Theme Parks Books

I have not yet heard from my sister and brother-in-law, who were the recipients of this Christmas gift. They have an apartment on Central Park, but also have a place in Key West and may not yet have received the present. I thought it was a handsome book.

If you like birds, you'll love the unbelievable photographs. If you like Central Park, you'll enjoy the map on the front and back flats which help you identify where the pictures were taken. Glad I purchased this book.

Birds flying up and down the Atlantic flyway inevitably encounter a huge patch of concrete, asphalt and brick. In the center they see a large patch of green, with plants and insects. That's why Central Park in New York City is one of the best birding spots in North America. Several hundred avian species can be found there. In addition, there is another species there in large number, Homo sapiens birdwatcher and still another smaller subspecies, Homo sapiens bird photographer.

With all these birds, birders and bird photographers, there was a huge niche for a book called "Birds of Central Park". Cal Vornberger has filled that niche.

Vornberger has digitally captured the wide variety of birds that pass through Central Park. He presents these birds by season rather than in taxonomical order, which helps to give an impression of the bird life in the park the way that a birder would see it. Like all good photographers Cal is concerned with the light. But his style is different from those of other bird photographers, like Art Morris or Tom Vezo. Instead of being concerned with artistic composition, or deep focus to give a sense of the environment, the author seems aimed at a sense of intimacy with the individual birds. Most of the birds pictured fill the frame completely, forcing us to focus on the individual.

What is amazing is not only how close Vornberger has gotten to his subjects, but how he has caught them in the details of their daily lives. I have never seen so many photographs of birds with food, whether insects, berries or crustaceans, in their mouth. And he has caught many of these birds in flight, reminding me of the bird pictures of the great Eliot Porter. But the artist that Vornberger's portraits most remind me of is the great John James Audubon. There is this same sense of intimacy and presentation against a subtle background.

Occasionally, Vornberger brings his own special aesthetic to the book, as when he pictures a cardinal taking off in the snow on the face page to the winter section. The bird's wings are cut off, the bird faces away from us and the only way that the reader can tell that the white background is snow is from the white snowflakes that follow the bird's ascent. And yet this picture captures a moment better than most technically perfect photographs.

Vornberger's occasional remarks interspersed with the pictures often present a little known fact about the subject or give a hint to other bird photographers hoping to duplicate his accomplishments.

This book should not be considered a guide to Central Park's birds, although there is a convenient pocket guide in a slipcover in the back of the book. Instead it is a testimonial to the birds of Central Park. New York lovers, birders and photographers will want to page through this book to recall the avian pleasures of the park.

I'm not an ornithology buff, but I am a serious amateur photographer. I also happen to live in New York City and do a lot of shooting in Central Park.

I've seen Cal Vornberger a few times as he was going about his business and intensely bringing his huge 600mm lens to bear on some unsuspecting bird.

Until purchasing the book, my exposure (no pun intended) to Vornberger's work was limited to a few looks at his website.

While there are some standard "bird on a stick" shots, they do not by any means make up the majority of the photos. Frankly, anyone with a long lens can take a picture of a perched bird.

What sets Vornberger apart is his knowledge of each species and having the patience to wait for his subjects to be doing something interesting. His shots of so many different species going about the business of feeding, nesting and simply interacting with each other are outstanding.

The printing is excellent and the essays by Vornberger and Marie Winn are informative and very well written. I spend a lot of time in Central Park shooting general nature subjects, but Vornberger's maps led me to discover some areas of the park that I'd never before explored.

If you have any interest in birds, Central Park or photography, this is a must buy.

Just one look at the images of the beautiful Warblers amongst the tree limbs will melt your heart... This is one to definately have on your coffee table!!!

