Wyoming Books

After reading "Solace of Open Spaces," I was expecting something more "poetic" with this one. I really liked "Solace" a lot and was rather disappointed with this one. With such a magnificent subject, I would think Ms. Ehrlich could have done much better. The photography is really good, but the writing wasn't up to what I expected, IMHO.

I recently purchased three guide books on Montana: this one, the Montana Handbook, and the Ultimate Montana Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia. If all you're looking for are the places everyone else goes, then this is probably an OK book. It seems to only feature the places where the moneyed folks will go and none of the places that really make travel interesting. Their suggestions for dining and lodging were so limited they were worthless. I certainly didn't feel like I could plan a trip using this book. I got suckered in by the "look inside" feature on this and the Montana Handbook. Why they didn't put it on the Ultimate Montana book is puzzling. Probably because they wouldn't sell any of these other two books if people could really compare. If you want to see what all the other tourists see then this book is probably adequate. If you want to follow their recommendations for dining and lodging, better pack a lot of cash. I mean really, packing two of the largest states in the country into a pocketbook the size of a Grisham novel should tell you something. There are parts of the state they don't even cover. My advice, unless you just like spending money, skip this book.

A handy addition to other travel books for the region.

Who are we kidding here. Trying to pack to of the largest states in geography into one small book? The name must be selling the book, because I didn't find much substance here. There's a lot missing here. This and the Fodor's book must rely on their name to sell the book, not the content of the book.

With the name Frommer, I really expected something substantial. I canÕt tell you how disappointed I was when I got this. It is a mere shadow of the ÒMoon Montana HandbookÓ, and only a pamphlet of highlights compared to the ÒUltimate Montana Atlas and Travel EncyclopediaÓ. They try to funnel you in to the high traffic tourist spots, and only suggest the pricey restaurants and motels. About the only good thing I can say about it is that itÕs a quick read. They cram all of Montana into a little more than 200 small pages. If you really want to explore Montana, get the ÒUltimateÓ or the ÒMoonÓ books (the ÒUltimateÓ book is really the only one youÕll ever need). If you are part of the ÒKick me, IÕm a touristÓ crowd, then by all means buy this book.

Once again another great travel guide has come from the Frommer's series of books. When traveling to some place new I always look to see if there is a Frommer's Guide for that destination. They are well written and very easy to read and understand. I feel they are the most complete travel books around. Also there size makes for ease of use. They can be carried on the plane or in car in an overnight bag without taking up to much space. This allows for quick access when finishing last minute trip planning on the way there. Although I have not purchased this book, because I live the area of the US that the book describes I have looked it over and feel it lives up the Frommer's name. It provides the same useful information found in all Frommer's books, maps, general travel info., motel/hotel info., and great itineraries just to touch the surface. I would not hesitate in recommending this book and would buy it myself if I did not already live in Wyoming.

As a former realtor, Mr. Cole owes the natural world a large debt, and believes he is doing good work. My opinion, based upon a life lived in the northern rockies, is that bears NEVER benefit from interactions with humans. The natural world is not there for us to enjoy, or understand, or study - it is simply there. If you are looking for a better understanding of bears, read Steve Herreros book and if you like pretty pictures, check out any of the other authors online who do not routinely place bears at risk by forcing encounters.

Cole is in the news for all the wrong reasons: "Photographer, bear advocate cited for getting too close to bruins," by Scott McMillion, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 3/25/05. Cole has been cited for harassing bear in Yellowstone National Park. He hasn't had his day in court yet, but you've got to wonder. It's easy to get close-up photos of grizzly/brown bears at designated (and well-managed) bear viewing areas in Alaska and Canada. To get publishable photos of grizzly bears in Yellowstone or Glacier, you've got to get so close you put yourself in danger and run the risk of driving the bears away from food they need or a place they want to be. Grizzlies are a threatened species in the lower 48 states. Why bother them when you can get photographs of grizzlies in Alaska without stressing the bears? What kind of bear advocate would do that?

As the wife of Jim Cole, I can tell you that he has dedicated three (3) decades of his life to the study of Grizzly Bears in their natural habitats. His books took three (3) years to write and spotlight bear families from the lower 48 and Alaska which he has followed for years. Jim gave up a lucrative real estate career to pursue his wildlife passion and has made many sacrifices along the way. As a result of the most recent attack on May 23rd, 2007, Jim is now permanently blind in one eye. Ironically, Jim never considered himself to be a professional photographer. He counts himself as a Grizzly Bear Educator and performs original songs about bears to a wide range of audiences. Jim's books represent his life's work and offer useful insight into the cunning versatility of the great bear. As of the writing of this review, Jim has never been banned from any national park nor have his actions resulted in the death of any bruin. Simply stated, Jim believes these creatures to be the most intelligent and impressive animals on Planet Earth! Yes, his time spent in the backcountry is quite non-traditional; but Jim always was a rugged individualist.

