of the woods where the animals of the past were buried. It's not maudlin or overtly tugging on your heartstrings- it's just real. That's what makes this book such a great read.

my kids love this book and the other in the series. the illustrations are true and simple-just what today's kids need. i would recommend it to any family who has an appreciation or is part of a more meaningful, homegrown lifestyle.

I remember the very first time I read this book...over 30 years ago. I had my infant son sitting on my lap and we were both delighted by the different animals from the farm. I remember going from laughing to holding back tears. It is so true. Our own animal friends have the same affect...from laughter to tears.

Besides being very entertaining, I find a bit of widsom there that is priceless for dealing with the loss of a pet. It has become a tradition over the years to read from the book at our "pet funerals" and I took the book down from the shelf just for myself after the recent loss of a 16 year old cat.

Like many others here, we've worn out our original copy. Mom made sure each grandchild had a copy in their homes and I've done the same with my own grandchildren. We loved it so much, we've had many pets named after the characters in the book.

My mom saved the original book for me, and we purchased a new copy (paperback) only after our suitcase containing the original hardback was stolen (!) Our girls (ages 3 and 7) adore this book - and so do we.

The book tells about the different animals on the farm. Over several pages, for example, Mrs. Provensen tell about the four cats who live at Maple Hill farm: Gooseberry, who is a good mother; Eggnog, who is beautiful but not interresting; Willow, who is old; and Max, who is big, likes cottage cheese, but is not very clever with his claws. In a series of drawings, we see what the cats do around the farm. The girls love it - they laugh and giggle and listen intently.

The dogs, horses, sheep, and chickens all get similar treatment. We give this book to friends, as it is off the mainstream 'radar' of good books: we are sure they won't have it, and we are sure their kids will love it as our do.

One of the best series I have read. I started reading the 2099 series in 5-6th grade and I am still reading it in my senior year of high school now. I must have read them at least 5-6 times by now! They are that good! This series never gets old and the plot is fantastic. Definitely worth a read! Go buy it! This series needs more attention!

I thouroughly enjoyed this book series in Jr. High. It has everything you could ever hope for from an original sci-fi story! I'm awaiting a collector's edition collection of all six books in one volume. I would love to see a motion picture adaptation as well...

this book is awsome action packed scifi with a twist i read this in 2 days i just couldn't put it down Tristin a boy who finds out that he was adopted and is trying to find his real identity when he alerts his clone of his presence that could be a fatel mistake find out what happens
-podus

John Peel is one of the best authors i know, and i tend to be picky about books. You can hardly put them down, and they keep you guessing. He has some character backgrounds without making it boring. The character's personalities are very distinguished, and he has a great way of discribing things. in 2099, the whole planet is almost completly run by machines. Devon (who is NOT tristans clone! Tristan is Devons clone. Devon was born first.) is set out making a virus to have complete world domination. It's devons game, and tristan is just another obstacle in his way. Genia, is the 16 year old girl who just happens to get caught in the crossfire. An exellent hacker, raised in the underworld, she manages to a vital key in devon's game. Inspector Shimada ( i think...) is the officer on the case, and is determined to track him down. Tristan is one of the accused, and is a prime suspect to Inspector Shimada, and becomes a flaw in Devons grand sheme. Now devon's out to destroy tristan, as well as the rest of humanity. (i hope i didn't give too much away...) Doomsday and the rest of the series are nothing short of exellent! JOHN PEEL RULES!

This is the best book! I love John Peel. The characters and the suspense is awesome! Tristan is 14 and in big trouble. Ever since he fell off his girlfriends roof his whole world has changed. He found out that he is adopted and has a clone! Devon is Tristans clone and is evil! He (Devon) has created a Doomsday virus that will destroy the world. It's up to Tristan to save it! With the help of Genia, an outcast,and Mora, Tristans ex-girlfriend. Can he save them? Read the book to find out! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fiction, especially science fiction!

This is a wonderful way to introduce kids into the value of math. They will learn about aero dynamics to boot. It's not a 'math' book, it's just that you have to learn a few formulas to be able to do the more entertaining projects. Harry does a great job of explaining the how's and why's of Rocket science in an entertaining way. He also throws a little history in there. This print is older but it hasn't changed much. If you find a cheap copy, snatch it up.

The 7th edition of this great handbook is getting a little "long in the tooth" now, but it is still essential reading for anyone who wants to get into model rocketry, regardless of whether you're main interest is low, mid or high power rockets. Of all the books about model rocketry that I own, G. Harry Stine's handbook is the best value for money.

It goes into so much detail from glues to auerodynamics to calculations of height and stability. I would reccomend it to a beginner and an experienced model rocketeer.

