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Book reviews for "Wood,_David" sorted by average review score:

Walden
Published in Hardcover by Houghton Mifflin Co (1995)
Author: Henry David Thoreau
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Excellent Edition
I am one of those people who has read Walden over and over again over a period of decades, and have owned several editions. This is by far the best I have seen. It is quite helpful in the explanations it provides for some of the more obscure passages, is beautifully put together, and is simply a pleasure to read.

Thoreau was part crank and part visionary, like a crazy uncle. I am glad to have known him through his books. Taken with a grain of salt, his perspectives are refreshing and often illuminating. He helps his readers see there are indeed different ways to look at the world.

A Great Book, A Failed Experiment
For 2 years and 2 months, Thoreau decided to live life in the Concord Wilderness near Walden Pond, as an experiment. He wanted to see if complete self-reliance was possible. As an experiment in pure solitary living, unaided by the trapping and encumberances of society, Thoreau failed. But as a book of profound insight and beauty, Waldon ranks supreme in the history of American literature, and the bulk of his insights and observations stand. I say failed, because Thoreau often spent evenings at the town pub, drink and talking, where from he would stumble home drunk without the aid of lamp light to find his way. Moreover, asside from a doting mother who would often bring him homemade victuals as a break from mountain berries and salted meats, he often stayed over with the Emersons when the loneliness was particularly biting. So clearly Thoreau was never as detached from society as he would have us believe, and yet that is neither here nor there. Thoreau was an amazing writer, an observant naturalist, brilliant social critic, and perhaps the most singular individual America has ever known - and for that Thoreau cannot be beat. edition of Waldon is particularly good, in that Hardin has done exactly what all editors should do. In keeping with the Thoreauvian motto, he has made the text simple and accessable, clarifying points with annotation and references. After reading Waldon, you might also want to check Harding's biography of Thoreau, which I highly recommend. Among other things, you will learn about his trouble with women. (Interestingly, like many philospohers, Thoreau died a virgin.)

A Binding Worthy of the Book
Just as Alexander carried a copy of the Iliad in a precious cask, I have cherished a dog-eared and well marked copy of Walden for a quarter of a century. Now at last we have a binding worthy of one of the greatest books of all time. The embossed cover, the lavishly illustrated endpapers and page footers, the vast number of drawings from Thoreau's pen, and the detailed Masorah-like marginalia elucidate the familiar text and enrich the reading experience. The many references in the notes to Thoreau's Journal have lead me far afield into the various editions of the Journal (at least those I can afford). This is a first rate edition which I hope to carry with me the rest of my life.


Making & Mastering Wood Planes
Published in Paperback by Sterling Publications (2000)
Author: David Finck
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A book bursting with gems
Yes, the title DOES suggest that it's about making wooden planes and I suppose it is. ('Krenov-style' planes only, but that's a great start.) In actual fact, this is a book with so much more than just the usual overload of information on a very narrow field. Every page has something of interest to anyone who works wood, or who uses tools for either livelihood or recreation. If you DO want to make wooden planes, then you couldn't do better than to get this book. I believe it's among the best titles available and is probably the best still in print anywhere. The techniques outlined would permit a reasonably careful reader to upgrade any plane, wooden or metal, that came into his or her possession.

Almost incidentally, the reader is taken on a short course in testing, upgrading, creating, fine-tuning and using all manner of tools for cabinet-making and general woodworking. The band-saw, metal block-planes and spokeshaves, the cabinet scraper and all manner of jigs and tool-rests are covered. There is even a small section on making a brass mallet for adjusting planes, if you are so inclined. There are even methods outlined for coping without a 'proper' work-bench.

No elaborate machine-shop or tool arsenal is necessary to utilise this book and no greater skill than that of reading is required to take a pile of great gems from this outstanding book. If you're very experienced, you might have heard most of the tips and advice before, but probably have never had them explained so thoroughly and convincingly, with high-quality photographs accompanying the text on the same page.

There is no preaching and there is nothing 'forbidden' in these pages, but there is a philosophy of good craftsmanship that really under-pins the work and manages to come through clearly. The author's love of fine tools and their interaction with the raw materials is infectious.

