I can't say enough about how useful this Travel Smart guide was on our recent trip to the Southwest. As Daniel Gibson claims, he only includes the best of what there is to see and do, only the best places to eat and stay. All this info is rated 1-4 stars and we found the ratings to be surprisingly accurate compared with our own opinions. The book is so organized that it's easy to find what you're looking for; places are cross referenced for easy research. We kept the book with us and read ahead about what was coming up as we traveled. Prices were either right on or close to present charges. Descriptions were interesting and fun to read, and detailed enough to help us decide whether or not we wanted to stop at each attraction. If you only want to take one book along on your next trip to the southwest, you won't go wrong with this one.

Beautiful pictures of dozens of castles in full color, with 3 panoramic foldouts. Also contains a three page glossary with 9 color pics of selected terms. No floorplans, no maps, no sketches or diagrams to speak of. But it does a good job of the history of castles and showcases many of them.

Some of my favorite castles in the book are: Eileen Donan in Scotland; Krak des Chevaliers in the holyland; Alcazar of Segovia in Spain; Burg Eltz in Germany; Raglan Castle in Wales; Craigievar Castle in Scotland; Chambord in France; Bodiam castle in England; and of course, Neushwanstein in Bavaria, Germany.

There are many more, but if those don't turn you on, nothin will.

Other castle books I recommend: The Medieval Fortress by J.E. Kaufmann; and Castles and Fortresses by Robin S. Oggins

This is the essential reference for those wishing to identify Chalcidoids (very common, tiny parasitic wasps) to generic level. All known genera present in North America are covered, and each key is designed by one of the foremost experts of the family in question. Certain chapters are unusually authoritative for works of this type because the authors examined backlogged material in museums in order to make this reference as complete as possible, which resulted in many taxonomic and nomenclatural changes. Absolutely essential for identification of Nearctic Chalcidoids.

i could not put this book down it kept a hold of me and i truly fell in love with the hero he reminds me of my husband.

I am an adult according to my age. Barnaby is a book for all ages, if you love animals especially dogs. Dogs are unconditional Love and this is where Barnaby shines. Barnaby talks of things in a way that humans may not be able to. Barnaby, is a three-legged Yorkshire Terrier. He lost his leg to Cancer which eventually took his life. Barnaby has lessons for kids who have an illness, handicaps, seperation from parents due to domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, foster care, overeating and even death. For kids it addresses these issues in sub-conscious ways better than adults may do. We may remember talking dogs, mice, pigs, puppets, rabbits, purple dinosours where more influential on us than most humans as a kid.
Required reading for all hospitals, foster homes, social workers or anyone who works with or cares about kids. You can read Barnaby and Friends to a child who may find themselves in those unfortunate circumstances or let those who can read do so on their own. The writing style is at a basic childs level.
Also just a good reading for an Adult who wants to see unconditional Love and postive thinking from a dogs point of view and a good reminder how lucky some of us really are.

"The Bertrams is one of Trollope's more remarkable novels, drawing on his experiences in Egypt and the Holy Land, and has an unusually exotic flavour, particularly for readers familiar only with the English rural world of his Barsetshire series."

My first Maggie Gibson ever, and it induced me to read all her other books as well. Clever wit mixed with actuality and irish charme, give me more of that!

Cynthia Gibson is a very talented lady. Her obvious taste and style is featured through the lovely photographs. Not only is the information tried and true, it is accessible. This book is a winner!

All midshipman at the Naval Academy are assigned a sponsor family in town. The sponsor family provides a place for midshipman to relax and escape the stresses of academy life. For most mids this is a good thing, for me is was a wonderful experience. Karen Gibson was my sponsor! I was there when she wrote this great account of the life (and diet) of the brigade of midshipman. Thanks for everything Karen.

Kevin Reeds Class of 1985

This is a true gem of a book.. I would give it more than 5 stars if I had a choice.. this is a delightful book about an extremely talented but painfully shy artist who is willing to go to any length to remain in the shadows.. I will not give away any of the main delight of this book, but please read it and enjoy it!!
Buy it, borrow it or check it out the library..