3 comments about Gladesmen: Gator Hunters, Moonshiners, and Skiffers (Florida History and Culture).

1. This book is a fascinating study of fishing, hunting, and working in the Florida Everglades. Most of the activities that are described are set in the 1930s. Most of the book consists of stories and descriptions of live from Glen Simmons, a boat builder who has lived in the Everglades region all his life. The stories are intriguing accounts of the everyday events and the extraordinary happenings that form the stuff of history. Readers of this book will find interesting encounters with a colorful cast of characters, learn about Florida wildlife, and discover how a unique style of boat is built. This book is annotated with well-written introductions by Laura Ogden and illustrated with a wide variety of period photographs that make the rich descriptions even more vivid.



2. it is with great honor that i speak of this book that was wrote by my friend, who lived all his life in the glades. his grandfather was ducan brady the founder of flamingo and his parents were the keepers at waddell grove on cape sable. this book is testimony to the hardships that our pioneer familys endured in a land all but gone.hell westerneralvin in naples



3. I highly recommend this interesting book. The details about Florida history are fascinating as Ogden presents some terrific stories told by Simmons. There is rich information about alligator hunting, bootlegging, and boat building. I am especially interested in Simmons' boats as the type of skiff that he makes is characteristic, if not unique, to the 'glades.
   This portrait of Florida is vivid and harsh, and the book provides a richer, more nuanced, view of the state than most imagine.

2 comments about Insiders' Guide to Tucson, 5th (Insiders' Guide Series).

1. We recently moved to Tucson and this book is very comprehensive and informative. I especially enjoyed some of the restaurants recommended in this book. Great food for a great price! A must-have for anyone moving or vacationing in the area.
   
   My only regret is that it didn't have more pictures or color.



2. This is a very helpful book to buy when planning to visit Tucson. It is very well laid out and has detailed information including hours of operation, prices, etc. Prices are even included for eating establishments. We were able to plan each days activities from the book!

4 comments about Moon West Coast RV Camping: The Complete Guide to More than 1,800 RV Parks and Campgrounds in California, Oregon, and Washington (Moon Outdoors).

1. This book is very organized and easy to use. Each section or chapter of the book explains each regions of the three states with locator maps and road maps. The symbols (a picture of a dog for dog friendly site, a picture of a fish for fishing site, etc.) that are being used to explain key interest of each campground are very useful for quick reference. Moreover, the book also list best of campgrounds such as best fishing and best wildlife viewing. We are a rv camper beginner and I found this book to be very helpful



2. I had previously purchased several editions of Sientra's "Camping in California" which we have used extensively on motorhome expeditions. My favorite was actually the first one I purchased in the mid-nineties. The subsequent editions were never quite as good and more difficult to follow. When I saw that he wrote this guide specifically for RV camping....I was very excited to purchase it....but what a let down. It is very vague and not nearly as helpful as TrailerLife or Goodalls. Consequently, I would not recommend it. However, the aforementioned Foghorn publication of California Camping is much more helpful...even for large RVs.



3. West Coast Camping includes information on more than 1800 RV parks in California, Oregon and Washington. The more I look at it the more I like it. You can find RV parks in several ways:
   
   1. if you know the name, use the index
   
   2. if you are looking for a certain area, use the map at the beginning of each section or look in those pages
   
   3. if you have an interest such as fishing, seeing wildlife or camping along a pretty river, check that listings in that section for ones in your state
   
   Each campground is described according to general location and nearby recreational opportunities, RV sites and facilities, reservations and fees. Directions and contact information are given. Icons give you certain information at a glance, such as whether pets are allowed.
   
   Two things make this book unique:
   
   * One is a scenic rating. The rating is just that and does not take into consideration noise level, facilities, maintenance, recreation options, or management. It is basically rating how picturesque the campground is, not the quality of the experience.
   
   * The other unique feature is listings of his the best parks in several categories: best coastal sites, best fishing, best wildlife-viewing, prettiest lakes, prettiest rivers. For those with a specific interest, this information is quite helpful.
   
   Stienstra does not include all campgrounds, nor those that are in extremely remote locations, very difficult to reach or where the access road is extremely narrow or twisty. Included are many state parks, some national park and other federal campgrounds. He does mention the longest RV the campground can accommodate but not how many sites of each. If you have a rig longer than 35 feet, you may want to verify that there are open sites of the size you need. Also, prices can go up anytime so verify the price if that is a concern.
   
   If you are like most RVers we know, one campground guide is not enough. If you will be spending time in these any of these three states and want to enjoy their beauty, this is one campground guide you must add to your collection.



4. Looking through the pages of this book, I thought it would be helpful to my husband and myself while RVing. We went to two of the sites listed for Tehachapi, California. The listings made the campsites sound clean with many modern amenities. Both sites were neither- they were primitive and run down. This book needs to be updated. I was very disappointed with it. I will definitely cross-check any information from this book with another guide.

