White Books

Dear old Rosemary Wells. If you've ever read her books about that famous bunny Max or classic titles like, "Morris' Disappearing Bag" then you know that her stories, while disjointed, can often be truly charming works of preschool art. So when I discovered the McDuff books (written by her but illustrated by someone else entirely) I was ill at ease. I mean, Wells draws such cute little bunnies. How could anyone else adapt to her words? On reading the first book of the McDuff series, "McDuff Moves In", I was amazed to find myself suddenly on the oposte side of the fence. The pictures in this book are really quite charming. From the cute little Scottie named McDuff to the 1950s setting, visually this story's a charmer. But strange as it may seem, Wells's words are out-of-place here. Though a brief tale with little in the way of plot, somehow this book is not as direct or understandable as it might be. A pity.

On our first view of little white McDuff, he's sitting in the back of a city pound truck. After a providential bump in the road and a quick escape, the solitary doggy goes down a nice suburban street in search of food and shelter. Door number one at the first house growls at him. Door number two at the second house hisses at him. But door number three at the third house is just right. There, a friendly couple take him in, feed him, give him a bath, then decide they haven't room for a doggy. Fortunately an attempted car ride to the pound proves that maybe this couple has grown a bit attached to their shaggy new friend. Happy ending and shortbread biscuits for all.

The book bears a striking resemblance to Lyn Rossiter McFarland's subsequent similarly plotted picture book, "Widget". The difference, however, is that "Widget" is the stronger story. Though I was with "McDuff" through the beginning, about the time he stumbles on the kindly couple I found my eyebrows slowly beginning to lift. For example, when McDuff appears outside the third home, the book says the following: "Somebody opened the door and asked him to come in. It was Lucy. 'This is Fred', said Lucy". Looking at the picture of both Fred and Lucy staring at the pup on their porch, I naturally assumed that now the dog was named Fred. Not so much. The text and the pictures don't mesh particularly well either. When the book says that Fred checks McDuff's collar, the picture shows Fred sitting on a chair with McDuff hiding underneath. Plus the language is oddly stilted. It ends with the words, " 'How happy we are!', they said in their dreams", which is half an inch shy of hokey and a sneeze away from outright saccharine. I don't think I'm conveying the book's inability to tell its story convincingly to you. Nevertheless, I strongly urge you to flip through this story long before you decide to buy it. Long before.

Which is not to say that the pictures don't almost make up for its narrative flaws. Illustrator Susan Jeffers has a Caldecott Honor Award under her belt and it shows. From Lucy's painted toenails and felt hat spotted bathrobe to the image of the three new friends happily munching on McDuff's shortbread biscuits at the tale's end, this book seeks to enchant. Seeks and, were it not for the words, would succeed. I loved the fabulous 40s-50s decor. I liked the scared little McDuff turning into a confident happy pup in a loving home. I liked how realistic these images were and how original the setting became. Obviously if Rosemary Wells had illustrated this tale herself she would've done it in an entirely different way. It's just her own bloody good luck that she found herself paired with such a supremely talented artist.

So it's entirely up to you. "McDuff Moves In" has much in its favor and much against it as well. Personally, I suggest that if you are looking for a tale of a cute little white Scottie finding a home then you should seek out "Widget" by Lyn Rossiter McFarland forthwith. If, however, you're a fan of the period picture book genre and you like Susan Jeffers's work, "McDuff" may be a great choice for you and yours. It is not Rosemary Wells's best writing and the story is pretty touch n' go. Still, there are things to recommend it. Definitely give it a trial run.

When I was a working librarian, I read this books (and the others)to my storytimes. When I retired I started to volunteer in an inner city school. I was not certain how the children would react to the book. I am now in my sixth year reading to Preschool, Kindergarten and First Grade. They hear the first four books each year and they always ask me to repeat the books. The line about "no one had ever asked him to come in" always gets a great response. I think everyone should read these McDuff books. So many classes can't be wrong!

I am a 2nd grader at Anna Merritt Elementary School. My name is Ashleigh. I have been reading books by Rosemary Wells. My favorite book is McDUFF MOVES IN because it makes me feel happy when McDuff finds a home.

