Book Description

Reviews (49)

Aaargh, shiver me timbers, matey!
UNDER THE BLACK FLAG is the perfect read for anyone who, as a kid, dressed up as a one-eyed pirate and went around waving a cardboard cutlass saying, "Aaargh, speak up bilge rat; where be the treasure?" Or anyone who enters company staff meetings with, "Ahoy tharr, scurvy dogs, shark meat ya'll be." Or, "Are ya feeling lucky, punk?" (Well, perhaps that last is from a more recent era.)

Since he's writing for Western audiences, Author David Cordingly focuses on the pirates, buccaneers, and corsairs of European background, who infested the waters of the Atlantic and Indian oceans and the Caribbean during the 17th and 18th centuries. The book's twelve chapters reveal everything you've ever wanted to know about swashbuckling pirates and piracy: the ships, pirate flags, buried treasure, recruitment, plunderings, pirate violence, famous captains (e.g. Kidd, Blackbeard, Morgan, Rackam, Vane, Roberts), women pirates, pirates' women, pirate life on land and sea, marooning, walking the plank, pirate islands and haunts, pirates in the media (books, stage plays, films), pirate trials and executions, wooden legs and, yes, parrots.

Upon finishing UNDER THE BLACK FLAG, I tried to think of a reason not to award five stars, and couldn't. The volume is extensively researched, well organized, written with the popular audience in mind, eminently instructive, and not without humor. Sixteen pages of photographs complement the text. If you're interested in the topic, I can't recommend it too highly. Aaargh!

By the way, what does "shiver me timbers" mean, anyway?

Interesting and informative overview of piracy
This book gives an overview of the lives of the pirates of the 1700's (mostly). It covers the careers and untimely demises of the most famous (Capt. Kidd, Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Black Bart Roberts), talks about a number of less famous pirates, and covers some of the semilegal (depending on your nationality) exploits of the privateers (like Capt. Morgan). The book deliberately limits itself to those pirates associated with the Atlantic Ocean/Caribbean Sea, although many of these pirates also operated in the Indian or Pacific Ocean, so there is a wide variety of locales to compliment the wide variety of people.

The descriptions of the pirate life and details of their exploits are well written, using a number of primary sources (logbooks, journals, newpaper articles). They give a good feel for the "reality" of life among the pirates. But what of the "romance"? It's here as well, comparing the real pirates of history with our modern romantic view of pirates, based on Erol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks, Captain Hook and Long John Silver, and the Pirates of Penzance.

It is an entertaining and informative book, especially for someone (like myself) whose previous exposure to piracy has been through Stephen Spielberg's movies and Sid Meier's computer games. I suspect the serious naval historian may find the text someone cursory, but still useful because of the wealth of references. Anyone interested in a general overview on pirates (and privateers) in this era should find this book an enjoyable read.

Aarrr! Good tale of pirates, if a little disorganized
Whenever historical figures such as pirates are so common in popular culture, I often wonder how accurate the representation is. This book engagingly answers these questions. Not surprisingly, there is some truth to the modern image of a pirate. For example, they often dressed with scarfs, lots of guns, and even kept parrots as pets. On the other hand, they were largely brutal criminals, not jovial, romantic figures usually portrayed in stories.

With such a fragmentary history, the big challenge is to present a coherent picture of pirate history. Cordingly doesn't always pull this off. I found the book disorganized in places, and some of the chapters have fairly loose threads holding the material together. A lot of the excursions into analyzing popular culture are not particularly insightful, and interfere with the strength of the book, telling the story of pirates.

Overall, a fun and interesting read on a criminal class that is well recognized, if not well known.

Pirates Ye Be Warned
Ahoy, reader, the pirates you know today from movies and stories are not too far from the originals, but are wonderful and romanticized caricatures of the buccaneers and corsairs of the 18th century. This we learn from the excellent book Under the Black Flag by David Cordingly, in which the author tells the stories of the lives of real pirates of old. Cordingly goes into great color and detail about the reality of pirates and their history.

In the first chapter, entitled Wooden Legs and Parrots, Cordingly describes the actual appearance of buccaneers and corsairs. From the stories of Robert Louis Stevenson we first accepted the image of pirates personified by Long John Silver and Captain Hook. Pirates were linked with, pirate maps, black schooners, tropical islands, and one legged seaman with parrots on their shoulders. Cordingly identifies peg legs, parrots, filth, and harsh captains wearing dashing clothes.

Who were these lavishly-dressed, smelly, unkempt, vagabonds of the sea? David Cordingly catergorizes pirates in two ways. Buccaneers were pirates from the Carribean and Corsairs were pirates from the Mediteranean.He also goes into depth about specific people such as, Bartholomew Roberts, Sir Francis Drake, John Hawkins, Henry Morgan, and Captain Kidd.

In to battle and back to the sea, this is the life of a pirate; David Cordingly elaborated well on this fact in his book Under the Blak Flag. By reading his book you can tell he is an experienced writer and a more-than-credible authority on pirates. He uses sources and quotes very well in this book, and organizes the main points rather well. His writing style is easy to read and you find yourself being caught up in his stories of pirate history and legend. I found that on some points he strayed a little of subject and drew my attention away from the emediate points. Nonetheless I enjoyed his descriptions of the pirates' appearance, their background, and their history. I would suggest reading David Cordingly's Under the Black Flag for all those who idolize, ador, and dream about pirates.