Heart of the Desert Wild, first book by author Greer Chesher and first complete book for photographer Liz Hymans, won the nonfiction category at the Utah State Book Awards in November 2001! Last year Terry Tempest Williams won that award, and the competition was excellent this year - the third year Utah has participated in the Library of Congress, Center for the Book's program. In addition to the usual information found in interpretive books, "Heart of the Desert Wild" features an opening chapter that describes the importance of public lands in general and this monument in particular. Ms. Hymans, one of the leading professional panoramic photographers in the US, illuminates the text with 135 magnificent photos, and Ms. Chesher's text is both informative and a pleasure to read.

This is an excellent book. If you've never been to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument -- and few have -- you'll want to see this book. It's like a voyage to another planet. And if you have been there, you'll certainly want to have this book. It's a memorable summary of an unforgetable place. The photographs of panoramic photographer Liz Hymans are spectacular -- breath-takingly beautiful. And the text by Greer Chesher graphically captures the amazing details of this exotic land. My words, however glowing, can't do justice to the scope and wonder of this book. So I'll just save my effort -- and save you reading more of this dull review -- to say: Go look at the book itself! You won't be disappointed.

This book does a beautiful job conveying the sheer beauty of the new Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument in its photographs, while also presenting a comprehensive and well-written account of the geology, ecology and human history that makes this part of Southern Utah such a trasure. Is is noteworthy that the pictures give a balanced view of the whole area and don't just reiterate the usual postcard images. The text is aimed at a general readership, without "dumming down". And, yes, I found answers to many things I had wondered about (cryptogamic soil, coal beds, etc..) on my visits.

This book is almost certainly the best book currently out there about the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, if for no other reason than the photos alone. The writing isn't bad either, and the whole book gives a good overview of this amazing monument.
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is an almost 2700-square-mile area of southern Utah set aside by President Clinton in 1996. The area borders Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, stretches for miles up to Bryce Canyon National Park, Dixie National Forest, and Utah's "forgotten" national park, Capitol Reef.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is bigger than Utah's five national parks put together, and bigger than the entire state of Delaware. It protects one of the largest areas of wilderness remaining in the lower forty-eight states--an area that includes thousand-year-old piñon and juniper trees, countless canyons and mesas, and an estimated 100,000 archeological sites including pictographs, pit-houses, and rock shelters. The monument includes the Grand Staircase--a series of massive cliffs and benches that form a natural desert staircase only a giant could use; it includes the 1600-square-mile Kaiparowits Plateau--a long plateau of scarcely explored mesas; and, it includes all the canyons of the Escalante River that aren't within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Many people, including the authors of this book, I presume, consider the monument to be only a good thing--and it might be--but there's a lot more to the issue.
President Clinton made it a monument without seeking approval from Utah's governor, its congressional delegates, or the people whose incomes and livelihoods depend on the area. Utah's small town locals were so upset that they wore black armbands, released black balloons, and lynched dummies made to look like Bill Clinton from their lampposts. President Clinton didn't even dare come to Utah for the monument's dedication. Instead, he held the dedication in Arizona, on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, an over one hundred-mile-long drive from the monument itself.
The Utah townspeople of Tropic, Henrieville, Escalante, and Boulder all feared that the monument would take away their grazing land, and that it would interfere with their ability to earn money extracting coal, gas, and oil from within the monument--and it does. That's the idea, I suppose. It's supposed to stop people from mining and developing the area, and from ruining an irreplaceable wilderness.
But the ranchers that used to graze cattle there have REALLY had a hard time though. They depend on grazing land to make a living, and the government has tried a lot of tricks to sneak the ranchers' sheep and cows away.
The book doesn't really talk much about the impact the monument had on the area's people, like the ranching families that have lived there for well over a century. I've had the opportunity to meet and interview a few of these families, and was amazed that many of them were left completely unable to support their families in the way they had for generations. I've heard stories of the government rounding up and selling the families' cattle without their permission, even though the monument's rules techinically provided for the continued grazing rights of the local families.
Anyway. Overall, this is a great book. The photos are beautiful, and it's well put-together. But the area is more than just a pretty, historic place. It's home to a lot of people, and those people have long been part of this area's history.

