One of the most definitive books ever written on this GREAT summer resort. I grew up in Cape May, and frequented Wildwood all of the time. What I didn't learn from my visits, I learned from this book. It is very detailed and very nostalgic. A very enjoyable read.

I have been going to Wildwood every summer since I was a young kid, and it is one of my favorite places in the world (since I was born in Jersey). Recently, I realized that I knew very little about the history of the resort I love so much, and so I decided to buy this book and find out the details. This book is expensive, but I highly recommend it. It thoroughly details Wildwood's history, from its 1890's beginnings through the present day. Now, some people might think 'Oh, it's a historical book, so it must be boring,' but this book holds your attention. It was written in an incredibly good way, and has plently of picutes and illustrations in it, so that you know exactly what the author is talking about. None of it is boring, it has great details about everything you could ever want to know about the Wildwoods, and it covers everything from the beach to the Boardwalk. So, if you love Wildwood and want to know a little more about its history, read this book. It is expensive, but is worth every penny!

BOOK IS EXCELLENT, GOOD HISTORICALL

I'm a little late with this review--others have already said it, perhaps better--but if spending time with an entertaining gent who was hired by Walt Disney before Disneyland opened and who participated in making it successful beyond anyone's imagination sounds interesting, there is no other book. A real joy to read.

Van France sprinkles pixie dust on the world with his candid, written experiences of working for the "work horse", Walt Disney and subsequent management after his death at the Happiest place on Earth (TM). Mike Fiott, an avid Disneyana collector and late publisher of the Art of Laughter Magazine, gave me this book to relish and absorb. I met Van in 1996, and at that time,the late publisher stopped printing the book. Van stated he was tired of signing them!(Yeah, sure!) Van loved the attention of his admiring fans who enjoyed listening to anecdotes of his day-to-day living and working the "Disney" way. If you can find this book, acquire it and enjoy the interesting insight that only Van could share.It really comes to my surprise that Van passed away last October(10/99). He will be missed.

MET VAN IN 1982 AND ENDED UP WORKING WITH HIM ON ASSORTED PROJECTS IN HIS OLD BEAT UP TRAILER ON THE BACK LOT BY THE CLYDESDALES, FOR 4 YEARS. HERE IT IS, JAN 1, 00 AND FOUND VAN HAS LEFT US ON THE 13TH OF OCT, 99. HIS LOVE FOR DISNEYLAND WAS BOUNDLESS. THOSE THAT KNEW HIM, WILL NEVER FORGET HIM. I RECALL THE DAY HE CALLED AND TOLD ME HE HAD RECEIVED HIS "WINDOW ON MAIN STREET", WALT'S HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME. BEFORE HE COULD CONTINUE, I TOLD HIM I ALREADY KNEW WHERE THEY HAD PLACED HIS MONIKER, ABOVE THE OLD TOBACCO SHOP. ASKED ME HOW I KNEW. TOLD HIM THERE WAS NO PLACE ELSE TO PUT HIM, SINCE HE SMOKED LIKE A DIESEL TRUCK. VAN DID MANY THINGS FOR DISNEYLAND IN CAL, FL., AND JAPAN THAT HE NEVER PUBLICIZED. HE DIDN'T WANT FAME OR MONEY, HE LIVED WITH THE SATISFACTION OF A JOB WELL DONE AND MAKING THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND HIM BETTER. BUY IT AND ENJOY A TRUE INSIDERS LOVE OF DISNEYLAND. HE WILL BE MISSED.

A much needed trail guide, but I'm concerned that those who use this book will end up trampling the fragile Escalante terrain. I tried following a couple of his routes (quite accurate), but I'm afraid after a few years these will be trodden sand pits. The maps have a lot to be desired, but that's why we bring topos', right?

Oh My God. Having delved into this book in preparation for an upcoming week in the Escalante, I am bowled over by the breadth and depth of this phenomenal book. Amazing. This covers in fine detail backcountry travel routes in the very large and very wild Escalante area. Does not even compare to any other guide I have ever seen. There is such a depth of detail... Plus Steve's enthusiasm for the southlands exudes from the text.

This is an extraordinary book. Emphasis is on longer adventures, but there are also good day trips. Folks looking for placid strolls down well developed trails should probably look elsewhere. Not only are there few developed trails in the Escalante, but they are not described here.

This interesting book covers the Escalante area well. Especially useful are the road/milage accounts, as reaching the trailheads is an adventure in itself !

