The fight for survival: Animals in their natural habitats

Book Description

A scintillating new collection from one of America's premier travel writers.

Customer Reviews:

Growing pleasure.......2005-07-20

Have you got five minutes? Spend the time, read one story a day. You will look foward each day to something different. A talented writer gives us a unique twist on... something. As much as I enjoy Doc Ford, I really enjoy the non-fiction. I'll work my way thru the rest.

Another side of White..........2005-03-07

Randy Wayne White is my favorite mystery writer, but I had never read any of his non-fiction until I found, by accident, a cheap used copy of his earlier "Batfishing in the Rainforest". Generally I don't like travel books, but I gave this one a try and was immediately hooked. I've since ordered new copies of all the others.
His latest offering is "An American Traveler", a collection of off-beat tales from exotic locales with the author as protagonist. Middle age and literature are explored. An account of an impromptu pilgrimage to find the late, great John D. MacDonald was the highlight of the book for me. White writes with an easy, self-deprecating humor that brings the place and action to life. He lives life fully and makes the reader want to do the same. Reading these tales, it's easy to see why his Doc Ford novels are so authoritatively written. White writes what he knows.

Book Description

The third volume in Julie Parker's Fabric Reference Series explains the different fabrics made from wool and similar fibers, using plain English instead of confusing technical jargon. A detailed description of each fabric is illustrated with a real cloth sample, right there on the same page, which clarifies in the simplest way what a boiled wool, crpe, gabardine or whipcord actually looks and feels like.

A comprehensive introduction covers characteristics of the fiber, history of wool, breeds of sheep and other wool-bearing animals (such as camels and goats), types of wool, the main sources of wool, the wool textile industry, industry trends and how to judge quality. The introduction is followed by two-page descriptions of the main fabric types, each illustrated with a 2-1/2" x 4" cloth sample and simple black-and-white drawings. In the back of the book, space is provided for the reader to collect additional samples and record personal notes, followed by a list of mail-order sources, glossary, bibliography and index.

The fabric samples are packaged separately, layered in the same order as they appear in the book. It takes only a few minutes to mount the samples to the book's pages, using double-stick tape or a small spot of glue. Instructions are included. Samples include 30 wool fabrics and 5 specialty hair fibers, in this order: blanket cloth, boiled wool, boucl, cavalry twill, challis, coating, crpe, Donegal tweed, double cloth, double knit, felt, flannel (woolen), flannel (worsted), gabardine, glen plaid, Harris tweed, herringbone, homespun, houndstooth, jacquard, jersey, loden cloth, melton, menswear suiting, novelty suiting, plaid, satin, tropical suiting, tweed, whipcord, alpaca, angora rabbit, camel's hair, cashmere and mohair.

All About Wool is packed with information about the different weaves, yarns and finishes used to make wool fabrics. Terms such as woolen, worsted, merino wool, superfine wool and lamb's wool are clearly explained. A must for anyone who works with or wears wool!

The Fabric Reference Series has been featured in Crafter's Choice, a division of Book-of-the-Month Club. Other books in the series include All About Silk, with 32 silk samples, and All About Cotton, with 42 cotton samples.

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous book.......2005-03-07

One could read all day out of a book and still not be able to visualize how to identify different fabrics. Texture is so much more important. I don't sew but I do buy vintage clothes for my prop company. This book was very helpful. The only thing I think would be better if all the fabrics except the tweeds, etc. were the same color.

all about silk.......2000-10-01

I bought this book in 1993 because i needed to familiarize myself with the silk fabric. i also bought many other books on the subject. today i was browsing through my bookself and came across my copy of all about silk and i am still amazed by its content. i will now order the other two books which have since been available.

An incredible book.......2000-08-16

This is an absolutely indispensible book for costume designers and seamstresses alike. It has an incredibly easy format to read loaded with pertinent information about the fabrics as well as the actual fabric samples. I am studying to become a costume designer and realized that my fabric vocabulary was very limited. I was overjoyed to find this book and am loving it.