I own this book, as well as others in the series. They are just great! My mom owns a Westie, perfectly named Duffy(he got the name before we new about the books), and the illustrator captures the essence of the Westie. Every picture is perfectly drawn to show the character of a Westie. I love the author as well. I have been a teacher and have always read Ms. Wells' books to my students and the McDuff series is loved by all. McDuff moves in is just a fun book to read and I recommend it to all ages.

I am a 2nd grader. My name is Ashleigh. I have been reading books by Rosemary Wells. My favorite book is McDUFF MOVES IN. I like this book because it makes me feel happy when McDuff finds a home.

This book came in excellent condition and within a couple of days of orderering. Thank you!!!!

Are you a professional dog groomer? Want to become one? Then get this book!

This book, along with the companion "Theory of five" are essential books for the groomer's collection. Covering a vast number of dog breeds, it shows the standard pattern and cuts of these breeds and in some cases, such as poodles, scotties and those with slightly more "complicated cuts" it goes into a great deal of depth with detail and advice.
Brilliant book! A Must.

This is a great book for the busy groomer. It has all different types of information and the fact that it is spiral bound makes it even easier to use while working.

Fresh out of grooming training, this was book I picked up as a supplemental guide to the styles of the breeds that come into the salon where I work. It has NEVER let me down. In fact, rarely a day goes by without SOMEONE in the salon using it as a reference, usually to educate customers about their options in getting their dog groomed.

If you're going to be a dog groomer, GET THIS BOOK! I have never seen such clear instructions and useful diagrams for cuts.

This was a book I was SO eager to get. It is absoultely ok, but it sure wasn't the masterpiece that I had hoped for. It is pretty with excellent layout and clever spiral binding, but it is just the same advice as you get anywhere.
Still, this is probably one of the first books I'd recommend on the subject to a beginner. But if you are more advanced in the field there will be little new to gain.

this is far the best com book I have read. I am happy to be in possession of one

It's a great book to possess, When it comes to Component programming. After Don Box "Essiential COM", this is by far the best COM+ book I have read. It will give you good understanding about not just writing but design and implementing COM+ Components. Examples are great and right to the point.

I finished this book over a year ago, and never got around to writing a review. Probably won't help too many with most of the new development moving to .NET, but here goes. Overall, it was solid but I thought it could have done two things better. I thought the coverage on MSMQ could have been stronger and the project at the end did not get tied together as well as it should have. I like the approach of a lot of the Wrox books that really get into detail WHY they're doing something in their projects they use to tie their ideas together. I felt as thought the author really almost rushed this section of the book, and, in doing so, missed the opportunity to really drive home his points. Hopefully he reads these and will take a page out of the Wrox books in really getting down to explaining his reasoning and what is going on when he's tying his ideas together with a project in his next book. I thought he did an outstanding job up to that point though.

Scot Hillier's book COM+ VB is destined to be considered a classic among the great big programming books. I wouldn't jerk you around. In fact I can honestly say I love to read Scot's work. Tony Davidson once said "A Smith can be a common man, but does that mean I see a Smith and think: "There before
heaven go I"? There is absolutely no need to ponder. In fact to ponder this is to get confused. I read and laid down the book again. Soon I'll read more.

Joanne Brady

I started my COM+ learning experience with Peishu Li's "Visual Basic and COM+ Programming by Example" and then used this book to get a more advanced look at COM+. This was NOT money wasted. I highly recommend both books to users wanting the learn about COM+ and n-tier. This book is very well written. Developers with a background in MTS may want to skip the "by Example" book but you definitely want to read this book. Scot Hillier understands COM+ (and MTS for that matter) and his style of writing is pleasant to read.

When I was in 7th or 8th grade I came across a book called The Silver Sun by Nancy Springer. I read the book multiple times and it wound up being one of my favorites of all time. I don't think there was one day through 7th and 8th grade that I wasn't carrying it around with me and engrossed in it in study hall.

The Silver Sun is a fantasy novel set in the land of Isle, ruled by the tyrannical King Iscovar. The main characters are Hal, the son of the king, and Alan, his half brother.

