Field Books

This book, in one form or another, has been with me since the 1950s. It has helped me through classes on literature from Junior High through Graduate School. The information gleemed from this epistle has encouraged me to read an entire book that I might have skimmed over. The accurate summation of literary movements and historical background is invaluable to any person who loves literature. This reference book is definitely not limited to students unless you consider yourself a student for life. I am such.

I have attempted to embark on a reading program of the great literature starting back with Homer.

The Oxford Classics has over 700 books and one wonders where to start. All the literature seems to be interconnected from Balzac to Grisham. As soon as one reads Chekhov, for example, one wants to read another earlier book by Gogol, etc. There are about 5000 well know novels by great writers, such as 20 books by Hemingway alone. In the past few months I bought about 60 novels, mostly paperback from Penguin and Oxford by a variety of authors from Henry James to Jane Austen. At some point, I realized that I was buying at random and I needed to buy one or more guides.

I ended up buying "Bloomsbury Good reading Guide" by Rennison et al plus the present book. The Bloomsbury Guide has some nice features and it has a one and two star system to differentiate the masters from the highly recommend and the normal run of the mill "great books," but overall it is short and misses a few authors. It has a date cut-off point around 1800 - it is more about modern novels.

The present book is 800 pages long, twice as big as "Bloomsbury" and it describes books, authors, and literary terms in alphabetical order back to Greek times - in an encyclopaedia or dictionary style. It does not rate the books or describe plot details for most books, but it does discuss the theme, impact, importance, etc along with the characters. In some cases it does give parts of the plot away. Usually it includes a short biography of the author, and most books are described with the author's biography, but not all.

It presents all the great authors and some (great) novels back to Greek mythology. It includes Shakespeare, along with a broad range of works. The book is described as a reading "companion." Some authors are covered in part of a page, while a few get three or four pages. The discussion presents a short biography of the author, list of works, context of the writing, etc. This is usually cross referenced to the author's works, but only the masterpieces of literature all listed with separate sections. For example, Hemingway's books are not discussed as individual books each with their own sections, but are discussed as a group under Hemingway, i.e.: one must go to "Hemingway" under "H." However, a few other books such as Ulysses - considered to be a masterpiece - have separate sections or descriptions. For example, Ulysses is described under "U" plus there is a separate section on Joyce, found under "J."

This is an excellent reading guide or companion. It is a bargain and full of many reading ideas and explanations, and it is a great investment.

This is a good book. I'm a teacher, and this book comes in handy all the time. It is an excellent resource for a teacher who needs to get thorough literary information FAST!! It's a lifesaver when making lesson plans or teaching lessons.

In an era of the Internet and instant global communication, I believe that the need for an accessible 'hard copy' in book form, with an extended shelf life, is greater than ever.

Books, especially this reader's companion, gives the reader opportunities to pursue the multiplicity of connections between entries - to stop, note, review, compare and question. The Reader's Companion to World Literature will fulfil an important function, not least in its use in checking detail (Authors, titles, literary movements, historical movements, technical terms and phrases) and then by the discursive nature of this book, encourage an enlarged understanding of literary concepts and new perspectives.

My criticisms are minor, in the sense that there are no entries on Maugham, Capote or Carver, for example.

That said, I do think this is an excellent companion to browse in when needed, or for a journey of discovery. It stands alone, in range and depth.

A Highly recommended purchase.

I have used this book for many years. It is an encyclopediac guide to the major works, and concepts, literary terms of world- literature. What I have usually found is that even if I had studied the subject before, reading the entry gave me new information. As a one- volume portable guide to world- literature I cannot recall encountering anything as good as this.

This is not only the authoritative account of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone, but also a profound insight into the process of getting things done in American conservation. The return of the Yellowstone wolf was the greatest triumph of species restoration in American history, and there are many lessons to be learned from this book. It's also a thrilling murder mystery, as federal agents track down the killer of the magnificent Wolf Number Ten. Written for adults, but great for kids as well.

Residents this reason have heard lots about wolves, but Thomas McNamee brings a fresh perspective to the story. He was a part-time rancher himself while writing this captivating book, but was also drawn to the wolves more deeply than he had first realized.

