Recreation Books

A fact filled book on the basics from one of the greats. A good read even if you aren't planning on going racing.

The basics are here, even though the book is some 45 years old. A good place to start from.

The Technique of Motor Racing
by Piero Taruffi

Aloha,
Thirty years ago I was a driver for the "Jim Russell International Racing Driving School" out at Willow Springs, CA USA. One of the greatest times in my life. Jim Russell (JRS) at that time had schools simultaneously on five continents. We taught in so many languages that we did not have a textbook of our own. JRS was busy training movie stars and World Champions for Formula One Race Car Driving. JRS put students in signal seaters from day one! We use to order Taruffi's by the case. It had been "The Book!" for over ten years and was very hard to find. I think Harry Morrow would get them for us from England. They would sell out every time. We could not keep them on the shelf.

I use the principles I learned every time I take to the road. I believe it has helped make me a safer and definitely faster better Motor Vehicle Driver. Probably contributed to my long life, considering I am in the habit of winning on or off the track.

For decades I did not see Taruffi at all. Sometimes I would pick them up in old bookstores. I am glad for the sake of all future drivers that someone has had the wisdom to keep Taruffi in publication. Just the fact that it is around after all these years should tell you something.

Even today, you will seldom see them sold used. You will never see them sold cheap. Many driving books are about the author. Some are about street driving. Taruffi is pure Racing!! How you can drive a car faster. The essence of driving. I do not see how things could have changed enough to invalidate anything Taruffi has had to say. Decide for yourself, you can always return it.

If you have read every book on Motor Racing ever published. You will find The Technique of Motor Racing not only has a lot to offer you. It may just be the most compact bit of Racing Knowledge you have ever found in one place.

Pass Um`
-ooO-(GoldTrader)-Ooo-

The classic corner lines and driving technique discussed. I bought this book based on Niki Lauda's (F1 World Champion 1975, 1997) recommendation of it in one of his books.

This book, first published in 1959, is mostly devoted to cornering, and this is the best publication about turns on flat surfaces with high adhesion, used in sport racing, and this information is still valid.

It has a pretty little chapter on physical training of a driver, with the schemes gymnastic exercises recommended for a motorist.

The details of driving position and handling of a steering wheel are mentioned, but not covered well enough.

Nevertheless, the cornering is explained fairly well, in 69 pages full of formulas, schemes and illustrations.

If you need a deeper text-book about fast and safe cornering, which is not only applicable to sport but also to driving on public road, and which covers slippery surfaces like ice, snow and dirt, I would have recommended a published work by Professor Tsygankov.

I bought this book for my three year old because we were both captivated by its pictures and its fanciful rhymes. It is visually arresting, with allusions to japenese art, and Northern Renaissance art, and more that I'm sure I'm not catching on to. It is a little dark (skeletons, some creepy looking critters), but don't underestimate what children can process. Still, my son actually got upset that he cannot ride these rides; they do look fun (far from the Dumbo Ride, probably could not get insured). No, it is not what you want for teaching the alphabet, or counting but it is unique and gives children something a little less ordinary. We have had this book for a year now and he still goes and pulls it out of his bookcase for us to read to him at least once a week.

We got this book as a gift and the art work is amazing. My husband and I have gone through to find the hidden numbers and ducks. Our 15 month old enjoys the poems (but likes to rip pages, so we are keeping him away!)

There really isn't a parallel in children's literature - it's definitely unique

I read this book at Barnes & Noble one weekend night to my son. It's a weekend thing we do along with my friend and her daughter. I fell in love with this book, and I'm not sure either if I'm buying it for my son (9 months) or myself. I went back to Barnes & Nobles to purchase it and the arthur had requested the books back from what I was told because none of the copies had sold. I was shocked! It does cost more at B&N but I may just pay the few extra dollars because the book is so amazing. I love the artwork!! I have also read/looked through Floatsom-another book with great pictures!! EXCELLENT!!

TICKETS TO RIDE comes from first time author Mark Rogalski and offers a fine survey of a menagerie of attractions. Twenty-six rides, listed alphabetically, range from Alligators in Air to a Zebra Zeppelin in a rollicking A-Z book especially powerful for its fantasy art. The unique art pairs with rhymes for maximum impact. TICKETS TO RIDE is an especially recommended addition to school and community library fiction collections for young readers!