This book would suit the professional woodworker as well as the complete novice who has yet to decide whether to take up some form of woodcraft. You WILL gain something from reading this book; you may even lose out, if you ignore the clear and powerful techniques and messages that it offers. It's brilliant. I've never quite been able to say that about a woodworking book before.

Amazing, truly.
This book, while taking you through the steps of making a wood plane, teaches the essence of woodworking with handtools and is a 'must own' book for beginners to experts.

It starts with instruction on how to use and tune both the hand and power tools that will be used in making the wood plane, as well as covering the essentials of wood as it relates to woodworking (i.e. run-out, etc.)

Then it presents an excellent chapter on sharpening, discussing how to sharpen plate irons, chisels and knives.

Next is a long chapter on actually making the plane, although interspersed as always are extremely useful digressions into gluing techniques, truing various tools, etc.

Next, a chapter or two on how to use a plane, both for edging, flattening and polishing. This chapter shows the level of perfection that the author wants from each of his students, as he discusses issues such as how much the thickness of a cut impacts that ability to match the grain when joining. To be honest, this attitude is pervasive throughout the entire book. The author is obviously a craftsman of the highest calibre and of traditional 'old-school' values.

The last chapter is on scraping, a technique I've never understood the advantage of until now: for those working in hardwoods, having made good use of their handplanes, scraping is the best, cleanest (lowest-dust) method of smoothing a board. Why risk sanding a gouge into a beautifully flattened work when the scraper will shave off the last of that rough surface, requiring only a quick pass with a 400 grit piece of sandpaper?

I borrowed this book from the public library to see whether I wanted to buy it. Needless to say, my purchased copy sits close-at-hand in my workshop shelves, already well-thumbed and dog-earred.

Wow
If you are already a woodworker and want to make planes, this is a great book. If you are a beginner and want to learn woodworking, this is the best book I've ever seen. Get this book and "Making Joints" by Ian Kirby. I have both on the shelf dead center above my workbench because I refer to them often. I used to think the Kirby book was the standard by which all other WW books should be judged, but "Making Planes" has set a higher mark.

The best things about Mr. Finck's book are it's thoroughness and logical organization. Every time a new tool is introduced, information about using it and tuning it (ever see how to tune a combination square?) is given immediately, thoroughly and clearly, instead of at the end or a few pages later or whatever other cockeyed place was convenient for the editor.

Further, techniques are described for doing the work to a very high standard of precision and beauty, not just "close enough". We all need to urged on to higher acheivement, and it sure helps if the person urging is also showing you how to do it, clearly, symapathetically and in detail. Using a band saw? Shows how to check the tires for trueness. Grinder? how to dress the wheels. Sharpening stone? how to flatten. Make your own marking knife, adjusting mallet. How to plane -- how to stand, where to put your hands, everything but breath control (2d edition -- ?).


Building for Air Travel: Architecture and Design for Commercial Aviation
Published in Hardcover by Prestel USA (1996)
Authors: John Zukowsky, Koos Bosma, Mark J. Bouman, David Brodherson, Robert Bruegmann, Wood Lockhart, Leonard Rau, Wolfgang Voigt, and Kisho Kurokawa Gallery of Architecture
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A top-flight book of a complex subject
A truly comprehensive book, enjoyable to both read and look through. It covers the history and scope of air travel, including airport and aircraft design, corporate identities and marketing in a thorough, extensive and compelling manner. It is distinctive in how it successfully melds a global scope and a focused perspective.

Excellent
This book is an excellent overview of the history of civil aviation, terminals, and airfields. The attention to detail, both photographic and linguistic, is marvelous and provides a wonderful account of airport design. The faithfulness to the original traveling photo exhibit allows readers the opportunity to experience the cultural presentation alongside the historical reconstruction. All in all, a wonderful book for any aviation fan.

Building for Air Travel: A must have!
BfAT is one of the most intriguing books you'll find about airports. It covers a lot of airport design aspects- but it is not an engineering book. In other words, you won't have to face boring charts and graphs. All you get is interseting texts, divided into differnt issues, and many rare and beautiful pictures. If you really like airports- you should have this book.


