This books is really full of info thats not too difficult for my kids (which is good for me since I dont like to teach science very much) Activites are well suited as well.

The kids liked the creative writing assignment on Earthquakes.

Precise detailed listings, excellent index, should be in every rock-hounders back-pack. However, it's only failing are the rather crude maps. The maps would be more helpful if they included topographic elevation bars. But, all in all, a very delightful reference tome.

This book looks like it's going to be a GREAT asset in my mineral hunting! I like the way it's set up, by state and then by county within the state. It lists the various sites, tells what has been found at each site and (by a code explained in the front of the book) where in each site the minerals were (in a field, in a mine, in the water, etc.). I have to say, there are places here I had absolutely NO IDEA were so close to me, and in one site where I've been prospecting, it lists at least 12 other places nearby that I knew nothing about!

There are directions of varying degrees to each site. That's the one thing I'd quibble about -- some of the directions aren't that precise. But I understand that some of these sites are private lands, or not completely documented, and he can't come out and say, "Go fifty feet past the blue house, down a ravine, and to your left." In general, the directions seem good enough to get you close, and after that it's up to you.

He lists the rocks and minerals found at each site and gives some information about the quality at most places, including size of crystals found, color (and quality of color), and so on.

My only regret? I don't know if I'll have time to visit each site he has listed! So many rocks, so little time........

I found this book a pleasure to read.The photographs are top notch, and there is plenty of information for all levels. I found plenty of sound buying tips and lots of resources.

The Encyclopedia of Gemstones and Minerals by MARTIN HOLDEN, is one of the most satisfactoring reference book that I have read. Holden professionally combined visual elements and highly detailed information in this reference book. What makes this encyclopedia special is that the readers can easily find whatever they need to find without searching the index or reading the whole table of contents! Everything is alphabetical! If You need to find anything about crystal systems, what you need to do is just to check the letter "c". What you need is always there... And one other thing: You will be fascinated when you see the beautiful detailed pictures and highly informative text.

This is a big book, about 9x12" and thick, with 304 pages in this edition [reviewer suspects that most editions are very similar; this is based upon the 1983 edition]. Its subtitle on the dust jacket says it is a complete reference work on collecting and fashioning minerals, but it is even better than the subtitle indicates. This gives an explanation of just about every aspect of the mineral world that is of interest to the collector.

Its introduction includes an interesting history of the study of minerals. It contains a chapter on the chemistry of minerals, written for the layman yet accurate. The chapter on the Crystalline State considers how crystals grow, with helpful diagrams, habits, crystal structure, symmetry, systems, and optical properties, an otherwise difficult subject written simply for the layman. Another chapter deals with geolgy and the types of deposits minerals are found in, and how to collect, label, etc. A section on ecomonic geology and the interaction of mineral collectors and mines. A chapter on identification of minerals, mostly by their various physical properties (a superb diagram of a home-made specific gravity balance is included!), and a chapter on the fashioning of gemstones. A chapter on conserving and displaying mineral specimens, along with cleaning hints (Note: despite the book, hydrofluoric acid, HF, is NOT recommended for any amateur as this is extremely dangerous; this is the only disagreement or fault that the reviewer found with the book). Also storage, display, and cataloging.

Nearly half of the book is descriptions of minerals, many accompanied by color photographs. This is, however, not an identification guide (use the recommended guide by Pough for that), nor does it cover all species, but the more common ones. This is, instead, a sort of encyclopedia to simply learn by and to enjoy. This is followed by a bibliography containing over 60 excellent references for further study, and an index.

Although not an identification guide, nor a college text, it yet intelligently explains in layman's language some aspects only covered in technical jargon in the usual textbooks, aspects which the amateur may have been curious about but has not studied. This is a superb book for the one who wished to be guided, as if by a museum tour, through the world of minerals. The photographs are wonderful, mostly correlated with the text. The text is accurate, respects the intelligence of the layman, and is clear. It is obvious that the author knows and loves the subject, and has spent a great amount of time and thought in the preparation of this book. I hope he is a mineral museum curator, as his tours would certainly be booked up full. For a tour of the world of minerals and of their collecting, this is nearly as good as a trip to a museuma, and you won't have to wait in line! -DM

This book gives a description of numerous rock & gem types, along with characteristics, pictures, geography, etc. Good book for someone just starting out in the world of rocks. However, it is not helpful for someone with prior knowledge. It is a beginners level book and a really good one at that.

There's now extensive research on the benefits of vitamins and minerals beyond just avoiding diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies. This book is an excellent guide to understanding those benefits and avoiding supplements that either are not beneficial or may even be harmful at excessive levels.

The authors carefully describe the degree to which a claimed benefit for each of 40 some vitamins and minerals is substantiated, as well as risks of toxicity, and dietary sources. There descriptions are based on a balanced assessment of the available research.

The first part of the book is organized by vitamin or mineral, so you can see the collected information on, for example, Vitamin E, in one place. The second part of the book is organized by disease or condition (e.g., cancer, fatigue, etc.) and discusses all the relevant vitamins and minerals, as well as general nutrition issues related to the disease. This second part is very helpful if you're facing a particular problem.

The book includes an extensive set of references, as well as a good glossary and index. Some information has changed in the years since the 2nd edition was published, but it seems generally up-to-date. When the 3rd edition comes out, I'll definitely buy a copy.

-- Paul Conte

I have read many ethnographies in my day, but I can't recall another that has had me at turns astounded by the author's insight, impressed with his prose, saddened by his findings, and laughing out loud at the wry wit of his descriptive voice. I do not normally consider good anthropology "fun" to read, but "EXPECTATIONS OF MODERNITY" bucks the trend. It's well-argued, impassioned, and thoroughly readable.

Author Ferguson is concerned with the experience of "modernity" and "development" as lived by residents of Zambia's Copperbelt, who since the 1970s have experienced an unrelenting slide into social and economic marginalization. He works in case studies drawn from individual interview subjects, census data, and textual asides--boxes featuring news clippings from Zambian papers, or brief "People Watching" accounts of the author's street observations with his research assistant. The discussion ranges from meta-narratives of "progress" and "modernization" to an eye-opening analysis of the opposing styles adopted by Zambian urbanites.

His conclusion is grim: "For many Zambians... recent history has been experienced not--as the modernization plot led one to expect--as a process of moving forward or joining up with the world, but as a process that has pushed them out of the place in the world that they once occupied." The process of globalization has not connected this corner of Africa (and its inhabitants) to the currents of prosperity traversing the world economy; rather it has disconnected them, throwing them out of the garden of "development." Ferguson stresses that they have not been "left out" of world capitalism; the processes of abjection he describes are integral parts of the system.

Even amid the gathering gloom of this analysis, I found myself heartened by the author's occasional humor and by his sympathetic (and self-effacing) accounts of casual encounters in the field. I had not previously had much time for anti-globalization arguments, but Ferguson's disarming approach lowered my skepticism, forcing me to confront the ugly truths of the new world order in a way I had never done before. My hat is off to this man for crafting such a great book.

The author includes directions, hours of operation, supplies and all other information you need to know to plan your trip. Mining locations from Maine to California are included. I found loads of locations to take my family on a real life adventure. Seize the day!