Plants from the Edge of the World: New Explorations in the Far East

Book Description

In October 1987, a great storm drove in from the English Channel, devastating the southeastern counties of the British Isles. Huge gaps opened in the landscape of England, and the historic tree collections at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, and Wakehurst Place in West Sussex lay fallen. The storm exposed the mortality of heritage trees for all to see and provided the impetus for a new wave of plant collecting by the Royal Botanic Gardens, led by the enterprising Mark Flanagan and Tony Kirkham. The losses sparked a realization: the collections at Kew and Wakehurst Place lacked key representatives of the world's temperate woodlands, and to fill the gaps, Flanagan and Kirkham looked east, to the species-rich temperate forests of Korea, Taiwan, eastern Russia and Japan. These hidden corners of the Far East became their hunting ground. Plants are at the heart of this story, and the descriptions convey the excitement of the find. The narrative unfolds with an immediacy that makes us feel right there beside them as they uncover rarities like Cotoneaster wilsonii (found only on the remote island of Ullung-Do), hang off the side of a gorge to collect the seed of Magnolia sieboldii and endure a punishing day in search of the Taiwan beech. Vividly illustrated with color maps and photographs, this entertaining travelogue will appeal to travellers, plant-lovers and anyone with an interest in the rich diversity of flora of the Far East.

Average customer rating:

A thorough companion

An essential for the cruising bookshelf

Perfect blend of insight and practical help

Finally a guide in English - And it is excellent!

Cape Verde Islands, 2nd
Aisling Irwin , and Colum Wilson
Manufacturer: Bradt Travel Guides
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Africa | Travel | Subjects | Books
Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
General | Travel | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Cape Verde Map by ITMB (Travel Reference Map)

Cape Verde

Between Race and Ethnicity: Cape Verdean American Immigrants, 1860-1965 (Statue of Liberty Ellis Island)

Lonely Planet West Africa

Cape Verde: Crioulo Colony to Independent Nation (Nations of the Modern World)

ASIN: 1841620386

Book Description

Travelling between the islands, marine wildlife, and an introduction to Cape Verde Island culture through literature, music and history are just some of the topics covered in this dedicated guide to these islands

Customer Reviews:

A thorough companion.......2006-12-07

If you plan on visiting the Islands of Cape Verde, this travel guide is essential. I have not found a better or more thorough guide. I currently live here but I am American and I knew nothing of the islands when I arrived. But after living here a while, I discovered that this book is as accurate as I initially thought. There are few things misspelled but that is to be overlooked by the amount of truely uselful and thorough the information is. I also liked the little touches of background and history on each island. It is very well done.

An essential for the cruising bookshelf.......2002-01-28

I first visited the Cape Verdes in 1987 while researching the ATLANTIC ISLANDS, a sailing guide covering the Azores, Madeira group, Canaries and Cape Verdes, now in its third edition. Getting information on the Cape Verdes in the English language was difficult in the extreme -- if only Aisling and Colum's excellent book had been available then! These days no sane person should visit the islands without reading it first. The Cape Verdes come as something of a culture shock after the Canaries -- this book will explain why, and help you get the most from the experience. Buy it!

Perfect blend of insight and practical help.......1999-06-01

This was just the sort of thing a hardened backpacker needed. It had all the useful nooks and crannies of info you need - plus the fact that it filled in a lot of the extra info you like to get about a place you're seeing. They gave a great account of the islands' history - it was really moving.

Finally a guide in English - And it is excellent!.......1999-01-30

Irwin and Wilson's guide gives you all the factual information you need, and in addition succeeds in capturing the spirit of Cape Verde, with boxes on cultural and historical issues linked to each island. There is no doubt about it: This is the best guide available. If you read German, Rolf Osang's "Kapverdische Inseln" from Dumont is nearly as good and a useful supplement (especially when it comes to photos). The chapters on Cape Verde in Rough Guides' and Lonely Planet's books on West Africa are neither up-to-date nor in-depth enough if you plan to spend more than a few days in Cape Verde (which you should!).

The appendix on Crioulo language in Irwin and Wilson's book is brief but good. Don't be put off by the nasty details on horrible diseases in the section on health!

Customer Reviews:

Great Book!.......2004-09-25

This is a very good book about Lories and Lorikeets, and covers just about everything. In addition to the information, this book is filled with photos that are just beautiful. There is literally a picture on every one of its 156 pages.

