Caving is a fascinating sport, but this book didn't captivate me as I hoped it would. Eleven of the 22 chapters had little or nothing to do with caving (the author just wandered-off on tangents...96 pages worth); that was a disappointment. The chapters which did talk about caving (the other 156 pages) were well written and very descriptive. The book was 252 pages long (the other 30+ pages included a glossary, index, appendix, etc.). I also purchased a book called "The Longest Cave," but I haven't read it yet; I'm hoping it'll be better.

After finishing this book for the second time, I again felt the pang of loss for having the pages not continue. A blend of caving, philosophy, and caving philosophy, his work gives one pause for finding meaning in one's life. I for one am jealous of the karst regions he has been fortunate to explore. Telling about those exploits is handled with style that doesn't get in the way of the story itself. I'm sure others would enjoy this book. I do.

Come visit Michael Ray Taylor's underground world and explore some of the last great wilderness on earth without leaving the safety and comfort of your armchair. This collection of short stories on caving takes you around the world to some of the most exotic caving regions. Michael's easy and casual style of writing puts you right in the action. One can easily imagine how tight the Devil's Pinch must be, and what those rocks felt like as they squeeze you from above and below. I liked how Michael made each account personal by letting you get to know the other cavers and the local inhabitants of the region. This book is for anyone with an adventurous spirit.

This is a favorite that I've returned to at least twice. Pollan engages with his skill in writing, but also his interesting thoughts on the mundane that make them seem intriguing. Essays are easy to read in any order, yet are connected. Much more than a garden book, will inspire not just planting and pruning, but thinking. Worth the read, regardless of whether you have dirty fingernails or green thumb.

I read this book for a college course, "Religion, Ethics, and the Environment." Most of the books were (as the course title suggests) very heavy texts...yawn. However, when assignments from Pollan's book came up, I would laugh out loud while reading. My classmates & I would discuss the book at any given opportunity, and the bookstore sold twice as many copies as there were students in the class, because we recommended it to everyone. How many philosophy books can you say that about?

Pollan makes his philosophical points with vivid stories from his childhood on Long Island and his adult experiences in his garden. His garden-centered view of nature provides an excellent counterpoint to most environmental philosophy, which has been written from a preservationist's point of view.

I had to read this for a college course. I didn't know what to expect, but half way into the book I was enraptured. Literally. Pollan is a very adept writer, and he has a lot of depth to what he writes. He piles metaphor on top of symbolizm on top of metaphor. If you don't pick up on everything, that's alright because the book is simply enjoyable. His anecdotes about life and gardening are the icing on this book, and I'd recommend it simply for that pleasure. But there is substance here. Pollan is making a statement about the relationship between culture and nature. He writes about how we, as a species, as a culture, try to seperate what we live in (culture, cities, whatever) from what we live near (nature, the environment, wildness). He says that that is more detrimental than any polution or destruction we could possibly do to our earth. We, as a culture, need to learn to live not simply "in" nature, but "with nature." In response to the chapter on Cathedral Pines, he uses that to illustrate how the Conservationists, the people who owned the land, were trying to save this little "virgin" land. This little area in this New England community that was untouched by humanity. It was destroyed by nature (in the form of a tornado) and they, as a community, should let nature do with the forest as it wanted. Nature knows best. What Pollan says is that that forest wasn't untouched by man. Man had inhabited the area for over two hundred years (not including Native Americans - which no one ever does) and the trees they were saving WERE affected by civiliztion. That forest, as the community knew and loved it, was destroyed by nature. The community could've possibly planted knew trees, cleaned out the old dead ones, and made everything back the way it was. The Conservationists didn't want that because "nature knows best." But it depends on how you look at it. In a way (and I'm not going to further in depth, because it's all in the book) the forest WAS a garden, it was created, changed by mankind. There was nothing truely "nautral" about it. Therefore, why couldn't they, as a community, make the decision on what to do with it? If the tornado ripped through the town and destroyed houses, people would rebuild. It's that simply. No one would throw up their hands and say, "Well, nature knows best!" But when it comes to Cathedral Pines, they left the fallen trees there to rot, cleared a wide swath around the forest to protect the community from possible fire, and called it a "preserve." This benefited no one, and time will tell what course nature will take. Maybe the fire that will burn the brush and dead wood will be too strong and damage the soil. The forest wouldn't grow back, and instead of a beautiful forest you'd have a field of brush and "weeds." Sure, nature took its course, but it's not as important as one may think.

