Pacific Books

Yet another Great Osprey Book filled with photo's and information on a Personal level from Pilots and Crew

Carl Molesworth's VERY LONG RANGE P-51 MUSTANG UNITS OF THE PACIFIC WAR provides a riveting combat history joining others in the 'Aviation Elite Units' series; this focusing on the pilots who called themselves the 'Tokyo Club', and who flew through monsoons and more to attack a heavily defended target at the heart of Japan's capitol. Black and white and some color photos liberally embellish the battle and technical descriptions.

This was a fine summary of the little known activities of the VLR (Very Long Range) fighter units. The difficulties encountered by the pilots and their aircraft are well described.

The P-51 and P-47 pilots who flew VLR missions to Japan in 1945 must have had cojones of steel! Imagine flying 650 miles in a single-engine fighter over the unforgiving Pacific Ocean, battling hordes of Japanese interceptors over the Homeland and then making the return trip, all the while hoping that wonderful Merlin engine upfront wouldn't miss a beat! The story of those epic - and butt-busting - missions is well told in this Osprey volume, #25 in their 'Aviation Elite Units' series.

Award-winning author Carl Molesworth chronicles the VLR missions flown by the pilots of the 15th, 21st and 506th Fighter Groups of the 7th Fighter Command starting in April 1945. The initial escort missions were fiercely opposed by IJNAF and IJAAF interceptors; later missions, less so due to the Japanese decision to conserve their resources to combat the expected U.S. invasion of the Homeland. But when the Japanese refused to come up to fight, the P-51s just went down on the deck, strafing Japanese targets at will.

By war's end, the P-51 pilots had scored 452 air and ground kills at a cost of 121 KIAs or POWs. Because of the sporadic nature of the air combat, few pilots scored the magic five kills to make ace. Nevertheless, these missions required an extraordinary physical and mental effort from the pilots involved and Molesworth's book stands as a tribute to those indomitable airmen.

As with other Osprey titles, this one is illustrated with over 100 photographs. The book benefits however from eight pages of absolutely gorgeous color side-views by Jim Laurier. Laurier's work is top-of-the-line; his artwork is so sharp you can even count the rivets.

Recommended.

Its neat to see pixs of San Fran back in the days. I love this style, the pictures are large and the calendar dates are still big and clear.

Love the historic photos. The calendar area could be larger. Overall, a wonderful product.

Just some of the reasons why I love San Francisco were in this book,the picture book was well done ,such an unique city and the photos told so much of its story

Compiled and edited by Peter Bernen, Vintage San Francisco is an absorbing presentation of black-and-white historical photographs of San Francisco taken by members of Moulin Studios, especially California's premier photographer Gabriel Moulin (1872-1945). These images range from the ruin left by the Great Quake of 1906, to images of the glorious Golden Gate. A few simple quotes about this grand city embellish the captivating images. Vintage San Francisco is an excellent and inspirational photographic tribute to one of California's most historically important and influential cities.

I loved Wagon Train 911!!! I don't like most books that go back in time but this book is different. It's about kids that "go back in time" but they are living in modern times. I read it when I was eight, it's the perfect book for an eight yr. old. I loved it and I'm sure the eight yr.old in your life will too!

I loved this book. It was fun to read! This book was about a 5th grade class who were suppose to get married (pretend) and go out west

Wagon Train 911 was a very good book. It is about this class who is travelling back to old times. They are taking a journey like the Oregon Trail. They have to buy food and wear heavy clothing. Do they make it?

Wagon Train 911 is about a girl named Dinah whos class reenacts the Oregon Trail. The boys have to "marry" the girls and everything! Will this wagon train survive? Read Wagon Train 911 to find out!

My parnter and I just spent two wonderful weekends in Portland - all due to this great book. We followed five of the walks in the downtown portland area and got so much out of it (due to the book) that we flew back to Portland three weeks later to visit again and did an additional four walks. This is a great book - I thoroughly recommend it.

This book contains many wonderful walks through downtown Portland, Washington Park, and several well-known nature parks and neighborhoods. The walks are detailed with many interesting facts about the neighborhoods and landmarks. This is the perfect book for those new to Portland and for those who have lived in Portland for some time. It made me want to revisit many familiar places with new interest because of all the history that the author highlights. Each walk is carefully described in terms of location, difficulty, distance and time, making them easy to fit into a busy day.

