The Earth Books

They did a great job and got the book to me really fast, and it was in good condition.

Once again, Dr. Brueggemann demonstrates with stunning beauty, the power of imagination, the power of entering the stories of life and of scripture, of suffering and joy and making it our own. If you struggle with words, if you wish your prayer life was more poetic, more reflective of the larger issues that lay at the doorstep and inside the church, then this is the book to read, I constantly turn to it when worship leading and teaching adult bible study because it focuses my thoughts, expands my spirit and teaches me how to pray.

If you want to know what Walter Brueggemann is about, read his prayers. Yes, his commentaries are profound, but his heart and soul are found in his prayers.

You will find, as I did, that he is a man who believes that God spoke and continues to speak. He is a man of the Word.

His prayers challenge, confront and comfort. They challenge us to listen for God's word to us - today, in our world. His prayers confront our hardness of heart and our complacency. Ultimately, Brueggemann's words comfort us by illuminating the steadfast faithfulness of God love for struggling people.

"Our lives are occupied territory... occupied by a cacophony of voices, and the din undoes us. In the daytime we have no time to listen, beset as we are by anxiety and goals and assignments and work, and in the night the voices are so confusing we can hardly sort out what could possibly be your voice from the voice of our mothers and fathers and our best friends and our pet projects, because they all sound so much like You. So give us ears. Amen."

Highly recommended.

As a Pentecostal believer, I am fairly new to the art of crafting prayers in Scriptural reflection. Spontaneous prayer is emphasized in my tradition to the point that joining others in the praying of faithful speech has been thrilling new ground. These prayers, birthed in the heart of a tremendous scholar and righteous man, are transforming utterances which have challenged my heart and the hearts of many with which I have prayed them.

The beloved professor has been surprised in the past to see where his work has gone and how it has been applied. Surely Dr. Brueggemann allows their publication not so that they can be read, but so that they can be joined. A wonderful collection indeed!

I first encountered Walter Brueggemann as a scholar of the Hebrew scriptures/Old Testament through his monumental 'Theology of the Old Testament'. When I started seminary a few years after purchasing that volume, there was a class taught based on that book, so I got to know more about Brueggemann's scholarship in some detail. However, that was not all I and the other students learned in that class - we were fortunate enough to have a professor who knows Walter Brueggemann through both his scholarship and personally - some of the spirit that came across in that class is not readily accessible in scholarly tomes, but is very present in books such as this one, 'Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth.'

Brueggemann spent over 40 years as a teacher, first at Eden Seminary and then at Columbia Seminary, and it was his standard practice to begin each class with prayer (those untutored to the ways of seminary might be surprised to learn that this is not always a standard practice - my personal experience is that it occurs about 50% of the time). Brueggemann's prayers are both timely and timeless - they tap into the eternal elements of divine-human communication, but also express care and concern for current situation in which students, faculty, staff and the world find themselves. According to the editors, his prayers are 'subtle, surprising and daring, gentle and dread-filled [and] echo the poetic speech of the psalms and of the prophets.' As for Brueggemann himself, he states that to put such a collection together in print needs some justification, and he gives two - that much of prayer is 'careless and slovenly, and that what passes for spontaneity is in fact lack of preparation.' He also sees this collection as 'an act of gratitude', toward students, colleagues, and toward God.

These prayers read like poems - indeed, like the psalms, they can be multi-tasking as poems and prayers, and often could stand as hymn texts. They have rhythm and grace that is palpable. They have theological soundness and internal consistency with biblical themes even when such themes hold us in tension between divergent ideas. These prayers call upon themselves to 'move off the page', just as Brueggemann calls upon God (and our actions based upon God) to move off the page of scripture and into action in the world. Nothing subtle here! But indeed surprising and daring.

When I first discovered this book, I was in awe. It has quickly become a favourite, and just as quickly established itself as a book to which I return again and again, for inspiration and for a sense of what language I can use with integrity before God. Few books have made such an immediate impact on me as this one has. Prayer is often seen as something safe, something soothing, something secure - Brueggemann calls upon us as pray-ers to recognise that prayer can be a dangerous act. 'It is an awesome matter to voice one's life before God, and our lives should therefore be awesomely uttered.'

