I purchased this thinking that it was a city map of San Francisco. It's not. It's a map of the entire Bay Area. On the back of the map is a feeble and partial map of the downtown San Francisco. Though it was not what I expected, it's a good map of the Bay Area; make sure that's what you're looking for before you add it to your cart!

I have carried Thomas Guides in my car for years. Unfortunately, the grid pattern does not lend itself to the Central California coast. Many pages contain only a small patch of map or town. I will continue to use my guides for large metropolitan areas, but this one is not very helpful.

I was very disappointed with this book. Considering that it was published in 1995, I was shocked at the amount of out-of-date and incorrect information it contained. You would be better off purchasing the biased but informative volumes written by Morrison. In fact, this book is little more than a rehash of previous works.

I was particularly struck by blatant errors contained in this book. Three examples will suffice:

1. The reference on page 195 (paperback version) to the Japanese Battleship 'Kumano.' There was no such ship. There was a 'cruiser' of that name however.

2. The everchanging description of the Japanese Battleship 'Ise.' Page 153: it's a 'battleship.' On Page 354 it's a 'half-carrier.' On page 363 it's a 'converted battleship.' And on page 478 it's a 'battleship' again. This may seem minor but it indicates a complete ignorance on the part of the author that the ship was modified ONCE with a deck added in place of the aft 14" gun turrets. This was not explained and an uninformed reader may be confused or assume that there is more than one 'Ise.' It also raises the possibility that the author's research in some places goes little beyond quoting other sources uncritically.

3. The bizarre restating of the since-discredited (or at least now much in doubt) theory that the American submarine 'Nautilus' sank the Japanese Carrier 'Soryu' during the battle of Midway. This was shocking to me since one of the books listed in the bibliography lays to rest this apparently false notion (Fuchida's 'Midway' which the author should have read-- he clearly didn't). It was the 'Kaga' the sub attempted to torpedo: and the torpedos all failed to detonate or hit the carrier. NOTE: Part of the 'Kaga's' remains have been located in the Pacific. The 'Soryu' may be near-by...

I lastly note that I am not an expert on United States Naval History during the Second World War. I am however a former history teacher and have had a life-long interest in this subject. I point this out because I strongly suspect that many other errors are contained in this book which I simply failed to notice.

Rather brutal story of a young couple who experience sexual fantasies in an icy environemt. Definitely not for maiden aunts

While the book "How to find a Job in the Tampa Bay Area" provides some interesting thoughts, the book really turns into a resume writing sales forum for Mr. Johnson and Career Florida. Unfortunately, Mr. Johnson's writing technique displayed in his books is quite the opposite of what is produced from his resume "mill". Mr. Johnson proclaims to have a background in writing from California State University and so therefore discounts a lowly "customer's" comments regarding basic English syntax. Mr. Johnson's attitude is to move people throught the process ASAP, so that he can dupe the next customer. If you're considering retaining Mr. Johnson for his resume writing services, beware of how quickly he'll take your money and then "hang-up" on you when you point out obvious errors. This was the first and last time I would ever use such a service. After such an experience, I have come to the conclusion that once these "professional" resume writers have cashed your check and handed you the first and only draft, beware of that sound behind you, its the door being slammed.

I love books on color in interior decoration, but I was disappointed in this one. Despite being published in 2001, the pictures look outdated. The interior decoration style represented in this book is 1980's decor at its worst. It is mostly overdone floral chintz and blindingly bad color combinations. Even the "Modern-style" pictures look outdated.

Recommendation:
There are too many other better books on color to waste your money on this one.

Other Sources:

Color in Your Home by T. Evelegh
This is a great book for beginners. It has one of the best primers on color using easy to understand language and with many examples. Instead of being sectioned by color, it is sectioned off into neutrals, pastels, the mid-tones, the brights, and the deep tones. The photos are beautiful. The style is modern country and/or feminine (but not overdone) color schemes.

Color Your Home Beautiful: Ideas and Solutions
It has beautiful photos, a variety of well-chosen color combinations in a variety of styles, dozens of color swatches, useful tips, and quotes from designers. The only style that is not well-represented is minimalism/modern.

Color Design File by Geddes-Brown
Pluses:
She does a great job of covering the basics of color, and there are beautiful photos. I like the fact that there are pockets for swatches and magazine inspirations. Her personality shows through in her writing. This book shows only Loft style.

Think Color by Tricia Guild
This book is better for inspiration than specific tips on how to use color. It shows a very bold, but tasteful, use of color and color combinations.

I was very disappointed with the quality of this book. The notation is hand-printed with terrible quality. Sloppy work, not worth the money, even at the biggest possible discount. I'd throw it away if I couldn't return it.

loved the boo

This book was a total waste of time. Rather than being a comprehensive source for design resources, it is merely a one glorified ad after another for builders and dealers that chose to pay to be included. It has absolutely no depth in terms of the kitchen/bath, contractors, flooring etc. If you are thinking that this book would compare to similar design resources - like the All New York - Source Guide, you will be very disappointed. Every source listed in this book is in every issue of California Homes so save yourself [some money] and buy the [] magazine.

Unless you are looking to cook some roadkill (opposum, squirrel, etc.), steer clear of this one.