Throughout his childhood, Hal was hated by his father and physically tortured and kept in dungeons. He escaped and has a quest to take the throne from his father and rule the land peacefully.

At the beginning of the book, Hal finds Alan, who has been robbed and beaten in the forest. Hal nurses him back to health and they soon become blood brothers and partners in the quest to take the kingdom from the evil King, building alliances with local outlaws and building an army in order to do so.

The book is filled with, and basically built around, a whole mythology. In the land in which the book is set, there are many gods. Hal worships the god called "The One", which is, in his belief system, the true god. There is a lot of mythology built around The One- and elves, the original peaceful rulers of the earth, who are immortal until they marry or are killed. Elves are not univerally believed to exist, however within the mythology surrounding The One, elves were once believed to rule the earth until humans took over and corrupted it. The elves are peaceful beings and are believed to live in a land without corruption - a perfect world that they created when the humans took over the earth - that is sheltered from the evil of the human blight.

The One also has an appointed "messiah", who is referrred to as "The Very King". Throughout the book the prophecies surrounding the coming of "The Very King" and the return of the elves begin to come true and piece by piece you begin to realize that "The One" truly exists and The Very King is soon to appear, as the prophecies laid out in the "Book of Suns" are slowly fulfilled one by one.

The Silver Sun captivated me as a young 13 year old with the detailed world it created and the mythology of hope and peace that slowly builds throughout the book. It is truly my favorite book of all time. While it has been out of print for a while, I have actually bought second copies (used) through amazon in order to make sure I always had a copy that wasn't falling apart.

Apparently it is back in print, as I have found it again on Amazon (this is the only book that I actually periodically check Amazon for to see if copies are available). So I recommend that you grab it while there are still copies available. The world that Nancy Springer builds is very engaging and inspiring and her stories are just a pure joy to read.

There are four books in the "Book of Isle" series. The White Hart, The Silver Sun, The Sable Moon, and the Black Beast. The Silver Sun makes many references to the White Hart, as it is the story of the first "Very King" to come to the land before evil took over the land. The Sable Moon continues where the Silver Sun left off, which I cannot explain further without giving away the final pieces of the Silver Sun.

I really hope this write up does this book justice and gets people to read it. I know I have tried to get Kelsi to read it a bazillion times to no avail. She's not a big fantasy book reader.

I'll definitely keep trying to convince her to take one of my copies though.

This is without a doubt the best book ever written. Known by another name The Book Of Suns Nancy Springer is my favorite author and love everything she has written she is what made me want to become a writter myself.

This is perhaps one ot the best written fantasy novels of the decade. The storyline is superior, writing style is captivating, and the reader becomes a part of the manuscript.

Being a fantasy novel author, I fully appreciate the great efforts that Nancy Springer put into creating characters that the reader can relate to and understand. Her descriptive quality of writing is fantastic.

I highly recommend this book to readers of fantasy of all ages.

Dave

This book, which is among Ms Springer's earlier works, is a great read. Springer is a great storyteller, so while I was not surprised at the story's end, I didn't mind taking in the sights along the way.

I enjoyed Springer's references to the religious/cultural customs of past societies, without bogging the story down with largely unnecessary explanations. They simply add a backdrop which gives the story a richer and more believable flavor.

While it is now out of print, the paperback version can be inexpensively obtained from a number of used sources. Give it a try.

I read this book when I was fifteen, and still think it's one of the greatest works of literature I've ever read. This is the store of Alan, and his blood brother Hal, as they struggle to fight against an evil king, find the women they love, and fulfill their destinies.

This novel has some great characterization, and Springer does a great job of portraying the complexities of life in Isle. I only wish they could reprint this series. This is one of her best books!

A must read for fantasy lover and for readers who enjoy complex characterization.

This book did NOT make sense when I first read it...hahah...

It wasn't because of the book, but because I didn't understand the depth of this book. I was told to keep reading anyways.

As with any good deep spiritual book, the persistence paid off. This book turned out to be a gem. I loved it. Alice Bailey's has amazing books and I look forward to reading more.