I am an adult collector of childrens books, this one is a treasure. It's like nothing that you have ever seen. Amazing artwork, a pleasure to look at, I'm debating whether to purchase an additional copy in order to frame some of the pictures. BUY THIS BOOK, You & your kids will both love it.

The discussion of geologic events by Dr. Behnke, which explain how certain fish species became dispersed is most interesting as well as fascinating.
The paintings of the various fishes by Joseph Tomellari are worth the price of the book alone. All presented on high quality print and paper.

Awesome book. The CSU professor is the best authority on trout & salmon. Period! Also best illustrations you will ever see by Joe Tomelleri. A must have book for any trout & salmon lover!

Wasn't sure this book was still in print and as usual, Amazon came through and I had my copy in 5 days. You can't beat the Amazon Customer Service, delivery, and follow-up, Regards, D.K.Madison

This book is a wonderful piece of work, with great illustrations of the various species of coldwater species found in North American waters. Behnke writes in great detail on the various species of trout, salmon, char, grayling, and a few other coldwater species, and includes much detail on sub-species distribution in a current and historical context, often down to the watershed. He also includes sub-species that have gone extinct in historical times. An excellent introduction discusses such topics as the origins and evolution of Salmonids, as well as their classification, taxonomy, biology, morphology, and anatomy.

The only mild criticism I have is that more could have been written on the distribution of brook trout sub-species in the Midwest and East, along with lake trout of the inland lakes of the Upper Midwest.

The book should be in the library of every serious trout or salmon angler.

Behnke's reputation is international, and this book lives up to his reputation. Not only are the paintings by Joseph Tomelleri magnificent, but Behnke's scholarly descriptions are without equal. Maps showing ranges of trout are accompanied by information about the habits of trout, their characteristics, and historical information that sometimes goes back to the ice age. Put this alongside James Prosek's collections of trout paintings from across the U.S. and around the world and you've got three gorgeous books filled with information every trout aficionado needs. Russell Hill, author, the Search for Sheepheaven Trout and Robbie's Wife.

I would that every rider, regardless of discipline, would read this book. It relates excellent information that goes against the grain of much commonly held training. Our horses would move with more freedom and pleasure and have long careers instead of early retirements. Well illustrated and explained. It's actually a quick read. The principles are simple and consistent. Very accessible.

This book is great for riders, judges, and anyone interested in the good of their horse. Pictures are very informative to show correct & incorrect riding, training.

I refer to this book again and again. I am learning dressage to help my horse be strong and healthy and relaxed, and this book shows me what "right" looks like and what "wrong" looks like and why which is which. Interestingly, most of the "wrongs" show high level dressage horses, which reminded me to remain objective, and to not be impressed by "impressive show dressage horses/riders," but to look carefully at the movements and ask if that training builds up the horse or breaks it down. I learned a lot about conformation, too, in this book, and how much we can help our horses. And the "why" of right vs. wrong isn't explained with "because I said so" or sycophantic genuflection at "The Masters." It's explained clearly and anatomically, so that you can see how incorrect riding breaks down and hurts your horse, leading to lamenesses and injury and stress, and how thoughtful riding helps your horse AND your dressage scores. I am so glad to have this book -- as the one responsible for my horse's health, longevity and happiness, this book helps me take good common-sense care of her, even though I am not a vet and can't afford regular lessons/clinics with top trainers. Truly, finding this book is a relief. Now that I see the big picture, I can just practice and try to improve her body and mind with lots of gentle bending and better riding.

There aren't enough superlatives to praise this book. It is a must read in my view for anyone who owns, rides, trains, or works with horses.

Horses are amazing animals so it is up to us as riders to be educated from all points of view. This book explains in extreme depth and anatomically why rollkur and other harsh methods do nothing for the horse except give them a pain in the neck, poor muscling and other problems. If you are sick of being told that "modern dressage" is the way to go then read and be educated, take a stand for your horse.

This book is excellent for fencers interested in physical fitness. This book helped me become quicker and more agile, and on a personal level just plain stronger overall. I'd highly recommend it, these guys know what they are talking about.

