Space Books

Awesome book with a lot of information. It could be made better by
having a hardcover, color pages, and maybe made into two or three books(U.S. Spaceflights, Soviet/Russian Spaceflights, Spaceflights of other
nations) with even more information. Need a book on unmanned
spaceflights.

A very comprehensive account of manned space flight. The book contains a time period overview of space travel plus a detailed account of each flight. Enjoyable reading. A must-have for all space buffs!

This one is big as a medium size telephone directory - around 820 pages - but it has to be. Chronicling some 250 space flight since April 12, 1961 up to September 29, 2006, and the participants from Yuri Gagarin to Anousheh Ansari, in lucid prose and memory-stirring photographs, this is a worthy follow-up of the Tim Furniss earlier chronicling of the first 103 space flights. That milestone was passed in April 1983. We tend to equal "space flight" with "flights to Earth Orbit" or "Flight to the Moon", but suborbital flight to more than 80 kilometres - 13 in the X-15 rocket plane and 3 in the comercial "Spaceship One" are included as official flights that reached space. Aborts during launches are also included, as are the incredibly sad listings of the crew of STS 51-L, where Gregory Jarvis and Christa McAuliffe attained only 1 minute of spaceflight experience, before that ascent was so cruelly - and unnecessarily - terminated.
The Authors have visely chosen to present all the numerical data in both metric and imperial measurement. If I have to search for something missing, I would wish for an alphabetic index of persons, who participated in which flight style, but then the size of this volume, already in that class which seriously hampers the compulsory bed-reader, clearly would have grown quite out of hand. Let us be thankful for the mass of facts we already have got here.
For the veteran armchair astronaut this volume brings back a lot of memories, and still succeeds in serving up a plethora of data that has slipped the memory over those 45 years. For the young reader, this presents the scope of Mankinds first forays off our planetary shores and trips to the offshore island of the Moon. It's an incredible history after all, and it's all here.

An amazing publication: covers Vostok-1 (Gagarin) to Soyuz TMA-9. Tons of info for each flight: International designation; launched; Launch site; Landed; Landing site; Launch vehicle (for the shuttle you have the tank number, the SRB set and the SSME engines); Duration; Callsign; Objective; Flight Crew; Flight Log and finally Milestones. Also three chapters cover respectively: Reaching the heavens (access/method; Space flight methods/launch systems); The Quest for Space; The orbital programmes (Vostok, Mercury, Apollo, Shuttle, Salyut, Shenzhou etc..).
An outstand reference works for anybody who is interested in the history of spaceflight!
A must have on one's bookshelf.

I was really impressed by the Praxis Manned Spaceflight Log 1961-2006.
Simply the best !!! A book with many details of each manned space mission since the Gagarin's flight. Highly recommended. More than 820 pages rich with any type of information.

Although over 15 years old, this book is the best, most comprehensive treatment of available data (which has grown some) and theories (which have grown but not multiplied) on land vertebrate extinctions of the last 100,000 years. If you are a mammoth/sabertooth extinction hound, this book will feed you better than any other. It does require some specialized knowledge in a few chapters, but the gist is accessible for the educated layperson. It's worth hunting for or buying used.

A more recent offering still in print (though briefer) is "Extinctions in Near Time," Ross MacPhee, ed.

I appreciate the candor in labeling two of the major sections, entitled 'the theoretical marketplace: geologic-climactic models' and 'the theoretical marketplace: cultural models' which encompass variations on each of the two main theories for the extinction.

In addition to theories, the book describes the various mammals as well as their pattern of disappearance region by region worldwide. At 867 pages, it will keep you going for a while, but it's worth every page.

There is only one chapter on birds, only passing references to a tortise, lizard, or fish, and nothing on plants. I would love to find similar treatments for changes in characteristic flora for the same time period.

This book is not for the novice. However, it is an excellently organized and drafted presentation of 40 papers on the variously submitted causes for the extinction of many dominant and marvelous animals, from the end of the Ice Age to our own time. Since no formal records were kept on this decline, even though many vanishings occurred during the time of record-keeping people, the scientist is left to investigate and to hypothesize on the cause or causes of the extinctions. Recorded here are many of those investigations and their results. The diversity of opinion is an exciting testament, not only to the ingenuity of the investigators, but to the processes of science itself.

