4 comments about Humboldt's Cosmos.

1. Humboldt was a truly extraordinary character. He was a mixture of adventurer and scientist that has rarely been seen, especially with such developed expertise in both areas. This biography covers Humboldt's entire life, with special focus on his trip to Latin America between 1799 and 1804.
   
   This book is written as an interesting narrative, explaining with only passing remarks the actual science behind his achievements. Advances that Humboldt made cover such different fields as botany, geology, geography, anthropology, climatology, magnetism, among others. The book is very good at outlining the spirit of those discoveries; if you would like an actual explanation, look in the Personal Narratives that Humboldt wrote himself.
   
   As an adventurer, he criss crossed South America at a time when much of it was yet undiscovered and uncharted. He mapped the Casiquiare canal, which at the time was a legendary connection between the Amazon and Orinoco basins. He made it from Venezuela to Peru, climbing in the process some of the highest mountains in Latin America (including the Chimborazo, which at the time was believed to be the highest mountain in the world and yet unclimbed). He was for many years the high altitude record holder of the world.
   
   It is amazing such a towering figure is not remembered among the ranks of Einstein, Da Vinci or Darwin. I highly recommend this book and finding out more about Humboldt, especially if you enjoy science, travel or adventure writing.



2. The only thing I knew about Humboldt was that the pacific oceanic current was named after him. This book catch your attention from the very beginning, showing you the life, custom and geography of central and south america in the 1800's, places that Humboldt explored in his long journey. The author also gives a browsing on the history of the natives and the places that Humboldt trekked.
   The life of Humboldt is also very interesting, by his achievements, his relentless curiosity and by the unique opportunity to met very important people of the time such as Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon, Simon Bolivar and Charles Darwin. This is definitely a book to enjoy and learn, so much to learn.



3. Through Alexander von Humboldt's own writings, Gerard Helferich takes us on high adventure from the unforgiving, bug-infested steamy jungles of the Amazon to some of the highest Andean peaks of South America as Humboldt methodically searches for the common thread that connects the "unity of nature".
   
   For five years, from 1799-1804, Alexander von Humboldt traveled extensively in South and Central America intensely observing every facet of the natural and physical world to speculate on how everything is related. Whether it was trudging through crocodile and jaguar infested waterways of the Orinoco River, climbing 19,000 foot volcanic mountains in the Andes or measuring ocean currents and observing native cultures, Humboldt had a keen eye for every aspect of our planet.
   
   He formulated the design of isotherms which is still used to this day in meteorology, raised awareness on such varied topics as geomagnetism, plant geography, volcanology, cartography and many other subjects. Even though towns, counties, mountains (even one on the moon), forests and bodies of water have been named after him, for the most part history has forgotten this amazing man and his accomplishments.



4. Gerard Helferich has done a great service to humanity by not allowing Alexander Von Humboldt to become another meaningless name attached to a street or landmark.
   
   Humboldt was the second coming of Benjamin Franklin and shared the same worldwide recognition. While Lewis and Clark explored the North American North West using the patronage of Thomas Jefferson and the American government, Humboldt self financed his exploration of South America. This is absolutely fascinating history.
   
   For the most part reading the book is smooth sailing, at times readers can suffer from information overload and once in a great while Gerard Helferich will put the reader to sleep with expansion concerning some miniscule details.
   
   Now, this is a book I will re-read because it is so detailed and well written. I would like to thank the author, Gerard Helferich, for providing me with such a wonderful enlightening history of an extremely notable human.

5 comments about Hatteras Blues: A Story from the Edge of America.

1. This is a very well researched book about the history of charter fishing off Hatteras Island. The author combines archive research with annecdotes collected from his repeated trips to the island. The reader also has a feeling of sadness as the author's wife slowly succumbs to MS while he is doing his research.
   
   Well worth the time to read.



2. I have been visiting the North Carolina outer banks since 1970. I did not think anyone had as much love or reverence of this special place as I, but I was wrong. Tom Carlson in Hatteras Blues has established himself as a true devotee of these narrow islands off the Carolina coast. He captures the lure of isolated and wind-worn beaches and ever-changing off shore waters where fishermen (and women) from the smallest North Carolina towns to the largest international cities have searched for prize bill fish, bull drum, cobia and a host of other species for several decades. The reader is absorbed in the story of the Fosters and others who fought the harshness of life on the outer banks to create a thriving charter fishing industry that today is being challenged by corporations and those uncaring of the outerbanks special culture. Carlson is a waterman by birth and a "Banker" by choice. Hatteras Blues is a heartfelt story of great loss, love, spirit, transformation and hope set in one of the most magical places on planet Earth. Rates with Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea for bringing to life the conflicts, the turmoil and the serenity of what it means to be a part of the sea and the coast. Highly recommended.