What a masterpiece! This is the number one book for all fencing enthusiasts. This book helped me with both strength and agility and it can help you too. Don't miss out on this gem of a book, I'll guarantee it helps you in your matches.

This is the best book I've found on this subject and is tailor-made for exactly what fencers need! I would definitely recommend this book without hesitation! It's a steal!

I will quickly admit that I have never read or even held this book. However, I want to point out how fishy it is that all of these flawless reviews sound like they are written by the same person and all of them are anonymous. Self-promotion, perhaps?

I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their fencing. Now that my fitness has improved, so has my agility and my athleticism. This is a great book and it has really helped me!

Bieng in the Bujinkan for over 10 years, I haven't seen a collection of Soke's insight quite like this. When I first bought the book years ago and read it, some things tried to sink in, but now after years of training, I can see the "shell" of what he is saying. He is a man of many words, but to try and understand them will take a lifetime.Thank you Ben Cole and Soke' for allowing this to come to blossom.
If you are in any part of the marital arts, you should pick up a copy of this book. Find yourself some free time, and let your mind go. Enjoy!

Many people, over many years, have taken Soke's words and moulded them to suit their own ideas and opinions. A lot of Soke's teachings have been interpreted 'on behalf of others' but what is one to do when one has the words in one's own hands? Will those words be willfully transformed? Will they be used to be justify perserverance? Or will they be ignored?

The words in this book are direct from Soke himself and were uttered over many years. To progress in this art, one need only to compare how one thinks about Soke's budo to what the master himself has to say. Naturally enough, if one encounters a divergent path, then the question needs to be asked, 'Who has strayed?'

Use this book as a guide and reminder to stay on track. Accept it as natural that as with Soke's art itself, the words within will adapt themselves to the reader. Depending on that person's nature (and dare I say quality?), the same words will continue to unfold and blossom into newer and fresher meanings.

Non-martial artists with a venturesome spirit ought to be able to find poetic and artistic value in this book. Yet it must be remembered that Soke is a martial artist and those who can come to grasp the sense of Soke's martial 'feeling' will come to realise just how direct and forthright Hatsumi-sensei actually is. The evidence is in the words.

The dragon's tail is hot but if you can grab on to it and not let go...

This is not the sort of book that you sit down and read straight through. It's not a training manual, not a "how to" ready-made recipe book for ninja enthusiasts. In fact, if you haven't seen Hatsumi or his better students train, then much of this may be plainly unintelligible. In this way it is reminiscent of the densho of old- they only make real sense to the initiated (something I suspect is at play in nearly all of his books, especially the ones with lots of photos and diagrams). Rather, it is a collection of related (and unrelated) snippets into the teaching and training philosophy of Hatsumi.

Topics include themes on fighting multiple attackers, use of blades, foot work, throws, training diligence, the transmission of the essence of the art and much more. There are also nice caveats in the text devoted to the perspectives of his top students.

While I mentioned that the point of the book is not instructional in the "step here and pull here" sense, it certainly would be a welcome addition to most martial artists' reading lists and is instructional on a deeper level, if you have the ability to see and understand.

And this brings up the point of yugen, that mysterious realm of life that isn't quite understood, but rather experienced. Much of this book reminds me of the intuitive approach we must have in our training. I find myself reading parts over now and again and each time I draw something else out. Like an icon or a great novel, it speaks freshly every time. Understand? Good. Play!

Gambatte!

There are a lot of books on Ninjutsu out there, but none compare to this one in it's authenticity and insight. It's easy to see why considering that practically every word here was spoken by Soke himself at some point and then translated directly by the author Ben Cole (a practitioner of the art for years and not just a journalist or novelist).

This book has been hailed by those of the highest level within our art both in Japan and abroad who know Hatsumi sensei personally and can hear his voice speaking to them from these pages. It is definitely a must read for anyone who takes their Budo seriously. It is teeming with knowledge and will keep you wondering for years about Soke's mysterious teachings. Get it, read it, read it again, and again...