I am a Colorado Plateau freak who probably has better than 50 books on the area, and who has taken at least a dozen vacations to the area. Of all of my own books and some I don't own, but have read on the area, this is one of the very best.

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was created in 1996. It was long overdue. The monument (And it should be a full-fledged National Park, IMHO.), preserves the most single significant block of Cretaceous strata in the world, numerous exquisite arches and slot canyons of exceptional size and beauty, tremendous geological faults, colorful, spectacular rock formations, fossilized animals and plants, and irreplaceable Native American relics and structures. The area is still being explored and more of these and other wonders are being located each year.

This excellent book covers all of these matters and more in considerable written detail. Magnificent color photography follows the text and lays open this wonderful country for all to see. The text is carefully drafted, and the photos follow the text very well.

If you never have the good fortune to visit this area, this book will give a very fine glimpse into the need for its preservation. If you have visited it, as I have, the book will evoke countless pleasant memories. IF YOU ARE GOING TO VISIT IT, for the first time, or on a repeat basis, read this book thoroughly to make intelligent decision about what to see and do, since you can't possibly see it all in one trip.

This book receives the highest recommendation.

Nishantha Gunawardena is a journalistic photographer from Sri Lanka whose previous photographs have been directed toward reportage of events such as floods, poverty, disasters and man's ability to cope. In this grand yet quiet book he continues his ability of reportage, this time directing our attention to the endangered wilderness grandeur of this country.

Gunawardena's images in rich color capture leaves/ twigs/ branches/ trees/ forests at dawn, noon, sunset and night in an effort to bring the viewers' appreciation to the majesty of nature unfettered by human touch. His photographs range from astute close-up shots of flowers or petals to vistas of fields, mountain ranges, and skies. The quality of the photography is magnificent and the book's reproduction is excellent.

But nature books abound on the shelves of our bookstores, so why is this volume so different? The answer is in Gunawardena's eloquent comments on his three year journey that resulted in the treasures of nature captured in this volume. His writing encourages the response of awe in the reader, a response that hopefully will eventually be manifested in our more cautious care for the great American wilderness, a place that simply must be protected from the greed of resource exploitation. Highly recommended viewing and reading and contemplation. Grady Harp, March 06

"The vastness of the United States seems endless and the variety of ecosystems incredible. Deserts, rain forests, grasslands, wetlands, coasts, glacier-clad mountains, and temperate woodlands each brim with its own distinctive character. The spirit of the land caresses and engulfs the one seeking solitude in it. It is possible to hear the essence of the terrain resounding and relating its story in tranquility." ~Nishantha Gunawardena

Traces of Eden is a beautiful introspective work displaying natural wonders and soul-nourishing landscapes. Like a photographic meditation, each page presents images to inspire a love of nature.

Nishantha Gunawaredena's poetic prose throughout make this as much an emotional journey as a visual experience. He sets up camp outdoors in order to capture a perfect picture of the moon, the glossy reflection like sprinkles of stardust across the North Shore of Lake Superior. He lives in Minnesota, but traveled across America to capture the rest of the pictures.

Lavender mountains from Wyoming seem to be awakening in a sunrise and gorgeous watery landscapes contrast with old growth forests.

After waiting for hours in the snow, a perfect moment is captured at Crater Lake Oregon. The colors in many of the pictures make them seem more like artwork than winding blue rivers from an aerial view. Sea green glaciers almost look like angular emerald green waves. I had to look at the picture for a few minutes to figure out what I was seeing.

The use of lighting adds a shimmering glow to many of the photographs. They contrast in warm and cool tones with mist-drenched valleys on one page and horses running in dry pastures a few pages later. One picture of a duck with water beading across its feathers is truly spectacular.

Nishantha Gunawardena has created a world of beauty to inspire awe and a sense of nostalgia for areas of America we have visited or wish to visit. His writing enhances the artistic experience and leaves you with a warm glow of appreciation.

