Lewis Books

Reviewed by Alwynne B. Beaudoin, Department of Geography
University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada in CAP Newsletter 8(2):16-17, 1985.
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The publication of a new book related to pollen is a welcome event and Airborne and Allergenic Pollen of North America is certainly a valuable addition to the literature. Although "written primarily for allergists and others in the medical profession and for aerobiologists" (p. ix), the book contains much material hat should also prove useful to Holocene palynologists. The authors point out that "because there is no comprehensive North American flora ... basic botanical data involving species distribution, flowering times, and taxonomy are not readily available" (p. ix). This book represents a commendable attempt to remedy this deficiency by bringing "together a large amount of divergent, yet relevant, information" concerning plants "whose pollen becomes airborne" (p. xi). This is accomplished by emphasizing visual presentation, mainly photographs, photomicrographs, and maps, "thereby allowing the user an opportunity to assimilate rapidly botanical facts on plant morphology, geography, phenology, and palynology" (p. ix).

Following an introduction, the major part of the book is organized into three chapters: Chapter 1 deals with trees and shrubs, Chapter 2 is concerned with grasses and grass-like plants, while Chapter 3 covers weeds and herbs. Many plant families are discussed: Chapter 1 comprises 52 families of trees and shrubs, Chapter 2 deals with 7 families, and Chapter 3 covers 16 families. Generally, within each chapter, the entries are arranged in alphabetical order by family. Some entries also include discussions at the genus level; these are also arranged alphabetically. However, in Chapter 1, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms are arranged separately; in Chapter 2, Poaceae is the first entry, followed by other grass-like plants, while in Chapter 3, Pteridophytes are discussed first, followed by other weeds and herbs.

For each family, the entry consists of a description of the main botanical features of the family, a list of the main genera, a discussion of flowering and pollen production, a description of the pollen morphology and a discussion of allergenicity. In addition, most entries are accompanied by photograph(s) of one or more species within the family, usually illustrating the flowers or staminate cones. Some of these are also illustrated in colour plates in a separate section near the beginning of the book. In some cases, the entries include maps showing the distribution of numbers of species within a selected genus. The entries also contain both light-microscope and scanning electron microscope photomicrographs of some representative pollen types. These photographs and photomicrographs in particular are one of the best features of this book. Generally, the images are large and very clear. The photomicrographs obtained by light microscopy are most impressive.

The volume contains two appendices. Appendix 2 consists of notes on the preparation of samples and on photographic techniques and equipment. Appendix 1 comprises 735 maps showing "generalized distributions of important wind-dispersed species indigenous to North America" (p. 177). The authors point out that many of these maps are original contributions. For grasses and grass-like plants, the distributions of introduced species are also mapped. For other plants, introduced species are simply listed, together with their "zone of hardiness", which gives and indication of how far north and/or west the species might flourish. The scale of the maps (c. 1:96,000,000) is such that great detail in the distributions cannot be displayed. Nevertheless, this sections does comprise a valuable compendium of distribution data.

Despite the tremendous scope of this book, I have some doubts about how it might be employed. Near the beginning of the book, there is a four page section containing 136 colour photomicrographs described as a "visual key to major pollen types" (p. 5). The quality of these images is not as good as those throughout the rest of the book; many of these photomicrographs seem rather fuzzy. Although the idea of having pollen types illustrated adjacent to one another for comparison is a good one, many of these images are too small to show morphological features clearly. The book lacks a descriptive key to supplement the photomicrographs and the descriptions in the text. Therefore, it would probably not be very helpful in the laboratory for the identification of pollen types while counting. Hence, initial identification of pollen would still have to be undertaken using other sources, such as pollen keys and/or reference material. However, once the pollen is identified, this book contains a large amount of supplementary information that might be beneficial in the interpretation of pollen assemblages. In particular, for many taxa, details of flowering times and modes of pollination are discussed. This kind of data is often difficult to obtain.