Some investigations are restricted, both in terms of time, area, and species. Others are far broader, even global in scale. It would appear from a perusal of the articles that climate and consequent botanical change, or the coming of man into a successful hunter, were the primary cause(s) of the tragedy. But, as some contributors note, other causes may be relevant as well.

Among the notorious RECENT extinctions discussed are the mammoth, less than 3,500 years ago, the Irish elk, in 500 A.D., or so, the moa of New Zealand, the Aepyornis, or elephant bird, and the giant lemur, both of Madagascar, within possibly the last 200 years. It seems germane that the islands, where man arrived only in the past 200 to 500 years, had the last megafauna to disappear, but, of course, the process goes on even in our own time, as witness the mountain gorilla, black rhinoceros, Javanese Tiger, Tasmanian Tiger, passenger pigeon, etc.

As noted at the outset, some background in Ice Age paleontology is probably necessary for a full enjoyment of this book. If you haven't one, I suggest that you read "The Ice Age Animals of North America", by Ian Lange, and then read this book.

The volume at hand is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. I'd give it ten stars, if I could. As to persons who have some scientific background, my recommendation is off the scale.

This is the best, most comprehensive treatment of available data (which has grown some) and theories (which have grown but not multiplied) on land vertebrate extinctions of the last 100,000 years. If you are a mammoth/sabertooth extinction hound, this book will feed you better than any other. It does require some specialized knowledge in a few chapters, but the gist is accessible for the educated layperson. It's worth hunting for or buying used.

A more recent offering, though briefer, is "Extinctions in Near Time," Ross MacPhee, ed.

I appreciate the candor in labeling two of the major sections, entitled 'the theoretical marketplace: geologic-climactic models' and 'the theoretical marketplace: cultural models' which encompass variations on each of the two main theories for the extinction.

In addition to theories, the book describes the various mammals as well as their pattern of disappearance region by region worldwide. At 867 pages, it will keep you going for a while, but it's worth every page.

There is only one chapter on birds, only passing references to a tortise, lizard, or fish, and nothing on plants. I would love to find similar treatments for changes in characteristic flora for the same time period.

Being a French speaker, I didn't have any problem understand it and reading it. The subject is really well covered and written by many scientists. Many causes are explained.

This is THE reference on Quaternary extinctions. The beauty of this book is that it isn't just one person's opinion, but a collection of well-researched articles on Quaternary topics by some of the top minds in the field. College students, especially in the biosciences and geography disciplines, BUY THIS BOOK AND KEEP IT HANDY!

Real Witches. Real power. That is the premise of Kate West's new book, The Real Witches' Garden. In this book, like the others in the Real Witches' series Ms. West delves deeply into all the ways to bring your practice into focus using a garden. She states that since we are following a nature-based religion, we might as well do our rituals in nature. Makes sense to me.

Now, you apartment dwellers don't go skipping over this book. There are gardens for the very large area as well as for the non-existent outdoor space. Something for everyone, no matter the size of your space or property. And you might even grow that green thumb you never knew you had.

In 12 easy to digest chapters, we learn how to make and celebrate gardens of all sorts. We are taught about planning for things like pets and children. There are gardens with a focus on the Lady and Lord, the Elements, the Seasons, magic or healing.

Each chapter contains numerous rituals to plant and celebrate in the garden's focus. Gizmos and doodads are kept to a minimum, so costs are not a big deterrent in achieving one with the great outdoors.

While I enjoyed this book and found it interesting, the writing style took some getting used to, probably because the author is from the UK. This is an excellent book for a beginner either to the Craft or to gardening. Especially useful are the lists of correspondences in the book, as well as the chapter entitled "Take it from here" that lists further reading and resources.

I was also pleased with the appendix explaining what witchcraft really is. It included brief paragraphs on our beliefs, something that is usually overlooked in many witchcraft books. All in all this is nice, handy book to add to your spiritual library.

W. Lyon Martin Author/Illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child"

It includes many useful information about the greenery and gives some tips for the ones that does not have a "real garden" but a small balcony as well!

For anyone who is interested in both Witchcraft and magical gardening this is the book for you. Kate West explains in her usual clear style how to grow herbs to use in your own spells or herbal remedies. She details the creation of your own sacred space within your garden, where you can truly meet the Gods and Goddesses on your home ground.

