Tasmanian Devil: A Unique and Threatened Animal

Book Description

Packed with information that has only been published in scientific journals, if ever at all, this collection of biological facts challenges the misconceptions associated with Australia's most famous marsupial. Far from being a scavenging, ferocious oddity, an image perpetuated by the infamous cartoon character, the Tasmanian Devil is actually a treasured and valuable wildlife species facing extinction. By sharing the surprising, controversial, funny, and tragic history behind the world's largest marsupial carnivore, this new guidebook covers all aspects of the biology and the habitat of the Tasmanian Devil.

Customer Reviews:

Good overview of a fascinating animal .......2007-06-24

_Tasmanian Devil_ by David Owen and David Pemberton is a well-illustrated and researched overview of the natural and human history of the largest living marsupial carnivore.

After the introduction the first chapters of the book focus on the animal's natural history, the authors taking care to dispel popularly held myths about the animal. Devils are opportunistic feeders, eating live prey and carrion as well as invertebrates, fruit, and vegetation. A solitary hunter, they aren't fast enough to chase down wallabies or rabbits but do go after wombats (though some researchers have reported that they can chase prey at about 12 kilometers per hour for short bursts). They have tremendous jaw strength and powerful teeth that enable them to consume gristle, skin, and shatter bones (the equivalent of a dog four times their size or for their body mass more powerful than a tiger's).

Though usually solitary, devils feed communally on particularly large carcasses. Often described as being some sort of free-for-all with lots of screaming and apparent fighting, devils in fact have elaborate vocalizations and postures to maintain order and some speculate that just as the sight of daylight-circling vultures attracts other vultures the noises devils make may serve to alert other devils in the area to a large food source. The first arrival is the dominant feeder, making way for a challenger once it has gorged itself, the feeder defending only the amount of food it needs, not the entire carcass. Devils will generally seek to take what they can and hide with their share, consuming it in peace.

Though maligned by ranchers, the devils are the "great hygienists" of the Tasmanian bush. They consume dead and dying livestock and have been credited with breaking the sheep tapeworm cycle and keeping down blowfly populations.

Another social trait of devils is that of the communal latrine. Though most of the time devils are solitary animals, depending upon population size, dozens of devils will defecate in one area, "for reasons of communication barely understood, and further calling into question the "solitary" tag."

Interestingly, hyenas and ratels (or honey badgers), two species presented as examples of convergent evolution with devils, also use communal latrines. The authors go on to compare interesting examples of convergence with wolverines as well, looking at sense of smell, skull structure, markings (both devils and wolverines have white neck and throat patches), body posture, locomotion, and diet.

The evolution and fossil record of the Tasmanian devil are discussed also. The famous Riversleigh fossils site of northwestern Queensland has a species that is 15% larger than a modern devil with a 50% greater body mass. Scientists have speculated whether the modern devil is a dwarfed version of this species or if it coexisted with the larger extinct version. Some believe that several different-sized devils occupied a range of predator-scavenger niches. Devils apparently went extinct on the mainland as recently as 500 years ago for reasons unknown, though climatic issues and the introduction of the dingo are most often blamed.

The authors go into detail about the history of the study of these animals. The animal was known only to the island's 4000 indigenous inhabitants up until 1803, when Europeans started to settle what was then known as Van Diemen's Land. George Prideaux Harris was the first to scientifically describe the devil (in 1806). Other important figures are Louisa Anne Meredith who in late 19th century/early 20th century bred devils in her private zoo and helped the devils' public image tremendously and Professor Theodore Thomson Flynn, a pioneering 20th century mammalogist.

A chapter of course is spent on the history of the famous Warner Brothers cartoon character Taz. This "whirling, brown, slobbering creature" has vast international recognition, far beyond that of the real animal. Some have speculated that Warner Brothers studios had another Tasmanian in mind when they created the character, Errol Flynn (son of the aforementioned Dr. Flynn), who worked for the studio. Errol Flynn in his autobiography even titled the first chapter "Tasmanian Devil, 1909-1927". It would seem that that was merely coincidence as the authors provide the history of the development of the character (for all his fame only five Taz cartoons were made between 1954 and 1964 until his 1990 resurrection) and of the legal battles involving the character (Warner Brothers had trademarked the name Tasmanian Devil, a fact that has bothered and hampered many Tasmanians' use of their iconic animal in economic matters and in promoting tourism).