The Bunyans
Published in School & Library Binding by Scholastic (1996)
Authors: Audrey Wood and David Shannon
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I give this book a 9
What a lot of people don`t know is that Paul Bunyan had a wife and two kids .His wife`s name is Carrie and their kids are Little Jean, the boy, and Tenny, the girl. The Bunyans have lots of adventures . They make a lot of landmarks along the way like the Big Sur and the Rocky Mountains. I love the book. I like the book because they keep on making landmarks. I also like how the pictures show proportion.

One of my Favorite Books
I think that is was a really good book and if you would like to get it, you should. Because if you have read Paul Bunyan before, then this would make it very interesting and fun to read

And you thought you knew the whole tall tale?!
It's a short book...great to read to kids.

Just when you thought you'd heard it all about Paul Bunyan you find out about the accomplishments of his wife and children. For example: you've heard of Mammoth cave? Well.......... And what about when the kids are grown and Paul can retire??

And please. Don't look at the last page until you've read the whole book especially if you're interested in astronomy.


GENISIS: The First Book of Revelations
Published in Hardcover by Adventures Unlimited Press (1986)
Author: David Wood
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A book that will seriously change your outlook on life.
The fact that 'Genisis - the First Book of Revelations' is still selling steadily after 14 years says a lot about its relevance to today's culture. It is a challenging book which stimulates the reader's thoughts and seriously provokes a re-examination of one's belief systems. Its claims may seem far-fetched but each one is backed up with evidence which weighs heavily on an open mind. The geometry, however, is pinned down and refined in his second book 'Geneset - Target Earth', where the seemingly exotic geometrical claims of 'Genisis' are fully substantiated in depth. A fascinating read at all levels and a 'must' for anyone with an intelligent and open mind. The third book 'Poussin's Secret' is also a fascinating, in-depth study of Poussin's 'les bergers d'arcadie', which involves the same geometry as divulged in 'Genisis' and 'Geneset'. All three books are readily available through Genisis Books, Fleet Litho, Park Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England.

A troubling and provocative reappraisal of ancient religion
Genisis is certainly a worthwhile book for those interested in geomancy and the emerging science of sacred sites. The author attempts to prove that certain Greek myths were, at least on one level, deliberately coded information regarding the origin of mankind. He supports his argument by the geometrical patterns created, presumably intentionally, by the placement in France of ancient sites devoted to religious cults. His claim that phallectomy, (No, I'm not kidding!), was an intrinsic part of certain ancient religious initiation rites seems farfetched, but nonetheless the book is a highly stimulating and most unusual presentation of the ancient astronaut genre.

A book that can alter your perception of history.
To begin with it is extraordinary that amazon.com have mis-spelled and incorrectly listed the title which is: GENISIS The First Book of Revelations. Also the subject matter is hardly categorized as "Religion". The book contains a phenominally well researched investigation into the mysteries surrounding Rennes-le-Chateau, a subject touched upon by the authors of "The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail", one of whom, Ian Campbell is also listed as the co-author of David Woods subsequent book "Geneset - Target Earth" which very neatly prefaces the Shoemaker Levi Comet's collision with Jupiter. All those who are fascinated by the scientific confirmation of the cause of the extinction of dinasours being the collision of a comet on earth will be well advised to try to acquire these tiltles.


Henry David Thoreau : A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers / Walden; Or, Life in the Woods / The Maine Woods / Cape Cod (Library of America)
Published in Hardcover by Library of America (1989)
Authors: Henry David Thoreau and Robert F. Sayre
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Are you in the spring? But I am in the winter.
Well, do you think that you don't keep up with others when you can not do something which everyone can do?

I would let you know that leave your life. Absolutely, it is not necessary to change your season for keeping up with others. There is certain rhythm to fit you. Sometimes we make ourselves the one with a sense of relief supposing we do the same thing that others do. There is not a way when you go behind someone. Also, when you go with others' shadow.

Excellent quality reading
Of the books that I own, this one is the best prepared and printed. It is also very complete rather than a scattering of selections. I recommend it highly to the curious Thoreau reader.

