Central Florida Books

Kevin, as always, is a master story teller. This book blends that mastery with a sound knowledge of the subject matter evidencing lots of research. Brings a few tears, but well worth reading.....

Although I've only had this book a few days, after several glances and skimming more than a few species accounts I can say with confidence that this reference perfectly compliments Roger Conant's field guide. Since Conant's guide (which is also a five-star book), many taxonomical changes have occurred, rendering Conant very useful, but out-dated in several cases. Bartlett's new guide introduces many new findings based on DNA analysis since Conant's work. Nice to have some work done on sorting out some of the Desmognathus sp., "Jordan's" complex, etc.

I do have one criticism, however. The distribution maps are quite 'hoaky' in appearance. Very blocky. The range maps in both Conant and in Petranka (Salamanders of the United States and Canada) are much better, but for the new species even these poorly drawn maps are still a big help.

Because of the attractive lay-out, nice color photos (each illustrated with at least one photograph), and new up-to-date information, I give this guide five stars. Highly recommended.

This book covers all the major hiking trails in Florida in a very concise but informative format. It groups the trails by regions at the beginning of the book and then checks all the features that the area contains...restrooms, pet-friendly, etc. It also indicates the trails that you should not miss if you want to see the best Florida has to offer. We have found it the best guide to date.

Dr. Alexander Skutch passed away in 2004 just short of his 100th birthday.
He was an acclaimed biologist and had published a multitude of studies, articles and books on tropical botany, nature and ornithology.

In this book he describes his early days in Costa Rica just after concluding his work with the banana producing companies in the 1930's. In 1941 he purchased a farm in the rich San Isidro Valley in the South Central part of the country and named it Los Cosingos after the Fiery-billed Aracari, a species of Toucan that was common in the area. Skutch then devoted his time to studying the birds and plants of the area and worked to save some of the forests and preserves of the country. He along with Dan Janzen were two of the most influencial biologists that helped Costa Rica shape a system of national parks that may be the best of any country in the world.

In this book Skutch writes of the early days on the farm, what the area was like before the main rush of settlers and how it changed into an agricultural center. His farm, or better called his sanctuary is the last forest left in the area and still shelters many of the birds, animals and plants once found in the valley before it changed to cropland.
He describes journeys across the Cerro Muerte before the road when it was just a horse trail and travelers would sometimes freeze on its heights here in the tropics. He describes fantastic natural phenomena such as migrations of irridescent winged butterflys that stretched from horizon to horizon that sadly dwindled with time and are no more.

I had noticed that no one had reviewed this book which I imagine is an indicator of the present interest in this book. This is very unfortunate as it is an excellent read and will illuminate aspects of tropical life that have all but disappeared in Central America.

This is a very useful and informative tool for any family visiting or living in Florida.
My daughter will get many ideas for "field trips" with her children and with other home-school moms. It's not just all Disney there. And these ideas are practical as well as places of education and fun.

I kept this little book in my handbag for the duration of our stay. Although I ordered other books, this one with it's fold out maps on each page made it easy use, and it became invaluable. I never once refered back to the other books I purchased because this one has it all. Each page is a fold out map with cafes, shopping, restaurants, bars and other places of interest listed with a brief description.
I got one for Paris as well and i'm using it to plan my trip there this summer, to get to know the neighborhoods around hotels, to see where the metro stops are etc. One of the best maps I've used.

You'll never look the fool unfolding a huge map, or fighting to fold it back up again.

This book provides a great overview of the various habitats in Florida. The author has personally visited each park (at least once) and sometimes gives historical information on changes. Park directions, fees, facilities, pros and cons are provided for each park. It's a great book for anyone looking to explore Florida's nature and wildlife.

Superb. In a single volume, the writer and the photographer present stories and images that break the heart and then help put it back together again. They offer a rare look at Africa--a telling mix of broad stroke historical analysis and intimate personal portraits. Reading it, I met people who have endured extraordinary struggles--warfare, famine, political assault. I also encountered individuals involved in grass roots efforts to claim their human rights and rebuild their communities and their nations in the twin wakes of colonial and post-colonial devastations. Throughout, I was pulled by the lively urgency of Robert Press' prose--a tone suggesting that the author is not only well-acquainted with his subject, but deeply concerned about Africa and its peoples. That quality is reinforced by Betty Press' striking, and sometimes haunting, photographs. While this book is well equipped to pass muster with scholars and long-time Africa watchers/commentators, it offers much for a more general public that may be struggling to sort through the tangle of news coming from the continent.

I find the authors view of the Nicarauan situation to be honest and unbiased in that it let the reader decide which political side was best for the people of Nicaragua. I think Patricia Taylor Edmisten's research of the politcal history was thorough and to the point. Most people make judgement of a country or culture on what they hear or read about today without much knowledge of the history that sheds more light as to how the present situation came about.

If you are searching for romance in Orlando, this is the guide for you. Written by a couple, this personal and trustworthy guide is complete with testimonials. Each section covers hotels, restaurants, and things to do. This well-written guide is great for couples who are looking to pamper themselves. (Library Journal)