Ferguson Books

they won't be there very long if Bush has his way. he's imposing a new rule to slaughter all the wolves in the park because of a few disgruntled ranchers.

check it out for all the info: http://www.nrdcactionfund.org/campaigns/wildlife/save-endangered-gray-wolves.html

This is a well written combination of scientific discussion of the effect of first 10 years of the return of wolves to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and amazing stories of individual wolves. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the effect of restoring the full compliment of species to an ecosystem. It is easily approchable by the average non-scientist reader.

I have read over 40 books about wolves over 35 years and this one stands out as one of the very best.

The book has two main themes -- the life histories of individual wolves brought to Yellowstone and their packs, and what wildlife biologists actually do to accomplish a successful introduction and gather the histories of these wolves. Both these themes are covered very well in exceptionally graceful writing.

Missing intentionally is a blow by blow history of the political controversy surrounding the introduction, and I am glad for that -- the focus remains on the wolves and how they deal with the challenges they face. The political history has been covered in other books and is a fairly depressing story of people shouting at each other.

The authors ability to describe in remarkable detail on the histories of individual wolves and their packs was aided enormously by the radio collars the placed on select individuals and the high visibility of the wolves in Yellowstone. The picture that emerges is of an enormously rich, complex, dynamic and tough world. Surviving is a constant challenge for a wolf, even in this prey-rich environment, and few wolves make it past 4-5 years old, much younger than the lives of wolves in captivity.

Their is so much information about their behavior that the wolves emerge as distinct individuals with dramatically different personalities and styles. Packs develop unique cultures (e.g. hunting bison). The static alpha male - alpha female hierarchy so often described in other books turns out to be far more variable with much greater roles in some packs for the alpha female and non-alpha wolves.

The authors note how frequently the wolves' behavior continues to them, particularly social behavior. There are far more ways to organize and "run" a wolf pack then previously thought, and the complexity of the dynamics described resembles human social interactions to a remarkable degree.

There is a lot that can be learned even by well-read wolf enthusiasts from reading this book. Yet, for those who are just beginning to read about wolves, this book is a superb introduction to these animals that get more fascinating the more we know about them.

Those who enjoyed the insight into the life of a wildlife biologist in this book would no doubt also enjoy Craig Packer's Into Africa, an account of his work with the social histories of African lion prides.

This has to be the best book I have read in years about the Yellowstone National Park's reintroduction of the wolves. Entertaining and very educational. I highly advise anyone that would like to further there education on the history of the Yellowstone Wolves to read this book. It was pure enjoyment.

This book was a great read and, despite the rip-off for the CDN dollar by the publisher, I was very happy to recieve this in the mail. It made a good, informative and sweet read for those who love wildlife and wolves. The narrative isn`t borring or scientific which makes it easy to read. Of course there are a few things that bothered me while reading this.

Firstly, the people didn`t realy explore alternatives to wolves eating livestock, they just kind of shot them and didn`t take the responsibility to practice other non-lethal methods of controling wolves such as the use of guard dgs or deterrents. I was also looking forward to a lot more pictures of wolves, and while the ones in the book were beautiful, they were small and there were few. I really wish that the authors could have elaborated more about the indivdual wolves` that were the founders of Yellowstone`s packs. it seemed that just one peice of each wolf wasn`t enough to capture their intimate lives (and not enough pictures of the wolves themselves). If they ever re-do this book, hopefully more can be placed on pictures and what has happened to the wolves and their packs in yellowstone.

I want to give this book 3.5 stars but Amazon won't let me.

''Stealing Athena'' has a beautiful cover, one of the nicest I've seen in a long while. Rich and opulent, just like the settings for this story. A novel based on true events, it reads like a romance. The tale is a romantic one, taking place as it does in Greece (both ancient and "modern" (19th century)) and Constantinople. The author's attention to detail is wonderful; she makes you see the fascinating places she describes. I really like that she included a section telling what happened to each of the major characters, including the Elgin Marbles.

