The best book for beginners. Gives ratings and some pictures for all the trails, so you know what to expect. Probably not a whole lot for more advanced off-roaders, but then they probably won't be reading this book anyway. I recommend this book for anybody with an SUV who wants to use it off-highway. The only downside of this book is the detail maps of the trails. For some reason, they couldn't agree on which way to point North(usually north is up in all other maps) so sometimes you have to turn the book sideways to the right or left to get your bearings. Also, not much detail on the maps themselves, so sometimes you really dont' know where you are in relation to the surrounding area. But they give plenty of detail in the driving directions, so you almost don't need the map. Best book I've ever bought, anyone who likes to adventure outdoors should buy this. You don't even need an SUV on the easier trails.

First thing that hits you is the heft of this book. It is large and heavy, but that just tantalizes you of what lies beyond the cover. It is full of so much information about southern California's backcountry you could spend hours and hours reading. But this book is to be used as a guide for exploring. And guide you it does. The maps, descriptions and details are excellent for each trail. The history section is great and my family and I even used this book to identify plants from its full color photos on our last outing. For anyone wanting to explore dirt trails in So Cal, from mild ones not really needing 4 wheel drive to more difficult ones, this book is for you. Rock crawlers need not apply, but for the other 99% of us with 4x SUV's this book is perfect!

The latest volume in Swagman Publishing's impressive "Backcountry Adventures" series, Peter Massey and Jeanne Wilson's Southern California truly lives up to its subtitle description as being the ultimate guide to the backcountry for anyone with a sport utility vehicle. Detailed information and directions are provided for over 2,970 miles of SUV trails throughout southern California's backcountry, along with relevant instruction on how to enjoy off road experiences with minimal environmental impact travel. Step-by-step route directions for 153 scenic drives (rated from easy to challenging), range from the mountain regions of Big Sur through the Mojave Desert, and Death Valley. Profusely illustrated with hundreds of photos of frontier towns, historic mining operations, old railroad routes, windflowers, and native animals, Southern California also offers engaging accounts of Spanish missionaries, eager prospectors, and more. An ideal trip planning resource, Southern California is also highly recommended for campers, anglers, hikers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers, wildlife enthusiasts, amateur prospectors, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

I've always been a fan of Wilderness Press books and this one won't disappoint! I used this book to help plan a trip to Lost Coast (Oct '02), but had to change plans at last minute when I got to Calif. We did the Lassen Loop also described in the book and it was great. Highly recommend this book.

Backpacking California is a "user friendly" compenium of tips from experts gather over thirty years of backpacking experience under one cover, with seventeen authors providing keys to over sixty backpacking routes in California. Maps, trailheads, elevation and campsite information pack a guide which will prove essential for any planning a backpacking journey.

This book is a detailed survey of a good number of excellent hikes in California. While there are other books which contain many, many more locations, this book stands out because of its level of detail and vastly superior maps. Each trail description is headed up by important information, like number of days, type of route (one way, out and back, loop), elevation gain/loss (very nice), etc. The trail descriptions are written with a bent towards useful information rather than mere description. This is the only place for example, where I have seen warnings about old industrial sites with possible water pollution issues for the Lost Coast trail. It would be nice if these types of books would include an index by number of days required, so that weekend trips could be easily located. Highly recommended book for anyone interested in overnight backpacking trips in California.

This book (and it's companion volume) are highly appropriate for families, children of most ages and for less than highly active adults.

Thoroughly Recommended!

We bought this book when my son was 3 and my daughter was still catching a ride in the backpack. We needed easy but nice hikes and boy did we find them. It gives good accurate directions and realistic difficulty rating. A big plus if you are hiking with toddlers. My kids are now 6 and 4 and is still our favorite hike book. You won't be disappointed and you will find a ton of hikes that are close to home yet you feel miles away.

This book will give possibilities for varying degrees of difficulty hikes and day spots to visit. The best resource I have ever found.

As a native Floridian who has lived as far south as the FL Keys and as far north as the Pan Handle, I turned critical eye on Johnny Molloy's "The Best in Tenting Camping:Florida". I was delighted to see included some of my favorite destinations as well as places other locals have long prized as remnants of the "real Florida". As an experienced kayak camper I particularly appreciated Mr. Molloy's inclusion of information on paddling opportunities. He has provided new information on put-in destinations as well as coaxed me into my many new trail hiking experiences. I find this book accurate in it's assesements and helpful in it's suggestions. When in Florida, keep your sunscreen, fishing pole and copy of "The Best in Tent Camping: Florida" close at hand.

Thanks Johnny for teaching a local few new tricks!

Planning a trip through FL can lead you through an overwhelming amount of where to stay options. Fortunately,"The Best in Tent Camping Florida" is the perfect guide to help you sift through all your choices and narrow down your search for that perfect place to stay. He has a great rating system for each campground and it is based on beauty, site privacy, spaciousness, quiet, security and cleanliness. He even gives advice on interesting sites worth seeing while you are there. He has really picked out the best of the best Florida has to offer for us "tenters".

