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MBR Bookwatch

Volume 4, Number 12 December 2005 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Donovan's Bookshelf Harold's Bookshelf Klausner's Bookshelf
Laurel's Bookshelf Shelley's Bookshelf Shirley's Bookshelf

Donovan's Bookshelf

Best American Travel Writing
Jamaica Kincaid, Editor; Jason Wilson, Series Editor
Houghton Mifflin
215 Park Avenue S., NY, NY 10003
061836952X $14.00 www.houghtonmifflin.com

The 'Best American' series has showcased the nation's best fiction and nonfiction since 1915, offering rotating series editors and works which come from hundreds of periodicals. A special guest editor works with a leading genre writer to hone some twenty of the crème of the crop - and the 2005 BEST AMERICAN TRAVEL WRITING is no exception to the quality rule. From a cisco adventure to insights and encounters with the Taliban and a thirty-seven-course lunch, these are truly engrossing, literary works of contemporary travel experience and should not be missed.

Generation Rx
Greg Critser
Houghton Mifflin
215 Park Avenue S., NY, NY 10003
0618393137 $24.95 www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com

How have chemical companies succeeded in changing consumer image about drug prescriptions from a doctor-controlled decision to a social right? Why do drug companies have such poor image but popular pills? Directly relating to SELLING SICKNESS is GENERATION RX, a view of how consumers see drug companies, of how the pharma industry has made business decisions to bring it more power than the medical industry holds, and how the uncharted realm of drug interactions has turned patients into guinea pigs. A 'must' for any who would think about medication in modern America.

The Wreckers
Bella Bathurst
Houghton Mifflin
222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116
0618416773 $25.00 1-800-225-3362 www.hmco.com

Author Bella Bathurst was researching her first book THE LIGHTHOUSE STEVENSONS when she came across a passage by Robert Louis Stevenson describing the aftermath of a Scottish shipwreck, whereby a crew in distress on the rocks observed an entire village awaiting the plunder from the wreck. THE WRECKERS: A STORY OF KILLING SEAS AND PLUNDERED SHIPWRECKS, FROM THE 18TH CENTURY TO THE PRESENT DAY tells of those who profit from shipwrecks and occasionally caused them in the name of greed. There were those who opposed lighthouse, which would curb shipwrecks and their valuables: the history of eight selected 'wrecking hot spots' makes for a lively survey of 300 years of dark employment.

The Ancestor's Tale
Richard Dawkins
Mariner Books/Houghton Mifflin
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
061861916X $16.00 1-800-225-3362 www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com

Richard Dawkins is one of the world's most renowned evolutionary biologists: many will recognize his name from his famous work THE SELFISH GENE. THE ANCESTOR'S TALE provides a 'reverse journey' through evolution from modern humans to the past, using enlightening, scientific and lively stories to outline ideas from sexual selection to extinction processes and how evolution works. These explanations take the form of 'tales' in each chapter: grasshoppers, redwoods, worms and more. From what ancestors probably looked like to different frog developments under different environmental conditions, the lively tone of THE ANCESTOR'S TALE; A PILGRIMAGE TO THE DAWN OF EVOLUTION promises accessibility and interest to a wide general-interest audience despite its weighty appearance.

Food for the Fishes
David Wishart
Hodder & Stoughton/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Rd., N. Pomfret, VT 05053
0340827386 $25.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Fans of historical mysteries - especially those set in ancient times - may be familiar with David Wishart's winning prior Marcus Corvinus Rioman mystery PARTHIAN SHOT: here comes another on the theme: FOOD FOR THE FISHES (0340827386, $25.00). A greedy fish farm owner making too much money is found drowned in one of his own eel tanks, leading Roman investigator Marcus to find no end to the possible suspects list. His ninth case involves the help of a clever wife too involved in gambling as he narrows down the suspects.

The Mosaic Artist's Bible
Teresa Mills
Trafalgar Square
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
1570762937 $24.95 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Mosaic artists seeking pattern examples here have 300 traditional and contemporary design examples in full color, making THE MOSAIC ARTIST'S HANDBOOK: 300 TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS an exceptional sourcebook. From letters and numbers to patterns, borders, symbols and themes, THE MOSAIC ARTIST'S HANDBOOK packs in mosaic examples from many cultures, offers scale drawings and color palette's for easy art reproductions, and packs in a wealth of inspiration.

Switch to Digital
William Cheung
Argentum/Trafalgar Square Press
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
1902538366 $25.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

New to digital photography? It won't be a challenge with SWITCH TO DIGITAL in hand: even the most experienced photographers experience a learning curve when making the change to digit, and William Cheung is right there to explain both the rationale behind digital over traditional and the new approaches and options involved in digital photography. From merging skies and exposure issues to working with black and white and color images, SWITCH TO DIGITAL is an exciting survey of the many options digital work offers.

Hardboiled Hollywood
Max Decharne
No Exit/Trafalgar Square press
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
1842431196 $17.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Any interested in crime, especially those who regularly watch film mysteries, will relish HARDBOILED HOLLYWOOD: THE ORIGINS OF THE GREAT CRIME FILMS. Behind each well-known classic there's a little-known story, involving pulp fiction, real-life events, and cinema choices: the origins of some of the best-known crime films are revealed in a behind-the-scenes look at films ranging from Psycho and Kiss Me, Deadly to Get Carter and The Big Sleep.

New Irish Cookery
Paul & Jeanne Rankin
BBC Books/Trafalgar Square
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
0563522488 $25.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Paul and Jeanne Rankin specialize in Irish food and in NEW IRISH COOKERY: 140 NEW AND TRADITIONAL RECIPES USING THE BEST PRODUCE FROM IRELAND, they bring out the best of Ireland's dishes. Their own twists on traditional Irish Dishes add new flavors and bunch to the classics Ireland is known for; from a double cream enhanced Irish Stew classic to Blackberry Fool with Hazelnut Biscuits.