Finally an interesting history book!
For anyone that's interested in the lifestyles of pirates, this is your book. This book is both a good read and informative. Almost everything you want to know is compiled here. I'm currently writing a novel about pirates, and this book is a wonderful reference. It goes into detail about pirate myths and truths, why we think of them the way we do, and what life was REALLY like for these swashbuckling blackguards. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Bible of wastewater analisys
A must for any laboratory that conducts water and wastewater analisys.

Uncomparable Reference
This is THE book of standards. Comprehensive testing of all major pollutants, giving precise instructions for proceedures, instructions and/or diagrams for apparatus setup; calibrations, preparation of stds. as well as current reference data. ... Read more

Book Description

This book presents readers with non-academic, real-world approaches to process improvement using the CMMI. The author provides concepts and techniques for CMMI-based process improvement which are as effective as they are innovative. Professionals at all levels - from system engineers to CEOs - will find a wealth of practical guidance and new ways to look at model-based process improvement that have already benefited large and small organizations in a variety of environments. Using plain language and enlightening illustrations, the author identifies the most critical concepts of the CMMI, and how to turn those concepts into real process improvement.This book provides readers with key information that will significantly benefit all CMMI process improvement efforts including:"How to discover and understand the business goals and drivers for a successful process improvement initiative"An understanding of the structures and practices many organizations already have in place that can accelerate process improvement, even before they begin using the CMMI"Planning and managing the process improvement project"Innovative, untraditional yet highly effective and proven strategies for CMMI-based process improvement"A thorough debunking of many of the costly and wasteful myths surrounding CMMI-based improvement ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Gutsy and Honest approach to Process Improvement!
Finally, a refreshingly honest approach to CMMI and process improvement. Michael has an uncanny ability to see into the heart of organizational psychology and points out the real reasons for attempting any improvement or organizational change. He strips away the hype surrounding CMMI and focuses on what's really important...obtaining results and improving the bottom line. It might be considered contrarian or even heretical by those making a living by selling CMMI, but I call it practical, gutsy and honest. A must read by any organization considering change regardless of the model chosen.

Unexpected gem - read before leaping!
If you're expecting a book that shows how to implement the CMMI, or even one that gushes about its benefits you're in for a surprise. Yes, this book does show how to achieve process improvement by using the CMMI as a model, but it differs greatly from the recipe approaches of similar books that will have you marching over a cliff instead of improving your organization. The author does this by uncovering fallacies and the blind paths the CMMI (or any process improvement initiative) represents.

Here's what to expect from this book, and why you should read it cover-to-cover before embarking on a CMMI implementation or other process improvement initiative. How to spot and avoid common pitfalls such as:

- focusing on the process instead of the benefits, which of course, can be counterproductive when the process itself is applied blindly and without regard for real efficiency.

- avoiding the 'when all you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail' effect; i.e., attempting to apply the CMMI to everything

- mis-diagnosing problems with the process and applying the wrong solution; for example, scope creep in a project causes a reaction that often results in claims that the requirements management process is broken when the real problem is a lack of discipline or standards (not the same as a process)

Besides showing what does not work, and forcing you to look at your real goals before embarking on a CMMI implementation or process improvement initiative, the author leads you through a realistic appraisal of your goals and objectives, and shows you how to accomplish them. He is a strong proponent of using a systems view, and shows how to apply systems thinking principles to achieving your goals and objectives. This is the real value of this book, and why it's a sanity check for any organization that is about to embark on any improvement initiative.

Of course, if you are going to implement the CMMI, in whole or relevant parts to improve your capability, this book provides a clear roadmap for doing just that. Do not let my previous remarks lead you to believe that this book is anti-CMMI because it's not. It's merely anti-unrealism.

Regardless of your end goals, much of the material in this book applies to any activity, from strategic planning to process improvement to embracing a methodology. It's one of the best books I've read, and one that anyone contemplating CMMI should read before they read anything else about that model. ... Read more

Book Description

With a million copies in print, here comes an even larger, more up-to-date version of the most complete reference book ever published on the subject. All the gemstones ever discovered are treated in their many variations. More than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in all its singular glory--in both its rough natural state and its polished and cut renditions. Each entry offers complete information on a gemstone's formation and structure, physical properties and characteristics, methods of working, cutting, and polishing.Learn about the best known, including amethyst and diamond. Find full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian. A special section is devoted to rocks as precious stones, including alabaster, onyx, obsidian, and fossils. Organic gem materials are also covered, such as coral, ivory, amber, and pearl, plus new on the market stones like charcoite.Everything is covered, including imitations, synthetics, and combined stones. Charts and tables help you identify unknown gemstones and, when you're in the market, how to check for genuineness. This is truly the ultimate one-volume book every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker and rockhound will ever need!

"Invaluable to rockhounds of all ages."--Science Teacher.

"One of the 100 outstanding Sci-Tech books of the year."--Library Journal.