A great book highly recommended

Bright Blessings

Merlyn

While it does include helpful growing advice it isn't a how to book on gardening. Which is good because the focus is on the beautiful rituals which make up a good portion of the content. Besides those for growing healthy plants and dedicating your garden as sacred space, the author has included very special ones for the Sabbats that really highlight the connection of nature and Wicca. I thought the one for Mabon was particularly good in the way she ties all the elements as well as the God and Goddess into the tending of the garden.

Because of the rituals, ideas for laying out gardens in witchy styles and the fairly extensive list of plant correspondences this book goes into my top ten list of most often referred to books.

My parents recently moved into a house on a small plot of land, a bit of a garden in front and some in back. What I wanted to find, and am still looking for, is a book to help me magically protect the house and its dwellers by using plants and plant magic, as well as to boost prosperity, blessings, hapiness and health of people living on the land. Although this book covers garden as sacred space and theme gardening (elemental garden, medicinal, seasonal garden), as well as plants for magic and lunar gardening, it does not help with my primary gardening objective.

Erin Sullivan's book, Retrograde Planets, was a landmark of sorts in astrology at the time it was first published in 1992. It was the first user-friendly astrology text/book to really address the issue of retrogrades in an in-depth and thought-full manner. Retrograde planets seem to turn around and go backward from our perspective on earth. During their backwards transit, they encourage us to look at the "under" or "other" side of things, thus the title of my review. We are all used to Mercury's retrograde three times a year, or we should be or at least have heard of it. Sullivan's book doesn't stop there. She considers the nature and mechanics of retrogression as it affects the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and the outer planets as well. You will not find a more thorough or READABLE explanation of this important phenomena. Sullivan also gives a good long chapter to retrograde natal planets and the secondary progression of retrograde planets or planets to retrograde. Not the most exciting writer in the world, Sullivan is nonetheless, thorough, methodical, devoted to her work and readable enough. I give this 5 stars not because the book is a real can't put downer, but rather because Sullivan is a meticulous astrologer who really knows her stuff. "Retrograde Planets" should be considered a good intermediate reference volume for the budding professional astrology.

This is one of my all-time favorite astrology books. It made the movements of the planets understandable to me as no other book has. It includes detailed descriptions of the retrograde cycles of *all* the planets, and gives examples of how to use them in delineation. I found the parts about progressed aspects and stations particularly useful. Transits are included as well. There are many example charts with case histories to illustrate the principles Ms. Sullivan so clearly explains. I'd choose this book as part of an "essential" astrological library.

Erin is an excellent writer and this book was a great addition to her other writings. She explained the retrograde planets in a way that finally made sense to me.

It is an exemplary treatise on the subject.I could not find a satisfying book on RETRGRADE PLANETS in past. None has tried to evaluate the role of retrograde planets. But the retrogression is constant astronomical phenomina. The estimation of strength of every planet is its position. In all charts like RADICAL,PROGRESSED, TRANSITING and DIURNAL still more are to be evaluated to predict.Nothing goes without taking RETROGRADE PLANETS.
Now comes a treatise on this topic.The author goes into all details minute and deals with planets in retrograde.It is a blooming Diamond well polished with a permanent shining light.The studious compilation has to be commended for its eternal utility. The style is very simple and explaining.
IT IS A MUST TO EVERY ASTROLOGER A BEGINNER AND PROFESSIONAL AS WELL.
I APPRECIATE THE AUTHOR ERIN SULLIVAN FOR HER COMMENDABLE WORK IN BRINGING OUT SUCH A TREATISE.

This book has an amazing amount of info, written w/ great depth by Ms. Sullivan. It is a classic & must be read cover-to-cover. This is one for the serious Astrologer/student, & will be worth your effort! Some Astrology books seem slim in content...this one is chocked full of information on a sometimes ignored factor which occurs in most charts. Put your best thinking cap on for this one! Bravo, Erin!

Interesting and stimulating thoughts on returning to the moon. Too bad we let the momentum of the space race fade from memory. Many scientific achievements were due to man's applying time, energy, and money to the advancement of science and human potential rather than warfare.

