My husband and I were traveling by motorhome through the Southwest this winter. I bought this guide and it made our trip to New Mexico so much more meaningful. It provides exactly the kind of cultural and historical context I like to have in a very user friendly format. I have used other guides including Insight, Smithsonian, Mobil, etc. If the others in the series are as well done, this will be my guide of choice. It also has beautiful photos and helpful maps.

Hey amazon! There's a new edition of this book (actually there have been 2.....) The newest comes out in February, with completely updated info and pictures. You should order it!

This is the second book that I throw my serious students after I make them read the Voyage. While the subject is serious, there is more than a hint of play throughout, and one can just imagine Darwin observing his own children for clues to discuss as each chapter unfolds. Although this book is of course not nearly as important as the Origin or even Descent, it is essentially part of the Long Argument, and is a great way of bringing behavioural topics to the fore in any discussion of evolution. A pity it is that many modern popularizers of "evolutionary psychology" seem to have missed parts of the form and substance that Darwin expresses here.

Ever since I received Paul EkmanÕs new edition of DarwinÕs classic work, the book has been my constant companion. I carry it with me from room to room, picking it up to read whenever I have a few minutes.

You can open to just about any page and discover yet another gem. Whether you find a bit to read by chance, or whether you like to be guided by the fascinating table of contents and index, or whether you prefer to begin at the beginning, Darwin is always interesting and accessible. In view of our troubled world, I find it helpful to remember that empathy is an essential part of human and animal nature. It seems the study of emotion must lead us toward a deeper understanding of these universal, powerful forces that energize and transform our lives.

ÒExpressionÓ is really an old friend. As a young dance therapist in the 1960s, I was impressed first by DarwinÕs ability to describe the dynamic process of expressive movement. Obviously it is the emotions that motivate and shape the way we move. I learned then that his observations were gathered over a period of 30 years. His subjects included not only all kinds of animals, but also human infants, children and adults from every walk of life and from many different cultures. He approached the study of emotional expression from the perspective of art, literature and inner experience, as well as from muscles and the nervous system. Although it was first published over 125 years ago (1872) DarwinÕs work continues to inspire and inform contemporary research in many fields.

The new edition is simply outstanding. Paul EkmanÕs editing is clearly a Òlabor of love,Ó and at the same time a thorough, original scholarly contribution. I particularly like the way he places DarwinÕs work in a cultural and social/political context. EkmanÕs commentary offers rich resources as he quietly updates, re-frames or differs, yet more than anything, confirms and extends DarwinÕs observations. It is as if Ekman and Darwin were engaged in a kind of dialogue, each learning from the other. Thereader is a privileged witness.

Joan Chodorow

In the midst of a very terrible time in my life, I stumbled across this book. It blew me away. I have read many, many books on suffering and dealing with life's tragedies. This one is different in that it does not simply regurgitate the standard pat answers to why suffering exists and what to do when it happens ("Trials are actually a blessing! They'll make you a better person! Embrace them!" -- Give me a break.). Joel Freeman avoids preachy, sanctimonious language and never gets condescending. He gives you practical strategies for dealing with not only suffering and grief but the accompanying feelings of unfairness and "God's absence" that go along with these. My faith in God was strenghthened by my having read this book.

Sometimes life isn't fair, but we expect it to be...why else would we be so angry and hurt when it isn't. We wonder:

* If God is a God of love, why is there so much suffering in the world?
* Why do the wicked seem to prosper?
* Why do terrible things seem to happen to nice people?
* Why does life have to hurt so much?
* Isn't there an easier way to grow?
* Can any meaning be found in suffering?

Endorsed by the likes of Joni Eareckson Tada, Billy Graham, Paul Meier and others, When Life Isn't Fair: Making Sense Out of Suffering (Hardcover, 144 pages) presents helpful insight, poignant stories and touches of humor in revealing a biblical perspective on these questions. Written in a highly readable and thought-provoking style, author Joel A. Freeman, Ph.D. encourages readers to seek a greater understanding of their feelings through personal reflection. He also prompts discussion about their expectations of themselves, others and God.

Published by New leaf Press as part of the Trusting the Master series, Dr. Freeman's newly revised and reprinted book contains Bible verses that speak to specific situations. Drawing on his years of experience in counseling people through their grief and suffering, Dr. Freeman provides a framework upon which can be found true, lasting peace and security.

As a State of Maryland Board Certified Professional Counselor, Joel A. Freeman, Ph.D. holds a Master of Science degree in counseling from Loyola College (Baltimore) and also a Ph.D. in the same discipline. He served as mentor/chaplain for the NBA Washington Wizards for 19 years ('79-'98). As president of The Freeman Institute™, Dr. Freeman conducts team building/leadership/diversity/change management initiatives for leaders of other nations, government agencies, corporations and faith-based organizations. Joel and his family reside in Maryland.

I loved this book. It gives an inside look into the life of Rachel Carson. You get a sence of who she was and her passion for nature. I recomend it.

This is a really cool bit by Darwin, who spent some serious time observing earthworms. He made his friends help him sometimes too, it seems. Ninety-five bucks is a lot of money though. Check a univerity library or something and Xerox it.

I have started reading a lot of historical fiction and nonfiction, and have found Haywood's Altas to be very useful. It works well as an introduction, being quite readable and succinct. In addition, it is an excellent reference to use when reading nonfiction tombs that presume we all know where all the Hittites came from, or how the Illyrians migrated to Italy. Just easily finding Zhou, or Thrace on a map has been a big help for me. A good atlas, well worth the reasonably price.

