Enthusiasts Books

If you are a dedicated hands-on woodworker, or simply of the armchair variety, this beautifully written and lavishly illustrated book on handplanes should be on your short list. I recenly met the author, Mr. Garrett Hack, at a woodworking conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. He speaks to a live audience in much the same way that he writes; with great organization, clarity, and enough anecdotal sidebars to really make the discussion lively. After reading the book through, cover to cover, I ordered my first handplane... a Lie-Nielsen No. 4 iron bench plane... and am now rereading the book to learn how to tune this beautiful tool, sharpen it, and commence making those paper-thin, elegant shavings..

I inherited a standard Stanley bench plane from my Dad. After I tried to sharpen it, I had know idea why it was chattering and gouging the wood I was trying to plane. From reading this book I got it properly sharpened and tuned. Now it works great. Also, I found out that I had placed the iron on backwards, and that I really did not need to buy a honing guide or expensive stones to sharpen the iron well enough to do the job.

Some years ago a purchased the book this author wrote on Handtools and have read it about ten times. In that book the author made mention of this book he wrote on handplanes but I was not all that interested. Then in the last few years I have purchased a number of handplanes and began using them and realizing what wonderful and almost sensual tools they are. It was then I ordered the author's book of Handplanes and realized why he wrote an enire book on this subject. I can only say if you have an interest in handplanes of any kind, or age, or conditon this is the book to have. It covers everything you would want to know, including how to tune, reconditon, buy, sharpen, use, and identify about any handplane made. The photos are sumptuous. I cannot say how much I appreciete this book. I just keep reading it over and over and putting the information to work in my shop.

I've been using hand planes for basic tasks for years but never got the performance I felt they were capable of. This book has given me the information I needed to really tune all my planes. It is a pleasure to run a plane down a board and get a perfect shaving thin enough to see through!

I'm now using planes for things other than fitting a drawer or easing an edge. And my shop is often a quieter place because of it!

Wow everybody loved this book!!?? I guess it depends on what you are looking for. I want to build my own planes. This book is not useful for that. The only illustrations, which are sparse, are pictures of planes. So if you love tools and want to read about planes this is probably as great as everybody says, but if you actually want to build a plane this book will not be any help. I did find the discussion of Stanley and other old planes very useful though when going to the flea markets to look for old hand tools. Thats why I gave it a 4. If you want to build a plane I would give it a 2.

THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR WHEN YOU HAVE A CREATIVE BLOCK -- LOTS OF IDEAS AND YOU CAN EASILY ADAPT THEM TO FIT YOUR STYLE! TONS AND TONS OF GREAT STUFF

Great Book, I love it. Good source of information and ideas. I would recommend it to anyone. I plan to get her other books also. Thanks Becky Higgins.

Becky Higgins is a wealth of ideas for scrappers, and this book is just the thing I need when I'm trying to put together a layout. In the world of scrapbooking, trends come and go, but because these ideas are based onkey graphic design concepts (and all of Becky's stuff is like this)they can easily transfer over to new styles and techniques. If you are an experienced scrapper, then you've probably seen a lot of this stuff before and would benefit from getting her newest book, "Best of Becky Higgins Sketches." But I consider this book indispensable!

I bought this book 5 years ago, and I still use it. This book, and all of Becky's sketch books, give you ideas for pages not reliant upon products, designs, or themes. I simply look for a page layout based on how many photos I have and their orientation. Turn the book 90 degrees and you have more options. Turn it upside down for even more options. Have an empty space to fill with an accent? Check out that section. Wondering how to emphasize your focal point photo? Look at frames.

The best thing about this book is that the sketches do not rely upon the more modern trend of oddly sized photos. All the photos in this book are 4 x 6 or thereabouts. No PhotoShop skills or computer equipment is necessary!

Absolutely worth every penny.

My favorite part about this book is that it isn't just a bunch of pages other people have created that you then get caught up in the photos and stories, forgetting why you originally went looking. For years, I'd gotten the scrap magazines, which, while beautiful and ususally inspiring, did not always help me. I usually thought I had to find a book with exactly the theme I was working on. The good news is that you don't, and this book has mock-ups of layouts, borders, etc. that are easily adaptable to any book you're working on. I think the only downside might be that there are so many new techniques that have come out in the five years since it was published, that it may not cover as much as some might like. Having said that, I'm willing to bet the #2 that just came out will pick those up perfectly! From my perspective, buying either book (or even both!) would be a good investment for anyone who's found themselves stuck creatively!

Goats on a printed page. who wouldve thunk it? For long time fans, and people who have never even heard of goats, if you think you have a twisted sense of humor, then goats is for you.

please, please, please... read this book.

