"The Other Islands of New York" is a decent reference book, but it felt as if Seitz and Miller feared getting a little muddy or messing up their hair. One never sense that the two clambered up to investigate the smaller islands, but rather conducted phone interviews with local historians. This may not be true, but it reads that way.

Imagine reading about an animal, say a horse, only in terms of who owned it and when. You'd get no sense of the character of the horse as a being -- a creature with temperament, quirks, coloring, musculature, a particular scent and stride. That's how the descriptions of many islands in this book came across to me as a kayaker of New York Harbor. We get so little sense of the natural beauty and surprises of this city's intricate archipelago - the seals that gather at Swinburne Island in winter aren't mentioned, and neither is the beautiful little cove at the northern end of key-shaped Mill Rock. That island is also home, in spring, to nests full of gorgeously speckled seagull eggs and pure white goose eggs. There are, of course, many other examples.

Sometimes the tone the authors take when writing about working people come across as condescending, in some sense as if these people provide color but little else. At the same time, the authors shy away from some topics with the squeamishness of an eastern liberal (which, I suppose I am too). The East River islets near Hell Gate, for example, are named but conspicuously absent are Negro Head and Little Negro Head. When I researched the history of these islets (and Negro Point, at the southern point of Randalls Island) for a New York Times article, what surprised me was that contrary to current lore, the islands never bore names reflecting the more derogatory term. The names seem to have been chosen to describe rounded rocks that had a surface texture reminiscent of an afro. Negro Point, however, is tougher to explain. While Randalls Island did have a cotton processing plant on it, there wasn't a slave population. One theory holds that a strange specter, taking the form of a man with African features and a tricorner hat, rows a boat back and forth across Hell Gate. But after I interviewed Henry Stern, then New York City Park Commissioner, about the name, he moved to change it to Skylla Point, a bookend to Charybdis Playground across the water in Astoria.

Another frustrating aspect of this book is that you'd think that the islands' histories began with European colonization. Here and there we read that such-and-such was "bought from Native Americans," but we never learn who these original residents were and what life was like in these places. It's almost as if the Lenape Algonquin, Munsee, and Canarsie people were simply killing time waiting for white people to arrive so the story of these islands could begin. No word about the wampum manufacturing on Roosevelt Island, or the sacred nut groves on Governors Island. Again, this seems to stem from relying on convenient newspaper microfilm and interviews with a narrow band of experts.

The final point that annoyed me is the self-congratulatory voice in which much of the book's information is delivered. The authors present the islands as discoveries, and often islands are categorized as "forgotten" when in fact they're merely small. Most have always been little noted. Also, far more people frequently visit these islands - often by kayak - than the authors seem to realize.

But, over all, this book is a useful resource because it stands alone. Of course, other books have covered the topic but in diluted forms, but no one else has compiled information exclusively on this topic, New York's smaller islands. It's worth having on your shelf to read through before heading out on the water.

As a native New Yorker, I heard of many islands that occupied the waters that surround the five boroughs of the city. As I flew back into LaGuardia and JFK airports I even began to notice them from above. Obtaining information about these islands was very difficult, even from local libraries, and therefore when I found this book at a local bookstore, I was delighted that someone came up with the idea of publishing such a book.

From Roosevelt Island to Cuban Ledge, the authors give a very thorough and well researched book on the many islands inhabiting the New York archipelago. Many islands which were once islands, but have long since been connected to the boroughs by artificial landfills are also covered here (e.g. Coney Island-Brooklyn, Hunter Island-Bronx, Battery Park area-Manhattan, etc..) are also covered here.

If you live in the city or plan on visiting, please make sure to pick up a copy of this guide, and make sure to visit the many hidden treasures found in this city.It makes an excellent companion book while aboard a plane or even in the subway.

An immense compendium of the pristine paddling spots left in New York State. The authors looked for lakes with one goal in mind: find places where the water has not been spoiled by development, pollution, or powerboats. Unquestionably, they succeeded. The book describes over 100 trips across the state, with an expectedly high concentration in the Adirondack Mountains. For each trip, the authors describe launch locations, scenery, notable areas on the lake, and any interesting wildlife seen during their paddle. Many of the lakes are a bit small for a full day trip, but if one only has a few hours to paddle, these are certainly places to go. The authors did a good job of including sites from across the entire state, and tried to include a number of lakes near New York City. Unfortunately, the authors almost ignored flat river paddling, but a few calm rivers and streams did make their way into the book. Overall, if you are a New Yorker who loves getting away from it all, this is one book to have.

