If you have any serious interest in shells or mollusks, get this book. The second edition, published in 1974, is much better than the first. It is chock-full of excellent identifying information, as well as micro-environmental preferences of each animal. Kudos, Dr. Abbott!

This is the most beneficial organization, and the guides they put out are absolutely amazing. They have literally hundreds of hostels (accomodations that are a lot cheaper than hotels) and this guide references them all with information on how to make reservations, cost, and they give information on special discounts for hostelling international members. If you're going abroad or travelling within the country, I highly suggest this book, plus the guides for Europe and New Zealand.

Gary Geiger's photography draws you in and makes you want to jump on the nearest train, plane or automobile to drink in the beauty and wonder of the Monterey/Carmel area.

Classic Middleton

I just discovered this book and is a treasure!! For teachers in the classroom or to share with child who is interested in the natural world. Covers the entire ecosystem of the Pacific Coast forests, including the bugs. As a teacher I could use this book in grades 3-5 (maybe younger with help in reading) in a thematic unit for at least six weeks. Very rich in text, illustration and information. I highly recommend this book!

This far reaching study, the first of its kind, is still an indispendable guide to the literatures of Hawai'i and required reading as such. The pathos and commitment of the book still come across, over the years and the distances of island separation and diaspora in Michigan. Read it on the beach or in your study.

If, like me, you are a California- or San Francisco-phile, then doubtless you already know of this book. It is THE classic account of the Gold Rush era, mostly because it isn't tarnished by revisionism--it was published in 1855! It has served as the first informational source for both researchers and novelists alike. But this review is intended for those who might not be familiar with the history of California, or may have read only the novels, journalism, or light non-fiction treatments. Don't be put off by the publication date or the book's level of detail--it is a very enjoyable read! The authors were not scholars or historians, but rather a doctor, a lawyer, and a journalist. It is jam-packed with anecdotes and factoids that will make you appreciate even more the accounts of Mark Twain, Joaquin Miller, Ambrose Bierce, Bret Harte, Henry George, etc. It is truly the root of the fruit.

I found this book very useful. I especially enjoyed the rear section that graphically showed the comparision between each plant. Plenty of photos and more specific than other books. Highy recomended

This book is the indispensable follow-on to Gebhard and Winter's 1977 "Architecture in Los Angeles & Southern California," which itself was the greatly expanded version of the skinny 1960's edition. The geographical focus area of "A Compleat Guide" is tighter, but the depth and comprehensiveness greatly expanded.

The authors have made invaluable contributions the understanding of Southern California architectural history with these books, all of which are now out of print. Those of us who are fortunate enough to possess copies of Gebhard and Winter's wonderful books have found them to be of endless value in their travels through the region, not to mention architectural research.

Given that "A Compleat Guide" is the only book of its kind for the Los Angeles region, and an exceptional one by any standard, it is shocking and disappointing to find the title unavailable. When will this book be reprinted? We can only hope the publishers will come to their senses very soon.

Presented in an innovative format of book, music, and interactive CD-ROM, Arctic Odyssey was inspired by the journey photographer Richard Olsenius made through the Northwest Passage, a waterway that's still treacherous, mysterious, and alluring to adventurers. It all works very well to capture an authentic feeling for the majesty of the Arctic. The main attraction here is the music, which is beautifully done with a far greater range of melody than I've come to expect from New Age music. Indeed, thankfully it bears no resemblance to that idiotic, monotonous, whiny New Age stuff that makes me psychotic to the point where all I can think about is strangling somebody. The music here is mostly piano-based, and the whole package is well worth seeing and hearing.