One drawback does arise from the authors' attempt to be thorough and wide-ranging, namely, that little attention can be paid to the subtleties of pollen variation within each taxon. For example, less than two pages is devoted to a discussion of the Pinaceae. No attention is paid to the distinction of pollen of the Pinaceae below genus level. Since pollen from Pinaceae is apparently not a major allergen, this discussion is presumably detailed enough for the book's targeted readers. For other major allergens, the presentation is more detailed. For example, about 14.5 pages is devoted to a discussion of the Asteraceae. From the point of view of the Holocene palynologist, this lack of detailed discussion within some taxa may be a limitation.

As a minor quibble, the book claims to be North American in scope, but most of the maps extend only as far as c. 60°N (about the latitude of Churchill, Manitoba). Does this reflect a lack of suitable information for the Arctic flora?

On the positive side, the production of the book is excellent. It is printed on a high-quality, glossy paper, and therefore the text is easy to read and the black and white photographs and photomicrographs are clear and crisp. In conclusion, I would say that this book would be a good supplement to a palynologist's library, since it does contain useful information and illustrative material which is not so readily available and accessible elsewhere.

Multidata has over one hundred copies if you're looking to buy one. Please visit their website at www.multidata.com or call 800-264-1338 to order.

I am the author of Allergy-Free Gardening, published by Ten Speed Press, and I have read a huge number of books about pollen grains and the plants that produce them. There are many fine books on the subject but by far, Airborne and Allergenic Pollen of North America, by Dr. Walter H. Lewis, is hands down the best.
The writing here is complex but easily understandable. The material and research in the book are deep and break considerable new ground. Today, as allergies continue to skyrocket, as deaths from asthma grow larger every year, I find it hard to understand how this book has gone out of print!
This may not be a book for the average lay person but for any serious student of allergies, horticulture, and pollen, this is a must read. I'd think that every allergist would want to own a copy of Airborne and Allergenic Pollen of North America.
The lead author, Dr. Lewis, is considered by his peers in biology to be THE medical botanist. He is after all, also the author of the seminal work, Medical Botany, from Wiley& Sons publishers. But unlike many who write about allergy, Lewis also knows a great deal about plants. He is, among many other things, the Senior Botanist at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.
I can not recommend this wonderful book highly enough.

Absolutely the best edition of Alice. I enjoyed this story as a child, but thought it might seem like "a girl's book" to my eight year old son. Not so...due to Alison Jay's illustrations which add adventure and enchantment to the story. I'll be looking for more of her work!

I read this short read in 1 day! This is a wonderful book to share with our children. Just reading from her getting stuck in the Rabbit's house to the baby turning into a pig to the Mad Hatter and so on...it was remarkable. Really takes you to an imaginative world beyond our dreams. Highly recommend it for anyone who has an imagination!!

Young Alice has never been a patient child. Therefore, as she is sitting along the riverbank, listening to her sister drone on and on as she reads passages from a slightly boring book, Alice begins to find her mind wandering. After all, this particular book has no pictures to capture the eye. Alice begins thinking about doing something else, making a daisy chain, or climbing a tree, but she's too lazy to leave her comfortable spot. So, as she gazes about her, she finds herself drifting off to sleep, and soon she has spotted a White Rabbit dressed in fancy garb. She begins chasing the elusive rabbit, but quickly finds herself falling down a very deep rabbit hole that she had not seen previously. Alice is frightened as she tumbles down and down, but soon finds herself in a new world. A world not filled with dirt and daisies, but, rather filled with long hallways, and houses that are smaller than Alice herself. Soon, Alice begins encountering characters of all shapes and sizes. To the confusing Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, to the riddle-loving, smiling kitty known as the Cheshire Cat; all the way to the delightfully zany Mad Hatter who loves throwing tea-parties, and the vicious Queen of Hearts. But, as Alice continues wandering through this wondrous world of magic, where animals talk and dance, and even dress in fancy clothes, she begins to wonder how on earth she will ever find a way out of this backwards environment, and back to her sister, sitting upon the riverbank. For even though lazing about on the riverbank can be incredibly boring, sometimes it is preferred when your life is in danger by an evil ruler.