What an exciting and educational collection of essays. Some of the essays are from famous space writers such as Andrew Chaiken and Robert Zimmerman. They even included Alan Steele who is one of my all time favorite science fiction writers. This book makes you think about many of the issues we will have to consider if we are to settle the moon. Some of these subjects include how to get back there, lunar manufacturing, spiritual aspects, as well as what it will mean to mankind. One of my favorite essays was on the "Overview Effect" by Frank White, which tells how the perspective of mankind can forever be changed. I thought this book was a fascinating read and well worth the money.

As our nation endeavors to recaputure the drive for a Return to the Moon, Rick Tumlinson has managed to enlist the insights of many of the leading space visionaries of the 21st Century. The passion and hopes of thousands are captured among the pages of the essays with Rick providing an overview of each and why it is important to read. As a 'Child of Apollo' and a 'Human Destiny' advocate, this book was among the gifts provided to 20 of my friends in the season of future-looking hope. This book is a must for the space enthusiast, the policy-wonk, or those just looking to regain the pioneering frontier spirit. While some may confuse it with Apollo 17 astronaut "Jack" Schmitt's book "Return to the Moon," (same title), the essay content provided by Rick Tumlinson is quite different. Return to the Moon is a book for the 'keeper library.'

Interest has recently accelerated in human visits to our celestial neighbor, as is evidenced in this book with its wide collection of essays on the subject, in the new NASA program and announced plans from almost all the other major spacefaring nations, but also in the coincidental simultaneous release of another book with the same title, from astronaut Harrison Schmitt. Both books are worth the serious interest of anybody wondering what all the fuss is about.

Tumlinson and Medlicott's book brings forward the views of a number of people who have been advocating for a lunar return for some time, and this collection is a good way to get to know them. The arguments put forward are forceful and at times contradictory, but for somebody familiar with space development ideas, they are also quite familiar. Tourism, astronomy, precious metals, materials for space-based solar panels, or simply oxygen as a propellant provide economic incentives for lunar development. Many of the essays argue for a strong private component to lunar development, making use of lunar resources to earn profitable returns here on Earth.

Others of the essays see a strong government responsibility, at least in early phases, driven largely by scientific interest in the Moon itself, and by the potential, as General Pete Worden points out, for the Moon to be the ultimate site to develop risky technologies that might be too dangerous to pursue on Earth. Beyond the private/public debate and the surfeit of justifications, a number of the essays also express strong opinions on engineering details such as design of rocket boosters and lunar landers. One suspects that if space advocates figured out a way to actually agree on things, we might have returned to the Moon years ago. And to some extent these debates are moot for now, as NASA lays out its plans and other nations seem determined to follow.

A few of these essays provide longer-range views on space settlement and development. As Andrew Chaikin writes, the Moon will be a "catalyst for humanity's transformation into an interplanetary species." Frank White here talks of the "Overview Effect", the profound importance to a human being of physically seeing Earth as a "small planet suspended in space," and he and several others here envision thousands of people having that direct experience in permanent settlements on the lunar surface.

Several essays delve into the legal issues - what current law applies, and what new law would be useful, to a lunar colony? Alan Wasser lays out his "Space Settlement Initiative" proposal, to fund space development with lunar land grants based on proven performance, a variant on the "prize" approaches recently in the news. A noteworthy essay from Robert Richards points out that the Moon is really two distinct destinations: the near side and the far side. The far side would be much more isolated from Earth, and potentially much better preparation for the eventual colonization of Mars.

Inspirational color illustrations, not directly refered to in the text, are provided in the middle of the book; a "lunar declaration" that it's time to return comes at the end, along with a section of Moon Facts. One notable omission is an index - with the diversity of topics the table of contents isn't always sufficient to locate relevant discussion.

This book should definitely be read by anybody who questions the point of NASA's current plans for a lunar base. As astronomer Yoji Kondo writes in two of the essays here, science and exploration need to go together, each will enable the other, and robots and humans together will expand the human experience beyond anything we now know. Whether through NASA, the private sector, or the work of other nations, humans will be living and working on the Moon in coming decades and, as the best of these essays makes clear, that small step will change humanity forever.

