Two Little Girls
Theresa Reid
Berkeley
375 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014
0425208826 $23.95 www.penguin.com
Numerous books on the market discuss how to adopt; but this isn't another general guide on the topic: it's a memoir of the experience of a couple who decided to move into international adoption, and addresses the special issues which arise from such a decision. Juxtaposed with her emotional story are tips others following the same path can learn from. A vivid, compelling story.
New Society Publishers
PO Box 189, Gabriola Island, British Columbia, V0R 1X0 Canada
www.newsociety.com
Any homeowner interested in the myths and realities of renewable energy will find exciting Barry J. Hanson's ENERGY POWER SHIFT (0975850008 $16.95): a book about the revolution being realized by some exciting new emerging technologies. From making 'oil' from plastics and sewage to new photovoltaic systems which can create free and nearly free energy, ENERGY POWER SHIFT: BENEFITING FROM TODAY'S NEW TECHNOLOGIES is the place to begin to learn what all these ideas mean for you. William H. Kemp's SMART POWER: AN URBAN GUIDE TO RENEWABLE ENERGY AND EFFICIENCY (0973323310, $29.95) tells not just how to save energy, but how to realize possible income from producing energy which gets a return on your investment. This packs in hundreds of ways to save on energy costs, from reducing consumption to healing and cooling a home with renewable energy, and using biofuels. Homeowners will welcome its many ideas.
Starting a New Life In Rural America
Ragnar Benson
Paladin Press
7077 Winchester Circle, Boulder, CO 80301
1581604931 $20.00 www.paladin-press.com
Before you make your move to the country, you must read STARTING A NEW LIFE IN RURAL AMERICA: 21 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR MOVE. It's aptly titled: city people often have no idea of how to live a country lifestyle, facing challenges from how to get along with long-established local families and handling culture clashes and values differences to understanding property lines, water rights, accessibility issues, and more. It's akin to moving to another country: you wouldn't go without at least learning the language and you shouldn't make a move without at least reading through STARTING A NEW LIFE IN RURAL AMERICA.
Geisha: Beyond the Painted Smile
Peabody Essex Museum, Eds
George Braziller
171 Madison, New York NY 10016
0807615455 $39.95 www.georgebraziller.com
The geisha have long represented Japanese elegance and chic and have been popularized by the recent best-selling book and movie MAKING OF A GEISHA: for further insights on their history choose the lovely visual and historical pairing in GEISHA: BEYOND THE PAINTED SMILE. Over two hundred years of these performance artists is revealed in a survey of geisha training, rehearsing, and entertainment. Chapters hold fine essay contributions by prominent specialists on Japanese culture who each consider a different aspect of the geisha tradition. Add woodblocks and paintings in color from the Peabody Museum's holdings and you have a fine survey indeed.
The Pocket Disaster Survival Guide
HarrisJ. Andrews & J. Alexander Bowers
Stoeger
17603 Indian Head Highway, #200, Accokeek, MD 20607
088317328X $7.95 www.stoegerpublishing.com
Each year many ordinary citizens find themselves facing a crisis, whether it be a hurricane, an earthquake, a tornado or a blackout: THE POCKET DISASTER SURVIVAL GUIDE offers the info you need to survive any disaster which cuts off power and services. From emergency kits and handling pets to evacuation, food and sanitation, power and light sources and more, chapters cover all the basics of how to prepare for and then handle disasters, natural or man-made. If you haven't consulted this book first, you haven't thought ahead enough.
Sayonara Home Run
John Gall and Gary Engel
Chronicle Books
85 2nd Street, San Francisco CA 94105
0811849457 $18.95 www.chroniclebooks.com
This could've been featured in our collector's section or even our sports section, but is presented here for its powerful artistic survey of Japanese sports through its lovely baseball card art. SAYONARA HOME RUN! THE ART OF THE JAPANESE BASEBALL CARD features player history, card art, and loved and hated baseball teams alike. It will attract any with an interest in world baseball or in collectible ballgame cards and many a browser with an interest in neither!
Life and Times of an Automation Professional
Ted Williams, et.al.
ISA
PO Box 12277, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
156617957X $20.00 www.isa.org
This illustrated guide packs in cartoons both whimsical and pointed which reveal the life of an automation professional from office to pool. More than just a spoof on habits and ironies, each panel tells a story and offers a joke in the process: it'll make a fine gift for any engineer, offering delightful blends of cynicism, observation and real life along with its healthy dose of humor.
Hippo Eats Dwarf
Alex Boese
Harcourt Books
15 East 26th Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10010
0156030837 $14.00 1-800-543-1918, www.harcourtbooks.com
It's hard to easily categorize HIPPO EATS DWARF: suffice it to say it's quasi-science well blended with humor and comes from a recognized 'hoaxpert' by DNN and others, investigating the odd science typical of a National Inquirer headline. From huge mutant cats to bonsai kittens grown in jars, HIPPO EATS DWARF separates fantasy from reality.
Peeps: A Candy-Coated Tale
Mark Masyga and Martin Ohlin
Image/Harry N. Abrams
115 West 18th Street, New York NY 10011
081095995X $14.95 www.abramsimage.com
PEEPS: A CANDY-COATED TALE is by far the most original, zany Easter tale of 2006. As such, it deserves ongoing recommendation and mention for any fan (or not!) of the marshmallow candy, whether child or adult. A prominent Peepsville family has gone missing and the Peeps are up in arms. Photos of the candy peeps are embellished with hats, glasses and more as the denizens of Peepsville are presented with character embellishments, plots and subplots. The perfect Easter gift and perfect for any engaged by Peeps candies. One of the most creative top picks of the Easter holiday season.
Trapped
John Hasnas
Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
1930865880 $12.95 www.cato.org
Since Enron's scandal in 2002 the federal government has stepped up its campaign to stop white-collar crime; in the process nurturing the very crimes it seeks to prevent. TRAPPED: WHEN ACTING ETHICALLY IS AGAINST THE LAW considers cases of 'over-criminalization' which places ethics and law in direct opposition. Chapters discuss traditional criminal law and the recent changes made to it to allow federal criminal law to actually create incentives for unethical behavior by businesspeople. Any business concerned about white collar crime, government rules, and legal intervention will find TRAPPED offers much food for thought.
Fair Use, Free Use And Use by Permission
Lee Wilson
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, New York NY 10110
1581154321 $24.95 www.allworth.com
Whether you're involved in business, the arts, or multimedia productions, you have to consult FAIR USE, FREE USE AND USE BY PERMISSION: HOW TO HANDLE COPYRIGHTS IN ALL MEDIA. Where other books narrow the focus to copyright protection in the Internet era, FAIR USE discusses different types of copyright issues, from how to verify what copyright law 'fair' use falls under to gaining permissions, negotiating licenses, securing releases, and more. Chapters even delve into how to locate copyright holders, how to request permissions, and how to understand copyright status of a work. Far more comprehensive than competitors on the topic, this is a 'must' for any public, art or business library.
Human Error
George A. Peters & Barbara J. Peters
CRC/Taylor & Francis Group
6000 Broken Sound Parkway, #300, Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742
0849382130 $39.95 www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com
Human error is a part of daily life but it can kill or maim, so is cause for concern and control attempts, too. That's where HUMAN ERROR: CAUSES AND CONTROL comes in: it blends useful ergonomic details with ideas on human contributions to error, covering theories and applied methods and using examples to explore the idea and field of human error management. From constructs that help optimize human performance and achievement to chapters discussing data analysis and modeling, college-level courses on human error management will find this very appropriate for classroom discussion and text assignments.
Math You Can't Use
Ben Klemens
Brookings Institution
1775 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036-2118
0815749422 $28.95 www.brookings.edu
MATH YOU CAN'T USE: PATENTS, COPYRIGHT, AND SOFTWARE uses the author's experience as a programmer and an economist to describe why modern intellectual property rights are in a big mess and how to fix the problem. MATH YOU CAN'T USE could also have been featured in our computer section, but is highlighted here for its wider-ranging interest to any college-level collection containing not only legal and computer books, but holdings considering intellectual property rights, issues, and development protection.
Ireland: Standing Stones To Stormont
Tom Quinn Kumpf
Devendish Press
PO Box 17007, Boulder, CO 80305
0967023513 $39.95 www.devenishpress.com
Any fostering an interest in Irish history, culture and peoples will relish the gorgeous blend of color photos and cultural insights to be had from IRELAND: STANDING STONES TO STORMONT. From names and places to Irish legends, mysticism, and peoples, IRELAND captures all this during the author's personal journey through the country, surveying both links to ancient history architecture, ruins, heritage sites and modern landscape alike. The author's first-person insights contribute a lovely blend of travelogue and survey. IRELAND could've just as easily been featured in our arts or travel sections, but is reviewed here for its wide-ranging appeal across boundaries, defying categorization.
The Race for Timbuktu
Frank T. Kryza
Ecco/HarperCollins
10 E. 53rd Street, New York NY 10022
0060560649 $25.95 www.harpercollins.com
Early 19th century adventurers and fortune hinters were enthralled by the story of a lost city which no European had seen, which held riches galore. The wide-ranging and popular legend would foster rival attempts to reach this mysterious place: attempts chronicled in fast-paced adventure in THE RACE FOR TIMBUKTU: IN SEARCH OF AFRICA'S CITY OF GOLD. Europeans eager to exploit the resources of Africa's mysterious lands were fascinated by the legend of Timbuktu, and in 1924 the French Geographical Society offered a cash prize for the first expedition from any nation to return from Timbuktu. THE RACE FOR TIMBUKTU narrows the focus to two men whose goals fostered a heated competition to win.
The Automotive Shelf
The Classic Citroens
John Reynolds
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640
0786421711 $55.00 www.mcfarlandpub.com
The one auto company which had three finalists in the final list of the Car of the Century competition in 1999 was Automobiles Citoern: all three models were developed during the time the company was owned by Societe Michelin, and all were created by engineer Andre Lefebvre and stylist Bertoni. THE CLASSIC CITROENS: 1935-1975 to be sure is a specialty item but one no car fan will want to be without. Included are black and white photos of the various cars and plenty of background history of models, production line appearances, technical specs and changes in design and engineering, and more. From changing demand and influences on technology and design to the politics underlying changes and decisions, THE CLASSIC CITROENS tells it all, imparting a great deal of background on auto industry history as a whole, in the process.
The Library Science Shelf
The New OPL Sourcebook
Judith A. Siess
Information Today Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055-8750
1573872415 $39.50 www.infotoday.com
THE NEW OPL SOURCEBOOK: A GUIDE FOR SOLO AND SMALL LIBRARIES provides a new edition for small libraries and for any studying library science. Here are tips ranging from finances and marketing to downsizing, outsourcing, and making the most of a minimum of resources and support systems. Listings of organizations, vendors and suppliers, discussions and more blend with chapters covering advocacy, public relations, and internet issues to make for a well-rounded introduction essential for any collection strong in college-level library science.
The Education Shelf
From F to Phi Beta Kappa
Lance O. Ong
Chromisphere Press
PO Box 470743, San Francisco CA 94147
0974427403 $16.95 www.chromisphere.com
FROM F TO PHI BETA KAPPA: SUPERCHARGE YOUR STUDY SKILLS is especially recommended for high school to college students who would develop a systematic approach to studying: something over half the nation's high school grads are unprepared to do. Lance Ong is a study skills expert and tutor: his UC Berkeley program is liked by both students and librarians and academics, and FROM F TO PHI BETA KAPPA blends illustrations and appealing design with a user-friendly approach which lends to effective learning. It should be required reading for any serious college student.