McNamee himself is a character in this book, giving it an inviting and personal air, but does not force his views on the reader. He shows the reader a federal wildlife agent tracking a wolf-killer outside of Red Lodge and even opens the window on curious rivalries and tensions between agencies involved in various chapters of the wolf story. Parts of the book are almost dramatic in their intensity, while others slow the pace as the wolves romp and play.

I loved this book! The only complaint I have against the book I bought was the lack of pictures. I had checked this book out from the library and it was full of pictures of the wolf.

If you have any interest in the return of the wolf to Yellowstone, this book will definitely be an asset to your library.

I would rate this book a '5', if it was the illustrated issue.

Thomas McNamee is a passionate writer as well as a consummate naturalist, and what he has done in this book is a remarkable feat; to tell the story of the Yellowstone wolves from the perspective of a denizen of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem/one who owns a ranch within the wolves' new domaine/and an enrivro who questions his own, in addition to other's, emotional involvement with the issues raised by the their re-introduction. To do this all in a book as readable as this one is is a great feat. If you love the West, love Nature, or just want a surprisingly suspenseful story of the animals survival, the political and social implications of the wolf and, by extension, the ideals of the Endangered Species Act, you must read this book -- You won't be disappointed. It's a personal journey with implications for all of us who care about the imperiled natural world.

I have been studying the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone for some time, yet this book not only gave me tons of new information it also made the information palatable by bringing with it humor and wit. Mr McNamee has an insiders view, being both a rancher and a wolf lover. Few people could see through both seta of eyes as clearly as he does, yet he makes it seem so easy. If you are to pick one book about the wolves of Yellowstone to teach you as much as possible I recommend this book to you. I do feel like he rushes details at the end of the book, but since the saga is not over, the book was hard to finish I suppose. Other than that small detail this is a great book with lots of facts and easy, witty, reading. Enjoy

I purchased this as a gift for my brother. The book has plenty of pictures and information, and I thought it was easy to follow and understand. My brother agrees, and said it is exactly what he wanted in a field guide.

I live in Michigan and already own the Birds of Michigan Guide by Stan Tekeila. So, when I saw the Trees Guide of Michigan by the same author, I decided to give it a try.

We moved to an area in Michigan with some nice old trees in our yard that I had no idea what they were. After I received the book, a few days ago, I went outside to check out some trees. I found out what they were immediately. I had a Bur Oak and another was Witch Hazel. I took a leaf from each and put it right in the book so I wouldn't forget.

The Trees of Michigan Field Guide is really handy to use. There is a photo on one page with additional little photos of the bark, cone and so on. Then the other page gives hints about the particular tree so that you can identify it. One interesting fact is how long each tree might live. The Bur Oak should live between 150 and 250 years! I am pretty sure it was here when the Indians lived in this area. It is pretty huge.

This is a fine little book and I would highly recommend it.

Stan Tekiela provides compact, informative books in his Field Guide series. I have purchased 5 of them (Wildflowers, Trees, Birds, Frogs/Amphibians and Mammals of Michigan) and use them weekly. I just wish he would produce more. They are easy to carry in pockets, backpacks, etc. and contain most of the species. Great work!

I am an herbalist and needed a good reference guide to make sure that I was finding the correct species of trees for my studies. This book is easy to use, concise, and well photographed. I like how it includes photos of the leaves, bark, fruit, and flowers of the trees. I also like the discussions of where they grow as well as what kind of terrain they prefer.

This is a user friendly guide for amateurs. Its pocket-sized format makes it easy to take along. The pictures and discriptions are well done and make identification easy. I recommend it for youth and adults.

I just read Veil of Illusion, and it is a wonderful book. It is well-written and the story-line grabs you right from the beginning. If you enjoy reading about the mind/body connection, you will definitely enjoy this book. The characters are likeable, and you find that you really want the best for them. This is a truly great read!

If you are looking for an extremely enjoyable read, with true characters, romance and a touch of the metaphysical--you will love Veil of Illusion. The people in this book are so real you want to go out for coffee with them. The twist of plot is enticing and surprising. You won't put this down until you read the last page.