From the earliest days Europeans regarded the devil, along with the thylacine, as "stock-destroying vermin" and sought to trap, poison, and shoot them into extinction. Later researchers showed that neither species was to blame for livestock losses on the island (instead one could point at poor management and farming practices as well as packs of feral dogs), but "bush myths" proliferated that they would hunt sheep and even people (though in reality not preying upon healthy sheep and only consuming murder and suicide victims, the devils never having been known to kill anyone).

While enormous strides had been made in protecting devils from persecution, in 1996 Dutch wildlife photographer Christo Baars noted ghastly facial growths on devils he photographed and by 1998 researchers came to realize many areas were experiencing a serious decline in devils thanks to the spread of Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), a virulent facial cancer that kills within five months of its manifestation. Poorly understood, some researchers believed it was a naturally occurring retrovirus, one that perhaps had caused devil population crashes in the past, perhaps triggered by pesticide or fertilizer chemicals or the rabbit-killing calicivirus, while others think it may have jumped species, perhaps from feral cats, to the devils. Attempts to save the devils have been complicated by political infighting over conservation and research funds, difficulty in diagnosis of the disease, and feral cats and foxes filing the emptying devil niche. Attempts to quarantine the devils to small islands have met with numerous obstacles as well.

Great book on a fascinating animal.......2006-08-09

This is one of the few books available about the Tasmanian devil that is not geared towards children. A fair, unbiased description of an often misunderstood animal, "Tasmanian Devil" tells the habits, myths, and cultural reactions to the animal behind the famous cartoon character.

Also addressed is the animal's vulnerable state, with a final chapter on the little understood disease currently ravaging the devil population and what is being done to save these animals from extinction.

A great read, though a tad short.......2006-02-11

This is a great, though all too brief book on the Tasmanian Devil. It is well written, giving anecdotes and highlights from scientific research on the little creatures' ecology and evolution. It also gives a chapter on devils in captivity, a great insight into those myths of devils being uncontrollable, voracious little predators that will bite the crap out of anything and everything. It tells of the persecution by man, which, unlike some books on persecuted animals, is told without being tedious.

It ends with some insight into the mystery surrounding the disease that is decimating wild populations.

I really was hopeing for more on the ecology of the animal, unfortunately there was not enough in this book. However, that merely highlights the lack of research that has actually been done, by amateurs or professionals.

Highly recommended to anyone interested in Australian animals, or anyone interested in animals fullstop.

Average customer rating:

Taz's trick or treat
Julie McNally
Manufacturer: Landoll
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1569878595

Tasmanian Devil (Harlequin Presents, No 1260)

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Tasmanian Devil (Harlequin Presents, No 1260)
Valerie Parv
Manufacturer: harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Harlequin Presents | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books

Regency | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0373112602

Learn to Draw the Tasmanian Devil & Friends (Looney Tunes School of Drawing Series)#LT02

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Learn to Draw the Tasmanian Devil & Friends (Looney Tunes School of Drawing Series)#LT02

Manufacturer: Walter Foster Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1560102012

Book Description

Listen up, varmint! This here's the Looney Tunes School o' Drawin'! I happen t'be pretty good on the draw, too `ceptin here they ask ya t'use a pencil! Guess ya gotta start somehweres, ya picture-scribblin' galloot. Start a-pushin' lead with this here line-up o' idgets--the Tasmanain Devil, that there Marvin the Martian fella, his ol' dawg K-9, Wile E. coyote, and that road-scramblin' Road Runner. Awwwwwrighty!! A-one! A-two! A-three! DRAW! --Yosemite Sam

Tasmanian Devil: On Location (Darling, Kathy. on Location.)

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Fun, Bright, Informative

Tasmanian Devil: On Location (Darling, Kathy. on Location.)
Kathy Darling
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Zoology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

jp-unknown1 | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 068809726X

Book Description

"This book explains everything you always wanted to know about the Tasmanian devil...life cycle, behavior patterns, eating habits, and range, and the outlook for it's long-term survival. Superb full-color photographs on nearly every page portray these creatures engaging in a variety of activities....This addressed topics children want to know about. An excellent book."--Booklist.