Computer Shelf
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Hwy N., Sebastopol, CA 95472
www.oreilly.com
O'Reilly's books are consistently solid picks for several reasons: each is geared to a range of experiences from beginners to intermediate, they apply computer concepts to real-life dilemmas and choices and make for excellent resources for working business environments, and they come from practicing computer pros engineers, network operators, consultants, programmers whose knowledge has been tested not just by accreditation but by job needs. Excel users will welcome David M. Bourg's EXCEL SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING COOKBOOK (0596008791, $44.99) shows how to apply Excel to a range of problems, using 'cookbook' recipes to walk you step-by-step through a solution. From working with time series data, fit curves, equations and resource application calculations to importing data from other sources and using charts and graphs to display results, EXCEL SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING COOKBOOK is a winner. The weightier C# COOKBOOK by Jay Hilyard & Stephen Teilhet (0596100639, $54.99) appears in its second edition to completely revise C# and .NET 2.0, covering all the common and lesser-known tasks working C# programmers face daily. New chapters on generics, iterators and partial types and the Web cover all kinds of topics on everything from strings and expressions to structures, and are geared to solving the problem, not just offering a formula answer. Learn how to use syntax and common use cases with a fine, detailed cookbook. Tim Patrick, et.al.'s VISUAL BASIC 2005 IN A NUTSHELL: A DESKTOP QUICK REFERENCE (059610152X, $49.99) covers the latest release, which holds many improvements and enhancements of previous ones. Thus this third updated edition to cover these changes also vastly updated and enhanced to provide a comprehensive treatment. Each language element receives a reference coverage which focuses on syntax, differences in use, language, and warnings of undocumented behaviors as well as code and diagnostics. Rich Gibson and Schuyler Erle's GOOGLE MAPS HACKS: TIPS & TOOLS FOR GEOGRAPHIC SEARCHING AND REMIXING (0596101619, $29.99) tells how to hone in on Google's mapping capabilities to create applications which integrate these maps with location data. Learn how to use search interfaces for more complex navigation and results, how to explore not just street maps but satellite photos, and how to place personal markers on Google results. Stephen Few's INFORMATION DASHBOARD DESIGN: THE EFFECTIVE VISUAL COMMUNICATION OF DATA (0596200267, $34.99) displays and teaches the visual design skills needed to create clear dashboards. Common mistakes in constructing dashboards are reviewed, general visual concepts applied to the specifics dashboards are designed to display, and discussions of medium, data representation choices, and de-emphasizing non-data pixels advocate clear, simpler dashboard design to communicate the foundations of data. Chris Fox's ESSENTIAL MICROSOFT OPERATIONS MANAGER (0596009534, $39.99) is for Windows administrators who are using MOM especially those preparing for first usage. Such an audience will appreciate the task-oriented presentation which uses common projects and requirements to impart lessons and cover the basics, using step-by-step diagrams, procedures, and screenshots. From planning a deployment of MOM 2005 to getting the most from it and tweaking results, it's a basic guide keyed to real-life scenarios and not to be missed. Doug Addison's WEB SITE COOKBOOK (0596101090, $39.99) covers all the basics needed to put together visitor-friendly web sites and it won't require absorbing an entire course, either. From protecting domain names and organizing files to site promotion and tracking hits, every basic of web programming for effective site management is touched upon. Jonathan Hassell's LEARNING WINDOWS SERVER 2003 (0596101236, $44.99) appears in its second updated edition to rewrite over 25 percent of the book, updating details for 2003 Serve Pack 1 and 2003 R2. Two chapters also discuss deploying DNS and Active Directory in a network setting. You can be assured all the latest Windows Server 2003 R2 features receive close attention, from Branch Office DZFS to FSR Manager. Jesse Liberty and Brian MacDonald's LEARNING C# 2005 (0596102097, $39.99) provides a basic primer for novice and student programmers who want to get up to speed fast. This tutorial lends well to classroom or at-home study: quizzes, summaries, and debugged programming exercises come with clear instructions of all the basics, including two new chapters showing how to use C# to create Web and Windows applications. Two new Photoshop coverages promise detail and approaches a range of users will appreciate. John Beardsworth's PHOTOSHOP FINE ART EFFECTS COOKBOOK (0596100620, $29.99) tells how to analyze and recreate compositions, color palettes of famous artists, and even how to produce Daguerrotypes, cyanotypes, Polaroid transfers and more. Hundreds of color images accompany easy step-by-step directions on how to perform each task, along with insights on tips and traps. Any Photoshop owner will find it an essential cookbook for the finer art of photographic manipulation. Mikkel Aaland's PHOTOSHOP CS2 RAW (0596008511, $34.99) demonstrates how pros turn RAW data into fine images. This visual instruction guide provides a walkthrough of the basics for capturing, arranging and optimizing RAW images. In addition, learn when not to shoot RAW, and how to sharpen such images for maximum results. Further photographic insights are presented in the more general WINDOW SEAT: THE ART OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY & CREATIVE THINKING by Julieanne Kost (0596100833, $39.99). All are powerful, highly recommended guides. Kost is an Adobe digital designer and educates designers, photographers and artists alike, lecturing on Photoshop topics: her WINDOW SEAT provides a complete view of a creative project based on her own experience shooting photos from commercial airplane windows. From how to stay creative in a complex world to shooting from commercial windows, both image manipulation and creative foundations are surveyed. Marc Campbell's DREAMWEAVER 8 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (0596101635, $39.99) covers the best practices for design, laying out, and constructing both interactive and static web sites. Core concepts are well organized and clearly explained with visual backup reinforcing technical concepts, while chapters are task-oriented in approach and use tasks to reinforce and demonstrating basic concepts. Sidebars of information offer the opportunity for further depth. No glitzy color, but the black and white screen shots and examples are all that's really needed for a strong survey. Ben Hardwidge's BUILDING EXTREME PCS: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO MODDING AND CUSTOM PCS (0596101368, $24.99) covers many options in the world of PC modification and customization. Profiling unique systems and offering do-it-yourself options, chapters cover everything from building entire systems to optimizing and benchmarking, as well as custom-built systems and multi-processing systems. Pros and cons of different set-ups and systems are all covered, with bright color photos bringing projects to life. Powerpoint users have plenty of basic manuals to choose from: but where do you go when things start to go wrong? First step should be to consult Echo Swinford's FIXING POWERPOINT ANNOYANCES (0596100043, $19.99): it comes from an author who's been using PowerPoint professionally since 1997 and became a Microsoft PowerPoint MVP in 2000. From avoiding setup errors and adding multimedia effects to a presentation to solving issues and navigating easily, all the basics of PowerPoint and its potentials for failure are thoroughly and simply surveyed. Phil Mitchell and Evan Callahan achieve the same in FIXING ACCESS ANNOYANCES (059600852X, $19.99), which surveys the database notorious for pitfalls and problems. From novices to database setup to pros used to Access, all levels of user needs are addressed in a guide which includes over 75 utility software downloads and plenty of customization tips. For a handy pocket guide, don't pass over Dan Pilone's UML 2.0 POCKET REFERENCE (0596102089, $9.99): it may look compact and tiny but it's packed with UML syntax and usage in a format easy to consult and tote: software engineers especially will welcome it. All are outstanding guides.
Thomson Delmar Learning
25 Thomson Place, Boston, MA 02210
www.course.ptr.com
Three excellent new computer guides are powerful picks for either personal reference or classroom supplemental reading. Les Pardew's GAME ART FOR TEENS (159200959X, $34.99) appears in its second edition to provide instructions on how to create 2D and 3D art for games. Chapters provide step-by-step projects to impart these basics, showing how a game is created, the choices presented each step of the way, and how to use models to create and animate results. Les Pardew is a video game veteran with over twenty years experience in the industry. His background provides the perfect expertise to enhance a survey packed with color screen shots and detailed information. Jerri L. Ledford's CUT THE CORD! THE CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO VOIP (1592009883, $24.99) provides novices with all the basics; from understanding the Internet alternative to traditional telephone link-ups to understanding how it works, its pros and cons, industry standards, and hardware and software to bring it all together. With its checklists, tips and notes, CUT THE CORD is everything the novice needs to understand what all the excitement's about. Mike De la Flor's CARRARA 5 PRO HANDBOOK (1584504633, $49.95) provides a complete guide to the program's many tools and advanced features, covering all aspects of the plug-ins and 3D illustrations and animations and using a progressive learning approach to build upon tutorials. Black and white screen shots and examples pack a handbook which shows how to make the most of Carrara 5's latest enhancements, rounding off the written word with an invaluable cd-rom tutorial companion.
Peachpit Press, Inc.
1249 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
1-800-283-9444 www.peachpit.com
What often differentiates the Adobe Photoshop pro from the everyday user is their knowledge of channels processing an advanced tool which enables advanced manipulation of images but surprisingly, channels are usually only touched upon in a chapter or two of more general Photoshop surveys. A dedicated guide to the subject has long been needed, and computer whiz Scott Kelby provides this focus in THE PHOTOSHOP CHANNELS BOOK (0321269063 $39.99), showing how to enhance images, do repairs of common problems, add sharpening with noise, integrate special effects into photo results, and much more. Chapters packed with clear color photos and screen shots on every page add much to Kelby's survey of how to use channels for the most efficient, quickest results. This is simply a 'must have' reference recommended for all levels of Photoshop user, from beginners to advanced. And because channels are often the most confusing Photoshop course topics, it's also very highly recommended as supplemental reading for any taking a class in Photoshop. Geoff Blake's TEN TON DREAMWEAVER (0321374126, $44.99) tells how to create easily updated, expandable pages and web sites. From using template-driven pages and tables and frames to adding interactivity and multimedia using Dreamweaver's automated tools, chapters cover everything from layout and page design to resizing, hyperlink paths, and content manipulation all with a focus on easy techniques and quick applications. Gina Fant-Saez's PRO TOOLS FOR MUSICIANS AND SONGWRITERS (0321337034, $44.99) tells how to use the digital-audio ProTools to record cd demos at home. From using the computer to edit tracks and add effects to outputting songs to a cd and working with sound digitally, the downloadable audio files and tips of PRO TOOLS FOR MUSICIANS AND SONGWRITERS can't be beat.
Wiley Publishing
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
www.wiley.com/go/visualtech
If you're a visual learner who balks at the written word, you can't do better than consult the books in Wiley's expanding series; especially if the lesson at hand involves the highly visual Photoshop program. In Mike & Linda WOOLDRIDGE'S TEACH YOURSELF VISUALLY: ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4 (0471777978 $24.99) the focus is on step-by-step screen shots in full color which teach by demonstration, not written language: over a hundred Photoshop Elements 4 tasks are outlined in lesson plans which are easy to tackle and which use sidebars of detail to supplement several photo examples to a page. A wonderful, easy yet detailed way to learn Photoshop Elements. The same approach is cultivated in ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS2 VISUAL ENCYCLOPEDIA (0764598600, $39.99), another 'read less learn more' guide which shows, rather than tells, how to perform tasks. Each tool and technique receives full color embellish, alphabetical listings for quick reference, and links to fine tuning. Taz Tally's PHOTOSHOP CS2 BEFORE & AFTER MAKEOVERS (047174901X, $29.99) is a 'must' for any who want to make the most of what Photoshop's designed for: editing and making over images. Wouldn't it be nice to have a step-by-step recipe for fixing problems and image editing rather than having to memorize the program? PHOTOSHOPP CS2 BEFORE & AFTER MAKEOVERS provides these recipes, covering all the basics from image extraction and masking tools to doing a collage makeover and making over grayscale to color. By packing in color screenshots and pairing them with color step-by-step photos all along the way, this is one of the best Photoshop CS2 example books we've seen. Advanced Excel users who wish to work smarter not harder need EXCEL PIVOTTABLES AND PIVOTCHARTS by Paul McFedries (0471784893, $26.99). It's the only focus on pivot tables to present a visual approach to complex professional-level computer topics, covering all the basics on how to build a report, create custom calculations, format a Pivottable, and even publishing it to the Web. Shots of Excel worksheets and screens every step of the way reinforces learning and information. Dave Huss' PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4 GONE WILD (0764599917, $34.99) provides over fifty ways to turn basic pictures into amazing photo fantasies. From handling faded poster prints to photographing and changing ads and street signs, the touch of whimsy in PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4 GONE WILD reinforces both techniques and whimsical applications through fun projects.
The Librarian's Internet Survival Guide, 2nd Edition
Irene McDermott
Information Today
143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055-8750
1573872350 $29.50 www.infotoday.com
The updated, expanded edition of LIBRARIAN'S INTERNET SURVIVAL GUIDE: STRATEGIES FOR THE HIGH-TECH REFERENCE DESK offers something different: a survey by a librarian probing the Web maze of information and web referencing, helping fellow librarians make the most of online resources. It joins others in the 'searcher' series with its unique focus on librarian routines and needs, but provides chapters by specific types of search needs, from resources for kids and health concerns to money management and reliable cyber-shopping sites and bots. Librarians will find it culls the best, recommended sites into easy subject chapters which lend to quick browsing and easy use.
Macromedia Flash Professional 8: Beyond the Basics
Shane Rebenschied
Lynda.com
1249 8th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
0321293878 $44.99 www.lynda.com/books www.peachpit.com
So you have the basics of Macromedia Flash Professional 8 down and want to move to the next level of expertise but how? Begin with Shane Rebenschied's tutorial, which packs learning exercises and training videos under one cover for maximum results. From learning how to create a video players that allows users to control playback features to creating a Flash plug-in detector and working with Photoshop and other programs for best integration of features, plenty of technical examples and screen shots permeate a hands-on training program which is the next best thing to the classroom itself.
CCIE Routing and Switching
Wendell Odom, et.al.