5 comments about Streetwise San Diego Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of San Diego, California - Folding pocket size travel map with trolley lines & stations (National & International Titles).

1. I needed a city street map of San Diego for an upcoming visit for a wedding and a vacation, but couldn't obtain one at my local AAA office. I've used these Streetwise city maps before both in Washington D.C. and in Seattle, and it was very convenient to have at hand on both occasions. They are easy to manipulate, unlike paper maps, and can be carried around with no trouble.
   
   I received this product in a very short time from the seller. Many thanks for a great sale!



2. This map is confusing. All of the labels read from North to South, so the natural instinct is to hold it in the readable direction. But that makes the left side of the map North and the right side South, as opposed to normal maps that read from West to East. Since I am not from the area (hence the map purchase) it is confusing. Took me a minute to figure out why the Pacific Ocean was South and East!



3. I like this laminated map. At first I was confused because it's sideways but then it does give you the North east west compass directions. I guess they made it like that because you can fit more into the map.I like the flip side of the map that shows you a larger area. I'll be staying at the travelodge at palm avenue by the mexican border and I can see how to get to the heart of San diego. It show you the tourist spots and the business district and the various beaches and the airport. It also shows you the trolley lines which I'll be using. Really nice concise map.



4. This map arrived today and when I opened it I wondered where the REST of the map was. San Diego is a huge city and this map shows only the tiniest portion of it. Details are difficult to see. If you need to go beyond the east side of Balboa Park you are out of luck.



5. I love the laminated map. It's broken up and not as easy as it could be to read, but it provided useful information.

No comments about Wineries of Wisconsin and Minnesota.

5 comments about The California Coast: The Most Spectacular Sights & Destinations.

1. Stunning photographs!! A beautiful book! Text is most interesting & informative too. Well written. You wish you could jump into the page & pictures themselves. I once lived in California - wish I had this book - years ago! SM Pierrot Olney, MD



2. What an excellently written book. If a picture is worth a thousand words, the authors words are worth a thousand (mental) pictures. But there are very nice photo's as well. Covers nature, towns, and cities with the type of information a tourist or native would appreciate. And if you can't actually do such a trip, you definitely can from your armchair while reading this book. A real pleasure.



3. I bought this booking thinking it would be a good guide to the hidden gems on the West Coast but found that it was more a coffee table book or souvenir book. If you are looking for something with detailed information on the coastal drive, e.g., highlights, directions, tips, etc. this isn't it. If you want a nice momento of the California Coast, then it's a beautiful book.



4. This is a book we repeatedly buy, since we give this to our house guests as a keepsake of their trip to the Bay area. Since it also mentions the town we live in - Half Moon Bay - it is especially meaningful. Wonderful pictures!



5. Detailed guide, excellent narratives with good historical and contemporary information, great pictures. I am planning my trip to California based on the information presented in this book. Good work! Just an idea: it can be a exciting present for all sun and ocean loving people..

5 comments about Fee Mining and Rockhounding Adventures in the West.

1. An invaluable guide with lots of information to help with trip planning. The state histories are fantastic. If you love hobby mining this book is a must have for your keeper shelf.



2. I liked the state histories but for a rockhound the book is not of much use. The book tries to cover too many states with too little actual information on each state. A good example would be Arizona. The book lists 14 sites for Arizona but only 4 are listed as diggings. Of that 4 only 2 are actual rockhound sites and the other 2 are fee panning at a tour. The other 10 of the 14 are Museums, caves, points of interest, and fairs and festivals.



3. Some useful digging sites, but more information about museums, caves, fairs, etc. There are better books out there for the serious rockhound.



4. I really enjoyed reading this book. It has turned out to be a great reference for our trip through Utah, Wyoming and Colorado which we are planning for next Fall.
   
   We are going to be camping in our RV and we have planned a route that will take us from our home in New Mexico through the Eastern region of Utah to Idaho and Montana and then to Wyoming and Colorado. This book has really assisted us in deciding where we want to stop and search for gems, minerals and fossils.
   
   I would recommend this book for anyone who may be interested in finding great places to rock hound!



5. You can get better information from the internet and the book misses so much of what is available for fee mining...... P=wood, agates ( all kinds), t-eggs, jasper,opal, etc!!!!!!!!

5 comments about Picturing Los Angeles.

1. Photos we hadn't seen before...insights we hadn't considered before.
   "Picturing Los Angeles" is a show-and-tell book of the highest order.
   If you're looking for the perfect gift to give newcomers to the LA area, a gift that will help them make sense of this unique community--this is it. Congratulations to the Wilkmans for delivering a history book that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. [Review by Albert Greenstein]



2. This looks like a coffee table book, but it's really an incisive narrative accompanied by fascinating pictures. The authors give us a whirlwind tour of the explosive pattern of growth and change that is the true history of Los Angeles. Propelled by a colorful array of eccentrics and geniuses we see the city constantly reinventing itself and leaping into the future. I had so much fun reading it I almost forgot how bad the damn traffic is here!