Customer Reviews:

Fun, Bright, Informative.......2000-03-21

Children will be pleased to learn that the real Taz is muchmore grouchy and disgusting than his cartoon counterpart. Wonderfulphotographs. END

Average customer rating:

Animal Scavengers Tasmanian Devils
Sandra Markle
Manufacturer: Lerner Publ.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H2VOT2

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DIGIT DICK AND THE TASMANIAN DEVIL
Leslie Rees
Manufacturer: Lansdowne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0701816325

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Digit Dick And The Tasmanian Devil
Leslie REES
Manufacturer: Paul Hamlyn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KP1MTS

In Search of the Real Tasmanian Devil (Kratts' Creatures)

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Tasmanian Devils!

In Search of the Real Tasmanian Devil (Kratts' Creatures)
James Preller
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Zoology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0590537393

Customer Reviews:

Tasmanian Devils!.......2000-05-01

Tasmanian Devils, the name just makes me wonder how they got that name. After reviewing the book, I personally adored Tasmanian Devils.

Koala and Tasmanian Devil and the Possum Hunt (The Koala Stories)

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Koala and Tasmanian Devil and the Possum Hunt (The Koala Stories)
Esta De Fossard , and Neil McLeod
Manufacturer: Hodder & Stoughton General Division
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0713180994

Book Description

This comprehensive guide to the Florida Keys details life at the southernmost tip of the continental United States. Unique geology, colorful history, an active nightlife, and myriad flora and fauna await discovery.

Customer Reviews:

History, a guide AND social commentary!.......2006-09-19

If you like your guidebooks sprinkled with left-wing hyperbole, then this is the book for you!

While the history portion of this guidebook is certainly interesting, the author tries unsuccessfully to provide a guide to ALL Florida Keys, rather than the "main" keys. The result is that she shortchanges many of the attractions in Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon in favor of "cayos" such as Lignumvitae and Indian Keys.

While reading this guide, you will be constantly "treated" to the author's political views (including an accusation that the captain of a freighter that ran aground and destroyed part of the coral reef in 1984 did so deliberately). These commentaries detract from the history portion of the book and serve to continuously remind the reader that the author's agenda is as important (if not moreso) than the guide itself.

Despite that, the guide does manage to dedicate more than half its pages to a comprehensive guide to Key West. If EYW alone is your destination, then you'll likely find this book helpful if not tedious at times. If you're planning on spending time in Key Largo, Islamorada or Marathon, you'll likely want to look elsewhere.

Insider's Guide to the Florida Keys and Key West.......2006-08-08

It never arrived. And my account was charged.

Great Guide!.......2006-05-17

"Insiders' Guide" is essential for any traveler to the Keys. Also, have a look at a fictional work, "Key West: A Story Sequence." These stories are as tangy as Key Lime pie.

Insiders' Guide to the Florida Keys and Key West.......2006-02-25

full of information; well organized; good mixture of history and what's in tghe keys today; we were pleased with several of teh suggestions that he made and we actually did

Customer Reviews:

Thought Provoking And Bizzarre.......2002-04-13

If there was ever a book that defined the old saying 'truth is stranger than fiction' this is the book assuming this book is true. I personally believe a lot of it is true or at least it's a true interpretation of events as the author perceived them. Mr. Nichols is an engineer and a real person who got pulled into some of these top secret government projects. He indicates that this involvement did not occur by chance but was his destiny because of his relationship with beings that live on planets in the Pleiades constellation of stars.

The world is lucky that guys like Mr. Nichols and Al Bielek even have a brain left. Anyone involved in projects like this eventualy gets the old 'debriefing' treatment. I think Dunkin Cameron is legally brain dead.

Mr. Nichols describes an apparent attempt on his life which required major surgery when a government agent knocked him out with a stun gun while he was driving. He 'got too close' to knowing the truth about their intentions to use the Star Wars system as a mind control vehicle against the entire human race.

Therein lies the frightening aspect of this entire subject in general. It appears that there are top secret projects going on and that human life is expendible if someone becomes a threat to whatever the goals of the project are. Making it even more frightening is that some of the people that are driving these projects may have connections to beings from other planets whose intentions appear to be malevolent towards the human race.

I think most people believe in God, Satan, angels, etc., or at least some form of beings that are above the human which are either good or bad. This book sort of stays consistent with this idea but these beings are portrayed as coming from other planets in some cases. There does appear to be a relationship between what this book says and traditional beliefs about evil beings such as the followers of the Leviathon possibly coming from a certain area of the galaxy.

This only makes what to me is a very frightening idea even more frightening.