Cisco Press
800 E. 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240
1587201410 $79.95 www.amazon.com
Any advanced programmer studying CCIE routing for the written exam will relish CCIE ROUTING AND SWITCHING: OFFICIAL EXAM CERTIFICATION GUIDE, 2ND EDITION. It covers all topics from the exam from IP routing and QoS to security and wireless mobility, it adds a CD-Rom with a testing engine which presents timed exams, and it includes quizzes and refreshers to help users identify weaknesses and improve upon overall knowledge base. As an all-in-one course guide, it's part of a Cisco-approved educational tool which has been completely revised with new review questions, exercises, and more. A 'must' for any studying for the Cisco exam.
Beginning SQL Server 2005 For Developers
Robin Dewson
Apress
2450 - 9th Street, Suite 219, Berkeley, CA 94710
1590595882 $49.99 www.apress.com
Professionals with limited knowledge about databases or SQL will still be able to work with both thanks to the expert advice by SQL author Robin Dewson in BEGINNING SQL SERVER 2005 FOR DEVELOPERS FROM NOVICE TO PROFESSIONAL. Terms are defined and fully explained each step of the way, the basics of data manipulation and SQL Server language are revealed, and chapters for developers and database administrator alike cover all the basics; from creating indexes and structuring a database to working with the data. Highly recommended for any who wish to make database management part of their repertoire.
Sybex Inc.
989 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94103
1-800-227-2346 www.sybex.com
More and more Photoshop titles on the market reflect the fact that this image editing monster program has become the industry standard but is no easy learn. Al Ward's second updated edition of PHOTOSHOP FOR RIGHT BRAINERS: THE ART OF PHOTO MANIPULATION (0782144306, $39.99) is for those with some Photoshop experience who want to get beyond the basics. Idea-demonstrating new projects, tips on automating tedious tasks, and discussions of key tools which are paired with reinforcing attractive projects and plenty of color screen and photo examples make this appealing even for browsers who don't intend to delve too deeply. Ted LoCascio's THE INDESIGN EFFECTS BOOK (0782144454, $29.99) tells how to use InDesign's layout and design special effects to maximum benefit, from supercharging 3D enhancements to images to adding highlights, transparency, glow effects and much more. Add extra, new coverage to effects new with CS2 and you have a professional graphic designer's best tips packed into one easy book.
Internet Gambling
J. Phillip Vogel
Black Dog & Leventhal
151 W. 19th Street, New York NY 10011
1579125514 $14.95 www.workman.com
If you've always wanted to venture into online gambling but were afraid to try, here's the tool for you: a handbook written by an Internet gambling columnist for Casino.com which delves into the hows, dos and don't thought for online gambling. From how to begin and rules unique to the online game to strategies for winning online games of poker, bingo, lotto and more, INTERNET GAMBLING: HOW TO WIN BIG ONLINE is packed with specifics, and will delight players who already are avid off-line players.
ESRI Press
380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92373-8100
www.esri.com
Two outstanding new GIS titles are top picks for any discriminating college-level library collection strong in either geography or computers. Anita M. Palmer, et.al.'s MAPPING OUR WORLD: GIS LESSONS FOR EDUCATORS, ARCGIS DESKTOP EDITION (1589481216, $79.95) provides teachers with a complete one-stop resource in a book for any who wish to bring GIS technology into the middle-school or high school classroom. Teachers receive a comprehensive course designed for novice GIS educators which includes lesson plans and targets, case studies designed for varying levels of student GIS backgrounds, and GIS investigations which include step-by-step instructions for students reinforcing practical problem-solving skills. The inclusion of a one-year license of ArcView 9 software with the package, along with geographic data for all the lessons and links to the companion web site, make this an invaluable offering. Richard LeGates' THINK GLOBALLY, ACT REGIONALLY: GIS AND DATA VISUALIZATION FOR SOCIAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH (1589481240, $64.95) shows how GIS technology can be used for beginning social science and public policy research courses. Teachers will find the month-long module lesson plans and structured exercises reinforced by a CD-ROM which can be completed in six hours of computer lab time. From urbanization and GIS and data applications to vector GIS and themes relating to manmade and natural environments, THINK GLOBALLY, ACT REGIONALLY puts GIS to practical work by explaining how urban planning can be handled by applied social science in a GIS environment.
ISA
2530 Whitehall Park Drive, #400, Charlotte, NC 28273
www.isa.org
Technicians who regularly troubleshoot loops and systems must have the newly revised, updated edition of William L. Mostia, Jr., P.E.'s TROUBLESHOOTING: A TECHNICIAN'S GUIDE, 2ND EDITION (1556179634): it draws on the author's long experience as an instrument and electrical engineer to provide reviews of all the knowledge required for effective troubleshooting. Discussions of the underlying logic of troubleshooting survey methods, basic concepts, and details in mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and processing systems, including software and programmable electronics. It could have been featured under 'Reviewer's Choice' but is recommended here as an advanced guide many a computer repair tech should have. The updated 3rd edition of Joseph D. Patton Jr.'s PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE (1556178751) provides a newly enlarged, updated edition of a classic on how to make equipment last longer. New chapters handle computerized preventative maintenance systems, while insights on fault tolerance, redundant components, hydraulic, mechanical and electrical interactions and more provide all machine users with both background and tips on enabling detection equipment. Both are outstanding guides.
Tips to Consider Before Building or Purchasing a Computer System
James T. Schneider
Dorrance
701 Smithfield Street, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
0805968156 $10.00 www.dorrancepublishing.com
If you're looking to purchase a new computer or upgrade a current system, this pamphlet/booklet is for you. It offers easy, jargon-free basics to help consumers which system is right for teaches the fundamentals of how computers work, and provides beginners with the tools needed to make informed decisions.
Linux Patch Management
Michael Jang
Prentice Hall
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
0132366754 $44.99 www.prenhallprofessional.com
Every professional programmer knows systems need patches to stay secure: the problem with Linux has been that, until recently, such patches have been difficult to find and manage. LINUX PATCH MANAGEMENT solves all these problems, offering the Linux professional step-by-step solutions, management strategies, and strategies which apply to single computers and Linux networks alike. Michael Jang holds many certifications and has written books on four of them: his background in networks and operating systems lends to a title perfect for consolidating and updating patches and Linux networks. Very highly recommended: a long-needed reference for the Linux world.
The Environmental Studies Shelf
Three Rivers
Margaret Atwood, et.al.
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC, Canada, V0N 2H0
1550173650 $44.95 www.harbourpublishing.com
THREE RIVERS: THE YUKON'S GREAT BOREAL WILDERNESS explores a region of vast wilderness previously unknown to the outside world, but is a major environmental hotspot of modern times as it represents one of the last, key pieces of the boreal region. With the Mackenzie Valley pipeline proposal looming to threaten it, the Three Rivers region is in the news and deserving of this coffee-table survey, which packs in color photos and art and writing by major authors to remind of the region's importance.
When the Rivers Run Dry
Fred Pearce
Beacon Press
25 Beacon Street, Boston, Ma 02108-2892
0807085723 $26.95 www.beacon.org
The title says it all: WHEN THE RIVERS RUN DRY: WATER THE DEFINING CRISIS OF THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY and the chapters back it up, providing a history and examination of more than thirty countries around the world which face water issues. From Pakistan to the US and China, Pearce draws upon a disparate set of experiences around the world to consider the scientific, economic and historic dimensions of world water crises and issues. It's easy to believe that with oceans on many of our doorsteps, there will never be a real water crisis, but WHEN THE RIVERS RUN DRY shows otherwise, documenting major water crises and roads leading to future disasters. A 'must' for any serious discussion on water rights, management, and ecology and appropriate for a range of readers from public libraries to college holdings.
Handbook of Water Use and Conservation
Amy Vickers
Waterplow
441 West St. Suite G, Amherst, MA 01002
1931579075 $99.95 www.waterplowpress.com
Water management is a big issue here in California, affecting large-scale city planning projects right down to farms and individual homeowners. California is a relatively dry state: its major rainfall occurs only a few months out of the year. That's why the in-depth HANDBOOK OF WATER USE AND CONSERVATION addresses so many relevant issues on so many levels for California audiences in particular. Managers, planners, engineers and policymakers alike receive an outline of key steps to instigating a successful conservation program. Chapters do more than outline these steps: they build upon them an entire water-saving program, from ascribing and measuring customer water usage and patterns to auditing homes, businesses and production sources alike for water use and conservation effectiveness. Over a hundred tested water-efficiency measures not just ideas for reducing long-term demand are presented along with cost estimates, benefits, tables and case studies, and more. No college-level California library should be without; especially collections strong in urban studies, urban planning, and conservation issues.
On the Ice
Gretchen Legler
Milkweed Editions
1011 Washington Avenue South, #300, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1246
157131282X $15.95 1-800-520-6455, www.milkweed.org
McMurdo Station, Antarctica is home to freezing temperatures, months of nearly total darkness and regular near-hurricane force winds. It's also home to a permanent station, McMurdo, and for a season was home to author Gretchen Legler, who tells of this season and those who have journeyed to Antarctica to escape life. Her visit was intended to research the landscape; her book is about the crazy people she found there. ON THE ICE is thus about an exploration few others will make: you'll have to read the book to live her discoveries vicariously.
Green Inheritance
Anthony Huxley
University of California Press
2120 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94720
0520243595 $29.95 www.ucpress.edu
If GREEN INHERITANCE: SAVING THE PLANTS OF THE WORLD sounds like a familiar topic, it's because it's a completely revised, expanded edition of the prior WWF BOOK OF PLANTS. Any with an interest in botany, conservation or plant history must have GREEN INHERITANCE: it explores many topics relating to plant issues and conservation, from the dwindling genetic base of the world's crops and the fading last wild places where new plants may be discovered. GREEN INHERITANCE expands upon its predecessor with new coverage on invasive plants, plant diversity issues, herbal medicine, and more. A wealth of color photos throughout and chapters linking human concerns with issues of plant preservation make GREEN INHERITANCE of interest not only to the college-level collection, but to any general-interest public library strong in conservation titles.
Prophet of Dry Hill
David Gessner
Beacon Press
25 Beacon Street, Boston MA 02108-2892
0807085685 $19.95 www.beacon.org
Author David Gessner had always known of John Hay, who was his hero; but he only befriended the older naturalist when he returned to his childhood home on Cape Cod. His thought of writing a biography of the naturalist changed when their conversations became a record of Hay's naturalist knowledge, and thus THE PROPHET OF DRY HILL: LESSONS FROM A LIFE IN NATURE isn't just a survey of Hay's life and personality but a treasured collection of his seasoned observations on nature itself, packing in much more detail about nature than any biography would have achieved. Highly recommended.
Traces of Eden
Nishantha Gunawardena
TOE Books
5087 51st Street, NW, Rochester, MN 55901
0976997207 $34.95 www.tracesofeden.com
Humanity has disrupted the very elements of nature which it seeks to preserve, yet the vastness of the U.S. and its ecosystems abide, as TRACES OF NATURE: THE LAST OF THE AMERICAN WILDERNESS seeks to capture forever under its book cover. Gorgeous color photos of American parks and wild areas accompany Gunawardena's own evocative prose based on his personal travels to these regions. From Alaska impressions to California' Mojave Desert and the vanishing Everglades, each lovely and often quite dramatic full-page color representation is faced with a blend of personal observation, photographic insight and natural history reflection. A gorgeous presentation; especially recommended for gift-giving.
Ecosublime
Lee Rozelle
University of Alabama Press
PO Box 870380, Tuscaloosa, AL 35478-0380
081731492X $29.95 www.uapress.ua.edu
College-level collections strong in both literary and ecological holdings will welcome a scholarly exploration of 19th century texts as they relate to the changing ecological face of America in ECOSUBLIME: ENVIRONMENTAL AWE AND TERROR FROM NEW WORLD TO ODDWORLD. In the 19th century Edgar Poe and others represent the western wilderness as a series of idealized landscapes, whether it be manmade gardens or forests which either upheld or misrepresented ecological space. Modernists, in contrast, portray urban space as either wastelands or garden environments. But contrasting with these two perspectives is a new type of literary 'eco-advocate' which focuses not on ecological paradises or makeovers, but ecological disasters and which considers both environmental and man-made eco-disasters in the making. Rozelle's analysis finds evidence that the 'ecosublime' nature experienced as wonder or fear reflects social and religious responses to both nature and technological advancement.
Field Guide to Trees Of North America
Keith Rushforth
National Geographic
1145 17th Street NW, Washington DC 20036-4688
0792253108 $17.95 www.nationalgeographic.com
There are plenty of guides to trees on the market but few offered in a portable tote format which truly lends to pocket take-along. You can put this in a backpack or even a back pocket: it's slim, compact, yet full of color illustrations of the complete tree plus close-ups of leaves, buds, flower and more. Keith Rushforth is an arboricultural consultant and expert urban forester: his expertise and coverage are extensively represented and provide a surprising amount of detail for what initially looks to be light pocket tote reading.
