Field Books

I've got it and you don't! Too bad. It's outta print. I called the publisher and they are not reissuing. Go find it used. It is worth every penny ($85 I paid) if you need or desire to ID gulls.

This book is a must have for every birdwatcher! If you have problems with indentifying gulls, this is the book to have! It anwers all my questions I have about gull distribution and indentification. Now I know how to Indentify those Ring-billed Gulls that I see in the parking lot. Also I have a better outlook on where they came from as Well!

The size and massive detail in this new book on identifying the gulls of the Northern Hemisphere is likely to deter most readers from more than a cursory leafing through its lovely paintings and photographs. But if you're curious to learn more about these common but highly varied, many-shades-of-gray birds around us, and you happen to live in a coastal area as I do, with more than a few gulls that are hard to identify during the winter, this might be a book to look into more thoroughly.

A caution though: gulls can be notoriously difficult to identify accurately, since they have so much finely detailed, age-related plumage variation. But an effort to simply knuckle-down and learn more about all this, such as this book amply provides, can pay off greatly in much greater detective-fun trying to figure out all these heretofore anonymously gray gulls sailing and prowling around us here each year. It's already helped me develop better skills in figuring out nearly all the varied groups of gulls around us here more quickly than I would have heretofore thought possible. And to more quickly decide which birds you can or cannot more accurately identify...and why.

The detailed accounts and maps of the distribution and relative abundance of various gull species have also helped me better understand where the gulls that migrate through or winter in our area are likely to have come from. And, finally, as you delve more deeply into what's known about all these gull species, and their European and Asian counterparts, it becomes obvious that the series of beautiful, comparative paintings and color photographs provided in such detail for each species in its various age-plumages, subspecies, and hybrid-forms is worth the price of the book alone.

Well....maybe not easy....but, not through any fault of this book! The book starts with a lesson on the various body parts, as you will need to know many of these in order to ascertain what gull you have sitting in front of you. A comparison of the wings comes next. Then, it goes through each gull species and all of its plumages, including the months you might expect to see them in that plumage. It ends by discussing the various hybrids. If you ever hope to get beyond referring to gulls as "gull sp.," this book will do it. When you hear other birders refer to "the gull bible," this is it!!! However, don't think that this is a field guide you might want to carry in a fanny pack...it's a heavyweight!

growing up with the knowledge that there are just a few "kinds" of gulls and realising after a while that all the gulls you knew are now called somthing compleatly different (the whole herring,yellow legged,caspian,armenian,lesser black backed,sibirian etc. complex). this is the book we were all looking for, easy to use and extremly proffesional.
another good birding book to have around.

I had a first-edition of this book when it first came out, which unfortunately went to Alaska with the people I "loaned" it to. I was so glad to find it on Amazon! This is a classic. Although some of the obedience content is now dated, the author writes with such authority and humor that it's hard to criticize too harshly. She laces the book with personal anecdotes and isn't afraid to point out her own mistakes, all so the novice handler won't be discouraged. She also provides clear instructional photos of handling errors and how to correct them. The book is jam-packed with information, quite a lot of it still very relevant today, besides being a very good read.

I am one of those fortunate people who trained with [and under] Martha back in the 60's and 70's.She was an excellent trainer of all 3 retriever breeds. Best on Chessies and tough dogs..a little too strong on some of the more easy Goldens and Labs..she ran her own poodle in water trials as well. I met her several times in the show ring and on one of the occasions when I managed to beat her..her comment was "good girl, you did that one right!"

The book is really a complete training manual for any breed for as well as the primary areas of Field, Show and Obedience training [and she did all three and did them well] because it also covers many other aspects not covered in other Sporting dog manuals. Picking a puppy, health concerns, problems in all breeds and how to solve them..this has got to rate as one of the all time best dog training books ever written.If you gotta a dog..you need this book, even if your dog just needs some basic training in order to be as good as he/she can be.

As a longtime golden breeder who showed in all three fields I would give it a thumbs up.It's a classic and a keeper!

Sadly, Martha died of cancer in the late 70's or early 80's but those of us who knew her will never forget that tough ol' gal who loved a challenge and willingly shared her knowledge with the newbies and doggie nuts who came after her.

Martha Thorne was an acknowledged expert in all three of the fields about which she wrote. This wonderful book should be on the shelf of every person who loves, breeds, trains and is owned by dogs. It's well worth the price!