You will enjoy this book if you want to learn more about Soul and deeper realms of spirituality (some of which I am still remembering).

Dale Sarna
Author of Evolve

I usually buy second hand "new" items. This book was deteriorated. Far away from brand new, just like new and so on descriptions.

First off, i would not recommend this book for anyone unfamiliar with Alice Bailey's writing. (Or, if you will, the Tibetian she channels.) I remember the first book of hers i read, was TELEPATHY, which helped me learn many of the theosophical definitions and ontological classifications. Another good first read may be GLAMOUR A WORLD PROBLEM. It's not filled with technical terms. Then again, some people may find that reading other theosophists, or perhaps ISIS UNVEILED is the first step. We are each on individual paths. However, if theosophical terminology isnt new to you, and you have a passing aquaintance with Buddhism, Christianity, hermetism and Hinduism, then you may find information in the book that you could use towards your spiritual evolution, and for the group work of your ray type. Like most spiritual reading, this book will give you what you need for wherever you are, while confusing you about those topics you are not either ready or permited to learn. After all, spiritual insight enters the disciple from the Buddhic plane, the plane of spiritual intuition. This book is both KEY and CURTAIN in its method. As is stated elsewhere in a review, Bailey has many "blinds" in her work, to confuse those who's intentions are not pure. A special caution for those who may be WICCANS, or young adolescents looking for love spells, or any kind of "PERSONAL POWER SEEKERS" in general. This is NOT the book for you. Not because the knowledge is too arcane, too advanced or too empowering for those incapable of handling it. This is not some long lost BOOK OF SPELLS, or anything like that. WHITE MAGIC, as Bailey understands it, is the ability to understand the purpose and goal of the Great Masters, and of the Cosmic Christ, and taking a scientific approach to prayer, to materialize the goal on the material plane. I suppose the real magic, is effective prayer. A final note: the difference between WHITE MAGIC, and BLACK MAGIC, is simple, but of utmost importance. The white magician never uses this information for selfish, materialistic reasons, or to obtain sway over the wills of others. If you EVER use magic, hypnosis, drugs, etc, to controll the wills of others, even if your intentions are good, or you think they are, you are practicing BLACK MAGIC. Because FREE WILL, the practice of HARMLESSNESS, and learning to serve the will of THE FATHER IN HEAVEN, (The GREAT WHITE LODGE in SIRIUS) is the real meaning of white magic. I think of much of her work, as esoteric christianity, since she seems to be working in the second ray group, which she has elsewhere indicated to be lead by CHRIST. For those whom this writing is meant for, you will certainly gain some interesting meditation themes, while sensitizing your intuitive buddhic plane. At the very least, you will be exposing yourself to some great stories. "MAY LOVE, LIGHT AND WILL BRING TO EARTH THE PLAN OF GOD."

I was in a busy phase in my life and was suddenly struck down by a freak dancing accident in a music class I was teaching to children in South Korea. I had to have knee surgery and had a long hospital stay. I ordered the book before I went to the hospital. This book stimulated me on every level: spirtuatally, intellectually, linguistically...I could go on and on. It is the book I've been waiting my whole life for. Strangely, I picked up Alice Bailey's work years ago but didn't understand it. But after two years of Raja Yoga and lots of meditation, I can say that I understood almost every word. This book will only speak to you when you're ready. But when you are, it may change you're life and the lives of others.

A Treatise On White Magic by Alice Bailey is a very special book written for those spiritual seekers who have found the spiritual path within themselves and who require specific and general guidance in moving forward. The book is divided into major sections, where each can be seen to deal with a major aspect and stage upon this path. There are sections that deal with the physical, emotional and mental aspects of ourselves and the books hints at how these aspects are and can be spiritualised.

A Treatise on White Magic, like so many of A.A.B's books, is not intended to be informational. On the whole, they are intended to be inspirational. By that I mean that the reader's intuition and spiritual perception is awakened through studying the book's contents.

This book cannot be rated too highly and will be appreciated by those who have a deep interest in all things spiritual, but not necessarily religious, and by those who can appreciate the spiritual and esoteric aspect of everyday life.