ImageStream Press
8339 Carriage Hill Alcove, Savage, MN 55378
www.imagestreampress.com
Any read about wildlife refuges and parks with a visual eye to understanding wildlife wonders will welcome three gorgeous titles from photographer Jim Jamieson, which capture the unique attributes of three wonderful areas. BOSQUE DEL APACHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: 48 HOURS OF FLIGHT (0972912606, $22.95) captures the astonishing bird displays and migrations of a refuge which attracts thousands of snow geese, sandhill cranes, raptors and egrets, among others. Each photo is accompanied by a description of the unique wonder being presented. THE FLIGHT DECK: DIGITAL RHYTHMS OF OUR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES (0972912622, $29.95) blends digital photography with a survey of conservation issues relating to the endangered and migratory creatures of these wetlands, again creating a visual document of conservation. Specifics on type of camera and settings accompany each of these lovely shots to allow readers to perhaps absorb the basics of how to achieve superior wildlife photography, with tips on how to get close to nature and how to adjust for changing light settings blend with outstanding bird displays. OUR NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE REFUGES: CAPTURING THE RHYTHMS OF LIGHT AND LAND (0972912614, $34.95) accompanies more stunning photos with perhaps the best all-around display of color and nature photography insight yet, including the author's own comments about how he shot each scene and compensated for challenging conditions with equipment specs and first-person insights. These are top picks not just for nature collections, but for any interested in how nature photography is actually done.
The New GAIA Atlas Of Planet Management
Norman Myers & Jennifer Kent, Editors
Gaia Books; Octopus Books, Dist.
1865752097 $39.95 www.amazon.com
THE NEW GAIA ATLAS OF PLANET MANAGEMENT's previous editions have seen regular feature as being among the top ten books on the environment ever created; so if you're a public library, high school or college-level collection interested in world environmental issues, you must have this. It's a completely revised, enlarged edition which reflects a decade of change in both international environmental issues and political responses: maps, charts, and discussions of everything from global energy to evolutionary potentials and living oceans place the latest research and ecological thinking at the user's fingertips. The result's a big, gorgeous display of detail and updates which are a 'must' for any reference collection serious about the environment.
The Science Shelf
An Introduction to Scientific Research Methods in Geography
Daniel Montello & Paul Sutton
Sage Publications
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
1412902878 $44.95 www.sagepub.com
For a comprehensive college-level study of geographic research methods, choose AN INTRODUCTION TO SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY, which covers the entire research process and describes basic concepts, from generating ideas to using library resources and using ethical judgement in conducting, compiling and presenting research. Plenty of illustration of different geographic research techniques include boxed summaries and spatial examples, which self-tests, assessments, and exercises make for a perfect beginner's coursebook.
Crossing Over
Edna Einsiedel & Frank Timmermans, Eds
University of Calgary Press
2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4
1552381919 $39.95 www.uofcpress.com
Life science technology offers many promises but also many cautions, so it's good to have a book which presents both sides using an interdisciplinary approach in CROSSING OVER: GENOMICS IN THE PUBLIC ARENA. Articles examine social and ethic issues surrounding genomics and biotechnology, considering everything from legal ramifications and changes to communications and ethical issues. From how the media represents genetic research to risk assessment and community involvement, CROSSING OVER poses important questions. College-level science collections will find this an important addition.
Science History Publications
PO Box 1248, Sagamore Beach, MA 02562-1248
www.shpusa.com
College-level holdings strong in marine biology and ecology will welcome Helen M. Rozwadowski & David K. van Keuren, Eds.'s THE MACHINE IN NEPTUNE'S GARDEN; HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON TECHNOLOGY AND THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT (0881353728 $49.95), a compendium of technical articles providing different surveys of sea economics, management, and use. Historians have traditionally not paid too much attention to oceanography: now THE MACHINE IN NEPTUNE'S GARDEN creates a history-linked survey especially for this group, providing research ranging from the historic development of local fishing industries around the world to surveying research institutions and their effects on ocean management. An outstanding reference work and specialty item! William R. Shea's DESIGNING EXPERIMENTS & GAMES OF CHANCE: THE UNCONVENTIONAL SCIENCE OF BLAISE PASCAL (0881353760, $39.95) tells of a man equally interested in math, physics and religion: while his name is most commonly associated with math, here a more well-rounded survey of his other contributions blend in an examination of his experiments to show a vacuum can be produced. From his unique views of science and religion to his insights into gambling and probability alike, DESIGNING EXPERIMENTS AND GAMES OF CHANCE is a pick college-level holdings will appreciate.
Guide to Energy Management, 5th Edition
Barney L. Capehart, et.al.
Fairmont Press/CRC Press
Taylor & Francis, Dist.
6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, #300, Boca Raton, FL 33487
0849338999 $132.00 www.fairmontpress.com www.crcpress.com
The fifth updated edition of GUIDE TO ENERGY MANAGEMENT represents a fully revised edition for energy managers considering strategies to improve lighting, combustion, and more. Articles aren't light overviews but come from some of the leading energy professionals in the industry, discussing energy management topics ranging from HVAC optimization to improving operations and efficiency ratings of equipment, understanding power factors and energy usage and bills, and fuels and mixtures. Very specific, very technical and very useful for any actively involved in energy management systems.
Conversations with Carl Sagan
Tom Head, Editor
University Press of Mississippi
3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211-6492
1578067367 $20.00 www.upress.state.ms.us
Carl Sagan is best known for his hosting of the PBS series Cosmos but actually has a long history of work in the astronomy field, and an interest in science and space which extends from his childhood so it's fascinating to learn about his efforts to popularize his interests in CONVERSATIONS WITH CARL SAGAN. Here interviews and profiles discuss all the interests he holds for environment, astronomy, physics, and social issues. Subject chapters blend with interviews to make for a fine survey.
Darwinian Fairytales
David Stove
Encounter Books
900 Broadway, Suite 400, New York NY 10003-1239
1594031401 $27.50 www.encounterbooks.com
Author David Stove is a philosopher who maintains that Darwin's theory of evolution is a 'slander on human beings': despite his beliefs, he's not a creationist nor an advocate of the intelligent design theory, but a theological skeptic so he operates outside of most scientific and philosophical circles based in either. DARWINIAN FAIRYTALES; SELFISH GENES, ERRORS OF HEREDITY AND OTHER FABLES OF EVOLUTION acknowledges Darwin's genius and his theory of natural selection but also thinks the idea's been overblown: DARWINIAN FAIRYTALES tells how, why, and provides a history of the idea's evolution and marketing.
Adventures from the Technology Underground
William Gurstelle
Clarkson Potter
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
1400050820 $25.00 www.randomhouse.com
What drives over 25,000 inventors to Nevada's desert for the annual Burning Man festival and why do inventors build fantastic machines in their garages from scraps? ADVENTURES FROM THE TECHNOLOGY UNDERGROUND covers the art of making catapults, pulsejets, flamethrowers, Tesla coils and robots, and comes from a professional engineer who interviews his fellow pros in an effort to find out what drives them to create such devices. A light-hearted, fun survey of the scientist's motivation results.
Designer Evolution
Simon Young
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
1591022908 $28.00 www.prometheusbooks.com
Debates about genetic engineering often revolve around what makes human beings 'human' or 'transhuman', and DESIGNER EVOLUTION: A TRANSHUMANIST MANIFESTO is bound to be at the heart of future debates, with its focus on the emerging new philosophy of Transhumanist doctrine, which supports the attempt to change the human body to eliminate disease, death, and even expand the mind beyond current boundaries. Young calls for a rejection of superstition in favor of a renewed faith in human progress through rational scientific progress.
Two interrelated insights on plants and history are 'musts' for any serious botanical or plant history library; and even though they've been out for a while, deserve ongoing mention as exceptional acquisitions. Henry Hobhouse's SEEDS OF WEALTH: FOUR PLANTS THAT MADE MEN RICH (1593760892, $15.00) includes a new chapter on coffee as it follows the lasting effects of timber, wine, rubber, tobacco and coffee on the fortunes of mankind. Essays don't just provide plant history: they link such history to human revolutions, advancements, and achievements as a whole, and provide important connections between plant usage and development and human advancements. SEEDS OF CHANGE: SIX PLANTS THAT TRANSFORMED MANKIND (1593760496, $16.00) tackles more major plants which influenced human history and fostered development; from quinine and sugar to cotton, tea, and the potato. Each book uses the path of each plant's development to equate to changes in human history; much in the way David Burke used to achieve in his riveting TV shows.
Nanotechnology
Lynn E. Foster
Prentice Hall/PTR
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0131927566 $29.99 www.prenhallprofessional.com
Any involved in the technology sector must read NANOTECHNOLOGY: SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY: it delves inside the nanotechnology industry and is edited by a key industry advisor to cover the latest in nanotech science and applications. More than just a review of experiments and future promise, however, NANOTECHNOLOGY considers both business and technical hurdles in the industry, its potential for revolutionary societal change, and the business implications of its discoveries. At first glance NANOTECHNOLOGY looks like another scientific survey but it's actually much more!
Hurricanes
Patrick J. Fitzpatrick
ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
1851096477 $50.00 www.abc-clio.com
The second edition of HURRICANES joins others in the 'Contemporary World Issues' series to offer a chronology of history, events, legislation and science relating to hurricanes and disaster management. From a worldwide survey of where hurricanes do and do not occur to biographical sketches of notable weather enthusiasts from scientists and researchers to discussions of naming conventions and a world-wide timeline of hurricane events, this is one of the most authoritative references available. Very highly recommended for collections ranging from college holdings to general-interest public libraries.
What We Believe But Cannot Prove
John Brockman, Editor
HarperPerennial
10 E. 53rd Street, New York NY 10022-5299
0060841818 $13.95 www.harperperennial.com
Scientific theory is born of assumption and bits of unconnected evidence cemented by speculations, associations and a good bit of faith. Given all the uncertainties, how is a theory made viable? WHAT WE BELIEVE BUT CANNOT PROVE: TODAY'S LEADING THINKERS ON SCIENCE IN THE AGE OF CERTAINTY represents the author's interviews with a group of leading scientists and thinkers on the question: What do you believe to be true even though you can't prove it. The answers will amaze you and you don't have to be a scientist to find them lively and engrossing reflections.
The Secret Life of Water
Masaru Emoto
Beyond Words Publishing
20827 NW Cornell Road, #500, Hillsboro, OR 97124-9808
074328982X $22.95 www.beyondword.com
A blend of science and spirituality marks Masaru Emoto's lovely THE SECRET LIFE OF WATER, which links the search for happiness and serenity with the life of water on this planet. From interviews with healers and shamans whose powers have changed the shape of water itself to photos of water crystals and cycles of water and life, it's hard to easily peg THE SECRET LIFE OF WATER but it will often find its way onto the science shelf and from there into the welcoming hands of spiritual readers as well.
Freaks of the Storm
Randy Cerveny
Thunder's Mouth Press
245 West 17th Street, 11th Floor, New York NY 10011
1560258012 $15.95 www.avalonpub.com
Any interested in weather and its changing impact on human lives will find FREAKS OF THE STORM: THE WORLD'S STRANGEST TRUE WEATHER STORIES a compelling presentation. From freak hailstones with horns and colored snowflakes to rainfalls of frogs, climatologist Randy Cerveny uses his database of some 8,000 recorded strange weather events to provide a lively survey of the many forms of strange weather. Even leisure browsers with little usual interest in weather will find it a fun survey.
The Social Issues Shelf
52 Weeks to Change Your World
Allan shepherd and Caroline Oakley
CAT Publications
Machynlleth, Powrys SY20 9AZ, UK
1902175182 L4.99 www.ecobooks.co.uk www.amazon.com
Take a little pocket- or purse-sized tote and back in a weekly schedule for doing a year of good deeds for family and the environment and you have a fix-it book which personalizes the task of environmental awareness and turns it into action. If you make it your job to make your house safe and your environment friendly, you've done something positive and this small book shows how to make this a habit.
We the Media
Dan Gillmor
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Highway, Sebastopol CA 95472
0596102275 $16.99 www.oreilly.com
Any interested in the future of new media must have WE THE MEDIA: GRASSROOTS JOURNALISM BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE: a survey of how common folk are producing more meaningful news coverage using personal blogs, Internet chat groups, and email as their delivery tools. Journalism in the 21st century is changing and will be quite different from the media-controlled presentations we know today. To find out just how different, you have to consult WE THE MEDIA: it comes from a journalist and founder of the very grassroots media making big changes.
Understanding Terrorism
Gus Martin
Sage Publications
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
1412927226 $54.95 www.sagepub.com
The second updated edition of UNDERSTANDING TERRORISM: CHALLENGES, PERSPECTIVES, AND ISSUES is an excellent purchase for both college-level reference holdings and for assigned reading for college-level courses on social issues. Added here is a new chapter on religious terrorism, reviews of new material on gender terrorism and criminal businesses, updates on pedagogy, and a format which includes test questions, amps from the book, and more on both a CD-ROM and an accompanying web site. Plenty of examples from events around the world pepper surveys which cover the politics, economics, and social foundations of international terrorist experiences.
