Amateur Books

My husband got this book from the library and liked it so much that he had me order him his own copy.

He is at an intermediate level of woodworking and liked how they have pics for many of the steps of the projects featured. I doubt he'll make any of the projects shown as they are, but he can use the techniques shown to come up with his own furniture.

This book tells you when to use basic carpentry-tools. It really makes you understand carpentry inside the house, especially for someone that wants to do remodeling inside their home, but has never done it. This book contains only facts, with good photos, and is without long boring theory. I loaned this book from our local library, and am now getting it for my own bookshelf, to refer to whenever I need to.

This book is designed for the suburban home owner with access to a 'warehouse' style hardware store. It covers the tools available at your hardware store and how to use them for your masonry projects. A variety of projects are outlined, with an emphasis on poured concrete and purchased blocks (cinder-blocks, bricks, etc). The book is filled with color photos and each project includes a step-by-step construction details. There are many, many useful construction tips.

These are beginner projects, so the book isn't designed to inspire the inner-artist.

Table of Contents:
Introduction:
Planning
Estimating and ordering materials
Masonry tools and equipment
working safe
Masonry Techniques:
Working with Masonry Fasteners
Working with Concrete
Working with Stone
Working with Brick and Block
Masonry Projects:
Walks, Paths and Steps
Walls, Pillars & Arches
Finishing Hourse and Garden Walls
Building Landscape Accents

Douglas Cockerell was perhaps the premier bookbinder of the early twentieth century. Many of his pioneering techniques are still used today by hand bookbinders and curators of fine books. In this, his classic exposition of the bookbinder's art, he details the steps used in hand binding of books, various decorative techniques, and provides useful, practical information on the proper care of books. This charmingly written and supremely practical book gives a unique look at an increasingly rare art form by one of it's greatest practioners.
--- from book's back cover

I bought this book primarily because of its excellent plan for a Greene & Greene sconce that was created for the famous Gamble House in Pasadena. However, there are other wonderful plans that are well illustrated, full color pix, detailed drawings and projects that are not large. I recommned the book highly.

If when you think of Brazil all that comes to your mind is Ronaldo, Pele, Samba and Carnaval, then this book is for you. Brazil is Not for Amateurs is a great read if you want to study the biggest nation of Latin America, plan to do business with it or just broaden your general knowledge. The text is very good written and there's something in it for everybody. Starters will get a nice and fun education on the subject and more advanced readers will gain valuable insights into the politics, economy and history of Brazil.

I am a counselor and used this book to make my own documentary. Having very little knowledge of where to start it was a tremendous help.

The Brightest Stars by Fred Schaff is an easy to read and highly informative book which uses the sky's most brilliant stars as a way to guide readers to discover the Universe.
The book is divided into three sections. In the first and second sections, Schaff explains how to locate the brightest stars as well as some of the major constellations. The reader also learns the basics of making astronomical observations, the nature of stars, their locations and yearly motions, and the various kinds of stars. This background will provide teachers with a greater understanding of ways to study our Universe.
The third section of this book provides the reader with a unique look at the brightest stars. It provides chapter-by- chapter profiles of each of the brightest stars, as well as detailed information about what to look for in the observational experience of the star, including the star's season and relationship in its constellation. Each profile also offers the lore and legends connected with the star. Schaff uses these as a measure of what the human race as a whole has found interesting and individual about the stars.

I highly recommend The Brightest Stars by Fred Schaff to any k - 12 teacher who teaches astronomy units, or are interested in astronomy. Additionally, reading this book will enable teachers to provide outdoor astronomy lessons. Teachers will be able to help their students locate and name specific stars and constellations in the night sky. I would also recommend this book to middle school and high school language arts teachers who are teaching students to write about science folklore and legends. The third section provides a wealth of background information for those teachers.
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Wow! Bring 'Em Back Alive: Capturing Wildlife on Home Video is an excellent book for anyone who is interested in the video photography of animals! It focuses on everything, from equipment to safety to blinds to animals. Not only does it explain the important information needed, but it also offers tips and pointers. It is a very useful book! As a beginner, I have referred to this book faithfully in all my work. It also features Jim Arnosky's amazing color photographs! All in all, this is a wonderful, interesting, and helpful book.

Great if you need to do any concrete repairs or major projects involving concrete.