3. Great book. I love to hear the stories of the people in this book, of course the fishing is always good. The weather and the constant movement of the cape was and is totally intriguing.



4. HATTERAS BLUES: A STORY FROM THE EDGE OF AMERICA is part biography and part regional history: it uses the experiences of one long-time fisherman on North Carolina's outer banks to reveal the issues of a fading industry and the development of Hatteras Village in the heart of Hurricane Alley. Tom Carlson's involvement with his subject leads him to the heart of a family and a town's struggles and faith in a warm first-person survey which at times reads with the quiet drama of fiction.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



5. A compelling storyline full of facinating bits and pieces about North Carolina's coastal heritage. It's a must read for NC fishermen.

5 comments about The Doors of San Miguel De Allende.

1. If you are looking for information about San Miguel, this book does NOT provide it! Very little written...too many door photos!



2. If you are looking for rustic colonial or American Southwest doors then this book is a must buy. - jim



3. This book was purchased as a gift for me. I am a subscriber to International Living, and San Miguel is a long-time favorite of theirs.
   
   I mentioned this, and the way the city had piqued my interest, to a family member. She then promptly went online and ordered this book for me.
   
   It is for this reason that I issue the following warning: the title should be taken LITERALLY, not figuratively.
   
   It could be read either way, but this book is NOT about opening the metaphorical doors to life in San Miguel. You will not look in these pages and then find the metaphorical doors to San Miguel thrown open to your understanding and appreciation. You will not learn about expat or local life in this historical city. And you will not find yourself frequently referring back here as you plan your trip or your move.
   
   What you WILL find, seriously, is heaps about the actual physical doorways on buildings in San Miguel.
   
   If you WANT the world's premiere photo-essay collection about the doorways in San Miguel, then this is a five-star tome all the way. Look all you want, you won't find better. If you want info about the city and culture of this red-hot expat community, look elsewhere.



4. but if not, you'll be bored senseless.



5. There is no doubt that this book contains fine photography of a very interesting subject. I just wish, however, I paid more attention to the product description: Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches. This is not a coffee table book, and each photograph is 4.25 x 6.5 inches. So don't expect a book of the dimension that usually does justice to these types of photos. Let's just say that I wish I had a much larger format with which to enjoy the author's work.
   
   That said and out of the way, the author/photographer hits the mark exactly with a very intriguing facet of Old Mexico and the charming colonial city of San Miguel de Allende. Cities like this have an ancient patina to them, something that only history and time can impart. Like most art, you either get it or you don't, and this author gets it.
   
   The book isn't a metaphor to life inside the city, it is exactly what the title states - a collection of beautifully photographed handcrafted doors. But there is more; even if you have not made the journey to Old Mexico, you begin to know it by the faces of these doors. Much like human faces, there is embedded in each a perspective of a life lived and served, and serving, such that the reader/observer begins to wonder about the depths of the soul of each residence.
   
   I have been to San Miguel de Allende on one of several motorcyle journeys through Mexico. It is a land of enchantment, wonderful history, lively tradtions, excellent food, and most of all, a rich culture and some of the most vibrant, friendly people in all the world. They literally open their hearts - and doors - to all who travel and visit with humility and respect.
   
   This book deserves a larger footprint to display the author's work. But since it does not, I hope it serves as a teaser to those who have never been to San Miguel, or Guanajuato, or Zacatecas and the like - to go and see, and open, doors both literally and figuratively to a world so close yet so far away. Viva Old Mexico!

2 comments about In Search of Western Oregon.

1. People from other states should settle for something thin, like Scenic Driving Oregon, but for natives who are looking to explore deeper, who have wondered what's up that pigpath, this is the very best. Too bad he didn't do Eastern Oregon in the same manner.



2. Ralph Friedman hitchhiked his way to Oregon in 1933 as a 16-year-old. He spent the next six decades or so lovingly chronicling the unique people and places of his adopted state.

   "In Search of Western Oregon" is really a culmination of his life's work. Yes, it's structured as a travel guide; but it's also much more. Friedman covers the well-known sites and history, but his clear emphasis is on the forgotten faces and places that are such an essential part of the Beaver State. Many of the photographs in this book are by Friedman's wife, Phoebe, his partner in both life and work.