Just returned from Malaysia and purchased the book in Kuala Lumpur thinking that it might not be available in US. Large format with photos of nearly 50 photographers many tops in their field. The text is informative and the pix exquisite.

I read this book when it originally came out. Now, with a few of my friends trying to come off the smoking wagon, I am sending copies of this for them to read in hilarity, and to kill time when they would otherwise be puffing. I truly enjoy Paul's books, and anxiously await "Kill Spike".

Smoke Jumpers should be REQUIRED reading. It is an educational insight of just what the people of the United States are doing to themselves. Mr. Freeman's knowledge, intertwined with common sense, and insight has in a sense become the New Nostradamus. The Catch-22 is THIS Nostradamus will be proven correct if we keep on the track we are now riding.

Smoke Jumpers is NOT Politically Correct (thank god), but it IS the truth. Elected officials and corporate heads should read it, they might learn something. Smoke Jumpers should be read by everyone who has ever had a question, in other words, all of us. We may learn something also. There is nothing between the lines, it is right there in front of you.

Reality! What a concept.

My compliments to Mr. Freeman on an excellent work of fiction, that may soon pass to Non-fiction.

If you enjoy the pointed sarcasim of Kurt Vonnegut and the the futuristic thinking that made George Orwell's pig-farm a bastion of individual thought and liberty, then you'll want to read this book. You'll find yourself checking the book's cover and asking, "...when did he write this...?" A great job, easily readable in one sitting, but you'll want to take a little longer, just to savor the characters, witt and scarcasm.

I don't have the inner or outer peace to meditate but I still found this book very helpful and inspiring as a daily devotional. It gives very valuable insights about coming to the presence of Jesus whether or not one is practicing the art of meditation.

Father John Main (1926-1982) was an Irish Benedictine monk raised in England who was instrumental in renewing interest in the living tradition of Christian Meditation. His work is being carried on by his friend and successor, Father Laurence Freeman (who provides the introduction to this book). It is edited by Paul Harris (also one of the founding members of the World Community for Christian Meditation, a non-profit organization based on the teachings of Father John). It consists of 365 readings--usually about 2-3 paragraphs in length--from the many books and lectures of Father John. These readings can be used devotionally or for basic instruction on the method recommended by Father John for Christian meditation, which is based on the repetition of the mantra [sacred word] "Maranatha"--which means, translated from the ancient Semitic language of Aramaic, "Come, Lord." The only reservation I would express is that, as rich and varied as these selections are, seekers would perhaps be more completely served in taking up his full published works, e.g. WORD INTO SILENCE. Fortunately for us, his writings are coming back into print (newly published by Continuum). This book is a fine introduction to the thought and teachings of Father John Main. It does come highly recommended.

I agree with the other reviews that the book has a stunning layout.

But I have a problem with comments such as "no one had had the sense to design a clock face at that time." Conversational levity is understandable; condescension is not.

Design, technology, and knowledge are long processes of building on what previously existed. They also depend on specific needs and available materials, how inventions are passed along, how easy it is to change a design standard of the time, and sometimes on mere coincidence or powerful institutions. Simply saying "no one had the sense" is unnecessarily condescending and places us on a plane of intelligence and cleverness that misses the whole point of where design has been before us (which is integral to any history of design).

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond (esp. Part II) is an excellent example of looking at history and prehistory in terms of how and why certain things developed where and when they did (ie looking at the process) instead of attributing our current level of achievement to our supposed higher level of smartness.

For example, Design (A Crash Course) says that it took a long time before an iron-bladed plow was invented, "but they got there in the end." Why is there an "end" to invention in this area, and when is the "end" anyway?? The 1900s, 2000, 2003? Again, it unnecessarily scoffs at the process of getting there and just isn't a professional or open-minded approach to history.

the book's grid is cool and entertaining. the layout is very proffesional and i had many laughs examining the different objects described. recommanded to all design lovers. and if you are interested in graphic design too, a must have title is david carson's "the end of print" -isbn 1811811999.

'Good design is intelligence made visible' said Frank Pick, he was the man who had the vision to create one of the greatest corporate identities ever, for London Transport, while he was their commercial manager. Look through this little book and you will see how true that statement is. What I like about it (and the others in this 'A Crash Course' series) is the way each spread is beautifully designed with several graphic elements, a Timeline across the top, a Designer Names panel, an Every Home Should Have One panel, photos and illustrations with the headlines, captions and text, to make a visual treat.

The book starts at Year Dot (the writing has a sense of fun too) and chronologically goes up to 2000 with all kinds of design references, William Morris on page 42, Barbie dolls on page 113, packaging, product design, logos, print media, electronics, transport, the text weaves them all together. As with the best reference books it stimulates questions and the 'I want to know more' attitude.

The back of the book has some pages on Design Classics, Design Heroes (including mine, Raymond Loewy and Dieter Rams) a Glossary and an Index. You should also check out a book (also pocket size ) called 'Design: A Concise History' by Thomas Hauffe, it was originally published in Germany and covers the same ground with plenty of illustrations but doesn't have the same kind of fun as 'Design'. A much more serious book is 'Design of the 20th Century' by Charlotte and Peter Fiell, a big, chunky 768 page paperback with over four hundred entries of designers and design movements, plus plenty of photos. It is the only book that I have found that names Willie Fleckhaus and his work on that amazing German magazine 'Twen' in the sixties. If you are interested in design all three books are worth having and they are all value for money.