Jim Cole has been ticketed and banned at many National Parks for willing breaking the law and endangering, not only his life, but the lives of the bears. He was recently mauled at Yellowstone and his actions most likely will result in the death of the bear as he pursued and harrassed a mother bear protecting her cubs. We were at Yellowstone during the incident and the rangers said that the photos they found in his camera did not line up with the tale he told.

This is his second mauling because he will risk the life of the bear just to get his money shot. If you are considering buying his books because you love bears, be aware that man is not a advocate for bears but rather will do things that result in their being shot in order to enrich himself.

Jim Cole is a talented photographer and writer. With a keen sense of observation Cole documents in a stunning way with pictures and word his observation of the grizzlies that roam our great National Parks. Together with his book on Grizzlies in Alaska the reader can gain an indepth and personal insight into the lives of these magnificent animals.

This book does a great public disservice. The information in the book has not been updated in years and is terribly outdated. Quite a bit of the information is absolutely wrong. Send the publisher a message - don't buy the book until they update it. Save your money, there are much better, current books out there such as "Hot Springs and Hot Pools of the Southwest" & Northwest - which are updated ever two years

The only useful thing about this writer's books on hot springs are the USGS maps and the latitude/longitudes. I bought a book of his nearly 20 years ago and was thoroughly dissatisfied, & was incensed when it seemed to me he was more interested in providing info for the land yacht crowd. I wonder if his book alleging that the lunar landings were hoaxes is any better. I doubt it. He probably denies the Holocaust took place, too. If you want a book on hot springs, check out Jayson Loam's books. They are much better. If you want info on faked lunar landings, get the movie "Capricorn One."

depending on what your looking for you may not want this guide. it has a fairly well established list to many commercial hot springs, but little else. If your looking for hot springs where you can hook up your RV then this guide may work for you. If on the other hand your looking for real, natural hot springs off the beaten path, then this guide is worthless.

We have tried one hot spring listing and enjoyed our hot soak, found one shut down, one remodeling and one a bit too pricey for us. Would like to see some reference to actual costs rather than than reasonable or free or deluxe. One place inacessible without 4 wheel drive but we will keep trying, the maps are good.

Not worth the time or $$. Not only is the hero cruel and a jerk but it's hard to imagine (in the 1800's)a graduated and sophisticated lawyer from Harvard working as a bounty hunter. It's never explained how did he gave away his family's fortune and business to this woman who was his fiancee (who happens to be Ella's cousin). The only thing we know is that he needs $$ to get back his family's fortune. He kidnaps the heroine and then sets out on a dangerous journey back to Philly. They encounter through that said journey: drought, a storm, a tornado, 2 rapists and let's not forget the clever aunt who is always trying to rescue Ella. And guess what, they reach Philadelphia unscathed. He gives her away to her murderous uncle and get paid (after all they were been trough and knowing Ella's was heading to her dead). The final rescue is made because of the wit of the aunt. And finally this guy waits 3 months before going back to her and confessed his love. This was not a likeable hero. Sorry, but the plot just didn't work out for me. I'll stick to Howell's highlanders books.

I really like Hannah Howell. Some books more than others & this is one that I liked. It has a strong, interesting set of characters. At first, I had a hard time relating to Ella falling in love with the man who is taking her to her death. Of course, this all works out in the end & she forgives him.

Some of the plot I could not really get into. The fact that 2 of Ella's family (beautiful cousins) get engaged to men then back out causing them to lose their businesses & family livelihood (This being the reason that Harrigan easily turns her over to her uncle who wants to kill her for her inheritance). I never really understood that but all in all, this is an entertaining book. I have to stop myself from nit-picking & just enjoy a good romance.

I'm usually a big fan of Hannah Howell's books, but I found this one to be a waste of money and time. None of the characters were believable. The scene where the 'hero' went to rescue the heroine from certain death -- I was ready to beat him on the head and tell him to get on with it already. I will think long and hard before buying any more books from this author.