Though I am a big fan of the historical fiction genre and generally interested in Ancient Greece, for some reason, the description of Stealing Athena didn't capture my interest like it should have. I wanted to read it because I have heard so many positive things about Karen Essex' novel Leonardo's Swans. So, bearing that in mind, I approached my review copy with some trepidation and discovered, to my surprise, that my apprehensions were completely without merit. Stealing Athena is a well researched story that is extremely interesting and beautifully written.

As the description suggests, the novel follows the storylines of two women: Mary and Aspasia. While these two stories are both interesting, they have their respective strong and weak points. There were times I was sorry to leave Aspasia for Mary, and also times when the opposite was true. However, the story seems to be a bit weighted in Mary's direction, as the novel seems to belong to her rather than Aspasia.

Through the novel's progression, these two women find their positions in male-dominated societies unbearable and begin to question the rules that keep their sex subjugated. They are strong-willed and determined to carry out their own wishes. Mary and Aspasia are both well written female characters, which is refreshing, especially in Aspasia's case. There are not many novels of Ancient Greece that are told from a woman's point of view.

Another important character in this novel is that of the Elgin Marbles. According to the British Museum's website:

The 'Elgin Marbles' is a popular term that in its widest use may refer to the collection of stone objects - sculptures, inscriptions and architectural features - acquired by Lord Elgin during his time as ambassador to the Ottoman court of the Sultan in Istanbul. More specifically, and more usually, it is used to refer to those sculptures, inscriptions and architectural features that he acquired in Athens between 1801 and 1805. These objects were purchased by the British Parliament from Lord Elgin in 1816 and presented by Parliament to the British Museum.

The article goes on to detail the size of the Elgin Marbles collection.

This aspect of the novel was one I knew I would dislike greatly. Essex handles the gutting of the Parthenon with as much grace as possible, but it still is painful to read. It did help that Mary had second thoughts about her husband's work many times throughout the novel. The justification that they later offer is that if they hadn't removed the items from the Acropolis, the Turks would have destroyed them. Whether true or not, it is always sad to read about or hear of archaeological treasures being removed from sites for personal gain. However, the Elgin Marbles are a subject that, to my knowledge, have not been approached in historical fiction. They are an important piece of history, and Essex writes them well. She is to be commended on her delicate handling of this difficult subject and her exceptional research into the history of their removal from Greece.

In sum, Stealing Athena is a solid piece of historical fiction. While not absolutely captivating, it is definitely interesting enough to warrant a read.

Lady Mary Elgin, recently married, is swept along by her husband on his quest to claim priceless Greek art from the Ottoman Empire for the British, under the guise of Ambassador, while relying on her fortune to pay the bills. Centuries before, Aspasia is neatly given by her brother-in-law to Greece's ruler, Perikles. In Stealing Athena, the stories of these two oddly similar women intertwine to form one powerful narrative about women's struggles in the face of never-ending male oppression, while the great marble statues of Greece are both built and taken apart.

This is how historical fiction narratives should be combined. Both stories are compelling and each time they switched, I regretted the change, only to be happy that the other woman was now featured. I did prefer Mary, in all honesty, but I agree with other reviewers because it seems that the book is more hers than Aspasia's. She gets a bit more time and it's easy to feel frustration and sympathy for her. It is also for Aspasia, but Mary's dilemmas are more numerous and almost more modern day. The stories complemented each other beautifully. In Aspasia's tale, the Parthenon is being raised, as well as many other great temples. In Mary's, they are being torn down, supposedly to save them.

In fact, therein lies my biggest problem with the book. It's a difficult tale to hear. I have issues with British pillaging of ancient treasures, despite the fact that I have only been able to enjoy them in England because of this. It's hard, as someone who loves history so much, to hear about how these priceless and completely irreplaceable marbles were carelessly handled and damaged by the British. Yes, it would have been horrible if they had been destroyed, but they could have been handled better, and treated better later at the British Museum. (No offense to the British of today, obviously, they're trying to make up for it.)

The book is well written, and each woman has her own distinctive voice. At times, they echo each other, and they show the universality of female existence; largely, that women have historically had few rights and been totally subservient to men. Each woman thwarts this in her own way, and it shows us that their condition did not actually improve. Stealing Athena is also extremely well-plotted and never drags or gets boring. I never wished for the other woman's chapter to start. With some expansion, either story could have functioned perfectly well on its own. Instead, they fit together and the book benefits from their shared experiences and the complete circle of the story, from construction to destruction.