The person that wrote this book would make a great campground neighbor! He gives a frank review that allow realistic expectations for the prospective camper. Also suggests site #'s that would be less likely to be placed next to a noisy RV. I use this book along with Campers Guide to Florida (2nd Edition), by Mickey Little before I take any camp trip. The Tent Camping book has all the information, but the Campers Guide has campground maps. Makes a great combination!

I planned an entire 11 day trip to Seattle and the San Juan Islands with this book. We stayed at an absolutely wonderful 65 room hotel right near the famous Market in Seattle, then we took the ferries (read about in the book) and stayed at a cabin on Orcas Island near the shore where we could use the canoes and explore the sea life. Then we stayed at great B&B on San Juan Island that also had a yacht you could sleep on, then another B&B on the olympic penninsula that specialied in French cooking. All theses places... were from this book! Fantastic.
The star ratings guide help you decide what's right for you and the pricing guides are accurate.

We've been using the "Best Places" books for travel in the Northwest for a number of years, and this year's edition is further proof that this is the best guidebook series going. The information is unfailingly reliable as well as encyclopedic, and the editors' discernment shows through in all aspects: lodging, meals, touring, siteseeing, etc. Certainly the best choice for anyone visiting the area, whether a first-time visitor or a happy returnee.

Now in its updated and expanded 13th edition, Best Places Northwest is quite simply a 'must' for any who plan on touring the Pacific Northwest: it doesn't hesitate to pick only the best of restaurants, lodgings and tour opportunities throughout Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, and provides descriptions which offer plenty of insight on why the 'best' rating is deserted. A starred rating system allows for picking the 'best of the best'.

This is probably THE serious book to have if one is going to immerse oneself in the California intertidal. Originally produced by Ed Ricketts (of Steinbeck/Cannery Row/Log From The Sea Of Cortez fame) the book has been upgraded, revised, re-edited by a plethora of "co-authors" since Ricketts' untimely death. It still retains much of Ricketts' then-revolutionary Habitat focus, which will either work for you (it does for me) or annoy the hard-core systematists out there. This ISN'T a light book to lug into the field or a light book to read -if you are just day-tripping The UC Press has a number of smaller & more accessibly illustrated field guides that I would reccomend, But if you are seriously into mmarine Bio and have some time on your hands along the California Coastline, you owe it to yourself to get this book. Even here on the Coast of Maine and twenty years removed from the West I still fid myself referring to it...

I can't believe that someone else has not reviewed this excellent guide to the intertidal biota of the Pacific Coast. This book has set the standard for reference guides to marine life along the Pacific Coast, as well as other locations. It is much more than a field guide -- though it also serves that role. This book describes the intertidal zonation patterns of the Pacific Coast as well as the ecology and aspects of the natural history of the organisms that live there. The book contains good taxonomic references as well. This is the book that many of the country's marine scientists cut their professional teeth on. If you are interested in marine biology, the diversity of life, or the ecology of nearshore habitats, this book is definitely for you. The main strength of the book is the logical organization by type of habitat and vertical elevation on the intertidal zone. The main challenge of a book like this is to remain up to date, which the publisher has managed by producing revised editions on regular basis. This book is a must for any field or arm chair marine naturalist!

Ed Ricketts was to marine ecology what Alan Watts was to Zen, Timothy Leary was to LSD, and Jack Kerouac was to beat, and he was a little of all three. This is the monumental work that put Ricketts permanently on the map as a marine ecologist, and one of the first. This book is a must-have reference for anyone who visits the seashore. I am particularly interested in the fact that persons who have ordered this book have also ordered books by Thomas Pynchon. Anyone else out there besides me get the connection? Please let me know!

I just returned from a mountain biking vacation to Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area and this guidebook proved indespensible. It contains almost all information necessary to plan your trip and somehow manages to be both concise, thorough and readable.

Story introduces each chapter with a brief description of the geography and history of the park. Then Story lists several rides within the park, each accompanied by detailed descriptions (including technical and aerobic difficulty, best time of year to ride, overall length of trail, etc.) and maps. Though some road bike routes are included, most trails are for mountain bikes. Each trail I rode was accurately described. Each chapter also contains boxes describing the fauna (animals) and flora (plants) you'll likely encounter within each park.

This book isn't just a cycling guide, it contains virtually all the information you'll need to plan your trip. Story concludes each chapter with information about local lodging, camping, bike shops, grocery stores, and restaurants (his recommendations are first rate). He also provides helpful contacts (park visitors centers, etc.) which should be able to provide any other information you might need. Story has also eliminated the extraneous elements so many other cycling guidebooks seem to contain (elevation maps might be visually enticing, but let's face it, they aren't necessary).

What is really remarkable about this book is Story's terse, engaging writing. The abundance of information this book contains is presented in readable, often witty language. He doesn't just describe, he gives the reader a feel for each park and the surrounding communities (when applicable). Unlike most guidebooks I've read (which usually contain flat, predictable humor), Story's humor actually works; it isn't "laugh-out-loud" funny, but wry, witty humor that always relates to and never detracts from the subject matter.