Amen and amen.

Biography of the Universe: The First Pulse of Time to the Present is not a repository of traditional hard science. Written by spiritualist David Williamson, Biography of the Universe is a unique narrative told in first person from the perspective of beings from alternate dimension, who chose to create a new reality to explore while simultaneously forgetting who they are, thus becoming transfixed in a state of amnesia within a singularity. Biography of the Universe brings the reader on a singularly epic journey, which offers parallels to the knowledge of earthbound minds in its rich repository of secrets to be discovered in the birth and growth of a universe. An influx of light, love, and higher consciousness permeate this captivating revelation.

Review of Biography of the Universe: The First Pulse of Time to the Present by Kevin Foresman www.kevinforesman.com
At holiday gatherings, birthdays, and bar mitzvahs, I'm always fascinated by who actually shows up. I'm happy to greet family friends from days gone by, distant cousins I barely remember, and long lost relatives who pop up out of nowhere after years of little or no contact. And the tall tales they tell as we rekindle the ancient art of storytelling with one another. They colorfully pass down events from the
past, wondrous stories of our forgotten youth, and historical retelling of major ancestral events that impacted our lives, enabling all of the family members to remember the momentous occasions of how we traveled through time to leave from there and arrive together here, which emboldens us to relate this vital information to unknown future family who will soon be gathering together with us.

You'll be amazed and surprised by the ancient familiar beings who show up one evening at a gathering of David Lee Williamson's spiritual family as described in his new book Biography Of The Universe: The First Pulse of Time to the Present. Not only has he not heard from them for awhile, it has been closer to thousands, if not tens of thousands of years, since he was fully conscious of them and of their activities. But, they've been eagerly keeping an eye on him, always close to his side, waiting for this special moment to help him, and you and I, remember days of future past, such as the origin of our universe, complete with insights as to why we are the way we are today.

In Biography Of The Universe: The First Pulse of Time to the Present, Williamson shares this fascinating memory with us. For this is simply not just his own personal journey, but our journey, a trip through eons of time which we all can remember if we are able to awaken to our higher selves on the level of consciousness that Williamson has achieved. This is the story of our collective history as told to him by his celestial ancestors, or in other words, Humanity's true Father, Mother, and assorted energetic beings, that make up our cosmic family tree. Through his eyes, his experiences, and varied emotional states, Williamson gives us a personal remembering of how we came to be, or rather, he helps us to fill in the blanks long forgotten in this human experience. To paraphrase his discovery in the words of another great cosmic collective, The Grateful Dead, "what a long, strange trip it's been."

This book is simply remarkable as Williamson's words read like heroic stories of ancient deeds from a collection of mythological prose. As we journey with him through this experience, we travel from the first pulse of time, visiting marvelous areas of our galaxy, exploring ancient civilizations and heavenly manifestations, and get to know the motivations and reasoning behind the great spiritual beings who helped form our world and played major roles in designing our history as well as our present molecular DNA signature. This is a fun, yet thought provoking read. As we discover these great tales of the past, or as Williamson might counter, remember our amazing history we probably all have played a part in at some level, we are left with even more questions in need of follow up and additional research.

I highly recommend this book as a guide to all searching for deeper meaning in their lives, which only really comes from a long patient gaze within themselves. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Williamson, as through the publication of this essential document, we are so fortunate to be reunited with our universal family and friends by reading and absorbing the knowledge and wisdom imparted in Biography Of The Universe: The First Pulse of Time to the Present. As shared by Williamson here in the pages of this enlightening novel, we all posses the opportunity to awaken to the great remembering of who we are, why we are, and the endless possibilities of what we are to become. Like him, we too can learn to consciously create our reality as we accept our true past, using it as a powerful ally as we journey farther into the anxiously awaiting arms of future times. And besides, after this read, I can hardly wait to see who will show up at our next great spiritual family gathering.