Average customer rating:
Black Memorabilia Around the House: A Handbook and Price Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
Jan Lindenberger
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Americana | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

More Black Memorabilia: A Handbook and Price Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Black Collectibles: Mammy and Her Friends

Black Memorabilia for the Kitchen (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Collecting black memorabilia: A picture price guide

Antique Trader Black Americana: Price Guide (Antique Trader's Black Americana Price Guide)

ASIN: 0887404871

Book Description

Collecting of black memorabilia continues as an area of growing interest, attracting new collectors every day. It includes everything from household figures to artifacts from slavery, and covers both the stereotype and the reality of the black experience in America. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Jeanette Carson, a pioneer of black memorabilia, estimated that "of the 30,000 collectors of black memorabilia, the majority are black. "This is a way of preserving a heritage and educating a new generation about how things were." In her second book on Black Memorabilia, one of America's foremost authorities explores the use of black images in advertising, home decoration, office decor, and restaurant themes. Nearly seven hundred items are illustrated in full color and prices are given which reflect current market values.

Black Memorabilia Around the House: A Handbook & Price Guide.

Average customer rating:

Black Memorabilia Around the House: A Handbook & Price Guide.
Jan. Lindenberger
Manufacturer: Schiffer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GS8P12

Book Description

For the enthusiastic amateur or experienced rhododendron grower, this landmark reference provides the keys to the accurate identification of the nearly 300 rhododendron species widely in cultivation. An extensive introduction places the work in context as it examines the history of Rhododendron classification and gives a full survey of plant structures throughout the many species. Species are listed in systematic order, so that similar species occur close to each other in the text. These are fully described, including complete citations of previous references and notes on the occurrence of wild-origin specimens in cultivation. Beautiful photographs include close-up shots of flower and leaf, microscope images of leaf surfaces, and easy-to-use diagnostic keys, making this the indisputable volume for plant identification. A milestone in the identification of rhododendrons, this will become an essential reference for botanists, nurserymen, and enthusiasts.

Average customer rating:

An excellent foundation for improvisation...

Misses The Point

Improvisation Non Starters

A Fantastic Resource

A most valuable resource for actors, directors, and teachers

Improvisation Starters: A Collection of 900 Improvisation Situations for the Theater
Philip Bernardi
Manufacturer: Betterway Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Acting & Auditioning | Theater | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Theater | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Stagecraft | Theater | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Theatre Games for Young Performers: Improvisations and Exercises for Developing Acting Skills (Contemporary Drama)

112 Acting Games: A Comprehensive Workbook Of Theatre Games for Developing Acting Skills

Theater Games for the Classroom: A Teacher's Handbook

Acting Games: Improvisations and Exercises : A Textbook of Theatre Games and Improvisations

Group Improvisation: The Manual of Ensemble Improv Games

ASIN: 1558702334

Customer Reviews:

An excellent foundation for improvisation..........2007-05-15

Philip Bernardi's "Improvisation Starters" is a fantastic collection of scenes, moments, and games that will provide an excellent foundation for improvisational work, rehearsal, and performance. A must have for actors, teachers, and improvisors.

Misses The Point.......2005-04-12

If you're thinking of buying this book in preparation for comedy improv classes, you're off track. You'll learn in the first weeks of your class that you discover what your scene's about as it unfolds, not a second before. That's what's funny about comedy improv, watching players discover in the moment what the scene's about. And the game is usually something little, something accidental, like everyone's wearing too much jewelry on the job. That's it.

You and your partner figure out as you go what the game is in the scene based on the information you uncover, step by step.

I keep cringing when I think about kids buying this book because instead of learning to explore character, activity, emotion, dialogue and stage picture as a way to build a throughline from scratch, they're being handed pre-packaged "plots" which burden the player with required attitudes and, saps the life and comedy right out of everything.

The only way these scenarios may work is if you teach the kids to take the opposite point of view to what's expected. "It's 3AM and you were expected home from your prom three hours ago. That's my boy!"

Improvisation Non Starters.......2004-02-23

This wasn't very useful to me. It contains merely lists of possible conflicts and conversations one might base an improvisation around. The ideas arn't particularly imaginative and are nothing I or my students couldn't come up with ourselves.

A Fantastic Resource.......2001-11-23

This book is an incredible value. There are, as the title indicates, hundreds of different improvisations. There are improvisations between coworkers, spouses, friends, salespeople/customers, managers/subordinates, and many more. There are also sections where scenes for one individual are introduced. In addition to the different improv situations, the author also includes instructions for teachers or instructors. I am not all that experienced with improvisation but this book makes it easy. Two thumbs up to Philip Bernardi for his excellent contribution to this area.

