The cover alone is worth the price! Each stone in this photograph of 46 specimens of turquoise is identified at the start of the book. High quality natural stones from the most important mines of the Southwest are pictured side by side with treated and plastic versions.

The book is a collection of 10 articles written for New Mexico Magazine. Titles include "Turquoise and the Native American", "Buyer Beware: Hidden Facets of Turquoise", Young Native Jewelers Signal Change of Guard" and "The Plight of Old Pawn". High quality photographs of famous mines, artisans and jewelry, both historic and current, will whet the appetite of would-be collectors but also leave an impression of love and respect for the land and its native inhabitants.

Read this book under a strong light to catch the full depth of color!

For me this book works on more than one level - as a historical review of how railway safety evolved, prompting some uneasy comparisons with aviation i.e. little gets done until the body count gets high; as an insight into the world of the Victorian and Edwardian railways; and not least as an often chilling account of disaster.

Rolt does seem to have the knack of adding the detail that brings a story to life. It is hard not to feel for the signalman who solemnly tells his assistant "Go tell Mr Bence I am afraid that I have wrecked the Scotch Express".