Here is a great little book worth reading. Start with a terrific title and follow with a witty, intelligent book in which there are no wasted words and which does not ever seem "interminable" and you've got a great combination. Highly recommended for the fisherman and anyone else in your family.

As an artist, I've found inspiration time and again in Robert Hughes'books and the American Visions series. As a third-generation Floridian growing up on the Hillsborough River, I instinctively came by an appreciation of both the mystique of the water and the way fishing linked me to it. As a mostly-vegetarian who still succumbs to seafood, I feel some sense of guilt and sadness for the realities of the commercial fishing industry. This is a poignant and amusing little book, and a clarion call to those who don't give much thought to where their salmon filet came from. Robert Hughes is an inspired writer; this book demonstrates how his holistic take on cultural history translates into wonderful insights in seemingly disparate fields. This is a book I'll re-read every summer!

I bought this for my 19 year old son who has a passion for fishing. I'll admit it, I just don't understand the allure. I picked it up one night and was caught up in the storytelling. there is a bit of fishing history and plenty of fish stories. I still don't understand fishing, but found this brief book a good read.

Every 924, 944 or 968 owner or enthusiast must have a copy of this excellent book by Peter Morgan. The book contains detailed information and superb photographs of all models in the series and is divided into logical chapters. The book is also an excellent reference containing details on VIN's, engine numbers and options.

An absoulte must buy for the 924/944 owner. the book clearly guides you thru all models from 1975 to 1995, including the Turbos. All photographs are in color and the details of each model year are discussed. The book also includes specs and import numbers. Almost all options for each year are listed, a big plus when checking out what came with your car.

I have been driving/racing/instructing in Porsches since 1983, and am on my 3rd 944 series automobile. I only wish this book had come out many years ago, as it contains many of the answers to both the 1st-time and repeat buyers' questions. Its explanations of the rarer "special editions" is extremely helpful in determining which model is best suited for a particular driving style. I feel proud to have actually owned one of the featured models.

In total agreement with other readers, I admire this book very much. I wanted recently to buy two copies, one for each granddaughter and lo, it is out of print. Furthermore, I have listed it in the books for children section of the yet-to-be published 7th edition of -Science Experiences for the Early Childhood Year. And I read it to my classes. I hope it comes out in paperback!

A wonderful, seasonable drama that involves all the colorful activities that small children are fascinated by, i.e. dogs, wind and leaves, outdoor messes, etc...

Shirley Hughes wrote this with a musical ear for language. It is presently my hands-down favorite for reading to my two-year old. It is writing that adults can appreciate for almost haiku-like grace, and that appreciation can be passed on to the youngest readers. The illustrations match the poems superbly, and there are four mural-like double-page spreads, one for each season, that are each pictures the child can wander about visually, and I have had long talks with my son about what he sees in these pictures. An almost ideal children's book in my opinion.

EXCELLENT BOOK (both for interest and research)-- Reading this book by Richard Hughes, you can feel the decades that the author spent both in the field at mine sites and in the lab (Hughes was head of AIGS in Bangkok) researching this monograph. Some of the chapters bring the gem business to life, especially the chapter on Burma. The photos are accurate, dramatic or beautiful and go well with the written text. The maps are good, some being quite rare. Perhaps the greatest research went into the extensive bibliography (over 2500 entries!). As president of Pala international, an import-export firm dealing in colored stones for over 30 years, I would rate this book as one of the very best in the gemological field!

This is the most comprensive book ever writtten on rubies and sapphires. It will answer any question you might have about sources, treatments, history, great specimens, cuts, and colors. Seldom can one say that the definitive book has been written on any subject. This one is.