Dr Williamson's book fills in the gap between the human and the Divine.
Now I can make sence of my past. It beautifully describes why we are
"at home" when enjoying the soothing comfort of Nature. Now I remember.
.
Heidi-Jadwiga Grabowy

David has created a story that explains the ESSENCE of the UNIVERSE. It is a story of love's triumph! He is a unique storyteller with a consciousness of an Angel!

Clearly revolutionary! A must read for those wanting to know about the ascension of our consciousness and what is currently happening to the universe within us and around us. Incredible changes are taking place. Energy is shifting. With amazing insight and remembrance of experiences journeying back some twelve thousand years and beyond, David shares and reveals to us what many are now awakening to...our ascension, our connection, our true divinity to all that is! It is time!
I am so blessed to know David, for he is indeed a loving, kind and sincere Spirit. The teachings and knowledge he continually shares is empowering. Thank you David!

But wanted to keep it! My boyfriend is the surfer so I thought this would be a nice gift. But when it arived I looked through it... WOW. Now I want a copy! Beautiful

Be prepared to sink into a comfortable chair and sail-away into the magnificent photographs that Drew Kampion and Art Brewer have assembled. I never get tired of reading the text or looking at the glorious pictures.

But wanted to keep it! My boyfriend is the surfer so I thought this would be a nice gift. But when it arived I looked through it... WOW. Now I want a copy! Beautiful

The magnificent photographs in this book calm me after even the most aggravating of days in New York City. The pages of scientific explanation are clear and interesting. My only criticism is that the introductory "meditation" has a very religious/creationist slant. Otherwise, this is a beautiful book.

If you love photography and the sea, then this book is a must

The combination of a book that summerize skills and a DVD that shows how to do in details, is the best I know to learn any skill.

I watched the video last night and it was excellent - very professional production and content. I don't normally write reviews but was inspired to do so on this occasion since my expectations were far exceeded.

It was so helpful to be able to see how to build a green home from start to finish. It gave me so much hope that I will be able to do this for myself one day.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This is something everyone should see.

DVD shows how to build a straw bale house step by step. This DVD and guidebook make me easier to understand the process of the building.

This is one of the TOP 2-3 resources I have come across for an owner/builder that wants to see ALL STEPS of the construction of a house using adobe and/or straw. While the primary envelope of this small house is straw bale, it includes a mass wall of adobe and the project included a workshop built with adobe. It is disappointing that they did not include the construction of this workshop from the ground up in the detailed video presentation.

The video and the small format book (the size of a DVD case) are packed with information and detail. From the layout of the foundation, digging, forming and pouring of the grade beam and ALL other parts of the construction of the house this is a great way to get a complete understanding of all the parts of building a house. Straw bale builders will probably get more info from this since you see the post and beam structure of the house raised and framed the infill of the walls with bales, wiring, and scratch and finishing color plaster ideas. They show the construction of a rain collection system using a buried plastic septic tank for non-potable use (don't know why this limitation).

For the price ($24 at the time of this writing) this is better than 99% of other resources I've come across. For adobe construction, Tibbets' Earthbuilders Encyclopedia CD has much more detail on adobe construction, but does not have any video like this item. FIVE STARS only because I can't award six!

CAVES: EXPLORING HIDDEN REALMS by Michael Ray Taylor (0792279042, $35.00) provides some outstanding cave shots from caving experiences around the world. The book accompanies a new film 'Journey Into Amazing Caves' which was released in March 2001: many of the hundred-plus photos are from the film and highlight places no large-format camera has gone before.

I am always left breatheless at the majestic beauty of every cave I am blessed to enter. This book gives wonderful descriptions of caves and the pictures in this coffeesque style book are the icing on the cake.

I really liked this book. It has good pictures for people who want to be a cave explorer. It tells you a good description of the caves these people explored. I really liked the fact that they explored ice, water and earth caves. I think students that are studying caves would really like this book

Many of us have probably been very fascinated with caves since we were small children. However, we probably never had the actual experience of exploring caves nor will we ever undertake such a voyage to many of our planet's uncharted regions.

Perhaps, the wisest and safest way to satisfy our curiosity pertaining to the study of caves, or as it is called, Speleology, is to seek out a good reference text. National Geographic Society's coffee-table book entitled CAVES: EXPLORING HIDDEN REALMS, authored by Michael Ray Taylor, would certainly meet the criteria as being one of the most outstanding introductions to the mysteries of the underground.