I love this book! I wish that I could call Tara on the telephone and talk to her. I fell in love with her instantly. This is a beautiful book! Ellen Cooney's style has an almost poetic rhythm. The stoy is like a fairy tale, but the characters are extremely real! When I finished the book I wanted to know them! This is a great book!

I know the author so I need to be anonymous; the author was my teacher in a workshop and I was nervous about reading her stuff as I was afraid to be let down, as she is a great teacher who doesn't do an ego thing, but is truly into creativity and art. I came across some of her stories and was impressed and then read THE WHITE PALAZZO and all I can say is, compared to something like 90 percent of what passes for novels these days, this is a genuine thing; this is the real thing. The characterization is first rate. The descriptions of inner thoughts is the key here which is a rare thing in contemporary writing. "Inner is where real life is" is what's happening. I agree with the comments made elsewhere that it is too short, though. But overall it is loaded with life, a real example of how the craft of writing is far from dead.

THis is a light, enjoyable novel with very serious undercurrents about self and love and being in the world in the way you need to be in the world. I love this book. I can't wait to read it again.

I just finished reading this novel and I thought it was terrific. I loved the characters and found the story totally absorbing, tender, and funny. This book deserves to be a huge success.

Just when I thought I knew a lot about how novels are put together, i.e., turning my hand to write one myself, along comes a book that, you get completely engrossed like it's a page-turner, and it hasn't got any of the aspects you think a novel has to have. There are two central characters but lots of minor characters, most of who, you never even actually see, they're background stories. But it's all such a vivid novel; you get so caught up in the plain sheer energy and power of the author's voice, which is amazingly unique. It gives me so much inspiration for what you can do with novels. I LOVE this book. I want to read the author's other works. Tara Barlow, the main character is unlike anyone I ever met in a book before, and so is Guida, her new girlfriend. Great!

The author has his own web site that supports the book! A very nice idea, I wish more chess authors did the same. I learned more ideas about the opening from the web site.

Besides this book is very good study on this opening.

This is a book either for the Colle player who wants to specialise in the Zuk or player who hasn't time so decides to speciliase in the Zuc an opening which is solid and dependable and gives a good middle game. Excellent treatment of the opening and liberal use of diagrams. Overall a good book

A terrific book on the Colle, the author has obviously spent a great deal of time wrestling with the various problems this opening presents for someone who wants to play it. The book is not organized or written in a traditional manner, yet is very readable. It works well with another opening book by Summerscale, "A KILLER CHESS OPENING REPERTIORE".
A work of love, worth buying if it fits in with your openings...

To my knowledge, this is the first and only book to be written exclusively on the Colle-Zukertort opening system. Luckily for us, this first one is outstanding!

As a former tournament class player (now retired to correspondence chess), I found ingenious and refreshing David Rudel's new ideas in chess writing. These include: (1) well-positioned, self-interruptive questions and comments (e.g., Why do you say that? and Why does Black have to fianchetto?), which he actually answers; (2) dealing directly (yet respectfully) with other authors' works touching on the Colle-Zukertort; (3) giving the reader the benefit of his own analysis board (Ch. 12 - Extra Analysis), and (4) allowing the reader to discover where he needs to re-read parts of the book more closely (Ch. 13 - Training).

More specifically, regarding item (2), above, where other writers leave off with "White has a slight advantage" or "White is better"-type comments, Rudel carries on and delivers numerous well-thought-out lines dealing with Black's serious attempts to derail the C Z, and in a way that class players can appreciate. For example, he explains in detail how to handle anti-Colle moves like ... Bf5 and ... Bf4, Black's attempt to chase away White's d3 bishop by playing ... Nb4, and even Black's ... c5 on the second move. He writes all of this for the class player in an informal style that is just plain fun to read. His selected master games specifically target the points he is making. He uses diagrams effectively and adequately, although I would have liked twice as many of them. (But I say that about every chess opening book I read.)

Rudel shows that playing the C-Z is not simply a matter of plopping down ten opening moves and then looking around to see what Black has done in the meantime. In my view, this work has transformed the Colle-Zukertort from a "system" to an outright opening. Of the many dozens of opening books in my chess library, Zuke `Em is hands down number one. If you play the C-Z, or want to (and if you read this book you will want to), this one is an absolute must-have.