"Anyone interested in minerals and gems will want a copy of this beautifully-illustrated book."--Science Books & Films.
... Read more

Reviews (15)

The best compact Gemstone reference book in the world!!!
A gemologist friend of mine introduced me to this book, and I had to have one. It is the best Gemstone reference book, especially at it's price. It includes color pictures and shows the gem in both the rough and finished state, and includes information on synthetic gemstones. Get this book for a REAL education on Gemstones.

A fantastic book for those interested in gemstones
This book is a wonderful reference for anyone that has in interest in gemstones or geology. The book has three main parts. The first is an introduction into the terminology that is used in the gemology industry. I found this section to be very inclusive and easy to understand. This section covers everything from the types of crystal structures to cutting techniques and density. This is a great section for those that are new in the world of gemology and would like a more in depth explanation of gemstones.
The next major section deals with well known gemstones. Every stone you can think of from diamond to emerald is covered in this section. The section is reserved for stones that most everyone has heard of and are readily available at any store. This section is layed out in a field guide type format as opposed to an in depth paragraph discussion. Each stone has a description of its characteristics and colored photos of multiple examples. The photos are beautifully done with several different examples of each stone shown.
The final section is reserverd form more uncommon gemstones. This section will be sure to surprise you. For example petrified wood is shown as a more uncommon gemstone. Even the most experienced gemologist will learn something new in this section..The pictures and layout of this section are the same as in the previous section.
I highly recommend this book to people with an interest in geology or gemology. This book is not a book that is best read cover to cover. It is better used as a reference because of its layout and abundance of information. No matter what you use it for you will be fascinated with the information and captivated by the photography. A wonderful book that will keep you entertained for hours.

Most useful of all my gemstone/ jewelry books so far
For decades I wore only white diamonds (nothing colored of any kind) simply because they went with everything and to me they were the easiest gems for the layperson buyer to become 'intelligent' about. Having recently found an excellent jeweller who's also a goldsmith and graduate gemologist, I'm now venturing into the world of colored gems, including colored diamonds. Very confusing! This book has helped enormously, though. For each gem there's all the usual basic info such as Mohs' scale hardness, along with other stuff that'll make your jeweller sit up and take proper notice of ya! : chemical composition, refractive index, density, fluorescence, double refraction and pleiochroism (if any), and so on and so forth. Not to worry, those are all explained in separate sections. There's also : info on all the colors each particular stone comes in, plus useful pictures ; a section for each stone on which others look similar enough to be confused with it ; sections on various treatments (usually for color enhancement) and on created & artifical stones ; and much much more. Simply packed with useful, well-organized info, very well laid out and easy on the eyes despite being fairly small for a hardbound book.

Gem Identification Guide To Gems & Precious Stones
I do jewelry appraisals and gem identifications and this book has helped me more than any other. It is a MUST for buying and selling (does not list prices). I have worn mine out and have just ordered a new one. I have had it for approximately ten or more years. You will be fascinated even if you are not buying or selling. Peruse it and enjoy!!!
Katherine Beasley G.G., A.J.P. (GIA)

great little book
I have learned a lot from this book and find it very beneficial as someone who is new to gemstones. It has great pictures, hardness scales and a lot of valuable information. I would recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

* Includes new chapters on soil and groundwater remediation, water filtration system technology, and bottled water supplies; plus new sections on food safety and environmental security.
* Features new expert contributors such as Nelson Nemerow, Franklin Agardy, George Tehachangolow, Pier Armenante, and Anthony Walbarst. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Environmental Engineering and Sanitation
I am trying to find out who signed for isbn#047141813. We never got this book.

Please respond Diane Leathers

GREATEST ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING BOOK
GREAT!!!!!

94 S: Excellent Resource, Environmental Health professionals
I have just reviewed the ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND SANITATION 1994 SUPPLEMENT, by Joseph A. Salvato and Joe E. Beck. It's a great resource for professionals seeking a broader vision of environmental health practice areas and where we are heading. Prof. Beck obviously put a lot of work into conceptualizing this volume and working with the distinguished contributors. It shows. In particular, I found the first chapter, Stakeholder Focused Interactive Planning (SFIP)by Joe Beck and Steven Ison to be a brilliant piece on the desirability of (indeed, the imperative for our profession to) include the public in problem-solving and planning. I have used this process and mediated disputes ranging from siting controversies (haz. waste facility siting in Massachusetts) to determining future land use options at Hanford in the nuclear weapons complex. I commend both Beck and Ison for their clear portrayal of the paradigm as well as the steps one undertakes in conducting such planning. Federal government engineers and planners have been learning the hard way about what happens when decisions are made without public input and without regard to the values, interests, and expectations of so-called stakeholders. At Hanford, more than $20 billion in appropriations has yielded preciously little in terms of actual cleanup: one may wonder if Congress will continue to appropriate the substantial $6 billion a year for the Dept. of Energy's Environmental Management Program without consensus of the public on #1) the benefits or #2) the ameliorated risks from present expenditures. Current stakeholders come from a wide range of public interest groups and they do not get along particularly well. They do not have current programs or projects that reflect the use of the SFIP and researchers should be asking themselves, "Why not?" (Resources for the Future [RFF] has an on-going research project that tackles public participation in environmental decision making).