The tome is the companion text to the McGillivray Freeman Imax film by the same title.
Taylor separates the book into three distinct sections, ice, water and earth in order that we have a general understanding as to where caves are to be located as well as their respective formations. As the author states: "the skin of the world hides many caves. All are profoundly shaped by, and profoundly affect, the nature of the land overhead. Caves are to a surface landscape as veins and capillaries are to a human face-the hidden structure of an inseparable whole."

The ice section introduces us to the caves of the heartland of Greenland where glossy photos provide us with fantastic visual entertainment that convey to us the beauty of these caves as well as the danger constantly prevalent within. Moreover, we are also clued in to the many animal creatures found within these subterranean enclaves such as the tardigrade. It is to be noted that the study of life in caves is known as biospeleology.

Our adventure moves onto to some of the caves discovered beneath the Yucatan or the section dealing with water. One only has to stare at the introductory photos to this chapter and we can appreciate the utterances of the cavers when they assert: "we are amid the wildest scenery we had yet found in Yucatan; and, besides the deep and exciting interest of the ruins themselves, we had around us what we wanted at all other places, the magnificence of nature."

The final stop on our journey delivers us to the caves of the earth where we explore the deepest one in the United States, Lechuguilla located in New Mexico. We also venture into the caves of Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia or as they are termed the TAG region. The spectacular photo of the Lechuguilla certainly reaffirms the statement that "a picture is worth a thousand words."

Enhancing the usefulness of the book are the many articles pertaining to the study of caves that have been contributed by several well-known experts. These short essays also include those of the author, Michael Ray Taylor, who has explored more than 600 caves in expeditions that have taken him around the world.

Bon voyage on your next expedition into the world of caves where all you will need is a good chair and Michael Ray Taylor's brilliant book.

Norm Goldman Editor of Bookpleasures.com

This book is very well written with lovingly detailed chapters devoted to the many splendid cave networks dotted around the world. There's a great section on the flora and fauna of the underworld, as well. I went potholing in Kak Canyon once, and saw a couple of chutney ferrets, all thanks to this book. Incredible creatures - and I wouldn't have known they were there until I read this.

Wendell Duffield's "Chasing Lava" is longer on charm than adventure, despite the subtitle.
You cannot work around an active volcano for three years without having a scrape or two, but don't expect "Chasing Lava" to be the vehicle for the next Bruce Willis film.
No matter. As he says, "Kilauea (which has been erupting on the Big Island of Hawaii continuously since 1983) would be fascinating even without the occasional shaking and breaking of ground and belching of molten rock."
Indeed, even if your interest in volcanoes is minimal, Duffield's memoir of moving to a quieter Hawaii in 1969 along with his wife Anne and cat Mingo has plenty to recommend it. From coping with mold -- not in those days regarded as a medical emergency -- to enjoying homemade ohelo berry wine, "Chasing Lava" will make many who yearn for the older, slower Hawaii mist up a bit.
As for adventure, you cannot get a better setup than falling into a river of molten lava, as one of Duffield's colleagues did; but Hawaiian lava is a kinder, gentler sort, and the man escaped with nothing worse than a good story.
This little memoir is published in cooperation with the Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program, and it gently imparts a good deal of factual material about volcanoes and volcanologists.
From tidbits about how difficult it is to measure the tiny movements of the pulsing mountain to a history of how people first came to understand volcanoes, "Chasing Lava" is consistently interesting.
Some of the first solid research about volcanoes was done at Kilauea, although even now, Duffield says, "More than once, Kilauea has leaked important new bits of information just when modern scientists thought they had finally pieced together the volcano's complex story."
There is an underlying tension in this gentle memoir, created by the discovery -- to which Duffield contributed some early insights -- that at long intervals Hawaiian volcanoes slide catastrophically into the ocean.
"We should never take for granted," writes Duffield, "even such relatively benign volcanoes as those in Hawaii."

this is a great book, really well-written and engaging, and exciting insights into experience of being one of the early(ish) USGS geologists at HVO, trying out new monitoring methods, finding snakes, drinking wine..