This is long winded, and you may not understand it all, but if you read the book and pay more attention to what Pollan says, and less on how he says it (how well it's written and how entertaining it is), you'll pick up on the philosophical stuff. You'll pick up on the meaning. And I suggest that you do, you'll rethink a lot of the thoughts you may have on the environment and on culture.

This is an ok book - it was a bit hard to get into/get through and a bit repetitive. I wish it had more science (written in lay terms) woven in. It was more about driving, spotting a butterfly, driving again to the next spot. (Its more about the journey than about butterflies, they're just the excuse for the drive it seems) Did't really capture me like I hoped it would and I didn't learn much. I was looking for a story more based on the butterfly's experiece and what it goes through than that of the author. Monarchs are actually quite incredible in that its not the same butterfly that makes the whole journey from the east coast all the way to Mexico - it lays eggs and the offspring carry out the journey, knowing which direction to go in innately. Then the process reverses in the spring. I was hoping to learn more about all that in this book but didn't.

Bob Pyle has given us an insightful look into the butterfly lover's life and inspirations. This a nice way to review your own feelings about conservation, the natural world, and how you spend your time. Traveling will never be the same again for me. Now I can boldly ask any convenience store clerk, "Have you seen any Monarchs lately?" This book is a travel log, a natural history lesson, and an expansive look at the world around us.

This is a great book detailing a threatened bio-phenomenon. As always, you can't go wrong with one of Bob Pyle's books!

What a worth buying book. This book provides an introduction to coral reef habitats and fish families. It's even suitable for a non-biologist person like me. As a scuba diver who interested in marine biology, this book written by Scott W. Michael really helped me to ditinguish most fishes I encountered.

This is a wonderful book. It give s agreat intor to the general aspects of anatomy, physiology and ecology of reef fishes. It then goes on into detail on several families of fish. Among these are: Eels, Frogfishes, Seahorses, Squirrelfishes, Lionfishes, Anthias, and several others.

At least 2 more volumes are planned.

Volume 2 has been due "soon" for quite a while now. I hope "soon" isn't much longer--it will include many of the most interesting fishes: Damselfishes, Butterflyfishes, Angelfishes, Dottybacks, Jawfishes, Grammas, and several more.

Volume 3 (who knows when it will arrive) will include wrasses, blennies, gobies, surgeonfishes, rabbitfishes, pufferfishes and several others.

This series will definitely be the "definitive reference on all fishes a marine aquarist might ever encounter." The author, Scott W. Michael, is a renowned expert in this field. He has more than 25 years experience as an aquarist and diver. He has written several other books and contributes regularly to Aquarium Fish Magazine.

Highly recommended!!

Awesome book! So many wonderful pictures and more information than I hoped for!

And so does Novacek's book. So right away we know that TIME TRAVELER is not merely a recounting of paleontological studies. They certainly remain as one of the main topics of discussion and the trips to Mongolia, Yemen, and Chile read like adventures rather than scientific expeditions. Interwoven throughout is Novacek's personal story and recollections. There was nothing to indicate that the ten year old who was "more of a Beaver Cleaver type than a young Indiana Jones" would eventually go on to become one of our foremost paleontologists. Novacek recounts a fairly normal, middle-class life, growing up in suburban Los Angeles. His admission that he "liked crawling around in the dirt and mud, turning over rocks, and looking at things through binoculars and microscopes" is however insufficient evidence of a budding scientist. Didn't we all do the same? The difference perhaps is that when the opportunity arose to loose himself in the world of girls and music, Novacek remained enthused with the fossilized world.