I would also like to comment on Ch. 6 "The Institutional Environment: Biosafety" by Darly Rowe. The importance of Dr. Rowe's conclusion that we must rely on consultation and working with the client on biosafety issues cannot be overstated. I also like the typology which places biosafety issues in proper perspective. We seem to be deluged with risks and risk information, and his approach is clear, concise and elegant. In sum, I believe that environmental health professionals can apply the insights in this series of articles in a way that will help supplant the "command-and-control" mentatlity that has battered so many of our colleagues and public health/environment inspectors, and baffled decision makers in the past two decades. Asst. Prof. R. Steven Konkel, Ph.D., EKU

Excellent reference book with questionable publisher support
This text is one of the most definitive AND USEFUL shelf references for the environmental health sciences. Detailed, accurate, wide-ranging on topics of immediate interest to the practicing sanitarian, engineer or the very interested non-practitioner. Support from the publisher has been poor. For two years after the announcement of the current addendum, the publisher "disavowed knowledge" of an addendum. When published, the addendum had the same ISBN number as the complete text -- creating the unture appearance of a "reduced" price complete addition. Salvato, could for the price of this text, be on a more current update of information contained in some chapters (2-3 year cycle). The scope of this work would justify numerous consulting authors. While it is one of the best shelf references and "learning texts" it could still be improved and be better supported by a publisher that sometimes seems to have insulated itself from the buying public. ... Read more

Book Description

This unique educational tool introduces learners to the countries of the world and the states of the United States. Through active participation, coloring the maps, users gain a broad understanding of the material—and retain that understanding. Each section begins with a plate containing a political map, a physical map, and regional maps. World Thematic Maps consist of eleven global maps covering climate, rainfall, temperatures, prevailing winds, ocean currents, vegetation, land use, population, racial distribution, languages, and religions—presenting a «global» view of human activity. Flags and Review of Nations groups flags of the world according to continents, with the illustration of the flag placed close to the country of origin. For children of all ages—and their parents—who could benefit from a colorful “crash course”—or “refresher”—in geography, and an enjoyable and informative guide to a greater understanding of the world around them. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Deserves better paper
The second edition of "The Geography Coloring Book" suffers from the use of a slicker kind of paper that does not color well with Berol Prismacolor pencils. The paper also has a tendency to roll up at the edges with use. The publishers should consider reprinting the excellent edition on a paper more suitable for its intended use. It is only for that reason that I gave it four rather than five stars.

Great way to learn Geography
I have taught geography for more than ten years and this is a fun and useful way to introduce new countries as well as concepts like place, direction and distance. I also recommend a great book for teachers and parents to read called Geographical Literacy. Incrediable new ideas for teaching kids the rudiments of geography. Check it out at Amazon.

Excellent for use in the classroom.
I have used the first edition for years and am finally updating. I use it in the clasroom for geography instuction and it is wonderful. The pages are very detailed yet simple to understand.

have used it as ateaching tool at the post secondary level
I first began using this text at Tompkins-Cortland Community College in 1992. Most of my students used the book in the two Geography class that were required in the AAS program for travel and Tourism. Since moving to North Carolina I still use it in the courses that I teach in the Raleigh area. Students find the text a joy to use and it helps with their understanding of the political and physical areas of the subject. Since most students do not have formal Geographic training it is one of the best tools that thay have for self study. Many use the text in the travel industry after they enter the job market. The price is also very affordable. Just a great book. I have at least four myself. Even my wife the Geography hater loves this publication.

Wonderful geography teacher
This is a great way to learn world geography. By coloring and reading about the country, state, river, mountain range, or territory, we learn in many ways at once. It stays with you. There's the visual, the kinetic, and auditory learning, if read outloud, like we do with my jr. high daughter. It's challenging for her, but she's getting it. As a homeschooling tool it can't be beat. It's great for adults, too! ... Read more

Book Description

• Designed to give engineers a crash course in all aspects of modern geotechnical and foundation engineering
• Takes readers step-by-step through the typical process of a design project--from proposal-writing to the final preparation of the "as built" report
• Includes numerous visual aids: photographs, charts, tables, and more than 350 illustrations

Reviews (5)

A good book for a novice soils engineer
Reasonably well rounded book (at a reasonably good price!) illustrating the practical aspects of geotechnical engineering. Concepts are explained in good detail and solved problems are helpful in promoting understanding. Essentially, a good book to start out your tech library, but too general in nature to be considered for a "reference text". For that, you might rely on books by Terzaghi, Peck, Thornburn, Bowles, Fang, etc.

Great for the PE
I took this book in with me for the PE exam and it helped me get about 10 problems right. There are tons of examples and problems with solutions in this book. I regret not taking the geotechnical section of the PE exam.

The Author Responds
What divergent opinions !! Naturally I think the book is loaded with practical geotechnical information, including tons of solved problems. Give the book a chance and decide for yourself. Many thanks to my supporters....

Not worth the money!
The book is too oriented to domestic US soils, and the aproach is superficial and over-simplified. The amount of useful information is less than 5% of the huge size of the volume. Really a waste of money.