   Friedman's earlier "Oregon For The Curious," also still in print, offers a similar, but less comprehensive, treatment of both halves of the state. Separately, or together, they provide a unique overview of this diverse, beautiful, often still wild state, and the people who have attempted to find a life in harmony with it. It's wonderful for the armchair traveler and invaluable for anyone who has the desire and opportunity to travel off the beaten path.

2 comments about Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg.

1. If you are planning a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, this is the book to have! It includes detailed drawings of each building, shop, tavern, and official hotels in the historic area. This book tells about each point of interest and ticket options. If you want to read up about the historic area before or after your trip, buy this book you won't regret it



2. Take this guidebook with you to Colonial Williamsburg, and it's almost like having a private tour guide showing you the high-points, and saving you wasted time getting around.
   
   Buy it as a souvenir, and you'll have the perfect refresher of all that you've seen, with some in-depth information about the buildings and people of the town.
   
   It's important to know that Colonial Williamsburg is, indeed, a living CITY, and there is more than can be seen in one day. The Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg is a valuable tool for that visit.

1 comments about Texas (America Series).

1. This exemplifies all that's Texas. From the UT Tower in Austin to the rugged landscape of West Texas, all the natural beauty can be found in this book. It makes the perfect gift for an out of state friend or for yourself.

2 comments about Lines in the Water: Nature and Culture at Lake Titicaca.

1. This is a gem, written with great respect for the indigenous people who live aound Lake Titicaca, well-annotated and with wonderful photographs by the author. Orlove has broad interests - anthropology, economics, natural history, environmental issues, to name a few, and a talent for accessing interesting memories. He conveys his astute observations in clear and vivid prose.The book is organized nicely - I especially liked the material in the final chapter, entitled "Paths", which offers an antidote to the sad fact that roads and highways are so often destructive to local people and to biodiversity. Paths, literal or metaphorical, also provide valuable linkages and essential connections among the various components of this remote but very interesting and community with ancient roots. Orlove provides the reader with a sense of having traveled those paths for a short while with him.



2. (Planeta.com Journal) -- Lines in the Water (University of California Press, 2002), a beautifully written ethnography of rural fishermen and their families. The book's subtitle "Nature and Culture at Lake Titicaca" specifies the center of action, but the scope is much broader and deeper. It's actually hard to find the words to say how delightful this book is. Author Ben Orlove is an environmental science professor at the University of California, Davis, and his book is based on three decades of trips to Peru and Bolivia. The book is a showcase of fresh writing and a major contribution to the literature about South America. Orlove provides a frank account of the role academics themselves play. He includes himself in this story and shares candid observations -- from his reactions to office politics to daydreaming about museums. This book is highly recommended. Eco travelers visiting Lake Titicaca would do well to read this book in advance.

3 comments about The Cities of the Ancient Andes.

1. The author of this book knows so much, it seems, he can't get it all into his book.

   Without having a firm foundation in early Andean culture, I found this book challenging to digest. It moves through historical terminology at a mind-warping rate. On the other hand, after "stepping back" to read more basic books on the same subject, I realize I've gotten a strong platform of knowledge from Von Hagen. I recommend you read this book only if you plan to read others on the topic, too.




2. The authors provide a stimulating introduction to urbanism in the Precolumbian Andes. The only problem with this book was that it left me wanting more. Since the book covers the entire history of the Ancient Andes, it cannot devote much space to any specific city or civilization. Nevertheless, there is still more than enough to enthrall. At the start of each chapter on a civilization, there is always a short description of what life would have been like for some inhabitants of a city of that civilization. This provides some extra colour to the book though some technical readers might not appreciate it. My favourite portion was on Tiwanaku, the largest city of the altiplano around Lake Titicaca. The pictures and maps were excellent and greatly enhanced to the book.



3. Von Hagen first explains the definition of a city. Then in chronological order she starts telling about the pre-cities (monumental architecture) in Peru and the first cities. All is accompanied by beautiful photos and helpful maps. The stories of the cities are preceded with a tale "once upon a time" though in a very realistic manner. Next the city is explained When you visit Peru, and walk through the cities, this book will help you imagine how real life was in precolumbian times.

1 comments about Lima Peru: Edited by Mario Testino.

1. I think it is great. A great diversity of photos of a diverse cultures in a beautiful land.

No comments about Dozier's Waterway Guide Southern 2008: Florida, the Gulfof Mexico and Bahamas (Waterway Guide Southern Edition).