Although I have been involved with show dogs, one way or another, for many years, I still found this book incredibly helpful. The authoress has wonderful tips for dog show people from rank beginners to the more advanced. I used her tips to help with both my new Papillon show puppy (she even shows a Papillon in the book!), and my finished Champion Papillon special along with a lovely Terv special I'm exhibiting. I am working in obedience as well as breed and was able to apply her chapters in obedience as well. A friend borrowed the book for tips from her gundog training sections and reports they helped him overcome some problems with his Golden and Springer (both of whom he also shows in breed and obedience so he liked those chapters as well). Although some things have changed over the years (e.g. the working and herding groups have been split; entry fees have increased; more people show on a "contact" versus a very loose lead in breed, etc...), if one goes to the shows and applies the modern style to her described techniques, it is, overall, the most helpful book on showing I've found. I wish she'd write one on agility, herding and tracking (my other "doggy sports"). I'd buy that as well!

This wonderful book is an excellent resource for the beginning dog fancier who wishes to do it all with their dog. Full of humor, great tips, and excellent reading, this book will entertain even the seasoned professional. A must have for a complete library.

This superb little 159-page guide includes 47 pages describing a bit about naturalists, the history of bugs, their different types, how to identify and distinguish them--and even a few pages on endangered bug species.

What follows are 101 gorgeous, illustrated pages describing the appearance, habits and environments of everything from flies and grasshoppers to katydids and aphids. Kids also learn about boll weevels, moths and butterflies, and common pests and parasites like mosquitoes and ticks.

The book also includes a two-page glossary, two page list of additional resources, and a four-page alphebetized index.

A great starter book for insect lovers of all ages, but especially kids.

As a hmoe schooling mom this has been an excellent tool for the kids. They can look up all the bugs they find at anytime the decide to go bug hunting. It is simple and easy to use. a wonderful resource.

This book (actually the whole series) is wonderful! I have a 4 year old who just loves to page through it and examine all the different kinds of insects. We use this one to identify all the different kinds of bugs that we run into on our walks. The photos alone are worth the purchase price, but the descriptions are also wonderful. I think these are the best field guides out there.

This is THE best field guide for kids. It has excellent photographs and covers many different types of insects, including some regional ones. It is not only appropriate for young children who can only enjoy the pictures, it is also a great book for older children, up to about 12 or so. Any child who has an interest on learning about insects, spiders included, will enjoy this book and its wonderful pictures.

I love this book. Filled with VIVID photographs, this guidebook is compact and durable and begins with a short introduction (a few pages) devoted to teaching about anthropods in general. We use this book all of the time, from identifiying bugs on neighborhood walks, excursions to area parks, or just in the backyard (and sometimes in the house). I can also credit this book for curing my son's phobia of insects. When we saw a bug he was scared of, we'd grab this book and identify it. Looking at the bug and identifying its parts and then being able to call it by name did wonders in alleving his fears! I do wish that this book had more information associated with each insect...such as what it eats and what eats it. But, as a beginner guidebook, this one is exceptional!

Does a great job of combining technical how-to with the art of the sport

This is the most comprehensive and complete guide to fly rodding the salt along the cold water coast. It does have a useless equipment chapter as do all books it seems.

Lou Tabory spells out every step and stage of how to fly fish in the salt for striped bass in this book! His writing is easily understandable and intelligent. He explains how to use the water to bring your flies to the fish, how to determine where the fish should be in many different types of water, which flies to choose in certain conditions and why, and he does all this is a manner that even a non-fly fisherman can understand!

He also introduces you to his flies, all are simple, all are well thought out and very effective! I've been fly fishing the suds for 10 years now and have come to reply on more than a few of Mr. Tabory's patterns, they are simply ingenious! Like I said, should be required reading!

Being from Fairfield County, CT, the same as Lou Tabory, it seemed natural for me to buy his book, being that he learned most of his techniques here on Long Island Sound. What a great decision! Lou's book is a true masterpiece! Very thourough instruction, and plenty of tips. Whether you are an experienced flyrodder or a beginner, you'll gain vast amounts of knowledge from this great book! I know that it's helped me catch more stripers!

A masterpiece on fly fishing the coast. Lou Tabory provides anglers of all abilities a valuable resource that will be referred to for years to come. Highly reccomended!

It's a very complete book!! Very easy reading and a great way to check on all the aspects that you need to consider in order to decide whether you want to start your Real Estate career or not!!
I found it very motivating!!

This is a good book i'm in a position to make a career change and was interested in Real Estate Development. This book has been very informative I would recommend it.