P. Sheehy's "Veil of Illusion" is as fun to read as it is thought provoking. The reader easily visualizes the settings and characters in this well written first novel. Sheehy's words eloquently describe the turmoil of a young widow in her quest to make sense of not only this life, but past lives as well. I look forward to adding Sheehy's name to my list of frequently read authors!

This is not a book you will read and then forget quickly. It should be savored, reflected upon and perhaps (if you're lucky) it will lead you to new paths in a search for spirituality. It is not a religious tirade, but a gentle suggestion of worlds not yet explored by everyone. But fascinating nevertheless.And comforting.
I am looking forward to the next novel by this new author. She has a gift !!

This was a great book that once you start, you cannot put it down! The great story about a love lost, and past lives. It really makes you think about life in a different way, and makes you wonder. I can't wait for more books by Patricia Sheehy!

We bought this for our daughter who lives in Seattle. She walks often out in the wild, camera in hand, and many things in the west are different from here in Michigan. When she got this last Friday, she was thrilled. Photos are lovely and information is very helpful.

Bought this for my Daughter's birthday. Wish I had one for myself. Very useful book if a person like gardening and lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Mark Turner's books has become my bible for wildflower hunting in the Pacific Northwest. Not only is it jam-packed with most species, his photos are great and he offers great details for each plant. I have just about every wildflower book published for flowers throughout this region and Turner's is by far the best and first one I grab when heading out the door in search of flowers.

Most horticultural books on anything "Pacific Northwest" tend to overlook the arrid eastern half of Washington state, which is a vastly different climate than the wet western side of the state. This book doesn't. As a previous reviewer noted, the maps are a GREAT and help tremendously in narrowing down the possible options when trying to ID a 5 petal yellow flower with heart-shaped leaves. That said, I did sometimes have problems with the pictures. Most are so closeup that there is no mistaking the correct identification; others aren't, making comparisons difficult. Oh, and the common name index--a huge omission. But for the most part, this is an excellent resource.

I am very pleased with how thorough and complete this book is. It is very comprehensive and user-friendly. You do not have to be fluent in botanical terms to identify an unknown flower.
I also agree with the other reviewers that there should also be an index (or at least a cross-reference) of common names. Having to deal with only latin names does create an obstacle.
That being said, this is THE best field guide I've experienced with Pacific NW Wildflowers.

This book is exceptional for the beginning backyard astronomer. I found 25 objects in one weekend alone using this book. I'm up to 95 objects total with no doubt in my mind that the book will allow me to find the remaining 15 objects. In dark skies, the Telrad finder charts work extremely well. Over a dozen times I have literally been able to line up the Telrad finder per the book's illustrations and look into the eyepiece and see the desired target. In light polluted areas, where I do most of my observing and where the Telrad is not quite as useful, the star charts in the book provide just the right detail to find the target by either star hopping with a conventional finder or moving along lines of constant declination or ascension relative to a known star. Well worth the low $20 price tag.

Using this book for over two years, I've found all the Messiers and learnt a whole lot from this book. The book starts off with briefly introducing the pre-requisites to stargazing, and the geometric estimation method for locating the deep-sky using a Telrad. The book also tells the story of Charles Messier, and the origins of the Messier Marathon. He then takes the reader on a tour of all the Messier objects. Since this book has its focus on the Messier Marathon, the sequence of the objects is based on his observing sequence during the Marathon. However, as Harvard points out, this book does not necessarily have to be used during a Marathon and can be used any time to locate any of the Messier objects. The finder charts proved to be extremely useful, and I found this book becoming the book I refer to the most. The advantage is, I don't have to flip through other star maps looking for the Messier objects I'd like to observe. Its all included in this book. Therefore, I used this book more than my star atlas while observing the Messier objects. There is a little bit of inaccuracy with some of the charts. For example, in the chart for finding M75, I found I had to extend a little further than the distance from the mouth of the teapot to the lower corner of its handle away from tau Sag. to get to M75. Perhaps it was my problem of not using a powered finder (only the Telrad), but I had to try 5 times before I was compelled to move my scope little further east and north when the dim glow of M75 slid into view. This situation is actually clearly demonstrated in any star atlas, M75 is definitely a little further than the estimate.(I did very careful measurements on a printout of a few star chart program and Harvard's estimation method got to 0.6 to 1 degree from M75 depending on the angle deviation from the gamma Sag. - tau Sag. line, so I'm guessing some people may have troubles) Nevertheless, this is a VERY minor complaint for Harvard's method is based on estimation. Getting as near to the object as possible with the simplest method is what matters. My suggestion to any similar situation is to use a star atlas beside this book too to help with objects that don't seem to show up on first or second attempt. Furthermore, if the object is not in view, do scan around a little (which Harvard did mention). In a real Messier Marathon, don't panic (as I did =) and keep in mind that the less detailed charts are mainly for estimation. Overall, an exceptional book, beautifully written and educating. A book that deserves to be on the bookshelves of all amateur astronomers!