As I am somewhat of a Goat-head (not in the pagan sense), I am a bit bias to this book. However, a scant 6 months ago, I did not have any idea about Goats. I spend 3 weeks reading the archive (which I recommend to anyone - great stuff out there). The Book, the fourth in a series of one, is a great primer, and will give people hours and hours of enjoyment. Check out the site!...! You'll thank me later.

Jon Rosenberg's Goats can't fail to raise a smile from these jaded lips when I read it online, so a book with hundreds of those self-same strips is just the thing to see you through the long ,dark winter. Pert, pertinent character comedy, surrealism and pure sexy fun make this a must-have. If you liked Bloom County, this is for you. If you like Fred Bassett, it might just take the top of your head off. Superb.

The cover of this book alone cracks me up as does much of the content inside. "Goats" is a non-syndicated web comic strip done by Jonathan Rosenberg. This strip came to my attention when Jonathan first started it and asked me to throw him a link (my site being all about comic strips). "Goats" is a surreal strip about two male best friends Jon and Philip, their talking pet goat Toothgnip, and their evil talking pet chicken Diablo. There are also aliens, beer, women, beer, dwarves, beer, zombies, beer, and more beer.

This book is the first "Goats" book despite the fact that it is called "Volume 4". However, Jonathan has promised to follow George Lucas's footsteps and release the prequels soon ("Volume 3" will be out soon). This book covers strips from January 2000 to December 2000. The significant event of this book is that Jon (who is a loser when it comes to women) finally gets a girlfriend named Megan. She's a hottie and totally with it that makes you wonder if it isn't pity love. Ah, but if it weren't for pity, many of us would be in a world of hurt!

Bottom line, this is a pretty funny comic strip but it is NOT for the kids (in my opinion). The humor and content can often shift into the "R" range so you've been warned. Otherwise, get this book and help a web cartoonist!

Fantastic. Magnificent. Compelling, original and satyrical, a must have for any Gen-Xer's Ikea mail-ordered coffee table or the floor of the bohemian studio apartment in the parent's basement. Bringing together issues of single-life, animal rights, alien invasions, sexual dysfunction, and sado-masochism this hilarious book filled with wit and slapstick compiles the Goats comic strip for the year 2000. Not only are the comics a poignant commentary on everyday-life, through trips into the surreal they speak volumes on social issues of the day. Through the innocence of some characters and the wickedness of others, the entire gamut of human emotion is displayed among the denziens of a specific New York pub. This book makes a fantastic gift for those who've never heard of Goats and enjoy quality, edgy humor.

Ben is very well written, very eloquent. He is an extremely informative writer. He gives the whole picture and helps me to have a sharp grasp of the procedures and the tastes that he has experienced. To me, Ben is greatly appreciated.

As a homebrewer and beer enthusiast who travels quite a bit, I have been looking for a manageable beer guide/road map. Thanks to Mr. Myers et al. for providing just that. Let the journey begin!!

When traveling throughout North America this pocket size 'thirst inducer' is a must! Prost to Ben Meyers! ­Merf, Product Development Bert Grant's Ales

Mr. Myers' book cuts through the fluff and BS put out by most brewery PR wonks, and tells the craft beer story like it REALLY is. I laughed, I cried, I ordered another beer (from Ben's recommended list, of course). His inights into Northwest beers are particularly inspired. I've also found that the book works great as an unusually tall beer coaster, too!

Being a busy brewer, I seldom get the chance to travel far and sample the efforts of other North American brewers. Reading 'Best American Beers' has changed my priorities. I'm hitting the road with a tremendous thirst thanks to Myers' factual, concise descriptions and ridiculously witty prose!

This book gives an excellent history of the New Beetle, from conception to competition. A must read for New Beetle fans.

Great Book, from concept 1 till 1.8T. Shame there are no pictures of the new beetle in different colours. Red an Grey are mainly used for the pictures which are from great quality. As I am not good in English ( I'm from Belgium ) the book was easy to read. I'm sure, if I have my new beetle I'll hug it (or her). One of the best car-books I've ever read. You can see that Matt Delorenzo (the author) really loves the new bug.

After having followed the New Beetle from its first concept I wanted to know the full story. This books tells it all and it has some great pictures of the various prototypes and special models. There's even a picture of a NB in Herby style (by Neuspeed). I recommend this book for everyone who wants to know the full NB story.

I'm still waiting for my new Beetle, but in the meantime, I've got this great picture book! I loved the color photos, the history of NB and the side-by-side comparisons of the Beetle vs. Golf. This book is a must for all NB enthusiasts, especially those affected by NBAD (New Beetle Affective Disorder). If you read only one book this year, read this!