~The Rebecca Review

Humanity has disrupted the very elements of nature which it seeks to preserve, yet the vastness of the U.S. and its ecosystems abide, as TRACES OF NATURE: THE LAST OF THE AMERICAN WILDERNESS seeks to capture forever under its book cover. Gorgeous color photos of American parks and wild areas accompany Gunawardena's own evocative prose based on his personal travels to these regions. From Alaska impressions to California' Mojave Desert and the vanishing Everglades, each lovely and often quite dramatic full-page color representation is faced with a blend of personal observation, photographic insight and natural history reflection. A gorgeous presentation; especially recommended for gift-giving.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

Considering our natural land is retreating, the photos take us to a landscape some dream to discover. From cover to cover we are able to dive into the last of the North American wilderness and camp out in our favorite retreats. The colors in the photos are vibrant and illuminating. Mr. Gunawardena's hard work paid off in delivering a true work of art. What a beautiful tribute!

"We are but one thread within it. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth...Whatever he does to the web he does to himself." Chief Seattle

This quote opens this book of photography, and the sentiment is woven throughout the photos and text.

This is a visually beautiful book, and that's what first drew me to it. When I looked at the pictures, particularly the luminous and lush landscapes, I felt Icould step right into the photo, that I was actually there. But when I took the time to read the text accompanying the photos, I truly understood why the author undertook a three-year journey to document the "few remaining traces of a once lush Eden" in our 50 United States.

His is a deep and heartfelt need to accurately portray to those of us who aren't paying attention just what it is that we are in danger of losing in our never-ending preoccupation with our self-gratifying, self-indulgent lifestyles, our "frivolous desires."

We are neglecting the land, which asks so little from us, yet is so necessary to our very survival. What will it take for our environmental apathy to end? What will it take to finally get our attention, and show us just how utterly dependent we truly are on the health of the land and all of the Earth?

Unfortunately, it seems to me that our short-term avarice trumps any thought to the long-term consequences of our actions and decisions, and it will take major economic and environmental impacts before the majority of people will sit up and take notice. And by then it just might be too late.

Armchair Interviews: A spectacular photo book with a very strong ecological message everyone needs to hear.

Being both a history buff and having grown up and lived in Miami for 20 years, I could certainly appreciate the spirit of this book. Miami is currently synonymous in popular media and culture with clubs and partying, sexy people and celebrities, and hip shops (even though this image is more descriptive of Miami Beach and South Beach rather than the city of Miami itself). Despite it being a relatively young city, though, it is still rich in its own history and thankfully this book goes beyond the present glossy, superficial party image of the city and transports the reader back to a simpler and more wholesome time. This is Miami how its founders and earliest residents knew it. Most of the "before" pictures date from the 20's and 30's, and it is really fascinating to see how things have changed. As I said, I grew up in Miami and there are places shown in the book that I never even knew existed, such as the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple and the Coral Gables Rock House. I am glad that the author explores not only downtown Miami and Miami Beach, but devotes pages of photos to other neighborhoods around Miami such as Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Little Havana, and even Opa Locka and Hialeah (being a Hialeah native myself, I would have liked to see more than just the one picture of the racetrack, but that is my own personal bias). While the book is certainly complete, I feel maybe too many pages were devoted to certain places, such as Coral Gables and Coconut Grove for example, and perhaps some of that coverage could have been reduced and made room for other places to be shown. I am glad that the author explores little known places familiar to residents and not just the touristy areas that visitors would know, but on the other hand, some of these are a little too obscure and I would have also liked to have seen what was in some of those touristy areas, such as Bayside, the zoo, major malls, etc. Just because of those little complaints I give the book four stars, but if you don't care about these, then this might as well be 5 stars and it is still a highly recommended book.

Having grown up in Miami, I found the book particularly interesting. The pictures were excellent. I thought the captions could have been a bit more informative.