Thoreau's best
Four of Thoreau's best works come to life in their full and unabridged versions. Thoreau portrays a land of immense natural beauty, and his keen observations focus on subjects as diverse as native plants and animals to his musings on the peculiar people he meets. Thoreau's revelations on conservation show us he was a century ahead of his time, aware of a landscape and nation which was already irreversibly changing. Yet his simple life at Walden pond shows us that we are perhaps most content with ouselves when we are the most alone and unencumbered. Contains a brief chronology of Thoreau's life which presents us with many previously unknown facts. Each work in this collection has been available before, but the Library of the America's has researched and investigated the most accurate materials and corrected errors contained in previous publishings.


The Deconstruction of Time
Published in Paperback by Northwestern University Press (2001)
Author: David C. Wood
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Highly recommended!
The Deconstruction of Time is a necessary read for anyone interested in phenomenology or deconstruction--and David Wood shows clearly why an interest in one requires an interest in the other. He does so by tracing the central importance of the concept of time in works by Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger and Derrida. In each case, Wood analyzes the treatment of time with a clarity that makes the book accessible by nonexperts, and a rare sensitivity that will undoubtedly appeal to the well-versed reader as well. Taking the question of time as its axis, The Deconstruction of Time shows what is at stake in practicing phenomenology or deconstruction, illuminating along the way the fundamental tendencies, limitations, and values of each. In addition to his lucid analyses, Wood also offers sophisticated problematizations of the texts and positions he treats, submitting phenomenology to deconstruction, and holding deconstruction to a sort of phenomenological standard--he walks a fine and cautious line between the dominant impulses of these two ways of thinking about time, and he does so with grace and wit. Highly recommended!

A brilliant work
This book is a fascinating reflection on the possibility of thinking time outside of the traditional metaphysical logic of
representation. David Wood shows that the contemporary
deconstructions of time lead to opening a sense -- and a future -- of philosophy as event, and performativity.
This is an important and original work, and a brilliant demonstration of what it might mean to speak of time, and thinking, as event. It also performs new interpretations of the works of Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger, and Derrida.


Geneset - Target Earth
Published in Hardcover by enisis Trading Ltd. (20 July, 1994)
Authors: Ian W. Campbell and David R Wood
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Poussin's Secret+Genesis
Dear Sir !
Congratulations !Great books !But !
I.m missing the
explanation for the content of Foquet abbé:
"...so difficult to discover that nothing now on
this earth can prove of better fortune nor be their
equel.."
Nevertheless it is questionig to me,why Posussin
informed Foquet so easily-if this is so secret ?
Furthermore I doubt about the fact,how could Poussin
undertood all these really difficult mathematics in
this century-if it makes difficulties to me as well in
2001 ?

...and what is meaning:"nothing better fortune" ???
Just the mathematic rules and ????
I.m absolutely sure there should be more than this
and I think there should be any link,how rapidly
Sauniere became rich ?!
These are currently my doubts and questions to you.
With best regards:
Zoltan Szilagyi
Budapest/Hungary

Different angle on Rennes-le-Chateau mystery
This book is a really good read for anyone interested in Rennes-le-Chateau. For those who have read "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" by Baigent et. al., this is a totally new and different perspective on the mystery. The basic premise of "H.B., H.G." is that Jesus didn't die on the cross, but has a direct line of decendants to the present day, and relates this to the secret organization Prieur de Sion and Freemasonry. Wood and Campbell take the same information Baigent et. al. used to derive this hypothesis and, using a more mathematical approach, relate the secret of Rennes-le-Chateau not to Jesus Christ, but to a returning comet that will destroy the earth at a certain date. Worth reading!


Walden and Civil Disobedience
Published in Paperback by Penguin USA (Paper) (1986)
Authors: Henry David Thoreau and Michael Meyer
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The book that started it all?
Compared to books such as "Voluntary Simplicity" by Duane Elgin and similar books, one realises that many of these ideas are nothing new when one reads Walden by Thoreau. In fact, what strikes me is that we as a Western society have not overcome many of the issues pointed out by Thoreau 150 years ago. Thoreau left Concord MA "disdainful of America's growing commercialism and industrialism", the slavish materialism of that society then. One wonders what he'll say if he would see the extend today - in the post Coca-Cola society. But then Thoreau was a man who clearly stepped to his own drum. Becuase of slavery, he refused to support the state on moral grounds. How would his views have been tolerated today?

