This well-written, extremely thorough book takes the reader through the steps needed to build your own large Dobsonian telescope. More than a simple cookbook-type how-to book, the book takes you into the reason and motivation behind design details so you can make your own trade-offs for your own needs.

The book also takes you through the steps of building an 8 inch Dobsonian for your "small" telescope with the same detail and precision.

I am not a hard-core ATM, but read the book to understand the design and construction of Dobsonians in general, and to get an idea of how to make my own small, 8 inch Dob work better.

The book can be read at least 2 different ways: First, how to construct a large Dobsonian telescope. Second, what to look for when *buying* a large Dobsonian telescope. While the book makes the design, building, and construction of a large Dob seem both exciting and interesting, the entire time I read the book, I teetered between getting enthusiastic about building my own telescope, and the sinking feeling of truly understanding the enormous number of considerations, trade-offs, and important apparently minor details that make the difference between a good telescope and a great one. With all that goes into making a good telescope, you might be better off just buying a good quality telescope.

I recommend this book to owners of *all* size Dobsonians as an aid to truly understanding the Dobsonian design for both using, and modifying your own telescope. And to be clear, you *will* modify your telescope, even if it's just adding a finder and having to rebalance the scope. Contains and excellent section on collimation.

Excellent book and a joy to read! I am currently grinding a 8" mirror and bought this book for the 8" plans which are surprisingly compact. Kriege goes into detail on how to build a truss tube Dobsonian for larger apertures and leaves the reader with no questions due to the great explanations and pictures. Other strong points include very informative and up to date discussions on materials used to build today's modern Dobsonian telescope. My only argument is the author discourages grinding your own mirror which has been a great experience for myself and I am glad I did not listen to other astronomers who have the same view as Kriege. The selling point of Kriege's "Dobsonian Telescope" for myself include the plans for a small telescope (8") plus plans for larger scopes that will fill my aperture fever needs later. Both criteria have been met and I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in building any size Dobsonian telescope.

Excellent, interesting, and practical treatment of how you can build a state of the art, large to "giant"(8" to 40"+ aperture!) portable telescope. Uses the right amount of thorough well written engineering theory to justify the surprisingly simple component designs, materials, and construction techniques. The authors clearly want you to succeed. If your contemplating building a telescope based on your preconceptions, forget them, and read this book. The dobsonian approach featured here is a relatively recent major breakthrough in telescope design that few in the general public are aware exists. I can't imagine a "hotter" garage project for a dad to get into with his son or daughter.

Natsama loves visiting his grandmother, Holima, the medicine woman. On his seventh birthday, she tells him about dreambirds. "At the beginning and ending of every day, dreambirds spread their wings. One wing reaches out to the sun, and the other reaches out to the moon. Whoever finds a dreambird receives a great gift." As the seasons come and go, Natsama never forgets his grandmother's story about dreambirds. Determined to find a dreambird and claim his gift, he seeks out the best hunters in his village, who teach him the ways of animals, birds and fish. In his search for the dreambird, Natsama overcomes many obstacles and finally discovers the power and wonder of his own spirit. Jody Bergsma's beautiful, powerful artwork perfectly compliments David Ogden's uniquely engaging story.

Natsama loves visiting his grandmother, Holima, the medicine woman. On his seventh birthday, she tells him about dreambirds. "At the beginning and ending of every day, dreambirds spread their wings. One wing reaches out ot the sun and the other reaches out to the moon. Whoever finds a dreambird receives a great gift." As the season come and go, Natsama never forgets his grandmother's story about dreambirds. Determined to find a dreambird and claim his gift, he seeks out the best hunters in his village, who teach him the ways of animals, birds and fish. In his search for the dreambird, Natsam overcomes many obstacles and finally discovers the power and wonder of his own spirit. Jody Bergsma's beautiful, powerful artwork perfectly compliments David Ogden's unique and engaging story.

Dreambirds probably is too abstract for young children to enjoy, but upper-grade schoolchildren might find their imaginations kindled by this purposely didactic tale.