A most valuable resource for actors, directors, and teachers.......2000-09-08

In my twenty-one years as a teacher of theater, I have found few books as valuable as this one. The book provides hundreds of interesting and challenging improvisation situations which have functioned to tap the most creative impulses my students have to offer. The situations have inspired my student actors to explore complexities of character conflict and motivational objectives that they don't often realize exist. I also found the chapter on using improvisation in play direction very worthwhile. I now use the author's suggestions during rehearsals for every play I direct, and my actors benefit greatly. No collection of books on acting, directing, or teaching theater is complete without this one. I give it my highest recommendation.

Customer Reviews:

This book deserves a wide audience.......2000-09-09

As a Westerner who has done a lot of meditation in Thailand over the last 18 years, I've been curious to know the history of meditation in Thailand. I've also wondered about the Tudong or wondering monks whom I've occasionally seen here. This book explains it all. It is also very inspirational for serious meditators and might even inspire people who are curious about meditation.

As far as I can tell (having spent about a year in Thai monasteries), Kamala is right on the button in everything she writes. My only complaint about the book is that the footnotes are in the back instead of at the bottom of the page.

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful series of guides.......2002-02-11

There are no more beautifully written or pictured guides to the national parks than this series put out by the Sierra Club. For a historical, geological, and biological snapshot of a park, no book does it better. If you need very specific information, contacting the park is your best bet. There is some information about trails, camping, contact info, etc. The main purpose of the book, however, is to give you an understanding about all aspects of the park. These books are truly treasured in our home.

Awesome pictures and great history!.......2001-08-02

This is a wonderful book that introduces through color photography and historical references many of the national parks in the pacific northwest and Alaska. While a little outdated to be considered a true travel guide - it is great for reference and a wonderful guide for those who only can travel to these majestic and mystical places through pictures.

Book Description

This book considers the impact of incomplete information and heterogeneous beliefs on investor's optimal portfolio and consumption behavior and equilibrium asset prices. After a brief review of the existing incomplete information literature, the effect of incomplete information on investors' exptected utility, risky asset prices, and interest rates is described. It is demonstrated that increasing the quality of investors' information need not increase their expected utility and the prices of risky assets. The impact of heterogeneous beliefs on investors' portfolio and consumption behavior and equilibrium asset prices is shown to be non-trivial. Heterogeneous beliefs can explain a number of observed phenomena, such as the fact that equilibrium state-price densities are not log-normal, the "smile" in option implied volatility, and the patterns of implied risk aversion reported recently in the literature. It is also demonstrated that financial markets in general do not aggregate information efficiently, a fact that can explain the equity premium puzzle.

Customer Reviews:

Reinvention of Published Work.......2004-01-13

The book has deficiencies that I am sorry to report in the following.
The book is about heterogeneous beliefs. Therefore, a discussion of the
relevant literature would have been appropriate. Unfortunately, the au-
thor does not mention important contributions. I highlight a few omissions.
Mordecai Kurz and his coauthors (1997) have developed a fascinating theory
of heterogeneous, yet rational beliefs. This approach should be part of a
book about the economic implications of heterogeneous beliefs. Stochastic
volatility, to mention just one point that plays also a role in Ziegler's book,
has been shown to arise endogenously in the literature on rational beliefs.
Another approach to heterogeneous beliefs is provided by the recent liter-
ature on 'ambiguity', see Gilboa and Schmeidler (1989), Dow and Werlang
(1992), Epstein and Chen (2002). There, agents are uncertain or ambiguous
about the exact distribution of asset returns. Therefore, they use a whole
class of possible priors and maximize the expected utility under the worst be-
lief. The home bias puzzle, e.g., can be explained by ambiguity, see Epstein
and Miao (2003). Both Kurz's approach as well as the ambiguity literature
have the advantage of having a sound decision theoretic foundation whereas
the assumption of heterogeneous priors is somewhat ad hoc.
Chapter 2 of Ziegler's book has been published before { but not by the
author. In fact, it is the sad reviewer who has published not only that chap-
ter (Riedel (2000a)) but related work earlier(Riedel (2000b), Riedel (2001)).
Parts of Chapter 5 are easy corollaries to Chapter 1 in Riedel (2000b). Un-
fortunately, Ziegler has not read these contributions.