His enthusiasm is still there and it's captivating. The thrill he gets from discovery, the joy of the outdoors, and the sense of adventure are all reminiscent of our own simple childhood pleasures. Novacek's willingness to share these feelings with us and the writing style which enhances it, makes this a very refreshing reading experience. It's not all fun and enjoyment however. He tells of illness and infections, insect bites and stings, and injury. Deadly places and dangerous people provided their own challenges.

Science remains the serious subject connecting all the personal stories and travel adventures. As such Novacek delves into current topics in paleontology such as extinctions and loss of biodiversity, continental drift, and dinosaur and mammalian evolution. In the debate about the origins of birds he comes down firmly on the side of a dinosaurian origin. He adds his own support to the view that dinosaurs are not extinct by saying "the survivors were of course birds." On another subject where the majority of recent writers are in agreement (Bjorn Lomborg excepted), Novacek agrees that the loss of biodiversity is a critical issue. Near the end he offers a view that is far from cheerful and refreshing and as such jangles with the joie de vivre which characterized so much of the book. His statement that "paleontology should not be the only biological science in the future - the science of a dead planet" is no doubt informed by a life spent in realities of science.

After reading Dinosaurs of the Flaming Cliffs (Dr. Novacek's vivid account of his Mongolian expeditions), I was eager for more. Happily, Time Traveler does not disappoint and I devoured every page of this exuberant romp through the world of fossil hunting. Follow Novacek around the globe as he escapes a cave full of poisonous snakes, gets dragged over rugged mountains by a skittish horse, attends a rather curious party in the middle of Yemen, and, oh yeah, finds some incredible fossils along the way. His adventures as a paleontologist are sure to inspire anyone, young or old, to travel to the far corners of the globe in search of the past and the present. The illustrations and especially the maps are extremely useful, and always seem to pop up right when you need them. Although the book focuses primarily on Novacek's expeditions, he takes great care describing in layman's terms the scientific ideas behind his pursuits. I would recommend this to anyone with a taste for adventure - especially those who fear there is nothing left to discover on our planet. Time Traveler is sure to excite both armchair and professional explorers alike.

Time Traveler: In Search of Dinosaurs and Ancient Mammals from Montana to Mongolia writter by Michael Novacek is a book very much like an autobiography in nature. But, the nature we're talking about here is past history... that of dinosaurs and early mammals... those of the fossil record.

The author has a very easy going writting style that grips you and you are engaged till the end. This story is very much like a travel log of a dedicated paleontologist discovering fossils where ever he seems to travel. The author started early out in life looking for fossils in Los Angeles, not too far from the La Brea Tar Pits, when just a child. But the dinosaur fever never left his veins as he is now a world-renowned paleontologist and has found fossils on every continent.

This book is a study in the Natural History of fossil hunting, having illustrations where needed gives the reader a sense of perspective as to what the author is talking about. In fact the illustrations pop-up right when you need them, reinforcing the reader. Some of the most current and exciting issues in paleontology today are dinosaur and mammal evolution, continent drift, and mass extinctions. This book helps in the clarification of these questions making the reader understand the ancient enviornments and the geological times scale.

From the past to our future this book ties the two together. Making the reader understand the past and how it can be applied to the future so we do not make the same mistakes, that is a global ecosystem. This book is a fast and easy read as the narrative flows freely keeping your interest. If you like adventure, with some travel to different locations throughout the world, this is your book. From California, to Baja Mexico, high up in the Andes Mountains in Chile, to the volcanic mountains of Yemem, to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia you are taken on a travel log of a very special nature... one of a fossil hunting paleontologist.

This book is a great example of how tame and captive animals can be photographed and passed off as wild. The color reproduction of this book is unmatchable, as is the sharpness of the pictures. Although it may be difficult to identify the computer manipulated from those which have not been tampered with, the everyday nature enthusiast will find this book a good add for the coffee table. Good luck finding these animals in the wild!