Be warned that this collection of essays is designed more for the policy wonk than the engineer or scientist. Nevertheless, it contains fascinating pieces by such people as Paul Spudis, Alan Binder, Andrew Chaiken, and Courtney Stadd on the business, law, diplomatic, public policy, and economic aspects of returning to the Moon. The opinions are diverse, except for an agreement on an absolute necessity for returning humans to the Moon, this time to settle it and to make it a center of science and commerce. A must read for anyone interested in the how and why of exploring space.

I am a Lutheran Church librarian in Florida who bought this book for our church library. It is wonderful! Read the other reviewers' comments about the text. What struck me most as a former art teacher are the fabulous paper-cut and assembled illustrations! I also love the contrast between a small New England church and the Dome of the Rock, for example. Or all the tiny figures encircling the Kaaba. Wow! This is simply a superb book. If I were wealthy enough to collect my favorite children's books, this would be among them. Children will love the text and lose themselves in the paper-cut illustrations. Top-notch book!

Giles Laroche's numerous books are magical, and this is one of his best. It is also educational, with a clear and well written text by Philomon Sturges.
There is a short explanation of the great religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and 26 descriptions of the places depicted. A useful world map is on the final page, so one can see exactly where these Sacred Places are.
I have had the privilege of seeing Mr. Laroche's work in a gallery setting, and marveled at its intricacy and inventiveness; his skill in using paper as an art medium is unparalleled (he calls his technique "paper relief"), and as I work with similar tools as a collage artist, I am in awe of his mastery.

The reproductions in this book are excellent, with good color (the tiles of the Dome of the Rock are gorgeous !), and Mr. Laroche's sense of perspective is also wonderful; I found the overview of the Kaaba spectacular and startling, as I never envisioned it as being in the midst of a city. The large vista of Jerusalem is also fabulous, but so are the smaller, simpler pieces, like the Wailing Wall and the Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, which are two of my favorites.
Children of all ages will be enchanted with this book, for its instructive content, and its whimsical, exquisite art.

This book is filled with the most wonderful illustration. We are shown the many different places people worship, and find peace. Just a beautiful book! Thank you

Wonderful book and the Illustrator, Giles Laroche's work
makes this book so special. I have another book with Giles's
illustrations called "Ragged Shadows" (Halloween) he signed for me while
doing his now famous paper cutting masterpieces at the Shaughnessy
School in Lowell, Massachusetts. Grab "Scared Places" while
you can!

One of the joys of having Amazon friends is that they lead you to books that otherwise would not come into your sightline. I am indebted to Alejandra Vernon for introducing this little treasure to me. Although this is a book "written for grades 4 - 6" it is much more than a children's book of beautiful pictures and brief introductory statements to accompany them. This book gently opens the common pathways between the great religions of the world, showing, subtly, that Islam, Cristianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism are all similar means to an end. That said, the author and illustrator show the wondrous differences that enhance our appreciation and respect for religions many of us don't fully understand. This book, beautifully designed and written, should be in the front of every bookstore across the world just now. Were it required reading for all people, I think we would not be at war........

I have found Sacred Space a good resource for my daily prayer and meditation. The format at the beginning of each week gives a simple and inspiring framework for prayer. The questions following the daily scripture reading are unique and helpful.

The website for Sacred Space has a steady worldwide following. Started by Alan McGuckian and Peter Scally, two Irish Jesuits, the site offers prayer suggestions based on the daily Mass scriptures used in the Catholic Church and the basic methods of Ignatian prayer. The site also offers seasonal retreats and newsletters to better help people pray. People can sign up to receive newsletters, participate in online retreats, and share feedback. People can also log on to use the daily prayers, but for those of us who do not like sitting at a computer to pray, there is a companion volume: SACRED SPACE THE PRAYER VOLUME 2008.

The book is set up in an easy to use format. It follows the liturgical calendar and begins with an overall weekly reflection. For each week there are reflection questions that vary from week to week to help the person focus on scripture and God's movement in his/her life. There are excerpts from the daily readings or psalms and accompanied by a few other reflection questions. The method is straightforward and easy to use. First the person reminds him/herself that prayer is being in the presence of God and clears the mind. Second, the person asks for God's help in the time of prayer, remembering that while prayer is a free act, it is only fruitful with God's help. Third, we bring ourselves to prayer, bringing our thoughts, feelings, moods, etc. to prayer and sharing them with God. The fourth step involves reading the scripture for the day, the fifth is reflection and conversation with God about the scripture. The prayer ends with the sixth and final step, praising and thanking God.