References
Detemple, J. (1986): Asset Pricing in a Production Economy with Incomplete Information," Journal of Finance, 41, 383-391.
Detemple, J., and R. Kihlstrom (1987): Acquisition d'Information
dans un Modle Intertemporel en Temps Continu," L'Actualite Economique,

63, 118-137.
Dothan, M. U., and D. Feldman (1986): Equilibrium Interest Rates
and Multiperiod Bonds in a Production-Exchange Economy," Journal of
Finance, 41, 369-382.
Dow, J., and S. Werlang (1992): Uncertainty Aversion, Risk Aversion,
and the Optimal Choice of Portfolio," Econometrica, 60(1), 197-204.
Epstein, L., and Z. Chen (2002): Ambiguity, Risk and Asset returns in
Continuous Time," Econometrica, 70, 14031443.
3
Epstein, L., and J. Miao (2003): A Two-Person dynamic Equilibrium
under Ambiguity," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, 27, 1253-
1288.
Gilboa, I., and D. Schmeidler (1989): Maxmin Expected Utility with
Non-Unique Prior," Journal of Mathematical Economics, 18, 141{153.
Kurz, M. (ed.) (1997): Endogenous Economic Fluctuations: Studies in the
Theory of Rational Beliefsvol. 6 of Springer Series in Economic Theory,
Heidelberg, New York. Springer.
Riedel, F. (2000a): Decreasing Yield Curves in a Model with an Unknown
Constant Growth Rate," European Finance Review, 4, 51-67.
(2000b): Imperfect Information and Investor Heterogeneity in the
Bond Market. Physica, Heidelberg.
(2001): Existence of Arrow{Radner Equilibrium with Endoge-
nously Complete Markets under Incomplete Information," Journal of Economic Theory, 97, 109-122.

Average customer rating:
The Business, Accounting, and Finance Problem Solver: A Complete Solution Guide to Any Textbook
M. Fogiel
Manufacturer: Research & Education Assn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J4UB4C

Book Description

Make the same pioneer crafts that Laura did!

In her beloved Little House books, Laura Ingalls Wilder tells of her pioneer childhood growing up on the frontier. Because the Ingallses often lived far away from any stores, and because they had little money, Laura and her family had to make most of their own household items, using whatever materials were available. Now, with MY LITTLE HOUSE CRAFTS BOOK, you can share a part of Laura's pioneer days by learning how to make the same things that she and her family made for their little homes on the frontier. Inside this book are easy, step-by-step instructions for 18 crafts taken straight from the pages of Laura's Little House books. All you need to get started are a few simple supplies, and you're on your way to making fun and useful pioneer crafts that you'll cherish forever.

Customer Reviews:

A less-than-respectful treatment of the skilled crafts..........2004-04-22

I know that Carolyn Collins and Mary Collier wanted to keep their craft projects as simple as possible, so that they would be fun for our TV-glutted, skill-deprived youngsters. But in doing so, they curtailled themselves from creating a masterpiece of historical analysis like The Little House Cookbook.
How about showing some of the REAL projects that we read about in the Little House books, like the dresses that Laura and Mary laid out by drafting patterns on old newspaper, or the cabinetry that Almanzo built to delight his wife?
Aside from very young children, the handy people described in the Little House books manufactured items that were more useful and complex than Brownie Scout camp crafts. That it bears the "Little House" brand name does not separate this book from the pack.

Rather Disappointing, Actually........2002-12-09

I'd hoped for a nice selection of crafts. While a few of the items listed are interesting and "crafty" (the quilt, bead crafts, straw hat, hood), most are defintely stretching the definition. I wouldn't consider a garden or a loaf of bread to be a 'craft'... and does anyone REALLY need instructions to figure out how to make a button string? The original Little House books explain quite well how to make the orange flower and button lamp. (And what you'd do with a decorative button lamp is a puzzle to me anyway.) We learn how to make the tassles for Mary's bedshoes, but there are no instructions for making the shoes themselves.

Teacher's View for My Little House Craft Book.......2001-03-01

This book is a great opportunity to learn about crafts and stories through the eyes and hands of a pioneer child. Children will enjoy the stories from Laura Ingles Wilder. With each story, a craft is illustrated with colorful pictures and detailed step by step instructions that are very easy to follow. A great teaching tool and a good book to add to your shelf.