I do not have to tell you how much I adore the tale of ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Since I was a young child I have been enamored by Alice's adventures to Wonderland, where she met an array of lovable characters who made you question the sanity of this backwards place, and the people who reside there. From the film to the pop-up books, and everything in between - Alice has been something I have cherished. Therefore, when I stumbled upon Alison Jay's newest edition of ALICE IN WONDERLAND, I could not pass up the opportunity to call it my own. The perfect thing about this edition is that the font is quite large, which makes it easier for younger readers to enjoy the tales of Alice on their own. The second thing I adore about this edition, of course, are the illustrations. Alison Jay is a magnificent artist who has laced almost every page with full-color illustrations of Alice and the various people and things she encounters during her trip to Wonderland. From the intelligent Caterpillar, to the delicious pink-frosting covered cupcakes she shares with the Mad Hatter at his tea party; and the delightful, yet strange game of flamingo and hedgehog croquet played with the Queen of Hearts, to Alice's trial with the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle. Each and every illustration is enjoyable to look at, and truly brings Lewis Carroll's words to life. A colorful new ALICE IN WONDERLAND edition, that puts a new spin on the timeless tale.

Erika Sorocco

This is a must for "Alice" collectors of all ages. The art is beautiful and the design is unusual.

I disagree with the Booklist reviewer that the design makes for difficult reading or is distracting. The design flourishes enhance the reading experience.

I ordered this book for my 9 year old daughter for Christmas and was very pleased at the high quality edition I received. Specifically, I was looking for a book that would draw her into reading it with exceptional artwork and craftmanship. This is exactly what I got in this edition. One possible drawback is its size. It's a bit large for little hands and portability, but that is a small trade-off for this work of art. Also, the pages are thick so watch out for paper cuts!!! This edition is nice enough to display as an unusual conversation piece on a coffee table, or pass down to the next generation.

The booklist reveiwer mentioned that the print was at times distracting, but I think he misses the point. It's meant to enhance the story. For instance, as one character falls the print spirals and gets smaller. It wasn't difficult to read and my daughter "got it" and thought it was fun!

Bottom line is that if you are looking for an edtion of a beloved story that can be kept for years to come for your treasured daughter or that special neice, this is without question the one you are looking for!

This Simply Read Books edition of Lewis Carroll's classic fantasy, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, is a simply gorgeous version showcasing bold, often monochromatic, and somewhat exaggerated illustrations by Iassen Ghiuselev that bring the unreality of Wonderland vividly to life. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland is a literary treasure for readers of all ages. The quality book binding incorporates a built-in bookmark on a ribbon that says "Read Me", in a delightful complement to this widely beloved story. Due to the coffee-table size of this edition, it may be a little physically large and heavy for younger readers to handle, and therefore is better suited for parents to read aloud to their children. No Lewis Carroll collection can be considered complete without the inclusion of this enthusiastically recommended edition of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland!

This book is a remarkably accurate and knowledgeable way to learn the many American dialects. It is very clear and concise, and would be a great help with the theatre. I spent a lot of time perfecting my New York City accent,and even though a don't do alot of acting it was fun to fool people, & with the help of this book, it worked. An amazing compilation that is clear and focused, it offers an invaluable lesson for anyone that has the time to sit and study it. Wonderful.

As a novelist struggling to learn how to give each character his own voice, this book was a gift from God. Perhaps the most important lesson it taught me was to trust my inner ear. It explained beautifully that dialects, even ones that sound ungrammatical, have their own rules of grammar. It helped me to isolate the particular dialect I was striving to recreate on the page and gave me the courage to use it without apology or explanation. A wonderful source for writers.

An essential tool for any actor who wants to be able to master the regional American accents. Using the international phonetic, this book will guide you through various areas of the USA and allow you to nail down the subtleties of their accent. With this book you'll fool the natives.