Author David Ogden's New Age-tinged myth was inspired in part by American Indian lore: At the fire of his medicine woman grandmother, young Natsama learns about the existence of dreambirds that confer great gifts. He vows to find one himself and perfects many hunting skills before setting off on his search. His pursuits are frustrated, however, until he realizes that the quest is not an external one. Instead he must reach inside himself, to "embrace the power and wonder of my own spirit."

This well-intentioned but rather sanctimonious story lacks the subtle wit that often can be found in authentic American Indian tales. However, the companion watercolor illustrations, clearly influenced by Northwest Coast Indian designs, are intriguing and complex.

Bellingham artist Jody Bergsma relies on a somber palette of dark blues, rich browns, and deep grays to conjure images invested with symbolism. Wolves, ravens, owls and eagles range and soar across these lavish full-page spreads. Often a second, smaller illustration is inset in the first, creating another layer of meaning and a thoroughly involving visual experience.

Bellevue publisher Illumination Arts deserves praise for producing a beautiful book. It's a pity the story doesn't quite measure up--the rest is a top-flight effort.

Dancing on Quicksand was an incredibly inspirational book. Reading it has made me want to be a better person, listen more carefully, to love others unconditionally, to work harder at loving others where they are. In a culture where we want to get rid of anything difficult, it was refreshing to see what Marilyn Mitchell gained by sticking with David and loving him through his illness. Although this is a book about a person who has helped someone with dementia, it is far more than that. It is a book about what real love looks like. I am just about to open up my copy one more time and read it again. Thanks Marilyn for sharing this rich experience with us!

Marilyn Mitchell teaches us a compelling lesson. Regardless of a person's mental or physical condition, there are always means to express love, to exhibit respect, to offer support and to nurture. Mitchell always finds a way, in spite of David Touff's persistent slide into dementia. She captivates the reader as she recollects their "adventures" together. She encourages David to continue to savor the magnificence of life, in spite of his progressing disability, and in turn, he responds by dazzling her with his spontaneous moments of brilliant lucidity. The difficult challenges of life are recounted in their "dance" together, although she never fails to find grace in each hour she spends with him. This, in spite of the fact that during their eight years together, David has never recalled her name. Marilyn Mitchell teaches us about dignity and the grandeur of the human spirit. She is an inspiration. I didn't want this book to end.

A friend recommended this book to me, and after seeing what it was about, my first reaction was to pass. I was expecting a heavy and depressing memoir about caring for the aging. In fact, it's a sprightly and life-affirming story about the continuity of love. First of all, David Touff is no ordinary dementia patient. He has lived a remarkable life as a businessman, community leader, and world traveler, and his kindness, sense of humor, and vitality are keenly observed and vividly brought to life. Even more importantly, author Marilyn Mitchell is no ordinary caregiver. Mitchell was originally hired to provide "adventures" for David, and these adventures, which take place throughout the city of Denver, keep the narrative fluid and interesting. She repeatedly engages David with a remarkable zest and creativity that is both a lot of fun to read about and an outstanding example for people caring for a friend or relative suffering from dementia. Mitchell always gives David the benefit of the doubt, and where other people might dwell on what he can't do or remember, she always finds a surprising cogency and consistency with his core personality.

What emerges in the end is the story of an improbably intimate relationship between two very different people. Dementia is a disease that I wouldn't wish on anyone, but I came away from this book less afraid of it than I used to be. I know now that love between two people can persist in the face of severe memory loss.