I'd highly recommend this book, especially to historical fiction readers, but I think I'd recommend it to others as well.

I am am avid reader of historical fiction, and am surprised I missed this one somehow until now. Essex's novel focuses on the famous Elgin marbles, and is told in both first person and third. At first, I found this jarring, but after getting used to it, I settled in and very much enjoyed the story of Mary Elgin, whose husband is obsessed with preserving the Elgin marbles.

However, my favorite part of the novel is when Aspasia begins narrating the book and we rediscover what Athens was thousands of years ago. Aspasia is a courtesan loved by Perikles, and though she experiences freedoms few other women in the city have - to go where she pleases, to discuss politics, and to talk with men freely - her profession also puts her in danger.

A novel of both the Elgin marbles and the building of the Parthenon, this book with a rare find and a true jewel. Although my specialty is Egyptology, I do know a great deal about the rest of the ancient world, which made me appreciate this book even more, since it's clear the author did her homework.

Stealing Athena is a wonderful historical novel about two relatively unknown women from completely separate time periods. Mary Nisbet and Aspasia of Miletus may have lived more than 2200 years apart, but Karen Essex's new book shows the similarities between them, both in their lives and in their personalities. A slightly larger portion of the book is from Mary's point of view, and we are first introduced to Aspasia when Mary begins reading Plutarch's Life of Pericles. Aspasia was the lover of Pericles, who commissioned the Parthenon Marbles. Mary's life became forever intertwined with the Elgin Marbles, as they are also known, when her husband, Lord Elgin, set out on his quest to 'rescue' the marbles from Athens for the glory of Britain. Stealing Athena spans the entirety of Mary's marriage to Lord Elgin, including the years it took to obtain the Parthenon Marbles, and parts of Aspasia's life with Pericles. Essex's book gives very interesting insights in the women's relationships and how they assist their partners in their endeavors, despite the prejudices against women in both eras. We also are given a window into the cultures and beliefs of their society, which made it easy to understand what motivated them and their peers. Overall, it is a great book to read, for either the relationships and character dynamics, or for the historical settings and culture. I personally believe if you like historical fiction or character driven novels, you'll love this book.

This work, now in its third edition, remains the best and most comprehensive textbook available about the world in which the New Testament was born. Just about every subject you would want to know about is included, such as writing in the ancient world, apocryphal literature and Hellenist and Roman philosophy in addition to political history. It contains charts, photographs and maps. The bibliographies are excellent and not too long.

Another work, which covers some of the material but is a bit more manageable in length is Jeffers' THE GRECO-ROMAN WORLD OF THE NEW TESTAMENT ERA.

This is a fact filled book that will be a good study tool to learn about the new testament background. Covers many aspects of Greco-Roman culture such as politics, social customs, religious beliefs, philosophical beliefs, etc. Also covers Jewish beliefs of the new testament era as well. Sometimes ties in subject matter with the new testament content. A gold mine of information. Well researched by a good scholar, this book just reports the facts. Reads almost like an encylopaedia, and as such it is a good reference book. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 simply because it is a bit of a dry read, but I guess that's the nature of a reference work. For similar, but shorter and easier reads, check out The World That Shaped The New Testament by Calvin Roetzel and also, Exploring The New Testament World by Albert A. Bell.

This is THE book on NT backgrounds. Ferguson gives you a broad sweep of nearely everything you need to know when studying hte NT and an extensive bibliography of additional resources for picking up the rest. I read this book early on in my carreer and still refer to it almost weekly. In the more specialized material I now study, his work is the basis that allows me to understand it. In short, if you read nothing else on NT backgrounds, read this. If your going to enter into advanced study of NT backgrounds, read this first. I even reccomend this book to 'lay' churchmembers without any theological training. It is simply the best.

The next best thing to Fergusson is C. K. Barrett, "NT Background: Selected Documents." This is a collection of excerpts from 1st Century primary sources. Still, READ FERGUSON FIRST!