I really like this book! It's thorough and easy to understand and includes a guide to help with choices about what walk you'd like to take. The directions are clear and Ms. Cook has included interesting tidbits of information you can follow along the way, as well as maps and photographs. It's not easy for me to get around because of a disability, but I don't need to be afraid of setting out with this guide. It lets me know how long the walk should take and the difficulty of the walk. What an exciting and fresh way to see the city!

I have lived in Portland all my adult life and yet was surprised when I found the description of walking trails that I did not know existed. The descriptions are clear and inviting. The planning of the walks are easy to identify with in terms of distance and time required. I think this is a must-have book for the walkers in the Portland area both for visitors and residents.

I first read Ken Fisher's book in 1987, unfortunately for me, after the stock market crash. Had I read it before the crash of 1987 I think I would have sold out.

His book clearly gave the warning signals about the high valuations of stocks in that era. I love this book for its simplicity and powerful demonstrations of market history that I have recommended it to many people who want to learn more about markets.

I have this book prominently displayed in my collection of books about the markets.

I originally bought this book in the late 80's and wish the author would update the charts/graphs through recent times. Every page of the book provides detailed, large illustrations depicting financial and economic statistics/trends and cycles. I learned a lot from this book in the 80's and suspect if the additional 20 years of data were added to these charts/graphs, it would be a wealth of eye opening information. I have also used some of the illustrations to teach my staff about the economy - it's great!

Perfect antidote to "what will the market do." According to this book, over the last 200 years, long ups and have been followed by long downs. Makes sense. EPS needs time to "catch up" to over pricing (overheating or whatever).

So, if 200 year trends come to fruition, NASDAQ and the DOW will hit their 2000 peaks in about 2016 to 2018. However, remember, the long term trend is still up. It just got ahead of itself a bit (800% growth from 1983 to 2000 was too much). Hang on and the market shows this.

Great book. No axes to grind.

Mr. Fisher does a very good job of expounding on financial markets, measurements, and traditional wisdom, often iconoclastically. Many excellecnt long term charts, and references to little known economists whose ideas have been over-looked by mainstream academics.

This book does not have "Hiking" in it's title. I'm sure many people looking for hiking or trail books never find this book for that reason, too bad. This book stood out over other hiking specific titles.

Full color maps with trails and roads outlined. Great creative write-ups and stats for each trail. Really outstanding National Geographic quality photography that gives you a true sense of the trail and area, some of the best Northwest photography I have seen. Excellent general information. All on thick high quality gloss paper, not paperback paper. The author is a Northwest native, and photographer yes does work for National Geographic.

Get this book you will not be disappointed!

This is a lovely book. The color photographs are artistic and original (mountains, lakes and trees give Gurche more than standard post card poses). The writing is likewise consistently excellent. Huschke offers a taste of history, geology, and human interest with his hiking and, of course, nature commentary: he seems consistently well-informed. In addition, the book gives a sharp, though not detailed, map of each wilderness area. This puts hikes I have taken, or dream of taking, into a context one cannot always quickly grasp from detailed topographical maps. I found Huschke's description of trails I know, like the maps, not only accurate but also detailed in a useful, rather than overwhelming, way. So I feel I can trust his guidance where my own sneakers have not yet trod. At the same time, he doesn't make me feel as if actually hitting the trail for myself would be redundant.

Of course there are many other trails in each wilderness area this book does not describe. But this is a wonderful introduction to the awesome beauties of Washington state, both for those who have never visited, and for those born here, but with much left to discover.

This book is a wonderful fusion of wilderness hiking guide and photo essay, fabulously bridging the gap between funcionality and literary artwork.
I've personally hiked in over ten of the areas described by Mr. Huschke, and have not once managed to find the words to convey their beauty in as magic a manner as he. At the same time, the crisp and accurate detail of each hike-description clearly show the great deal of time spent in growing intimate with each trail and side-trail.
I've read dozens of guides to the Pacific Northwest outdoors, but the photos and background depictions in this book make it easily the finest I've ever encountered. I agree with the first review of this book in anxiously awaiting the next effort from these two gifted artists.

I was in the midst of planning a trip out west when I stumbled across "Washington's Wilderness Areas". Needless to say, we're now planning on heading to Washington. Mr. Huschke's writing gives a clear picture of what to expect and how to reach those expectations. The pictures jump off the pages!

I highly recommend this book and hope that Mr. Huschke has more in the works.

