Howard Books

Howard Chapelle probably is personally responsible for documenting over a dozen types of uniquely American sailing vessel types and numerous small craft that would have otherwise been lost to the ravages of time and so called, "progress".

Who better to research and write a history of the American Navy during the glory days of sail, 1775-1854. His direct access to Navy documentation, redrawing of original sketches (drawn plans were not the norm in this era), and interpretation of sail plans and rigging, add up to a well written, fascinating account of the early shipbuilder's, Naval Constructors, and misguided politics and shenanigans of our fledgling Navy department.

One can almost come to grips with how the current Department of Defense collectively thinks, and why nothing is ever as simple as it seems it should be.

No matter if you are a student of naval architecture, or just love sailing ships, the wonderful illustrations and informative text are a delight to read and the tables of information invaluable to the scale modeler.

A definate must for every sailor's (or Horatio Hornblower wannabe's) reference shelf.

I've always been a American Sailing Navy buff. Though I don't often get into the nitty gritty of the construction of ships or the actual nature of contruction of the ship itself, I have found that Chappelle's "History" is a fantastic resource as one researches and reads about the American sailing navy. I actually have a near-mint first edition copy of it which I value highly.

Chappelle was while he was alive, the foremost expert in the design and evolution of the American sailing Navy. His knowledge and talent was put to good use in writing a book that is still commonly refered to by naval historians over 50 years since it was written.

I do not believe that many books of a similar nature have been written since, possibly because Chappelle was so thorough in his coverage of the subject when he wrote this book.

The book itself chronicals the evolution of the American sailing Navy, from colonial days, before there even was a navy, to the 1850's when steam began to take over. It includes hundreds of diagrams of ships, illustrations, dimentions, and drawings.

So complete is his data, that I know of at least one modelmaker, who's used Chapelle's data extensively in construction of his models.

If you enjoy sailing, or American sailing Navy history, this book is definately worth a look.

For those who are interested in the technical details of the US Navy sailing ships, this is the book of choice. This is perhaps one of the most complete and thorough research book that covers the history of the sailing ships serving the US Navy. The book's eight chapters plus an appendix covers sail ships that served in the US Navy from the colonial period up to the last one built before the Civil War. Sail ships ranging in sizes from small sloops to large Ship of the Line are covered. Details regarding the design considerations/proposals, dimensions, number/types of guns, tonnage, performance, etc. are included. Detail illustrations are also included.

This book mentions some brief history of some of the sailing vessels but not in detail. So for those who are interested in the history of a particular vessel this is not the book of choice.

Any naval historian, architecture, and those interested in sailing should get this book and will not be disappointed.

Let me tell you, "podnahs", Home to Brushy Creek is one of the best western stories I've ever read! It's right up there with the best that Louis L'Amour ever wrote. It is full of action and great characters, and it is written in folksy, easy to read, "good ol' Texas writin'". And being a Sheriff with 20 years of experience in dealing with all kinds of folks, I can tell you that the author makes his characters sound real--the villans as well as the good guys. He also does a great job in describing the shootouts that he tells about....That last battle that settles the question of who is going to rule Brushy Creek--Range Lord Bascom Clark or its good and decent townfolks--will have you holding your breath and sitting on the edge of your chair, I guarantee.... Ward Garrison, the story's main hero, is my kind of man...fearless, honest to a fault and can always be counted on when the chips are down. And all of you girl readers will love Sina, his gutsy little Irish-Quaker wife who is right by his side guarding his flank in every battle they have to fight. Home to Brushy Creek is an exciting story that will leave you feeling good all over. ...Go ahead, have yourself a good day... Sheriff Lacy Rogers San Jacinto County, Texas

Definitely the book to read."Home to brushy creek"is eceptional,keeping your interest,with plenty of adventures and down to earth romancing.Have you ever wondered about the adjustments of a returning soldier from a long and tiring war,Mr. Bratton,s Ward realisticly lets you experience his battles and adventures to survive.I felt that I wanted to belong in Ward,s and Sena,s lives,they fought much for family and friends...surely, after hooking his readers,Mr.Bratton will do a follow up BOOK.

