I live in Norway, and Africa's Horn is far from my everyday life. I have travelled several times to Eritrea though, and have been searching for guide books from the country. When I went to Eritrea last fall it was with great pleasure I bought the LP book by Frances Linzee Gordon, Ethiopia, Eritrea & Djibouti.

The book is one of the best LP books I've read. The writing is clearly, and it gives us good insight in history, facts, geography, and so on. I have read parts of the book about all three countries, but the Eritrean part is the only one I have actuallu used when travelling.

The books has some very good pictures and maps, and give alot of up to date information. My favorite part is the part about Asmara's architecture, "Asmara, or Piccola Roma, soon came to epitomise the new philosophy: it was not just beautiful, but was well planned, well built and, above all, functiomal. The book is a good guide to use when you plan your travel ahead, and is even better when you actually are there and need or want information.

An extra benefit of the book is the small notes you find alot of, giving interesting information. Reading these notes makes your travel alot more special.

When I travel I use my guidebooks as kind of diaries. I write down restaurants I visit, hotel I stay at, interesting places I see and so on. And this book is filled with my writings almost on all pages. Gordon has seen it all, and gives very useful information about a very interesting, though little known country.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

As a Lonely Planet author, I'd like to echo the words of other reviewers of this book. This is clearly Lonely Planet's best title - the writing is clear, concise and informative, the asides are entertaining, the tone is objective yet engaging, and Frances Linzee Gordon's photos are nothing short of spectacular. Congratulations, Frances - you've produced a winner!

A recent front page article in the New York Times on the Lalibela churches in northern Ethiopia sent me running for my LP copy of this book. I was most pleasantly surprised to find over a dozen pages of detailed information on this incredible center of early Christianity. F. Linzee-Gordon's first hand account of a visit to the churches provided a most informative background lacking in the NY Times article. Well done!

I can't believe you can get this book used! I own three copies and I don't even loan it out. This is a terrific expedition book and a wonderful book about being human. My family was thrilled to know that this book was being re-issued. Like one of the other reviewers, I was brought up knowing who the various scientists were because my father had worked with a colleague. It gave us plesure to know the names, some of whom were quite well known even today. It was also nice to know that at least for the eminent icthyolgist and the eminent entomologist the work that they produced from this expedition was very useful. I have recommmened this book countless times, and get copies for friends I really like.

When your read of other expeditions and how well they were conducted, then you read Gordon MacCreagh's humorous account of a mistake-ridden expedition into the Amazon, and you may wonder how this could happen. Clearly, the leader of MacCreagh's expedition was no Roy Chapman Andrews. Too many mistakes with both men and equipment. It is a humorous, often hilarious account of how not to conduct an expedition into the Amazon -- or anywhere else. I found it to be much better than Peter Fleming's "Amazon Adventure" and somewhat better than Arthur O. Friel's "River of Seven Stars," which has not been reprinted. MacCreagh's sense of humor and keen observations are what place this book at the top of my list of exploration/expedition books. I found it difficult to keep from sharing portions of this book with family and friends.

George Schaller, in his introduction, says that if you only read one expedition book, this should be it. He's right. The true story of one of the least glorious endeavors in the history of science is told by one of only two members of the 'most expensive expedition ever' who seems to have had a full set of marbles. Poor planning, laughable gullibility and a breathtaking lack of field experience force the others one by one to quit as the hapless crew navigate various tributaries of the Amazon. In the end, only the author and his companion 'Young America' remain, but unencumbered by the others they go on to discover more than the whole original dog-and-pony show with its six tons of gear. McCreagh was unavoidably a man of his time; even so his attitude to the natives is remarkably progressive, and this is what gets him his impressive anthropological results.
Despite his disclaimer to the effect that the work contains 'no science', this is a valuable glimpse into the dim world of the upper Amazon. First and foremost, though, it's a hilarious read - and all the funnier if you've ever been on an expedition yourself.

.... In my opinion,its imagery and descriptive scenarios will have you imagining as if it were you in the midst of the Great Migration. Concluding that "youth as it should be at seventeen was not for me, and that full manhood must come quickly if I was going to make it", Parks describes the journey in which he endures in order to make it through various seasons in the year. In trying to conquer the obstacles that each season brings, Parks learns to rely on his "choice of weapons" which allow him to see different walks of life. If you do choose to read Parks' autobiography, please don't forget to reflect upon what choice of weapons you have chosen in coping with life.

I have admired Gordon for his photography, so much so I paid... for an autographed 1rst edition of "A Choice of Weapons". I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and when I did I didn't put it down except for food and work.