Alan C. Carey insures that those who fought with Navy Liberator and Privateer squadrons in the Pacific will not be forgotten heroes. The work reflects the scholarly research and careful documentation expected of a historian. Carey found some WWII veterans reluctant to tell their stories, and for some it is already too late. After researching his father's story, he went on to bring other brave men the recognition they deserve. In writing this book, he provides ready reference to anyone who had family or friends flying with the squadrons but never heard their stories. His book acknowledges the historic record to remind us of those who died so we may be free.

This book (and the companion volume "Above An Angry Sea") detail the exploits of the men who flew the Navy version of the B-24 Liberator in the Pacific campaign. This was my father's war, and I have always felt cheated that there were so many books on Army Air Force B-24 action, but so few for the PB4Y-1 and -2. Alan Carey must have felt the same way, as his father was a gunner on one of those Navy PB4Ys. Bought this book and read it from cover to cover, and was truly amazed when my father was mentioned three times! Guess what I am sending him for his 86th birthday!

The first thing, and most important to me, is that Mr. Carey has the facts! Good for a bet almost anywhere is the fact of the existence of US Navy B-24s and the Privateers during WWII.

The reason I bought the book is that I'm researching my brother's service as a Naval aviator. On active duty during WWII and after, Allan W. Smith piloted PBYs and Privateers in the South Pacific. "We Flew Alone" has spurred me on in my efforts and provided ideas for further study.

I enjoyed the book from cover to cover and recommend it to all WWII history buffs and aviators everywhere.

Alan Carey has done a magnificent job of capturing the many facets of the air war in the Pacific. Everyone should know that almost all of those who gave their lives in that war, died alone and their bodies will never be found. I hope you will pardon my biased feelings about this book (I was one of those men who participated in many long, lonely flights over the Pacific) but I can attest to the fact that his book is factual. I have read every book I can find on that subject and this an excellent report on that part of the war, the best to date.

The use of actual quotes from the men who were there, graphic, vivid descriptions of combat and many photographs of the crews and their planes make this a truly important book for those interested in the Pacific War. It has to rank among the best books of the war for the great mix of text and pictures, including many "action" photographs.

The book is well organized and easy to read with the material presented in chronological order. He has included three appendices providing a great deal of specific information for those who want more details about the squadrons, their records and their beloved aircraft. The research was well done and his book is a great tribute to all of those who served in the PB4Y1 (B-24 LIberator) in the Pacific Theater of World War Two.

Carole Terwilliger Myers, author of the 8th Edition of Weekend Adventures in San Francisco & Northern California, points out in her introduction that there is nothing more disappointing than returning home from a vacation and finding out that you had missed an interesting attraction or you overpaid for your hotel accommodations.
I would have to concur, and as I am a stickler for preparing my travel itineraries well in advance-I just hate surprises and disappointments.

Although there may be several travel guides available pertaining to San Francisco and Northern California, each seeking its own market niche, the Weekend Adventures in San Francisco & Northern California is built around providing information that will aid the reader to quickly ascertain what is of special interest in the area he or she is planning to visit. Moreover, the guide contains useful advice concerning bargain rates, welcoming of families, aesthetically pleasing, historic significance, etc. In addition, the author provides phone numbers, toll-free numbers, fax numbers, and websites.

The 469 pages of the guide is bigger, thicker, and longer than most and it is divided into sixteen sections, a substantial index, and many well-chosen black-and-white photos.
The author commences with San Francisco, and as pointed out, all other destinations radiate from here. Chapters are devoted to Coast South, Coast North, 101 South, 101 North, 1-80 North, 1-880 South, 1-5 North, Highway 49-Gold Rush Country, The High Sierra, Santa Cruz Mountains, The Delta, Wine Country, Lake Tahoe, Winter Snow Fun, and finally Miscellaneous Adventures such as family camps, houseboats, river trips, pack trips, and camping.

Excellent suggestions are offered as to annual events, what to do, where to stay and eat.
For example, if you read the section pertaining to Monterey, you will notice that some of the events listed are the Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, the Grand Prix auto races, the Jazz Festival, and Christmas in the Adobes.
As for the last one, we are informed, that each year a group of historic adobes are festively decked out with period decorations and illuminated only by candlelight.

Terwilliger Myers' writing is brisk and entertaining, and you can see she has done her homework, as evidenced by her well-researched and useful information.

All in all, the guide makes an excellent reference to visiting San Francisco and Northern California and is a must-have for anyone traveling in the region.

