Ferguson Books

This is a book that is hard to pinpoint who it was written for.
On very few pages, it tries to cover a huge variety of topics, from modelling and animation to rendering.
Unfortunately, the results are usually not very successful, since sometimes important areas of research are not even mentioned and others, the solution provided by the author is not a great one at all.
The book can be best seen as a tutorial covering the algorithms used in R. Stuart Fergusson's now freely available OpenFX (with source code).
Albeit the title implies that this is a book aimed at experienced people in computer graphics, don't be deceived. This is a book for newbies. However as such it is hard to recommend it. At best, this book can help students understand the complications involved in going from a theoretical algorithm to an actual implementations of it. And the code provided should be seen by students as an example of how NOT to code for CG graphics: a lot of it in spaghetti C.
The text is clear and the first pages covering most of the basic concepts of 3D graphics is a good introduction. However, even then, some important concepts of CG are hardly ever mentioned, like NURBs curves and surfaces.
Albeit each chapter covers a specific area, the book is disorganized jumping from modeling to rendering and back again for no reason.
Pages are devoted to the most trivial storage of polygons in memory, and the author then provides a very inefficient way to store polygon connectivity for subdivision (never mentioning that edge structures such as half-edge or quad-edges have been known for quiet some time and are way more practical than his ad-hoc methods).
Following are chapters devoted to scanline rendering and raytracing. The information provided is also simple and mostly just a description of the techniques implemented in his 3D package.
Then jumping to animation... keyframing is described briefly and mostly in terms of the very bad TCB spline approach. Hierarchies and bones come next, with a decent introduction to IK systems. Physical simulations are discussed later, but so badly that it is not worth the few pages there are.
The Polygonal modelling chapter is okay, given the basics of several common algorithms that anyone dealing with polys will need all the time.
The coverage of image processing is laughable.
And then comes a chapter devoted to procedural textures. This is probably the best thing in the book, assuming you already read "Texturing and Modelling: A procedural approach". Besides covering the obvious textures based around Perlin noise, the author goes beyond that by giving an introduction to the more powerful crystal-based textures, which afaik have not been well documented in the past and are usually not described in most courses, since they are impossible to do just with Prman's SL. The explanation and theory is not amazing but it does give an introduction that can help understand his code and is indeed more practical than the famous "T&M" book, which these days seems pretty outdated. As is the case in the rest of the text, the author gives you a little peek at his code and structures he has used, which students that have a solid coding experience may find helpful. Unfortunately, these snippets of structs are really pretty bad and I would not want to encourage anyone to follow those constructions, beyond a learning guide.
The final chapters are devoted to Win32 specifics, which are likely already out of date: some DirectX code and a Windows player.
Overall this will be a book useful for only for someone that has just started computer graphics or maybe a shader writer interested in procedurals. The explanations are certainly more accessible than other more popular texts.
At the same time, it would be unfortunate if this book was their only reference.

In Practical Algorithms For 3D Computer Graphics, computer animation expert Stuart Ferguson has compiled a superbly presented compendium of tools for creating a complete suite of programs for 3D computer animation, modeling, and image synthesis. After a comprehensive introduction to basic principles and key concepts regarding 3D computer graphics, Practical Algorithms For 3D Computer Graphics goes on to provide useful, practical algorithms (and code) for plugin and game engine developers. Featured are real-time 3D graphics for Windows including sample programs in OpenGI and Direct 3D, as well as an accompanying CD-ROM with sample programs. Practical Algorithms For 3D Computer Graphics is a superb introduction to, and continuingly useful reference work for, anyone involved with the development of computer games, movie animation, and graphics programming.

used this book for my water resources engineering class in college. Now, its in my reference shelve at work.

This book is a good reference for those who works on erosion and sediment control. Needs more information concerning the type of construction necessary for erosion control, because this book touches this subject faintly. I rate it 4 stars because all other information is covered extensively and clear. My interest in this book was for erosion control, but when I tried to look for the information, I was dissapointed. But comparing this book to other similar references, this is the best you can ever find.

I ordered this book hoping to get insider information on the show and the contestants. I was disappointed when the turned out to be about 90% information about actual spies, their techniques and spycraft in general. The approximately 10% that refers to the show consists mainly of one chapter with a few paragraphs about each contestant and a couple of dozen pictures. The rest is short references to the show to illustrate various spy skills. It's still interesting, but it's not really about the BBC TV series "SPY".