SACRED SPACE is almost the perfect guide for personal prayer. Since it uses the daily Mass scripture readings from the Roman Catholic lectionary, it is prayer that unites members of the Church throughout the world. It is easy to use so a person beginning a prayer routine will not be intimidated yet since it is based on God's word through the scriptures, it is both simple and sophisticated. It is a method that can be done in a rather short period of time yet can easily be extended to longer periods. It's also a method that can be used at any time of the day. It could easily be something that begins the day (probably the ideal way to use the book), be a refresher for midday, or a good way to conclude the day.

P.S.: For people who have to prepare a homily for daily Mass and run out of ideas, the reflection questions in the book can be a wonderful way to sound new and fresh, and since it stems from prayer and reflection, it is what a homily is supposed to be.

Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2008. Excellent for the busy Christian who wants to start the day with a reflection on the scriptures. Reflection questions each day are an added bonus.
I have been using this product for three years, and give it as a gift to friends.

Sacred Space, a hard copy, of the web site created by the Irish Jesuits is an invaluable prayer companion resources for daily meditation. I use book almost everyday and take it with me when I go on trip. The prayer methodology follows the traditions of the St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. I would recommend it highly. R.W. Vancouver, Canada.

The Sacred Space Prayer Book is a creation of the Jesuit Communication Centre in Ireland, developers of www.sacredspace.ie. Like the web site, the book offers brief meditations on scripture relevant to life in the 21st century. The weekly sections begin with something to think about and pray about each day. Often the think-about section focuses on remaining faithful in today's world. For example, we examine the culture of the individual against the strong sense of community in the early Church. And we are urged to reject the philosophy of the marketplace by "building a personal spam filter into our eyes and ears, a half-automatic delete key to use on whatever distracts (us) from the Lord."

Facing the weekly think-about page is a six-step process expressed as prayer-poems. In the first three steps, unique for each week, we invite God into our hearts; ask for the grace to be open to God's word; and acknowledge our current concerns, thoughts, and emotions. The fourth step takes us into the daily passages, selected from the lectionary readings, and brief reflections. Finally, we engage Jesus in a conversation about our experience and conclude by praying the Doxology.

This 2008 prayer book, which begins with the First Sunday of Advent, 2007, is ideal for individuals and groups wishing to find a sacred space within their existing lives. Ideas for slowing down and finding time are provided in a brief how-to section of the introduction and integrated into the daily reflections.

This book is both hilarious and touching. A modern fairy tale, something like a combination of Dr. Seuss and Bloom County. The enchanting story pops off the page thanks to the illustrations, which are in a league with (though a different style from) Stephen Gammell and Chris Van Allsburg. Highly recommended.

What a wonderful addition to anyone's library whether you are 7 or 70. An interesting twist on an otherwise incredible tale of childhood dreams and hopes. The illustrations are wonderful and imaginative. I know I will enjoy this book for many years and look forward to sharing it with my family. Enjoy!

with an abundance of enchanting illustrations throughout. This inspired book is charming and poignant and truly captures the wonder of Christmas in an imaginative way.

Saint Nick & the Space Nicks is a wonderful holiday treat for children
of all ages. Brilliant illustrations and a wildly imaginative story make this a must for all Christmas-loving kids and adults. Buy this book and read it with your kids, you'll all love it.

This is a must have to add to your child's book collection. Amazing illustrations and an equally entertaining story...how could you go wrong. This will hold your interest no matter what age you are. Finally an original story that get is truly a joy to read.

Tenchi and gang accompany Princess Asahi with Minagi and Hinase also into outer space to rescue her father, a master sculptor, from the clutches of evil villians who would steal his prestige and creative powers. On the way there the gang finds out that Asahi is allergic to men because of a lie that her father told her and crash-lands on a planet,because of Mihoshi,where washu is fixing Mimasaka,Asahi's ship,with Asahi along with her, Ryoko and Tenchi have to work at a mine where they meet a monk named Gohgei, and Ayeka, Sasami, Mihoshi who keep Lord Osha, a villian, company. This is a great book and a must buy!!!

