We have used Brian Fagans guidebooks from SD to SF for many years, but this is the best of the lot. We recently led a cruise to the Channel Islands, and made this a "must" for the cruisers, all of whom praised it highly. Really THE guidebook to coastal cruising in Central-Southern California---and a bargain!

From a recent sailing trip out of Santa Barbara through the channel islands I can tell you that this book is invaluable. His treatment of safe ports and refuges (arranged very well but conditions) was fantastic and kept us out of danger.

Hostetter has put together a crucially important book on Cuba--well edited and well researched, it provides expansive insight into this island nation. A must-read for scholars, as well as all others interested in understanding this country and its rich history and culture.

Hostetter does it again! Her insight into the Cuban nation offers a new perspective on this tiny island nation. I wouldn't be suprised if Castro himself lights a cigar, strokes his beard and curls up with this masterpiece! MUST READ!!!!!

I left Cuba 40 years ago and reading Cuba Natural has brought me memories that were buried by time and distance. The bilingual approach helped me identify the flora and fauna of Cuba as it relates to names I only knew in English. The book is extremely entertaining and well written and I recommend it to anyone interested in the animals, and plants in the Cuba.

This is a fun well made book that anyone can read and apresiate. It's in spanish & english half & half. The pictures that are in the book are mind blowing. The author Silva Lee who is also the fotographer seems to have a divine touch with a camara becouse some of the pictures in this book are godly. I was given this book as a gift when it came out three years ago. I still don't grow tired of looking at the picture. If you like cuba and/or are from cuba this is a must have.

Lots of beautiful photography (by Andrea Brizzi) for anyone who dreams of Cuba and would like to feel the cobblestones of Old Havana underfoot, taste the mojitos in the lobby bar of the Hotel Nacional, hear the strains of the mariachi band at sunset, and learn about the history of our most enigmatic, so-close-yet-so-far neighbor through it's architecture and the very readable text by Rachel Carley.

One of the best pictorial books on Cuba that has ever been published. It's the realization of profesionals and very objective, a very difficult achievement considering Cuba. Highly recommended to those willing to discover the real Cuba.

I was drawn to the book by the powerful and fun photographic images. Ledbetter does an outstanding job capturing the images of Cuban life in a way that allows you to both celebrate it and to empathise with the struggle of the Cuban people.

The Essays are an unexpected extra in a book of this nature that make the work a multi-dimensional experience. It appeals to those interested in both Photography and Cuba. I highly recommend it!

This magnificent collection of photographs captures the beauty, spirit and mystery of Cuba, the USA's often-overlooked neighbor... Ledbetter's clear, passionate and respectful eye has created a stunning work -- the book takes us far more deeply into the Cuban culture than the soundbites of recent news stories (Elian Gonzales, President Carter's visit) allow. Ledbetter's photographs and the accompanying essays make this book essential for anyone who wishes to understand Cuba more fully; the book also richly rewards the reader who simply appreciates great photography.

Reviewer: luismendez@codetel.net.do from DOMINICAN REPUBLIC It is the first book that i have read which is written by an american who knows what he is talking about. very serious and concern treatment of topics. i like specially the part about latin american writers and their changing ideology

LUIS MENDEZ crazzyteacher@hotmail.com

It is the first book that i have read which is written by an american who knows what he is talking about. very serious and concern treatment of topics. i like specially the part about latin american writers and their changing ideology.

LUIS MENDEZ

Early book by the great western writer Robert Utley provides a brief description of the Indian situation that evolved before the LBH and then he provides an abbreviated but well described sequence of battle events. Utley then describes the press' role in developing the story that caught General Sherman and Sheridan off guard as Sherman provides Terry's second controversial report to a reporter by accident. Utley describes the fireworks that arises between Custer supporters such as his old classmate Confederate Rosser and Reno and other military men such as Colonel Hughes, Terry's adjutant and relative. The controversy is even made even more complex by the chapter spent on the Indian's version of events that has elements of truth combined with confusing facts or half truths perhaps aggravated by poor translations and the Indians unique individualistic versions of battle that lack time and spatial realities. Finally, Utley tackles a number of the mythical stories about Custer and the LBH including Frederick Whitacker's quick print and fanciful book on Custer that became a best seller. The best part of this chapter is the discussion about the last four crow scouts to see Custer particularly the debate over when Curley departed from Custer. An excellent book that frames the controversies about Custer's battle which also explains the fascination, nothing is totally certian but amongst all the testimony and physical evidence, somewhere lies the truth.

Good reading offers some good insight into the whole Custer and Little Bighorn 'fiasco'! I'm more prepared now to find out what possibly happened on that fateful day. The case has been well made that there may 'never' be a definitive conclusion?

Review in the Maine Antique Digest, January, 2000:

"...an interesting and in depth look at Dassonville's life and work in a well-researched essay."

"...beautifully produced book...." 48 color duotone plates printed at 200 line screen on coated paper.

Review in the newsletter of The Friends of Photography:

"This important new monograph reveals the life and work of 20th century pictorialist William Dassonville. The artist's exquisite style is only now beginning to be understood and appreciated, nearly fifty years after his death."

A great read, full of Crocketism that I grew up with. Someone should make a proper movie of this book, similar to Last of the Mohicans, with a bit of grunt Disney might have got it right. Maybe Kevin Costner could change his Lincoln Green outfit to Buckskins and give it a go!

A great personal record of historical events in the early 1800's. Colorful language and a first hand look at such timely subjects as politics, politicians, women in the work place, Indians, war, and freedom; before the revisionists have a chance to make history politically correct.

This book has sparked some incredible hiking for the dog and I. The descriptions of each hike are excellent. One awseome spot the book guided me to was Santa Paula Creek Canyon which has a beautiful stream and deep pools for swimming. Pointers are provided for finding trail heads. If you are going to venture out into the Sespe/Los Padres Wilderness, however, I reccomend buying a good topographic trail map. This is primarily an "idea" book.

An easy to use hiking book, small enough to fit into one's daypack. Coverage of the county is excellent, directions to trailheads are clear. It's the only book available that covers most of Ventura County.