Wendell Duffield tells the tale of Hawaii's Volcanoes like no other. He masterfully mixes a biographical tale of moving to Hawaii and living here with his passion for studying volcanoes. The telling of both stories is infectious, you just can't put the book down. Even non-geologists will understand and appreciate how volcanoes are studies and why it's important to all of us.

If you like this book you might also read "Volcanoes of Northern Arizona" and "When Pele Stirs" also by Wendell Duffield.

When I saw the cover of Chasing Lava, I had to pick it up.
For many of us who live on the tops of these under seas volcanoes, the thought is never far away--How did it happen and are these dormant giants going to remain dormant? After all, dormant comes from the root word meaning to sleep. Sleeping things can awaken.
Anyway, Duffield takes us by the hand and helps us to understand how they came to be. And he does so in a simple enough fashion and with enough humor and local color, to make the whole journey from the middle of the earth to its verdant surface a lark. Tke the trip. It's fascinating. By the way, Pele continues to increase the size of the
Island of Hawaii--that process which Duffield experienced 35 years ago--and she seems in no hurry to stop.

"Chasing Lava" is excellent. Without being textbookish, Duffield explains the basic workings of Hawaiian volcanism, enabling readers to practically teach it to friends. Above and beyond that, Duffield gives a glimpse of what it's like to be a field scientist who flat out likes his work. Oh, that we could all enjoy our career work as much as Duffield enjoys his. And don't miss the amazing snake story.

This is a great book. The photography is beautiful. The explanations are clear. It's all very well done.

I am sorry to see that this title is out of print. "Color and Light In Nature" is a wonderful look at the ways that light touches us everyday. I recommend this title for Directors of Photography as well as anyone captivated by light.

After reading this book, you will never look at the sky or the sea in the same way again. Accompanied by beautiful photographs, including some rare sights in the sky, the book systematically covers atmospheric phenomena related to light and colour. For photographers it's a great book that will help you understand light effects in nature. The book is resplendent in the spirit of science: the topics are classified by the type of explanation for them: shadows, reflection, refraction and so on. This makes perfect, natural sense and really holds the book together. Some of the explanations include modest equations, tables and so on, but the text is always lively and readable. If you're scared of mathematics, buy it for the pictures. But be warned: this book will inspire you to go to Antarctica, chase solar eclipses, buy a telescope, and demand a window seat on every plane you fly for the rest of your life.

A wonderful book illustrating and describing numerous natural optical effects. Simply a must have on your shelf to whip out whenever something unusual plays out in your field of view. Entertaining to just take down and read as well.

This book is intended for people who are intrigued or awed by the way light is expressed in nature. It describes many natural phenomena involving light, including shadows, the color of the sky, clouds, mirages, halos, rainbows, the effects of ice in the atmosphere and much more. The intended audience in my eyes consists mainly of people who like physics but the beautiful color full-page pictures and tips on taking them also make this book a great resource for anyone interested in photography. Even physics students can benefit from this book (although it is intended for laymen, so no equations are used) - the book shows them interesting manifestations of optics in nature. The book also makes a nice gift for people who enjoy nature and would like to know how it "works". Highly recommended!

Horn Book
May/June 2004 -
Roemer invites young guests--both newly independent readers and pre-readers--to celebrate the seasons in this unusual collection of concrete poetry. In the spring, "The Happy Gardener" is busily at work:

"I take my little rake and my hoe, hoe, hoe;
And break up clods of dirt in each row, row, row.
I scatter tiny seeds as I sow, sow, sow;
With water, sun, and patience, seeds will grow, grow, grow."

Set in four vertical rows within a brown plot of soil, this poem, as do most of the others, depends on the background art to complete the concrete picture suggested by the arrangement of words. Far from intrusive, these illustrations provide images that will help youngsters to better understand the poem shapes. A triangle of words creates a tent in the summer poem, "Camper's
Prayer:

("Starlight, shine bright
on my little tent tonight.
If it should rain, and skies turn bleak--
I pray my tent won't spring a leak.");

the shape is reinforced by the illustrated background, showing a forest set against the night sky and allowing the triangle to encase the backlit silhouettes of a parent and child.