Useful
I have examined the book and find it to be an excellent book for learning the practical aspects of geotechnical engineering. The author is uptodate and thorough, yet he explains in a very down-to-earth style, by photographs and numerical examples, some very real engineering problems a geotechnical engineer is likely to face in practice. ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides readers with a popular modular organization and an easy-to-read writing style that explains the basics of ecology. The authors have updated the Fifth Edition to reflect the current emphasis on the physical environment, global environmental change, and adaptation/evolution. As a result, there are new chapters, a new structure, and new topics found in the table of contents. These changes provide readers with an understanding of the principles governing the relationships between plants, animals, and other living organisms within their environment, and give them skills to critically evaluating public issues related to ecology. Abundant real-life examples illustrate and clarify the book's emphasis on understanding ecological patterns within an evolutionary framework.For instructors and students, or anyone interested in ecology. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

very good text
a very readable text...interesting, well written, and full of colorful diagrams. a good introduction to a discipline i had taken for granted. ... Read more

Download Description

If you're looking for an up-to-date, easy-to-understand treatment of the GPS (Global Positioning System), this one-of-a-kind resource offers you the knowledge you need for your work, without bogging you down with advanced mathematics. It addresses all aspects of the GPS, emphasizes GPS applications, examines the GPS signal structure, and covers the key types of measurement being utilized in the field today. You get an in-depth discussion on the errors and biases that affect GPS measurements, along with guidance on how to overcome them. Moreover, the book shows how the GPS can be used for a number of different accuracy levels. Datums, coordinate systems, and map projections are discussed in a simple manner, offering you a clear understanding of this widely misunderstood area. This unique reference also examines the integration of the GPS with other systems, and looks at future GPS modernization. Over 75 illustrations help clarify major topics throughout the book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Book, Keep your computer with you!
The book's content is excellent! I have found it to be very useful for quickly getting up to speed on the topic. The book is sectioned into logical parts and does a great job providing reference material to allow anyone to become familiar with the GPS in a short period of time.

I would however caution anyone atracted to the e-book version of this book. The PDF file is locked and cannot be printed, saved or otherwise converted to a "portable" format. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR COMPUTER WITH YOU TO READ THIS BOOK. Note, one cannot even use Adobe's "cripple" Palm reader to read this e-book.

NO returns on e-book so buy the hardcover version.

GREAT BASIC REFERENCE
If you are a geodesy expert looking for a mathematical treatment of GPS theory, look elsewhere (there are several good books). If you are looking for a good collegiate-level descriptive text, this is a great choice. Clear, concise, and with all the latest info including WAAS, RTK, and similar topics. Reviewed for content by Dr. Dave Wells and written by an expert in the field, this is a super reference. ... Read more

Book Description

A tradition of excellence established in multiple editions! Dr. Nadakavukaren has crafted an up-to-date, comprehensive survey of the major environmental issues facing the world today. Its dual approach describes the ecological impact of various human activities combined with specific issues of personal and community health, emphasizing the interrelatedness of the two. Clear, engaging writing imparts readers with a sense of how various environmental issues affect their own lives, and makes them aware of opportunities to participate in the decision-making processes that will influence health and environmental quality in years to come. Our Global Environment, 5/E features new and updated material on a wide array of exciting topics, the liberal inclusion of effective photographs, numerous charts and tables that help clarify information and identify trends, and dozens of carefully chosen "boxed" items within chapters that highlight relevant, current, and illustrative issues and examples. Inserts include: Demographic Disaster in Russia, Fishing Down the Food Chain, New Hope for the Everglades, Microbial Killers, Quicksilver's Dangerous Allure, Black-Market Poison, Global Supermarket, Food Irradiation, Tragedy of the Radium Dial Painters, Nuclear Wastelands, CFC Smuggling, The Politics of Global Warming, Radon: A Hidden Menace in Your House?, and War Over Water?, and Fighting Smog with Reformulated Gasoline. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good Reading
The book is well written with many important topics.

I can't put it down!
Anyone who reads this book will find that it is wonderful. I have only read a few chapters of if for a college course that I am taking, and am looking forward to reading more of it. The information included in the text was so easy to grasp and to remember. The author thinks about every little aspect concerning the issue and draws on it clearly so as to make sure that the reader understands each and every issue involved. This surely is a book for anyone who is interested in environmental issues and what causese those issues to come about and how much of an impact that we humans have on the planet.

I love it
I think that this book is very educational and successful in getting the point across to the readers. I would personally reccomend this book to anyone who is interested in evironmental issues because it is very thorough and easy to understand. ... Read more

Book Description

Wetlands are ecosystems that help the environment process toxins, thereby maintaining its relative health. Mitsch and Gosselink's Wetlands is the professional reference, a longstanding bestseller that continues to set the standard for books on any type of ecosystem. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Wetlands Textbook
I first picked this book up to consider a career as a wetland scientist (among other things) and instantly dove into the heaps of information provided. It is well written and easy to read with nicely labelled sections. I found that it had all sorts of information on the subject. It is highly useful.

To date, this is THE book to get in the field. If you get any book on the subject, this is it. I was only mildly surprised after reading through much of it to find that it's the only textbook in my graduate class on wetland ecology and management and there appears to be no competition as a textbook.

In short, it's very readable and immensely useful: A combination you can't go wrong with.

An Excellent Resource on Wetland Sciences!
This resource would be considered the "Bible" of wetland sciences. It is highly valuable for understanding the ecological systems involved in a wetland. A must for wetland regulators, scientists, and just interested people!