Even though I have some experience in real estate..this book has really helped me to redirect my real estate career goals. Also I am convinced that it would help someone with no experience in the real estate field. Thank you for this book !!

I bought this book not knowing exactly what to expect. I ended up reading it in one sitting, and by the end, I felt like I had had personal conversations with members of every field of real estate, who all cared about my career, and wanted to give me good advice.

BS'D

If you are interested in real estate development this is the best starting point for you. Mr. Ross writes concise and retains the ability to keep the reader excited to turn to the next page. The Inside Track to Careers in Real Estate gives a realistic snapshot of the real estate market. Whether you are a student in high school, collage, or looking for a career move, this book will give you the information you will need to start off and excel in real estate development. Enjoy!

Into The Boardroom is a first-class primer for individuals aspiring to board service. With current emphasis for independent directors whose disciplines may be outside of the corporate arena, Into The Boardroom offers valuable guidance. Its practical advice and insights are top flight.

Jack Arthur Kirby, Founder and Owner, Kirby Law Office

This book contains in-depth information about what to expect in the boardroom. Learn from the real life experiences of dozens of board members. A must have book for present & future board members.

Rarely do I spend the time to do a review but, I think that this book more than deserves it. If your curious about getting on a board and dont know where to start then this is the book for you.
BTW-I have no affiliation with the authors or make any money off the book. I just find it a great book.

Whether you are a seasoned Board veteran or looking for your first seat on a Corporate Board, this book is full of insightful information. I found it to be a great executive read - full of practical hands-on information and experiential antidotes from CEO's and Directors from America's most respected corporations. Recently, the dangers of the "good old boy" corporate board have made top headlines and contributed to the downfall of major Fortune 100 corporations. "Into the Boardroom" is packed with inside tips and sound advice that serves as a blueprint to guide the new generation of corporate boards to a higher level of success.

Into the Boardroom is a quick, easy read with lots of practical advice. For example, my charitable contributions were always random and small, but the advice of picking one organization and making a difference is great. I will also study their annual reports to check out the board members before I send the check. I borrowed this book from a friend and found it so empowering that I ordered my own copy...There are so many good ideas in the book I know I'll re-read it many times.

After traveling to most of the ballparks in this country for our own ballpark website my only regret looking back is that this book wasn't available from the start! This is perfect for anyone who wants to see the ballparks of the Major Leagues (and actually it's perfect for anyone who just loves ballparks). The book is chock full of beautiful glossy photographs and details about the ballpark and it's surroundings. It will let you know before purchasing your tickets where the best seats for the money are, so you can get the best bang for your buck. With the price of tickets these days, this information alone is worth it's weight in gold. Interesting facts and a list of likes and dislikes makes great reading for anyone who simply just loves baseball. An absolute must have for the ballpark pro or for someone who just loves the game...

This book is so imformational about all of MLB stadiums(when this book was made) I love this book it is good for any baseball fan or sports fan. It is a good book to read while your bored.

I know very little about baseball parks, but very much enjoy the sport. My job has me traveling all over the country and I needed a source for information on where to go, what to see and what to avoid. Mr. Mock's book gives me all three is a concise and easy to read format. It fits in my briefcase pocket and tells me all I need to know when I need it. Well done and intersting!

As a ballpark nut myself, I can honestly say that this is one of the best introductions to the intricacies, idiosyncracies, and personalities of the 30 big league parks. Mock -- webmaster of the excellent ballpark resource baseballparks.com -- writes with both enthusiasm and a critical eye, explaining the best and worst aspects of these stadiums. While incorporating terrific photographs from his travels, Mock also includes tips on finding the best seats, what to eat, and information on spring training, websites, and ballpark history. For the money, I don't think a fan can find a more useful and valuable source of information and opinion to keep alongside the road atlas when hitting the road for a baseball roadtrip.

After traveling to most of the ballparks in this country for our own ballpark website digitalballparks.com, my only regret looking back is that this book wasn't available from the start! This is perfect for anyone who wants to see the ballparks of the Major Leagues (and actually it's perfect for anyone who just loves ballparks). The book is chock full of beautiful glossy photographs and details about the ballpark and it's surroundings. It will let you know before purchasing your tickets where the best seats for the money are, so you can get the best bang for your buck. With the price of tickets these days, this information alone is worth it's weight in gold. Interesting facts and a list of likes and dislikes makes great reading for anyone who simply just loves baseball. An absolute must have for the ballpark pro or for someone who just loves the game. (and it's cheap too!)