Ferguson does a great job at presenting the information in such a way that the reader is able to understand and still gather a considerable amount of information. I am currently using this book, as well as two atlases, for a Greco-Roman survey class and appreciate the simple, to-the-point aspect of his book. The professor really could have just used this book by itself, instead of using all three.

Very good general introduction to the social, political, and religious background of early Christianity. Covers everything from the coins in use to the condition of slaves. Written in simple, readable English. One of the best features is that every section has a bibliography with books that cover the subjects in greater depth.

Susan is just fantastic and I support her views

Inanna Returns invites the reader to travel back in time to discover our ancestral beginnings in a story very different than that presented in the history books. Inspired by the works of Zecharia Sitchin, and enhanced by the author's own multidimensional experiences with Inanna herself, this book tells the story of the first humans and the "gods and goddesses" that created them.

The characters come to life as we learn how 500,000 years ago in ancient Sumer our galactic ancestors genetically-engineered the human race for their own uses, then presented themselves as gods. The epic that ensues is rife with sibling rivalry, love, war, and cosmic secrets as the author expertly weaves the tales of Earth's history into an exciting adventure that captures the reader from beginning to end, with the promise of a sequel.

In 1990 while reading Zecharia Sitchin's book The Wars of Gods and Men, I began to have visions of Inanna's life. Her experiences as the great-granddaughter of Anu from the planet Nibiru came to life for me for a 6 month period. This book is metaphysical in nature and has nothing whatsoever to do with the mythological fantasies derived from the somewhat spurious translations of the cuneiform tablets. 'Inanna Returns' is about the colonization of this planet by a group of ETs, her family the Anunnaki.
V.S. Ferguson

Upon finishing 'Inanna Returns', by V.S. Ferguson, I was surprised to find myself here...in the 21st century! Ferguson skillfully and playfully intertwines the dimentions in which her characters exist, and the more I read, the more I felt myself being transformed, permenately. The abstract ideas of multi-dimentional, simultaneous existance have become simple, understandable, and natural. This 'easy read' is fascinating, thought-provoking, and delightful. Ferguson's ability to show the simplicity of such a complex subject is sure to transform your life, in ways you can not yet imagine. Whether your interest is in history of humanity, the power of the woman, the power of the self, multi-dimentional existance, aliens, or your own 'spirit-guide', 'Inanna Returns' is fascinating wealth of information, sure to change your life.

As a professional astrologer and student of metaphysics for over 25 years I felt compelled to share my thoughts about this amazing book. V.S. Ferguson has conqured the ultimate. Her talent for writing has made the impossible possible. Ferguson's story of Innana takes the reader to realms that will stretch the mind and change it forever. Innana chose the perfect messenger in Ferguson to take on such an awesome task. V.S.Ferguson, thank you. I am honored.

Kelly and company hit the market in their new book "Master Team Leadership". Instead of offering the "do's and don'ts" so often prescribed in other management mantra, the authors help their readers examine thier own leadership issues in a series of cleverly crafted dialogues. The dialogues represent authentic interviews in a real life context between a manager and an executive coach. In these dialogues, the managers share issues while a coach listens in a consultory capacity.

These dialogues serve as models for anyone who is leading a team. Ask yourself: "Have you ever known that you are supposed to act as a coach in a particular situation, but not known how to really do that?" If so, the answer to that question and more on coaching is covered in this book.

Along with the dialogues are descriptions and examples of the behaviors that a good coach elicits during those difficult conversations with team members.

Moreover, the model illustrates an empowering leadership posture, a coaching-based approach towards leading a team, and the necessary skills associated with successful team leadership.

In an age where so many books are story based, this text helps readers to gain a concrete understanding of the fundamentals of coaching. The practical paperback would be ideal to accompany any workshops on training managers, supervisors or line employees on coaching behaviors or for any workshops with a coaching component.

QUICK TO THE POINT AND EFFECTIVE!

To illustrate each of the seven coaching skills, there is a sample coaching session which shows how a coach would hone in and discuss each skill area. Very artfully done. The authors are all executive coaches and you can tell they are skilled practioners instead of academics.