this book is written with one purpose in mind-to get the reader(observer)through the Messier objects utilizing various, and well explained, star hopping techniques combined with in-scale drawings of the objects within their given constellations. It also has some very useful techniques for ligning up a telrad type instrument, calibrating the finder and eyepiece, as well as providing an observer's log for the objects and the Messier catalog. Great book and more than worth the money. Being an "advanced beginner" I have found its techniques easy to follow leading to some incredibly successful observations of these beautiful objects. I only wish it included the Caldwell Catalog, but that may have diluted its very narrow and detailed focus on the Messier objects. Highly recommended!

After trying run my first Messier marathon with charts that I had prepared myself, I wish I had had this book with me that night. I would have seen alot more. Using this book, I have able to locate many objects that I had not been able to find before with certainty.

This book is excellent resource that I now take along with my telescope to every star party. The charts and object sketches are well oriented to the practicing amateur astronomer. Also covered are telescope calibration, observing techniques, and site selection. The only drawback to this book that I have found so far has been that it is not printed on waterproof paper. So, I had to order another copy to cut up and laminate.

This is an extremely helpful book. I rate it among the very best for helping in your Messier Object search: At the April 2000 Messier marathon, I found 75 objects, and was on schedule to find 105, but I grew too tired to continue. On a recent star party in September, 2000, I found 45 objects before midnight, thanks largely to this book. Buy it while you still can!

I usually like the running books with a 12 or 16 week schedule pre written for you so was wondering if Salazar's book would be well suited for me, in that I would have to write my running schedule myself. After reading his book, I found his advice easy to follow and the rule's of thumb's that he recommends are very helpful when you feel like deviating from your schedule since you now know the range to work within. Rick

I'm a novice runner wanting to take it to the next level and needed some advise and inspiration. I found that I was doing several things wrong and I have made major improvements in my running since buying the book. I now have a plan of action for continued improvement, and this book can take me there and beyond.

This book is quick and simple to read and covers all the basics, plus more. It's been extremely helpful.

This is my favorite running book by far. Alberto Salazar is obviously trying to convey the best information he can to the reader and he does a great job. The book is weak in the area of training schedules but strong on virtually everything else. Most of the book has been useful to me on a daily basis. The only real complaint I have is that the author, like many of the older elite runners , does not personally do as much stretching as he recommends for the reader, does not use a heart rate monitor, etc. But he, as a coach, recommends it to other runners while not having a whole lot of personal experience and it shows. I use both so sometimes I read between the lines. He also does not understand cycling and its effect on the runner. A not uncommon malady among runners.

An excellent and complete review of this book was written by the Zimmermans. I would, however, like to add that from the perspective of a better than middle of the pack masters runner, that this book contains everything you need to be a successful road runner. Most of the information is not new but it is an excellent SINGLE SOURCE for anyone who wants to find a way to improve his or her running. Although co-written by an elite runner, I was pleased to read about training in a manner to which I could relate. The pace charts, age graded and other tables are excellent. Thanks to both Alberto and Richard for writing a running book that made me feel they were talking directly to me. BRAVO!