Execellent book - highly recommended, but get down here and see for yourself - what's happening to the Miami is magical and really a golden opportunity for all. Over the next few years Miami's Skyline will be transformed as builders and investors seek billions in pre-construction investments to turn the city into a the epicenter of the region.


http://realestate.1stmiami.com

If you have lived in Miami or have an affinity toward Miami, this is a must-have book. Few people in Miami like Arva Moore Parks have taken the time to document the City's rich history as the fastest-growing metropolis in the United States over the last 100 years. The "then and now" photos offer splendid matches, with interesting and informative historical notes in the caption. Great coffee-table book too!

I was born and reared in Miami, the fourth generation of my Pioneer South Florida family. I was delighted with this book, it brought back so many memories.

The old photographs are gems, and the descriptions well written and informative. I enjoyed the "then" pictures with the "now", in some instances they are almost unbelievable, the Coconut Grove Womens Club little Club House which I went to frequently is a good example, long may it survive!

The strength of the black and white photography strongly captures the feel of the dramatic geography and history of Yellowstone. The intriguing story of the photographer written by Mark Bagne and the detailed restoration of the photographs create a book I will keep on my coffee table for years. This book is a grand tribute to our first National park and stands as a reminder that we must preserve Yellowstone for future generations.

A couple of good friends of mine recommended this book to me. I can't thank them enough for bringing the art of Jack Richard to my attention. The book is wonderfully put together - the selected photos included provide a great introduction to the art of Jack Richard while the text gives you an understanding of what the Yellowstone Country must have meant to the artist. I hope that the authors are hard at work on a second well deserved tribute to the art of Jack Richard!

As my Mom used to tell it, Jack Richard was a gentleman who happened to be a photographer! He did it all--from capturing the splendor of Yellowstone to making portraits of people who lived and worked around the Cody area. Many of the photos he took of my grandparents are lost, but the surviving images are amazing. In this book, Wyoming Journalist Bark Bagne takes us behind Richard's camera and allows us a glimpse into his life and love as a photographer. Bagne, who honed his skills at the Wyoming Tribune Eagle and Cody Enterprise during the past two decades, is a perfect match for the story. Anyone who has a love for photography or Wyoming will cherish this book.

The black and white photographs contained in this book -- some never-before-seen -- are absolutely stunning! Mark Bagne's text is as crisp and informative as the photos! Definitely a must-see-and-read book for all!

Many of the photographs in this book remind me of my own childhood growing up in Wyoming. Mark Bagne has done a great job of capturing the feel of the pictures with his writing. This will make a great gift for my mountain-loving friends.

If you're a photography enthusiast aspiring to visit the beautiful places in this world, this is a wonderful book. I'm a big fan of Tim Fitzharris books and this is another example of his excellent contribution to the field. After reading this book (and referencing it numerous times), I find myself wanting to go to every one of these national parks.

This book is so beautiful and so inspiring that, after reading it, I made a plan to visit 24 national parks over the next four years. (So far I have been to Yosemite... but I still have hope to get to the other 23).

Bottom line, Tim is a truly amazing nature and wildlife photographer. His images alone will inspire and motivate you to make a travel plan like I did. What's more, his ability to write far outshines the competition. The book contains useful instruction on general technique, as well as specific advice on when and where to go in each park. His text is filled with practical, helpful tips - the kind of information you would really use. I found myself jotting down notes again and again as I read through his advice and instructions.

If you are a nature lover and photography enthusiast... if you find yourself at your greatest place of peace and tranquility when you visit our national parks, you'll love this book. It's a true gem.

I was prepared not to like this book. I mean, what could an automobile club teach me about photography? Then I saw that the author was Tom Fitzharris, a noted nature photographer, so I decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised.

The book starts out with a chapter on photographic equipment and technique , and then proceeds with separate chapters on 22 of the major national parks. The book claims that it is aimed at both beginners and experts, but I'm always skeptical of such claims. Once again, I was wrong.