Wow. What a sparkling mix of erudition and irreverence. Everything you might even begin to wonder about ruby and sapphire is here, in detail, packed with fact, lusciously illustrated, spiced with attitude and wickedly opinionated in the manner that only the truly expert can properly carry off. What's even better, the man can write! Consequently, the knottiest technical subjects are lucidly laid out, while the history, the legends, the myths and the gossip are offered up with all their zest and spice intact. We're talking "encyclopedic," here - but encyclopedic in the 18th Century French Enlightenment sense, before the Germans came along and dried us all up with their only-the-facts-ma'am pedantry. Hughes is omniverously curious about his beloved gems and unashamedly passionate in his devotion to them. Thus, nothing is beyond the scope of his interest or scholarship, from the hardest of hard science to the most romantic of Arabian Nights-type legends. And in the unlikely event that there might be something he's left out, [Hughes] supplies bibliographies of altogether stupefying dimensions, and in several languages to boot. Diderot would approve. There are all sorts of ways to read this book, each of them satisfying. You can of course dutifully do what the White King told Alice: begin at the beginning, continue until you get to the end, then stop. This means commencing with the chapter on History, working your way through the dense scientific chapters (e.g., Chemistry & Crystallography, Inclusions, Treatments, Geology, etc.), and concluding with Hughes' world tour of every known source of ruby and sapphire on the planet, its history, detailed characteristics of its gems, and oh yes, a huge bibliography specific to each one. That is what I did and it is undeniably satisfying. But it is by no means the only available way to enjoy this Gargantuan feast. You could also just cruise your way through the dozens of intriguing, sometimes quirky and often gleefully opinionated sidebars, and you will have a splendid time at that, too. Or you could just page through, looking at the pictures, because the illustrations alone are an education. In addition to everything else, this book is a wonderful history lesson and so, in addition to the dozens of luscious photos of glorious gems you would expect, there are scores of fascinating pictures and photos of long-lost mines, legendary personalities, gem cutters past and present, and my absolute favorite, a be-turbaned, leather-skinned old Burmese gal with a twenty megawatt smile, chomping on a mammoth cigar. Then, again, if you absolutely do not wish to indulge your sense of fun, curiosity and wonder, you can simply station the book on your essential reference shelf and refer to it only when you need a detailed rundown on, say, typical inclusions in rubies of the Thai/Cambodian border. Many of the sidebars are in the form of detailed tables summarizing the facts in the text (example: 'Fluorescent Reactions of Untreated Corundums') so if you're in a hurry, you can use the book as a technical handbook without searching through the text for the information you want. I'd say that was rather like eating all the spinach at the buffet and passing up the chocolate eclairs, but there's no accounting for taste. Particularly when you open the book more of less expecting a dry-as-dust, edited-to-death textbook, encountering Hughes' damn-the-torpedoes attitude is gorgeously refreshing. Incidentally, be ready for Hughes' ardent, peppery opinions on the issue of treated vs. untreated gems. He has no objection to heat treating otherwise dim or badly included gems to bring out their potential beauties, but he absolutely and positively insists that such gems are not - repeat not! - to be considered the equal of their natural, untreated sisters. Whether you agree or not, it's hard to resist the verve with which Hughes states his conviction. Indeed, for this reviewer, the book's unapologetic opinionatedness was one of its major delights. So whether you need a complete reference guide, a stroll through history with a lively, expert guide, a survey of sources and markets, or a guide to everything that would ever seem to have been written about either of these two lovely gems, this is your book.

Brenda Forman, GIA Alumni Association, Washington, DC Chapter

I had read several Hughes poems before buying this book, but I will admit that I had no grasp on the extent of his talent. These vivid poems were chosen by Hughes personally before his death in 1967.

They do so well to paint a picture of the time he lived -- of the blues, of love, of passion, of choices. He writes about faith and protest in a way that will move you.

I have read all of the poems exactly as they are placed in the book several times. I think I keep going back to them because this is poetry free of pretense -- it is grounded in reality and in sorrow.

Independent of age, of your ethnicity, and of your literary grasp, you will enjoy these poems. Simple and superb -- read them out loud.

"Selected Poems of Langston Hughes" is a rich selection from several decades of this poet's work. Hughes (1902-1967) is a poet of many moods and voices. His work is at times mournful, humorous, sensuous, or ironic. Many poems capture the rhythms of African-American vernacular speech. A number of narrative poems tell stories of Black life, and a number of his best poems feature female speakers. He also writes poems of social protest that deal with the anti-Black violence that has plagued the United States for so much of its history.

The poems in this book are divided into several sections. One of my favorite such sections, "Feet of Jesus," contains poems which evoke the prayers, preaching, and religious songs of African-American churches. "Madam to You" contains a number of poems in which Alberta K. Johnson tells her story. A strong-willed entrepreneur who often challenges authority figures, "Madam" is one of the most delightful characters in African-American literature.