This is a very clear, sharp guide that addresses a common on-the-job problem -- although many can follow, few can lead, and even fewer know they can lead when they land the leadership position.

What impressed me most was the excellent packaging of the idea -- using the seven skills (with the acronym), the lists of questions, the step-by-step plans, the boxed tips, and the self assessments to help reinforce learning and retention.

The sample dialogues were particularly helpful. Even when you give people specific instructions, seeing them acted out successfully by others can be exactly what's needed for complete understanding.

Mastering Team Leadership is a very straightforward guide to mastering communications skills in a group environment. Technology has served to accentuate the need for these skills. Mark Kelly provides and framework for pulling the team together and getting everybody pulling in the same direction. This book is a good read for all team members wishing to develop their team skills.

The plot of the book will keep you reading, at first the three stories will make you ask many things about the real plot, but when the three stories merge and start the main story of the book you won't be able to leave the book, nevertheless, at the end of it is like a James Bond movie with a new star Sean Dillon instead of Sean Connery.
The story is good but it has his details that any secret agent would never do, for example to trust blindly Asta and try her to be against her step father.

Read it!

THE BEST AFTER NO WAR STORIES. SEAN DILLON RETURNS IN THIS GREAT ADVENTURE.

After the prologue sets the background of the Chungking Covenant, the story jumps forward 50 years and digresses for the first two chapters in an unrelated case involving Sean Dillon. Chapter three goes back to the Chungking Covenant, and Dillon is brought into the case somewhat belatedly. It is an interesting case, but both the good guys and the bad guys bumble about a bit too much in circumstances where one slip could mean sudden death (dropping their guard, turning their back on a known enemy, etc.). Some scenarios are repeated in other Sean Dillon tales.

Unlike James Bond, Dillon never seems to have much luck with women. The story has considerable violence but very little sex. Overall, the book is worth reading for light fiction, especially if you are a Sean Dillon fan. The action is fast paced, and never gets dull.

An excellent novel by Jack Higgins. This suspenseful novel is for young adults and older. In 1944, Mao Tse-Tung and Lord Mountbatten signed a secret document. If the British would supply the Chinese Communist Army with ammos to fight the Japanese, Mao Tse-Tung would extend the British Rule over Hong Kong by another hundred years if he ever rules China. However, the plane that held the secret documents was lost in a plane crash.

In 1993, the Italian Mafia learned about the secret documents from one of the pilots that survived in the plane crash. Now, the Italian Mafia would find the documents so their billions of dollars of investment will not be gone in Hong Kong. The British Government finds out that the Mafia is up to the documents. Sean Dillon and Brigadier Ferguson are on a mission directly given by the Prime Minister to recover the documents before the Mafia lay its hands on them.

I recommend this book for people who have spare time to read. It's an excellent novel after all. The storyline is interesting. With the beginning focusing on Mao and Lord Mountbatten and then it ends. It then jumps right into 1993. The Mao part is great. I thought that their meeting really happened. The author has a serious tone in that part of the novel. The best part of the novel that I thought was when Sean Dillon was introduced. He seems like a cool and cold-blooded guy. A guy who use to work for any other terrorist or government organization. He bombed places and killed people. However, he never killed children or women. He sounds like a brutal man but actually he's not. The author was smart in creating Sean Dillon because he makes Sean sounds like a bad guy at the start of the novel but when you read further in the story, what you think of him actually changes. Another interesting character is Asta. She appeals to be like a charming girl who only knows about having a peaceful life. But actually, she's a heartless woman who killed her own mother and tricked Sean Dillon. These two characters are interesting because they tend to change throughout the book.
When reading the book, the story becomes more exciting. There are more actions and myths to solve. Once you piece all the myths and problems, it feels like if you are part of the story with them to solve the case.

I think Jack Higgins could do better in stretching the storyline and having a longer climax and resolution because the climax was not that good and the resolution sucked. But, after all, this book is good.

An exciting novel, which one should not miss. Check out this book and read it. Do the documents really exist...