Average customer rating:
Nature's Design - A Practical Guide To Natural Landscaping
Carol A. and the Editors of Rodale Press Books Smyser
Manufacturer: Rodale Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UY9MZ0

Average customer rating:
Nature's Design A Practical Guide to Natural Landscaping First Cloth Edition

Manufacturer: Rodale Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HEG6KW

Average customer rating:

Priced To Move

Nature's Design: A Practical Guide to Natural Landscaping
Carol A. Smyser
Manufacturer: Rodale Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Landscape | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Landscape | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0878573437

Customer Reviews:

Priced To Move.......2006-09-12

From the very dawn of what we laughingly refer to as civilization, when knuckle-dragging Neanderthals gawked as ferns unfurled their fronds and begged the sun to pour its magic warmth upon them, dandelions (back then referred to as "dent-de-saber-tooth-tigers) exploded, and aquifer recharge areas gurgled far below unshod, hairy feet, mankind has regarded nature as a malleable source of inspiration easily bent to aesthetically pleasurable forms, as well as a walk-through self-service convenience store that miraculously restocks itself without the help of Pakistani clerks. No one knows this better than Ms. Smyser, the author of Nature's Design.

At 1 cent, this content-rich tome is attractively priced and bound to add panache, esprit, and insouciance to even the most well-appointed library. Certainly there are those who will take issue with Ms. Smyser's theories concerning rhododendrons, and as to her thoughts on wildflowers, well, one must simply recall the words of Wittgenstein who observed, "Regarding those things we may never understand, let us pass over them in silence." The cool weather crop section, by contrast, is scintillating, passionate, effusive, and scented with just a whiff of je ne c'est quois (whatever that is).

Published in 1982, (24 years ago), by Rodale Press, (located in Emmaus, PA), Nature's Design is 390 pages, (10 shy of 400).

Average customer rating:

The same simple formula, restated over and over again

Finally Someone Tells us How!

How to Discipline Your 6-12
Barbara C. Unell , and Jerry Wyckoff
Manufacturer: Main Street Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Development | Child Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Marriage & Family | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Discipline | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Your Six-Year-Old: Loving and Defiant

Caring for Your School Age Child: Ages 5-12 (Child Care)

When Your Child Is 6-12

Your Seven-Year-Old: Life in a Minor Key

Discipline Without Shouting or Spanking: Practical Solutions to the Most Common Preschool Behavior Problems

Accessories:

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0385260474
Release Date: 1990-12-01

Book Description

Discipline Without Shouting Or Spanking became a best-seller by proving practical, effective advice on common behavioral problems to parents of children under six. Here the authors adapt their winning formula for older youngsters.

Customer Reviews:

The same simple formula, restated over and over again.......2000-08-04

Not only is this book in the most boring format and easy to put down, I could have written this book in 2 chapters. The same solutions are brought into every problem. The advice is GOOD, I am not saying it isn't, and most would benefit from reading this book. (If you can stick to reading it) But every chapter is filled with the same thing, build your child up or don't put up with their bad behavior. To me that is common knowledge that many parents don't follow through with. This is not groundbreaking theory. Every chapter has the same suggestion, if you don't do (whatever the misbehavior is) then you will do extra chores for me. And poof! Like magic, the child just changes in 2 days to an angel! Get real, we wouldn't need books like this if we could change our kids behavior this quickly. I didn't look closely enough when I was ordering this book to see that these were the authors of "How to Discipline Your Children Without Spanking". Spare the rod, spoil the child! Sometimes a spanking is a way to let your child know they messed up and you aren't going to put up with the behavior. This gets their attention and after they calm down you can talk about things. Spanking definately isn't the answer in ALL instances. I am a firm believer that only if the child knows a rule (One that is important, not just leaving the tennis shoes in the living room) and decides to break it, then a spanking is in order.

I don't forsee buying any more books from these authors, as I am not interested in reading what I already know.

Finally Someone Tells us How!.......1999-03-17

Finally someone has written a book that makes sense. My 9 year old is a good kid with some issues on additude! This was the book to make the difference! She wines I calmly state the house rules and give her a chore to complete! I am no longer the bad mom....She does a wrong! I calmly state her punishment and she now listens. I am sticking to it and it is working! WOW! I recommend this book to anyone that has children and to the teachers out there that teach our children! If we all ban together maybe we can change the meanness out in the world with the next generation! I know mine has changed!The best thing is now she wants to keep her room clean and her responsibilities done because she saw how much fun she could really have! and all the time she wasted by not doing her responsibilities!

How to Discipline Your 6-12 Without losing your mind

Average customer rating:

How to Discipline Your 6-12 Without losing your mind
Barbara C. Unell
Manufacturer: Main Street Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000V6LRWI

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books