No comments about Oklahoma: The Land and Its People.

1 comments about San Francisco (Gerald & Marc Hoberman Collection).

1. After buying Ireland by Gerald Hoberman I had to buy a book on my second favorite city. Once again a Hoberman book is just superior to anything else out there. You will love this book. Just a magic journey through a magical place. The compelling photos are matched with wonderful writing.

No comments about Homelands: A Geography of Culture and Place across America (Creating the North American Landscape).

No comments about Richard Halliburton's Book of Marvels: The Occident.

1 comments about Two Years Before the Mast.

1. I read this book many years ago and found it in the Amazon list while searching for another book about historical sea tales. I was surprised that no reviews existed for it, considering how long it has been around. It's a great story, a true story, written in the first person manner. I rank it high along with the Tristan Jones tales, the O'Brian Aubrey/Maturin series and all of the other great seafaring books. Dana's narrative is clear and very understandable for those new to this age of sea terms and challenges and a great book for a beginner, especially for American readers interested in that time of American seagoing history.

No comments about Ports Cruising Guide to Georgian Bay, The North Channel & Lake Huron.

2 comments about National Geographic Guide to America's Outdoors: Southwest: Nature Adventures in Parks, Preserves, Forests, Wildlife Refuges, Wildnerness Areas (NG Guide to America's Outdoor).

1. This is one of a series of books provided by National Geographic featuring the famous and lesser-known, less traveled parks in the United States. The series is divided into regions and provides invaluable information about accommodations, trails, activities, optimal times of travel, etc. Don't plan a trip without perusing these books!



2. I always knew this area of the Southwest was beautiful, based on my limited firsthand experience. Reading this guidebook makes me want to go back and explore more of the places I missed. Mr. White's use of the language evokes not only the beauty of the area but offers fascinating bits of information about the geology and origins of the places described. Guidebooks are used to guide, obviously, but this one, thanks to Mr. White, also illuminates and entertains. Mr. Huey's photography is first-rate. Highly recommended.

4 comments about Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains: An Environmental History of the Highest Peaks in Eastern America.

1. What a terrific book Timothy Silver has crafted! Anyone interested in mountains, hiking, fishing, environmental issues, natural history, or the local history of North Carolina's mountains will enjoy this wonderful account. Professor Silver, a historian in western North Carolina, has written a book in which Mount Mitchell stars at the center of his narrative--and both general readers and professional historians can find meaning and pleasure in his tale.

   Like many environmental historians, Silver sees in the reciprocal interaction between nature and culture a larger story of a region. And he brings us this compelling story from a variety of intriguing angles. He offers his own assessments, ones generated on his extensive hiking and fishing trips in the Black Mountains of western North Carolina. He provides insight into the steamy 19th century historical controversy between rivals each seeking to determine which was the highest peak in the region--and to see who could do it first and most authoritatively. (And as a New Englander, I found the tale inviting even if our White Mountains fall short in elevation to North Carolina's peaks!) Professor Silver also examines logging practices and regional boosterism, the antecedent of eco-tourism.

   The book has something that will be compelling for a wide audience of readers interested in the natural world and local history--and the style is accessible and enjoyable. Whether you've hiked a lot, love North Carolina, want to investigate stormy political and personal feuds, or wish to know more about regional environmental history, "Mount Mitchell" is a fine read. I commend it to you!




2. Timothy Silver has given us an excellent history of Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains.
   The work is titled as an environmental history, and it is supported by a wealth of factual information, but the whole presentation is a wonderful flowing story of these peaks in western North Carolina, and their history as they were shaped by nature and by man.
   Of special interest is the account of the feud between Elisha Mitchell and Thomas Clingman. The story encompasses misunderstandings, fragile egos, and desperate politics. When Mitchell fell to his death in 1857, the public mind established Mitchell as a hero and martyr who died to establish these peaks as the state's best known landmark. His body was later moved to the higest peak, which is forever known as Mount Mitchell.
   We are also able to see the history of man's interaction with nature. In the case of the Blacks, it is often with tragic results, and even when the intentions are good, the outcome is often marginal.
   Dr. Silver leaves us with a compelling book that provides much information and asks many questions that we should consider not only for this mountain range, but for our environment as well.
   I highly recommend this book. The author has done us a great favor.



3. What an excellent book! Timothy Silver has given us a two fold view of Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains of North Carolina. A combination of the natural history of the area, and man's exploration/exploitation of these lofty peaks. I think what I enjoyed most about the book, were the short "interludes" where the writer inserts his many experiences of car camping, hiking/backpacking, trout fishing, or just marveling at nature while sitting at some well known spot, or some "hidey-hole" known only to people who frequent the area. These personal thoughts heightened my reading pleasure, because like the writer, I have spent a great deal of time in the Blacks and know of what he speaks.
   
   The battle between the Mountain's namesake, the Rev. Elisha Mitchell and his former student, future Confederate general Thomas Clingman about who measured the mountain first, is fleshed out completely, and is probably the definitive account of this famous row.
   
   The end chapters deal with mankind's interventions on the mountain, and the consequences of these acts. This is followed up with concise information about the acid rain/woolly adelgid issues affecting the Fir and Red Spruce trees on the mountain tops, along with some discussion about the growth cycles about the above mentioned trees, which in my opinion, clears up some of the misinformation out there. For years, the problem was blamed on woolly adelgids, then on acid rain. I personally feel like these two scourges work together hand in hand to decimate the once proud Fraser Firs.
   
   This is truly a groundbreaking book. I'd like to see more works that follow this vein. Nicely illustrated.



4. Weaving the history of the Black Mtns with the author's personal diary made this book exceptional. I particularly enjoyed the theory on how mountain balds were formed and how native americans survived and made most of the land. I recommend this book to anyone who hikes or camps and appreciates the mountains.

2 comments about The Race to Nome.

1. I first read this book as a ten year old and it is an outstanding read. Any child could pick it up and find it fascinating. If your children have ever seen the cartoon movie Balto and want to find out the true story about all of the legendary mnushers and their dogs - such as Leonard Seppala and his lead dog Togo - you have to read this book. It is an inspring story of how man helped his fellow man (with the assistance of man's best friend the dog)to beat a Diptheria epedemic. Absolutely wonderful - hope this book is back in stock soon as I would love to re-reasd it.



2. I first read this book as a ten year old and it is an outstanding read. Any child could pick it up and find it fascinating. If your children have ever seen the cartoon movie Balto and want to find out the true story about all of the legendary mushers and their dogs - such as Leonard Seppala and his lead dog Togo - you have to read this book. It is an inspiring story of how man helped his fellow man (with the assistance of man's best friend the dog)to beat a Diptheria epedemic. Absolutely wonderful - hope this book is back in stock soon as I would love to re-read it.

No comments about Fodor's Road Guide USA: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, 1st Edition (Fodor's Road Guide USA).