If you sew and love it, this book is ... wow!.......1998-12-20

I couldn't believe it. I've been sewing all my life and I picked up Julie Parker's book about wool and discovered a whole new world -- or at least a whole new way of looking at my favorite hobby. How did I ever do without this? I'm ordering the other two -- on cotton and silk -- and can't wait for the fourth. Write faster, Julie Parker!

All About Wool : Fabric Dictionary and Swatchbook (Fabric Reference Ser.; Vol. 3) (Fabric Reference Ser. ; Vol. 3))

Average customer rating:

All About Wool : Fabric Dictionary and Swatchbook (Fabric Reference Ser.; Vol. 3) (Fabric Reference Ser. ; Vol. 3))
Julie Parker
Manufacturer: Rain City
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: B000LZOD2A

Book Description

300 bold, rhythmic circle designs, originally incorporated on small clay spindle weights, depicting man-like deities, animals both real and fantastic, reptiles, birds, flowers, masks, geometrical figures, wheels, foliage, maze-like patterns, frets — all employed with the boldness and fanciful characteristics of pre-Columbian art.

Customer Reviews:

Useful and beautiful motiffs.......2001-07-10

I have both books by the late Jorge Enciso who did the world a great service by carefully collecting these various designs from the archeological digs of the Mexicas, Toltecs, Totonacs and others.All the designs are black and white and come from various museums and private colections including that of the great Mexican painter Diego Rivera. The designs come from malacates which were small spindles made of clay by the pre-columbiam cultures. There are approximately 2-4 designs per page which allows for clarity for the artists use for reproduction. With the use of computers many of these images may be reproduced for use in any type of creative endeavor where a Mexican motiff is desired. An artist may find the designs inspirational for a new creation or use the existing image as is. Simple geometric designs, including images of humans, animals, flowers both real and imagined give a concise and visual glimpse at the ancient cultures imagery . This is an excellent source book that is useful for a variety of projects and applications for all interested in pre-columbian motiffs. Recommended for teachers, students and artists of all ages. Guaranteed to amaze all with the simplicity of the motiffs yet astound with the imaginative results. This is a worthwhile addition to ones personal libray to be filed under Art or Mexico. School librarians would be helping their students by adding this to their collection of books.

Designs from Pre-Columbian Mexico. 300 Illustrations

Average customer rating:

Designs from Pre-Columbian Mexico. 300 Illustrations

Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0486168905

Average customer rating:

Designs from Pre-columbian Mexico
Jorge Encisco
Manufacturer: Dover Publication
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KTU8VW

Average customer rating:

Angel Cats

Angel Animals -- Exploring the Human/Animal Spiritual Bond

Profound, Entertaining, & Fun Stories

Learning about life from animals

Love this book!

Angel Animals : Exploring Our Spiritual Connection With Animals
Julie Johnson Olson , and Marty Becker
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Animals | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

God's Messengers: What Animals Teach Us About the Divine

Angel Dogs: Divine Messengers of Love

Angel Cats: Divine Messengers of Comfort

Animal Angels: Amazing Acts of Love Compassion

Rainbows and Bridges: An Animal Companion Memorial Kit

ASIN: 0452280729

Book Description

Inspiring lessons of patience, trust, compassion, healing, and love from the animals who hold a cherished place in our homes and hearts

Animals have the amazing ability to fulfill the most basic human needs: love, affection, companionship, even survival. Their positive influence can have a profound effect on our everyday lives. Since founding the Angel Animals organization in 1996, Allen and Linda Anderson have heard from thousands of people worldwide, who have shared personal stories of how animals have enriched their lives. Angel Animals is a collection of these testaments--an inspiring tapestry of tales spotlighting the spiritual truths that animals teach. From dogs, cats, and horses, to bears, dolphins, and deer, the animals featured in Angel Animals have not only led people to rediscover the meaning of courage, loyalty, and forgiveness . . . but they have also proven that miracles are possible.

"Angel Animals says it all on our love and need for animals in our lives."--Roger Caras, President Emeritus, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Customer Reviews:

Angel Cats.......2004-09-02

Angel Cats is a wonderful reminder THAT the presence of a Divine Spirit, usually attributed only to the best humans, informs our feline companions as well.

