The Peters took their avocation of loving and studying Virginia architecture and combined it with their vocation as historian and photographer to create this great resource. If you are the kind of person who wants to know the real details behind Virginia public architecture, this is the text to have on your shelf. You get an insider's play book into Thomas Jefferson's inspiration and influence, and which of his builders worked on what projects and why. You also get the nitty gritty of what the battles were like leading up to the structures becoming a reality. The color photos by John Peters are calendar quality, and even if you are not a Virginian, they crisply illustrate how the Old Dominion influenced municipal and governmental architecture all over the country,and maybe even in your own town or state.

John Cabot and the Matthew are to Newfoundlanders and Canadians what Christopher Columbus and the Santa Maria are to Americans. When the modern replica of Giovanni Caboto's (Cabot's Italian name) caravel Matthew visited our shores in 1997 to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the originals voyage, I was smitten! The fact that it was the 20th Century, and not the 15th, didn't detract from the realism of the reinactment of John Cabot's transatlantic crossing of 1497. The modern crew battled north atlantic gales, encountered icebergs and vast fogbanks, much as had Cabot's crew of 500 years previous. On June 24th, 1997 amidst freezing temperatures and a howling gale, 500 years to the day after the original Matthew landed in Bonavista, the modern replica sailed out of a fog bank at landed at the very spot where Cabot reportedly first sighted land! After 53 days at sea in oftentimes trying conditions, the mostly novice crew, ranging in age from 20 years to 77, managed to sail their tiny replica ship from Bristol, England to Newfoundland and into the hearts of all Newfoundlanders. Fisrstbrook's book chronicles the birth of the idea for the recreation of Cabot's historic voyage through to the ships design and construction and her sea trials in 1996/97. Also, the book deals with the medeival world of late 15th century Europe that spawned such explorers as Columbus, Cabot and Corte Real as well as the historical facts surrounding Cabot's three voyages. Firstbrook also entertains the various theories dealing with Cabot's subsequent disappearance during his mysterious and ill-fated third voyage of 1498. For anyone interested in sailing ships, or history, or just an interesting read, this is an excellent book. The book is a companion to a BBC TV documentary which coincided with the Matthew replica's voyage in May/June of 1997. I haven't had the opportunity to see this series, as it has yet to be carried by local television unfortunately. For those who may tend towards the actual adventure of sailing a replica of a 15th century caravel across the stormy North Atlantic during one of the worst times of the year, I recommend "Bound Down for Newfoundland; the Diary of a Young Seaman Aboard the Matthew" by crewman Chris Legrow. You'll feel the stiff salt breeze reading this one!

"The Vultures of Africa" is a comprehensive guide to the eleven species of vulture found on the continent. This book covers not only the natural history and behavior of the individual species but looks at the group as a whole. In addition, comparisons and contrasts are made between the species. The interrelationship between vulture and man is also covered as well as conservation issues which concern these birds. A high informative book on the subject and is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in these unique birds.

This is one of the best books on the planet. The author has succesfully put into words the personal rewards people recieve when they donate their time or other resources. I feel compelled to get involved in some project asap when I open this book. Like the other books in the Life 101 series, you can read this book through or open to any page for inspiration or meditation. Many books about success emphasize giving as essential to personal success; this book clarifies that and motivates readers to share themselves.

...another of the great Life 101 Series Peter McWilliams (this is with John-Roger) is over 500 pages of solid gold advice and affirmations. The authors define wealth (40 pages of ways of looking at life), then money--and how important it is in the overall scheme of things. They show you how to enjoy what you already have...the section "You Can Have Anything You Want, but you Can't have Everything You Want" is kind of a summary statement for the entire journey presented here, but then the authors tell you, "Obtaining Is Easy; Maintaining is Hard"...they suggest that it is all an Inside Job. One which requires a bit of maintenance. They then tell you how to get more of anything you want. Money. Popularity. How to win the Powerball. (Just kidding on that last item.) Well, if they don't have the "How to" on winning the Powerball, they have the "How to" on how to enjoy the winnings. Every other page is an appropriate quote to suit the
writers' text and one can find enjoyment out of reading these alone if one is so inclined. Oprah Winfrey gives the gist of the
authors' major intention. She says "Before I had money I was really quite happy. And, I will tell you this...I never would have gotten the money If I wasn't happy to begin with". Again, it is written with those who are Brain Numb (like I am) in mind. Even if you don't become wealthy overnight, you would have taken a step in the right direction to achieve wealth and financial stability by getting this great book.

Any saltwater fly fisherman will recieve alot of pleasure from this book. Excellant accounts of flats fishing in the keys along with wonderful photography makes this a great coffee table book that actually has substance. Once you enjoy this book, you will purchase another as a gift for a fellow angler.

This story about Christopher Columbus is told through the eyes of a fictional cabin boy. The book also includes notes from the author and photographer who retraced Columbus' route, bringing the story to life.

This book is simple to follow and to learn from, it was just like following the dots from a childs book! This book sits on my desk and is within arms reach for me to use if I need it. The netMeeting part was my main reason for buying this book, however it has proven to me, to be a much needed asset in my growing computer book collection.

This is a terrific book. My dad bought it for me after I finished my first year in college. It is filled with wonderful essays geared toward the general public on a wide range of interesting topics

The book was very informative and it gives you alot of information on the last three popes that the roman cathlolic church has had.