For the novice, such as myself, this is a good book to get you started on exploring the canoeing areas of New York. They review the area, the water, and the wildlife. It is not an exhaustive list and many areas we found were seasonal, but that wasn't mentioned in the book. I hope they write another updated and more exhaustive review in the future.

This book details the events that led up to General Sullivan's scorched-Earth campaign against the Tribes of the Six Nations. The first 6 chapters deal with a "White" perspective and does not shy from Native American atrocities committed against European settlers on their land. However, the second half of the book puts these events in perspective and details the equally atrocious events carried out against Native Americans.

The scorched-Earth campaigns led against the Native Americans is remeniscent of tactics used by ancient armies in southwest Asia. Both points of view are given, but without a doubt the book makes clear who was in the wrong from day one. The title should be a give-away to this fact.

The book assumes the reader has a fairly good knowledge of the American Revolutionary War. There are some points in the book where the author makes mention of some individual or incident indirectly related to a current situation assuming the reader is aware of the name or event being referred to and can see the irony or paradox in the current situation in light of the reference made. For readers with strong knowledge in American history, these nuggets will prove most interesting and thoughtful, but to others they will pass without provoking much thought... although they may intrigue the reader to learn more.

To the lay reader, fine details in the book will read ad nauseum, but to most they are priceless. These are the only reasons I give the book 4 rather than 5 stars. The author does not hold back when describing some of the gruesome details of battles between two armies, but rest assured that he does attempt to lighten the load by using phrases such as, "...dispatched him with a blow from his tomahawk."...

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the wrongs done towards the Iroquois by narrow-minded, racist, land-stealing settlers.

"Seeds of Empire" is an account of the war for control of the New York frontier and particularly of General John Sullivan's campaign against the Iroquois during the Revolutionary War.

The book gives an excellent overview of the history of the conflict with the Indians in the upstate New York region during the war and gives a particularly good account of St. Leger's expedition against Fort Stanwix and the bloody action at Oriskany in 1777.

In 1779, George Washington, trying to cope with the British on the East Coast, was desperate to find a solution to the "Indian Problem" that had been plauging the frontier settlements in the western country of New York and Pennsylvania. Washtington realized that the best way to deal with marauding British-allied Iroquois Indians was to attack and destory their villages, crops, and supply bases. Thus, he ordered Gen. John Sullivan with a large force of troops, supported by a smaller expedition under the command of Col. Daniel Brodhead further west from Fort Pitt, to march north into Indian territory in western New York. Washinton's orders were very specific that "the immediate objects are the total destruction and devastation of their settlements." Sullivan managed to engage the Indians in battle and drive them away, laying waste to many villages and fields full of crops ready to be harvested. As a result of this example of devastating total war, the Iroquois were reduced to poverty and starvation and effectively taken out of the war. Washington's orders were fulfilled, but at a high price to the Indians. There has been much controversy regarding Sullivan and Washinton's action during this campaign as it was essentially seen as a war of extermination. There are many arguments for and against Washington's decision to subjuagate the Indians with such brutal tactics, but the historical truth is nonetheless that the once-proud and powerful Iroquois League was smashed and would never recover.

This book is an excellent history of these important events that are too often ignored by many popular and scholarly histories of the Revolutionary War. It is often forgotten that the War was fought not only on the great battlefields of the East, but on the frontier, where some of the bloodiest fighting of the war took place.

The book is useful, and provides good insights into the rides described if you happen to live close to a number of rides. There are two considerations that make the book less useful than it should be.

First, the rides, as the title suggests, are short - some are less than 10 miles. Second, since Connecticut is a large state, you can expect to be a very substantial distance from any particular ride. While it might be worth it to drive 50-100 miles to participate in a bike trip of 50 miles, if the bike trip is only 10 miles, then the drive doesn't necessarily seem worth it.

This book is great for anyone who wants to go out for a short Bike ride in the morning or evening or anytime. The instructions to get to a riding route are easy enough to follow that a person can usually find the route without a map, Although it is always good to have one. The book gives sites to see along the routes, as well as difficulty, Safety, and a detailed map with text describing what to do with all 36 routes. All in all a good book for any one who wants to go for a short, scenic bike ride in Connecticut.