The Islam/West Debate
David Blankenhorn, et.al., Editors
Rowman & Littlefield
4501 Forbes, #200, Lanham, MD 20706
0742550079 $27.95 www.romanlittlefield.com
In 2002 sixty American intellectuals published an open letter defending the use of military force against terrorists a letter which sparked an international debate in which liberal Muslims, journalists, and jihadists alike discussed terrorism, US policy and East/West relations. Documents from these global discussions are gathered in THE ISLAM/WEST DEBATE, a collection which should be considered a 'must' not only for college-level holdings but for public libraries seeking to include a representative sampling of discussions on Islam. Discussions cover what principles groups represent and why, what is being defended, and the reasons behind Muslim antagonism to others. Essential reading for any who would understand opposing viewpoints in these issues.
Global Values 101
Kate Holbrook, et.al., Editors
Beacon Press
25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108-2892
0807003050 $14.00 www.beacon.org
GLOBAL VALUES 101 isn't just the title of a book; it's a course which proved one of the most popular ever offered at Harvard University, in which original thinkers sat down with students and explored how knowledge and ideas contribute to better world citizens. From ideas of success and achievement to issues of war, religion and social change, GLOBAL VALUES 101 surveys all kinds of issues and connects social change to global values systems. Perfect for classroom discussion even at the high school level.
The Judaic Studies Shelf
The World Must Know
Michael Berenbaum
US Holocaust Museum
c/o The Johns Hopkins University Press, dist.
2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
080188358X $29.95 www.press.jhu.edu
Why the need for a second edition of a classic Jewish studies survey of images from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC? Because with each decade that passes it becomes more important to preserve the images and realities of World War II events for future generations and because THE WORLD MUST KNOW is an outstandingly well organized gathering of hard-hitting images from the German Holocaust. The Museum is a living memorial to the events and those who died and THE WORLD MUST KNOW: THE HISTORY OF THE HOLOCAUST AS TOLD IN THE U.S. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM is an outstanding memorial propelling its images beyond museum walls.
Love Your Neighbor And Yourself
Elliot N. Dorff
Jewish Publication Society
2100 Arch Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
082760825X $25.00 www.jewishpub.org
There are plenty of books covering ethical issues, but rarely one as specific as how to apply ethical concerns to daily live. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AND YOURSELF: A JEWISH APPROACH TO MODERN PERSONAL ETHICS is such a book: it uses the Torah commandment to 'love your neighbor as yourself' as foundation for examining the meaning of neighborly love outside the home. From handling issues of family violence and Jewish family life and dating to understanding other faiths, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AND YOURSELF shows how to translate Torah commandment and Jewish tradition into an active path for more ethical, concerned living.
1001 Facts Everyone Should Know About Israel
Mitchell Bard & Mosche Schwartz
Rowman & Littlefield
4501 Forbes #200, Lanham, MD 20706
0742543587 $15.95 www.rowmanlittlefield.com
The story of Israel from its roots to modern times provide essential facts about the politics, evolution, and contributions of the nation, describing the important influences on the country's growth and offering an easily-accessible, working knowledge of Israel and her peoples in contrast to weightier, less accessible tomes on the market. A top pick for any who would learn about the nation without facing a daunting background packed with too much detail.
The Bomb in the Basement
Michael Karpin
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
0743265947 $26.00 www.simonandschuster.com
Israel not only became the Middle East's first nuclear power: it kept its atomic program secret and veteran Israeli journalist Michael Karpin explains how in THE BOMB IN THE BASEMENT: HOW ISRAEL WENT NUCLEAR AND WHAT THAT MEANS FOR THE WORLD. From the Israeli program's heavy reliance on early French aide to its resurgence of energy under the approval of President Nixon, the political interactions, policies and changes between nations makes for fascinating, revealing reading.
Micah Publications
255 Humphrey Street, Marblehead, MA 01945
www.micahbooks.com
Two excellent new titles are top picks for any collection strong in Judaic studies. James Parkes' END OF AN EXILE: ISRAEL, THE JEWS AND THE GENTILE WORLD (0916288501, $22.95) is for any interested in modern Zionism and its perceptions. A British churchman here provides essays which provide some new additions to a classic work of 50 years of history, written by an Anglican scholar fascinated with the uniqueness of Jewish history and its modern incarnation in Israel. Discussions provide plenty of Biblical references and reflections throughout a history which adds new material to bring discussion to reflect modern events. Roberta Kalechofsky's JOB ENTERS A PAIN CLINIC & OTHER STORIES (091628851X, $15.00) provides twelve stories which consider modern medical technologies and how they impact how we live. Her stories focus on a range of experiences but especially upon the Jewish experience, from Nazi death camps to rats in the Bastille. Ethical considerations, whether it be for human or animal suffering, are at the forefront of each hard-hitting story.
The Jews Are Coming Back
David Bankier, Ed.
Berghahn Books
150 Broadway, Suite 812, New York, NY 10038
1571815279 $29.95 http://www.berghahnbooks.com
THE JEWS ARE COMING BACK: THE RETURN OF THE JEWS TO THEIR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN AFTER WWII provides an outstanding gathering of articles packed with new perspectives on the experiences of Holocaust survivors returning to their home countries after the war. Some were met with welcome, many with distrust: it may surprise casual readers to learn survivors again faced the "Jewish problem" attitude as they were perceived as aliens and intruders in their own countries. A county-by-country focus of Jewish community reconstruction achievements and barriers offers something few other books can touch: a regional and community survey of experiences. A 'must' for any serious study of Jewish issues.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
A Curious Kind of Widow
Ann Davidson
Fithian Press
PO Box 2790, McKinleyville, CA 95519
156474454X $16.95 www.danielpublishing.com
Plenty of books cover the symptoms and early treatment of Alzheimer's, but here's the rest of the story: coping with its later stages. A CURIOUS KIND OF WIDOW: LOVING A MAN WITH ADVANCED ALZHEIMER'S takes up where her first book left off, telling of the progress of her husband's disease and how it changed her life and their marriage. From the escalating problems from a caretaker's viewpoint to personality charms despite increasing limitations, A CURIOUS KIND OF WIDOW provides personal insights on a depersonalizing disease.
Beyond the Hippocratic Oath
John B. Dossetor
University of Alberta Press
Ring House 2, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E1
0888644531 $39.95 www.uap.ualberta.ca
Modern medical ethics has evolved over decades of change: a process charted by John B. Dossetor in BEYOND THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH: A MEMOIR ON THE RISE OF MODERN MEDICAL ETHICS. Dr. Dossetor's survey links the evolution of modern medicine and bioethics by using his own practice and experiences as a foundation: he was a pioneer in nephrology, involved in early kidney transplantation, and routinely made life and death decisions for his patients. As time went on and medical issues became more complicated, he found the Oath increasingly tested by more complex issues. His sabbatical to study medical ethics resulted in a pioneering new program on the topic, and this reflects his work as well as his reflections on these dilemmas. College-level medical holdings should have this at hand.
Adrenaline and the Inner World
David S. Goldstein, MD, Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
0801882893 $25.00 www.press.jhu.edu
ADRENALINE AND THE INNER WORLD: AN INTRODUCTION TO SCIENTIFIC INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE represents the first attempt in nearly seventy years to discuss the roles of adrenaline in regulating the body, and it comes from an international authority and teacher on the topics who uses his insights to address issues of stress and body regulation. College-level health collections, in particular, will find quite accessible his discussion of how to use scientific integrative medicine to develop new ways to treat and prevent disease. From weight loss and gain to adrenaline's affects on various body systems, this is the only book you'll need to thoroughly understand the topic and its related health issues.
Myth of Depression as Disease
Allan M. Leventhal & Christopher R. Maetell
Praeger
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0275989763 $39.95 www.praeger.com
Any college-level health collection, especially those strong in mental health concerns, must have THE MYTH OF DEPRESSION AS DISEASE: LIMITATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES TO DRUG TREATMENT: it goes where few books so clearly have gone before, arguing that there's little actual scientific evidence for treating depression as a biological disorder to be treated with drugs. Indeed, the authors say, there is very little known about the role of biology in depression; but marketing by pharmaceutical companies has perpetuated the myth of chemical imbalance and treatments to benefit their bottom lines. Therapy is under-explored in contrast, and should be one of many alternatives to drug therapies: that's the hard-hitting contention of THE MYTH OF DEPRESSION AS DISEASE, which should earn much classroom discussion as well.
Chinese Natural Cures
Henry C. Lu
Black Dog & Leventhal
151 West 19th Street, New York NY 10011
1579125468 $19.95 www.bdlev.com
Other books have come out on the topic of Chinese cures but this is the most comprehensive yet, created by world-famous practitioner Dr. Henry C. Lu who uses his expertise to explain both Chinese medicine and its underlying philosophy of health and illness. Treatments are organized by complaints and include easy reference for treatment and cure and advice on hundreds of foods and herbs as well. Literally hundreds of Chinese herbs and their uses receive clear, specific mention; right down to the formulas and potions which make them useful. Very highly recommended: a must for any serious herbal treatment collection.
Osteoporosis Prevention
Renee Newman
Inational Jewelry Publications
PO Box 13384, Los Angeles, CA 90013-0384
0929975375 $15.95 www.avoidboneloss.com
Plenty of women's health guides cover osteoporosis as part of their overall view on women's health and aging: OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION: A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO STRONG BONES & GOOD HEALTH goes beyond introductions to advocate an actual prevention program beginning with getting enough calcium and exercise to understanding differences between bone density testing centers, getting the most from such a report, and avoiding common problems. A recommended pick for any woman but especially those with a strong family history.
Death's Door
Sandra M. Gilbert
W.W. Norton
500 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
0393051315 $29.95 www.wwnorton.com
Surveys of death and grieving often embrace the psychology so much that there isn't much room for other approaches, so it's surprising to find a treatment which blends a poet and critic's vision and experiences with a focus on the psychology of pain and recovery. Such a survey is DEATH'S DOOR: MODERN DYING AND THE WAYS WE GRIEVE. A survey of social and cultural history documents different processes of death and grief in society, while the author struggles with her own reactions to deaths of loved ones. Her different viewpoints help DEATH'S DOOR stand apart from the myriad of titles on the topic.
Training Guide for Visiting the Sick
William J. Justice, Dmin, Dphil, Dlit
Haworth Press
10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580
0789027046 $17.95 www.HaworthPress.com
TRAINING GUIDE FOR VISITING THE SICK: MORE THAN A SOCIAL CALL is difficult to easily categorize: it is designed to appeal across the board to those involved in ministry, spirituality, hospice care, nursing and more with its advice on how to minister to the sick. Based on the author's decades of experience as a bedside hospital chaplain, appropriate and inappropriate behaviors and approaches are reviewed, things to say and not discussed, and tips on how to let patients lead, rather than directing the conversation, are revealed. Any who have wondered what to say and do to support a sick, hospitalized patient must turn to TRAINING GUIDE FOR VISITING THE SICK for insights.
The Case of Terri Schiavo
Arthur L. Caplan, et.al. Eds
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-9827
159102398X $21.00 www.prometheusbooks.com
At first glance it would seem that THE CASE OF TERRI SCHIAVO: ETHICS AT THE END OF LIFE is another focus on her case alone but actually its focus on end-of-life ethical questions holds far more meaning for the living than for the dead of the past. The ethical dilemmas surrounding end of life are many and are surveyed in depth in a coverage which uses not just Terri's case but similar cases to expose issues, struggles and obstacles to quality of life and survival. Essays cover everything from legal issues and points to ethical concerns.
Depression & Your Thyroid
Gary S. Ross MD & Peter J. Bieling, Ph.D.
New Harbinger Publications
5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
1572244062 $15.95 www.newharbinger.com
Thyroid and psychology are often linked, with the condition of one influencing the other and often creating a circular path of deterioration: that's the message of DEPRESSION & YOUR THYROID: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, which provides a handbook of understanding hypothyroidism and its effects on mental health. From causes of hypothyroidism which are many and varied to various treatments, including home remedies, DEPRESSION & YOUR THYROID is an important guide.
Arthritis: A Cleveland Clinic Guide
John D. Clough, MD
Cleveland Clinic Press
9500 Euclid Ave, NA32, Cleveland, OH 44195
1596240083 $14.95 www.clevelandclinicpress.org
So many books permeate the market on arthritis that one might well wonder at the need for yet another but it comes backed with the expertise and name of the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and from a staff rheumatologist who has been involved since 1971, so it holds both an authority and a long-time practicing physician's insights. Chapters consider typical patient experiences and use case histories in explaining the various forms of arthritis, seeking treatment, who is at risk, and how to assess options. It's surprising to note that despite all the literature and medications, arthritis is really a misunderstood condition, which hopefully will be remedied by any with access to ARTHRITIS: A CLEVELAND CLINIC GUIDE.