The second part of this book is by Peter Moon who tells how the Pleiades constellation fits into mythology and other ancient legends about the human race. I tend to agree that those mythological stories hold hidden meanings that have a basis in reality at some level. They are probably symbolicly written stories that indicate spiritual truths and real events similar to the Adam and Eve story.

Moon gets into a large amount of other philosophy such as tying this stuff in with the bible and other things. He has a background in scientology and other strange philosophies.

The art work on the cover of this book and the other one I've read so far is excellent. I like the horse on 'The Montauk Project'. This is a depiction of the mysterious horse the Montauk boys saw when they were sent to the year 6037 AD. If you turn the horse upside down it forms another picture. Moon expands on the possible meaning of this horse.

On page 88 Mr. Nichols offers a possible explanation for the large bulge that could be observed in von Neumann's trowers. This was apparently the result of a procedure that was performed on him by alien beings.

I enjoy these books a lot but the reader must be very careful not to assume that Satanism and witchcraft are the same as other religions. They are not. As far as I've heard Aleister Crowley was a very evil man and wherever Crowley went blood shed was sure to follow as it apparently did at Montauk. Some of the Montauk boys were beaten to death to try to get them to cooperate with the homosexual activities and time travel that were all part of the Montauk project. My understanding is this was one of the things that drove Mr. Nichols and Dunkin Cameron to create a creature out of Dunkin's subconscious to destroy the equipment for the Montauk project.

As I said this stuff gets really bizarre.

I would never want to be involved in anything like this to the level that Mr. Nichols is. Sooner or later they'll give you the old 'debriefing' treatment. The great mind von Neumann ended up with a split personality who could remember very little of his experiences on these secret projects.

The first half is great!.......2001-09-14

While the dinky drawing on the cover wasn't encouraging, and then when I turned to the Bibliography I was ready to forget reading it at all. However the material presented by Preston.B. Nichols on UFOs and implants at the front of the book was excellent! Unfortunately the rest of the 'fill in' by Peter Moon I considered absolute rubbish. Read anything by Mr. Nicols on this subject and you will not be disappointed....

Intriguing mix of science, UFOlogy & US govt conspiracy.......2000-04-28

The author does a revealing job of covering most aspects of UFO phenomena, including implants and abductions, asserting the US government uses both for mind control. He also mentions his own involvement in the "Philadelphia Experiment" where the US military allegedly transported a manned warship through space-time. He covers the "extensions" of modern Physics behind "reality engineering" for interstellar travel, but, as a Physics graduate and a serious UFOlogist, I found the science (twisters & spinners) a little thin. Half the book is written by his co-writer, mostly his own spiritual & UFO ideas, with strong Scientology leanings. The closing remarks that our "time line" ( a crucial term, but never defined ) has diverged from the Creator's, who is now absent from our world, will surprise those who have tapped Christ Consciousness / Buddha Nature through their own spiritual practice, & undermines other unsubstantiated assertions in the text.

The five pages devoted to life in Pleiadean society are inspiring, if a little short, considering the book's title. Presumably the Pleiadeans do not want extensive coverage of their world.

Two Books In One.......1999-03-06

First of all, this book is divided in two parts. Despite the efforts of the autors in presenting it under one title I would say, that it would be better to present as two separate works.

The first part is by far the most interesting one, the topics are varied ranging from secret conspiracies, abductions, implants, supressed technology, etc. It is a real eye opener!!!

The second part is rather disconected, the autor goes from one topic into another which makes very difficult to follow. Finally, I never understand what was his point or what was trying to show. If this second part would be suppresed it would be a much better work. Anyway the first part is really great and contains new ideas about the UFO phenomena which I haver never heard about it.

This is a must if you like UFO's and this kind of stuff

An informative view of the life and times of Preston Nichols.......1999-02-05

This book is especially intersting to ufo enthusiasts and people who have read any book in the Montauk series. This Novel mostly describes the life and times of Preston Nichols. If you have read any of his book and are interested in where he came from you should check this book out.