As many other people have said, this book really isn't for the casual reader. If you don't know japanese martial art's phrases, it'll be hard to place a lot of the japanese words. It's a collection of quotes that Maasaki Hatsumi and a few other instructors have said, and it's broken up into different catagories. I'm trying to find this one quote in the book as I write this but I can't find the page...anyway it was one quote that of the hundreds, really stuck with me. It was something like "Taijutsu is not the techniques. Taijutsu is knowing how to take yourself to a safe place." I always thought that was an interesting quote--I sort of interptered it as taijutsu is not the throwing/arm locking/pressure point hitting so much as it is keeping yourself out of harms way. The nice thing about these quotes is their meaning changes over the years as you train for longer and longer periods of time. At first I didn't get a lot of the quotes, but now they're starting to make sense. It's hard to explain why I like this book...some of it is the humor. Some of the quotes really make you think not just about training but about how we see things and treat the world. I'd highly recommend it to anyone in the Bujinkan. I'm only a green belt, but I still get a lot of wisdom out of this book.

An enthralling, sometimes humorous read of the Canyon's rapids before Powell Dam was built.

This is the first person account of the only swimming trip that went the length of the Grand Canyon. In 1955 two young men , Bill Beers and John Daggett, enbarked on this one of a kind adventure. These guys to do not come across as thrill seekers but a couple of young men seeking high adventure. It is a fast, exciting read. It brings the Canyon and all it's glory to life.

This was a fun quick read that anybody who has been down the Grand Canyon or has an interest in must read for themselves. I hope to see additional photos and the TV production of this trip.

From the three books on explorations of the unknown I've read in the past few months I enjoyed this the most. (The others where Ryback, The High Adventure from Canada to Mexico, and Cousteau, The Silent World). I admit that I enjoy backpacking, so far mostly in the Sierra Nevada and in the Grand Canyon. I also skin dive and hopefully will get a SCUBA licence this spring. So each of these three books displayed a piece of history about one of my hobbies. Nevertheless Bill's book left me in awe: it is such a fantastic, modern adventure, nearly unbelievable without the detailed descriptions and photographs. I've hiked along the Colorado in the GCNP and (maybe because of the warnings of the rangers or maybe because the river 'diagonals' down rapidly the thight canyons) would have never considered swimming in it. The book is really well written and the pictures give you a feeling of being close to what happened 50 years ago. (My only wish would be to get rid of some of the scratches using digital retouching. But then again the scratches give them an authentic feeling.) Bill, I really have to thank you for republishing this book!

This account of a unique 1950's trip down the Grand Canyon is highly entertaining, especially because the whole thing seems like such a bad idea. Beers and his friend's equipment & preparation were laughable, and they had no escape plan or backup. But they plunge into the Colorado River (pre-Glen Canyon Dam, even), validate every stereotype about 50's American optimism/naivety, and somehow don't die. Beers' writing is not fancy, but the unaffected prose is well-matched to detailing the no-frills style of his incredible boatless river run.
I enjoyed this book a lot, and admired the author's courage at least as often as I laughed out loud at his actions.

I first read this book early in my private pilot training, many years ago. Needless to say, I did not really understand what I was reading. Coming back to it now, with a number of additional ratings and many more hours of flight time to my name, was a revelation. Almost on every page, I found myself saying, "Yes, that's how it is." Buck really knows what he is talking about, whether it be ice, thunderstorms, turbulence, or transitioning from instruments to visual on the approach. Taking to heart what Buck has to say will first and foremost help you to survive as a pilot by making good weather decisions. Just as importantly, he imparts a great deal of wisdom on how to get maximum utility from the airplane while keeping risk to a low level. However, as indicated earlier, the book is definitely not for beginners. A solid understanding of basic meteorology and a considerable amount of piloting experience are needed to interpret it correctly--and safely.

As a CFI I have numerous books in my aviation library. This book details flying in weather and the mindset required to be a safe and competent instrument pilot.

Recommeded to me by my instructor after I received my instrument rating I now recommend it to students and associates whenever the subject of flying in weather (or not flying in weather) comes up.

I read Northstar Over My Shoulder prior to buying this book so I had an understanding of Captain Buck's history and experience which added weight to the wisdom obvious in Weather Flying (buy that book too!)