For new readers, this is an excellent introduction to concrete poetry, while the physical patterns of the words will help younger children connect the sounds they hear with word shapes they see. And the gift of that pre-reading skill is a party favor to cherish. B.C.

Dancing Leaves

Crimson and coral
And yellow as butter-
We reach up to snatch
Waltzing leaves as they flutter.
Hip hip hooray
For fall's festive confetti!
Let's heap the leaves up and jump!
Are you ready?

Picture those charming words falling like leaves across the page. Come To My Party and Other Shape Poems is a volume of thirty-eight seasonal concrete poems. There are very few collections of children's poetry whose focus is specifically on the concrete form. Ms. Roemer's poetry dances across the pages and in the imaginations of her lucky young audience. Her poetry form is enhanced beautifully by the playful illustrations of Hideko Takahashi. This would make a lovely edition to any children's library. I hope this talented new poet doesn't make her growing audience wait too long for her next collection.

Words come alive in this beautifully written and illustrated picture book. Reading poetry is fun in Come to My Party, where the words become the pictures. This is a kid-friendly book from the types of poetry written as well as the bright and bold illustrations. Words make up a jump rope, a flock of geese and a snowy hill. Children will delight in this book and ask to read it again and again. The good thing is that it is fun for adults to read too! It celebrates not only the seasons, but the essence of being a kid! www.weeonesmag.com

This book is a treat for the eyes, ears, and tongue as the author and illustrator have created an incredible journey through the year in poetry and pictures. April is National Poetry Month, but the young person who receives this book as a gift will enjoy these poems all year long!

What a great way to present poetry -- through shapes! The text of each of these poems is cleverly patterned like its topic, with adorable illustrations enhancing them. For example: a poem about rain has the words drizzle down like rain drops and then form the shape of an umbrella. The poems themselves are fun and representitive of some of childhood's most engaging activities and holidays. Poet, Heidi B. Roemer, has a true poet's ear that taps into the heart of children. Hideko Takahashi's illustrations of children of all colors are irresistable. Her bold and muted coloring seem to find the right balance to add even more delight to each poem. This book would be great in the classroom when studying poetry. It's a great way to introduce new poetry styles to children. But, it's also fun to read and look at. If this book doesn't get young ones hooked on poetry I don't know what will!

Mr. Vega needs to write more books! He is a well-read amateur astronomer and pathologist living in Tucson. This is an unflinching and serious novel postulating the effects and aftereffects of an extinction-level cometary impact on a near-future Earth in 2040 AD and the lives of the few survivors. It pulls no punches and is scientifically accurate with the exception of a few dubious future technologies (they definitely do NOT change or help the fate of the protagonists). I read it in one long day and evening and enjoyed every minute. It is rather unrelentingly grim in large parts, it sure isn't a re-novelization of Armageddon or even Deep Impact (thank GOD). There is no reset-button ending although the final few chapters feel rushed and not fleshed out very well. Don't skip the epilogue, which contains some of the best descriptive text in the book.

I truly enjoyed Comet Dis'Aster. I couldn't put it down and carried it everywhere with me. The premise/plot is so increidibly plausible, its scares you witless into enjoying the best out of every day, especially the food we eat (those who have read it will understand what I mean). L.E. Vega's use of his knowledge of science is extraordinary, his insight into human behavior is reminiscent of George Orwell and his predictions for future technology and health are inspiring. I highly recommend it those intregued by predictions by Nostradamus, Jeanne Dixon and the final chapters of the Holy Bible. Even though comet and asteroid disasters have been exploited in the recent past by Hollywood, this is the most complete, refreshing and engaging hypothesis on the subject I have read. It makes you wonder where the researchers of these movies were looking when they came up with their screenplays!