Gordon's life should be an inspiration to all Americans. His life was very hard and he overcame racism and bigottry throughtout his youth and early manhood and probably even to this day even though I hope not! Gordon was able to overcome major adversities ones that I doubt I could have survived. The book was so moving and real that I read portions to my sons and were they wide eyed during the recounting of Gordon's homeless time sleeping in streetcars as a school student. The description of room he finally did get which was so filthy and vile that none of us would allow our dogs in. I could go on forever but I don't want to give anymore away of an excellent book :-).

By the way if you are reading this review it's obvious that you should read the book!

Many years ago, when I was in the sixth grade and my father was on our local school board, The Learning Tree was controversial but required reading for high school English students in our district. The school board members were sent home with a copy of the book to evaluate whether it should be pulled from the curriculum. My father read it and I asked him if I could read it as well. His response was "certainly!" Needless to say, after reading The Learning Tree, I could hardly wait to find more of Gordon Parks'work and headed off the the library. Thankfully I found "A Choice of Weapons" on the shelf. Keep in mind I was a 12 year old white boy from suburban Minneapolis. Little did I know that my mother read every book I brought home (I suppose out of curiosity and to monitor what I was reading). At one point she asked me if I thought my current reading selection 'over my head'? I told her I thought it was the best book I had read...and I still think that today. Mr. Parks had many choices in his life and thankfully made the choices that got him to where he is today. Surely we ALL can learn from him, whatever our background. He should be an inspiration to everyone!

Delightful light-hearted children's picture book! These are questions that have dynamic, creative, and fun answers. Every girl will enjoy it. Moms will too.

Delightful children's book! These are questions that have dynamic, creative, and fun answers. Every girl will enjoy it.
Moms will too.

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? is an enjoyable picture book about a young girl's search for identity. She wonders if princesses do ordinary things like wear hiking boots or drink sparkling punch, or are at all like herself. Whimsical color illustrations by Mike Gordon add a special vibrancy to this delightful and recommended "easy reader" tale by Carmela LaVigna Coyle.

in elementary school we actually watched this as a movie too. this was one of the most profound books that i have ever read. it would make me sob! but it is such a great book to encourage compassion and remind "tough" children that it is ok to be tender and to show that you love something...

I was a 4th grader in a lot of trouble and detached from school. Our librarian gave this book to me and I read it hundreds of times that year and the next. I rememberd it only recently. I now work as an international photojournalist and assume that Gordon Parks images kept me intersted in literacy as a child and had a profound impact on the course of my current career. This book was to me what the kitten was to J.T.- a saviour.

I have used J.T. for years to reach reluctant readers. The pictures and dialogue give an easy context for lower readers to decode and comprehend the text. J.T. is a wonderful character that anyone can relate to. The copies I have are falling apart from much use and love.

The Book "Men are from Mars, Womenfrom Venus" Is a male bashing book.It's considered cool, to bash men.BTW. Men Are Benevolent Warriors, andKings. Guys are clueless cavemen.GUYS, Are From MARS, REAL MEN ARE NOT! This book is a must to bridge the gapbetween men and women. Note: WomenRead This Book.!!

Gordon-
Thank you and God bless you. The wisdom the Holy Spirit gave you is so evident in this this much-needed work.

Actually, only people who are men with "issues", or who know men with "issues"--I guess that is everybody.

I am just about finished with the book, and think it is one of the best things to help me "grow up" (I am pretty old already).

It has a Christian world view.

Nadia Gordon has written a wonderful first of a series. Working in the wine industry and with the current Sharpshooter threat, I found the tale exciting and convincing. I couldnt put it down ! Highly recommended !

Especially nice if you know the Napa Valley and if you like to speculate on just WHO in real life would make the best verisons of the fictional characters in this easy-to-read, enjoyable book. I even learned how to enjoy that left-over red wine the morning after!

Good read, nice holiday gift along with a bottle of a great Napa Rutherford Cabernet!

I really enjoyed reading this book and I don't normally read fiction. (As my previous reviews indicate.) I had just finished reading a beautiful big coffee table book - "Napa Stories: Profiles, Reflections, and Recipes from the Napa Valley" by Michael Chiarello. I was certainly in the mood.

Author Nadia Gordon did her homework about the Napa Valley. As a biologist I wasn't sure the glassy-winged sharpshooter was an actual insect. Well, it certainly is. She creates a very real "sense of place" about this world famous valley. She weaves in a lot about wine making, believable local politics, society and personal relationships.

I guess I am being a little bit picky, but I wish the book were a little bit longer to flesh out some of the characters more. However, this is the first of a series, so I guess it is a complement that I would like to know the characters better. The only other comment would be one of the main characters is named Rivka. It is a little bit difficult to mentally pronounce.

I must admit it was a great read and I look forward to the rest of the series.