Angel Animals -- Exploring the Human/Animal Spiritual Bond.......2004-01-29

The story "Throwaway Kids and Throwaway Animals Found Each Other" alone is well worth the cost of this amazing collection of stories. Linda Lansdell who shared her story helping inner city troubled teens grow into responsible and loving adults is a very good writer. And it all happened because of the animals that the inner city teens helped care for. All the stories in Angel Animals are good but this one story hits home on what animals can do to help change human lives for the better.

Profound, Entertaining, & Fun Stories.......2004-01-29

I bought this book and read it after reading Allen and Linda Anderson's other book titled GOD'S MESSENGERS: What Animals Teach Us about the Divine. ANGEL ANIMALS is a feel good and thought provoking book to read! All the well written stories offer a unique viewpoint on the special (some would say spiritual) bond we have with our pets and with animals in the wild. Dr. Marty Becker writes a wonderful foreword and endorses the spiritual theme of the book with enthusiasm. I highly recommend this book and the Anderson's other book, GOD'S MESSENGERS!!!

Learning about life from animals.......2001-12-12

The connection between animals and people is quite profound. The lessons about fidelity, love, caring and relationships are all in this book. My husband and I took time each day to read one of the stories out loud. I can think of my experiences with various animals I have had and realize the spiritual connection.

Love this book!.......2001-09-03

Great book about humans and animals! Good reading material for young and old alike.

Average customer rating:

Excellent reference and inspiration for any quilter!

Quilts of Indiana: Crossroads of Memories (Indiana Quilt Registry Project)
Marilyn Goldman , and Marguerite Wiebusch
Manufacturer: Indiana Univ Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Quilts & Quilting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Indiana | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Georgia Quilts: Piecing Together a History (Wormsloe Foundation Publication)

Quilts of Virginia, 1607-1899: The Birth of America Through the Eye of a Needle

Quilts in a Material World: Selections from the Winterthur Collection

Facts and Fabrications: Unraveling the History of Quilts and Slavery: 8 Projects, 20 Blocks, First-Person Accounts

ASIN: 0253206448

Customer Reviews:

Excellent reference and inspiration for any quilter!.......2000-05-15

I am a quilter and always looking for inspiration by reading quilt history books. I am also a transplanted Hoosier and this book was excellent. It's format and pictures were well done. I finished it in one day which was a bit unusual for this type of book. I wish all quilt history books were this easy of a read.

The Quilts of Indiana: Crossroads of Memories

Average customer rating:

The Quilts of Indiana: Crossroads of Memories
Marilyn; Wiebusch, Marguerite Goldman
Manufacturer: Indiana Univ Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQC7TW

Amazon.com

There's nothing new about the temperate gardener's love of hot tropicals: the not-so-secretly sensual Victorians planted lavish, whimsically shaped beds full of palms, giant reeds, and angels' trumpets, many of which still survive. (Of course, manual laborers were easier to come by in the 19th century.) This book shows not only how to re-create this sort of tropical bed and border, but how to fake it on small city plots and patios with tropicals planted in sizeable containers. Author Richard Iversen, who has gardened professionally in Barbados as well as on Long Island, New York, says, "Popping a banana plant into the soil next to an azalea may look exotic, but it doesn't make an exotic garden." His emphasis on color, texture, and form turns this from a book on novelty gardening into a fine garden-design book.