As an adult Model Rocketeer for the past 16 years, I can say that every Rocketeer should have this in their library. It is indeed "the Bible" of Model Rocketry. It is a goldmine of information and technical know-how, and will lead a beginning Rocketeer on the right path. Even someone who's just curious about Model Rocketry will learn a lot from it.

This is without a doubt the best book on model rocketry I've ever seen, and I read it from cover to cover. It deals with every aspect of rocketry in a very accessible manner (for example, presenting formulas for various calculations, but not requiring their use). It is organized so that the reader can focus on single aspects of a rocketry program (for example, separate chapters on aerodynamics, rocket propulsion, recovery systems, altitude measurement). I am a science teacher and coach to two Team America Rocketry Challenge teams, and I keep copies of this book available for my teams as reference. I wish it had more information on electronic payloads, but that is a more advanced topic, so it is very forgivable. If you own only one book on rocketry, this is the one to buy.

There's a lot more to earning a living with your photography than simply creating a great image. John's a successful pro and his advice is very thorough, very professional and based upon actual experience. Highly recommended!

I am a photographer, and as one, I(at least I think) am great at photography, but terrible on the business side. I provide arbitrary (and some times unecessarily large) discounts, or price some of my services at very low rates.

This book provides very useful information for someone like me. Reminds me that in addition to the "art" aspect, photography is also a business that must be self sustained in order to support me...

Very well written, and inspirational in its own unique way.

I am always a little suspicious of reviews of books, since so many of them are made by friends of the author, but this book is definitely a "must read" for any photographer that is serious about making it in this business, regardless of what sector you are interested in. It definitely is an eye opener on some subjects, and makes you aware of things you never thought of, on others. Regardless of whether you are a working pro now, or thinking about it, buy this book, period! This book pretty much covers it all from a business standpoint. I'm glad I choose this one over all of the others.

I read John's excellent book on business twice and then met him at the ASMP seminar in LA. This is not a how-to take good photos book rather a how-to negotiate effectively and stay in business and MAKE MONEY!
I have applied all his techniques and can promise it increased my income! I learned to price on usage and value.
Highly recommended to professional photographers and starting out photographers that would like to learn the business side of photography.
Jason
www.wallisphoto.com

If you're looking for a behind-the-scenes view at what it takes to be a truly successful commercial photographer, this book offers about the best picture you're going to get. I don't think John leaves one stone unturned in detailing all the facets of the business. Here is a sampling of some of the topics covered:

- Tactical decision making and serving the overall strategy
- Importance of proper equipment
- Being prepared for the unexpected
- Working with employees, contractors, interns, and apprentices
- Pricing and licensing your work to stay in business
- A real cost-of-doing-business approach with a photography-tailored CODB calculator
- Proper bookkeeping and accounting
- All types of insurance needed, and the importance of a COI (certificate of insurance)
- Everything about legal issues including copyright registration, infringements, and contract breaches
- All types of contracts and negotiations with real-life examples, and when to say "no"
- Why you need an accountant and an attorney, and what to ask them
- Great methods for dealing with slow and non-paying clients
- The power of email and professional writing along with the use of proper signatures
- Great advice on proper storage archiving, redundancy, security, and the importance of backing up both onsite and offsite in this new digital age

John also offers ample recommended reading at the end of each chapter, and sites excellent references from other sources throughout the book. There's no question John has been around the block multiple times in this industry. Some of the stories he tells are invaluable lessons and give real insights into the rapport of the business. The book is also up to date with discussions on the new and various methods of tapping into that extra stock revenue using the latest stock portals such as Digital Railroad and PhotoShelter. Through all of this, John does not lose sight of the importance of the human aspect, covering everything from the proper care and feeding of your clients to ongoing education, networking, charity, and giving back. And in case you are wondering, he explains how it is possible to do what you love and still have time for your loved ones.

In summary, a fantastic book, and one that will have a lasting impact on both your business and your personal life. Thanks John for paying it forward.

This book was well written, entertaining, and motivating. I'll definitely be tanning some hides this fall, and I plan to keep the book close as a reference. I appreciated the level of detail and the photos & drawings which answered all my questions about the tanning process. It also contained a healthy dose of humor to lighten things up a bit. I couldn't be happier with the book!

I bought this book wanting to learn how to make buckskins and that is exactly what it does. I received the book in the mail and could not put it down until I finished. Matt Richards' takes you from the raw skin all through the steps to the finished buckskin. I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you didn't wish to make buckskins you will learn a lot about the history and the process of how buckskinning works. Once I bought the book I had to buy the video, which is also Great! I enjoyed it from the visual point of view, by being able to actually see the process, while Matt goes step by step. Love both the book and Video!!!