In China, in 1944, in the waning days of WW2, a document was signed by Mao Tse Sung and witnessed by Lord Louis Nountbatten, on behalf of Winston Churchill. This document, the Chungking Covenant, guaranteed continued rights to the British to accupy Hong Kong for yet another 100 years. The plane on which Scottish Officer, Ian Campbell and the Covenant was flying, crashed but Campbell , barely alive, was rescued by his batman and returned to England, never to regain his wits.Fifty years later as the time approaches for the handover of Hong Kong to the Chinese, the now aged batman reveals the presence of the Covenant to be hidden somewhere in the grounds of Campbell's castle in the Highlands of Scotland and both British Intelligence forces and the Mafia, who hold huge interests in Hong Kong, are anxious to acquire the document. The Brits hire Sean Dillon, former IRA operative and general mercenary to many countries (but definitely an almost good guy) to act on their behalf and to vie with a mysterious American millionaire, to get the document. If you like action thrillers with plenty going on, you'll love this as I did...it would make a marvellous movie!

good equipment, meets or exceeds specifications and looking forward to its use and enjoyings its capabilities

He's reading them all and logging into Amazon to check for when the rest of them will be out in paperback. He gets through these books in under a week because he can't put them down. He's also hoping that they will one day be made into movies....

The first three books in the Sisters Grimm series might be a little more exciting, but book 4 is another adventure ride with all the fairy tale characters you can imagine. What a great idea to bring fairy tale characters into the present interacting with these two independent Grimm girls whose personal story is as unusual as it is heartfelt.

This whole series has been wonderful to read. As a grandmother, I have learned to read at least the first book in any "childrens" series to make sure that I will be giving my grandchildren good books to read. This series has me preordering books just to find out what happens next to the delightful sisters and the fairytale beings who inhabit their world - willingly or not! My nieces and granddaughter have enjoyed these books and look forward to receiving the next one, once grandmother is finished!Magic and Other Misdemeanors (The Sisters Grimm, Book 5)

This book 4 of the Sisters Grimm series continues the entertaining adventures of Sabrina and Daphne. There is humor, mystery, and some degree of romance, but on a child's level--nothing to scare kids away from the series. In this book, the reader and Sabrina become better acquainted with Sabrina's mother's "secret" life. Sabrina and Daphne basically must eventually choose whether to stay in the Grimm family business. Another entertaining read!

There are several advantages to this encyclopedic, endlessly fascinating book.

First, it is one of the few to cover all 300+ diurnal Raptor species. Its full-color identification section provides a comprehensive guide to plumage variations in both juveniles and adults, and, where applicable --to males and females.

Second, it has great utility for lay readers as well as scholars. The descriptive text is readable with solid summary paragraphs, and an extensive bibliography.

Third, for readers shy of its 2001 copyright the book is largely up-to-date given the wholesale habitat destruction and climate change we witness today.

It is not a field guide,but for those who prefer one, I love Wheeler's Raptor guides to eastern or western species. It surely provides excellent preparatory reading for a vacation or field trip, enabling even casual readers to identify the most common species by appearance, morph/race, habitat, feeding and a wide range of behaviors.

For university students,interpretive docents and serious Raptor devotees, there is no other reference which provides as much for the price Amazon charges. While I had some minor gripes about production issues, pages are heavy and acid-free, promising a lifetime of use.

There are other comprehensive texts on diurnal Raptors, and some very competitive texts on owls by Lynch and Johnsgard; but for a home or scholarly library, there is no other work that comes close to this one.

La sovracopertina del libro si presenta parzialmente rovinata perché il libro non è stato imballato in modo adeguato. L'orribile ordine di spedizione è stato INCOLLATO sulla sovracopertina e le tracce sono andate via solo con molta fatica (e parzialmente rovinando la sovracopertina).
Per il resto, il volume è in ottime condizioni.

This book contains some beautiful illustrations and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in raptors.

