This is a very important book in that it describes one of the most interesting mammals ever discovered: the first eusocial mammal. It is also a testament to the remarkable ability of adaptationist thinking (reverse engineering) to develop ideas that can then be looked for in nature. The existence of the naked mole rat's unique social structure was predicted based on ideas about the general selective environment that was thought to have led to eusociality in other animals.

A very well researched, very well compiled history presented with a sense of appreciation and affection. This book contains a truly spectacular collection of historical pictures. It's obvious a lot of effort was put into this book. The authors covered everything including Brookside School and the ONT factory! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

John Feely has written the thinking person's guide to Boston. This could substitute easily for a history or architecture textbook about the city. It is very accessible because of an excellent index. The text is quite detailed and organized nicely giving first the history, geography and then current status of monuments, buildings, museums, geographic features and neighborhoods. There are some cautions for the buyer. The print is small and the directions for walkers both inside and outside of buildings might be confusing. This is not a guide for hotels, restaurants or entertainment. The book could use some more detailed street maps within each section, similar to the Michelin green guides. Overall a good choice at a good price.

I bought this book because I grow carnivorous plants and am always interested in learning about their natural habitats. I was not disappointed -- it includes a section on CP with some satiating color photos. Also included is a complete explanation of how bogs are formed, bog types, plant and animal species found in bogs, a section devoted to Sphagnum moss (helpful to me as a CP grower), a section on native terrestrial orchids, etc. In the back there is a listing of easily accessible bogs in the Northeast.

Keep in mind that this book covers only bogs in the New England region of the United States. However, bogs similar to those described can be found anywhere in North America.

I have but one gripe: there are not many color photographs! Those included, however, are beautiful and I wish there were more.

All in all, a wonderful book for those who want to learn more about bogs!

EDIT: In regard to my use of 'satiating' to describe this book's color photos ... it is admittedly a slight exaggeration. 'Good' or 'nice' or 'detailed' would have been more appropriate. In case you don't know, 'satiating' means 'satisfying in excess'. For example, a meal which gives you a tummy ache would be satiating, that is, satisfying in excess. So, would 'satisfying' have perhaps been a better choice? No, because as my review later indicates, the photos are not at all satisfying. In fact, the book could have been improved considerably with a lot more (or, come to think of it, improved slightly with a few more). Then why did I use 'satiating'? Why don't I change it now? Because 'satiating' is the only thing this sad review has going for it.

Chris Roy

Great book. It is a small paper back and contains 163 pages divided into 15 chapters including "New England", "The People", "Character and Courage", "The Spirit" and 11 others. It is mostly short quotes from great and not so great New Englanders including Mark Twain, Herman Melville, Edmund S. Muske, John F. Kennedy, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Margaret Fuller, and others. Robert Frost wrote: 'Freedom lies in being bold'. Another good one is 'All experience is an arch, to build upon' by Henry Adams. The quotes are short and very poingnant and can be applied to humanity, not just New Englanders. I have one for my husband for Father's Day and will be getting one or two more to give for Christmas presents.

Excellent guide to Boston for the first timer or the native who wants details for great day trip. Filled with clear and informative maps, fun photos and wonderful descriptions of different areas of Boston and the many surrounding attractions. It contains a terrific history section, practical tips on planning your trip, accomodations, restaurants, shopping and sports info and more and even a list of good books about Boston. The book is scattered with helpful tips and recommendations to enhance your visit. A very attractive book, it's size (about 5 1/2 X 8 1/2 and about 3/4 inch think) makes it easy to carry around and substantial enough to save as a great souvenir of your trip. I work at a Global Training Center and we use this book consistently to help our visitors plan their sightseeing. I highly recommeded this guide.

With information about Boston's colleges, neighborhoods and historical sites, it's a coffee table book that could double as a guide book for residents and visitors alike. It would make the perfect gift for a student at one of the area's colleges who needs to know more about what the city has to offer.

The best kind of humor turns a mirror to the world and shows us the absurdity in our daily lives.

On the one hand, this is a very instructional book with good, practical advice on driving and parking in the Boston area. On the other hand, it's simply hysterical. I almost wish I had this book when I first started driving in Massachusetts, but I think having experienced it all before reading the book made it that much funnier.

Anyone who lives and drives in Boston, or anyone moving to Boston who plans to drive a car, should read this book. Afterwards, you will fit right in on the Massachusetts roadways. Even if you aren't interested in using these techniques, understanding them helps protect you from other drivers who do. And the more you've actually experienced Boston drivers, the funnier it gets.

A sample quote, regarding increased enforcement of traffic laws: "[T]here is a renewed emphasis on FORM. You must avoid the APPEARANCE of impropriety. For example, illegal turns should be done smoothly, without signaling and without guilt. One-way maneuvers should be done in reverse gear -- your car will be facing the right way, you won't stand out, and you won't get a ticket. Establish your rule of the road with finesse and class, so that it appears to be the natural order of things."

I hope it comes back in print soon.

I live in Boston but keep a copy of this book on my desk. It's an incredible resource. I find myself using it all the time. The author shares information about sites, events and destinations that my husband and I, with a combined 40 (yes forty!) years of living in Boston, hadn't heard of. I use it to find out about great day trips and "new" (to me) places to take my kids. A must-have if you're visiting Beantown, or even if you're a resident.

This book is wonderful in every respect! There is a great deal of history provided in the book, and practically walks the reader through the historical town of Boston feeling as if they were re-living the experiences of the individuals written of in the book (i.e. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, John Hancock). Also the reader absorbs the culture and environment of historical Boston by envisioning the architecture and designs of the houses, meeting places, state buildings and so forth.

A thoroughly written book, with a knack for meticulous details, is one highly recommended for history buffs and loyal Bostonians.