This concise guide book was a treasure and saving grace for planning the precious vacation week I had planned for Provincetown and nearby Outer Cape towns. From the events calendar to the business directory, I was able to hone in on identifying my areas of interest and must-see sites and activities in one short read of the book.

If the name "Quabbin" is unfamiliar to you, then you're probably not from Massachusetts. This 18-mile-long reservoir was created in the late 1930s and early 1940s when the Swift River Valley in western Mass. was deliberately flooded. The goal of the project was to provide water to Boston and to other selected cities in the commonwealth, which the reservoir still does today. Four towns were lost in the process, however, and a certain historical mystique still surrounds those communities. Here journalist-naturalist Michael Tougias takes us on a tour of the region with stories and scenes from yesterday and today. We learn of the history of the region, the activities of the Metropolitan District Water Supply Commission, who the "woodpeckers" were, and the displacement of residents of Prescott, Enfield, Greenwich, and Dana. Quabbin's magic continues in its gradual acceptance and promotion as a natural resource and recreational area. Today a bald eagle may fly over you as you proceed along a hiking trail or traverse the length of Winsor Dam. At the water's edge, you might startle a feeding moose or hear a loon call to its mate. Take Tougias' book along, and you'll know which of the 55 gates you'll want to use and what you'll see when you get there. Neighboring towns offer unique diversions as well, and the author provides lists and notes for wanderers exploring the area on foot, on bicycle, or by car. Quabbin's beauty can be breathtaking; reading and consulting this book will further your appreciation of the place. A must-buy for New England libraries and for any weekend adventurer.

Not exactly a biography, this book is a personal quest of discovery that you take part in with the author, who goes directly to the people and places surrounding the life of the elusive Dion Fortune. This book delivers in making the reader feel closer to, and more knowledgeable about Dion Fortune. If you can find a copy make sure you pick it up. It's a fascinating journey that you will not regret.

This book is an absolute neccessity for anyone planning to do extensive flatwater paddling in Maine. The book divides maine into regions and then gives detailed descriptions of the most choice paddling spots in those regions. Each overall description entails a map of the lake, general decription of the lake (scenery,fish species,things to look for etc.), campsite reservation numbers if neccesary, and most important DETAILED DIRECTIONS. Unless you are confining your paddling to the southern region, most of the lakes will require driving on winding dirt logging roads that can confuse even the most seasoned forester(I know I was one). However with this book, I was able to find the put in with ease every time. Happy Paddling!

This is a excellent book. Bought after recently buying a kayak. New to kayaking. The book made me want to go to the local lake right then and there. Very descriptive of ponds and lakes with maps. Wish it had a few more entrys. Although I do agree with the authors selection process.

Scientists have discovered that life as we know it began in Quincy, near the Beachcomber.

Mr. Karr leaves no stone unturned in this scienctific analysis of the regions railroad lines. Mr. Karr has gone and "uncovered the iron" in places that even natives would never have believed that an active line was ever present.

Detailed, usable, road atlas which covers everyplace out to I-495, ALL AT THE SAME SCALE! It's one continuous map, so you can orient yourself by following a road from page to page. You only have to know approximately where you are to find yourself on this map, and you never need to know what town you're in just to be able to look something up. There's an extensive list of street names in the back, arranged by towns. Streets are clearly marked and named. They indicate schools, libraries, shopping centers, parks, cemeteries, and many other points of interest.

If you are used to wrestling with those Arrow maps that put one town on each double page, you will find it much much easier to get around by using this map. And it doesn't have ads tucked in, like on that big red map.

The book is spiral bound softcover. A fold-out, laminated front cover has some overview maps and the key map so you can quickly find the page you want. My only beef is that I'd prefer that key map to be on the first foldout flap rather than tucked inside, since it's the one I use most often.

This detailed, clear map is practically indispensable for navigating in Boston, whether on foot or by car. The laminated format makes it not only very durable, even after much use, but easily folded to show the segment of the city one needs. The detail is really excellent, showing many things including large and small streets, parkway access roads, points of interest, surrounding communities, Logan airport, etc. The map's clarity is much enhanced by the use of well-chosen color. It would be helpful if the names of Boston's many squares were regularly included, as these seem to be a prominent feature of navigation in Boston, and if possible, to indicate more of the one-way directions of streets. All in all, I find this an extremely useful and well-made map, highly recommended for navigation in a complicated but fascinating city.

Superb use of historical sources on reading in Vermont, including probate records. A marked contrast to polemical and sloppy books using similar source material (such as Arming America, by Michael Bellesiles). A dry read.