This work is the Gold Standard to which all other Exercise Physiology books are measured. I was introduced to the Second Edition of the book in an entry-level class in Graduate school. To this day I find it a necessary reference from my library.

Personally, the most useful information to me is on Energetics as it pertains to athletics, training adaptations, exercise testing and prescription. I use this information to help me decide how to train athletes from different sports. But, there is so much more than that in this book. Metabolism, Ventilation, Heart and Circulation (including CVD) is all covered thoroughly.

I especially like Brooks' approach to physiology. Brooks, likes to examine physiology by studying the rate-limiting processes. And to a coach, like me, finding weakness and improving that weakness is crucial to winning. Another topic I enjoy is Brooks' take on the misnomer of Anaerobic Threshold and Lactic Acid.

It's an extremely well-organized, well-written text. It's easy to read and a challenge at the same time. Brooks makes you think and delivers difficult information in a way that is easier to understand than other textbooks.

Eric Swannie, MA, ATC, CSCS

I received both my B.S., and M.S. in Exercise Biochemistry from Univ. of Mass, and Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, respectively. My former advisor studied under Brooks at Berkely (He received his Doctorate there). In any event the approach our department undertook towards exercise biochemistry/physiology was at the cell and molecular level. Brooks text was central to the program. What is great about the book, is that it explains complicated biochemical processes in easy to understand language and places it in the context of applied physiology. The book stacks up to classic texts like Molecular Biology of the Cell (Albert, Bray, Lewis), and many of the classic biochemistry texts. In my opinion it is far superior to texts by McArdle & Katch, or Textbook of Work Physiology (author escapes me, for now).

I would have to agree with most experts in this field, that Brooks did a smashing job when writing this text. His chapters on bioenergetics are superlatively done. Outstanding graphs, analogies ,coupled with an eazy to understand vennacular. The chapter on bioenergetics is extremly lucid when explaining the esoteric aspects of coupled energy metabolism and muscle performance. Brad Nindl from (Penn State University) and Dr. Paul Arciero (Skidmore College) still utlize his text, and often refere to his chapters on energy metabolism and exercise. Many of our lively discussions and research ideas were spurred by Brooks text. Not only does this text service as an outstanding learning tool, when learning the basic concepts of exercie physiology, but acts as a catalyst for innovative ideas for new research. The references are all up to date, providing eazy access to "cutting-edge" researchers. His chapters on cardiovascular physiology are well organized and follow the same lucid format of the previous chapters, however, i wish he included information on the newer developments in cardiovascular physiology and exercise, such as the work being currently conducted on signial transduction and on the dysregualtion of the sacroplasmic reticulum during CHF etc.. Overall i would recommand this textbook to any serious student, scholar, physician or allied health professional who is wishing to futher their understanding of this fastinating subject. I am currently using his text as a major ref. for preparing for part I of the USMLE!! Yours In Great Learning

This is a great book for those who want to carry a concise reference on fishing. The book is easy to read and locating information is no problem.
I try to not leave home without a copy!

"Golden Books" were great for my children and grandchildren, and now their "Fishing", "A Guide To Fresh and Salt-water", book helps me with salt-water fish identification and tackle preparation. I have recently relocated to the S.C. coast and do a lot of salt-water fishing. With all of the rules and regulations relative to fish size and limits, "Fishing" comes in handy in identifying the fish caught so as not to run afoul of the "man" by having the wrong fish in the creel.

A powerful, pocket-sized introduction to the wide world of fishing. Excellent, extensive illustrations. I loved this book when I was a kid, and it still holds up well. I recommend it for anyone, child or adult, who is new to the angling arts.

As secretary/treasurer of the Facial Pain Section of the Dutch Association of Headache Patients (NVvHP), and being a sufferer of facial pain myself, I would like to state that this is the best and most complete book for "laymen" that has ever been published about typical trigeminal neuralgia and all atypical facial pains. I completely agree with the other reviewer's opinions given below. Furthermore, it has been written in very clear English. Therefore, I can recommend this book also to patients (and their relatives) in The Netherlands and in other "non-anglosaxian" countries. I wrote this recommendation also in "Hoofdzaken", the Magazine for headache and facial pain patients in the Netherlands. My compliments to the authors !