Consider the first chapter on Photography Essentials. The techniques described are indeed essential if one expects to take better than average pictures in the national parks. The beginner may indeed be a little awed by what the author considers essential, but he will learn where there are holes in his knowledge. I would recommend reading John Shaw's "Nature Photography Field Guide" if you want to get a better understanding of technique. More advanced photographers will use the first chapter as a checklist.

The author recognizes that many of the shots are classic shots that appear on calendars and postcards but says that the individual photographer's variations will make the pictures worth taking. He also suggests that the reader study the author's photographs for ideas on how to handle different subjects and I think that's good advice.

I was very interested in the chapters on parks where I had photographed. I found that not only was Fitzharris quite comprehensive, but he even suggested some places to go to that I had not visited, and some approaches I had not tried, even in parks I thought I knew well. I wish I had had this book before visiting some of those parks. I also know I may visit a few parks because they are in Fitzharris' book.

I have a few minor quibbles. Fitzharris suggested visiting Yosemite before June and shooting early in the morning and late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. It's good advice but the last time I was there in May at 6:30 PM at Tunnel View, there were fourteen tripods set up with crossed legs by photographers making an homage to Ansel Adams. I suppose that's better than it would be at 3:00 PM on a July day, but some of the hot spots suggested by the author will always be crowded.

The author makes no reference to digital photography, but I don't consider that much of a problem. The book is aimed at getting you to the best spots in the major national parks, and creating the best composition. That doesn't change very much with digital photography.

My biggest complaint about this book was that it only covers 22 of the national parks. I wanted more coverage.

This is not a book to learn about photography. If you already know the basic of nature photography and plan to take photograph in national parks, this is what you need. It covers most of the more popular national parks. It shows you what to expect and what to photograph in each national park listed in the book, including best tripod locations and best time. Very organized and clear. The pictures and print quality are superb.

I bought this book for the beautiful photos and was overwhelmed by the great photography advice and information about where to go to take these pictures. I'm traveling out west next month and look forward to taking this book along so that I can go to these beautiful parks.

The only thing wrong with this book is its unavailability. Out of print since 2005, this is quite simply the finest cofee table book on national parks ever made, bar none. Incredible paper and print quality. I have given this book as a gift several times.

Despite the seemingly mediocre title of this book, the pictures are anything but average. Here, you will find landscapes of various different types and beauty, from rugged cliffs to lush forests and waterfalls. The natural beauty of this book will challenge anyone who believes that photography is not an art, as Meunch has an unbelievable talent for it. In fact, while Udall is a good essay writer, I would even go so far as to say that Meunch should be credited as the author here. Not only does he capture breathtaking images, but his perspective is amazing as well, particularly in his forest photos. The forest section of the book perfectly represents the vastness of the trees, making me feel as though I'm a nymph or some other woodland creature marveling at the majesty around me. Whether you are a nature lover or have never appreciated it before, I recommend you get this book now!

This is one helluva book. Thank you Kutti. The photographs would make an nature enthusist drool with sheer glee, the text by Udall brothers is so refreshing, makes you wanna follow their paths. David's large format photographs are guaranteed to take your breath away. It did for me..Amazing..and the book is big and heavy..with the highest quality paper possible. Buy it..I am planning to get some camping equipments really soon...:))

"National Parks of America" is a wonderful collection of photographs from the National Parks in the United States. David Muench does a marvelous job capturing some of the the most beautiful places in the United States. His photographs include the Alaskan National Parks, the Grand Canyon, the giant redwoods in Redwood National Park, the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park, the natural bridges in the national parks in Utah, Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Isle Royale in Michigan, and the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee. There is a map of all of the places in the National Park System, and an essay by Stewart L. Udall, former Secretary of the Interior under Kennedy and Johnson, and James R. Udall. I cannot recommend this book enough. You must see it to fully understand what an outstanding book it truly is. It made me want to visit these places as soon as possible!