Deerskins into buckskins is a wonderful resource. Matt Richards completely breaks down the science of tanning into an understandable form that even newby tanners can utilize. This book only covers the wet scrape process, but he provides insight as well as alternative methods. I would definately recommend this book to anyone interested in making their own buckskin as a hobby or small scale company. Matt also keeps it fun, this is not a dry list of things to remember.

I had been brain tanning for many years when I first read this book. After trying some of Matt's ideas, my hides came out softer the first time and had very few hides that needed re-softening.

Matt's book is simply written, his ideas and techniques are solid, and if you follow his instruction, you WILL make great leather. I once met a young lady that showed me her first four hides she ever brain tanned. They were great, and she learned how to do it from this book. In fact, I use his book in the brain tanning classes I teach. It is that good.

Without much success, I stumbled around for a while trying to figure out how to brain tan deer hides. Then I came across Matt's book, Deerskins into Buckskins. Simply put, there is no better resource available for anyone interested in learning how to tan. The reader is carried step by step through the process in a way that makes it easy to understand. Each and every step is thoroughly explained in language that is easy to follow. Beyond the basic process, there are sections that cover variations to the standard tanning method, making stuff with your finished hide, the history of tanning, trouble shooting, and more. I picked up the book dubious that I cold learn a seemingly difficult process from a book alone. I was pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend Deerskins into Buckskins for anyone interested in tanning. There is also an instructional DVD companion. Between the two, it would be impossible for anyone not to become a successful tanner.

The book, Danger.Com @2// Firestorm, was an exciting novel. Children solving terrorist attacks on none white nationalities because the child was on a chat line. The author, Jordan Cray mad this book very exciting and was able to expand the imagination for the youthful children of the world.

My mom got me this book about 2 years ago and I thought it looked really stupid. One night not to long ago I was so bored and just wanted to read something so I got the book out and started to read it. I couldn't put it down! I read it in 2 nights and now I love the series. Anyone who likes computers would love this series. Just read the book and you'll see what I mean!

Well, I read this book when I was in 4th grade, that was like 4 years ago! But, this book was so cool, It took me one night to read it! I read it all nite, even at the dinner table....Any kid or adult that likes the internet, mysteries, and suspense should definetly go by this book!! Also, Pantera is the coolest band ever...To all kids. go buy the CD called "Reinventing the steel" plus, I am 14, not 12....I had to put 12 cause that is the oldest age on the form

I think the book is very exciting and dramatic. It's very dramatic sometimes, then it could be really funny. It is mind boggling and it makes you think and it doesn't give you any clues or hints. It will make you think it is a certain person, then you'll find out it isn't that person. It is a great book to read. I have bought the whole series because of the way the author details everything. So, I hope you like it as I have in the 3 books I have read.

This book was cool and I really enjoyed it. IF you like suspense you should read this book. Poor x-posse was outsmarted by a surfer dude HA HA HA

This is an extremely well written book. The visual examples provided are what sold me on it. I have been knitting for years, and still found useful "tidbits". I wanted to learn how to crochet and this book helped me do it. It's very methodically written, taking you from step to step, and it seems to be very complete in the process. Great for everything from starters to finishing a project.

When I opened this book I was very impressed by the clear, detailed photographs showing me how to knit every step of the way.
This book also discusses the qualities and uses of different types of yarn based on ply and fiber. One thing I found very helpful is that it tells you what all those care symbols on the yarn label mean.
The projects in this book are mostly tasteful and not hideously tacky like they are in so many other learners' books. Being a guy, I have a hard time finding a lot of good patterns that I like in general. There is a nice mens' sweater in here that I actually might consider wearing, and a hat that could be made for either a guy or girl.
After reading this book you will know how to read a pattern and all the basic, many intermediate, and some advanced stitches. You will also know how to fix your mistakes, make a buttonhole, shape your project, change colors, and how to join your knitted pieces together.
This book also features a small section (about 1/6 of the book) on crocheting, which I already know how to
do quite well. It does a good job of teaching you all the basics and shows how to do a couple stitches. However, it is not nearly as comprehensive as the knitting section. This is the only reason I don't give this book five stars. The only projects they give you are two scarves. I would say that if you are more interested in learning how to knit than crochet, this book is worthwhile, but I would buy another book to supplement it if you want to know more stitches and have a variety of patterns to choose from.
Overall, I would very highly recommend this book, and would give it four and a half stars if I could.