This book is the ultimate book on all birds of prey. There is no other book that can eclipse the effort the two authors put into this book. The Helm field guide series( which this book belongs) is the most through study of any bird gruop. This book has exhausting information from description, feeding habits, to population and movements(migration habits). This book might be exspensive, but it is worth every penny. Raptors are among the most challenging bird groups to study, and this book is need to indentify them accurately. Also, if you like studying Gulls, the book "Gulls of North America, Europe, Asia" is another good book to buy. It's said that gulls are the most challenging bird groups to identify. Buy this book with this one, and you will have a less of a hard time indentifying this two of the most difficult bird groups.

I have about 1000 books on Birds and Natural History and recently added this gem to my collection.Trying to write a review on this volume is akin to trying to do one on the Bible.One could easily write 25 pages and the surface wouldn't even be scratched.
First of all, this is not the type of book one buys for a Field Guide.It covers all the 313 species of raptors scattered all over the world.That's why you'll see reviews from different countries because it is as useful to someone living in Australia as to someone in Iceland.Obviously ,it wouldn't be carried around in the field for the purpose of identifying a raptor soaring overhead.It is really an Encyclopedia for the world's raptors.When looked at that way, it is a superb book.In one book, you can look up any raptor and see excellent illustrations,descriptions,distribution,behaviour,etc.,plus a myriad of references if you want more information.With nearly 1000 pages,one might ask "What more is there to write?"Well,lots ,this book averages out to about 3 pages for each bird.Heck,for some of these birds it woud be easy to find a shelf full of books.
Living here in Toronto,over the past 18 years I have seen 22 of these species locally, and several of them only once or twice.Those being,Black Vulture,Swallow-tailed Kite,Mississippi Kite,Swainson's Hawk,Ferruginious Hawk and Prairie Falcon.On top of that,8 more elsewhere in North America.That leaves only Hook-billed Kite,that I have much hope for seeing in North America,and at that my hopes are very slim.Then again,who knows,maybe the Red -footed Falcon that showed up in the Eastern US might appear again.
However,all these other birds exist and even if I can't travel the world to see them ,it is still nice to have a book to read up on any one of them when one appears in a novel or other literature.
The Golden Eagle on the cover is an excellent choice for us here,as it is the favorite raptor seen regularly at our watches in southern Ontario.To top it off ,on the back cover there is an illustration showing what one can see at a Hawk Watch.It was on April 15,1994 that I saw an, extremely rare for here, Swallow-tailed Kite soar past in a kettle like this.Of course they are much more common in Florida where we were entertained by several last April.
Well,that's my review;Ilove this book and would highly recommend it for anyone who is "into" Birding.It would be an excellent special gift to buy for any friend who is a Birder for a birthday,Xmas,or any occasion,you can't go wrong.
As to the reviewer who lamented that owls were not included;the terms, Birds of Prey,Raptors,Hawks,Predators,etc., do get used loosely;particularly by non-experts.I once heard Roger Tory Peterson reply to the question,"What makes an excellent Birder?"He replied,"A good Birder is someone who likes birds.An excllent Birder is someone who likes birds a whole lot." It was he who did so much to make Birding popular and easy for so many people ,"novices" to "experts".
If you get too uptight over it all,just remember:
IF YOU WANT TO SOAR
WITH THE EAGLES
IN THE MORNING--
YOU CAN'T HOOT
WITH THE OWLS
AT NIGHT!














i

loved the whole serious so far, but hope it will finish with 7th book, numver 6 is not as detailed as the previous ones.

I really enjoyed this book! From the first page to the last I was sitting on the edge of my seat! Sabrina is growing up, painfully but surely. I completely understand what she's going through! And Puck is well, maturing! Daphne is growing up too, I don't know about you but I miss the happy-go-lucky little girl I've come to love. Unfortunately, she has to grow up too... The last page left me hanging, already I'm dying to know what happens next!! A perfect read for anyone who loves mystery and fairy tales!

I enjoyed the previous books in this series more. I think after the first four it may be loosing speed a bit. But it is still a great read. My 10 year old daughter is loving it. It has some twists on good old fairy tale characters we all know and love. We can hardly wait for the next in the series to come out.

For everyone looking for a good book to read...THIS is it! from the first to the 6th so far every word has kept my attention. the adventure, drama, and even comedy are something children and adults can enjoy. I am 15 years old and still read these. I read clips to my mother and she is rolling laughing by the time I finish.

