This is one of the most interesting books I have read for some while - I first discovered it in the bibliography of Layard's "Travels in Persia, Susiana and Babylonia" - a scarce book now but well worth getting from a library.

Curzon is the archetypical English Antiquarian - willing to brave the dangers and discomforts in the pursuit of an intangable knowledge.

This book is full of anecdotes and observations of life before the western influence destroyed much of it's colour and variety. I found some of the narrations of life in Cairo and Alexandria especially interesting - like the flooding of the Nile and the ritual of draining the river into a canal in Cairo - not done anymore since the construction of the Aswan dam.

The narratives on the monasteries visited, some of which were in strange places, were colourful and I wonder what remains of some of these places now.

This is a great book for anyone interested in travel or history and will survive many readings I am sure.

David Thorne

When it comes to volcanoes, Robert and Barbara Decker know their stuff. If someone wants one reference on volcanoes, I recommend Volcanoes by the Deckers. Volcanoes In America's National Parks is an excellent addition to the literature of volcanoes AND the literature of America's parks. The book covers all the National Parks, Monuments, and Preserves in the United States that have current, recent, or extinct volcanoes and volcanic activity. Part One of the book is a section that covers the basics of volcanoes. Then the book takes each Park, Monument, and Preserve one by one. Part Two takes on the parks with volcanoes that have current or recent volcanic activity, such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park [Kilauea is most likely erupting as I type this review] and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument [the memorable eruption in 1980]. Part Three covers the parks with more ancient volcanic activity, such as Yellowstone National Park [a place teetering on the edge of erupting some day and moving into Part Two] and the Mojave National Preserve [a park I fought hard to get and one of my favorite places to explore - especially the cinder cones near Cima and the eroded volcanic tuffs of Hole-In-The-Wall]. Each park gets a generous description and an excellent map. I've been to about half of the parks described and I'm familiar with many of the rest, and the Deckers do an entertaining and accurate job with those parks. Part Four covers parks with less direct connections to volcanoes, such as Yosemite National Park [ancient magma chamber] and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument [ancient critters killed, buried, and preserved by volcanic ash]. Part Four is one of the nicer features of the book, since the parks mentioned often have too tenuous a connection to volcanoes for many authors to include them in this kind of write up. As an earth science educator, I appreciate the inclusion of Part Four, because it makes Volcanoes In America's National Parks a most complete volcanic education. The book is a 5 star plus and the only way I could see the Deckers improving it would be to bring out a second edition that gives the parks mentioned in Part Four the same one by one treatment as the other parks mentioned. I recommend this book to anybody with an interest in volcanoes and especially for folks with a desire to get out in the field and learn their volcanology first hand.

Whether you are a budding writer hoping to publish your first book or a seasoned author, But, You Know What I Mean: An Editor's Point of View will prove to be a handy reference. Robert Fulton's experiences as a teacher, writer and editor make him uniquely qualified to pen this book. It is filled with helpful information on topics such as the editing process, grammar and punctuation, writing a query letter, finding the appropriate medium, and the importance of networking. Also included are useful articles from successful authors on the many phases of "getting published."

Educational value aside, you will find reading the book a delight thanks to the way Fulton employs his well-honed sense of humor to make his points. Be prepared for a real treat when you add this insightful book to your personal library.

Robert Fulton, Jr. in But You Know What I Mean:
An Editor's Point of View, has the process of writing down pat
for new writers who are serious about getting a book
published. His book can also be used as a reference course for published authors.

He uses few words and is to the point. The inexperienced writer comes away with confidence, "I can get a book published, but it won't be easy."

The author uses selections of other well-known writers who share a storehouse of knowledge on everything from punctuation to
procedures.

I would recommend the book, But, You Know What I Mean:
An Editor's Point of View, to anyone interested in writing.

Mary Gravitte, author
River Over the Ogeechee
And Other Short Stories

This is a writer's help book written from the point of view a writer most often needs to understand - the editor's. Successful writer and editor Robert Fulton, Jr., offers precisely the information an aspiring writer needs most to know: why editors respond the way they do. Fulton doesn't just offer advice on how to select a market to submit to or how to make your manuscript attractive, he gives you clear and often humorous examples of how to do it right - and why what's wrong is wrong. From how to choose your target market to how to find material for your writing to how to query a potential agent or publisher, Fulton provides solid, useful answers.
But...You Know What I Mean! is a useful and valuable resource for writers.

I was impressed with this books approach to working through anxiety or panic attacks. But, I didn't find anything of noteworty exception to distinguish it from other books dealing with this subject.