Mayo Clinic Health Information
Ceterplace 5, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905
1-800-430-9699 www.mayoclinic.com
The Mayo Clinic's handbooks differ from other consumer references in many ways: they are less weighty treatments than most, yet are backed with all the medical authority and expertise the Mayo Clinic has come to be associated with; they use charts, some color illustration and an easy topical arrangement to help consumers find quick answers, and they focus not just on treatments, but why different approaches work. ON DEPRESSION (1903005178, $14.95) surveys different approaches to treating depression, from drugs and electroconvulsive therapy to counseling, and how depression varies between age groups. ON MANAGING DIABETES (1893005380, $19.95) discusses all aspects of a disease which is seeing rapid changes in treatment options stemming from rapid discoveries: from diagnosing pre-diabetic indicators and taking preventative steps to advances in more effective insulin delivery systems, the influence of exercise on sugar levels, and unique issues for kids with diabetes, this provides all the tools needed for control. ON HEADACHE (1893005356, $16.95) provides all the basics to know about both common and uncommon headaches, from regular headaches and rebound headaches from overuse of aspirin to conditions which cause secondary headaches and migraines. From non-medication treatments to differences between headaches in women, children and the elderly, ON HEADACHE goes beyond most treatment guides to survey the epidemiology of headache and different treatment paths. ON CHRONIC PAIN (1893005275, $16.95) appears in an updated second edition to provide a survey of the causes of chronic pain and the latest treatment. So much progress has been made in this field that the new second edition as called for, with editor Jerry Rome, MD providing an excellent and well-rounded survey of both traditional and alternative pain management systems which offer relief. Backed by Mayo's medical authority, these are all winners consumers can trust.
The Hypochondriac's Pocket Guide To the Horrible Diseases You Probably Already Have
Dennis Diclaudio
Bloomsbury
175 5th Avenue, #300, New York NY 10010
1596910615 $14.95 www.bloomsburyusa.com
If you've ever wondered whether a headache indicates a tumor, a cold lead to bird flu, or stomach poisoning indicate mad cow disease, then THE HYPOCHONDRIAC'S POCKET GUIDE is for you or someone you know. Its tongue-in-cheek approach to diseases comes from one who worked at a major medical publishing company, researching and writing short blurbs about disease outbreaks and his book on health oddities and ironies documents over forty odd, repulsive and all too real diseases and their possibilities.
Overcoming Medical Phobias
Martin Antony, Ph.D. & Mark A. Watling, MD
New Harbinger
5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
1572243872 $14.95 www.newharbinger.com
While some folk dutifully see the doc and dentist while needed, others find their phobias of medical professionals so strong that they can't even make a preventative visit nor take common medical tests. This audience would do well to look at the self-help guide OVERCOMING MEDICAL PHOBIAS: HOW TO CONQUER FEAR OF BLOOD, NEEDLES, DOCTORS & DENTISTS. From the roots of fears and how to address underlying issues of such phobias to strategies for preventing fainting, stress and avoidance, this doesn't just admonish it offers a step-by-step 'can do' program for overcoming phobias. A top pick.
Dying to Be Free
Beverly Cobain & Jean Larch
Hazelden
PO Box 266, Center City, MN 55012-0266
1592853293 $12.95 www.hazenden.org
Beverly Cobain has survived not just one but three family suicides; the most famous being the 1994 death of her cousin Kurt, lead singer of Nirvana. Her registered nurse background and family experiences here blend with those of crisis intervention specialist Jean Larch to provide survivors with a handbook which speaks to the heart. DYING TO BE FREE: A HEALING GUIDE FOR FAMILIES AFTER A SUICIDE gathers the common experiences and feelings of survivors under one cover, providing a unique set of thoughts, feelings and reflections on turmoil, psyche, and family dynamics. A powerful survivor's guide.
How to Stay Healthy & Fit for Life
Steve Michael
American Literary Press
8019 Belair Road, #10, Baltimore, MD 21236
1561679178 $14.95 www.americanliterarypress.com
The diet on author Steve Michael's native Greek islands has been deemed the world's healthiest because these people have the world's lowest incidence of medical problems dramatically lower, in fact. Plenty of books provide recipes for this 'Mediterranean diet' without explaining its basic concepts: the intention of HOW TO STAY HEALTHY & FIT FOR LIFE is to blend this diet's attributes with the experiences and professional insights of a diet consultant and personal fitness trainer who at age 72 is still lively and healthy. From preventing cancer and heart disease without drugs to understanding common pitfalls of American diets, HOW TO STAY HEALTHY & FIT FOR LIFE is for any who would understand how diets really work and why they sometimes don't.
The Diet Survivor's Handbook
Judith Matz, LCSW & Ellen Frankel, LCSW
Sourcebooks
Box 4410, Naperville, IL 60567-4410
1402205449 $12.95 www.sourcebooks.com
It's a documented fact that thousands try new diets each year and fail. If you're one who has time and again made the effort and not succeeded, then THE DIET SURVIVOR'S HANDBOOK: 60 LESSONS IN EATING, ACCEPTANCE AND SELF-CARE is for you. Chapters tell how to get away from diets and how to look for a stabilized weight rather than an idea. They advocate letting go of guilt while understand differences between physical hunger and psychological need. And they pack in lessons and activities to support a new way of looking at diets and weight loss. Any would-be dieter or failed dieter will find its premise intriguing and inspirational.
Hunger: An Unnatural History
Sharman Apt Russell
Basic Books
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
0465071635 $23.95 www.basicbooks.com
Every day we wake up hungry and break a potential fast: but few have had the experience of real hunger. HUNGER takes a day-by-day tour of body and mind sans food, from Day 1 to a week or more without food. History, culture, and health concerns blend in a wide-ranging analysis of the different experiences of and influences on hunger, how it works physiologically, and more. A top pick not just for college collections, but for public libraries and general-interest readers.
Big Pharma
Jacky Law
Carroll and Graf
245 W. 17th Street, 11th Floor, New York NY 10011
0786717831 $15.95 www.avalonpub.com
Corporate wealth and public health often are at odds with one another: that's the view presented in BIG PHARMA: EXPOSING THE GLBOAL HEALTHCARE AGENDA. Modern healthcare is in shambled, and Jacky Law shows how a relatively small number of companies dominate the research agenda and pursue profits to the detriment of public health and health systems as a whole. From the influences of corporate lobbyists to market considerations which rule over medical needs, BIG PHARMA exposes a big headache which needs fixing.
The Art Shelf
A Passion for Asia: The Rockefeller Legacy
Asia Society
Hudson Hills Press
74-2 Union Street, Manchester, VT 05254
0878481036 $60.00 www.hudsonhills.com
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Asia Society comes an outstanding survey which reflects John D. Rockefeller 3rd's tour of China and Japan and his commitment to promoting a greater understanding of Asia through the society which he founded in 1956. Words and color photos lovely artworks throughout Asia follow the mission of the Asia Society and juxtapose essays by the Rockefeller family members. Here are archival photos of the family's travels, philanthropic activities, and domestic life along with sculptures, paintings, and art works by collected from Asia by family members.
Crowood Press
c/o Trafalgar Square Publishing
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
Two excellent how-to guides are strong picks for working artists. John Ripley's CERAMIC AND STONE TILING: A COMPLETE GUIDE (1861267770, $35.00) will also appeal to homeowners who want a solid do-it-yourself tiling guide: the basics of cutting tile, setting tile, and wall and floor tiling are clearly covered using not just step-by-step instructions but a wealth of color photos to clarify each step. Ed Burke's GLASS BLOWING: A TECHNCIAL MANUAL (1861265212, $45.00) provides a practical survey of how to learn the basic techniques of glass blowing, from choosing the right tools and equipment to gathering molten glass from the furnace and shaping it. Color photos illustrate a techniques guide which goes into details on using the punty iron and blowing plates, vases and more as a learning experience to blowing more complicated pieces.
The DaVinci Notebooks
Leonardo DaVinci
Arcade Publishing
141 Fifth Avenue, 8th Floor , New York, NY 10010
1559707992 $14.95 1-800-759-0190 www.arcadepub.com
The new collection of writings, sketches and diagrams from Da Vinci's notebooks embraces all aspects of his creations, from art to science, medicine, music and even urban planning. This new edition includes an essay on his life by Emma Dickens and is published to coincide with the film of THE DA VINCI CODE on May 19th.
Manawa: Pacific Heartbeat
Nigel Reading & Gary Wyatt
University of Washington Press
PO Box 50096, Seattle, WA 98145-5096
0295985704 $35.00 www.washington.edu/uwpress
If it's a contemporary selection of works from native peoples of New Zealand and the Northwest coast which is needed, MANAWA: PACIFIC HEARTBEAT fits the bill perfectly: it presents modern Maori and Northwest Coast art, covering the history of major exposure of modern young artists to the world and including an excellent representative sampling of their achievements in striking color photos. 31 Maori and 15 Northwest Coast artists are presented to represent over three decades of works and events around the theme. The gorgeous color photos of over sixty selected pieces created especially for MANAWA make for an exceptional presentation.
Techno Textiles 2
Sarah Braddock Clarke & Marie O'Mahony
Thames & Hudson
500 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
0500512450 $50.00 www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
TECHNO TEXTILES: REVOLUTIONARY FABRICS FOR FASHION AND DESIGN will prove an exciting pick for any designer or artist working in fabrics. Here are features of new textiles developed from carbon, steel and even glass: materials which protect wearers from the environment or offer new versatility traditional fabrics can't match. Accompanying color photos of fabrics in use are discussions of changing trends in fabric construction, design and style an outstanding display of images in a top-rated title juxtaposing art and functional style. Very highly recommended.
Art That Pays
Adele Slaughter & Jeff Kober
Natl Network for Artist Placement
935 West Avenue, #37, Los Angeles CA 90065
0945941145 $29.00 www.artistplacement.com
If you want to make a living from your art, there's no better place to consult than ART THAT PAYS: THE EMERGING ARTIST'S GUIDE TO MAKING A LIVING WITH INTERVIEWS FROM OVER THIRTY-FIVE CELEBRATED ARTISTS. An appendix on cd-rom features hundreds of hot links to artist resources, while interviews offer new artists practical perspectives on how to make a living with art. Visual arts, dance, acting all forms of art are surveyed along with common sources of income, from grants and funding to Internet marketing.
D.A.P.
155 6th Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York NY 10013
www.artbook.com
Elvan Zabunyan's BLACK IS A COLOR (A HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART) (2914563205, $37.50)is a pick college-level art libraries will appreciate: it discusses black consciousness among artists around the world, relating the history of African-American art to different influences and movements both within and outside of the country. Chapters discuss how attitudes shape art production and form, how various artists have used these attitudes to foster artistic changes and new directions, and how issues of identity, militant activities, and symbolism come to be reflected in black art. An excellent survey with a centerfold of color photos for reinforcing examples. Zak Smith's PICTURES OF GIRLS (1933045221, $30.00) opens with an interview of the artist conducted by Shamim M. Momin blending the artist's autobiography with perspectives on art before moving into lovely full-page color reproductions with facing pages providing title, year, and mediums used. Acrylic and ink is Momin's medium of choice and PICTURES OF GIRLS provides a satisfying, absorbing catalog of his works. Leah Dickerman's DADA (1933045205, $65.00) provides a wide-ranging history and art survey of some of the top figures representing Dada art past and present, from Marcel Duchamp and Max Ernst to Sophie Taeuber and lesser-knowns. Practices from the primary big city movements around the world are represented in chapters which also feature six city essays by art scholars of the movement, a chronology of events, and a blend of artists' biographies and full-page color examples. While it accompanies one of the most comprehensive museum exhibits of Data art in this country, DADA also stands well alone as a powerful historical and artistic survey: one that no art library should be without.
Art Network
PO Box 1360, Nevada City, CA 95959
www.artmarketing.com
These outstanding new art coverages are highly recommended picks not just for art school libraries, but for public library holdings where any patron is interested in marketing their art works. Margaret Danielak's A GALLERY WITHOUT WALLS: SELLING ART IN ALTERNATIVE VENUES (0940899469, $19.95) narrows the topic to selecting the best public exhibit space to produce a strong showing which sells your work. Artists receive chapters covering all the basics of creating promotional materials, teaching how to use invitations, guest books and more to sell art on a limited budget. Robert Egis Dvorak's SELLING ART 101 (0940899868, $22.95) is the item of choice for not just artists but their gallery and rep managers: it covers all the basics of both studio selling and telephone techniques, surveys how to get referrals and new clients, and comes from the experience of a practicing artist who has both sold his own works for 25 years, and conducted seminars on both art production and art selling. Chapters blend business savvy with artistic objectives in a manner which assume no prior business familiarity. The second edition of Constance Smith's ART MARKETING 101: A HANDBOOK FOR THE FINE ARTIST (040899485, $24.95) covers all the basics; from gaining a competitive edge in the art market and building name and brand recognition to using publicity tactics to gain recognition, pricing artwork to sell, and protecting legal rights. All are 'musts' for artists who would not just create, but effectively sell their works.