Since Alberto Salazar was a former world-class runner
himself, before retiring from competitive running, this
book is definitely worth checking out. It also helped that
elite runners like Bill Rodgers and Mary Decker Slaney also
had positive comments regarding this book.
This book is useful because it takes you from preparing
race, the race itself, and the post-race routines. It also
discusses injuries, and how to deal with them, and other
associated topics, like the psychological aspect of running,
and basics like weight training, crosstraining and nutrition.
If you're a beginner or even a veteran runner, you will
find useful advice, because there was a few things I picked
up in this book that I don't recall seeing in other running
books, and viceversa. If I had a complaint, is that it only
had a sample training schedule for someone training for their
first marathon, not including his own elite schedule when he
was running 120 miles or more weekly. This schedule was not
of any use to me, because my weekly training mileage already
exceeds the highest weekly mileage suggested in the book.
However, despite this, it is well worth the investment,
if you plan to enter a road race at some point in the future.
The topics are logically organized in a chronological fashion
that makes the book easy and simple to read. FYI, if you want
a sneak peek, here's a look at the Table of Contents, and you
can decide if this book is for you or you can take a pass and
look for another book that will fit your goals more suitably.

CONTENTS
Acknowledgements ix
Introduction From the 100 Yard Dash to 1
the Ultramarathon

Part 1. Preparing To Race

1. On The Road To Racing 9
Why Race*Coaching What Nature Gave You*
Before You Start*Stages of Life*Medical Issues

2. Basic Principles of Running Faster 23
Muscle, Power, Fuel and Oxygen*Base Training*Speed
Training*Lab Tests and Training Theory*Callusing
The Mind*Rest*Building a Workout Schedule

3. Base Training
Hard-Easy Pattern*LSD Pacing*Warm-Up and Cooldown* 38
Hydration*Maintaining Consitency*Overtraining

4. Running Form
Upper-Body Form*Leg Motion*One Ideal Form 50

5. Speed Training 61
Eyeing The Prize*The Variety of Speed Workouts*
Picking Your Benchmark Pace*How To Run A Speed
Workout*Customizing Your Speed Workout*Training for
the Distances*Other Workouts*Putting It All Together

Part 2. Oiling The Machine

6. Stretching 85
Stretching Basics*Ten-Minute Stretching

7. Weight Training and Cross-Training 95
Lower-Body Exercises (Core Program)*Upper-Body
Exercises (Core-Program)*Pylometrics*Cross-
Training

8. Nutrition and Weight Control 112
Nutrition Basics*Fueling The Serious Athlete*
The Right Weight For You*Body Composition:
Measuring The Fat

9. Aches and Pains 126
Basics of Field Repairs*Common Hurts*Excess
Pronation and its Control*Coming Back After an
Injury Layoff*DMSO*Lesser Ailments*Other Maladies

10. The Runner's Mind 157
Paying The Price*Building The Confidence*Letting Go*
Relaxation*The Mental Race: Fighting Fatigue*Long-
Term Motivation

Part 3. The Race

11. Getting Ready 171
Choosing Your Race*Planning Your Race*Tapering*
Registration and Packet Pickup*The Night Before The
Race

12. Race Day 179
Rise and Shine*Warming Up*The Start

13. After The Gun 190
Split Times*Race Strategy 101*The Dictates of Nature*
Fine-Tuning Your Pace*Hydration*Gels

14. The Finish and Beyond 207
The Final Mile*At The Finish Line*Recovery*Setting
Your Next Goal

Part 4. The Marathon--And More

15. The Marathon 219
Marathon Training*The Big Day*The Recovery

16. Masters Running 240
Masters Physiology: Bad News/Good News*Masters
Training*Age-Graded Performance Standards

17. Advanced Challenges 255
Race Strategy 102: Racing People Rather Than The
Clock*Cross-Country and Trail Running*Relay Races*
Alternative-Format Races*Mega-Races*Triathlons*
Ultramarathons

Appendix: Pace Chart of Common 273
Workout and Racing Distances

Index 279

All in all, this book is fairly easy and fast to read. You
could probably finish the book in 4-5 hours, since there

are diagrams, charts, and other detailed information. It's
nearly 300 pages, but a person could probably polish it
off in a weekend or less if they devote a couple of hours
or so each day.