I was fortunate enough to be an early reader of Ed Vega's new science fiction account of a factually sound senario for what might transpire should our home planet sustain a major asteroid impact during our life time. Of course, such an impact will eventually happen again, the much publicised impact at the end of the Cretacious at the time of the demise of the dinosaures being only one of many impacts in our planet's four and a half billion year history. The topic has had weakly scientific treatment in popular media of the Bruce Willis ilk, but never before has a fictional account based on up to date science been attempted. Dr. Vega does just this, and with resounding success. The characters are full of life, many based on real people, and the reader cannot help but care about them as they struggle to survive in the long and harsh aftermath of the disaster. The plot is enthralling, prompting rapid turning of pages to find out what befalls the protagonists next. The depictions of the consequences for humanity and for the ecology of our planet are soundly rooted in scietific data, the pace of the story is riviting, and the conclusion is one of hope. When I got my copy, I stayed up until 3 in the morning, unable to put the book down. One word of caution, however. This is not science fiction for children; the accounts of heroic behavior, suffering, and savagery are quite graphic, and unsettling even for adult readers. The original text was to consist of alternating chapters of fictional story line and scientific discussion, but this part of the concept was a casualty of the publication process. I thought it to be a grand idea, and I hope that a future edition can include these chapters. Maybe I can talk Dr. Vega into a kid oriented science fiction book with this concept included. Congratulations to Ed Vega on an enthralling read that smashingly (pun intended) points out the need for scientific literacy. Well done!

I read my first science fiction book in the fourth grade, a book filled with wonder and scientific facts and speculation and became a true fan of science fiction. In recent years I've drifted away from the genre as it drifted away from hard science and more toward fantasy. Comet Dis'Aster renews my faith in science fiction and left me wanting more. The writing reminded me of my favorite science fiction writer of all time, Isaac Asimov, an engrossing combination of hard science and an exciting plot. The description of the fast moving events that took place around the world at the comet's impact are so riveting that I could not put the book down for one second and the human drama that takes place afterwards left me both disturbed and hopeful. I may be just a little prejudiced since the author is my son's uncle and I have the honor of knowing him personally, but I can heartily recommend this book to any lover of science fiction, especially those who love science fiction that is really based on science. Excellent writing and well-thought-out scientific speculation truly make this a five-star book.

We all had teachers and professors who challenged us. We also had a long line of teachers who have dimmed in memory going back to the origin of our educations. With concentration we can make their faces appear and in so doing we realize they did more for us than those one or two sticklers. They gently shared their insights and wisdom. They imparted a way of looking at the world that is still part of all of us. Dr. L. Eduardo Vega resembles these gentle teachers. Writing as L.E. Vega, the pathologist who created his own observatory in Benson, Arizona has created a book that teaches rather than preaches. He shares what he knows in a non-intimidating, yet constantly entertaining manner. That's a tall order for a book about a comet-asteroid slamming into earth 50 years from now. Titled Comet Dis'Aster, Dr. Vega hits all the high notes with themes of horror and survival. He takes misery to the limits of my imagination then goes a step forward, revealing what a glimmer the sheen of civilization really is. Nature itself, a placid pleasure to most of us, turns out to be mindless in its harsh realities of celestial mechanics and resulting climate change. Yet Dr. Vega reamins an optimist. Although the worst happens, the best does too. Sacrifice and goodness run through the story--even when they are in vain. As interesting, though, are the undercurrents rippling through the book. Why do all human cultures fear comets as harbingers of death and destruction? Why do apocalyptic writings seem so full of descriptions which resemble comets and their impact? Are the mass exstinctions in the geologic record the results of planetesimals striking earth? In the author's notes Dr. Vega suggests the frequency of strikes on earth may mean some have occured within human memory, say between 4,000 and 12,000 years ago. These human witnesses created words like "disaster" (evil star) and "catastrophe" (falling star). Further, apocalyptic writing across cultures accurate describe the look of the sky and aftermath of a comet strike. As for mass exstinction, Dr. Vega tells us it has happened before and will happen again. The optimist appears when Dr. Vega says humans have the ability to understand this and prepare. Unlike many who posit the best thing for earth would be for humans to disappear, Dr. Vega says human beings can ensure simple beauties like flowers and bees survive the long winter after a comet strike. He suggests we do it soon. If comet Hyakutake, which passed earth on March 25, 1996 had only a slightly different course, we would have had only three months warning prior to impact. So Comet Dis'Aster becomes a cautionary tale. Unlike science fiction with slimy aliens and ray guns, Dr. Vega uses science to create a realistic story to prove we are not alone. There are lots of rocks out there.