I bought this book and 2 others "The Secret of Amusement Park Games Revealed" and "How To Win at Carnival Games" because I was curious to see what was in them. They ALL give you some general idea of how to go about winning some of the games but in essence, it takes lots of practice and perhaps building your own version of it at home. Let's face it, the carnies make their living from people walking up who think that they can win. The odds are on their side and as long as you believe that "it's just a lot of fun to try", you're on the right track. You can and will spend a lot of money chasing those large stuffed animals if you think these books will make you win. That's my 2 cents. :-)

this book helps get back at the carnies and makes you look good in front of your girl

I've tried to figure these games out forever. I can't tell you how much money I've spent. This book helped me figure them out. The author told you what he knew and was straight forward on your chances of winning. He tells how the games are won and how they can be adjusted to make it harder. I thought it was great when the author said like "If you can't get it in x tries, walk away." It covered almost all of the games at some of the big amusement parks. If you need an help on your technique this is the book for you.....

Mystery about a man who regains consciousness face down in a park (hence the title). Not only does he have a nasty head wound, he also has complete amnesia. When an aerobics instructor comes to his rescue (reluctantly), the two begin trying to reconstruct his memory. The closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous things look for both of them. The problem with this book was that when two writers write one novel, it comes out clumsy, no matter what they try to do to avoid that. I enjoyed it, but I probably won't look for their others.

I had to read it straight through! I loved it! Great characters, great story.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was funny at times, always engaging and never predictable. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, it took a new turn. The characters reminded me of real people; some attractive, some flawed, some with an abundance of self importance, many with secrets. I am impressed with the smooth flow and unraveling of the plot accomplished by two authors. Looking forward to their next collaboration.

This guide was a staple for our ten day trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. In locating places to stay and activities to do this is a book to lead you to other books and web sites. Its approach to trail descriptions also allows for a day hiker to figure out what trails are popular and easy and what are difficult. It gave us several great ideas as well like boating on Lake Yellowstone and cheaper ways of fingin lodging.

This book was a great resource for planning and enjoying our trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons.

One of the best travel guides I have ever used (and I have traveled all over the world). As of the summer of 1998, when I visited Yellowstone, the guide was highly accurate and offered very useful ideas on where to hike, where to stay, where to eat, etc. The authors clearly know Yellowstone intimately, and should be complimented for imparting their enthusiasm about this marvelous park. My trip was one of the memorable in my life, and I was very grateful for the help I received from this concise guide.

After reading Hawk's Rest, I found myself wanting to know more about topics such as the declining cutthroat fishery above the lake, the illegal outfitter who "hunts for God", and the attitudes of the hundreds of tourists who pass through the area on guided trips.
I also was thankful that I wouldn't have to read ANOTHER rant against the cowboy culture of the local outfitters. (And I have little love for the outfitting business to begin with...) While this subject is certainly worthy of discussion, there are other numerous topics equally deserving of attention. Unfortunately, Ferguson doesn't give most of them more than a cursory paragraph.
In the end however, despite his obsession with the outfitters, the book is entertaining and informative for those familiar with the area as well as armchair adventurers.

Although in his endorsement on the back cover William Kittredge says that this book "...is a long step toward a user's guide to wilderness..." it is in fact largely about long-standing border conflicts and culture clashes in the remote, but by no means inaccessible, southeastern boundary-lands of Yellowstone National Park, especially the Thorofare region. One might better say that it is about threatened ways of life: that of the local outfitters whose living depends upon access to lands protected for them by the government they so resent, and upon the elk herds that prosper there; that of those whose passions wear on it more lightly, and who eschew more conventional lifestyles to live out those passions, and finally, that of the wildlife that inhabits the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now, as always, on tenterhooks.

Few people are more qualified than Gary Ferguson to understand the origins and ramifications of the issues for all concerned. The book is clearly written. Interspersed with revelatory passages about man vs. man vs. nature are classic Ferguson paeans to the glory that is Yellowstone, leavened with entertaining contemporary and historical anecdotes.

My only negative comment about this book, a must-read for those seeking a thorough understanding of Yellowstone's precarious place in this world, is that the copy-editing (if any) is astonishingly poor. Some may not be put off by these gaffs, but such sloppiness risks diminishing the author's credibility among other readers, and that does "the cause" no good.