Stone by Design
Photographs by Alison Shaw
Gibbs Smith
PO Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
1586854437 $29.95 www.gibbs-smith.com
STONE BY DESIGN: THE ARTISTRY OF LEW FRENCH is packed with color photos of an artist who works in all kinds of stone, from slate and granite to fieldstone, incorporating these pieces into a home or art project setting. From locating stone in different places and splitting and working with its shape to working with architects in blending stone into home uses, STONE BY DESIGN is both an idea book and a survey of style and use by one whose expertise lies in blending stone qualities with home interior purposes.
Watson-Guptill
708 Broadway, New York NY 10003
www.wgpub.com
Damien Scott and Kris Ex's HOW TO DRAW HIP HOP (0823014460, $19.95) captures the subtle nuances of a cartoon style which is difficult to define. Hip hop is as much a state of mind and music as it is an art form so it's quite elusive: here to explain it is a artist and author who blend the basics of drawing with the style and spirit of hip-hop culture from clothing to characters and more. Damion Scott is a graduate of the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art and has many strips and productions to his name, so he provides a seasoned insider's perspective. Stephanie Hoppen's CHOOSING BLUE: COLOR YOU CAN LIVE WITH (0823006697, $35.00) is a powerful focus on blue shades and new uses for blue in the home. Andreas Von Einsiedel's gorgeous interior photo displays go far beyond the usual features of color, showing not just variations of blue shadings but contrasts between blue and other colors. The many shades and tones of blue lend to far more diversity of use than some books would explore: CHOOSING BLUE provides not only many fresh alternatives but new color pairing ideas to expand the use of blue in home decoration. A 'must' for any serious interior designer or home painter.
Brushstroke Handbook
Maureen McNaughton
North Light Books
4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
1581807821 $26.99 www.artistsnetwork.com
Painters who want a quick, photo-filled guide to brush strokes and their results will want to keep THE BRUSHSTROKE HANDBOOK: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DECORATIVE PAINTING WITH BRUSHSTROKES close at hand. It covers different strokes, effects, placement of colors, rounds on brushes, and combinations which provide special results. Step-by-step directions tell how to recreate the clear color examples. An outstanding presentation indeed.
The Drawing Book
Tania Kovats, Editor
Black Dog Publishing
Unit 4.04 Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6JJ, UK
1904772331 $65.00 www.bdpworld.com www.amazon.com
The weighty set of examples packed into THE DRAWING BOOK: A SURVEY OF DRAWING: THE PRIMARY MEANS OF EXPRESSION should deter no real artist: it provides an outstanding gathering of works by artists, architects, sculptors, filmmakers and more to demonstrate the versatility of drawing. Add essays by curators Kate Macfarlene and Katharine Stout and art writers Charles Darwent and you have an in-depth survey through five artistic themes measurement, nature, the city, dreams, and the body. It's the color plates which stand out here, as silent testimony to the range of expression drawing can bring to each theme and thought.
The Prints of John Himmelfarb
Essays by Michael Bonesteel & Linda Konheim Kramer
Hudson Hills Press/NBN, dist.
PO Box 205, Manchester, VT 05254
1555952453 $50.00 www.hudsonhills.com
This definitive catalog of the prints of John Himmelfarb should be the only comprehensive work an art library would need if only one representation of the artist were to be included in a collection. THE PRINTS OF JOHN HIMMELFARB spans his entire career from 1967-2004, reviewing his development, his trends, and his influences. Himmelfarb has exhibited nationally since 1968 and gained many honors: an introductory essay by Linda Kramer reviews his career, followed by a more detailed in-depth essay by Michael Bonesteel. Add a survey of his many exhibitions and a review of the papers and formats used for his graphic works and you have a notable representation of the extent of his career and direction.
The Photography Shelf
With
Ken Ohara
Twin Palms Publishers
54 1/2 East San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM 97501
1931885389 $60.00 www.twinpalms.com
WITH by Ken Ohara features a photographic series of one-hour exposure portraits unlike anything you've seen, challenging the concept of traditional portrait appearances and evaluative processes. Here identify is fuzzed and lost, context boundaries are blurred, and observers are pushed into forming new frames of reference and new points for creating impressions of identity. Any involved in portraiture from either side of the camera will find Ohara's approach unique.
Window Seat
Gregory Dicum
Chronicle Books
85 2nd Street, San Francisco, Ca 94105
0811840867 $14.95 www.chroniclebooks.com
Here's one that's hard to categorize: seventy aerial photos give a fine landscape view of the earth and mimic what you'd see from the window seat of a plane but that's not all. Here's map showing major flight paths, profiles of different North American region landforms and waterways, tips on spotting major sites from the air everything you need to take on the plane for an even more memorable trip!
The American History Shelf
American Sweethearts
Ilana Nash
Indiana University Press
601 N. Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404-3797
0253346592 $21.95 www.iupress.indiana.edu
Any collection strong in American popular culture and history will welcome AMERICAN SWEETHEARTS: TEENAGE GIRLS IN 20TH CENTURY POPULAR CULTURE. There are plenty stereotypes of 'stupid teen girls' and AMERICAN SWEETHEARTS gets to the bottom of these images by exploring them in American pop culture through teen narratives and the producers who created them. Chapters begin the study in 1930 and conclude in 1965, with each survey how social and cultural changes contributed to the evolving image of girls, from Nancy Drew to Gidget. American History, Popular Culture, and Women's Studies collections will be enriched by this survey.
Sing Sing
Denis Brian
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
1591023572 $25.00 www.prometheusbooks.com
Any studying criminal issues or crime will find SING SING: THE INSIDE STORY OF A NOTORIOUS PRISON engrossing: in 1825 a hundred mute convict-laborers constructed a new maximum-security prison near a village on the Hudson called Sing Sing, working for five years to create what would become the world's most notorious prison. Denis Brian's history of that prison documents its inhumane treatments and uses extensive research from original sources to document its evolving conditions from the 19th century to modern times. Involving and eye-opening.
At Canaan's Edge
Taylor Branch
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th floor, New York, NY 10020
068485712X $35.00 1-800-223-2336 www.simonandschuster.com
AT CANAAN'S EDGE: AMERICA IN THE KING YEARS 1965-68 will stand alone but even better as the concluding volume to his AMERICA IN THE KING YEARS, a three-volume history offering a definitive analysis of the era. This final volume opens with the repression of voting-rights march in Alabama on March 7, 1965. Unlike more casual review, AT CANAAN'S EDGE gets right into the underlying politics of events and considers King's negotiations with government entities at one time, all three branches of the U.S. government. If it's light reading you wish, this isn't your item: if it's in-depth coverage though, you won't find anything more definitive.
The American South in The 20th Century
Craig Pascoe, et.al., Editors
University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive, Athens, GA 30602-4941
0820327719 $22.95 www.ugapress.org
Any collection strong in Southern history usually has a heavy focus on the Civil War era; but what of the modern 20th century South and its issues and concerns? For that you have to turn to THE AMERICAN SOUTH IN THE 20TH CENTURY, a gathering of writings in southern history, politics, and other social concerns which documents exactly how the South has and hasn't changed over the decades. Common themes of race, segregation, Civil War lasting effects and Southern identity in the face of modernization emerge from essays which contribute a well-rounded feel for today's evolving Southern identity.
Dark Bargain
Lawrence Goldstone
Walker & Company
104 5th Avenue, New York NY 10011
0802714609 $24.00 www.walkerbooks.com
The issue of slavery was actually a concern for convention delegates, and was the main issue which evoked the most resistance to compromise: that's the contention of DARK BARGAIN: SLAVERY, PROFITS AND THE STRUGGLE FOR THE CONSTITUTION. In fact, the Constitution was molded by the controversies, needs, and presence of slavery: a fact which receives much emphasis and attention in a study which focuses on source material to recreate backroom debates, underlying issues, and philosophical differences between our country's founding fathers. A revealing state-by-state survey enables readers to pinpoint differences and their effects on the Constitution's language and intentions.
Encyclopedia of Immigration and Migration in the American West
Gordon Morris Bakken & Alexandra Kindell, Editors
Sage Publications
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
1412905508 $295.00/2 Volumes www.sagepub.com
The powerful 2-volume ENCYCLOPEDIA OF IMMIGRATION AND MIGRATION IN THE AMERICAN WEST is a winner: it will appeal both to high school and college library holdings in offering a definitive reference cataloging both key immigrants and key migration patterns of different ethnic groups in the American West. From entries on Chinese early immigrants to Japanese internment, discussions are sometimes several pages in length and conclude with bibliographic material for further reading. Contributors work for historical societies, museums, and universities and provide both authority and clarity.
Manhunt
James L. Swanson
William Morrow/HarperCollins
10 E. 53rd Street, New York NY 10022
0060518499 $26.95 www.harpercollins.com
It reads like fiction with all the story-telling action of high drama, but MANHUNT: THE 12-DAY CHASE FOR LINCOLN'S KILLER is actually nonfiction and packs in all the facts about Lincoln's murder and the subsequent hunt for his killer. It's a compelling true account promising to reach beyond the history shelf to grasp the hearts and minds of 'true crime' fans and mystery readers alike, recounting the assassination of Lincoln using medical, investigative and historical details to recreate events. A gripping drama which will reach strongly into the leisure reading audience.
Shooting Star
Tom Wicker
Harcourt
15 East 26th Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10010
015101082X $22.00 1-800-543-1918 www.harcourtbooks.com
Joe McCarthy rose to public acclaim back in 1950 when his hunt for members of the Communist Party within the U.S. government itself resulted in a virtual witch hunt of political figures, then American citizens, who were members. While anticommunist was already a Republican Party cause, McCarthy took it a step further and elevated it to new levels yet five years later he was condemned by his own party. SHOOTING STAR: THE BRIEF ARC OF JOE MCCARTHY explores his rapid rise and fall, with a journalist's eye to uncovering the underlying motivation to his actions. An impressive survey and biographical sketch emerges.
ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
Two top recommendations are solid picks for both high school and college-level collections. Jerry D. Stubben's NATIVE AMERICANS AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: A REFERENCE MANUAL (1576072622, $60.00) adds to the 'Political Participation in America' edited by Raymond Smith and examines the history of Native American political involvement in America. From an introductory overview of the group's unique political process to reviews of people, laws and organizational contributions, chapters not only cover tribal government organization and early philosophers but current voting statistics and trends. Jorge Iber and Arnoldo de Leon's HISPANICS IN THE AMERICAN WEST (1851096795, $65.00) focuses not just on Mexican Americans though that is the heart of subject treatments but includes notes on Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Guatemalans and other immigrants from South America. Add a focus on Spanish-speaking communities in states not normally noted for large Hispanic populations and also blend history with a survey of social issues from Americanization processes to Chicano politics and you have a wide-reaching history and reference.
Basic Books
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
www.basicbooks.com
Two very different histories and surveys are invaluable for understanding the roots of modern America. Lewis L. Gould's THE MOST EXCLUSIVE CLUB: A HISTORY OF THE MODERN UNITED STATES SENATE (0465027784, $27.50) provides a fine survey of the modern U.S. Senate and the leaders who have had the greatest ongoing influence on its approaches. Competing titles review long-ago history, so it's refreshing to have a coverage which holds a more modern focus, considering the function, actions and daily activities of the U.S. Senate and considering how it's in decline today. A 'must' for any collection strong in political science and American history. Brian Fagan's FISH ON FRIDAY: FEASTING, FASTING AND THE DISCOVERY OF THE NEW WORLD (0465022847, $26.95) considers the very roots of American culture with a lively coverage considering the influences on Columbus to set out across a wild ocean for unknown territory, the motivation for the king and queen to commission such a venture, and the discovery of America as it relates to the spread of Christianity and European objectives. This is no light coverage but a wide-ranging interdisciplinary study which incorporates ancient myths, medieval religion, commercial and business interests, and even climate science in its survey of why and how the New World came to be.
The Divided Ground
Alan Taylor
Alfred A. Knopf
c/o Random House
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
0679454713 $35.00 1-800-726-0600 www.aaknopf.com
THE DIVIDED GROUND: INDIANS, SETTLERS AND THE NORTHERN BORDERLAND OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION tells of an uncommon friendship between a Mohawk Indian boy and the son of a colonial clergyman. For fifty years they were first good friends, then bitter foes; their stormy relationship would change and mirror the face of changing relationships between Native American and white man, and makes the perfect foundation for an analysis of events in THE DIVIDED GROUND. From border issues and movements to settler rights, THE DIVIDED GROUND offers a key to understanding the influences behind Native/white man interactions and conflicts.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
American Movie Critics
Phillip Lapote, Ed.