The other sections of the book contain many of Hughes' most memorable poems: the sensuous "Midnight Dancer" ("Lips / Sweet as purple dew"), "Mother to Son" ("Life for me ain't been no crystal stair"), "Theme for English B" ("I am the only colored student in my class"), and "I, Too" ("I, too, sing America. / I am the darker brother").

The lines I quoted from "I, Too" may call to mind Walt Whitman's great American poem "Leaves of Grass." Indeed, I consider Hughes to be one of the great 20th century poetic heirs of Whitman, and "Selected Poems" is a magnificent testament to Hughes' passion and vision.

Langston Hughes wrote poetry of exquisite pain and beauty throughout his life. His poetry can be sparse and rhythmic. It evinces visions of cities, the south, churches and deep muddy rivers.

Hughes touches on every subject important to life in 20th century America: family, friends, race, religion,love, music, prejudice and poverty. Each poem sparingly provides an image in words. Together these poems represent the great work of a true artist of the American Poetry.

One of his most popular and poignant poems is Harlem. It contains such beauty in his phrase - "a dream deferred" and such power in his words or does it explode?

I recommend this highly to anyone interested in modern poets and poetry.

In reading this book, I felt myself reliving my own experience with a maternity home and the loss of a child to adoption. No one can understand the experience unless having lived it. The path towards healing and spirtual connection is the author's own, but I could feel myself taking the journey with her. My experience has been the same and different as well, yet the arrival is so similar. Through past writings of this author, I have been able to gain new insights and feel healings come to me. As a birthmother myself, I truly appreciate the author putting her experience, traumas and healing out there for all to read and absorb. As a mother who has also raised a child to adulthood, I can feel her joy in the children she was able to keep and nuture. I look forward to more insightful writings from this author.

This was a very inspirational book for me. One cannot help but gain a certain amount of strength simply reading about this Mother's determined search. I was able to work through some of my own life issues and gain greater clarity about being a Mother and an understanding of the relationship I have with my own children. It is so much more than simply a story about a woman searching for her daughter.

This book is way more than a book about adoption. Any of us who came of age in the 60s, or who have ever felt alienated, felt deep conflict with our parents while still loving them, or who have searched far and wide for a meaningful spiritual path will love this book. I have no kids, but I would guess any parent who has ever worried about a child's whereabouts will relate to Hughes' description of her search for the daughter she gave up as a young unmarried woman. The search itself is a real "page turner" reading at times like a mystery. I loved this book and will be buying it for others.

Before reading von Neumann or Akhiezer, go through this book first, PLEASE. It's not only a good introduction to QM, but also an interpretation or philosophy book. The contents are balanced and understandable for even a high-school student, which usually is not expected from a great thinker like Hughes. The book making is good as well -- cover design, editing, binding, etc. An interesting and decent treatment of quantum physics. Probability a must for any phys and math thinker. (I got the paperbound)

Upon trying to learn Quantum Mechanics from Shaum's Outline, I found myself lost in the terminology. I picked up this book and immediately saw the connections I didn't see before. If you haven't taken Linear Algebra, buy this book. If you have taken Linear Algebra, BUY THIS BOOK! It is very clearly written, yet in depth enough to only serve to fill in the gaps. If you want to get beyond the "pop" version of Quantum Mechanics, this is the first book anyone should read.

I used this text in a tutorial with a distinguished philosopher of science at Queens College, New York. It's outstanding. The mathematical formalism is difficult for non-specialists, but no so much as to be out of reach. Advice: be patient--the understanding will come. The part on the interpretation of QM is exceptionally valuable to anyone interested in understanding modern physics without falling for dishonest notions like "quantum healing", "quantum chi", and "quantum dieting". In short: if you're a serious student, this is probably the best book of its kind.

Frances Parkman was a man who lived and breathed his history. He not only researched his subjects thoroughly, but seems to have crawled inside their heads as well.

