Each time I reread this book it takes me home. I grew up in the 50's,60's in Humboldt Il. Mr Thomas deserves a big plus for bringing out the closeness of people in a small town. I knew and loved many of the people he wrote about in this book. If I could locate Mr Thomas I would invite him to walk the streets of Humboldt with me. We could relive the best days of our lives.

This book transports you to a time and place where people passed their days doing the big and small things that weave a time and place in history that should not be forgotten. It is a wonderful book that talks about Humboldt, Illinois and individuals living there during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This is a story of German immigrants and their descendents as well as others, making a living by farming or whatever else that would make a living. It is a treasure of everyday life on a farm or small town in the midwest. For those who lived in Humboldt, it evokes powerful sensations, memories of a time that was........ Even those who have not lived in Humboldt will appreciate the way Mr. Thomas has ensured that those unique individuals in his book will never be forgotten.

I was raised in Humboldt and this book brought to me many hours of history and memories. This is a very laid-back farm community with a real midwest lifestyle.

As a past fisherman of 20 years in the Alaskan waters I can say been there done it. Jon captures reality, that is untouchable unless you've been there a book can give you the placement and this is one that delivers. Couldn't put it down. Must read.

Jeff Soriano

For anyone who has ever stood and watched the fury of swells rolling in out of the north Pacific Ocean or seen a sneaker wave rise up out of a calm ocean until it towers overhead, this book will bring chills.

This is a wonderful book. The pictures of the Nevada landscape, from a very talented photographer who sees light in a magical way, are exceptionally beautiful. Particularly touching are the photographs of the authors' family and other workers at their ranch; one could wish that more of these very personal shots had been included.

The text is a perfect match for the photographs, conveying the flavor of life on the ranch and the exceptionally close family ties that develop when three generations work together with a common purpose. The reader is left hoping that this very exceptional environment and life style can be maintained in the generations to come; however there is a poignant description of the forces working against this outcome.

This Nevada ranch is a unique spot: the book makes an excellent gift for anyone (particularly western fans) who may not have the opportunity to visit the area in person. Highly recommended.

This novel perfectly captures the Arcata vibe. If you know what I'm talking about -- if you've ever been to Humboldt County -- you pretty much have to read this book. Either way, you'll love "Humboldt" for its great characters, head-shaking plot and dry humor. At least, that's what I love about it. Few people are truly funny in writing; White definitely has a gift.

This is one of the finest books that I have ever had the great pleasure to read and enjoy. It is the story of Alexander von Humbolt (1769-1859)who was a famous scientist and one of the greatest men in history. One of the last truly universal men, Humbolt was personally acquainted with Goethe, Jefferson, Napolean, Josephine, Cuvier, Laplace, Frederick the Great, Pitt, Schiller, Bismark, Simon Bolivar, and so many others. But his personal acquaintenances are only part of the story. This was a fascinating and unique man who lived in a richly historical time, which this book sheds much light upon.

Humbolt was born in Prussia but spent much of his adult life in his beloved Paris. He traveled through parts of South America, Mexico, North America, Europe and part of Asia, making contributions to man's knowledge of science all along the way and becoming world famous in the process. Humbolt was a man of towering intellect, strong determination to succeed, and boundless energy. He laid the foundations for such fields as modern physical geography. Several terms he coined (such as "Jurassic") are still in use today and he wrote many thousands of pages in his books, including Cosmos, a monumental effort to describe a unified vision of the universe. As scientist and explorer, Humbolt left his name on the maps of 5 continents. There is even a moon crater named after him. He held the world high-altitude climbing record for 30 years.

Humbolt was also a kind, gentle man with liberal democratic views, a fondness for the principles of the 1789 revolution, a belief in the equality of all races, and a strong distaste for slavery. As a diplomat in troubled times, he worked for the benefit of both the strong and the weak. He was a dedicated patron and supporter of struggling young scientists and helped many, such as Louis Agassiz to survive in their early years even when he himself struggled to make ends meet. Humbolt was a man far ahead of his time in many ways and was justifyably admired by thousands all over the world.

Botting's treatment of his subject is respectful, at times reverential, and always interesting. The author also explores the contributions and lives of Humbolt's companions such as Aime Bonpland, and his brother Wilhelm von Humbolt.

The book is lavishly illustrated with a vast number of both color and black and white plates. It is hard to find but well worth the effort!

Humboldt's On Language stands as one of the main sources to fully understand the key ideas exposed by Chomsky in his generative paradigm. Throughout this book, not only does Humboldt resort to a great erudition on Malayan languages, but also he exposes his own theory of language development. This theory is very close to Chomsky's generative view of language creation. To sum up, Humboldt's On Language is a great introduction to those who want to know more about how we, human beings, use and create language.

In "The Limits of State Action" Enlightenment thinker Wilhelm von Humboldt describes the leading principle of his thought as being the essential importance of human development in its richest diversity - a principle that is not only undermined by the narrow search for efficiency through division of labour, but by wage labour itself.

Humboldt espouses the libertarian view that whatever labour "does not spring from a man's free choice, or is only the result of instruction and guidance, does not enter into his very nature; he does not perform it with truly human energies, but merely with mechanical exactness"; when the labourer works under external control, "we may admire what he does, but we despise what he is."

Essentially anticapitalist in its nature,"The Limits of State Action" provides insight into the philosophy of libertarian socialism, anarchy and educational reform. Fascinating reading.

A vast oceanic current is named after Humboldt, and it's not for nothing. This comprehensive multi-volume tome is thoroughly entertaining. The inquisitive insights of Humboldt are well worth contemplating.