I happened to pick this up a few days before a trip to Yellowstone. My timing was perfect. In addition to being a great read, well written and light-hearted, it's also very informative about everything affecting today's Yellowstone environment - I learned lots about wolves, grizzlies (saw both at Park), elk, outfitter dynamics, park politics, and more. Liked his writing so much, have ordered two other books of his (plus have one I forgot about that I bought years ago)

I agree with the Midwest Book Review's assessment of Barbara and Victor Medina's "Southern Appalachian Wildflowers." Far from being "plagued by problems," as a reader from Ohio stated, I think the layout and photos are beautifully done. A lot of guides I've seen are so crammed and busy that they're confusing to read. The fact that the Medinas' books use white space is a huge selling point, not a disadvantage at all. The photos are consistent and clear, and the text is informative. It's disheartening to think that an unknown curmudgeon can come along and make claims that might steer flower enthusiasts from an exceptional guide. If readers pick up the book and see for themselves, chances are high that it'll be welcome addition to their collection.

"Southern Appalachian Wildflowers" is not just a beautifully illustrated field guide, but one that is a joy to use! It is organized in a very intuitive and easy-to-use manner -- grouped by the colors of the flowers. The descriptive texts that accompany the wonderful photographs are really informative and clear. This is the only guide I found with information on when (blooming seasons) and where (habitats) to find wildflowers and with references (including contact information) on parks throughout the region. This was incredibly useful for planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Another great feature is that this is a hardy, really practical field guide to take along on those long rambles -- sporting a compact size and water resistant cover. I recommend this wonderful field guide to anyone visiting the Southern Appalachian region - novice and experienced wildflower enthusiasts alike!

The descriptions and photographs in the book have been useful to us in identifying local flowers in Maryland. Many of the same plants that grow in the Southern Appalachians grow east of the Maryland Appalachian Mountains where we live.

A way to a reader's heart, according to this novel, is through the stomach. Using rather bland prose but obviously piquant analogies -- to make it easy on the brain, I suppose -- Taylor serves up the late twentieth century urban food scene as a multi-course meal for thought about where we are in our relation to where we happen to be living.

When we meet Chef Jeremy Papier, his world of cooks and kooks is neatly divided into Bloods, "who are respectful of tradition," and Crips, "who are critical and "post-national." Enter Dante Beal, another "foreigner" of sorts, who is the Devil incarnate, as identified by the young and sickly son of Jeremy's old friend. Dante has brought the rage of culinary post-nationalism to new highs -- or should we say lows -- with his chain of Inferno coffee shops ... and, yes, this is a not-so-subtle wink-wink at the proliferation of Starbucks in the Western world.

Love, sex, family ties, and other character-shaping aspects take a minor flavoring role in this novel in which battles are fought not with wits or sabers but faddish chef's knives and subterfuge is squirreled -- literally....

The real protagonist of this novel is an idea that tries to reclaim the "local" from the many ways it has been hijacked by multiculturalism, globalization, post-nationalism, post-modernism, and other post-isms. Blood is where it's at in the kitchen. It is blood that sanctifies place, the novel implies.

The Crip cooks have drained their fusion dishes of the power of blood when they went borrowing isolated ingredients of local foods from here and there. Their notion of place is nothing more than the pride of self, or so the novel implies. Though their intentions may be good ... well, you know what they say: the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Which brings us Taylor's reinterpretation of Dante's Inferno reduced, like a fine sauce, to the notion of the globalization of food experience with no place or no self, however fused, in mind ... only expansion. And if you recall the original Dante's Inferno, you will surely remember that the worst place in hell was reserved for those who betrayed their country, who sinned against place....

I have to hand it to Taylor: he has certainly cooked up a plot that is sure to please different philosophical appetites. His quest for the binding power of the local reminds me of my own struggles around this issue.

I was once a transplant in Vancouver myself (as the author seem to be), and this novel captured for me something of the feel of that city that I could never quite articulate back then: the great divide between people's quiet desperation and their utter lack of awareness of the roots of their psychic anemia.

Food is THE staple of life, the most primordial element of mankind's continuing survival. Without food, without sustenance, man withers and dies, empty and unsatisfied. Food is good, and everyone knows it. So why do we continually shovel it down our throats without a thought as to the preparation, the presentation, the simple TASTE of the substance? We need food, but we rarely give two thoughts as to its true importance in our lives.

Timothy Taylor has come to the same conclusion, that man has ignored the nobility of food and its prepartion for long enough. It's time to remind the common folk of what good food can be, an entire experience that can be savoured in one's mind for weeks on end. Taylor has risen to this challenge with admirable verve; his STANLEY PARK is a true feast for the mind.