This book is well woth the price. Well-balanced, strong characters, vicious bad guys, and a sexy lead man. Aunt Louise, with her platoon of stray youngsters, is a feisty, determined character. Ella is a strong-minded, independant, determined young woman. I had a problem with Harrigan's lack of trust, but this is clarified quite neatly later on. The love scenes are steamy, poignant and tender. I would definitely buy another of Hannah Howell's novels.

Only an expert bird watcher would benefit from this book. It is useless for the occassional watcher

I got just what a birder needs when going to an unfamiliar location: where to go to have the best chance of seeing specific birds. There is a wealth of information crammed into this little book, hot spots, check lists, habitat descriptions, some nice photos and tiny, detailed maps. I hope the information is not out of date, it is nearly 20 years old. I will find out next month.

i can't imagine not having had this guide on my recent trip. it enhanced the experience immeasurably with tips about what to see and how to see it. this is the best of the insider's guides i've ever read. a necessity on your trip - make sure you pack it and leave out the spare socks!

TERRIBLE!!!!
This insiders guide is less than you would expect in a free publication from the local chamber of commerce. Lists of motels and restaurants with pricing - YES. History of Yellowstone - YES. Real insight from someone who has actually been to Yellowstone would be a nice change from what is found in this book. The book provides 20-30 pages on the history of Yellowstone, the geological conditions, and some basic maps. Then it spends the rest of the entire book going through motels and restaurants in surrounding towns.
There are plenty of other publications available. Try them first as this book falls far short of the content provided through a basic web search and a visit to the National Park Service web site.

I got this book at the library and boy am I glad I didn't buy it. There are much better Yellowstone/Grand Teton books out there, so avoid this one.

If you want information on places to stay or eat around Yellowstone, this might be ok, but there seems to be little USEFUL information here. It lists a record store in Bozeman, MT, in case you want to know that, but it gives virtually no information on what to see in Yellowstone/Grand Teton. Of the 16 pages actually devoted to Yellowstone Park, for example, about 90% is devoted to places to stay or eat. In short, it's skewed toward the commercial aspects of the area, with very short shrift to the real attractions, the natural ones.

The first section of the book is a perfunctory photo section of dull black and white pictures from the National Park Service. One shows a view of some interesting geological feature from the air and the caption is, "An aerial view in Yellowstone National Park." Duh. Another shot of a hot spring is captioned "A thermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park." Huh? No explosion I can see. Haven't these guys done their homework? And can't they operate a camera to take better pictures? This shows the level of attention to detail in this book.

The Moon Handbook to Yellowstone by Don Pitcher is much, much better, as is the Frommer's Guide, and another Insiders' Guide called "Scenic Driving Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks" by Susan Butler is quite good, but doesn't cover dining and lodging.

If you are only going to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons this book is worthless. If you are going through the whole state and surrounding areas it might be o.k. There was ONE page each on hiking in Yellowstone and Tetons. If I had seen this book in the store, I would never have bought it. Lesson learned about on line buying.

The book does a good job of describing the logistics of the selected runs but falls short by not including much WY whitewater and lacks detail in harder runs.

Frommer's is still trying to pack two very large states into 448 small pages. This new edition offers little difference from the last edition. They've obviously left a lot out. If you like going only where the tourists with money go, this book is adequate. Otherwise save your money. It's a good highlights book, but very weak for usable information.

The Red Desert of Wyoming is a very interesting place, it's beautiful as all high desert is, but let's face it, if it was THAT beautiful it would have been a National Park or Monument long ago.

the current Eco Push to make it one of these is unjustified, and is a Green PC attempt to stop ranching and mining in the region.

I bought this book because the author is an old hand born in the area and I wanted to know what someone pushing a century thought about his old home grounds then and now.

If I wasn't already a landowner in the region and a red desert rat to begin with I probably would not want to go there by reading this, there is too much regurgitating of road signs and landmark plaques, and far too much info on mining...I learned more about mining from reading this than I ever would want to know.

AS a historical snap shot it is worth buying alone, the line that repeats is , I used to drive through this gate to this such and such historic landmark but now the gate has a lock on it...I don't know if the author was aware of the mantra or not, but it is a telling one...

the barbed wire of the author's day stopped the free movement over the red desert, and now his freedom is stopped by the new barbed wire...Masterlock and Posted Signs.

A good one to read through and carry if passing that way as it gives turn by turn directions and exits to get on and off at, places to eat and routes, people to look up and guides or locals who can share their knowledge with you in exploring the area.

As I said, if I wasn't already in the area I don't know that it would make me go there, but if you like high desert at all it's worth the money.