Each chapter is an essay on some aspect of life in the Sand Hills, often connected to the author's trials with his university or other human institutions, often dam builders, stream diverters, highway folks, boaters, hunters. As usual, some chapters are much more interesting than the others. I liked the parts about curlews and malaria the best. He has a strong and distinctive voice that sounds like a lot of zoologists i have met. Botanists just don't have the same attitude, somehow.

John Janovy captures the excitement of biological field research in his "own back yard". This classic, "Keith County Journal", details the work he and his students did on parasitology in his home state of Nebraska; a state that does not immediately conjure up images of great scientific discovery. This is a great pity because many fundamental discoveries can be made without traveling to the Amazon or Antarctica. In fact a researcher can spend some very fruitful time in such places as mud holes and stock tanks, as well as others, such as agricultural fields. Barbara McClintock, for example, won a Nobel Prize by studying corn in her own research plots and Jean Henri Fabre wrote a whole series of very well-known books on the insect life found mostly on his home "harmas" of about one hectare.

While he and his students scrounge through ponds to look for snail and bird parasites, Janovy was also busy making drawings and paintings of birds. Not wonderful paintings, but certainly reasonable ones. In this he joins with a large number of natural scientists/naturalists/artists who have utilized art as a vehicle for observation. Indeed, Janovy makes a very good case for such observation as a basis for field biology.

This is not just a book for biology wonks, but will also give the general reader a taste of what field biology is all about. "Keith County Journal" is in fact a highly readable book and I recommend it and any other work by John Janovy without reservation.

There are books by scientists and nature writers that inspire an attitude of awe and wonder, and they do it with a graceful style of coolly elegant prose. This is not one of those books. Janovy, a University of Nebraska biologist specializing in parasitology, is often awestruck by nature, but his style is wonky and comically ironic, using the kind of classroom lecture technique meant to engage undergraduates by seeming to be anything but reverential about subjects he loves, enjoys, and deeply cares about.

Unscientifically, he personalizes and humanizes the species he discusses (termites, snails, fish, birds) and even the places where he and his students do their field work - the Platte River, the waters of man-made Lake McConaughy, the streams and marshes that feed into it, and the Nebraska Sandhills. And there are references as well to beer drinking, the Doors, and Waylon Jennings. He refers to himself sometimes in the third person and easily reveals his own embarrassments and frustrations as his attempts to unravel nature's mysteries are sometimes less than successful. Waxing philosophical at nearly every turn, he eventually reaches a state of mind he calls the "Ogallala blues."

Meanwhile, like a great teacher who inspires with his enthusiasms, he opens a world unknown to anyone unaware of the subtle and complex relationships between species. And he's able to do this by focusing on just a few life forms, including one-celled animals, in a small area of western Nebraska. Janovy invites you to take the nearest exit ramp within range of open fields and streams - even a patch of weeds - and just feast your senses on the flora and fauna. His book is full of fascinating material for the nonbiologist and a pleasure to read.

This story is very specific in its content, which is great for a biologist like myself, but because it is so specific it may appeal only to a limited audience. I especially enjoyed the field trips described and felt I was there, leaky waders and all, plus battles with barbed wire and seeking permission from land owwners to trespass their property.

The use of common names in addition to scientific names may have contributed to its readability. More illustrations would help too. I recommend this book to anyone interested in biology, particularly those over age 15.

This book is a quiet masterpiece. I am not a biologist, but I did not find the book too specific or too technical. Janovy sees lessons everywhere. He teases them from his subjects, his students, his experiences. When he wades into Whitetail Creek with his twenty biology students, he changes the lives of those that follow him, whether in the water or on the page. He writes of the Rock Wren, "Live in a place where you are not tested, and you are living in a place of inferior quality." True, the book is about parasites, and his treatment of parasites is fascinating. But the parasites are packed in among his observations about human being and place and the workings of the world. His writing style is graceful and enticing. I can't wait to read more.

And nice blending of superb photos of snowflakes, with some of the science of them, in non-overwhelming doses. I even like the feel of the book -- nice quality.

I first saw Libbrecht's work in a recent issue of The American Scientist, and was delighted when my wife gifted me with this charming little book. In language that engages without condescending, Libbrecht explains the formation, symmetry, and growth of these miniature crystalline gems. I had just finished reading the book when we had an early-March snowfall. Armed with my modest digital camera and its macro settings, I was able to not only photograph individual snowflakes, but actually see for myself the changes in snowflake morphology as the termperature and humidity varied during the snowstorm. Later, after proudly sharing my photos with friends, they asked to see the book and were as captivated as I. Even if you don't care to understand the physics of snow, it's likely you'll never look at snow the same way. And it was stimulating to see that "snowflakes" are often capped columns or needles. I can't wait until the next snowfall!