Thanks for your product - it's too much good!
It's satisfy my better expectatives...


Have a good day...

What more can I say for this book than has already been said? The first book of it's kind (that I know of), The Dinosauria is the perfect introduction into SERIOUS paleontology. If you want to know more about dinosaurs than you learn from Jurassic Park, this is the place to start. Be warned though, a basic knowledge of the science of paleontology is needed as the book does go deeper into the realm of true science than in other popular books. The Dinosauria layed the foundation for works that would follow, and again this is the perfect introduction for someone who wants to get more serious about the real science of the Dinosauria.

This work was a bit tedious, as any book of this magnitude can be, especially to someone without a PHD, like me. If, however you are aspiring for that PHD, or are a very serious amateur paleontologist, this book is great. It is the most in-depth book I have ever found on the subject. Most books are significantly watered down, as their intended audience is often teenage or younger. This book supplies enormous quantities of information in a fairly usable format. I just wished that there had been more illustrations, perhaps some pictures of different excavation sites and more actual fossil examples, instead of mere drawings. Perhaps this was done for cost effectiveness, as this book is very expensive for someone on a budget. The bone anatomy is very well shown though, and can be studied with the help of this book. I would recommend it for anyone who is serious about paleontology, but please, if you are not, check out another book, as this one may be a dissapointment with a! big price tag.

"The Dinosauria" edited by David B. Weihampel, Peter Dodson, and Halszka Osmolska is for the serious dinophile and for those with some science and paleontology backgrounds. This book should NOT be tackled by the casual reader as it can be very serious when reading this volume on comparitive anatomy of dinosaur bones.

I found "The Dinosauria" to be very well-written and very informative and it gives the reader a clue to the nature of dinosaurs through their bone structure. The first section covers a broad area of interest, mainly the evolutionary relationships of dinosaurs within the wider context of archosaurian descent. The behaviorial attributes are next and what did they possess. Also, how does one analyze them from the paleontological and modern biological perspectives? In this first section, the question is posed, as to how the dinosaurs became extinct as a group.

In the second section each group of animals receives a detailed treatment, beginning with its anatomy. This is a comprehesive review of the taxonomy and systematic relationships at the level of genus and species. Here the dicussion focuses on the aspects of the fossil record, preservation, paleogeography, paleoecology, and life habits of that particular group.

I found "The Dinosauria" to be a solid five star book that is as close to being current as can be expected. Written by experts in their respected fields this book is well-edited and progresses in a very logical manor. "The Dinosauria" is a benchmark reference book. For those interested in vertebrate paleontology, students, serious amateurs, and those in need of serious authoritive information this is the book for you. "The Dinosauria" is NOT a childrens book nor is it intended to be.

"The Dinosauria" belongs on the bookshelves of all serious dinophiles and of those wanting a near complete reference book. The bibiography, alone, contains more than 2,500 enteries and is well appointed with references making your search for authoritive information an easier task.

This is a technical book on dinosaurs, covering their systematics, anatomy, diversity, ecology, distribution, physiology, and many other topics, written by leading experts in the field of dinosaur research. It has been completely updated and largely rewritten from the first edition, and the editors did a great job in keeping a common structure especially to the first chapters despite the high number of authors involved.
In the first part of this book, each group of dinosaurs is introduced, with a detailed description of the anatomy, systematics, and ecology of the animals included. The second section starts with an extremely helpful overview of dinosaur localities known from around the globe and then illuminates topics such as dinosaur biogeography, physiology, and extinction. The book is complemented with an extensive list of technical references of dinosaurs, which will be invaluable for any student of these amazing creatures.
Though not necessarily aimed at the general reader, it is certainly a must have for anybody interested in natural history, dinosaurs, or palaeontology in general. This is, arguably, the best, but certainly the most informative book on dinosaurs yet published!