This book ties in strongly with the UK show "Spy" in which eight candidates went through a spy school and learned the fundamentals of espionage. Harry Ferguson, the author, was one of the tutors.

The book relates what occurred on the television show, but gives considerable theoretical background as to the reasons why the tutors staged each exercise and what its goals were as well as the reasons why the candidates succeeded or failed.

It is a very interesting book and can be enjoyed thoroughly both in isolation from, or conjunction with, the show.

Ferguson sets out on a tour to experience life in some of Americas most significant forests and woods. In each he camps out, hikes, takes notes, but most importantly, interviews people who have lived their entire lifetimes in the wilderness; farmers, sportsmen, forest rangers and moonshiners. from Maine to Appalacia to Minnesota's border lakes and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Ferguson is a master storyteller, painting word pictures which allow the reader to "see" life in the woods. His writing is crisp and clear and moves at a brisk pace. As I listened to this book I was reminded of Charles Karault's "On The Road" series, filled with colorful tales, generous sprinkles of humor and a sense of discovery on each page. If you love the outdoors, you will love this book. If you have never been in the woods, this book will make you wonder why.

I didn't think too much of Ferguson's "Walking Down the Wild," partly because I felt like Ferguson was struggling to find something to say about his journey through the Yellowstone wilderness.

But here, he has something to say, he says it, and he says it well.

Ferguson makes an impassioned argument about the wonder that the American forest can provide; usually, he takes a back seat to others and lets us see the forest through their eyes. Ferguson has chosen his subjects well; simple mountaineers to whom the forest is a way of life, moonshiners, American Indians, and trappers are just some of the people who allow us to see the woods as something more than a pretty view from the car.

The writing is strong, and the subject matter is entertaining. You don't have to be a tree hugger to enjoy this book. You just have to be open to developing a respect for the world in which we live.

It is good to read the reviews but they can never give the real essence and meat of the story. I have to be honest and say that I love the Regency as a way to get away from the contemporary stories with their loose morals -- [sorry, bed hopping] but I like the people of those times --
Brothers, Jay and Titus seemed to think Bethany was going to be changed by her marriage to Eric. [which was very skillfuly arranged] The situations that Bethany got into in innocently helping Eric were sometimes funny. The villian and his son were obnoxious but all ended well and certainly well worth reading. There is so much more!

Rather a fun book. A father who turns down marriage proposals without reference to his daughter, an elder brother who knows best and is stubborn, a younger brother who is army mad. French soldiers have been seen on the coast of England. Suggestions of spies. A very much unwanted suitor who has elder brother's backing.

These are stiff odds for any heroine. Throw in a hero with secrets. Definitely a fun Traditional Regency, recommended.

From the back cover of the Zebra paperback..

A Lady's Desire

Miss Bethany Whitcombe was most pleased to see a brightly painted wagon rattling up the country road to Whitcombe Hall. Sifting through a tray of tempting wares would be a pleasant diversion-especially with everyone on the shores of Kent waiting anxiously to see if Napoleon would send his soldiers upon the next wave. But it was no ordinary peddler who met her eye with a cool, blue gaze, then came to her aid when smugglers attacked. And now that her grateful father had welcomed her injured rescuer as an honored guest, Bethany would have a chance to discover why the handsome stranger intrigued her so.

A GENTLEMAN'S SECRET Eric Pennington's mission-to find a smuggler's ring reputed to be in league with Bonaparte-was far from easy. But the wrenched shoulder he'd suffered while playing the hero would make it damned near impossible. He needed an unwitting accomplice, and instinct told him to look no further than Lord Whitcombe's lovely daughter. The enchanting Miss Bethany would make an excellent courier.. .if he could manage to keep her insightful mind and keen wit from discerning his secret. And if he could withstand the ungentlemanly urge to uncover hers!

I must respectfully disagree with the other reviewer. Of the three stories in this Regency anthology only one was worth devoting any time to.

The first story- by JoAnn Ferguson made the mistake of trying to cover to many angles in it's 82 pages-therefore making the entire story bland and hard to follow-not to mention very big implausibilities throughout.