I have bought & borrowed many wildlife books and out of all of them this is the best one I have ever seen. The photography is excellent, and the colors are so vibrant they make you fell as if you are watching the animals live.

All kinds of different animals are featured in this fascinating book. A turtle is shown with a mosquito on its nose and a baby dear is pictured while it sleeps. A squirrel eats a dandelion stem & mice gather around an ear of corn.

Other images show egrets fighting in mid air & butterflies resting on a flower. You will even find adorable baby bears caught climbing a tree. There also is a gorgeous field of sunflowers & a single elegant water lily floating in a pond.

You get a glimpse at the northern lights & snowcapped mountains against a brilliant blue sky as well. The index in the back is a great bonus; it lists each plate, the location it was taken at & the photographic settings that were used.

I had the opportunity to participate in an interview with Carl Sams and Jean Stoick at their home studios here in Michigan. We (Michigan Magazine Television) were amazed at the time and dedication that went into producing such a fine publication as Images of The Wild. The startling impact this collection has in photographic detail and wonderful stories along many of the photos makes it MUCH more than a mere "coffee table" release. The time and engergy this photographic team take in becoming part of the enviroment of each of thier subjects, to gain the animal's trust, before taking the opportunities to capture their image is a story in it's self. Their dedication and patient persistance along with an undeniable kinship with "Lady Luck" makes for pure "eye" candy.

Half of this book is about famous paleontologists, what dinosaurs are, and how they became extinct. The next half has at least 80 pictures and paintings of different species of dinosaurs, and a description of their characteristics and how they live. I would especially recommend it to 11 and 12 year olds who know their dinosaurs. WARNING: This is not a little kid's book. It does contain A LOT of information. It has at least a page on each species of dinosaur, but I think it should go into even more detail on these amazing animals.

We used this book to get a complete overview of these wonderful creatures. The book is large sized and has wonderful color pictures. The text is easy to read for ages 9 and up and can be read aloud to younger kids, so the book works for whole families. There are all sorts of hands on projects, great little pieces about some famous dinosaur excavators and dinosaur moments in history. Of course all the information about how the shape of the continents took place, how fossils are made, the geological time, etc. is there and complete. We were really impressed with the ease in which we could gather information from the book.

I got this book as a gift. From the first page, I knew that I liked it! The detailed pictures show texture and are colorful. It is easy to read and understand. On each page there are different boxes with crafts you can do and interesting facts. (for example, some small carnivore dinosaurs ate their young when they were starving.)

I use this book for research in school and when I write stories. I have read it many times and it seems like it's new every time! If you know any kids that like to read and like dinosaurs, this is a book for them. There are exciting and surprising things on every page!

I found the book for the most part to be well written, sometimes full of fun, sometimes sad, but almost always with thoughtful experiences. The book is aimed at those of us who already accept the fact that there is a need to give more attention to other forms of life, and that the Earth is not ours to do what we want with. The book is a good buy at a very reasonable price. I can definitely recommend it -- it will provide several evenings of interesting and enjoyable reading.

Like any anthology, the quality of essays in this volume vary, but almost anyone who enjoys this genre will find several terrific and touching expositions here, including the two by Tobias (the editor) himself; a wide range of writers and approaches are included. For the most rigid of scientists or those who feel no instinctive connection to animals this book may fall short, but for all who do sense a certain oneness with those other species who share our planet this volume is an entertaining and intriguing read.

I found this book simply facinating. Although I didn't like all the essays, the majority were quite good. I especially enjoyed the essays on inter-species communication.

This was not a book about teaching how to relate to animals. It was more of an affirmation or testimony to people's personal experiences with animals.

I bought this book while in Boston and was eager to read it as I was unable to remember much of the course. Marathons kill brain cell, I guess. In the early chapters the author tells how he didn't qualify, but intended to run anyway. I could not keep this detail out of my mind. Part of the "Boston Experience" is qualifying. The book gives lots of information of the towns and neighborhoods along the course which is great. Skip the author's acount of his run. It upset me, since I worked and sweat to qualify for Boston. The guy wrote a book that is easy to read, but he never qualified or experienced the real Boston. Skip this book unless you can't find anything else.