What a good read! I don't necessarily read car books, but this was a cover to cover good story! The photography is top-notch as well. A non-enthusiast will enjoy the book and will likely become a full-time enthusiast by reading. VW-fanatics won't be disappointed. Plenty of R&D-type stuff in here to keep you interested. Also neat that the publisher put the book out with four different colors--one for each of the most popular beetle colors!

I read the book since I had interest in a sports car. As soon as I put it down, I had the Viper Fever. I bought one the next day. Great book with some good background and pictures.

it's dang good the venom gos 0-60 in 2.4 sec and 0-100 in 5.5sec and 0-100-0 in 9.4 sec that is bad i think how about you.

This Viper book is so beautiful, and great i get to read it again. cool..

I read this book in one evening and then read it again with my kids. Great reference and historical details. If you do not own the car it makes you want to go and get one.

I bought this book in the summer of 1998, I then took it home, and read it myself. I liked how it explained the creation of the Viper. It even introduced various Prototypes, and concepts that Chrysler has made. I especially liked the section about the VIPER television series. This was a great book about the greatest car in the universe, the Dodge Viper!

In 1985 I bought this at a book fair when I was 5 years old, and I still think that it is one of the best books on origami out there. The version that I have contains a few confusing instructions (which may have been corrected in later editions), but they can be worked around thanks to the well drawn pictures.

If you want some wonderful challenging and detailed animal origami to fold, you won't be disappointed with this book! It has quite a few of my favorite models. All the ones pictured on the cover are great...I particularly like the wonderful detail on the frog, with eyes and toes. The lobster is another personal favorite of mine.

I Remember When I Got The 3 Final Steps On The Lobster. I Got so Into Origami That I Started Making Lobsters, Crabs And Cranes During School! I Have Loved Origami ever Since I Was 9 Years Old. This Book Was A Little Easy For Me, But For People That Can Only Make Cranes, Tigers, Paper Cups and other Easy Things. This Book is A Little Over Your Head.

This is a great book, not quite for beginners, though. In this book, you work your way up through the angel fish (easiest) to the lobster (hardest). The book has great step-by-step intructions which helps you create a model with great detail. This is one of the best origami books I've ever gotten and I definatly recommend it if you're really into origami.

This is easily my favorite book on origami. All the diagrams are clear, the models are very detailed, and more importantly, all of them are an awful lot of fun to make, and very rewarding. While it has models from the whole range of difficulty levels, it focuses primarily on the advanced folder.

A little bit of history- my parents bought me this book about 15 years ago, I couldn't have been more than 8 at the time. I had dabbled a little bit in origami before then, but this is the book that got me hooked. I still have that copy, ragged at the edges, pages falling out, but still as fulfulling as it always was. I just can't stop singing the praises of this book- it's that good.

My son really enjoys reading the testimonies of the athletes. It's been a great inspiration for him.

My ten year old spotted this Bible at a recent trip to our local Christian book store and couldn't quit talking about it. He couldn't wait till it came in the mail and was so happy with it. My son is an avid sports fan and he knows the athletes well. He has really enjoyed reading all the testimonies. Because our son goes to a Christian school he is pretty knowlegeable about the Bible and has memorized a lot of scriptures.(For his age.) I am so excited because I know that this will only encourage him more to read the Bible and get into the Word. I feel like anything that makes learning more fun is definetly the way to go. I can't recommend this Bible enough and I think my son will enjoy his for several years.

This was a Christmas gift for my son who is an avid sportsman. This will be a great companion to the Bible he already has, and a great help for the high school students he mentors.

This Bible is an excellent devotional for sports fans! It covers, I think, every sport there is, highlighting certain athletes, teams, or memorable sports events and tying them into the message of the Bible. My personal favorite (being a Cubs fan) is the parallel it draws between Psalm 106 and Chicago Cubs fans -- with the common feature being "longsuffering!" Definitely a must-buy for the Christian sports fan.

The Sports Devotional Bible makes the Bible relevant for me with biblical principles illustrated through sports analogies and lessons. The devotionals are short and concise and take about 5 minutes a day. It is a well-conceived spiritual game plan for spiritual development that will help you to build your faith.

I am an avid American bus fan and model bus collector and have almost every book written on American buses from the last 10-15 years (since the 1990s), started off by the Iconografix series of "photo archives" that a great man in the bus industry and bus enthusiast circles, Mr. William "Bill" Luke started.