Jack Clark
Idyllwild, CA

David Rudel's book on the Colle-Zukertort variation is very good. He is honest in his evaluations of the different lines that White may face in a game. If Black has a line that gives White a lot of difficulty Mr. Rudel lets you know and shows how to best play against those variations. Most authors would not even mention any line that could be a problem or they gloss over it. Most importantly Mr. Rudel shows a player when he should diverge from the book line. The Colle does not work well against ...Bf5, ...Bg4 lines or the Grunfeld, Kings Indian Defenses, or Dutch Defense. This is when a player must have alternate lines and Mr. Rudel lets you know. I think the Colle-Zukertort is an excellent opening for all level of players.

I read this book for the first time in junior high school and fell totally under its spell. I now own a very tattered paperback which I have read many, many times. No matter how many times I read this book, I find something that I didn't in a previous read. You really get caught up in the lives of Maggie, Lillian, Mercer, Mays, Jackson and all the rest. To me, this is the mark of a great author. I waited anxiously, fearing that it could never equal the book, when the mini-series came out and was delighted all over again. If you are a reader of history or just want a plain good read, this book is for you. I keep hoping that sometime the mini-series will be available for purchase on VHS or DVD.

I have read this book many times and have thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the mini-series when it came out in the 70's. I too am perplexed as to why it has never been released on video as so many others are.

I enjoyed this book very much and wonder why it's never been available on Video.

Many tv mini series have been put into video and dvd. is there any chance that this one will? this is a fantastic story and i would love to see the series again.

I found this book kept my interest from front to back. I had amazing little tidbits of information about every president and their wifes. I thought this book to be thoroughly entertaining.

"Late Sunday afternoons, when our father eventually arrived to pick us up I usually felt as though I'd been through a war myself. I would grab my already packed bag and hurry to the safe red leather of his car interior to wait for him and my sisters there. Soon after Sharon would follow me, straggling behind with underpants and flip-flops falling out of her suitcase, complaining, "Wait man Wend." She flounced in next to me. "Why do you always have to be in such a hurry hey?"

I was very eager for this book when I saw it advertised on Amazon. This story centers around Wendy, Sharon and Lauren Khan who grew up in Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe. It was a very touching book with three very close sisters who survived their dysfunctional family and then after they had passed on, had each other. Wendy Khan relates a well-told story though sad in many instances; their loyalty to each other strengthens their family ties. The blow is felt however when the smallest sister Lauren faces tragedy and this brings Wendy back from American where she has migrated, to meet up with Sharon as they gather in Zambia, Lauren's home. There is a lot of love in this story as well as passion and some disappointment in the family. But when all is said and done, I would recommend this novel to all readers. It is well written and it should be a great present for someone's birthday or any such occasion.
Those of you who love Africa, please read this book.
Reviewed by Heather Marshall Negahdar ( SUGAR-CANE 07/03/08)

Not qualified to review:
Author is my daughter-in-law
Walter Kann

Wendy Kann's personal and political history in "Casting with a fragile thread" is riveting, wise and timeless. It is a gripping memoir about a woman who has risen above her traumatic childhood and turned her pain into compassion and healing.
Born in colonial Rhodesia--now Zimbabwe--Kann grew up during the country's 13-year civil war. She experienced the first elections in Zimbabwe in 1980 and lived in Hong Kong when the British officials handed the city over to the Chinese in 1997. She said both experiences were nagging reminders that the laws, police, media, army and government can bring bewildering uncertainty to a safe, predictable orderly world.
She writes poetically about her environment--how the lawns in America's neighborhoods simply roll trustingly one into the next, without the rude division of fences and gates.
Having spent my early years in South Africa I too had my "mind revolt against the terrifying avalanche of choice" and tried to figure what "American" was and how I could be "just that."
Kann's observation years later about Rhodesia's civil war is a warning to all countries. She said, "No one in my generation recognized that we were fighting a war to preserve an unsustainable way of life."
Her quote reminded me of America. We have the technology for alternative fuel yet we remain in a war in the Middle East because of an addiction to oil, a non-renewable resource.

deeply moving and honest, ms. kann's memoir vividly evokes a complicated time and place in africa with a story of familial love, loyalty and loss.gorgeous. highly recommend.