I'd love to read a sequel to HOME TO BRUSHY CREEK! While I was reading it I was wishing that I could clone Ward, Sina and Maggie right off a page and have them for friends for the rest of my life. This is a story about the two bloody battles that were fought in the aftermath of the Civil War with all of its lingering anger and resentment---the first one in Marlin, Illinois, the second one a while later in Brushy Creek Texas. Ward and Sina play heroic parts in both battles, supported in each one by their families and a few friends against an array of hard-bitten killers of every stripe. Ward and Sina are not just a man and woman that you'd want to have on your side in a fight, they are fine examples of good citizens, and as Maggie once declared "...everyone should have friends like them".

This was a wonderful story. It's very hard to put down. It only took me 2 nights to complete it. I hope Curt Simmons writes more books soon!

This one is hard to put down! I loved each of the colorful characters and couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next. The surprise ending was the perfect conclusion to this heartwarming story.

This is a wonderful story. I fell in love with the characters and hated to see the book end. But the surprise ending left me crying and smiling at the same time. Loved it!

my book arrived promptly and in great condition! i would certainly order from this seller again.

I've been using this book for a number of years with my counseling students. Howard Book provides a very accessible framework that is tremendously helpful in clarifying client dynamics.

John Christopher, Ph.D.
Professor of Counseling Psychology
Montana State University

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was refreshing to note that the "brief psychodynamic" perspective detailed by Book did not refer at all to the Freudian model of the psyche (id - ego - superego). Indeed the model presented could as easily have been termed "interpersonal relationship therapy", as there was little to betray its psychodynamic roots. Book had no need for the traditional psychodynamic model in order to use this therapeutic modality so, citing parsimony, he left it out.

This is one of the best books about chess problems I have come across. An even better book by the same author is The Enjoyment of Chess Problems, maybe the best chess book ever written. I enthusiastically recommend that you get a copy. I got my copy through the Amazon used books and I am very satisfied.

" A chess problem is a position arranged to illustrate an interesting chess idea,
which frequently is based on some particular characteristics of the various men employed".
by Kenneth S. Howard

This book has procedures which will enable him to solve problems with greater
certainty and rapidity. Altough chess problems involves some chess tactics like pin, forks,
etc. they are not practical to develop tactical skills, because a problem is arranged, it's

artificial, the position of a problem won't be reached in a real game.
The purpose of a chess problem is to provide fun for all chess players. Solving
C. Prob. is a wonderful way to relax, specially when you get home after work and you pick up your favorite whiskey.

I am a chess problem composer and solver. This was the first book I read about problems, and it's a great introduction to the subject. At the price too you cannot go wrong.

Other great books include Chess Wizrdry by J Rice. (I am in that one.) It has a far better collection of problems than the Howard but costs more and doesn't teach you much about how to solve them. John Nunn's Solving in Style is great as well, but perhaps not as good a collection.

Serious problemists can contact the British Chess Problem Society (web search!)

Howard B. Wigglebottom Listens to His Heart is a children's picturebook that embodies several invaluable messages for young people. When young rabbit Howard B. Wigglebottom is mocked by his peers for dancing, he decides he will never dance again. But when he confides his sadness to his grandfather, his grandfather reminds him that he comes from a long line of Wigglebottoms who love to dance. Howard's grandfather teaches him that he should dance because it's fun and he loves it first and foremost! A list of suggestions for lessons or reflection and the end of the book go over the central themes of feeling something one's heart, the value of confiding in a trusted older person, issues that can affect self-esteem, the value of trying something different for the fun of it, and the benefit of connecting with one's roots and family legacy. Perhaps the most important message is to "Be proud of who you are!" Highly recommended for public library collections as well as for children's bookshelves.

Shared this book with children at our local school and they fell in love with Howard B. Wigglebottom. They were quite taken with the message the book conveys. Lots of discussion followed.