My copy recently arrived and I'm greatly impressed. I'd first heard of this book from its web site, but nothing seemed to be happening there so I'd assumed the project had failed. Suddenly, while searching for photography books, up it pops. I had to get a copy. It has a great range of photos which really capture the feel of a world in celebration. The range of people featured makes it great to pass from page to page and dip back into the new year

I first heard about this project through a colleague in the publishing industry. Apparently this renegade group of people (from Toronto I think) put together this whole thing completely on their own, after everyone in the publishing industry turned them down. They went ahead with it anyway and organized the whole thing on the Internet using amateur and enthusiast photographers from around the world. I was skeptical of what the final quality would be like but decided to order one to see for myself. I have to say I was blown away when the book arrived in the post. The pictures are astounding and very very different from any photography book I've ever seen before. They are incredibly 'real' - that's the best way I can think of describing it. Lots of ordinary people getting ready to go out, meeting up with old friends, celebrating at home, praying and so on. Basically the book is a visual feast that focuses heavily on the human experience. It is simply fascinating to see how different people from all different cultures and backgrounds celebrated the same event. My favourite photo is of a Masai tribesman standing on the plains of Kenya, where the human species is thought to have first evolved. It is a stunning and poignant image that should perhaps have been considered for the cover. But that is only a very minor criticism of what is overall an astounding achievement. The top art book publishers in the world (Phaidon? Taschen?) would have been immensely proud to have put a book like this together. The fact that a bunch of amateurs did it on their own makes it all the more remarkable. Whoever in the publishing industry turned this project done must have been out of their minds. Kudos to the sheer guts of the people who went ahead and did it anyway! Bravo!

Dawn of the 21st Century is a phenomenal photographic expression of the 24 hours surrounding the change of the millennium. A tremendous project undertaken by one man(Alx Klive) and his volunteers to collect and cull the best of over a quarter of a million pictures taken by thousands of photographers as the millennium dawned over a year ago. The pictures, however, remain timeless and serve to remind us what a wonderful art photography is for capturing an eternal moment. I'm proud to have been chosen as one of the Millennium Photo Project photographers and hope that you enjoy the book as much as we enjoyed producing it.

Halberstam really gets into the minds & hearts and gives names and faces and histories to these traditionally anonymous competitors. Very deep and probing and moving, and the racing/action scenes are well-written. Glad to see a focus on a minor sport, where the athletes aren't stars or icons (unlike Halberstam's latest offering on Jordan).I compete in lifeguard rowing events--much different style of rowing than sculling, but I use an ergometer to help train. While reading this book my 2500 meter erg times dropped by 10 seconds or more, not from any form or style tips but just by recalling the focus, dedication and motivation of Halberstam's rowers.

This is easily the best "sports" book I have ever read. On the recommendation of a close friend and former Harvard rower, I dove into this book thinking only that I would know a few stories about a sport burried in the agate type of a few sports pages. I was wrong. As a competitive marathon runner, I related to everyone in this book. I know what Tiff Wood goes through every morning with his training. I understand why he does what he does to the dismay of family, friends, and teachers. Why would someone with an Ivy League education waste all that to row in relative obscurity? Why place money, family, and the other trappings of "normal" American life on hold? Because. Because some people aspire to things a little more than measly paper. Because some want to accomplish things. Because some haven't given up on dreams.

Reading this book gives one a complete idea on what it is like row and how it can take over one's life. It shows what dedication a rower has to this sport. This book also shows the disappointment and pain that is experienced during the course of one's rowing career.

Used this book during a visit to the ancient sites of Egypt and found it superb as an extension of the information provided by local guides. Really helped to bring ancient Egypt alive, even returned with a replica of the blue hippopotamus shown on page 219. Occasional cross reference errors such as Page 115 ref to 'illustration, p126' is actually on p122, and (I think) ref to tomb of Ramesses IV on p114 should read Ramesses VI, having visited the actual tomb in The Valley of the Kings. This however did not detract from the overall superb value including first class details of Egypts real treasures,'The Temple of Karnak' p208-208 and 'Inside the Great Pyramid' p182-183. These diagrams alone make the book worth taking on a visit.

I have read many a book on Ancient Egypt.This is one of my personal favorites.David Siverman filled this book with everything on Ancient Egypt. Any Ancient Egypt fan (like me) will enjoy reading it.