What a great book about in my opinion the best songwriters! The Shermans had the opportunity to be with Disney during what I believe was the peak of the Disney Co. Their songs have warmed the hearts of millions of people across the world. My mother had never heard of the Shermans but whenever I sing their songs she says "I love that song, I didn't know they wrote that..." I can count on their songs being family friendly and joyful. I love Winnie the Pooh was not at all surprised when I discovered who wrote the songs! I never get tired of reading Walt's Time. The pictures are great and layout is so different. It is fun to read the background stories that is behind each song. Such as A Spoon full of Sugar and how Robert's son gave them the inspiration. I know the price makes it difficult for some of us. I personally do not own the book, but I love to borrow it from my library. It is a must read for every Disney and Sherman fan out there!

This book is truly the gem of my library... A beautiful look at the careers of Robert B. and Richard M. Sherman! Reading this book brought back so many memories! Little did I realize that so many of my favorite Disney (and even non-Disney) musical films all had one special thing in common... the music of the Sherman Brothers.

This wonderful book is formatted like a huge scrapbook... its fun to read, and just packed with rare photos, cartoons and other memorabilia that would delight any reader.

Wow!, What a feast of fun! Here's the story of two of this century's most prolific and popular songwriters, the Sherman Brothers, finally cronicled in a superb scrapbook. Discover the Sherman Brothers' insights into the enigma that was Walt Disney, and learn of their dream job with this man.. who nurtured their talent, producing a sound that is truly instantly recognisable, the world over. These are the guys who created "the biggest word you ever heard", who left us singing of a "small, small world".. and gave lyrical life to a "fantasmagorical machine" called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

This is a lovingly remembered book by the Dick and Bob, put together with the help of a few amazingly dedicated fans. Bruce & David and Jeff have produced another gem of a book. With them, too much is never enough.. the photographic treasures, the office cartoons all give the impression of being invited to dinner with the Shermans. I was lucky enough to hear the Shermans at the piano for a preview of this book at a Disney fan's convention last year. That was a night I'll never forget.. as the brothers sang their way through the songs of my childhood. Now the feeling of that night (and my childhood) has been captured in print, and I can't be happier! Thanks guys, it's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious !

A fantasy set during the time of King Edward III, it is a complex tale involving magicians, dragons, goblins, the plague, and court intrigue. The author has invented history only casually related to real history. Overall, it is an interesting story but sometimes drags in long scenes which may seem peripheral to the main plot. Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent, puts in an appearance in a secondary role. It seems unlikely that Edward III would have had an illegitimate half-brother as his father, Edward II, was gay and not known to have mistresses. The real power behind the throne was the Black Prince's younger brother, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (events would eventually lead to the War of the Roses between the Houses of York and Lancaster).

The author oversimplifies the relationship between Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent, and Edward, the Black Prince, by calling them cousins. Joan's father, Edmund, was both a half brother of Edward II and a cousin of Edward II's wife, Isobel of France (who contrary to the motion picture, never had any contact with Wallace). A grand-daughter of Joan and Sir Thomas Holland would marry John Beaufort, a nephew of Edward the Black Prince, and a daughter of that marriage would later marry King James I of Scotland with descent to the present royal family.

I just wanted to let it be known that The Dragon and the Fair Maid of Kent, is not, as stated by Marc Ruby in his Oct. 17 review, the fourth book in Gordon Dickson's Dragon Knight Series.

It is actually the NINTH book in the series. It may only appear to be the fourth due to the fact that Tor only included in the list of previous books those which had been published by Tor. The rest of the series was published by Ace Fantasy, with the exception of the very first book, The Dragon and the George, which was published by Del Rey in 1976.

Essentially, I just didn't want anyone to miss any of the books out of this wonderful series. Happy reading!

By habit I read more than one book at a time. It keeps me from getting bored, and sometimes the odd juxtaposition of ideas gives me something unique for a review. Right now I'm reading a horror story so bad I regret agreeing to review it and a mystery story that makes too great an effort to be literature. It's slow going at best. The third volume is (or rather, was) this, Gordon Dickson's fourth in his dragon series. It took me exactly three days to read this hefty (500+ page) small print book from cover to cover, and I am not a speed reader. The other books just had to wait.

What makes Dickson so good that he has managed to author two major series (the dragon series and the Dorsai series) and innumerable other novels and collections? Personally I would call it superior plot making, intense dedication to details, and yes, heaps of talent. Dickson always takes the necessary time to draw his characters out fully, be they James Eckhart the knight/apprentice mage/sometimes dragon who is the hero of the story or the lowly master carpenter who keeps James in everything from chairs to outhouses. And he goes to know end of trouble to make sure that the reader painlessly acquires enough 14th century lore to make sense out of the goings on.