I first experienced trigeminal neuralgia 8 years ago. It was extremly difficult to get a diagnosis or information on this condition. My neurologist was well informed as is my current one but their time is limited. 8 years on (now!), I need help and advice again! This very well written book is a MUST read for all sufferers and care givers to enable them to round out their doctors advice and help them choose the way forward.

From a sufferer's viewpoint myself, I cannot express how strongly I would recomend this book to others. I have now purchased 2 copies - I gave the second copy to my doctor so he could lend it to patients in the future because the first copy was so good!

If you are reading this review then most likely you either have experienced what has been described as the "most terrible pain man can endure" or you know and care for someone who has trigeminal neuralgia or a related facial neuralgia disorder.

This important book, published by the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association, is a must read for anyone with face pain. Written so the average person without a medical background can really understand these tragic conditions, it includes chapters on symptoms, causes, diagnosis, latest treatment options, alternative treatments, what to do when medication doesn't help, questions to ask when deciding on surgery, comparative statistics on outcomes and complications of different surgical procedures, recommendations on helping your doctor help you, tips from facial neuralgia patients, suggestions on how families can help, and so much more. An extensive resources section lists books, organizations and Internet resources and websites about facial neuralgias and related disorders. A glossary includes common medical terminology with easy to understand definitions.

Although "Striking Back" focuses on trigeminal neuralgia, other facial neuralgia conditions are covered including atypical facial pain, atypical trigeminal neuralgia, anesthesia dolorosa and glossopharyngeal neuralgia among others. These are rare conditions and most publications are directed towards the medical profession. What a rare find -- finally a book for those of us who are facial neuralgia patients or who are family members or friends.

The authors, one who suffered in the past from trigeminal neuralgia, the other, a neurosurgeon specializing in treating facial pain disorders, write with humor, compassion and hope. The book is well organized with good illustrations and pictures and is an important resource for anyone trying to live with a facial neuralgia disorder.

Just for the record, I am not associated with the authors or the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association in any way but am part of a team who writes a patient-to-patient website on facial neuralgias.

I have read this book many times and found it to be an outstanding collection of short stories about Native Alaskans' traditions, folklore and religion. The book contains many short stories that are centuries old. The author has done an excellent job of gathering these stories into a volume that incorporates beautiful drawings by Alaskan native George Aden Ahgupuk. I would recommend that anyone interested in Native Alaskan folklore obtain this book. The book continues to provide me with many hours of satisfaction. An excellent book 'written' by authors who will never be heard from again.

A wonderful sampling of writings by 19th-century economist and social philosopher, Henry George.

The table of contents are as follows:

Chapter 1: An Introductory Essay on George's Philosophy

Chapter 2: Exhortative Works

Chapter 3: A Clarification of the Single Tax and Property

Chapter 4: On Government, Politics, and the World

Chapter 5: Georgism versus Socialism

Chapter 6: On Sundry Important Matters

Chapter 7: Views on Religion and Personal Correspondence

Some of my favorite quotes:

"We start out with these two principles, which I think are clear and self-evident: that which a man makes belongs to him, and can by him be given or sold to anyone that he pleases. But that which existed before man came upon the earth, that which was not produced by man, but which was created by God -- that belongs equally to all men" (p. 61).

"Do we not all want more wealth? Why, then, should we tax and fine the production of wealth?" (p. 54).

"Land is not wealth or capital, but is, on the contrary, that original factor of production from which labor produces wealth and capital" (p. 147).

'Consider the difference between the value of a building and the value of land. The value of a building, like the value of goods, or of anything properly styled wealth, is produced by individual exertion, and therefore properly belongs to the individual; but the value of land only arises with the growth and improvement of the community, and therefore properly belongs to the community. It is not because of what its owners have done, but because of the presence of the whole great population, that land in New York is worth millions an acre. This value therefore is the proper fund for defraying the common expenses of the whole population; and it must be taken for public use, under penalty of generating land speculation and monopoly which will bring about artificial scarcity where the Creator has provided in abundance for all whom His providence has called into existence. It is thus a violation of justice to tax labor, or the things produced by labor, and it is also a violation of justice not to tax land values" (p. 68).

