The Penguin Atlases of Ancient, Medieval and Modern History covered only the history of Europe. This offering gives a bit more balance to the series and has a better claim to be the "Penguin Atlas of Human History" since it begins with maps of the oldest known hominid fossil finds. As with the other books in the series, the maps are very well laid out and will be irresistible to history buffs like myself. The emphasis is definitely on political history, but there are a few maps of population densities and trade routes.

The text that accompanies the maps is not bad, but is definitely not up to the same standard. Some of the information is even a little dubious (especially in the discussion of human evolution). There is also a tendency to see things from a European point of view, and I would have preferred a little less on the "exploration" of the continent and a little more on cultural history.

The Penguin Atlas of African History is a reference work that should be on everyone's shelves, but it should probably be backed up with a more detailed history of the continent.

This book is good for those who want to learn about genetics without reading a tedious, text-ridden book. The diagrams are simple enough to understand without being too involved. The text, usually complete, lacks in some areas. That's why I rated it a "4" instead of "5". I would recommend this book for graduate students in the "Biomedical sciences" and also dedicated medical students want a strong background in genetics.

This book takes a refreshing look at the New Jersey Pine Barrens in regards to its landscape and the land use management practices surrounding it. The landscape is described in scientific terms, yet remains readable for the average person. Protecting the New Jersey Pinelands : A New Direction in Land-Use Management is enjoyable and interesting for all readers, regardless of prior exposure.

This book should have never had to be written. Luckily, Brandilyn Collins does a fine job of reporting the facts and making it into an easy to read form. Mallory Moore was only four years old when her half sister found her dead in her bed. All the evidence says Serena (a known compulsive liar) DOES love her sister, yet four months after her death, the evidence also says Serena smothered her little sister.

In her own words--in her diary--Serena admits to killing her sister. Serena's mother, Sharri, turns the diary over to authorities when Serena leaves the home, hoping to find her daughter (she figures they will take her seriously, as she does, Serena needs to be found and needs help NOW). Knowing the police personally know Serena's past history of false police reports and fantastical lies, she never believed for a moment she might have incriminated her own daughter. She honestly believed they would see it as she did: another lie coming from Serena in the midst of her mourning her sister.

Now wait a minute. I know what you are thinking. I was, too. Maybe she did do it. I mean, Mallory died from asphixiation. Serena wrote that she did smother Mallory. Serena is not exactly a "good" girl. She leaves the house when she is forbidden, she says horrible things to her mother and step-father. She tells people she has leukemia or that Mallory is really her daughter... the list goes on and on.

As I mention, the police do take the confession seriously, but that's where it stops. They ignore her OTHER diary, in which she writes what happened the day she found her sister. They ignore what the doctors say about Mallory in the autopsies (if there's no homicide... you get the picture). They ignore the fact that she lies about serious things daily.

Still, I admit that I still sometimes wondered if maybe she really did do it. In the end, though, the prosecutor secures the state's main witness and it is HE who helps me decide that Serena is indeed innocent and is being held captive to save face.

Is that all there is? No, Serena's defense is a circus act of idiots playing a role for TV cameras. You just have to read the book to believe it.

I wish the book moved at a bit faster pace, was a tad more exciting, but it does its job and tells a tragically fascinating tale that could happen to anyone's family.

This book tells everything about Colin McRae; from when he was just a little tiny baby, to what he is right now. I suggest this very much to fans of Colin (If they don't know too much about him). I think this is the best book that explains about Colin because it was written by Colin himself. But this is one thing I'd like to say: Better not buy it if you're not a Colin McRae fan!

This book provides an overview of the topic of rest from a physcial, mental/emotional, relational and spiritual perspective and proposes that one cannot truly find rest unless all facets are involved. Building from the premise that the heart of rest is a spirit at peace with God through Christ, Dr. Tan devotes several chapters to deepening spiritual rest through the practices of solitude and silence, surrender, simplicity and Sabbath keeping. I found these chapters very helpful and full of insightful suggestions. After developing the concept of spiritual rest, Dr. Tan has a helpful chapter on sleep (again from an all around approach that sleep restores the body, mind and spirit) and offers guidelines for those who have difficulty sleeping. As to the physical component of rest, there is also a lot of helpful information in the chapter on stress management. I found this chapter to be one of the best in the book as it included information on how the physical effects of stress, how to change our thinking to combat emotional/mental stress and provided a solid biblical foundation for stress management. As to the relational aspect of stress, Dr. Tan includes chapters on spiritual community and servanthood outlining how rest is not solely for our personal gain, how the church (and particularly small groups) can be a haven of rest and how an attitude of servanthood can aid us in having restful relationships. This book includes an extensive bibliography and end notes. I highly recomment this book to anyone wanting to learn more on the topic of rest.

Folded fighter planes that actually fly? I guess that is any kid's dream. Well, I guess you can still say that I am still a kid, (I'm only 14) but and I love the many planes that can be folded from this book. With many precise illustrations and detailed folding instructions, making a full squadron of planes reminicent of F-4 Phantoms and F-106 Delta Darts is at your control. Truly a great book for any paper pilot.

This dictionary was a huge help to me during my years studying French. (My professor at the Sorbonne insisted that each of his student's own one). I now ask my students to purchase a copy.

If you are seriously learning French, grab a copy of this dictionary. It will prove its worth time and time again.

A great little book with a lot of info on Rugby. Ideal for beginners, but is slanted more towards English Rugby.

In the same vain that Rugby League echoes the form and values of the society that created it, so does this book so eloquently capture the feeling. From students of social history and sporting significances, to pure thoroughbred Rugby League fans, this book is a well documented must in bringing to life an era that mapped a sporting destiny. If you feel a passion for modern rugby, you must read this book as it sets out the pattern by which most working class British sports tred by.