"The Allure of Turquoise" is made up of a collection of articles on turquoise, its history and the Native American mythology surrounding this stone. I was particularly fascinated by one article about ants and their relationship with turquoise. Nevertheless, although this is an informative and interesting book, if you are looking for a guide to collecting turquoise or turquoise jewellery, I'd begin withTurquoise Unearthed: An Illustrated Guide (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones), which focusses more on purchasing turquoise and the different types of turquoise. "The Allure of Turquoise" is a relatively short book (only 107 pages in length), but contains color pictures throughout. Be aware, however, that this book does not contain an index, a major drawback, as far as I am concerned.

This is a wonderful in-depth examination of turquoise and its makers. It is somewhat scientific in the portion about the formation of the stone. There are terrific photographs and lots of information about the handling of turqoise and the art that turns it into expensive jewelry! Recommended for the turqoise lover.

I found this book very thorough as far as the knowledge of the types of turquoise. But, I also found a lot of good info about traditional jewelry selling, info about fakes and treatments and historical knowledge. Gorgeous pictures.

This was a birthday gift for my husband. He loved it. He said it was the perfect present since he loves turquoise and making turquoise jewelry. It even arrived on time, gift wrapped. If you love turquoise, the color pictures are worth it. The content is very good too, my husbands states.

This is the same review I gave to "Turquoise Unearthed"...and for all intents and purposes, they could be classified as companion volumes...both doing an exceptional job in words and images!

"I have been a gem and mineral dealer for over ten years...and a rockhound for a lot longer than that...but this book taught me more in a single sitting than all my years in the buisiness and in the hobby.

I have dug, traded, bought and sold a whole bunch of "Turq"...natural, treated and "color-shot"...and this book instantly became one of my favorite references for the rest of my life.

If you are planning on investing in real American or Persian turquoise jewelry or stones...and it is an investment...then this book is a "Must Have!"

No sooner did I put this book down than I called up one of my suppliers and bought all of the Blue Gem and Turquoise Mountain stones they had left in stock...I am sure they are wondering what precipitated that call!"

My many thanks to Mr. Vigil for his labor of love, a compilation of articles from New Mexico Magazine...on everything from the Lowry "Turq" Museum...to the history and significance of the Cerrillos Mines...to the myth of "Old Pawn" jewelry...and much, much more!

This is the perfect book for whoever wants to learn about what falconry was like a long time ago. However, I would not reccommend it to anyone who wants to learn about present day falconry. After you get your license, I would reccommend it. The reason I say this is because it can confuse the apprentice. It confused me. It does teach a lot though, and can give insight to diff. ways of training hawks. Belongs in every falconers library!

Frederick II was one of the very few brilliant minds of the Middle Ages who opossed the Pope and the teachings of the Church, even, it is said, declaring Jesus, Moses and Muhammad [...]. Patron of arts and Science, warrior and writer, it is also said that he spoke nine toungues (in an era when most members of the highest nobility were unable even to read). He was known as Stupor Mundi (Astonishment of the World), a Pope declared him the Antichrist, was twice excommunicated, and Dante sent him to the fires of Hell in the Divine Comedy. This book, about one of his passions, hunting, should therefore be in the shelves of every learned reader of the world. It is a fantastic source of information for falconers, historians (both of the Middle Ages and of Science) and for everyone interested in the history or the life of this great King, who, when crowned, wore a robe with this inscription wrote in Arabic: "May the Emperor be received well, may he enjoy vast prosperity, great generosity and high splendor, fame and magnificent endowments, and the fulfillment of his wishes and hopes. May his days and nights go in pleasure without end or change". So be it.

Beisdes being an incredible tract on falconry (modern ornithology has yet to surpass it, really. Doubly impressive, considering Frederick was writing some three centuries before the scientific revolution). This book is a cross-section of one of the most profound minds in all of Western history. Frederick the Second was the most magnificient of all the latter day emperors. From nothing he raised the throne of the Roman Empire to transcendant limits, defied both God and the Church, and brought in the fabled "third age" for the superstitious people of medieval Europe, who believed that he was either the bringer of Peace before the apocalypse or the Anti-Christ himself. His memorable utterance "...I am tired of being the anvil. Now I shall be the hammer!" was the inspiration behind Nietszche's work 600 years later. The Empire died with the next brilliant generation of the Hohenstaufen.