This book has the most incredible, beautiful photos of a very transitory subject. What fun!

Caltech physics professor Kenneth Libbrecht burst into the public's awareness when he wrote the text to the stunning 2003 book "The Snowflake: Winter's Secret Beauty", with photographs by Patricia Rasmussen. Even laypeople now associate his name with pioneering research in the science of snow as well as great snowflake photography. In this "Field Guide to Snowflakes", Libbrecht offers a practical guide to snowflake-watching whose intent is to entice the reader outdoors, magnifier in hand, to observe the exquisite and endlessly fascinating "Lilliputian world of snowflakes". He tells us just how to do that, how to decipher a snow crystal's history, and provides a method of classification that will help snowflake-watchers understand what they see.

In the first part of the guide, "Understanding Snowflakes", we learn how snowflakes are created by selectively augmenting ice crystals as they tumble through the clouds. Libbrecht explains the conditions that produce some of snowflakes' characteristics, such as symmetry, crystal faceting, branching, ridges, rims, ribs, and sublimation. And he introduces us to 35 snowflake classifications that he will explain in detail in Part 2. These are fewer than the traditional snow crystal classification system. Libbrecht has chosen to organize snow crystals according to their growth mechanisms for the purpose of this book. This seems to be a practical approach that allows the lay person insight into both the forms of snowflakes and their causes without burdening us with too many abstruse classifications.

Part 2 is the heart of the "Field Guide". Libbrecht's classifications are addressed in detail, with examples and explanations of what conditions produce them and why. Libbrecht's prose is always clear and fluid. His enthusiasm for the beauty and mysteries of snow crystals is evident on every page, so the text is never dry. Forty-four full-page "Case Studies" are placed throughout the book, each with a large photograph and a lively analysis of that snow crystal, so we can see exactly what we should be looking for. The explanations of classifications are also found in Chapter 7 of "The Snowflake: Winter's Secret Beauty", though here they are presented in a form that more easily lends itself to field use. The case studies are new to this book and are worth the price.

The final section of "Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes" offers advice on how to observe the miniature marvels that looked so fascinating on the preceding pages. Libbrecht presents a choice of magnifiers that will do the job and describes the components of his set-up for photographing snowflakes, including advice on lighting and how to find good specimens. You may want more info if you plan to try your hand at microphotography, but this will give you an idea of what you need and how much it is likely to cost. For more details, see Libbrecht's web site www.snowcrystals(dot)com. The "Field Guide" is a hardcover book 5 ½ x 8 1/4 x ½ inches. It doesn't have a dust jacket; the cover art is printed onto the cover, which is attractive and seems pretty durable. I don't know if you would want to take this book out in a snowstorm, but it is a convenient size for reference.

I got this book for my husband for Christmas and he loves it. Not only does it have the most amazing photographs of actual snowflakes, but it gives more information than you ever thought to ask about snowflakes. My husband enjoys reading all kinds of field guides, whether it's about birds, trees, etc and this was one of his favorites.

If you are looking for something a little less informational, check out Ken Libbrecht's Little Book of Snowflakes. I gave that one out to teachers and friends and was enjoyed by all. It is more of a small coffeetable book with lots of amazing photographs.

This is definitely a beautiful look into children's spirit and the genesis of hope and generosity in our country's future. To see the words of young people who have been through such utter destruction and their bravery, humor and faith is rejuvenating. The pictures are beautiful and touching. Bravo for a job well done.

If we listen to the words written by these children it will not only touch your heart, it will change your world.

What a wonderful way to show compassion and do something 'real' at the same time. Inspiring coffee table book, amazing photography, and a great cause with 100% going back to the real victims, the kids. A touching book that might just inspire you to come up with your own idea to make a difference instead of just talking about it.

A true treasure. Would make a wonderful gift. Really restores your faith in our country. What an amazing project. Beautiful photography.

This book is beautifully put together and the photography is amazing. The drawings and letters by the children (average age is 10 to 11 years old) are touching and from the heart. I LOVE THIS BOOK and am planning to buy more for my son's school.

Best of all, 100% of the proceeds go back to the children and to help further their education. It doesn't get any better than that! We have not forgotten our brothers and sisters who suffered from Hurricane Katrina...