I purchased this river guide for the purposes of canoeing on the Susquehanna in northern PA. My mistake; it does not cover the river north of Wilkes-Barre.

For the sections of the Susquehanna covered by the book, it does a nice job. One exception is that it make no mention of where the portages are around the dams.

A good resource for tackling the Susquehanna. Concise, with fine maps showing access points (with a handy index to the access points in the back). Helpful discussions of the fish available, fishing techniques, plus thoughts on tackling the river by foot or in a boat. Also, has a welcome dose of conservation thoughts tossed in.

Are there more bike shops per capita in Rochester or is it just that so many people want to enjoy the outdoors from May through October? I can't think of a more enjoyable source of weekend r&r than taking one of the trails suggested in this book. There are good suggestions for ability, the maps are adequate, and the directions to the start of the trail are clear. The only thing I'd add to this book is an online link for printable maps so I don't have to take the book (although pocketable) along. A must for any Rochesterian who wants to enjoy the trails around town.

A great resource for people looking for good bike trails in the Rochester area. Easy-to-read maps of trails and locations, plus descriptions and difficulty ratings. A must-have for the avid Rochesterian biker! :~)

DeLorme has been establishing a name for themselves, having issued a set of road atlas and gazetteer books for each state, including this one for Vermont. Showing every back road in the state is rather impressive. Couple that with the amount of "gazetteer" information, such as landmarks, points of interest, museums, etc., it can be a very handy trip companion.

While I took a copy of DeLorme's Vermont atlas on a recent trip, I found a much better atlas once I arrived in Vermont. It's Jimapco's "Vermont Road Atlas" and is priced the same as DeLorme's book. However, the Jimapco atlas is smaller (8.5" x 11") and is spiral bound, making it much more convenient to use on the road as it always lies flat. You can also look at just one page -- if you try that with a DeLorme atlas too many times, the book will fall apart. Also, the Jimapco atlas strives to name EVERY single street and road in Vermont, while DeLorme names the more prominent roads only showing the minor roads while leaving them nameless. The only feature lacking from the Jimapco "Vermont Road Atlas" that DeLorme has is 3-D terrain shading. But, when you're in a car trying to find a street or looking for a point of interest, the terrain shading is of little help.

I've been a big fan of the DeLorme atlases for years now, but Jimapco's Vermont atlas will be a constant companion for me on all future Vermont roadtrips.

Armed with DeLorme Publishing's Vermont Atlas & Gazetteer, the appropriate topographical quad maps and this book, the adventurous traveler needs nothing more to explore Vermont's natural wonders. Ric Bourie, Boston Herald, May 6, 1999

Where can you hear the first two notes of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' in Washington? On the Metro, that's where.

That's just one of the little tidbits in this gem of a book, which I bought in 1983 just before I came to Washington for a three-month internship. I didn't return until 1999, but I kept the book as a good guide for my visits.

Applewhite pulls no punches, disparaging some of the more modern office buildings in the federal part of the city (he's brutal on the Rayburn House Office Building), but giving a wonderfully rich guide to Embassy Row and other areas that not everyone visits.

If you want something more than your average travelogue travelguide, get this. It'll help you fall in love with our Nation's Capital. I know it did that for me.

This book was an excellent counterpoint to the usual 2 sentence blurbs in most guidebooks. Each entry gave a brief historical overview of each building or monument. I really enjoyed getting background information on buildings that I see every day. I thought for a new Washingtonian it is an excellent way to familiarize oneself with the landscape and for the tourist it is a more in depth way to get to know the whos and whys of Washington architecture. I have found myself refering to the book periodically whenever I find some new circle or park with an oddball statue or name. The book is organized by geography so it can also be helpful for any walking tour of the city. An excellent reference tool.

I'm writing a novel set in 1930s New York and for research purposes, this book is a great starting point. But as for simply sitting down and reading it all the way through, well, it's a bit dull. For a better sense of the sweep and drama of New York's history, try tracking down New York Panorama, also put out by the WPA around the same time.

Anyone interested in New York City will find this book absolutely fascinating. Imagine being transported to the City's golden age -the years during which America was emerging from the Depression---and before being thrust into World War Two. The City is chronicled neighborhood by neighborhood and includes interesting historical background information. With this book you will see New York through the eyes of the past; One of my all time favorites.

It's not often that real authors (Bill McKibben and Sue Halpern) get in the outdoor guidebook business. This bike book is a winner.