It is also a fairly 'quick' read....which, for anyone dealing with this type of issue, really should spend a little more time on. I felt like it was best served as an 'airport read; it's style just didn't lend itself to the thorough examination one struggling with panic attacks should invest in.

Again, well-written and easy to understand...but I don't see this as a 'life-altering' read for anyone dealing with these issues.

The value of this book is that it teaches a successful approach to alleviating the symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety. First, through his story, and the stories of others, Mr. Handy gave me the feeling that "I'm not alone" in having to deal with these problems, and that it is possible to get on the road to recovery. He suggests a real plan on dealing with the problems of panic and anxiety, which I have found really works. I strongly recommend this book for anyone suffering from these problems.

In June, of this year I had become very stressed and I had a lot of things going on and started to feel dizzy, an almost out of control feeling. I just couldn't explain or understand what was happening to me. I kept going to the doctor he told me to go see a therapist, I have too much ANXIETY,he said. I had this book on the shelf, this was not the first time he told me I suffer from Panic Attacks but I wouldn't believe it, I thought to myself there has to be something wrong with me, not me I don't have ANXIETY, not PANIC ATTACKs, me? Well as I started reading this book all the feelings I had were THE PANIC ATTACKS. I continued to read the book and it was like a miracle for me, it takes a little time, but so worth it, I know what I have and I work through it, this is a good book I wish I read it earlier...

This is a great book, but contains lots of point functions and empirical indications found nowhere else. You could get stumped if you don't know them. Lots of needle technique... I'm glad this one is on the list, because it means eventually we may be able to get rid of "Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion"!

I have to throw in a comment from one of my teachers... Robert Johns calls P6 (Neiguan) the 'wildcard' and says that it can be added to any treatment for increased effectiveness. My teacher, Robert Chu, laughed at that and said, "Wildcard... that means you don't really understand what it does!"

Robert Johns has a knack for being able to boil complex concepts down into simple, understandable language without missing any pertitent information. This text is easy to follow and contains important information. All the information in this book comes from his own clinical practice, so it's only here because the perscriptions actually work for him today, not becasue he read it in some ancient text.
Robert Johns's deep understanding of chinese medicine comes through as you read the pages of his book.
And, if you're a student of acupuncture and will be taking the state board exam in california, note that this book is on the recommmended reading list.

This book is compelling. Halfway through the first chapter, I started taking notes and underlining it. There is a lot of useful, ready-to-use information in this book, and it is true that a good portion of it is not found elsewhere.

This book addresses an issue that, at some point or another, pops up in the mind of all modern western students of acupuncture: what was left out during the standardization of TCM in China? Robert Johns, a practitioner who undertook a long apprenticeship with an older TCM doctor from China, highlights the importance of the subtler aspects of acupuncture practice for treatment success, and points the way for practitioners and students who want to experiment on their own with these aspects.

"Acupuncture.... is a nonlinear process influenced by all mutually existing factors", says Johns in his Preface. "Seeing Chinese Medicine in this way, as a medical art, helps the reader gain a sense of its multidimensionality.... A practitioner... has a number of choices...[to] meet the patient's specific therapeutic needs." This book brings such aspects as obtaining qi and needle manipulation to the fore, giving clear explanations of their meaning and importance. The book also explains succinctly the uses and applications of different methods of point selection and classical needling techinques, including such obscure methods as Flame Needle and Through and through puncturing. The only thing that's missing is Ziwuliuzhu and Lingguibafa, but even these are mentioned and briefly explained.

Two other things make this book special. The first one is an in-depth analysis of a single acupuncture point: Pericardium 6 Neiguan. This section describes many uses for this point, an analysis of the theoretical basis for its widespread application, and a large sampling of prescriptions which include this point. The second one is the introduction of an ancient needle manipulation techinque, Dao Qi. This was the first thing from this book I experimented with, and the results are amazing.

The whole book is clear, informative, and very insightful. It provides an integrative, wholistic approach to acupuncture for practitioners, and its writing style is so good, there is something here for everyone (students and laypersons). It is a book to be lived with, rather than just read. For people with a background in acupuncture, it requires an open mind and a desire to learn (then again, acupuncture in general requires this). In all, a great book that can really be used both as an introduction to this subject for prospective students and laypersons and a reference for practitioners looking to broaden the scope of their practice. It recalls a more "Chinese" way of thinking and approaching acupuncture, one which recognizes that chinese medicine is as much an art as a science. Highly Recommended!!!

Photos in this work are absolutely breath-taking. I received it as a gift then turned around and bought it as a gift for my son. Highly recommended.