David Silverman, author of several fine books as well as Curator of the Egyptian Collection at the University of Pennsylvania Museum, has made a major contribution to the literature in this comprehensive, engagingly written and well-illustrated volume. I have to admit a bias, since I studied hieroglyphics in one of his classes at the University of Chicago a while ago. His enthusiasm and knowledge shine forth in this mature work, which draws on the talents of the best people in the field today. I would give this book a ten-star rating!

I bought this book as a birthday gift for my fiance. We have been together over 2 years and are getting married in about 100 days.

I thought that this book would be very sweet if I filled out everything up to the wedding/marriage part. However, I think that this book might be a bit hokey if just bought and given to someone blank. However, if you're willing to start filling it out, it gives your companion an interesting way to look at memories and will encourage him/her to fill it out further.

I would not suggest getting this book if you are only dating or if you are newly dating: it defines and confines your relationship too much. But this is a great book if you are a couple who are not always together. My fiance lives in England, and we often enjoy sharing memories of our courtship, our vacations, etc. This is a perfect way for your partner to hear your voice and cherish memories when he/she is alone, or when you are unavailable.

A good gift for someone/a couple who is romantic, nostalgic, and interested in a little project or creativity.

I have several friends getting married this Spring so I've been looking for inexpensive yet nice, thoughtful gifts. This book really fits the bill. I'm buying one for all the showers I'm going to. It's a wonderful way to show your support for the couple's future together. It's a lovely, touching book that shows you care.

This is great! I was looking for something unique for my husband for our upcoming Anniversary (on Valentines Day). I wanted to do something more than a box of chocolates. I can't wait to present my beloved with this nice-looking journal, all filled out with the many wonderful memories and stories of our courtship, wedding, early years and now middle years together. The prompts on each page really helped get my memories flowing, so it was easy to fill out. What a great way to say I LOVE YOU!

A true gem of a book, dealing with a subject that is much overlooked. As the inspiration for Orwell's 1984 revising history, it is a chilling look at early Soviet attempts to rewrite history by erasing people from photos. Watching a photo of 5 men dwindle down to a picture of one as the others are disgraced, imprisoned, killed and then erased is just mindblowing!

Whether you are a fan of Soviet history (i'm not) or not, the cold war touched us all and this book documents it in the entirety

This book is fascinating. I really appreciate the explanation of the individuals involved, as most people are not familiar with all the enemies of Stalin who were victims of the man and his underlings' airbrush.

The alterations of photographs are at times sophisticated, but at other times so clumsy it reveals that even the Soviet propaganda machine, in the middle of Stalinist terror, would slip into "government work" syndrome. I suppose even Soviets get senioritis.

The book also reminds me of a personal experience. In around 1979, (communist) China invaded (communist) Vietnam. A high-ranking Vietnamese Communist Party official, Hoang Van Hoan, defected to Beijing. That year, I attended an exhibit of photographs. There's a picture of the Vietnamese Politburo, and to one side, there's a blacked-out shadow of an absent member. I was only 15 years old, but smart enough to realize that that was where Hoang Van Hoan stood.

That was thirty years after Stalin died, in a country thousands of miles away.

How a dictator's legacy can reach so long and so far.

Amazing.

What would it take to make Hell on earth seem real to you? This profoundly disturbing book had that effect for me.

It might be possible to view this book as humorous. Mr. King's years of patient scholarship have unearthed unmarred originals of photographs that he presents with little or no comment next to what are frequently crudely butchered falsifications of those who fell out of favor with Stalin. Particularly in the age of computer photomanipulation, the alterations are initially comical to twenty-first century eyes.

As one works through the book, however, the comic effect is obliterated by mute evidence of the sheer numbers of people who were expunged year after year from the historical record. Particularly frightening are the official portraits self-censored by relatives of the now-deceased in hopes of forestalling the same fate.

Although not strictly a falsification, of particular interest to me was a picture of the document officially expelling Leon Trotsky from the Communist Party, complete with angry annotations in the margin by Comrade Trotsky himself.

I'd like to believe that the very existence of this book and its photographic record, despite the Soviet attempt of many years to rewrite history, proves that no regime can stifle all unflattering facts about itself for all time. But then I wonder in how many cases, about how many people, they might have been successful. By all means, read this book. Be a witness. Remember the dead. But be warned. The stuff of this history is indeed the stuff of nightmares.