I read this book as someone looking forward to doing his first Boston Marathon (20th overall) next April. I can't imagine a better introduction to subject. It is rich in history, anecdote and illustration. And its mile by mile "feel" for the course brings the event alive. I suspect it is the closest thing to a definitive book on the subject. But particularly I want to address the criticism (in one of these reviews) that it is written by a participant who didn't qualify for the event -- i.e., a "bandit." I agree (with the critic) that achieving a qualifying time is an important part of the experience. Doing a 3:42 marathon in Portland (Ore.), after my most diligent training ever, brought me my greatest thrill as a runner (at age 65!). But as a first-time marathoner, Michael Connelly conveys a delightful naivete and sense of wonder that by definition a "qualifying" marathoner couldn't. I found myself particularly looking forward to the italicized paragraphs begun with his initials "MPC:". Secondly, whether the Boston Athletic Association or any of the official runners likes it or not, "bandits" constitute a regular part of the landscape. It seems significant that the BAA, on the book's jacket, offers an endorsement of "26 Miles to Boston." One more thought: Three-time winner Uta Pippig of Germany, quoted throughout, comes across as such a classy, wonderful athlete and human being that her spirit ought to be bottled.

For a person who isn't into sports, I found this book delightful, very easy to read and quite educational. Mike Connelly is very witty and his descriptions of his experience make you feel like giving it a try

If you're an artist and like to draw and/or paint snakes like I do, I highly recommend this book. The photos are gorgeous references.

I found Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature informative; however, I wish it had been better organized. For example, it has a chapter on venomous snakes; a chapter on cobras, coral snakes, and their relatives; a chapter on seakraits and seasnakes; and a chapter on vipers, adders, and pitvipers. All these types of snakes (except maybe for some of the seasnakes) are poisonous. I hope I'm not sounding too presumptuous, like I'm interfering with the artistic process, but I would suggest that Harry Greene make venomous snakes a section in the book, with maybe some writings that cover all poisonous snakes and a picture or two of a snake striking or something, and put the other chapters in that section.

Mr. Greene also mentions certain snakes like the king cobra, but there are no pictures of them in this book! I really would have liked to see some.

Other than these things, I like Snakes.

This was the first time I ever ordered a book through 'Net and must say that Amazon's promised delivery period was bang on target. The book was in mint condition. Count me as very satisfied with the service. On with the review.

It was with much excitement as I unpacked the book, also another first as far as literature on snakes was concerned, and I have found it hard to put down ever since. The photos were excellent as well as the quality of the print. What "disappointed" me was the main focus on venomous species with almost perfunctory glimpses of non-venomous snakes. The author's fascination with venomous snakes is very evident and, in this respect, a wealth of information. However, if one's interests lies with non-venomous species, this book would be considered inadequate.

The above aside, I find this book to be most absorbing and lucid in its explanation of the various topics covered. I'd certainly recommend this book as a "must-have" for all avid herpers' libraries.

What I like about the book is that it is new, by an expert and wonderfully illustrated. What I don't like is that the book is heavily biased towards cladism and treatment of snake groups seems to be somewhat haphazard and poorly organised. Words like Uropeltidae do not occur in the index. Many groups are hard to find except using the genus rank and the accounts even for genera are sometimes scattered and the text is chatty though sometimes rambling. This is not an introduction to snakes and its target audience seems rather eclectic (beginners, experts or people inbetween?).

I am disappointed that traditional groupings and classifications have been totally ignored which makes this work hard to cross-reference against older works which do have those groups. The author does not propose his own system based on Linnean ranks or for that matter a well annotated cladogram (there is a rather abstract one at the front).

Undoubtedly informative, I feel that serpents and those interested in them have been descriptively let down, coming from an acknowledged expert. More warmth and better organisation could have helped as in the standard of such works as "Handbook of Birds of the World - Lynx Edicions".