This book is a must have for anyone even mildly taken by breathtaking scenary captured by excellent photography. The pictures are accompanied by text that serves as very useful natural history reference material, and every page stands out in its own right.

Great book for any age group or interest level. Can't recommend it enough.

I'd get my money back on this one, if I could. As a first-time traveler to NYC, I found this book absolutely less than worthless. It's probably better-suited to use by people who are experienced NY visitors, and are looking for new and different things to do, but even then I can't see how it would be worth spending the money for the hardcover. We made an honest try to use it, but found it essentially no help at all, and it spent the entirety of our trip sitting in a pile on the hotel dresser.

City Secrets New York City is not only an amazing guide to the lesser known sites and sounds of New York but it is the perfect gift for those traveling to the great city. I find the strolls through the neighborhoods helpful and amusing. The commentary offered by the contributors is inciteful and offers an education to the great city rarely found in other travel guides.

I am having my wedding in New York City and along with our "save the date cards" we have sent out copies of City Secrets New York to guests. I believe City Secrets is a charming primer for anyone planning to visit the city!

In the rapidly changing face of New York City fast becoming another strip mall full of chain shops and uniformity, it is refreshing to note that yes, real New York still exists--those unappreciated, and undervalued landmarks, shops, and restaurants that truly define NYC. Famous luminaries living in the city--architects, artists, curators, and gourmets--guide you to those hidden gems through witty, and informative stories on the cultural, and historical significance of each place. Entries are organized by neighborhood, and comes complete with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and directions. City Secrets is a must for saavy travelers, and residents alike--there are many things here I never knew about. rkchin

Until Andrew Doughty's "Maui Revealed" was released, this Moon handbook was the best you could get. We used it on our first trip to Maui. Like other Moon Handbooks, it is rich in history and background info, but the practical detail can't compare to "Maui Revealed." We now use this Moon Handbook mainly as a supplement for historical background -- still useful but not our first source. (Most other Maui guides are superficial rubbish.)

You're spending 1,000-2,000 bucks to go to Maui -- go ahead and spend 20 bucks to have your own in-depth personal tourguide.

This handbook helped make for one of the best vacations of my life. The "insider" information is absolutely indispensible. For instance, there are many, many beaches on Maui, but there are many, many different kinds of beaches. Some with murky water. Some with huge waves. Some not navigable unless you swim beyond volcanic rocks. But there are one or two absolutely perfect beachs. And the Moon Handbook explains it. My girlfriend and I found the beach in front of the Sheraton at Ka'anapali to be the best all-aorund beach. We waded out into the calm waters and swam with sea turtles, right there in front of the Sheraton. This handbook explains, though the "little" details like, parking is difficult near the Sheraton so where to park, what the rates are, even shortcuts between buildings and such. This kind of info is just completely impossible to get anywhere else.

There are discussions of the personalities of various snorkle tour boat crews -- from adventurous, to laid-back. Some snorkle boats provide lunch, others don't. All this info is in the Moon Handbook.

We checked out Haleakala Mountain and Red Hill. With the handbook, we found how to get to Iao Needle. We found which Luau Party was the best for us, etc. Which restaurants to go to. Where to shop in Lahaina. The Sugar Cane Train for an easy-going afternoon. A drive out by the blow-holes on the NW end of the island.

I highly recommend this book before going to Maui. If you don't feel like shelling out 20 bucks, another option is always looking into your local library. Most good public libraries carry Moon Handbooks and they're absolutely free. A must before traveling to Maui, the Valley Island! (the 6th edition also includes info on the islands of Lana'i across the Auau Channel and Moloka'i)

Happy vacationing!

Stacey

This book is written for intelligent and inquisitive tourists who want to really understand what Mauai is all about. It outshines Mauai Revealed by 100%. I found myself using it every day as it offered a far more indepth look at places not found in any other tourist publication. If flash and hype are not your style, buy this book. Good index, well written, excellent maps. It had plenty of things to do to keep me amazed every day of my two week vacation.

This is a lightweight, amiable guide of the sort you might pick up in a tourist trap on your way to Martha's Vineyard or Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The lighthouses described in the book are located on the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, and on the Great Lakes, with one on the Gulf of Mexico thrown in to make an 'even' thirteen stories.

The lighthouses and their keepers are meticulously described with some not-so-scary ghosts added as an extra tourist attraction. There are also black-and-white photographs of each lighthouse and/or the keepers' residence, along with directions on how to find them.