Thanks, Howard B.

Howard really loved to dance
He'd shimmy and he'd jiggle
Every time he got the chance
He's do his little wiggle

But one day the kids at school
Made jokes as children will
Ashamed of being made a fool
He felt his ego chill

He wanted to be debonair
He wanted to belong
Alas, alack, to his despair
Things kept on going wrong

This book shows that even though
Things may not look too bright
A friend can be the one to show
You how to make things right

Do your best, hold your head high
Be proud, at least you've tried
In time you'll find the reason why
You feel so good inside


This is a follow up to the book Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen, and deals with an issue that affects every child at one time or another. Told in simple language with beautiful illustrations, this is a must read for any child experiencing a period of self-doubt. Recommended for ages 7 and up.




Amanda Richards, June 10, 2008

I've checked this book out from the library twice. Both times I returned it late because I didn't want to give it up. I finally realized that I needed to buy one for myself. It is an excellent resource for beginners and experts. Howard Garrett teaches us that working with nature is easier, more effective, and safer for our planet than trying to master it. Nature cannot be controlled. This book helps you learn how to work in harmony with your natural surroundings. Also included is a handy month-by-month guide to organic gardening.

Howard Garret has provided an easy reading, informative view aimed toward those of us in Texas that prefer the natural, organic methods of gardening. The subjects flow smoothly from basics of soil preparation and maintenance, through dealing with pests in environmentally freindly ways.

Much of the information strikes familiar chords for Texas gardeners, like dealing with our perverse soils, doing battle with our average (?) weather conditions, and deciphering seed catalogs mostly from nothern climates that don't provide satisfactory choices for out USDA zones.

I enjoyed this book so much that I ordered his Texas Organic Vegetable Gardening : The Total Guide to Growing Vegetables, Fruits,Herbs, and Other Edible Plants the Natural Way - I,m sure it will be just as good.

If you garden in Texas you need this book! The book offers solutions to many of the unique problems of Texas gardeners: The best plants for your area, organic ways to improve your soil, get rid of pests, plants to avoid, this book is great!

This is an excellent overview of Howard Hodgkin's work. The early work is particularly informative with the artist really investigating space and somewhat unique use composition. His use of color is as always - special. The book is very well presented, and easy to read. One of the things that is striking about the work is the intellectual rigor or discipline the artist brings to each piece - they are completed in most cases over an extended period of time, and the contemplative quality of the work comes through. I highly recommended this book as one one that you can return to time and time again and enjoy the pleasure of the gaze.
Peter Whitting

Whenever I purchase a Catalogue Raisonne, I wonder how they are going to present a huge body of work. Some of the work often suffers in attempting to include everything an artist has ever produced. Not really the case here. There are some exceptions here where the work is reproduced in black & white but not a heck of alot.

I am indeed surprised at the size and quality of the reproductions. I have never seen any website reproductions that approach the detail that is evident here. This is as close to complete retrospective as you'll ever get. There is some non-pictorial content as well but great painting does not require a subtext.

This complete paintings catalog contains some great works that I have never seen before. The paintings from the beginning of Hodgkin's career (most of which don't call attention to the framing) are some of my favorites. As he moves to the painting on the frame as well as the "interior" space, some of these don't work for me but some are among his best paintings. I actually like the fact that he paints on the frames. I have always felt that a painting is in fact a three dimensional object, as well as containg the three dimensional illusion aspect. In anybody else's hands this could turn into gimmick but in Hodgkin's it does not.

Make sure you get the 2006 updated version of this book. It's 420 pages and fascinating.

This book is different from most catalogues raisonnees that I've seen, which often provide small, black and white reproductions. In this one, the reproductions are generally quite large, and almost all in color. It's a beautiful book, well worth the cost for anyone interested in Hodgkin.

This guide provides a fascinating overview of Amateur (Ham) Radio from how to get a Ham Radio license to a wide range of information on Amateur Radio communications to some basic electronics projects for your Ham Shack.