This is the book with the most beautiful pictures of America's National Parks I have seen so far. The print quality of the photographs is excellent. I have given this book as a gift to many of my friends and relatives!

Kevin Schafer's gorgeous photographs and thoughtful and well-written prose make Costa Rica come alive. This beautiful book definitely makes me yearn to visit Costa Rica sometime soon!

Dear Kevin Schaefer: Saw your lovely book about Costa Rica at the Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge last week and HAD to have it. It was $80 in a San Jose book shop, but I'm happy to see that it's much less thru Amazon.com. I've ordered it and hope to have it soon. Nothing else I ever saw captures CR quite like it. The photographs are beautiful and the text insiteful. It truly is a work of love. I recommend it highly to anyone who loves that country and it's special places and wildlife like we do. Thank you, and I hope it sells well! Kathy Dickey

Costa Rica; Forests of Eden is a spectacular book with spectacular photos. The photos are realistic, they give a good view of how things really look. No tricks are used in the photography, so when you go to Costa Rica yourself you can actually see it as it is photographed. The text that goes with the photos give good information about ecotourism and about the environment and animals that are on the photos. The book is made with care of the photographer.

Costa Rica; Forests of Eden is a spectacular book with spectacular photos. The photos are realistic, they give a good view of how things really look. No tricks are used in the photography, so when you go to Costa Rica yourself you can actually see it as it is photographed. The text that goes with the photos give good information about ecotourism and about the environment and animals that are on the photos. The book is made with care of the photographer.

Here in one book were all the shots of flora and fauna that I missed. Upon opening the first page, I was instantly transported back to the rainforest. At times, I felt the author had stood in the same spot that I did to take his photographs. Glorious color that captures the mood, emotions and life in the rainforest. A beautiful book to give anyone who has been to Costa Rica or who can only be an armchair traveler.

This book makes a wonderful gift or a reference to pour over time and time again as it is packed with information about the history of the Lodges of the National Parks, information about their architectural aspects, interviews with individuals involved in their building etc, along with wonderful photos that make you want to see them all, today! And, we understand that there is a NEW Great Lodges of the National Parks coming out in July, 08, along with an accompanying PBS series. If it is anything like this book, I won't be the least bit disappointed

We purchased this book as a thank-you gift for friends, and we were *delighted* with the quality and beauty of it. Truly glorious photos, not a ton of information but enough, and makes a spectacular gift. Highly recommended.

What a treat to find Great Lodges of the National Parks! Not only is the book full of lucious color photographs of the lodges (both inside and out and every season), but historic images and architectural drawings that make you really appreciate the simple fact that they were built in the first place. You also get the full history along with a sense of what the lodges are like today written in a very accessible style. I know people who are trying to go to all of the lodges in Christine Barnes' books. I plan on beginning this summer. (The book also includes Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood National Forest outside of Portland.)

This book features amazing photos of the Great Lodges along with brief histories of the parks, locations, and lodges themselves. Wonderful illustrations and blue-print depictions are also included. Great gift idea or coffee table book! Will make you long for more travel time!

This is a gorgeous book.
It has 192 pages--loaded with lovely glossy pictures.
Not all of these lodges, however, are located in the national parks.Timberline Lodge is in a national forest and Oregon Caves Chateau is located at a national monument.
The pictures in this book are breathtaking. Historical pictures as well as present day pictures are located in the book.
This book is VERY similar to the Great Lodges of the West book (also by Christine Barnes). Some of the EXACT same pictures that are in the Great Lodges of the West book are in this book!
But this book adds more pictures.
This one has more pages (as compared to 136 pages) and this one has more pictures. Also covered in this one is Belton Chalet and Sperry & Granite Park Chalets (which the other book doesn't cover in full detail).