They are simple reads with easy language yet filled with exciting events that will keep you wanting more!!

I hear the 7th book isn't coming out until Fall 2009. A bit a wait yes, but SOO worth it!!

Can't wait!!

P.S. suggested series' "Septimus Heap", "The Spiderwick Chronicles" and "A Series of Unfortunate Event". Check em out!!

Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are coming to new stages in their lives. Sabrina, against her tomboy nature, is becoming more interested in makeup, trying to look prettier. Daphne is imitating her, because Sabrina is her role model, and yet Sabrina is annoyed by her sister's new antics. However, the girls do not have time to ponder their new ways in life: they have a new case to concentrate on.
The family wants a trial to be held for Mr.Canis in order to prove him innocent in the crimes against Little Red Riding Hood and her grandma. That is, if anyone would work with them. Mr.Canis is resistant to their assistance, and Mayor Heart and Nottingham won't let the Sherwood Associates (i.e. Robin Hood and Little John) get a word in for their client. Adding to the Grimm family troubles is finding Goldilocks so she can wake up the girls' parents. With help of a traveling chest, Uncle Jake and the girls travel to help her escape from a Scarlet Hand member, yet are denied her help.
This book is hilarious, as all the others all. I'm probably considered too old to read these books yet I find them all delightful. Everything is funny and witty, with a great spin on traditional fairy tale characters.
One touch to this book that I find particulary endearing is how Puck attached himself to Sabrina. The more we see him, the more I like him, especially because he helps Sabrina and actually has morals now. I cannot wait to see similar action in the upcoming books.
All in all, this book does everything it should. The Mr.Canis story is finally revealed, and with a does of laughter, this fast read will keep you in your seat.

Danny Ferguson has been an accomplished courtroom attorney for many years and has always been well prepared for his cases and represented his clients zealously, so it should come as no surprise that his writing skills reflect his ability to take you step by step through the plot with tension building all the while to the finale. Perry Mason could not have done it any better. Danny paints vivid pictures of the people and locations in your imagination and if you have knowledge of the coast of North Carolina you can easily follow along in your mind with the characters' movements.
Lets hope there are further books forthcoming. Danny's writing skills clearly show his talents go far beyond the courtroom.

Awesome! Danny T. Ferguson's development of characters leads to a breathtaking climax that is a true pageturner. Lawyer Grayson Forrest is appointed to prove Dani's, a young man from the Cayman Islands, innocence. Complicated by the political aspirations of Govenor Alexander Spotswood Brotherton, a new fast tract death penalty, and a kidnapping of an ex-marine's young adopted daughter, Grayson is out to prove that Toby, a descendant of the orignal Blackbeard,is the real killer of a mother and her children. The result is a heartstopping, can't-put-the-book-down climax!

This is a good book. The author writes with a knowledge of the NC coast - its waterways and the people who live there. Toby Greene, a descendent of Blackbeard wants revenge, but crosses a Marine who fights to protect his daughter. A lawyer, a politician, and an innocent victim become embroiled in the conflict. Many people are seen in a new light.

This is a good book. The author writes with a knowledge of the NC coast - its waterways and the people who live there. Toby Greene, a descendent of Blackbeard wants revenge, but crosses a Marine who fights to protect his daughter. A lawyer, a politician, and an innocent victim become embroiled in the conflict. Many people are seen in a new light.

There is nothing better than a tale told well with riveting characters of evocative emotion. It is great to read a story that winds its way around interlacing centuries and accessible geography with unpredictable and yet always satisfying outcomes. Danny Ferguson's characters fade in and out of a world which could only be described by a trial lawyer of Danny's obvious eminence, where "justice" is a verb describing an active pursuit of an outcome always at risk. I liked his story and his people better than Grisham's lawyer books because Danny's are more idealistic and truer to our profession's better instincts. His young lawyer lead is right on the mark and his villan is quintessential. He tells a story more akin to real literature than to contemporary cliche. It is a book that can be read and enjoyed by those of any age and there is nothing offensive about its language or base about its outlook. It is entertainment on every page, and every page is an advancement.