Average customer rating:

japanese crest

Traditional Japanese Family Crests for Artists and Craftspeople (Dover Pictorial Archives)
Isao Honda
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Asian | Regional | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Clip Art | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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Japanese Design Motifs (Dover Pictorial Archive Series)

Japanese Crests CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art)

Traditional Japanese Crest Designs (Dover Design Library)

Elements Of Japanese Design: Handbook Of Family Crests, Heraldry & Symbolism

Japanese Emblems and Designs (Pictorial Archives)

ASIN: 0486422739

Book Description

Over 1,700 compact, graceful designs — a traditional part of many Japanese family histories — are featured in this handsome, versatile collection. Depicting plant, leaf, animal, and fan designs in circular motifs; astronomical images, and more, the authentic, royalty-free crests are ideal for use as spot illustrations in a variety of graphic projects.

Customer Reviews:

japanese crest.......2007-09-21

I am sure the book is good for some, but it wasn't what I was hoping it would be.

Average customer rating:

A bible of horse info

Professional Care of the Racehorse, Revised Edition: A Guide to Grooming, Feeding, and Handling the Equine Athlete
T.A. Landers
Manufacturer: Eclipse Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Horses | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Showing & Training | Horses | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Racing | Horses | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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Training Thoroughbred Horses

Traits of a Winner: The Formula for Developing Thoroughbred Racehorses

Backyard Race Horse: the Training Manual: A Comprehensive Off-Track Program for Owners and Trainers (Backyard Race Horse: The Training Manual)

The Blood-Horse Authoritative Guide to Breeding Thoroughbreds

The New Thoroughbred Owners Handbook

ASIN: 1581501358

Book Description

Taking care of a racehorse involves many facets - from keeping the horse happy to recognizing any signs of lameness to knowing how to muck a stall. Author T.A. Landers, a former master groom turned trainer, breaks down all aspects of racehorse care in a clear, concise, and comprehensive manner that will leave the reader with more confidence in handling these magnificent animals. Professional Care of the Racehorse provides photographs and detailed explanations of grooming, feeding, restraining, tacking, and handling racehorses. The book also explains the necessary equipment and its proper use and care. All of this thrown in together with a few tips on horse psychology makes it an excellent resource for anyone who works with horses.

Customer Reviews:

A bible of horse info.......2006-04-27

Any owning or racing a horse will quickly come to consider PROFESSIONAL CARE OF THE RACEHORSE a 'Bible' of information - or will have to learn the same information the harder way, through the school of hard knocks. From grooming and basic training to understanding injuries and basic care of the feet, here under one cover is everything you need to know to keep your racehorse in top performing condition. Black and white photos and diagrams throughout add illustration wherever needed. A 'must' reference for racehorse owners.

Professional Grooming and Care of the Racehorse

Average customer rating:

Everything And Anything About Racehorses
LONG OVERDO
A Gem
Excellent Reference
a must-have reference for every horseman....

Professional Grooming and Care of the Racehorse
T. A. Landers
Manufacturer: Equine Research Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0935842101

Book Description

The most complete and highly detailed book on grooming and heath care available. It clearly tells you what to do, and why-as it carefully shows you how! It will be a required training manual for all professional grooms-and for trainers and owners who teach employees (or who want to know their horses are being cared for properly)! Includes step-by-step instructions for everything from cleaning, clipping, tacking up, care of feet, walking, to applying all kinds of boots and bandages. Contains over 500 illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Everything And Anything About Racehorses.......2000-05-09

I have received Professional Grooming And Care Of The Racehorse, and it was much much more than I expected it to be. The best literature on this topic that has ever been published. Hands down. Never have I seen an author put so much meticulous time, effort, and knowledge into creating an informative book. Everything you could possibly want to know about racehorses is just a few pages away.

LONG OVERDO.......2000-04-13

For years there was a void in the horse book market about Racehorse Care. With Landers book the void is now filled. This book is unbelievable in its content. I've never read a better Ho -To book in my life on any subject as that of PROFESSIONAL GROOMING & CARE OF THE RACEHORSE. The reader will become a better all around horseperson after completion. I reccommend without a doubt

A Gem.......2000-02-29

This book is an excellent sorce of information concerning both Thoroughbreds & Standardbreds,As an owner I now have a good insight as to the level of care my horses should get while on the racetrack , Thanks to Landers. I truly reccommend this book to anyone remotely connected with horseracing.