This beautifully crafted novel tells an amazing story about two people who are opposites in so many ways but who nonetheless fall deeply in love with each other. The fact that they are opposites -- she is a yuppy/socialite from Washington, D.C. and he is an eccentric farmer from Appalachia -- is exactly what allows their crazy (and perfect) love to develop. When she is terribly traumatized and reacts in an uncontrolled manner that would drive any normal man away, he is there for her . . . as solid and constant as a rock. And she returns the favor by having the intelligence and sensitivity to see his eccentricities (perceived by most others as the actions of a retarded madman) as interesting character traits that make him a unique individual.

These are all great concepts, of course, and "Crazy Love" is not the first novel to explore them. What sets this novel apart from others is the way David Martin describes the characters and tells the story . . . by the end, you will feel as though you know these people closely and have experienced life with them for a snapshot of time. And that is why this novel will break your heart, mend it, and send you off filled with hope.

This book was one of the most touching sweet stories I've ever read. It's not many books that make me cry, but the last chapter had me sobbing. It was a wonderful story!! It totally beats The Corrections which is on the best seller list and which I could not even get into. READ CRAZY LOVE - ITS THE BEST BOOK!

I am a voracious reader, and love all different kinds of fiction.
This is one of the best books I have EVER read. I will count Mr. Martin as a new favorite author. I can't wait to read his work again!
I cannot remember the last time I read a book that made me cry - not just mist up - but actually boo hoo, sniffle and get all red-nosed!
I just finished this book over the weekend and I am going to get it for my sisters.
What an amazing gift David Martin has.

I saw this book in a bookstore in Atlanta, Ga over 17 years ago in it's first edition. While I had not been impressed with other "How to 'do' psychic stuff" books, and was also under considerable parental pressure not to acquire more (being a young and "impressionable" teen at the time), a cursory read of the text showed what appeared to be quite simple instructions and a fascinating breadth of supposed psychic abilities covered. So, impressed, I snuck up to the counter when my Mom wasnt looking and bought it.

As other reviewers have noted, the most amazing fact about this book is that you start seeing results from the moment you put its techniques into practice. You will have some degree of success with everything mentioned in the book, from seeing auras to table tipping. There will be points during practice of the excercises when you make a breakthrough, and your hair will literally stand on end.

As one of the most easily accessible texts on psychic abilities I have ever encountered, it is indeed a shame that this text has gone out of print. Having said this, a more widespread reading of the text and practice of the excercises would no doubt make many of the "extraordinary" abilities listed in the book become downright commonplace. The author, and the book, are really that good!

This book literally saved the life of a loved one in "impossible"
circumstances twice! Thats only 2 of the things that its done
for me. An amazing little book by a man who's been President of
a few different American psychic societies and has a way of coming across which is so down to earth and easy to approach that your level of education doesn't matter. I think thats great.

I also think its amazing the number of books on Amazon and [another store] on this subject that don't get as nearly as many reviews from folks telling you how THEY got specific results from the use of this little book.

I've read many of St. Clair's books and was inspired to create a FREE MSN (microsoft network) community dedicated to him and his books. There are many books out there more sophisticated and prestigious but few that will get you the RESULTS you want as quick or as successfully. That's a rare talent. Thanks David!!

I have always suspected a tad of psychic ability in my bloodlines. After reading this book i can attest to the fact that WE ALL DO! It is a known fact that we use only 10% OF OUR BRAIN! This book gives much insight on how we can use the other 90% to benefit our physical lives as well as our spiritual lives. It is not magic and it is not spells. It is nature! EVERYONE HAS THE POWER and this book shows you step by step, precisely how to use it. This is the first piece of literature i have bothered to read on the subject and after getting "hooked" i can find no other which can compare to the genuis of Mr. St. Clair. For the Doubting Thomases of psychic phenomena, this book is a MUST!