First published in 1950, Weis improves with each new edition; they're now up to the 7th. "Bad" lines are excised completely each time, the lengthy text-notes are very useful, and extensive citations appear for almost every entry. There's hardly a noble family in Europe west of the Dnieper River that does not appear in this book. Dr. Weis died in 1966 and Walter Lee Sheppard, himself a renowned genealogist, undertook (successfully) to main-tain his high standards; the 4th and subsequent editions have been the result of his own editorial labors. A very inexpensive work, especially compared to many of the other titles on this subject; this one should be on every genealogist's bookshelf.

Be SURE to buy the 8th edition listed on amazon.com Just cut to the chase. This book is in its 8th edition due to the devotion of Weis and his colleagues who carry on his life work. Do NOT spend hundreds of dollars buying research that the geneologist gathers from free online sources. FIRST, if you have ancestors from Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Conneticutt and Virginia you very probably are descended from or cousin to many lines documented from about 350 A.D. Gallo Roman period right through to the Pilgrims, Puritans, etc. Why? Because as Nathaniel Philbrook states in his book, 'Mayflower,' 35 million AMericans are descended from the 52 survivors of the first winter in Plymouth. Why are they related to uddles of British and continental nobles? Because the some 2,000 Norman families who ruled England married the rest of Europes nobles and by 1600 they had grown to 20,000 and had more spare children than Davey Crooket has money. The spares took up Puritism and or wanted to flip properties in the new world. SECOND, load up a good family tree software program [...]. Spent spare time over 2 years entering over 700 individuals from this work.
I think it is very educational to learn who ones ancestors are and then learn about their character, sometimes view a likeness, and study their times. We all have good and bad sides to our characters. Maybe you will find some relatives who remind you of you. Maybe you are tough because one of your people survived the terror of King John who went around starving people to death and walling others up alive in their castle walls.
Be your own geneologist by searching all of the U.S. census; searching in familysearch.com, ancestory.com, joining historical societies in the counties you know people came from, and finally you will get back to the 1700s and then the 1600s. Over the decades I was very frustrated in linking known ancestors in 17th century Massachusetts to England. This book not only took me to all of Britian, but most all of Europe too. Its all waiting for you to discover, enjoy and share with your family and descendents.

Out of every author of genealogical records, none other's system works as well as Frederick Weis's. His in-depth research and organization make it nearly impossible to get lost. And still, he keeps up with an excellent bibliography as well as a great abbreviation page. The great thing about Weis, however, is that he doesn't like to speculate and just gets to the point with his writing. This is a must read for anyone connected to John of Gaunt or anyone else mentioned in the book.

The book is well organized, well written and clear. It's not a "programming language book": it will actually show you some great ideas about object orientation. The first half of the book teaches you Smalltalk (and the model-view-controller framework) and also helps show how important this language is to you if you *really* are into OOP. The second part is about best practices in design, implementation, testing and debugging.

The book focuses on VisualWorks Smalltalk, but it is OK if you are using some other Smalltalk implementation such as Squeak, for example, since most of the time it won't get into incompatible details.

I do recommend this to anyone interested in programming, and very strongly to those interested in OOP in general (not just Smalltalk).

history of smalltalk system

Simon Lewis's book "The Art and Science of Smalltalk" has to be one of the best books on Smalltalk programming I have ever read. After spending months reading many other books on the subject and still not getting a clear, concise description of some important Smalltalk constructs, I could not believe how incredibly readable this book was. Lewis has managed to explain in a few pages what took other authors multiple chapters.

In addition, diagrams and figures are only used when they will actually help the reader to understand a concept. Unlike other texts references to figures and diagrams occur in close proximity to them rather than twenty pages before or after.

The book is divided into two parts which address different but equally important aspects of programming in Smalltalk. The first section deals with the "science" of Smalltak and covers the development environment, class library, and dependency mechanisms (Model-View-Controller Architecture). The second section gives sage advice on the "art" of Smalltalk. This includes sections on how to best utilize Smalltalk in an environment of extensive reuse, management of Smalltalk projects, and debugging techniques.

I would rate this book as a must have for Smalltalk programmers at any level. If I were to teach a course in Smalltalk this book would be required. Lewis should be commended for his command of the Smalltalk language and his eloquence in explaining it to others.