Extremely useful
Mitsch and Gosselink have written an excellent text/reference book on wetland ecology and management. The book is perfect as a text for a wetlands ecology course in upper level or graduate courses. I use it as a reference that I pull from the shelf again and again. ... Read more

Book Description

ESSENTIALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY uses the combined expertise of three respected geographers to create the ultimate tool for illustrating physical geography concepts and helping students bridge the gap between scientific theory, practical application, and the human-environmental interface. The text emphasizes student involvement and interaction in the learning process, while combining the traditional and newer systems approaches. ESSENTIALS identifies and demonstrates three major roles for the discipline--Geography as a Physical Science, Geography as the Spatial Science, and Geography as Environmental Science. Our vibrant author team consists of Gabler (Western Illinois), Petersen (Southwest Texas State) and a new addition to the team--Trapasso (Western Kentucky). Gabler's decades of authoring experience combine with Petersen's geomorphology specialty and Trapasso's climatology expertise to invigorate a classic text. We offer a unique technology package, combining two proprietary CD-ROMs with FREE InfoTrac® College Edition access. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Mother Nature rages, the physical results are never subtle. Because wecannot contain the weather, we can only react by tabulating the damage in dollaramounts, estimating the number of people left homeless, and laying the plans forrebuilding. But as John M. Barry expertly details in Rising Tide: The GreatMississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America, some calamitiestransform much more than the landscape.

While tracing the history of the nation's most destructive natural disaster, Barry explainshow ineptitude and greed helped cause the flood, and how the policies created to dealwith the disaster changed the culture of the Mississippi Delta. Existing racial riftsexpanded, helping to launch Herbert Hoover into the White House and shifting thepolitical alliances of many blacks in the process. An absorbing account of a little-known,yet monumental event in American history, Rising Tide reveals howhuman behavior proved more destructive than the swollen river itself. ... Read more

Reviews (57)

an amazing book, likely to become a classic
Rising Tide has joined my short list of all-time personal favorites, and I am an eclectic reader who does not limit his choices to history. It's amazing both for its form, style, and substance.

Re: Form: It manages to synthesize seemingly unrelated material (engineering, the Klan, the decline of New Orleans, race, control of the media, just to give a few examples) in a way that not only works but opens your eyes to the world in new ways.

Re: Style: Several other reviewers have commented on how this book reads like a novel. Let me correct that,. It reads like a GOOD novel. Nonfiction is always trying to do this, but few succeed. This succeeds.

Re; Substance: Rising Tide very simply teaches a tremendous amount of information that gives you a far better understanding of why things are the way they are. Re: race & politics, the book gives considerable and very original and provocative insight into the history of race relations in the Deep South, and how changes-- some of which were made by the flood-- shifted black voters from the GOP to the Democrats. Re: presidential politics, even the emergence of the New Deal, the book has something piercing and original to say. And of course on anything to do with rivers, this is an absolte must. In fact, it's a must anyway.

Epic Tragedy in the Yazoo Valley
I'm a native Louisianian (Baton Rouge), and this book brings to light a historical event I never really heard that much about growing up, which is strange when you learn that 95% of my living family's from New Orleans. Barry creates a vivid picture of the Deep South in the share- cropper period (for some people, it was always the Depression) and of New Orleans and Louisiana before Huey Long, when the state was under the thumb of the Old Bourbons and still mortgaged to Standard Oil. The different strata of society affected by the flood are given a good deal of exposure, and Barry does a good job of linking the Republican Administration's flaccid response to the catastrophe with the changing political loyalties of sharecroppers and others. I thought he could have gone deeper with some of his analyses, and perhaps commented on the similar phenomenon of the present-day Mississippi changing course, flooding the Atchafalaya, permanently destroying the wetlands, and perhaps altering the political universe in the Deep South once more. Altogether, though, this book is definitely worth reading, for its dramatic retelling of a catastrophic tale and its insights into 1920s Southern society.

Comprehensive well-written history
This lengthy book can stand alongside Tuchman's STILWELL as one of those rare studies that combine personalities, good intentions, overwhelming events, and political fallout, and I was captivated by every page of it. With the exception of portraying the human tendency to "believe rather than understand," the Ku Klux Klan demagogue leaders, and General Humphreys (whose behavior indicates mental illness) there are few villains in this book except the weather and the inexorable Mississippi River.

I found Barry's portrayals of Eads, the Percys, Kemper, the hard-working African-Americans, even the dangerously erratic Humphreys fascinating. Isaac Cline (leading character of another well-written study of a major weather disaster, Larson's ISAAC'S STORM) reappears in this book to the reader's advantage. The author knows how politics works. Without expressing sympathy or holier-than-thou condemnation, he understands the often pathetic motivations of the 1920s Ku Kluxers -- highly relevant to today's anti-intellectual fundamentalist extremism -- and his review of the political repression under Wilson makes me thank God that things haven't yet gone quite that far under our present-day, similarly dimwitted, administration.

The author's conclusion, that a single preventable flood radically changed political history, was presented cogently and convincingly. Altogether this is a work of rare excitement and scholarship. Highly recommended.

