I used these notes in PLACE of taking physical geology. I needed a final science class to graduate, and the only one available was Historical Geology, which had the prerequisite of physical geology. These Cliff's Notes are so thorough and easy to understand that I felt well prepared for the class, despite the fact that I had no experience in Geology whatsoever. I am not very good in science of any kind, and these notes were easy for even me to use:) I felt comfortable enough with the material presented in the notes to apply it in an entirely different class. I'm sure these would fantastic review notes for students in physical geology!

This book is an excellent means for studying and an excellent way to review for tests. It gives the reader a very detailed description of every geological aspect that should be discussed in an entry-level course. I highly recommend this guide for all students who have a class in physical geology, or who just want to learn more about the science of it.

This book delivers what it promises... 4 battles you surely would not have studied (unless you happened to be a "local" to one of the sites), seperate from one another but tied together by the crimson thread of Courage.

Great Stuff!

I highly recommend reading this book if you are a fan of Military History, a student of the "Civil War", or simply attracted to real acts of Heroism & Courage from an era blessed with a level of integrity and grit that is only a faded memory to America today.

To borrow the words of Shakespeare, "Courage mounteth with occasion". Far from the grand movements of the armies, the great battles and the central figures of the Civil War, one finds thousands of examples of personal courage of men who met the occasion, but have been largely forgotten by history.

Mark Crawford in "Confederate Courage on Other Fields" does great justice to four of these lesser-known stories of sacrifice, bravery in the face of great danger, suffering, and devotion to duty by men fighting for the Confederate cause. I found each tale to be well researched, insightful and easy to read.

"'Tisn't life that matters! 'Tis the courage you bring to it" -Sir Hugh Walpole. I believe Colonel Charles Blacknall of the 23rd North Carolina Infantry, as described in Crawford's book, exemplifies the courageous leadership exhibited by many men of the south. A wealthy, educated planter, Blacknall hated drilling, the study of tactics and many of the trappings of the military. However, belief in a cause led him to great accomplishment, at a price of personal sacrifice, ultimately his own life. As you read his letters, and gain insight into his devotion to his family, and his love and understanding of his men, you will admire this fellow who gave all for what he believed in.

My primary reason for buying this book was my lifelong interest of events in the bitter struggle for control of Southeast Missouri. Though considered a backwater of the War and often ignored by historians, the violence of partisan and guerilla actions in these border counties profoundly affected everyone living in the region. Instead of a five-hour skirmish or five-day battle, the fate of this area was sealed in five years of ugly, shocking bloodletting and destruction. Most folks fled. In many parts of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas the bitterness remains to this day. Crawford's treatment of the conflict between Major James Wilson on the Union side and Colonel Timothy Reeves on the Confederate side is the most fair, accurate and honest I have read. A consequence of this contest was the execution of prisoners on both sides. In reading this account you will come to appreciate the bravery and gallantry of men caught up in a struggle without rules and often driven by revenge that discouraged noble actions.

You will finish this book with an expanded understanding of the "Brother's War", and the tremendous sacrifice of the average Confederate soldier as he faced danger in a courageous or fearless manner. I hope Mark will consider a sequel exploring the courage of Union men. I heartily recommend this book!

This handsome encyclopedia is an excellent and useful reference book, its publication nicely timed for the sesquicentennial of the end of the war and a renewed interest in that conflict. Introduced by a short summary of the war and a resume of its causes, the alphabetically arranged entries range from Abolitionists to Zozaya, María Josefa. The almost 500 topics covered include: battles and skirmishes, military leaders, Indian participants, the role of women, medical practices, casualties, desertion, navies, Manifest Destiny, political figures, pro and con sentiments about the war, armistices, and peace treaty negotiations. All of the entries, many of them illustrated, are followed by suggestions for further reading. Some of the entries contain colorful, direct quotes from eyewitness accounts. In addition to maps, a chronology of the war, and a comprehensive index, this book has an extensive bibliography with references in Spanish as well as English. Besides books and articles, the bibliography lists a number of pertinent dissertations. Buy a copy for yourself and recommed it to your local library.

IT IS ABOUT TIME! someone took the time and effort to write an encyclopedia on the Mexican War. As a student of the Mexican War over the last eight years, I have often wondered when a qualified scholar and writer would "fill the niche" so sorely needed in this community. Mark Crawford deserves the credit and praise of all students and "buffs" of the topic. I wish he would have produced this marvelous volume years ago which would have saved me weeks of work in graduate school. I found it to be a perfect blend, a middle ground between Col Mark Boatner's in-depth classic, Civil War Dictionary and Patrcia Fausts' artist Historical Times Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Civil War. It is balanced, thorough and well-written with just the right amount of detail but not getting bogged down in the details. The only major criticism I have of this outstanding research tool, it is very lacking in maps! There are only three maps that does not come close to illustrate the scope and breath of a very broad and comprehensive conflict. The period photos and artwork perfectly captivate and enhance the very readable narrative. I highly recommend this great work to all students of the profession of arms, especially Mexican War types like me.

This was an ambitious undertaking. Information available from state to state (or ____ to ____, insert the jurisdictional or geographical units of your choice) is wildly inconsistent. Land status often changes rapidly, as do what we know and what we can say about resource conditions at any given moment.  "Habitats and Ecosystems..." necessarily became a historical document once it was finalized.  But it is nevertheless a useful one-stop reference guide to natural America; and an intriguing browse for conservation-minded readers.

I was one of the many people around the U.S. whom Mark Crawford enlisted to provide information for his book, and I know what a chore it was for him to take what I could provide and distill it into something useful.

Of course, that means I got my copy free! - but I'm sure the book will be a useful addition to my library. I'll refer to it regularly, and I'd buy it if I didn't have it already.