Cool book! This has alot of action and comedy! Two thumbs up! :-

i love it, i love it, i love it. It's such a good boo

This graphic novel is one word... superb. The animation is great and comical, especially the kawaii faces that always pop up on the interesting characters. The theme plays nicely and it does always pick up the pace that makes Tenchi Muyo! so popular. Personally, I chose the book because of its cover that includes Washu chan. A note, on the first pages, for parents, there's a somewhat slight nude shot of Ryoko, in case you're worried.
The storyline is basic and adventurous. The gang is trying to help an old friend of Aeka and Sasami's. Her name is Asahi and her father is captured by a rival sculptor named Lord Tatetsuki. Asahi is part of the Takebe family and her father is a sculptor of Jurai's royal ships. When Takebe is able to succeed a great master, Lord Tatetsuki is jealous and throws him in a cell. Now it's up to them to travel to Ryuten, where he is held captive. On the way, they encounter Ryoko's twin, Minagi, a somewhat clueless space pirate and a monk with a might metamorphosis. The plot flows with their favorite television samurai opera series. Now you know where they got the title? (^.^)

Ryoko's twin Minagi (met in book #1) and her ship Hinase (another cabbot) run into Asahi, a childhood friend of Ayeka & Sasami. Turns out her father (The Royal woodworker for the House of Jurai) has been captured and her planet is in danger. Naturally its Ryoko, Ryo-oh-ki, Minagi, Hinase, Ayeka, Sasami, Washu, Mihoshi, and of course Tenchi off to the rescue. The storyline spans 3 books - ending in book 6-Dream a little Scheme. This book...Our friends, having chosen to play characters from Ryoko's favorite TV Show, accompany Asahi into space to rescue her father. En route Asahi's allergy to males flares up, thier space ship, having been drinking with Mihoshi, crash-lands on a planet where Tenchi& Ryoko get sent to the mines and the girls end up in a Harem.

If you're a fan of Astronomy as a discipline, aren't a scientist and are curious as to whether or not and how there might be other life in the universe, this book is as good as it gets! It starts with many of the basics, but is not so "dumbed down" that you feel like you're reading a newspaper article, but a substantive paper. It isn't filled with too much "technobabble" so that someone who doesn't have a background in the sciences of more than a class or two will get lost. The book leaves virtually no stone unturned. By that I mean that when I read the book, I thought something like, "well, I get THAT, but what about ______?" In almost every instance it was as if they were reading my mind because in very short order they addressed my question. It is clear that they have taken feedback from students and colleagues seriously in writing this edition (3rd). The only problem that I had with the book was that some of the information was a bit dated. For example, Cassini has already arrived at Saturn and dropped its probe into Titan's atmosphere. I would estimate that the 3rd edition is about 4 years behind the latest discoveries. However, can they really be blamed for that? I would expect that they would update their textbook in a few years so that all of the latest discoveries are present. If you love astronomy and want to learn more about the scientific reasoning about the likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe BUY THIS BOOK!

This book really explaines in simple language how scientists work on this search. It is written in a way that keeps your interest on top all the way.

This book is used as a text by the University of North Dakota Space Studies program where I was exposed to its content. It is an excellent book filled with the recent nuggets of information about the search for life in the universe. It is an excellent guide to understanding the cosmos in galatic and down-to-Earth terms. This book can be read for pure pleasure as well as for general knowledge of astrobilogy and astronomy.

The new edition of this book still is by far the most comprehensive introduction to Bioastronomy, touching almost every branch of science along the exciting path it follows. Remaining firmly grounded in science it shows that reality is so fantastic that it is in no way necessary to fantasize up facts and fictions. Science still is one of the greatest adventures of mankind, and the search for life in space is one of its most stimulating branches. It also is a good motivation for young college students from other subjects to further their knowledge in science - which is necessary because we live in a science dominated world.

Stefan Thiesen www.bioastronomie.de

The book deals with everything from the formation of stars and planets, to how life formed, to even the best ways to search for life and the odds of life being on other planets. It goes step by step, is easy to understand and even has review questions at the end of each chapter (along with a summary). Lots of photos, some in color, along with figures and tables to help explain and give more details. Great for people who want to understand the reasons people are searching for life on other planets, but also great for just understand the science of life on our planet too. All that and humor too.