Very clear instructions illustrated by excellent photos. I think I got my money's worth because it teaches two crafts: knitting and crocheting. I taught myself to knit by reading knitting books and magazines but this book enhances my knowledge of knitting techniques because of the excellent illustrations. I used to crochet, too, but I've forgotten how because I haven't done it for so long, so I plan to refresh my knowledge of this craft by reading this book.

I got this book to re-learn how to crochet and learn how to knit for the first time. I learned crochet when I was about 8 and never continued it, but once I got this book I was able to pick it up within a week's time and have since become very good at it. The pictures are large and clear and show each step. The knitting section is also very good, though I didn't quite pick that up as easily :) There are sections on yarn types, basic stitches, and many sample patterns to practice each type of stitch. They even give you sample photos of a swatch so you can get a feel for what you're making before you dive in. I do think that yarn work is something that not all people have a mind for (just like painting or woodworking - while great hobbies, not all people will excell at them), but this is an excellent resource nonetheless.

An old knit-aholic like me has many books about stitches, knitting,etc.

This book is an absolute must in the library of a new knitter or an old one like myself. Beautiful illustrations/clear color photos showing each and every step, well laid out, everything you ever wanted to know about knitting. The back 25-30% of the book is equally great for crocheting, from starting out to finished projects.

This book has stitches and also patterns for many items throughout.
Don't regret missing out on getting this book!!!

A really good "eye-opener". This is the third copy I've bought. How blissfully unaware most of us are about what is going on around us. This book might encourage the latent environmental leanings in all of us.

Wow, on the heals of reading Our Stolen Future, this was a bit of a shock...you know I had no idea the Black Sea was in such bad shape...I guess I really am out of touch with the world these days. Living in my own particular inner bubble, as it were, I seem to have missed out on some doings I used to pay a great deal of attention to.

I've long felt that we're slowly destroying our oceans and seas; I didn't realize we had actually accomplished it somewhere already. I strongly believe that nature is resilient and that it rights itself by restoring balance after we wreak havoc...but we also need to be taking some action and this book really brought that home for me. Ocean's End follows Woodward from the Black Sea forward on a global journey that touches on Newfoundland, the Mississippi Delta, Belize and the Great Barrier Reef, the Federated States of Micronesia, and finally to Antarctica.

In a compelling journey the documents the once pristine conditions, teeming with in all of these areas with their intensely interesting and varied ecosystems and the native peoples who lived (and still are trying to live) there, to the decline/destruction of these ecosystems and the empty bag they fisherman and villages in these places are left holding. He also takes care to point out that the decline of each ecosystem affects others and the world wide "chain" of them are all interconnected. Additionally, he points out that it's not a localized problem, many of the causes of an ecosystems decline happen far from the location where the ultimate damage is done (the Mississippi Delta for example).

Woodard really weaves it all together into a nice package that lays out the depth of the problem and he does give tentative solutions...if anything can successfully be done to "fix" this problem, it won't come easy or cheap and we definitely need to get away from the short-sighted profit driven solutions that have been developed in the past. I'd recommend this in a heart beat, if you don't think this is a serious problem, you should definitely read this book!

This is a great book. Thoughtful, balanced, readable. Buy two copies and give one to a friend.

Each chapter in this book tells a story illustrating a different crisis, and each gives something new to be outraged over. The stories are well-written, and Ocean's End gives the best summary of global warming that I have read. It is easy to understand (making the reader feel almost intelligent). I would recommend this to everyone, and wish there was a way to get this into high school curricula.

My only complaint is the summary. Woodard draws the reader's passions out, but doesn't suggest explicit ways to get involved in the issues. I ended up writing letters to my congressional representatives.

Read this book, and start your own letter campaign.

Ocean's End is one of the most compelling examples of how bad Coastal Zone policy has destroyed vast areas of ocean and shore. It is not too strong a point that human beings in recent history have behaved themselves very, very badly as they looted the seas and dumped their waste and industrial toxins down river or directly into the sea. I am using this book in my International Integrated Coastal Zone Management class as the first assigned textbook. (...)

Why? Because I want my graduate students to first see how wonderful the world's oceans and coastal zones are and secondly, how incredibly stupid and short sighted we can be as we mismanage our responsibilities as stewards of these ecosystems. Colin Woodward has done a wonderful job of narrating a gripping, exciting, and enfuriating story from the killing of the Black Sea to the plundering of the Newfoundland Grand Banks and all of the other case studies in between.

This is a book worth reading and also one that is compellingly interesting and enjoyable. Take it on your next trip or read it and then take my web-based graduate class in International Coastal Management. You'll be ahead of yourself!