Not a lesson on meteorology; more of a lesson on judgment and decision-making. In other words, how does one deal with the weather? What does one do with the information one has?
Bob Buck is a man of authority, vast knowledge and experience when it comes to weather flying. His advice is, therefore, not to be taken lightly.
The book is readable, Buck writes "as he talks and flies, with an easy touch...he makes it simple and plain". The only thing that frustrated me at times was the fact that due to the sheer amount of information and knowledge he wants to impart, he occasionally jumps from one issue to the other, picking up new subjects while seemingly leaving others unfinished.

... and will remain so after you read this book. Everything in Buck's book is useful but it is tough to remember all of his rules without a solid grounding in meteorology. The cover's subtitle "a practical book on flying in all kinds of weather" is accurate. This book is about practice, not theory. However, after finishing the book, I was disappointed to find myself as ignorant as ever about weather and completely at the mercy of the FAA briefers.

It is hard to imagine a pilot with more weather flying experience than Captain Robert Buck. And much of this flying was in the old days: in the early years of the Army Air Corp and a young company called TWA. Much of this flying was accomplished without the assistance of modern instrumentation. Captain Buck travelled the world seeking the most ornery weather he could find, and then flew into it time and time again, compiling the experience and collecting the data that no one else had at the time. Captain Buck shares that experience here. This book is interesting and engaging to the flying enthusiast, essential to the VFR pilot, and absolutely priceless to the aspiring instrument pilot. Every discipline and every pastime has its classics, and WEATHER FLYING is, without a doubt, one of the classics of aviation.

The language of WEATHER FLYING is simple and straightforward. The lessons are practical more than theoretical, though Captain Buck keeps his readers briefed on essential weather theory as well. Virtually every weather situation that a pilot can encounter is covered in this book, from the ordinary to the exotic. Then Captain Buck instructs you how to fly it. The concept is simple and direct; the lessons are comprehensive and pragmatic.

In short, this is not a book to read once and then shelve. The lessons are too important to be forgotten. This is a manual to be taken down and read over and over again by any sort of pilot who flies any sort of aircraft.

Jeremy W. Forstadt

My preschooler and I heard this book read at a library story time. We checked it out. Now I'm buying it. It's a given that he likes the subject and the song. The best part for me is that he's trying to read the book himself. He reads it to me and to his brother. He even read it to a friend of mine and her daughter.

The illustrations keep us busy too. He picks up on small details in the pictures and tells me stories about the drivers, especially the bad sport penguin.

My son first learned about this book in his Pre-Preschool class. We were at circle time and his teacher started to read it and I knew instantly he would love it. He loves Nascar to pieces and this book iced the cake. He is only 3 so he flips through the pages telling me the story. And, since some of the numbers on the cars are numbers in Nascar Nextel Series he thinks the book is about real Nascar cars and he tells me about the drivers. We spend hours with this book each week.

Great action photos on inside cover. I follow Nascar and reading the book makes me fill like I am at a race. A favorite next to wheels on the bus.

A fun variation on "wheels on the bus." We got this book from the library, and our son really liked it, so we purchased it. He loves the race cars and the animal drivers.

My 4yr old son loves this book! We've read it so many times that he's memorized it and now reads it himself. The racing animals are so fun and the illustrations have such funny parts. We've even acted out the races with my son's toy cars & animals. Since reading this book, he's become a huge race car & NASCAR fan. This is a great book!

I just received this book and I am very pleased with the presentation and the size. I will be giving it to my grandchildren and I am sure they will love it.

Both my sons played hockey and their little sister lived at the rink watching their practices and games. My advice to parents is the younger you get em started the more fun they'll have and the better players they'll be. This is a great book to get them interested early. The story line and illustrations will have them begging you to read this over and over. My wife and I spent 14 years watching our sons play and now my son's a coach and our grandson plays. I can't think of a better book to get your child started.

My 3 yr old grandson loves this and is among his favorite night time readings. I have bought several hockey related books for your website.
Thank you for your prompt service and great selections.
Jan

This is a wonderful book for your little hockey star. Filled with beautiful vibrant pictures and following an excellent story, this is a must have for your kid.

If your child LOVES hockey - they will enjoy this book. Very easy to read (I suggest for kids 7 and under), with great artwork/pictures.