Excellent Reference.......2000-02-13

This book has got to be the best HorseCare book on the market. Easy to read and understand, Anyone connected with racehorses should read it. The author puts you in the place of a groom and indicates the important role of the groom in a racing stable. It is sad that the professional groom gets little recognition for their efforts but this book surely places the spotlight on their skills. Anyone can learn how to perform the skills stated in the book by following the step by step instructions and illustrations. A must have book for any horseowner,

a must-have reference for every horseman...........1999-08-15

here at last is a reference volume that deconstructs all the mysteries of how and why we work around horses. starting with the premise that the reader knows nothing, it goes step by step though every process that a groom would ever have to perform. although written for the racing industry, this book belongs in the tackroom of every owner, trainer and groom - regardless of discipline! constantly stressing safety for both horse and groom, it cannot help but impart a competent professionalism to those who chose to read it and practice these techniques.

Customer Reviews:

Not Quite Meant To Be Shared, Too Revealing.......2007-09-05

This book explains much of the Iroquois' traditions in dealing with Masks and their powers of healing and protection of the Native Peoples. Though it tells too much, for the False Face Society is meant to be a Secret Society. The book has many pictures from when the Iroquois seemed to fear the end of all they believed in, causing the need to share with record keepers and historians. These 'Faces' are still very sacred to the Iroquois people, and still have their uses as protectors. The book also confuses the differences between the 6 Nations. The lines are very thn and not recognized. There are songs and speeches recorded and the languages very different from each other. All in all, a great book for Native Historians as well as Iroquois people who want to know more about their people and their history.

Lifting the mask: a glimpse into the false face society.......2003-04-05

Fenton's work is the basis for your sojourn into the False Face Society. His classification of masks based on prominent features such as the nose, mouth, presence of forehead ridges is the foundation for anyone wishing to understand these magnificant cultural pieces. It is not bedside reading; rather, it requires a quick perusal to familiarize yourself with masks. As you study, hold, or look at another mask you will dive deeper and deeper into Fenton's tome.

Scholarly Documentation from a Lifetime of Study.......2000-07-17

This is an exhaustive, classic ethnological study. The author is a Ph.D. from Yale, who at the time of publication (1987) served as a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at SUNY/Albany. The book is a 522 page tome that covers all aspects of false face masks, from carving through use. In addition to providing 24 color and more than 200 B&W photos of wooden and cornhusk masks, the author classifies the types of masks he has observed, describes the personages who the masks represent, and documents rituals in which he has seen the masks used. Ritual songs and positions of maskers during ceremonies are cataloged in the book.

As you might expect, accessories of maskers including rattles (turtle and bark) are not only shown in photographs, but are described with details that include rattle construction. A scholarly treatment of a subject with mystical and religious meaning to some.

Average customer rating:
The False Faces of the Iroquois
William N. Fenton
Manufacturer: Univ of Oklahoma Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBVHU4

Average customer rating:
Iroquois false-face masks, (Publications in primitive art)
Robert Eugene Ritzenthaler
Manufacturer: Milwaukee Public Museum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books | 19th Century | 20th Century | 21st Century | African Americans | Civil War | Colonial Period | General | Revolution & Founding | State & Local
ASIN: B0006CNFEU

Book Description

The most significant of the more than 175 varieties of Japanese ornamental trees featured, along with a discussion of Japanese garden design, and cultivation tips for home gardeners.

Customer Reviews:

4.5 Stars.......2006-10-01

This is an excellent book if you would like to get an overview and history of Washington DC's Cherry Blossom Festival. There's some really good historical photographs and drawings and it was enjoyable to read about the development, meaning, symbolism, etc. of the Cherry Blossom Festival. I would rate this book 4.5 stars only because while there are some great photos of the spectacular trees there aren't nearly as many as there should be. This is a great book if you are new to Washington and/or looking for a gift.

History of the Cherry Blossom Festival........2005-04-09

The book is very detailed and wonderfully illustrated. It starts with the traditions and roots of Cherry Blossom Festivals from Japan. Then it explians how the cherry blossom trees came to Washington and how the US picked up the traditions of the Cherry Blossom Festival. It ends with a chapter about how to care for cherry blossoms and how they exist, not only in cities of Japan and Washington, D.C., but also in other parts of the US, such as New York and Ohio, Missouri and California. Lovely book.
Funny enough, the book was printed in China.

I have not seen this book, this is what I've read about it.......2005-03-24

Lots of illustrations and facts about the role of the cherry blossom tree in diplomacy and landscapes. Info on the trees' cultivation, how the U.S. got the trees, places outside of Washington, DC to see them.

The author has worked at the Smithsonian and is a resident of D.C.

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