If you crave a bed of exotic plants and are willing to do a bit of extra work, you can grow ficus and canna in Cleveland or Vancouver, but it is important to realize before taking on a tropical garden project that growing them is a year-round proposition, while enjoying them is a six-month pleasure; in colder climates, such as those colder than zones 7 or 8, many tropical and subtropical plants must winter over in a heated area such as a garage or greenhouse. Iversen is good at imparting this kind of careful detail, showing when to dig up tubers and how to store them, and including a picture demonstrating how early spring bulbs can share the garden with later-blooming tropicals. A glossary of 100 tropical plants at the book's end will get gardeners with a passion for the lush and dazzling off to a great start. --Barrie Trinkle

Book Description

The idea of mixing tropical plants with perennials and hardy annuals has been around since Victorian times. It is now enjoying a newfound popularity because tropical plants are more widely available. Gardeners who want to bring the lush beauty of tropicals to an existing garden, or who want to create an authentic vintage garden, will delight in The Exotic Garden. Although tropicals are novelties in temperate climates, they can successfully be grown anywhere. Iversen shows how tropicals can easily be used as annuals to perk up a garden with color during non-blooming seasons. The author's expert advice shows how to grow tropicals in beds, borders, and containers, select and combine plants, and use the tools of color, texture, and form. Plus, there are special overwintering tips and a full color glossary of more than 100 plants.

Customer Reviews:

Very informative.......2002-11-02

Dr. Iversen's book is full of wonderful ideas on using tender perennials and annuals for an exotic look in stunning combinations. In addition, there is a guide on how to care for and overwinter these plants.

as practical as it is beautiful.......2002-10-22

Gorgeously illustrated with color photographs and garden design plans, "The Exotic Garden" convincingly maintains that the luxurious foliage, texture and bloom of tropical plants will work in any garden, providing you can give the plants house room during winter.

There are separate chapters for designing tropical gardens, borders and beds, planting and caring for containers, and the care tropicals require. Many of Iversen's ideas combine tropicals with temperate-zone plants, and he uses color, leaf texture and height throughout for striking effects.
The last 30-plus pages offer a glossary of 100 tropical plants. Each entry includes a color photo, the plant's origin, decorative interest (foliage or flowers), culture characteristics, height, propagation (cutting or seed, season, time to maturity), horticultural use and overwintering needs. Iversen also provides mail-order sources.
An attractive book with ideas to fit anyone's garden.

Inspiring and educational.......2002-09-09

I had the pleasure of studying under Dr. Iverson at SUNY Farmingdale. This man knows his plant material and how to use it effectively in challenging landscapes and spaces. If you are a northern gardener looking for some new ideas instead of the same hum-drum gardens buy this book ! This man got me to learn the Latin for some 200 plants..trust me you will close the book and have learned something.

A MUST HAVE.......2001-10-25

This book is a must-have. I had Dr. Iversen as a professor at SUNY-Farmingdale and reading this book is like sitting in one of his classes or lectures. It is very clearly written and eloquent, and very informative, explaining everything from the culture and history of tropical plants, designing gardens, to the care and planting of tropicals, with beautiful photography. The SUNY-Farmingdale tropical garden is a beautiful site to see on campus. I have my own tropical container garden with my banana trees and angel trumpets by my back door at my apartment during the warm weather and inside my apartment in the cool weather. This book is excellent and should be on everyone's bookshelf.

Great photography, modestly informative.......2001-09-06

The has two main sections. The first section is about garden design and plant care, about 119 pages. It contains 11 pages on tropical environments and habitats. 22 pages on color, form, and texture. 48 pages on tropical borders and beds. 20 pages on containers. 18 pages on growing and propagation.

The second section is 33 pages. It contains an encyclopedia of 96 tropical, or exotic looking, plants. Each plant is described by common name, scientific name, country of origin, growing conditions, propagation tip, overwintering instructions, and a 2 inch photograph of the plant.

The book also contains 2 pages of common names indexed to family names, 4 page topic index, over 130 large full color photographs and dozens of drawings.

The first section about garden design and plant care is good, but not great. Much is the same old information that you can read in most every garden book. Nothing special.

Photography is awesome. Images cover a great variety of plants, design concepts, and unusual situations. Very interesting and informative captions follow each photograph.

The second section which is the tropical plant encyclopedia is great. Information is interesting and content is meaningful. Great layout of information with a photograph of each plant. Too bad this isn't the major concentration of the book - because this section is awesome!

Overall the book is a good general guide to designing with tropical plants. There are sections of great content, but they do not fill the book. Solid information for beginners, although nothing that could not be found in other texts.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books