"There is one tax by means of which all the revenues needed for our federal, state, county, and municipal governments could be raised without any of these disadvantages -- a tax that instead of repressing industry and promoting inequality in the distribution of wealth, would foster industry and promote natural equality -- a tax that is only a tax in form, and that in essence is not a tax, but a taking by the community of values arising not from individual effort, but from social growth, and therefore belonging to the whole community. That is a tax on land values. A tax not on land, be it remembered, but a tax upon land values, irrespective of improvements. That is the tax in favor of which we single tax men would abolish all other taxes" (pp. 123-4).

"The sure foundation of the right of ownership is in the right of each individual to himself, the right to use his own powers and to enjoy what he can obtain fairly by them" (p. 51).

"The proper business of banking is the receiving, the keeping and the loaning out of money, and the facilitation of exchanges by the extension, interchange, and cancellation of private credits. With the issuance of money the paper business of banking has nothing whatever to do. It is one of the proper functions of the general government to issue money. But with the proper business of banking the government has rightly nothing whatever to do" (p. 208).

"Marx's economics, as stated by Hyndman and all his other supporters I have read will not stand any critical examination" (p. 177).

"As for Karl Marx, he is the prince of muddleheads" (p. 78).

"What we want today to bring us all together is, not union under one government that shall assume to govern, but that absolute freedom of intercourse that shall entwine all interests, that absolute freedom of intercourse that shall establish a daily ferry from this side of Atlantic to the other side of the Atlantic, that shall make everyone belonging to any of these nations, wherever he may be on the territory of another, feel as though he were at home. That is what we strive for -- for the freedom of all, for self-government to all -- and for as little government as possible. We don't believe that tyranny is a thing alone of kings and monarchs; we know well that majorities can be as tyrannous as aristocracies; we know that mobs can persecute as well as crowned heads. What we ask for is freedom -- that in each locality, large or small, the people of that locality shall be free to manage the affairs that pertain only to that locality; that each individual shall be free to manage the affairs that relate to him; that governments shall not presume to say of whom he shall buy or to whom he shall sell, shall not attempt to dictate to him in any way, but shall confine itself to its proper function of preserving the public peace, of preventing the strong from oppressing the weak, of utilizing the public good all the revenues that belong of right to the public, and of managing those affairs that are best managed by the whole. Our doctrine is the doctrine of freedom, our gospel is the gospel of liberty..." (p. 41).

I DONT HAVE READ THIS BOOK YET, BUT IN CAPTER 11 MY GRAND GRAND FATHER BROTE SOME INTERESTING THINGS. I'LL TRY TO BUY IT SOON, I ONLY NEED TO KNOW HOW BY THIS WAY.

This is an excellent book. It is the best project of an integrated approach to archaeology that I have seen to date. The extent of multidisciplinary researchers and the scope of the project are staggering. This volume sythesizes the data seamlessly. It is a must read for any professional or individual interested in anthropological and environmental archaeology, human ecology, environmental studies, Maya studies, etc. A really great report

For those individuals who want an eas to read book about George Washington, I recomend this book. It goes through Washington's life from start to finish with commo asked questions and the answers. This is a cool book for grade levels 3-6.

Thank goodness this classic tale is still available for readers of all ages. The timeless nature of this tale endures. A satisfying tale and delightful ending for everyone.

Author of historical fiction.

This book is a treasure for your library. It brings endless pleasure, and is the kind of story that spans all ages.

It is the tale of a boy and his dragon who lives up on the Downs. In spite of the bad reputation dragons have, the boy and he become quick friends. Saint George shows up to do battle with the reluctant lizard, and the boy arranges a mock battle, unbeknown to the villagers that pleases everyone.