The only improvement I would suggest for future editions is to provide a general map of each National Park. The trail maps only feature a small segment of the park where the trail is located. It is sometimes impossible to decipher where each trail is located within the entire park itself. This is particularly difficult for visitors not familiar with the area (like me). It was sometimes impossible to tell from the maps where the most convenient place to stay (closest lodging to the trails) is. The next edition should provide a map showing where each trail is located relative to the entire park. Before visiting a park, you should obtain a complete map from the National Park Service (Story does tell where to obtain these).

Story has set high standards with this guidebook, the first in the "Bicycling America's National Parks" series. It's the kind of book you'll enjoy reading even if you don't plan to hit the trails anytime soon. Story's writing is so engaging that finishing the 300-pages is effortless (300 pages may sound long, but it really isn't). This book is a must read for any cyclists interested in visiting the National Parks of California. I can't wait to read the subsequent guidebooks for other states.

This book must be the first of its kind--a guidebook about bicycling in the national parks. The author shows that the common misperception that bicycling is not allowed off-road in national parks is just that-- a misperception. This book features some outstanding road rides as well as mountain bike rides. I think the descriptions of the parks themselves and the rides therein are well-written and clear. The author gives the kind of information you'd want to know before setting off on a ride, and does it in a colorful, sometimes very deadpan funny way. There's also some cool trivia about the parks and good, useful information about where to buy supplies, repair your bike, do laundry, take showers, camp, and other stuff like that. I think this is a book that shows you how to take part in the most fun sport in the world (bicycling) and do it in some of the most spectacular places in the world (the national parks of California). A must for any travelers to the national parks who want to get out of their cars and explore. (By the way: it's not just for hardcore bicyclists--there are numerous family and beginner-level rides as well.)

What a great book! It helps you to explore American National Parks in every detail. Wonderfull guide to american natural wonders, which you can discover on your bicycle every day. By the way, I have never been in the US, but who knows...? The book is so tempting that one day I will certainly make a bicycle trip through the US.

Very good guide for the local birds. As with all guides some of the drawings could be better.

We had this family of birds in our front yard tree that were new and unique to us. I ordered this book for my husband, and within minutes we figured out what type of bird it was! A great book.

As a novice birder, identifying species is the most challenging facet. This book is set up to facilitate rapid identification of the birds you encounter. Thumbnail pictures in the front section allow for rapid scanning of various species' prominent features without paging endlessly through the book. The data on each bird in subsequent pages is succinct and interesting to the casual or begining birder. Esoteric information is pleasantly omitted. I use it more than my Sibley guide.

Excellent book! Some events bring me back to my childhood years growing up in the Bay area.

I love the essays of Frank Chin. I just wished that the editor would put in "Racist Love" in this anthology. Anyway, this book is a treat because you'll have a commentary of Sun Tzu's ART OF WAR. Over and over again I've heard Chin mention how well ART OF WAR reflects Asian thinking. Well, it's now available to you guys, written by Frank Chin himself!

This book is a work of art. I loved every page of it. Thank you Mr. Chin

......this cookbook is an experience! Burmese cuisine is a marvelous blend of the cuisines of its neighbors: China, Thailand, and India, making for a collection of delicious recipes that are distinct and memorable. The authors even give a brief history of each recipe, describing the origins and modern availability of many. They also open with a history of Burma that really helps round off the experience of this cookbook.

This cookbook contains hundreds of recipes, a glossary of ingredients and a "how to make...." section to help teach those new to the cuisine how to make some of the commonly found prepared items in the recipes. I can highly recommend: Beef in Tamarind Sauce, Roast Pork and Garlic Noodles, Malay Noodle Stir-Fry, Egg Noodles (Chinese Muslim Style), Chicken and Chick Pea Curry, Chili Chicken and the Sesame Rice Dessert. This cookbook has so much more to offer that I know I will be discovering for a long time to come. Chapters include: Appetizers and Fritters, Chutneys and Condiments, Soups, Beef and Lamb, Pork, Poultry and Eggs, Fish and Seafood, Rice and Pancakes, Vegetables and Salads, Sweets, and Menus.

The only drawback I see in choosing this cookbook would be for those cooks who need pictures to prepare recipes. This cookbook does not contain any photos. Also, for those who require very Americanized versions of international cuisine, be forewarned, this cookbook contains authentic Burmese recipes! If you want a genuine experience, than look no further than this cookbook!

My copy of this book, now dog-eared and food stained, has become one of my standards when I'm looking to prepare 'not just your ordinary' generic Asian style dinner. In terms of successfully replicating these recipes I'd say it's a one spooner (four spoons being the most difficult. This assumes you have an interest in cooking and its process--and typically call cooking more than throwing together 'chicken tonight'. What makes the cuisine of Burma so interesting is how it has taken the influence of its neighbors--Thailanad, India, and China--and created flavors and tastes unique to Burma. This book represents dishes that are both authentic in their scope and fresh in their flavors. Lookin' to go native? Great buy.

It was clearly written, and rich in anthropological detail. After reading this cook book, I felt as if I could go to Burma and order with confidences from the menus there. I have prepared several recipes from this book, and all were delicious and exotic.