Outstanding Read!
"Rising Tide" is a wonderful book and a facinating read!!! The author covers a history or flood control on the Mississippi, which might sound dull but is not, as well as some of the very important characters who shaped the history of this very important river in our history. His story of the Percy family and the powers of New Orleans is equally interesting. The events and stories that lead up to the great event are as interesting as the Great Flood of 1927 itself. This is one of those books that is near impossible to put down!!

Fast paced, exciting...
A joy to read. History that doesn't get bogged down in superfluous detail. Excellent. ... Read more

Book Description

More than any other, this up-to-the-minute book is dedicated to helping readers understand the world around them. The authors introduce the major tools, techniques, and methodological approaches of geography, and present a wide range of positions currently debated about provocative current issues. Weaves the theme of human-environmental interaction throughout. Demonstrates applications of GIS and GPS in physical geography—includes urban planning, registration of urban and rural landholding, farming techniques. Covers the aging of the human population, and the different ramifications of this fact in rich and poor countries. Expands discussion of Islam, church and state in Islam—includes relations between church and state in various religions. Discusses Islam in Europe and its cultural, religious, and political impact. Covers the spread of Islamic Sharia law across North Africa, the Near East, and Indonesia. An interesting reference for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of major world issues.

Reviews (1)

Exellent text for introducing college students to Geography
I have used this text for approximately a year and found that the students are able to comprehend geography better with a systematic approach than a regional one. One of the things that sold me on this text was the auxillary material, particularly the webpage. The book is very easy to read and has excellent illustrations and photos. Needless to say, I highly recommend this text. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive look at GIS doesn't overwhelm with details, equations, or computer codes. Instead the author interweaves the ideas of geographic inquiry and spatial discovery, inviting readers to join in the excitement of discovery as it takes place within the computerized world of the digital GIS databases. After discussing spatial and mapping concepts, the author sequentially addresses the components of GIS systems. A final chapter spotlights the process of designing and implementing a GIS system. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Most topics are covered, but this book is barely readable
This book needs help, it is verbose. The book could be cut by a third, and would not lose any meaning. Most of the important topics are covered, but the discussions are often difficult to wade through, it takes forever to get to the main point.

There are better introductory texts out there. The ones by C.P. Lo and A.K Yeung, or by P. Bolstad are both more concise, to the point, easier to read, and just as complete in their coverage of topics.

Useful, but needs editorial work
I am a GIS novice, and am about 1/3 of the way through the book.There is definitely a lot of useful and current information in this book, so I find it worth reading.However, I feel editorial work on it is needed in several ways.There are numerous examples of sloppy use of English (both in choice of words and in paragraph structure), discussions that are overly abstract, and explanations that are lengthy yet unclear.This was not universal, but occurred annoyingly often.On subjects I knew something about already, I was able to see how the book's accounts were accurate, but only after puzzling over the author's choice of phraseology.I will definitely have to look elsewhere for an understanding of map projections, database structures, raster models, and other topics.

Too much time is spent early in the book belaboring an abstract conceptual framework, where some concrete examples would serve much better.It was also disconcerting that certain terms are used without being defined (or only defined very abstractly), forcing the reader to guess meaning from the context.Yet other relatively simple terms are defined at length.The discussion questions at the end of each chapter are sometimes too open-ended, not focussed on the chapter material.

It is difficult to write for neophytes about a subject one knows intimately -- as I'm sure the author does.Important terms and assumptions are embedded in the one's thinking, so one does not realize that some crucial points are unfamiliar to the student, and one tends to skip certain steps.This book has good coverage of GIS issues, but it would benefit from a more severe editor and from more feedback from the undergraduate audience on which areas need clarification.

A comprehensive and very understandable text.
This is unquestionably one of the finest GIS textbooks available today. Itcovers not only the basic input, data management, and reporting concepts,but includes sufficient depth of spatial analysis issues that anyone notable to take additional geographic analysis courses will come away withenough practical knowledge to truly unleash the power of geographicinformation systems.

Excellent, comprehensive textbook on GIS
This is book is the most comprehensive introductory textbook on GIS on the market.I highly recommend this book for any newcomer to the field or any GIS professional. It has 200 pages on spatial analysis, a rarity in intro books on the subject.

The best of the new introductory texts in GIS.
For years it has been impossible to find a balanced text for introductory courses in GIS or to recommend a readable summary to a professional who wishes an introductory overview of this important technology. This is by far the best effort so far and, in my mind, is superior to the other new book by Keith Clarke. The DeMers book is being used in our introductory GIS course at The Ohio State University. The selection decision was made by the inter- disciplinary group of faculty teaching the course. ... Read more

Book Description

Principles of Conservation Biology, Second Edition, is a major revision of the most comprehensive textbook on conservation biology. First published in 1994, and richly praised by reviewers, teachers, and students, Principles was adopted for courses at more than 145 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Written by leading experts in the field, it is intended for use in conservation biology courses at the advanced undergraduate (junior and senior) and graduate levels, as well as by researchers and practitioners, and assumes a basic background in biology and ecology.

Principles' nineteen chapters address several themes, including introductory topics that serve as the foundation for the field, population-level issues, community and ecosystem-level concerns, and a large section on human dimensions, the practical application of conservation biology in a real and complex world. Two chapters specifically grapple with complex management and sustainable development issues using a series of case studies written by individuals intimately involved with problem solving.