3. Incredible compendium of all the events and characters that created and still shape this most unique city. Much more fun than hunting down similar information on the internet, "Picturing Los Angeles" offers readers hours of fascinating reading, aided by an astounding collection of pictures. A seemingly impossible task to put together, the authors have provided a wonderful encyclopedia of the culture, architecture and citizenry of a town that continues to impact the world. You'll see why!



4. 
   This book is basically a photographical introduction to the history of Los Angeles . If you are interested in knowing about the history of Los Angeles, from it's very early beginnings , up until the early 2000's, then you will find this book very informative.
   
   
   There are many many photos that go along with the historical text. All photos are in black and white.



5. The authors say they would be pleased "if academic historians find a few unexpected tidbits". Most historians will probably be enraged by this book, and by the fact that it's getting positive reviews here.
   
   A few examples that I know about, making me wonder what else is accurate in this book.
   
   This book says Hollywood had 500 inhabitants in 1911, when in fact it had about 10000. This book states, to make a point, that "Sound of Music" was released in the same year as "Easy Rider" (1969), when in fact, "Sound of Music" was released in 1965, invalidating the point. Discussing the death of Thelma Todd, this book still uses the nonsense found in "Hollywood Babylon", an book full of fabricated stories. Samuel Goldwyn was not born with the name Goldfish, but Gelbfisz. And so on?
   
   Most of the pictures are very small.

5 comments about Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire.

1. I moved to California 15 years ago after being a life-long resident of New England. In her book, O'Connnor manages to give us the gift of a bird's eye view of the haunted places and hikes associated with them in New Hampshire in both a charming and a little scary way. I can't wait to get back there to try some of the hikes. I especially like the way she rates them according to difficulty, awarding "ghost" icons to each description. Especially helpful are her very detailed directions on how to get to the beginning of each hike, and overall what to expect. As I am an elementary school teacher, I would love to take my class on some of these hikes. Her recounts of the scary stuff are enthralling. I found myself able to transport myself back in time to the misty, spectral past of New Hampshire, and imagine that the people in these stories really lived.



2. What a treat this book is. It is perfect to set the stage for group hikes with kids. The excitement about the history of the mountain and the tales of mysterious encounters really get the kids geared up to hike. They actually like it more and forget the difficulty. They find themselves atop the mountain with big smiles. Thanks for book, I will use it often.



3. One thing about hiking is that kids often need a little extra motivation to want to do the hike. O'Connor has added the "haunted" aspect, which provides that extra motivation. The hike descriptions are easy to follow and the stories of the "hauntings" are well written and engaging.



4. Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire is a hiking trail guide with a difference. From ghost towns of Monson Center and Indian Arrowhead Forest, to the UFO of Indian Head, to tales of Satan at Devil's Den Mountain, each hike is presented with a black-and-white map, and a scary story of its history. A handful of black-and-white photographs intersperse this spooky delight enthusiastically recommended for hikers in search of not just natural splendor, but also the unexplained majesty of the preternatural.



5. The author, Matianne O'Connor certainly knows her subject. Though I'm a more sedentary person then the author, her descriptive passages made me feel as if I were missing out on something by not spending more time in the woods, hiking. Seriously, Ms. O'Connor has written a very entertaining and informative book.

4 comments about Florida (Regional Guide).

1. if you search a bank of america somewhere in florida this is the book to buy. despite of this there is a lot of other useful and useless information in the book. unfortunately the authors did usually not try to give valued comments, therefore you have no idea which things you should see and which aren't worth the trip.Additionally the authors do not always give you good descriptions of how to get to certain places and you should have another guide or at least detailed map for that. FOr example we ended up walking 2 hours through the sun to find the entrance of one of the parks... This is very different from the high standard of the lonely planet california which I had in mind when I bought this book. In conclusion I was very disappointed by this guide and would not recomment to buy it at all....



2. The above review is Dated May 2003 ....and it's a review of the 2006 Guide? If the folks can Time Travel in to the future, why bother wasting time reviewing books? I'd be checking out stock market picks....



3. Florida from Lonely Planet is an invaluably informative and easily portable reference for aspiring travelers to the state Florida whether for business or pleasure. Introducing the reader to a wealth of restaurants, hotels, tours, and other attractions, Florida offers vacationers and travelers of all budget levels an indispensable reference for Miami, the Florida Keys, Orlando, Tampa, St. Pete, Amelia Island, Bahia Honda, St. Augustine, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala National Park, and so many more Floridian communities, all in a superbly organized, completely "user-friendly" and easy-to-use guide which is confidently recommended to anyone anticipating their next trip to Florida.



4. We're in the middle of the big decision/action to move to Florida. Leaving family, friends and relocating a small custom sign business. It's very scarey but this book has pointed out how much we will enjoy the lifestyle. Pennsylvania winters are bruital, we love tropical living, eating and all that goes with it. Swimming, diving, biking, hiking, exploring, etc... Outdoor activities. We've been down several times and this book really hits it on the head.