Casting With A Fragile Thread: A Story Of Sisters And Africa tells of the mother of three children who left her Rhodesia childhood behind fifteen years earlier to settle into a new life in America and escape her country's upheaval. When she receives a call that her youngest sister has been killed in Zambia, she returns to her native Africa to find a new sense of purpose. A vivid story of death, rebirth, and cultural discovery evolves.

A knowledgeable and enthusiasic treatise on folding kayaks, their varieites, history, and use. Useful for the would-be purchaser, the novice, and the experience paddler alike.

An outstanding primer on the folding kayak from soup to nuts - a wonderful book. The author is unreserved in his love of and praise for the folding kayak. He thinks they are better and tells your why. But there is a wealth of information here too for the hardshell kayaker.

Anyone interested in folding kayaks needs this book. Anyone interested in kayaking in general should consider it.

Back in 1997 I wrote the first Amazon review of what was then the only book devoted entirely to folding kayaks.(You might want to scroll down and read it; everything I wrote still applies).With no competition you'd think Ralph would be content to rest on his laurels, but instead he's put a lot of effort into an extensive rewrite of the original book. All the new boats that have appeared on the market since the first edition have been included, and plenty of solid information from Ralph's invaluable Folding Kayak Newsletter has been integrated into the new edition.

If you have the slightest interest in folding kayaks, you certainly owe it to yourself to buy a copy of this book. And if you already own the first edition, you should absolutely get this one as well, for all the new material Ralph has included. It's still the bible of the sport.

Complete Folding Kayaker, 2d Edition

By Bill Marsano. The folding kayak or boat-in-a-bag is rare compared to rigid or hardshell kayaks--and a lot more expensive. But unlike those others, you take it with you. You can break it down into component parts, stuff the bits into one or two bags or even, in the case of the Feathercraft, a specially designed backpack with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt, and take it wherevever you're bound. That's the whole point: No more hoping to find kayak rentals at your destimnation. No more settling for whatever beat-up barges the renters happen to have on hand.

If that tempts you, then you need this book to help sort out the facts and fiction (are folders fragile? less efficient than rigids? less stable? etc.) and get a handle on the numerous makes and models, which vary considerably in price, weight, size and design. Diaz, who is a good writer and an enthusiast (he publishes the Folding Kayak newsletter), has done his homework, updating his 1994 first edition to include and critique several kayaks that are new to the U.S, market

That's a critically important part of this book: So far as I know, this is the sole source of independent information covering the whole category. But Diaz offers a lot more. He goes beyond the hardware to presnt a very good course in basic kayaking: instruction and skill drills, safety, navigation. sailing rigs, kayak camping, and repairs and maintenance. The Resources chapter alone (on books, guidebooks, magazines and newsletters, websites, dealer access and much more) will keep you busy all by itself.

In short, if you've got an itch to paddle, this book will help you make an intelligent choice and teach you what you need to enjoy it when you get out on the water.--Bill Marsano owns a Feathercraft Kahuna and has unfolded it numerous times in the U.S., Italy and France.

This book is, roughly speaking, a consumers'
guide to buying and using a folding kayak.
A guide like this is especially useful because
the market is quite diverse and it's almost
impossible to test-paddle allthe brands that
are available.

Especially important is Diaz' summary of the
two main reasons for choosing a folding
kayak. The first and most obvious is portability.
You can, indeed, take it with you-even on an
airplane. This means that any trip has the
potential to become a kayaking vacation.
The second advantage of folders-and one that's
not often mentioned is their flexibility.
Like the original Inuit skin-on-frame boats.
a folder flexes in the sea. This makes for a
softer, less-punishing ride and reduces
fatigue. There is also a pleasant sense of
place that goes along with a flexible boat,
a sense of being on the water instead of
being on an amusement park ride.

So: buy this book to get a good sense of why
folding boats are worthwhile and study it
to find out which one is best for you.