The second story by Valerie King was even worse-I think one of the worst attempts I've seen in any Regency anthology. Historical and societal inaccuracies big enough to drive a truck through!

The final story by Cynthia Pratt was actually pretty good. It's a story of a marriage of convenience turned on it's ear by unexpected romance brought on by a stray kitten. This story was enjoyable enough that it could have been lengthened to novel size and made a great regency. While I enjoyed this story a lot-it was not enough to save this anthology. So my suggestion is: unless you can get this book really cheap or borrow it, then I'd say skip it.

2.5 stars for Pratt's story.

"Belling The Kitten"by JoAnn Ferguson
After dealing with noise and horror in the Peninsula, Lord Jason Farraday comes home anticipating silence. Instead, the young viscount is met by even more noise. Some comes from his mother, who wishes him to settle down, and some comes from his sister, Olivia, who is excited about going to a Valentine's Day ball in hopes of receiving a marriage proposal from Lord Raymond Marlowe. To escape it all Jason rides a day away from home and takes a room at a cozy inn. All is well until his valet opens a wrong door and allows three miscreant kittens into another guest's room.

Miss Amaris Woodward, escorted by her abigail, is en route to the ball when her carriage breaks down. She gets a room at the inn for the night. Amaris has been sent by her ailing father to the ball where Raymond is to announce their engagement. But her carriage is not the only mishap of the night. She returns to her room to find her ball gown in shreds due to the three kittens. Since Jason's valet is responsible for the damage, Jason is moved to make things right by repairing the gown and giving Amaris a ride to her destination ... even though the lovely lady's arrival will break his sister's heart.

***** Who would ever dream that such innocent looking kittens could cause so much trouble? Or so much love? The answer can be found within the pages of this book. Three authors are able to see through the cuddly smiles and angelic "mews" to see the playfulness and intelligence behind them. These stories are the authors' attempts in showing readers a glimpse of what they see.

There are two other novellas in this book by authors Valerie King and Cynthia Pratt. However, my synopsis only covers the one by JoAnn Ferguson. I found this book to be witty, romantic, and full of fun. I am proud to recommend it to all Regency fans. EXCELLENT! *****


Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I read this book in grade school and decided to pick it up again from Amazon. It's a fun read, but doesn't develop any of the characters much beyond 2 dimensions (unless you count their alternate universe doppelgangers).

The story itself is about an Upstate New York town in the decades following a nuclear war - a war that broke out in the 60's. The townspeople begin having dreams in which they appear to be living in a future world (one with computers, fast food and everything else we're familiar with here in reality) that is on the brink of their own nuclear war. Slowly, one reality begins to merge into the other...

Fun concept, but it doesn't really get moving until you're in the last 20 pages of the book. The rest of the book tries to draw out the characters, of which there are too many to do any one character well. The result is a lot of useless information - not to mention several HUGE dead-ends. The author builds up about 3 very interesting story lines, follows them for a few chapters, and then never mentions them again.

I might recommend this book to an adolescent boy growing up in the Cold War. But I don't think there's much to be gained from this book unless you're just trying to compare apocalyptic books. In that case, the alternate-reality storyline is mildly fascinating.

I really enjoyed reading this story of the adventures of the inhabitants of a small mountain town in New York State after World War III was fought in 1962. One of the best Alternate Universe/History stories around.

It's a great book, it's not for medical students. For General Physician and the advanced practicioner

If you are looking for a readable and easy to understand overview of Enlightenment thought in the US, this is a good place to start. Although you may quibble with some of the analysis, Ferguson does a good job presenting the different threads of Enlightenment thought in America, with special emphasis on how it impacted the thoughts and writings of the Founding Fathers.

This beautifully arranged book combines traditional German- American recipes with rich photographs illustrating the Amish lifestyle. It makes an interesting coffee table book, although you will definitely want to use it in the kitchen too. The uncomplicated recipes range from soups, like Rich Brown Soup, through hearty pot roasts and other main dishes, to cakes and desserts: Shoo-Fly Pie, Apple Strudel, and Sweet Yeast Biscuits... Don't expect to find "all natural" health cooking. The recipes call for ordinary ingredients and include sugar, butter, meat and the like.