While I read it many years ago, it's something I won't forget. The vivid anecdotes Humboldt recounts make this work a veritable page turner at times.

I have to admit that just as I was starting to savour this thin slip of a book I found that it was, indeed, mere selections. The whole narrative is actually three volumes, over four hundred pages a volume. I was left with a craven empty feeling like a fiend for his needle. Humboldt's writing presages Thoreau and through him ponders the transcendent raptures of the natural world. Reading through the visit to the Caribs reminded me of my visits to the Grenadines where their presence is still redolent in the shadows under the almond trees. I felt that I had imbibed the same air as Humboldt.

Alexander von Humboldt (of the Current fame) was a famous polymath during the age of enlightenment. Like many noblemen, he used his money and leisure time in esoteric pursuits, such as collecting flora & fauna and trying to find the deeper meaning of it all.

This particular volume has been well-translated from the original - there is none of that stilted 'I haf von the Cherman translated been' style - it reads conversationally (assisted by the editing-out of long passages where Humboldt takes one of his many diversions) yet it also gives us an idea of what the man was really like. There is an extensive set of notes at the back, not just references, but elaboration of the point, which I found very illuminating.

His travels to South America span 5 years, during which time he collects and measures EVERYTHING - for at this time in history, no-one knew what was going to be pertinent or useful to science or economy. There are some amazing descriptions where he was the first educated person to see places; the problems of travel in uncharted, trackless & mountainous country make terrific reading. We may scoff at the zeal of the man, but if Hiram Bingham hadn't done the same, we wouldn't have the fantastic ruins of Macchu Picchu to study.

We also learn of the relatively tight circle of 'scientists' at that time - almost everyone knew everyone else, either via letters, Society writings or personal contact - and they knew it all; there was as yet no division between geology, biology, zoology etc - it was just 'Natural Philosophy' and one studied the lot (of course some dedicated themselves to a favourite pursuit). What is amazing to us now is the most simple things were unknown; for example, a sailor at death's door deep in the bowels of the ship, 'miraculously' recovers when taken on deck, out of the fetid miasma of the orlop - well, who wouldn't?... There are many similar incidents.

Slightly heavy going at times, because of the writing style of the period, it is nevertheless chock full of interesting snippets and amazing discoveries, giving a great insight into the mind and motives of a typical adventurous philosopher of the time. *****

Like most of the reviewers, I found Julia Butterfly's experience of sitting in the tree, Luna, for over two years quite amazing and inspiring. What a powerful committment to make on the behalf of what one believes! Unlike some reviewers, I just cannot believe that Ms. Hill sat in that tree for more than two years with the idea of becoming a celebrity. There are easier ways.

Unfortunately, this book is written somewhat unevenly. Much material is repeated throughout the book over and over. Things that could have been exceedingly interesting were not brought fully to light (ex: how the platform was put together and held in the tree). I think that while Ms. Hill is an ok writer, this book could have stood the polishing of a ghost writer.

One big disappointment that I had with this book, was the missed opportunity on Ms. Hill's part to say something really important about the environmental movement. There is no good, solid fact-based information given about logging, environmental impact, government policy, or what can/should be done. What a wasted opportunity! When this book came out, everyone was interested and the environmental movement would have benefited a great deal from the publicity this could have brought to their specific issues. Getting people excited about the environment and unified with Ms. Hill's tree sit is all fine, but if you don't back it up with information and a what-you-can do attitude, is entirely pointless.

So, if you want to be inspired by a story of a person's convictions - by all means read this book. It's not terrible.

If you want motivation to go out and do something about the environment, contact your local Cooperative Extension Office.

Though many reviewers wish this book had been a bit more structure and substance, I cannot give it less than four stars. It's true that this is a quick read, and Julia's writing isn't glossed over - it's very raw... but real. As for Julia "cashing in on her celebrity status" - I think it's a story that needs to be told. The actual event is the most intriguing part of this book - I wish I knew where the ambition came from when Ms. Hill decided to live in a Redwood tree for over two years. It seems nearly impossible, albeit a bit crazy! As I read the last few pages, my heart absolutely ached. This is one of those books you'll finish and immediately lend to your friends. I couldn't sleep until I had finished it! Thank you for writing this book, Julia. Your dedication and perseverance has completely changed my perception - One person CAN make a difference!

Julias book hits a sharp note. We can do something to make an impact if we try hard enough! Julia " Butterfly " hill, is now 26 and is an inspiration to so many!

The book deleves you into the world as Julia sees it. Written with true feelings it is a must for all of you who need a spiritual lift, or have a deep passion for our environment!

Starting out with her terrible accident she had, which ultimately sent her in an upward spiral to make her life truly meaningful.

She headed twords her legacy in dec, of 97 and recounted everything from pacific lumbers terrible attempts to get rid of her by trying to both starve her out of the tree, and sending huge helicopters near her that made the tiny 6x8 platform she lived in a piece of flimsy paper blowing up and down in the wind as she held on to dear life.

She writes several poems about life, luna ( tree ) and pacific lumber.

Gifted with a truly passionate touch, Julia reminds us to listen to the wisdom of the earth, live by it and learn from it.

There are very few books that give such an impact to the reader to bring them into the world of julia and to live the life of a person who is so truly genuine and inspirational.

All proceeds go to her circle of life foundation, in hopes to keep our environment a healthy and stable one.

I recommend this to all readers young and old, and if you read this book and dont feel overwhelmed with emotione you have not payed close attention to her message, of love and respect to all circles of life. Happy readings.

( Warning you may feel the sudden urge to go out to a tree farm and buy a tree to plant!)