I want to say that this GMC New Look book is definitely a must have for any transit bus fan. Its is by far the most accurate and complete history of the most famous and prolific American transit bus ever. I believe even today, 2008, when most people think of a transit bus, this funny looking bus, nicknamed the "fishbowl" for its windshield shape, comes to mind. Mr. John McKane did an excellent job chronicling every stage of its development. The written history he gives is just as important as the fabulous picture. I appreciate the Iconografix "Enthusiast's Reference" series of books more than the "Photo archives" series of books for the reason that the former is more indepth and with more written word/history than the latter, which is mostly just pictures w/ small captions. Again, we lost a great bus fan author w/ the passing of Mr. McKane and I am glad if he was able to produce his "Opus" (i.e. this book) and past valuable information to generations of bus fans with this book.

This book is a highly interesting overview of the New Look "Fishbowl" bus that was so ubiquitous in American cities from the 60's until the early 90'. All four 'Generations' of the New Look bus are documented, along with sub-classes and unusual variations built for specific transit agencies. I never knew there was a steam-powered New Look, or one built with doors on both sides! The extra 25 pages in color are definitely a nice touch! The book also gives the reader a history of the New Look's predecessors, its competition (like the New-Look Mack!) as well as touching upon the RTS which spelled the demise of the American-built New Look version.

If anything, it would have been nice to know if any New Looks were built for export - like the way EMD had foreign versions of its locomotives. The only example documented in the book is demonstrator 001, which was later sold to Mexico. I also remember reading a number of years ago an article about a New Look that was modified and sold to an Israeli operator. And while I'm at it, perhaps there should have been mention of one city leasing New Looks to other cities. Washington's WMATA leased about 100 buses to the NYCTA during the withdrawal of all 800+ Grumman 870 buses in 1980.

In any case, this is a great book that will interest any bus fan, especially those interested in those fabulous Fishbowls.

This has quickly become my favorite bus book. The historical aspects of the development of the New Look bus and its place in North American transit history are fascinating to read, but just as fun are the various notes about spotting differences between each 'generation' during the coach's 27-year production run that appealed to the enthusiast in me. The authors also did a very nice job covering the various oddball New Looks built over the years such as the 30-foot shorties, the 60-foot articulated buses built for several Canadian operators and the single order of trolley buses built for Edmonton. The modernization of the New Look by GM-Canada into the 'Classic' in the 1980's is also covered and a brief history of this successor bus is also provided.

Photo reproduction is excellent throughout this book. It's not just a collection of three-quarter roster shots, either - photos are also included of buses in production, interior views, close-ups of details, etc. The volume concludes with 24 pages of color photos showing every generation of New Look buses from 1959 to 1986 and a few Classics to boot.

'Welcome Aboard the GM New Look Bus' was long, long overdue. I've read that John McKane originally wanted to do a full history of this bus when he wrote the original 'The General Motors New Look Bus Photo Archive' in 1999 but was unable to get it published at the time. It was clearly a labor of love for Mr. McKane and we are very fortunate that he was able to write this before his passing. I hope that others will be able to pick up where he left off and chronicle other North American bus models in a similar fashion.

A well researched high quality work on this important part of the American Transportation scene for 30 years. Now we need a companion volume on the Yellow/GM "old Look" buses.

This book has great photos as well as very interesting history of the New Look bus, the pictures are very well done, and do the subject good.
I would and do recommend this book very highly

A very informative book about a very special group of airplanes. Clearly building the replica plane (and debunking a few myths about the original) was a labor of love for the authors, and it shows.

Take an exciting trip back via the replication of The Gee Bee. Relive the nail biting expectations of the Gee Bee design and the myths that were dispelled in the modern version of this 1930's air racing phenomenon. Enjoy the next best way to fly the Gee Bee, short of being in the cockpit.

I have the rare privilage to work with Delmar on a daily basis on aircraft. I have as well been blessed to fly with him on several occasions. He is as calm and cool in the cockpit as he is in the book. He has a video version of the book as well, and both complement each other so well that one will want to read the book, and see the video.

As for the book, it is an easy read, it is a story of a dream that anyone who has ever flown or wanted to fly will identify with. It's a romantic story of a by gone era when flying was the cutting edge of science, and the world made hero's of individuals with names like Lindburg, Doolittle, and Amelia Earheart. Delmar as a man has earned his niche in aviation history and folklore by not only dreaming about the golden era of aviation racing; he has built his dream and lived it. This is the type of man he is. The book inspired me to live my dreams too, and with his encouragement I will soon do that. Thank you Delmar, for being my friend, and for sharing your dreams with the world at large.

This is a book well worth reading, and for having. I keep mine on the living room coffee table for all to see. How I would love to be talented enough to fly the beast .....

This book will tell you how the dream of building an authentic GB replica came true.It has great pictures of both the construction phase and flying/airshow status.

This book cuts to the things that matter and show you how they did it! It's a must have if you love the Gee Bee.