STANLEY PARK (named after a famous park in Vancouver, British Columbia) follows the exploits of Jeremy Papier, chef par excellance. Unfortunately for Jeremy, what he has in talent, he lacks in financial acumen, and his restaurant (The Monkey's Paw) is continually on the verge of complete collapse. Jeremy is a Blood; that is, a chef respectful of local culinary traditions and customs, using only local produce for his meals. He finds it increasingly difficult to match wits with the Crips, chefs who consider themselves artists first and foremost, creating unusual meals though unorthodox combinations of foods (eg., Prawns with Spiced Yam Wafers, Grappa and Thai Ginger Cream). In a culture where being hip is being odd, Jeremy is all the odder for sticking to his Blood guns. Add to the mix an increasing pressure by famous coffee businessman Dante (owner of Dante's Inferno coffeehouses, a thinly veiled attack on Starbucks)to purchase Jeremy's talent and restaurant, and a father who has taken to living in Stanley Park to study the homeless, and Jeremy's life has taken on mythic proportions of personal angst.

Aas may be expected, Taylor excels in his detailed descriptions of life within a restaurant; the highs, the lows, the dizzying speed of food preparation and service, the exhaustion of a day's work, the pleasure of creating something that will be destroyed within minutes. Taylor captures the focussed pressure of a busy restaurant that will be intimately familiar with anyone in the service industry, and possibly stupefying to anyone without previous experience. The amount of talent and work that can go into every meal is rendered with perfect prose; Taylor's descriptions of food rank among the best, alongside Laura Esquivel's LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE and a particularly vivid passage from Richard Condon's PRIZZI'S HONOUR that still haunts this reviewer years later. And Jeremy's efforts to avoid the collapse of his dream are on par with the desperate real-life efforts to stave off bankruptcy in Johnathan Harr's A CIVIL ACTION, but far funnier.

Taylor also nicely captures Jeremy's anxiety of 'selling out' to Dante; as an antidote, he begins to hang out with his father every night in the park, preparing meals for the homeless from whatever materials are readily available in a large park (use your imagination). Jeremy's ultimate success, combining these two diverse factions of his life, leads to a final act of culinary greatness that is all the more appealing for its rather unusual menu.

Taylor, however, falters in a subplot concerning the past disappearance of two children in Stanley Park many decades previous. While Jeremy's father becomes infatuated with the rmyth that has grown around the children, Taylor's final meaning concerning this subplot remains ambiguous at best. It is an interesting story, but it jars the reader away for the main plot, and never firmly gels as a complete element of the story.

Otherwise, STANLEY PARK is a joy to read, a wondrous creation almost equal to the meals Jeremy creates. The fact that the mouth waters at Taylor's descriptions of Jeremy's feasts is proof enough of his talent as a writer. Luckily, Taylor can also pull off an interesting plot with remarkable characterizations as well.

Defnitely worth reading ... humanistic and delivers a great story while touching on important themes for all of us...

We just returned from a three-week cross-country trip, with a four day stop in Yellowstone. This book was o.k. to read before the trip to familiarize yourself with the park, but was useless as a reference guide once we were there. We basically gave up on it and used our Frommers Guide to the Western National Parks. The index is incomplete, the maps are cartoonish and difficult to read, and some of the explanations in the question-answer format with"ranger Norm" made me feel as if they were questioning my intelligence. My husband and I both couldn't believe they showcase this book prominently in the Yellowstone visitor's Centers!

The way the books of this series work is that they took a guide for new rangers in Yosemite with the 100 or so most frequently asked questions, and wrote their own answers for each park. So in each book the questions are very similar but the answers might be very different.

It's a great format because it makes for easy reading beforehand, but it's also quick as a reference when you're there because they're arranged in an intelligent order. There's also a huge reference section at the end with lists, copies of permit forms, and so forth. So the thing to do is read the FAQ before you leave but bring the book and refer to it once you're there.

I've only been to Yellowstone once and had no idea where to stay, or which hotels were near which sites and so forth. This book really cleared it up for me and we had a great time.

Don't let the cover fool you. This book is great. Lots of details. Great recommendations on hotels to stay outside the park when the inside ones are book. My niece and I had a blast reading it as we went. We even ran into a bear jam, you'll have to read the book to find out what that is all about. If your looking for a book to simplfy your life and make this trip the best. Buy it! Don't let the cartoons fool you this book has all the details in great form for all. Buy it before you leave so you know where your going. THE BEST, ENJOY.