Parkman's gift for bringing people alive is nowhere more evident than in this complex story of Robert Cavalier de la Salle's attempt to realize his dream of making France a leader in the new world. Parkman's skillful examination of the man behind the story lets the reader understand why LaSalle and his ideas were the cause of such controversy. At the same time, Parkman paints a vivid picture of the new world frontier as it existed in LaSalle's time. This is a book that can be savored on many levels: as an entertaining adventure story, a psychological thriller, and a historical reference.

Parkman's prose is rich and full of details you will need to understand the complexity of the charcters and the consciousness of the times. Therefore, you should be prepared to spend time working your way through this book. Whenever I tried to hurry through a section, I found that I missed something important that was needed later on. In other words, patience is needed, but well worth it. Parkman was a true lover of history and the people who shaped it and it shows.

I picked this up on a lark and found I couldn't put it down. A fascinating story, extremely well written and a pure pleasure to read. I travel extensively and found it amazing how many places I go to regularly have a direct link to La Salle. Couldn't recommend it more.

While there is a new Introduction, this is the historic account of Robert LaSalle's exploration of the Louisiana territory in the 1680s. Parkman first published this treatise in 1869; it has since been reprinted numerous times. An excellent, thoroughly engrossing recounting of the exploration of the territory which LaSalle claimed for France in 1682, through which the reader not only learns of the daily travails of the little band of explorers, but also, the human frailties of the man, Robert Cavelier, known as LaSalle. This book gives life to a name from history, and exemplifies the methodical research done by Parkman in the days before telephones, faxes, and copiers. I was thoroughly impressed by the subject and the writer. Excellent; informative, totally enthralling reading-writers of today should take note! Kudos to the publishers (and Krakauer) for bringing this series (back) to life!

In my line of work, I often find myself in the position of writing for others as well as myself: letters, paragraphs and sometimes longer pieces. Rules of Thumb is exactly what I need as someone who loves grammar, but has been out of school for 15+ years and needs a quick...you guessed it..."rule of thumb" on a particular topic. I highly recommend it for the workplace. The pages are laid out in such a way that merely thumbing through the book allows your eye to land on the topic you're looking for. When all you need is a quick reminder, or even consise 'how, why, when and where' examples -- this is the book to choose!

This book provides a complete, easy to understand description of all aspects of grammatically correct writing. But what makes this book truly exceptional is the integral quick reference guides in every chapter that allow you to make a quick check when you are in the midst of your writing project. I have not found any other book that works this well for me; I have used it in place of the corresponding required text for my college English classes.

This book contains information that can be reached in moments and is most time-saving. Had I been exposed to this while in school, I'm sure my writing would have been on a much higher level. Orchids to Jay, Elaine and Diana.

This book helps children make the transition in reading poetry from the beloved Dr. Suess to reading more sophisticated writing. My children loved the rhymes, and related to the stories. Like Robert Louis Stevenson in A Child's Garden of Verses, Langston Hughes captures childhood in his verses. Many current writers of children's poetry appeal to children using gross stories of bodily functions and gum in the hair. Langston Hughes gives kids more credit than that, but still appeals to children. What kid hasn't wanted to look down on "those stuck up clowns" in real life? This book was entertaining, and made my children want to hear more from this author.

This book is a wonderful tribute to one of America's finest poets. The book appeals to both children and adults. The poems are whimsical and fun. In my own classroom, the children list these poems as some of their favorites. The art work inspires my students to achieve as much as they can in their own art work. The introduction and afterward provide the reader with a history of the Harlem art's movement and Langston Hughes' contribution to this movement. The information provided could be shared with children, however it is written for advanced readers. Overall, this book is one of the most well thought out books that I have seen.

Although I enjoyed this book as a Langston Hughes fan, I was not sure that the children's artwork and Hughes' poetry would be appreciated by children. However, my 5-yr-old clearly responds to the rhyming text and enjoys the art. I've overheard him reciting lines from this book by memory. The rhythym is soothing and the children's art is charming. This is not Hughes at his most profound- (couldn't he have chosen "walrus" to star on the "w" page instead of a white mouse?) and does not teach kids much about the alphabet ("m" is for monkey, but we never hear that word in the poem, instead the monkey's name- "jocko"), but it will appeal to their sense of rhyme and whimsy. I'm leaving it 5 stars because of the beautiful art and catchy poems.