"Ham Radio Operator's Guide" starts off with an overview of the Ham License Classes, including the spectrum's and modes each license is allowed to operate on. Unfortunately, despite being published only last year, the Federal Communications Commission changed the number and types of Amateur Radio licenses for the United States. Regardless, the advice about how to study for and take the examinations is still valid.

The book continues with a discussion of all of the things you can do with a Amateur Radio License. The author covers the basic characteristics of the various frequency bands and modes of transmission that Hams use. He also discusses the basic electronics equipment required to communicate and operate a radio shack, from transmitters and receivers to microphones and power supplies.

The "Ham Radio Operator's Guide" describes many of the activities that Ham Radio Clubs conduct, from swap meets and field days to fox hunts and educational efforts. In addition to discussing why all Amateur Radio operators should join their local Ham Radio Club, the author comments on Ham traditions, conventions and etiquette.

Finally, the book wraps up with eight simple electronics contruction projects for useful items from a field strength meter and radio frequency relay to four different types of antennas.

After a successful career as a photojournalist, the author, Carl Bergquist, KG4AIC, has turned to his lifelong hobby of electronics and writes articles for Popular Electronics and Electronics Now. He wrote "Ham Radio Operator's Guide" from the perspective of a new potential radio amateur. His writing style is very entertaining, keeping what could be dry, technical topics fresh and interesting.

I strongly recommend this book for anyone who thinks they might be interested in becoming an Amateur Radio operator or in learning what being a Ham is like.

Review by Mike Powers, Radideo.com Guide, November 2000

This book has it all - you really need to get it if you are into ham radio like I am! There is some key information here that I haven't found in other sources. The best!

This ook has erything that you need to know about Hm Radio. It even includes field guids! This bookis great for all ages. I truely recomendit!

First let me confess I have not read this book, not yet... You see I read Heirs of the Perisphere years ago when it was first published * ahem * in Playboy (Nothing risque in the writing, just well written.).

More memorable than the girl, I still remember passages today - must have been close to twenty years ago.

Mr Waldrop... Genius. Years ahead of his time. Great writer. I highly recommend.

The title does not lie. This is a collection of 12 outstanding stories. Each story is a tiny gem, a short 13-25 page story that makes a large impact.

Waldrop's stories have to be read to be believed. He is able to turn the mundane into the spectacular. Take 'Man Mountain Gentian' about sumo wrestlers with telekinetic powers. Or 'Heirs of the Perisphere' about intelligent Disney robots that are mistakenly activated years after humanity mysteriously disappeared. 'Mary Margaret Road-Grader' is a fascinating story about Native American Tractor pulls. World-Fantasy-Award winning story 'The Ugly Chickens' is about a possible rediscovery of the supposedly extinct Dodo. 'God's Hooks': a story about a fishing expedition for Leviathan and the consequences thereof.

There is not a bad story in this collection. Waldrop is a towering talent in the speculative fiction scene. Unfortunately most of his works are out-of-print. He's written a lot of stories but it takes an effort to track them down. Trust me, it's worth it. Highly recommended.

The problem with books likes this is that publishers always try to squeeze them into some kind of recognizable category. In this case, the usual well-worn descriptions of "fantasy" or "science fiction" were avoided, but only in favor of the ambiguous genre of "speculative fiction." It's still a rough fit for Waldrop. This guy has an imagination that defies imagination. All of these are true short stories, worthy of any contemporary analysis. "Ike At The Mike" is *the* best alternative history story I've ever read. "The Ugly Chickens" is nothing short of brilliant and startling in its examination of lost possibilities. "Heirs Of The Perisphere" is heartrending in its utter simplicity. Perhaps the best recommendation of all, I met Waldrop in San Antonio in 1988, and I was duely impressed by his genuine humility and straightforwardness. He wrote this on the title page of my copy: "Thanks for finding the book. Hope you enjoy it." I pass that recommendation on to you.