Norm Goldman Editor Bookpleasures

I love this guide, so much in fact that when i lost it a year ago I bought another copy. The advice is useful, though you'll need a more detailled map to accompany it, and it hits the bright spots of each little town without leaving out much. Great if you are new to the Bay Area and want to explore without feeling like a tourist.

My husband and I bought this book along with several others after living in the Bay area for a while. We were hoping to get ideas on things to do on weekends, and we have found that this book has been incredibly useful and has inspired us to go much farther and really take advantage of the interesting destinations in the area. We usually pick a direction that looks interesting, plan a few stops along the way and take off for a fun day trip or (occasionally) overnight trip, and she never leads us astray. While we are budget travelers and thus some of her suggestions are out of our price range, especially for hotels, we've enjoyed many of the restaurants, specialty shops, museums and factories in the area and learned a lot about what Northern California has to offer thanks to this book. I highlight places as we go there and write notes in the margins- and my book is getting pretty marked up! I absolutely love this book, and think it's perfect for adventurous couples of all ages. It was the best travel book purchase I think that I have ever made, if you measure it by frequency of use and enjoyment. One thing I think could be improved on is the complete lack of maps- just having this book is not enough- You MUST also bring along road maps, and printing out some google maps pinpointing specific destinations is extremely helpful. I can't tell you how long it took us to find the Ace Cider Pub in Sebastapol- we had to ask a local for directions. Otherwise though, fabulous book.

-happy grad student traveler

If Weekend Adventures In San Francisco & Northern California sounds familiar, it should be: this latest represents its 8th updated edition, including a wide range of attractions from staying in a coastal lighthouse the night to exploring small local parks, byways, and less major attractions. Even the well-traveled California native who has seemingly covered all routes will find plenty of new adventures here, all updated thoroughly. A recommended 'staple' for both visitors and especially local residents.

Great historical read of the Russian Bering/Stellar voyage to Alaska. Corey Ford's writing is vivid, flowing, has first hand knowledge of the Bering Sea islands, gifted nature writer. I've given this book as a must read to several friends.

A true account of Vitus Bering's voyage from Russia to discover what is now Alaska. Anyone interested in the history of Alaska should start by reading this book, or someone looking for an actual true life adventure story that makes one appreciate the dangers encounted in the 1700's by these amazing explorers. This book is written from the journals of Georg Stellar, the naturalist on-board the boat that discovered Alaska. The first written account and identification of many species that Stellar discovered and writes about in his journals. One of which is extinct today and his writings are the only account of the massive Stellar Sea Cow. A fabulous account of these adventurors and their interaction with the beautiful, but deadly, Alaska coast and it's native people.

This was a terrific story about the quest to find what is now Alaska. It gives insight into just how courageous these early exployers were. I can't comprehend of enduring those sort of hardships. Ford is also a good biologist and gives interesting commentary on the animal life. He also describes what may have been the first observation of a diving reflex in a marine mammal, the now extinct Northern sea cow. If you read this, it would be hard to complain about our current quality of life.

Excellent story of the discovery of Alaska by the famous explorer,Vitus Bering and naturalist, Georg Steller. Combines text from Steller's extensive notes and observations of the author.

Whom Shall I Fear is not only a gripping story, but is a great book to give to friends. The account of Mara's spiritual journey is interwoven with her escape from war and oppression. My wife and I have purchased several copies to use as gifts.

This book opens to view the commitment of a wonderful mother who stood as an island in the midst of a sea of turmoil for her faith. It is an inspiring example of how others respected her for her integrity, even though they followed a different life stlye and belief. We need more roll models like this in our current floundering moral abyss and absense of prominent moral leaders.

Set prior to and during World War II in what is now Serbia, this book is the dramatic story of a woman who made faithfulness to God her highest priority. Ann Vitorovich, tells a story rich in detail and drama. Whom Shall I Fear? is a quick read; not because it is written at an elementary level, but because it is a hard book to put down. The excellent writing carries the reader along chapter after chapter.

"The book is awesomely inspiring!! A powerful testimony rarely
received out of the pulpit. Outstanding "Bible study" that connects
with lay people. It embraced everything desirable in a book -- drama,
humor, counseling, and courage. The twins' childish antics added a
human perspective to the book and people. Mara was one impressive,
strong and courageous woman. The story of how the homes were saved from German tanks was breathtaking. This book reminds readers it is important to avoid complacency with regard to world events."