Some of the lighthouses or keepers' dwellings are bed-and-breakfasts, so you can check out the phantoms during an overnight stay if you so desire. All of the stories are supposedly authentic, so take a flashlight with you in case the big beacon fails---or turns on when it shouldn't (see the story of the Old Presque Isle Light Station on Lake Huron.)

The saddest story involves the history of the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida, where there are a multiplicity of spirits to choose from, including one who smokes cigars. The smallest phantom might be the daughter of a nineteenth-century lighthouse keeper: she was killed along with two of her friends, when a tram used to haul supplies from the dock to a construction site, "suddenly broke loose, hurtled down the rails, and dumped the three girls into the water. All of them drowned."

Anyone who has a romance with lighthouses like I do, and likes great stories like I do, will love this book. I certainly do. 'Excellent writing and photography too.

Once you start reading "Lighthouse Ghosts", you will not want to put it down! Anyone interested in lighthouses and their history will thoroughly enjoy reading this book. The stories of the lighthouse keepers and their families are fascinating. I want to go visit every one of them! The stories are very easy to read and understand, and some of them give you shivers up your spine!

I really enjoyed reading this work, and I hope another book on some more haunted lighthouses is printed soon!

This book is an interesting concept; a collection of excerpts from explorer's accounts of their journeys. The categories of adventure that fit within these 607 pages are almost as numerous as the 43 different excerpts. Mountain climbing seems to be the most prevelent form of exploring but there is also (Ant)Arctic treks, desert journeys, jungle adventures, white water canoeing, solo sea voyages, wilderness explorations, hunting, aviation, cave exploration, surviving a plain crash in the mountains, etc.. The editors confined their anthology to 20th Century accounts and quality of writing was an obvious consideration in their choices. They also did a good job of excerpting some very exciting moments in the chronicles of man versus nature. This is a good introduction of some great accounts of true adventure. Many a reader will want to go out and read some of the books these excerpts come from.

I felt this book was more a 4.5 than a 4 but I didn't want to give it too high of a rating. I felt the shortcoming was that there was a fair amount of technical jargon to weed through(especially in the area of mountain-climbimg). The editors did do a decent job of footnoting the more technical items but I would have preferred less mountain-climbing and more "in search of lost civilizations". However, that is MY preference and I could easily be in the minority. I was a little surprized at the quality of the hardbound edition. The paper used was the same as that used in magazines which gave it a somewhat "cheap" appearance. There is nothing "cheap", however, in its' content. Whether you read it cover to cover or savor each adventure in its' own time, you will find a lot of excitement and enjoyment in this book.

This is a collection of adventure and survival writing by twentieth century authors, chosen by one of the editors of Outside magazine. Some of the selections are well known, such as those from Shackleton's Antarctic expedition and Odell's description of his search for Mallory and Irvine on Everest. Others, e.g. about spelunking and cave diving, will be new to most readers. Most of these pieces are well written. But not one of them is illustrated with either a map or a picture. It is astonishing that a book so heavily focused on geography would confine itself to words. Is it really that expensive to include maps?

If adventurers, and what motivates them, fascinate you, then this book must be added to your reading list. In it, some of the 20th. century's finest explorers and wanderers take you with them on their journeys.

As might be expected, there is drama. The opening piece is taken from the diary of Robert Falcon Scott, written as he literally froze to death on his final trek back from the South Pole. However, there is also tongue in cheek humor from the likes of Laurens Van Der Post and Eric Hansen, and superb, on-the-edge-of-your-chair excitement in pieces by Edward Abbey, Jon Krakauer and Joe Kane.

Here too, tucked into the corners of the collection are pieces one might not expect to find in an anthology of adventure writing. There is Freya Stark's touching piece on Ishi, the last of a tribe of Northern California Indians, Clyde Kluckhohn's climb to Wild Horese Mesa, and Edward Hoagland's piece on a day spent trapsing over the Alberta Rockies that ends with the sighting of a lion.

Editor Dave Roberts and his team have done a marvelous job of pulling together some exceptionally fine writing that reveals the many sides of adventure. I had only three small complaints (not complaints really, just disgruntled comments). First, none of Roberts' writing was included, which was disappointing considering that he is one of our finest adventure writers working today. Second, there was an over emphasis on mountain pieces, which meant that some other equally fine writing had to be excluded. And third, there was a marked lack of works by women adventurers. Roberts claims that he and his team hunted for women authors who met their criteria, but they were not to be found in the 20th. century. Since I can think of 4 off the top of my head, I can only conclude that they didn't look very hard. As I say, small bones of contention in an otherwise outstanding book.