Library of America
14 E. 60th Street, New York NY 10022
1931082928 $40.00 www.loa.org
Any collection strong in entertainment and movie history, especially college-level holdings, will want to have AMERICAN MOVIE CRITICS: AN ANTHOLOGY FROM THE SILENTS UNTIL NOW in their collection. It's the first anthology to categorize, define and explore movie reviewing as a discipline of its own: chapters blend a history of the rose of movies with a concurrent survey of the rise of movie critics and reviewing methods, tracking changes in methods, contributions of notable critics over the decades, and including quotes and samples from some of today's best. Over a hundred fifty pieces by nearly eighty contributors span nearly a hundred years.
Little Musicals for Little Theatres
Denny Martin Flinn
Limelight Editions
Hal Leonard Corp, Dist.
512 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
0879103213 $17.95 www.limelighteditions.com
Over a hundred small musicals which any theatre can produce is packed into a guide which uses the background of its experienced Broadway producer author to select among the few musicals that have small casts and can be performed on a budget. Most musicals rely on glitz and expensive production eye-catchers for effects and drama, so it's especially refreshing to see a focus returned to the stage itself. Chapters serve as a reference to these selected productions focusing on synopsis, outlining musical numbers, acts, and pros and cons of production.
Words with Music
Lehman Engel
Applause Books
19 W. 21st Street, New York NY 10010
1557835543 $17.95 www.applausepub.com
If WORDS WITH MUSIC: CREATING THE BROADWAY MUSICAL LIBRETTO sounds familiar, that's because it originally appeared in 1972, only to go out of print for years thereafter. Now it's back and it sports an expanded version and updated commentary by NY Times theatre critic Howard Kissel to return a classic to new life. Engel's background in the Broadway heyday provides important reference material for his survey of major musical works, documenting major scenes, surveying how good musicals are written to stand out from mediocre productions, and revealing which basic theatre elements are employed to best usage for particular types of productions. An outstanding survey, recommended for any Broadway fan.
Lone Eagle Publishing
5055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Two outstanding 'how to' guides are top picks for aspiring actors. Ellie Kanner and Denny Martin Flinn's HOW NOT TO AUDITION: AVOIDING THE COMMON MISTAKES MOST ACTORS MAKE (158065049X, $19.95) pinpoints typical problems which aspiring actors often make during audition, and comes from a casting director with extensive background in the industry. From proper etiquette for auditions to strategies for landing jobs in film commercials or theatre alike, HOW NOT TO AUDITION comes with the guarantee that if actors absorb these guidelines, they will have a much greater chance at landing the role. Linda J. Cowgill's WRITING SHORT FILMS, 2ND EDITION (1580650635, $19.95) surveys the short film, which continues to be a solid road into entering the film business. From hooking an audience with the first image to developing characters within the structure of the short film, WRITING SHORT FILMS: STRUCTURE AND CONTENT FOR SCREENWRITERS delves into the elements which make the short film a winning platform for industry success.
The Gardening Shelf
Shocking Beauty
Thomas Hobbs
Periplus (Tuttle, Dist.)
364 Innovation Drive, N. Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
079465021X $29.95 www.tuttlepublishing.com
Thomas Hobbs is a master maker of gardens, and in SHOCKING BEAUTY he offers his original perspective on garden design through a series of literary, inspiring essays taking examples from exceptional gardens throughout North America and Europe to show how gardens can be inspired rather than arranged. Nature is the best example of how to blend colors and textures to create 'shocking beauty', Hobbs maintains: full-page color photos demonstrate this beauty.
Guide to Pruning
Cass Turnbull
Sasquatch Books
119 S. Main Street, #400, Seattle, WA 98104
1570614687 $19.95 www.sasquatchbooks.com
Bad pruning can do more than produce an unsightly tree: it can lead to water sprouts, diseases, and even death. To keep this from happening, consult Cass Turnbull's GUIDE TO PRUNING, which appears in its second updated edition to pack n pruning pros and cons for hundreds of plants, shrubs and trees. All the basics of when and how to prune are revealed in a guide which teaches best practices.
Tropical Plants For Home and Garden
William Warren
Thames and Hudson
500 5th Ave., New York NY 10110
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
0500283419 $34.95
It's quite a simple formula: if you're looking to include tropical plants into your home or garden, you can't be without this book. Gorgeous color photos by Luca Invernizzi Tettoni pack a display of equally gorgeous plants accompanied by details on growing needs, propagation, cultivars, and use in home or garden environments. From ferns and succulents to gingers and bananas, a wide variety of plants of all sizes and types are covered to delight any who live in warm environments or have greenhouses to stock.
California Native Plants For the Garden
Carol Bornstein, David Fross & Bart O'Brien
Cachuma Press
PO Box 560, Los Olivos, CA 93441
0962850586 $27.95 www.cachumapress.com
If you're a California gardener you can't be without CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN, which is deserving of ongoing recommendation as one of the most comprehensive guides on the subject we've seen. Color photos pack a comprehensive review of plants best suitable for California gardens, covering cultivation, landscape design usage, water needs, and more. From pruning requirements to common diseases and insect problems, plants in CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN are all thoroughly detailed.
Sunset Books
www.sunset.com
Three lovely gardener's guides provide very different references for any seeking to make over and create a beautiful garden environment. BEFORE & AFTER GARDEN MAKEOVERS (038031883, $16.95) tells how to create not just an acceptable garden, but an interested and varied environment juxtaposing stones, waterfalls, pathways and multicolored flora and foliage for dramatic makeovers. From building raised beds to creating curving pathways and adding color and variety, BEFORE AND AFTER GARDEN MAKEOVERS comes packed with inspiration. Same goes for LANDSCAPING WITH STONE (0386034785, $14.95), which tells how to use stone to create pathways, steps, stairs, and walkways. Even rock gardens are included in a guide which focuses not just on design ideas, but on how to incorporate stonework into a living landscape for maximum effect. The completely revised, updated edition of SUNSET WESTERN LANDSCAPING (0376039159, $29.95) packs in over six hundred color photos and examines how landscape and garden decoration may blend with decks, pathways, and more. With its extensive photo galleries, WESTERN LANDSCAPING is packed with lovely ideas.
Plenty of interior design books focus on large spaces and soaring interior structural designs; but much fewer tackle the bigger challenge of working with a very small or compact interior space and that's where the lovely COMPACT INTERIORS comes to the rescue. Over twenty case history studies of small homes display innovative, different methods used to make the most of their limited space. Chapters don't stop with large-sized glossy photos either: reviews of materials used, technical specifications, and commentary by the designing architects involved create a diverse set of insights perfect for a sourcebook which may be used as either an architect's inspirational guide or a homeowner's idea resource. Very highly recommended.
Incredible Vegetables from Self-Watering Containers
Edward C. Smith
Storey Publications
210 Mass MoCa Way, N. Adams, MA 01247
1580175562 $19.95 www.storey.com
Amateur gardeners often associate vegetable production with labor-intensive work but it doesn't have to be that way, if you use self-watering containers to grow veggies in pots. Ed Smith has been vegetable gardening for over fifty years, teaching courses on the topic: his INCREDIBLE VEGETABLES FROM SELF-WATERING CONTAINERS USING ED'S AMAZING POTS SYSTEM emphasizes organic yet trouble-free growing techniques.
Home by Design
Sarah Susanka
Taunton Press
PO Box 5507, Newtown, CT 06470-5507
1561587915 $21.95 www.taunton.com
If author Susan Susanka's name sounds familiar, it's because she's written the notable NOT SO BIG HOUSE and here provides another outstanding examination of the elements shared by all well-designed homes. There are nearly thirty key design concepts which can be applied across the board to any home, big or small, no matter what style and HOME BY DESIGN surveys these concepts presenting over a hundred examples of both basic and easy to more complex design elements. Color photos accompany floor plans, discussions of design elements which work, and more. A top pick for homeowner and designer alike.
TROPICAL STYLE: CONTEMPORARY DREAM HOUSES IN MALAYSIA draws inspiration from a country which has always been open to ideas and influences from both East and West and which reflects this openness in architectural heritage and culture. Thirty-five modern houses are presented here, from apartments to homes, with each display covering all the interior design choices, the owner intentions for their retreats, and why different designs were chosen. From Oriental touches to inspirations from Malay traditions, pages packed with full-page oversized color photos display the best Malaysia has to offer.
Style and Grace
Michael Henry Adams
Bulfinch Press
1271 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
082125748X $19.95 www.bulfinchpress.com
If photographer Mick Hales' work in STYLE AND GRACE: AFRICAN AMERICANS AT HOME looks familiar, that's because his work has appeared in some top national magazines, from House and Garden to Vanity Fair. When paired with architectural historian Michael Henry Adams' work, it provides a gorgeous addition to the first survey to capture the spirit of African-Americans in their home design and decoration choices. A wide range of homes receive feature here, from that of hip-hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons to Congressman Charles Rangel: each surveys the style, intentions and outlook of the homeowner as well as the designer or architect involved.
Designed to Sell
Vicki Christian, Editor
Meredith Books
1716 Locust, DesMoines, IA 50309-3023
069622450X $19.95 www.amazon.com
This inspirational collection of success stories who spent 2K in home improvements to realize 50K in profits from their investments promotes home redos which transform rooms, encouraging high and quick sales prices by introducing contemporary, clean new appearances to drab old homes. These aren't huge makeovers, but are often inexpensive and easy projects to dress up floors, windows, and walls. From cosmetic changes which pay off to inexpensive extras buyers fall for, the dos and don'ts come from both homeowners and real estate pros and reflect the best investments you can make. And if its title sounds familiar, that's because DESIGNED TO SELL: SMART IDEAS THAT PAY OFF! Comes from a hit TV show of the same name and approach.
The Expert's Guide to Life at Home
Samantha Ettus
Clarkson Potter
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0307237567 $19.95 www.clarksonpotter.com
This joins others in the 'Experts' Guide' series, gathering the knowledge of a range of experts to provide insights into the little challenges in life and it's the first to meld home improvement, interior design and self-help under one cover. Six sections on improving, beautifying, and enjoying the home show how to achieve everything; from the basics of folding a sheet properly to hanging holiday lights and selecting and cleaning countertops. From installing a doggie door to decorating with flowers, enjoy all-inclusive compilation of practical tips which considers no home-related topic too small to address.
The Architecture Shelf
Visions of Heaven
David Stephenson
Princeton Architectural Press
37 East 7th Street, New York NY 10003
1568985495 $60.00 www.papress.com
Dome architecture is something special: and its special qualities and art are captured by photographer David Stephenson in his images of dome interiors VISIONS OF HEAVEN: THE DOME IN EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE. Stephenson traveled across Europe and even into Turkey and Russia photographing churches, palaces, mosques and synagogues created from the second to the 20th century: his visual display captures over a hundred images of some of the finest dome construction in the world, while an essay by Victoria Hammond tracks and dome and its decoration.
Princeton Architectural Press
37 East 7th Street, New York NY 10003
www.papress.com
As photo albums and 'scrapbooking' crafts become more an accepted part of family life, it's hard to recall the era before the camera when the most folks had for keepsakes was the family Bible and documents. When Kodak introduced the Brownie it began a revolution in family documentation and visual content and Barbara Levine & Stephanie Snyder's SNAPSHOT CHRONICLES: INVENTING THE AMERICAN PHOTO ALBUM (1568985576 $40.00) captures this revolution, presenting graphic designer Martin Venezky's gorgeous faux soft cover design to supplement the authors' exploration of photo albums. Four essayists contribute to a lovely presentation which reproduces sepia and vintage photos and albums to accompany discussions of album history and evolution. Photographers will find it a lovely survey. D.I.Y.: DESIGN IT YOURSELF edited by Ellen Lupton (1568985525, $19.95) tells how to design not in the usual print formats alone, but also using blogs, websites, cd packaging, embroidery and more. And it's not just for designers, either: everyday readers are the audience for a book which tells how to use the techniques of pros to achieve superior design results. The basic principles of design are applied to a wide range of everyday eye-catchers to logos. Color examples and photos pack every single page.
Creative Homeowner
24 Park Way, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
www.creativehomeowner.com
If you're looking to design a house particularly a small home from 800-2,500 square feet you must take a look at AFFORDABLE HOME PLANS: BIG IDEAS FOR SMALL SPACES (1580112730, $12.95): it holds tips and examples from top architects and designers across the country, packing in over a hundred color photos, color renderings, and design specs and details. Here are specific plans paired with quick and easy