This volume finds James at Malencontri, his castle, trying to cope with both a plague of Plantagenet nobility and the very real plague which is advancing into James part of England. In addition, Carolinus, James mage master (one of the three AAA+ mages in the world, he'll have you know) is insisting that the King be protected at all costs. The Plantagenets on hand are Prince Edward the Fourth, the king's son and the beautiful Countess Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent. All they want is James assistance in a plot to make Edward the Third fond of Edward the Fourth again. This plot becomes ever more complicated until James finds himself commanded to appear before the King at Tiverton, where Edward III has retired to avoid the plague in London.

While this complexity develops James works overtime to prepare Malencontri against the plague. Since James and his wife Angie are actually visitors from our time who were unexpectedly thrust into the 14th century of an alternate earth, they know something of germs and disease protection. Since magic will not work on diseases, it is this knowledge which it their only hope. In the midst of all this confusion and stress, the EcKharts, their closest friends and Hob (the castle hobgoblin) are off to Tiverton to see the King.

Thanks to Hob, James is able to discover that an evil plot is afoot at Tiverton. Goblins, who are spreading the plague in order to take over the world, have slain the real castle staff and are now running it in disguise. James, due to his commitment to keep the king alive, goes into action. Since this is less that a third of the way into the book, it should be no surprise that Jim manages to use a small handful of men and knights (plus the unstoppable Hob and his buddy the hob of Tiverton) to completely mop up the Goblins and airlift everyone to Malencontri. Unfortunately James comes down with both the plague and magickal exhaustion simultaneously. Does he survive? Of course! Does he spend the rest of the book frantically trying to save Malencontri and the rest of England? You bet, but I will leave the rest of the plot for the reader to discover.

With this, fourth, volume in the series, it is getting a bit harder to simply pick up a volume and follow along. First of all you keep getting the feeling that you have missed several really good books, which you have. Secondly, there is simply too much background after three solid novels to present enough information to the reader. This isn't all bad though, you will get to read several very good fantasy tales. And if you do wind up reading it first, you will still love it enough to come back to read a second time. Highly recommended.

The core theme is that, if you reduce waste and increase recycling, it will be good for the environment and for profits. The theme is supported with a wealth of examples. This is a book for those who are 'putting a toe in the water' rather than for those who wish to move beyond the first steps, but is useful at the level to which it is pitched. It helps to contest the pernicious myth that business profitability and environmental responsibility are at odds with each other.

From time to time, business leaders have invested time, energy, attention, and financial resources in the respected work of environmental protection. The work from the corporate sector has not been consistent, appreciated, or encouraged. Through this book, the author hopes to stimulate more organizations to be actively supportive of the environment-and good business practices. A Certified Management Consultant with significant personal engagement with corporate environmental issues, Pamela Gordon profiles the work of twenty employers to show what can be done.

Many authors gather profiling information for books like this by researching on the internet, magazine articles, other books, and industry reports. To her credit, Gordon personally visited 16 of the companies cited, with the other four being visited by people from her firm. This direct involvement adds a higher degree of authenticity to her work and this book.

Lean and Green is organized into three sections. Part One presents four steps for creating a lean and green organization: Question Wasteful Practices, Gain Lean and Green Endorsement Using Business Language, Collaborate to Achieve Lean and Green Goals, and Track Progress for Environment and Profit. Interwoven through these introductory chapters are stories about how the 20 profiled employers have applied these approaches. The organizations are mostly large, well-known companies, and a city government, but the principles can be applied in smaller organizations, as well.

The second section of the book presents Real-Life Examples of Putting Lean and Green into Practice. Ten chapters lay out the how-to of building a higher consciousness and effectiveness of environmental practices. Again, Gordon uses examples and experiences of her profiled companies and their people to illustrate and emphasize her points.

The third part of the book, How to Make the Most Difference, is best reported to you by listing the powerful chapter headings: How to Become an Environmental Leader in Your Organization, Work with Your Organizational Culture to Support Change, Be an Environmental Activist Using Tactics That Benefit Business, and The Fastest Route to Lean and Green. Quotes are used to open each chapter, as many authors do. To focus even more strongly on the dedication and focus of her profiled corporate activists, Gordon quotes people from the companies rather than outside sources. Each chapter ends with a valuable summary of the chapter, entitled "Making it Easy."

This book will smooth the way for its intended audiences: employees, managers, top leaders, and observers of organization that have great potential to make a difference. As I read the book, I found myself already becoming more aware of opportunities in my own surroundings to make a difference. If you're interested in protecting the environment and your company's bottom line, this book will open your eyes and give you tools for success.

Gordon's book turns upside down claims that environmentally sound practices are either expensive or bad for business; to the contrary, reducing waste and using cleaner processes increases business profitability. She shows how businesses of all sizes can incorporate good environmental practices, and she backs up her points with dozens of real-world examples. With "Lean and Green" to point the way, every business can design its own plans forreducing environmental impact. Her style is informal, clear, and encouraging. This book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in either business or the environment.