16 lodges are featured:
1) Old Faithful Inn (Yellowstone National Park- Wyoming)
2) The Ahwahnee (Yosemite National Park- California)
3) Paradise Inn (Mount Rainier National Park, Washington)
4) Timberline Lodge (Mount Hood National Forest- Oregon)
5) Oregon Caves Chateau (Oregon Caves National Monument-Oregon)
6) Crater Lake Lodge (Crater Lake National Park-Oregon)
7) El Tovar (Grand Canyon National Park- South Rim)
8) Zion Park Lodge (Zion National Park)
9) Bryce Canyon Lodge (Bryce Canyon National Park)
10) Grand Canyon Lodge (Grand Canyon National Park- North Rim)
11) Glacier Park Lodge (Glacier National Park- Montana)
12) Belton Chalet (Glacier National Park)
13) Lake McDonald Lodge (Glacier National Park)
14) Many Glacier Hotel (Glacier National Park)
15) Sperry & Granite Park Chalets (Glacier National Park)
16) Prince of Wales Hotel (Waterton Lakes National Park,
Alberta, Canada)

Also in the front and back is a map that shows where these lodges are located.In the back are Preservation Resources and Travelers' Resources (websites, reservation information, etc...)
Although I didn't know that this book would be so similar to the Great Lodges of the West book--(it's just a bigger version), I do not regret buying it. I have them both and the pictures are mesmerizing.

As a graphite artist of about every other subject,I used to think drawing realistic portraits was beyond my capacity. I can't remember why I initially decided to give it a try but there was something believable about their first book on realistic drawing that made it seem possible. The comments I've gotten on my efforts (even well before they were completed) were enough to convince me that it was really happening. Carrie and Rick actually guided me through the process perfectly with their books. This one is my favorite because as a grandparent I can blend my two favorite past times now. Thanks, you guys.

Secrets To Drawing Realistic Children by Carrie Stuart Parks and Rick Parks is just as their other Secrets to Drawing books, an exceptional tool. If you are a beginner or an experienced artist, this great book will be of value. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning or improving their skills.

This book is remarkable. I am a self-taught artist and Carrie has been the best guide I could ever imagine without actually being here and holding my hand. Her books are wonderful for beginners without being too simplistic. She has great advice and examples and covers it all without going into boring stuff like the history of the pencil. She gets right down to it and you can too. I've shocked myself in going from stick figures to actual commissions in under a year. I mostly draw for pleasure, and don't actually want many commissions, but I'm far better at it than I ever imagined. Carrie teaches you that drawing CAN be learned and easily. Thank you Carrie for giving me the tools to fulfill a life long dream. I'd give you 10 stars if I could.

I highly recommend this book. Written in a lighthearted humourous way this book helps the reader understand and remember all the secrets of the trade. As an experienced artist I found Secrets to Drawing Realistic Children a most valuble teaching and refrence resource. Anyone wishing to advance their skills in drawning would greatly benefit from this book!

This is a good beginners' book to learn the art of drawing portraits. Full-face, three-quarters, profile, angles, distortion and shading are well-covered by the author. Important techniques of proportion, shading, perspective, how to draw eyes, how to make the irids bright and realistic and add highlights to give life to pencil drawings.


There is a section on "toys", by which the author means "drawing tools." She discusses types of erasers, including electric erasers. These sound as if they are gimmicky to say the least, but an electric eraser, which makes repeated small movements, is a boon for lightening shaded graphite areas in a controlled manner. Colored pencil artists swear by them. Pencils are of course covered, as well as paper types.

The tone of the book is rather casual to the point of silliness, but if you are an amateur, intending to learn to draw children, this might be appealing.

Now, about that title. Shouldn't the title be "Secrets to Drawing Children Realistically" (Or ..in a realistic manner?) I'm floored that the publisher didn't figure out that "realistic children" are probably the only kind of children you and I would want to be drawing, unless there are upcoming titles such as "How to draw Crash-Dummy Children" or "How to Draw Unholy Minions-of-Hell Vampire Children of the Night"."