The Second Edition features a new chapter on becoming more effective in implementation of science in conservation policy, a much expanded and in-depth treatment of ecosystem management, a large number of new and updated guest essays and case studies, and rigorous revisions throughout. The book is richly illustrated, and chapters are complemented with annotated reading lists and questions designed to stimulate thought and class discussions. Principles of Conservation Biology concludes with an extensive glossary of useful terms and a large bibliography that has proved a valuable reference for students and researchers. ... Read more

Book Description

Software engineering and computer science students need a resource that explains how to apply design patterns at the enterprise level, allowing them to design and implement systems of high stability and quality.Software Architecture Design Patterns in Java is a detailed explanation of how to apply design patterns and develop software architectures. It provides in-depth examples in Java, and guides students by detailing when, why, and how to use specific patterns. This textbook presents 42 design patterns, including 23 GoF patterns. Categories include: Basic, Creational, Collectional, Structural, Behavioral, and Concurrency, with multiple examples for each. The discussion of each pattern includes an example implemented in Java. The source code for all examples is found on a companion Web site.The author explains the content so that it is easy to understand, and each pattern discussion includes Practice Questions to aid instructors. The textbook concludes with a case study that pulls several patterns together to demonstrate how patterns are not applied in isolation, but collaborate within domains to solve complicated problems. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent Design Pattern Reference
This book provides an excellent reference for many common (and not-so-common) design patterns used today. It presents them using easy to understand examples that any developer will find useful. Each section contains practice questions ideal for study groups or self-paced learning. This book is well suited for anyone wishing to learn about and apply design patterns in a Java environment.

Disclaimer: I was a draft reviewer for this book.

Excellent !!
An excellent resource to understand the different architecture patterns, kept very simple and precise to the point.
Thanks to the author for coming up with this book.

Outstanding!
An excellent book for Software Architecture. One you will want to keep for future reference. Indispensible!

Taking Architecture Design Patterns Seriously:
The book is well achieved its goal. The viewpoint & purpose of detailed explanation on how to apply design patterns at the enterprise level, design & implement systems of high quality.

The book is not only limited to Software engineering & computer science students, but consultants like me in need of this unique resource. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Engaging!
I read Tropical Nature in preparation for a trip to Costa Rica. First, this is not a textbook or a feild guide. Rather, it is a collection of chapters so richly and interestingly written that I demanded my travel partner read it so that we could discuss its content on our trip. He loved it as well, and we continually reffered to it as our experience of tropical nature itself unfolded. He's thinking of assigning it to high school students. If you need something to get you 'hooked' on the wonders of neotropical ecosystems, this book will easily instill a desire to visit and learn more. If you have been to the tropics or study them and haven't read this book, I still recommend it highly.

Student Rating
This book is so "scientifically correct" that it was used in my ecology of the tropical rainforest class that went down to do research in Costa Rica. It was so enjoyable though that I've read it through 3 times since my completion of the class. This book brings the best of the tropics to you.

Pulitzer Price material
This was an absolutely wonderful book. It's very dense -- I think every paragraph may introduce a new idea -- but it's so well written that you tend not to notice just how much information is here.

The chapters are self-contained, and in fact you can read them in just about any order you want. Just browse and pick what you'd like to read. Plus they're fairly short, which is a good thing since as I mentioned the material is dense.

The book really does introduce you to many concepts as well as specifics. We went to the Amazon with a naturalist, and all the concepts as well as many of the specifics were familar to us from the book. Highly recommended!

Tropical Nature--an armchair guide to the rainforests.
Tropical Nature is a delightful discussion of the evolution, ecology and biodiversity of species in the Central and South American rainforests. It is written on a level that biologists can enjoy but is also highly readable for those planning a trip to these areas. The authors' discussion of evolutionary adaptations of species in the rainforests is written in plain language and would not overwhelm those outside the field. With so much emphasis on molecular biology now, it is great to read a book about natural history and the way species interact.

A great introduction to rain forest ecology
This was a great book. You can see the authors' passion for rain forests while you read it. The chapters are short and insightful. They don't cover any subject with a great amount of detil but if they did the book would be 2000 pages long. You don't need to be a specialist to appreciate this book. The concepts that are presented are explained by using stories from the authors' experiences in the rain forests. It is a super intorduction, if your planning trip to Costa Rica, Belize or any other tropical country to see rain forests, you would really enjoy your experience more after reading this book. Like the authors say, rain forests can seem a little dull because all you see is a tangle of green under a dark canopy. After reading this book you'll begin to see things that you normally would look for. ... Read more

Book Description

HISTORICAL GEOLOGY: EVOLUTION OF EARTH AND LIFE THROUGH TIME teaches students basic geologic principles as well as how scientists apply these principles to unravel Earths history. Wicander and Monroe present a balanced overview of both the geological and biological history of Earth as a continuum of inter-related events. These events reflect the underlying principles and processes that have shaped our planet. The authors also explain the historical development of these basic principles and processes, and their importance in deciphering Earth history. Three major themestime, evolutionary theory, and plate tectonicsare woven together throughout the book. These themes help students link essential material to enhance their understanding of historical geology. ... Read more