I am not luddite, but my favourite quote from the book is this: "We are in great haste to construct a magnetic telegraph from Maine to Texas; but Maine and Texas, it may be, have nothing to communicate". Does this say something about the Internet, newsmedia and our contemporary information overload, or what?

I liked the introduction and footnotes of Meyer. Just enough to provide context and explanation, but never intrusive. This book is as relevant today as it was during Thoreau's lifetime. Highly recommended.

Manifesto of U.S. Radicalism
H.D. Thoreau is the first and most important figure in U.S. Radicalism. This collection provides the essential background for the latent radicalism inherent in American politics, especially as it was vocalized in the Civil Rights and Anti-War movements of the 1960's.

Disobedience is the shorter of the texts, but probably more important. It is an attempt to justify moral anarchism and a call to act on individual judgements about justice.

Walden can be interpreted as an important treatise against consumerism and the dangers of specialization, as well as an appreciation of the natural environment. Those interested in anti-globalization/anti-free trade movements would do well to read Walden to gain an understanding of where anti-consumerism came from and an examination of its ethical implications. However, it also pays to remember that Walden is a failed experiment and, in the end, Thoreau returns to Cambridge.

Thoreau, as political philosophy, has certain problems. Moral anarchy and denial of the social contract is difficult to replace in civil society--Thoreau makes no more than the most vague references as to what could replace it, seeming to rely on the fact that his personal sense of justice is universal.

Nevertheless, Thoreau's conscience has resonance and is as relevant today as ever. His rejection of consumerism as the basis for society and its stratification also teaches important lessons.

Thoreau represents that first step in understanding the other part of American political thought--extremely different from that of the Constitution and Federalist Papers--but with profound connections to the work of Dr. Martin Luther King.

One of Humanity's Greatest Thinkers
I can only speak from experience on this one. This is one of the most remarkable books I've ever read. Thoreau influenced my views on liberty, justice, and integrity [following what is right, not merely that which is deemed law]. The inner journey Thoreau got me started on has continued throughout my life. I credit him for instilling within me the concept of "Teach me how to think, not what"--invaluable to the fledgling independent thinker and philosopher. I highly recommend Ralph Waldo Emerson, in conjunction with Thoreau.


The Bfg (Big Friendly Giant)
Published in Hardcover by Samuel French (1991)
Author: David Wood
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Best Childhood Memory
I remember my teacher reading this book to me in second grade and I loved it, I read it many times following that. I now have a two year old child of my own and I have bought the book for her. THis is a book you will always remember and love. There is no other like it.

This is David Wood's Exclusive Adaptation for the Stage
This is an adaptation of the BFG by accomplished children's theatre playwright David Wood. David has adapted many of Roald Dahl's works for the stage, several of which Mr. Dahl granted him exclusive adaptation rights...so that's who this David Wood character is, my friend

Wow, please atleast get the author's name right.
Hi, kids. The B.F.G, written by Mr. RAHL DAHL, ranks among the all-time coolest and craziest, not to mention funnest, books a person could indulge in. I loved it when I was 12 and I love it now (ok, ok. i'm only 16). It is all about this nutty, lovely, kind giant (he's huge, but he's still the runt of the pack of giants he shares a cool country with) who is forced to kidnap a really happening, brave little girl called Sophie, who is actually miserable before he has to kidnap her, since she lives in a totally miserable orphanage. When I say "kids", I mean kids, plus anyone who was ever a kid and remembers it. By the by, who is this DAVID WOOD figure? I am shocked that whoever presently has the rights on Mr. Dahl's The B.F.G. hasn't contacted you furiously to correct this error. Rahl Dahl deserves to be credited as the author of his own book. I have a copy of his masterpiece sitting on my bedroom bookshelf downstairs, and it's author is clearly printed on the front cover. Ye Gad.


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