In light of all this, his book of falconry is indespensible. It shows us Frederick the Renaissance man, engaging in Scientific method in an era of revealed truths, and it shows us Frederick the hunter: shrewd, catching every detail, and always for the love of the chase. This book will amaze you to no ends!

As a practical guide to modern falconry, I don't believe this book would be as helpful as some on the market, but as a primary source from the middle ages it is first rate. The intricacies and details of the hunt, the housing, the care given to the birds, hounds, etc. . . . for this, the book is priceless. If you are looking for summaries of the hunting practices in the middle ages, Marcelle Thiebeaux and Anne Rooney are among the best authors to seek. If you want the actual details of the way it was by someone living at the time it was practiced, there is no better source than Frederick II's book (and few even close).

An absolute must for anyone interested in the lore and history of falconry. Also a good primary source for historical research involving the middle ages. Here is truly an opportunity for an apprentice falconer to learn the basics, terminology, and philosophy of the sport. Frederick II practiced the art of falconry out of a profound love for the sport and for his birds. The modern falconer who reads this volume is inspired to do the same. I highly recommend that anyone who is at all interested in birds of prey obtain this book. It will quickly become one of your most treasured possessions.

I love this cookbook! I've tried about half a dozen of the recipes, and loved each one. My favorites are "Cinnamon Oatmeal Chocolate Chip" and "Molasses Spice Chocolate Chip."

The recipes in this book are amazing, and the introduction is very helpful and informative. She tells you flat out to use good quality ingredients, and not to use no/low-fat ingredients - these are meant to be savored and enjoyed. While I like to cook healthy, if you're going to eat a cookie, you might as well make it worth the splurge - just be sure not to eat too many (if you can!). She gives tips with each recipe, that are truly helpful, and even gives suggestions how to give a little variation to the recipe. I am determined to try most of these recipes, but have tried only about 7 so far. Out of those, only 1 didn't work out for me (the malted milk ball cookies), but I overcooked them so it was my fault. The buttermilk choc. chip brownies have become the requested dessert for my father and sister's birthdays (though I have to leave out the pecans since they're both allergic). The butterfinger brownies, caramel surprise cups (amazing out of the oven or warmed in the microwave), and pb cup cookies never last if my brothers find them, and my mom and I also love the chocolate chocolate chip shortbread cookies. The Holy Smokes Cranberry cookies are also amazing! ( I was also surprised to find out in her notes that they are served at a restaurant less than an hour from my parents house). To sum it all up, if you love cookies and chocolate, this book will not disappoint. These recipes run the gamut from the classic toll house cookies to white chocolate chip lemon pucker cookies all the way to cognac apricot rugelach w/mini chips - you're bound to find something different and special for everyone you know.

_A_Baker's_Field_Guide_to_Chocolate_Chip_Cookies by Dede Wilson is exactly what it says it is -- a guide to baking all different types of chocolate chip cookies.

The format is very nice. The book has a binding that lays open flat and recipes are accompanied by information on how well the cookies store and ship and whether the dough freezes well, if the cookies keep well, if the recipe is fun to make with kids, quick to make, and sturdy enough to mail.

The recipes are very good, if sometimes a bit sweeter than I prefer. There are lots of different types of ingredients, different types of chocolate, and different cookie shapes and variations in crispiness and chewiness.

I was looking for a book to give me ideas for chocolate chip cookies, and this book has been perfect for that. Definitely five stars.

I cant wait to try these recipes. They are all so different when you read the descriptions of the ingredients. She has the book very organized and tells you what cookies can be mailed as gifts and how long they will last. There are also some great recipes for dark chocolate 70% cocoa cookies, which I love. Have fun eating!!!

I was pleased with clear recipes, and that they were laid out so you could lay the book flat and see all the ingredients and directions at once. And the results were delish, too!!!