(...) THE BOOK IS ABOUT THIS BOY WHO MEETS THIS DRAGON AND THEY
BEACOME FRIENDS THE DRAGON TELLS THE BOY STORY AND NONE ARE
TRUE. BUT ONE IS TRUE THE DRAGONS FAUTHER DIED WHEN A KNIGHT
FOUND OUT ABOUT HIM WHEN THE DRAGON WAS LITTLE. THE KID
HEARS ABOUT A KNIGHT NAMED ST. GEORGE HE TELLS ST. GEORGE
ABOUT THE DRAGON. THE NEXT DAY THE KID SHOWS ST. GEORGE THE
THE DRAGON THE DRAGON DID NOT WHANT TO FIGHT. THE NEXT DAY
ST. GEORGE TOLD SOME OF THE DRAGONS TALES TO THE VILLAGE.
THE TALES WHERE ABOUT KNIGHTS AND DRAGONS FIGHTING. THAT
AFTER NOON THE DRAGON HID IN THE CAVE AND ST. GEORGE FAKED
TO KILL THE DRAGON AND WAS FAMOUS.

(...)

The Dyson's, Freeman and George, are father and son. Freeman, a nobel laureat physicist, has his sights set on the stars. George lives in a tree house in British Columbia and has combined modern materials and ancient techniques to build the largest canoe on the inland water way. See what happens when they reunite in the company of a pod of killer whales.

This is my second read. Not my usual practice.

My one major disappointment is the exclusion from this paperback edition of a section about Freeman Dyson's work on a "safe" nuclear reactor. I found this section particularly interesting because of the specific subject and because of the learning and work principles illustrated. This was an inappropriate job of editing.

Read, enjoy and learn about learning and living and relating in our complex and conflicting world.

The Starship and the Canoe is not a book on kayaking, any more than A Tale of Two Cities is a Victorian travelogue. I felt as though I had to correct that impression created by Amazon's page on the book. Although it is twenty-five years old now, it remains a vital and engrossing tale of a father and son separated not only by the familiar gulf of misunderstanding and culture shock, but by their remarkable journeys, some through the vast and perilous estates of the mind, some through the cold and sparsely settled inlets and bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound and the Pacific shoreline of Alaska and British Columbia.

The father and son are celebrated physicist (and author in his own right) Freeman Dyson and kayaker, tree-dweller, solo marine traveller (and also an author) George Dyson. In the wild, anarchic 1970s, author Kenneth Brower (who, it turns out, is also a friend of George's) takes us along with George and Freeman as they explore and plan explorations. His book is engrossing and one feels as though one has actually spent time with these fascinating, sometimes incredibly eccentric and singular men.

Freeman Dyson, an influential theoretical physicist, spent a great deal of time in the optimistic 1950s and 1960s preparing to push the New Frontier outward on nuclear explosion-powered spacecraft. This work, Project Orion, was supported and funded by NASA and the US Air Force until the atmospheric nuclear test ban, competition for funding from Project Apollo and the Vietnam War finally killed the project's funding leaving him and fellow physicist Ted Taylor to develop the concept further.

Together, the two men pushed the original project's concepts to their ultimate limits, and Project Orion grew to become spacecraft the size of Chicago leaving for nearby stars - so far, however, only in the minds of Dyson, Taylor, and those of us who have become enraptured by the concept of Orion.

Later, son George Dyson ventures up and down the Pacific Coast from California northwards before finally settling (sort of) in the area between Vancouver and the glaciers of Alaska, sometimes living in a treehouse at the top of a tall and spindly fir, sometimes setting off from southern British Columbia up the Queen Charlotte Strait, meeting people on the islands of the strait in voyages oddly reminiscent of Antoine du Saint-Exupery's Le Petit Prince. Brower narrates these journeys with unobtrusive wryness, allowing the reader to chuckle at the interplay between author and subject as they paddle to and for between Alaska and Canada.

Buy this book. Read it. Few other books reward their readers as richly as the Starship and the Canoe.

As both an outdoor loving ocean kayaker and an ardent supporter of space exploration, I found this book a synthesis of two different worlds that are difficult to unite in today's political climate. This book was way ahead of its time.