Because It's There
Dudley Green
Tempus/Trafalgar Square
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
0752433997 $35.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Mountaineering fans will find themselves already familiar with the name of George Mallory, who with his companion Andrew Irvine traversed Everest over three decades before Sir Edmund Hillary's noted south side expedition - but many won't recognize his name. For those who need more knowledge, BECAUSE IT'S THERE: THE LIFE OF GEORGE MALLORY fills in many gaps, from the mountaineering achievements of Mallory to the puzzle surrounding his death. BECAUSE IT'S THERE is the first biography published after the discovery of his body in 1999 - only 2,000 feet from the top of Everest - and it provides rare images of mountain and man plus a foreword by Mallory's son.

Death of Ivan Ilyich
Leo Tolstoy
Trafalgar Square, Dist.
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
1843911272 $13.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Leo Tolstoy's THE DEATH OF IVAN ILYICH provides a vivid account of death and the meaning of dying by the author of WAR AND PEACE: it's a hard-hitting novel and perhaps lesser known than WAR, but Hesperus Press has returned it to print to give it the literary status it deserves among new generations. A fine, affordable addition to libraries seeking to replace tattered older copies with new, attractive paper editions.

Trafalgar Square
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Two excellent decorative knitting guides focus on home enhancement projects, providing a range of ideas for avid knitters who wish to produce something other than clothes. Kate Haxell and Luise Roberts' DECORATIVE KNITTING: 100 PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES, 200 INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS AND 18 CREATIVE PROJECTS (1570763062, $29.95) presents five workshops in three parts: a techniques section with diagrams of stitches involved, swatch libraries which translate these techniques to finished works, and projects which pack 200 ideas into patterns. Accessories for both wearing and home enhancement make for a varied presentation packed with plenty of color examples throughout. Debbie Bliss's HOME: 27 HAND KNITS FOR LIVING (1579763038, $25.00) uses three home themes: seaside, modern country and urban - as foundation ideas for creating both garments and home accessories. From cable-stitch cushions to clothespin bags, blankets and more, HOME is packed with ideas for wearing and display.

The Complete Deep Purple
Michael Heatley
Reynolds & Hearn/Trafalgar Square, Dist.
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
1903111994 $27.50

Surprisingly, after all these years the rock group Deep Purple remains highly popular, filling stadiums whenever they plan a show - thus THE COMPLETE DEEP PURPLE is a recommended pick for any interested in either the band or their place in rock history. From its initial formation in the 1960s to its heavy metal sound and best-selling albums, its division and re-formation in 1984, and in-group fighting, THE COMPLETE DEEP PURPLE considers the evolution and popularity of a versatile heavy metal band which remains attractive to new and old audience to this day.

Celebrating Cigars
Anwer Bati
Duncan Peterson Press/Trafalgar Square, Dist.
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
1903301394 $45.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

There's not too many cigar books on the market - and few which illustrate them in life-size color, so turn to the entertaining blend of history and insights in CELEBRATING CIGARS if you want in-depth insights into the evolution of brands, styles, and more. Full-page color photos accompany chapters organized by cigar brand for maximum browsing - and there are plenty of brands featured, lending to hours of interest.

Special Knits
Debbie Bliss
Trafalgar Square Publishers
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
157076302X $25.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Debbie Bliss already has a reputation for producing stylish children's knitwear and SPECIAL KNITS: 22 GORGEOUS HANDKNITS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS returns a new collection of her designs for newborns. Some are easy to make and others use unusual trims. Most need little familiarity with anything complicated and actually lend to novice knitting. Gorgeous color photos, clear examples, and easy patterns: what more could a knitter want?

Deep Jungle
Fred Pearce
Eden Project/Trafalgar Square Pubs
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
190391955X $30.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

You don't have to have seen the three-part PBS series this Spring to enjoy the accompanying DEEP JUNGLE book, which explores the jungle canopy which houses two-thirds of all the creatures on the planet. The jungle holds key to future foods, medicines, and even climate preservation; yet mankind is on the verge of destroying it. Former New Scientist news editor Pearce provides an absorbing, in-depth survey of the jungles of the world, discussing their ecology, evolution, and importance. Color photos of jungle settings and wildlife abound, too. Having all the world's jungles considered and contrasted under one cover makes for a far broader perspective than just a singular focus on one world region alone, making for a fascinating expose.

Hesperus Press/Trafalgar Sq, Dist.
Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Hesperus Press regularly publishers notable literary fiction by famous authors whose less famous works may have been neglected over time. Some recent new arrivals will spark interest of any literary library: David Nokes' THE NIGHTINGALE PAPERS (1843917033, $20.00) provides a classic black comedy in the English tradition of social satire: shades of Swift and Pope run through his story of a joke which brings on a series of literary hoaxes and revenge. Jane Austen's LESLEY CASTLE (1843911159, $13.00) uses the letter format to present a literary discussion between two ladies who reveal their secrets and priorities over love. Alexander Pushkin's RUSLAN AND LYUDMILA (1843911167, $16.00) tells of an evil sorcerer who separates two lovers and requires a gallant Ruslan to endure trials to get her back; Gustave Flaubert's NOVEMBER (1843911124, $13.00) tells of a troubled, lonely man who re-lives his quest for love and now faces withdrawal and newfound beliefs about romance, while Charlotte Bronte's THE SPELL (1843911175, $13.00) tells of a dead infant heir and a successor choice facing a sick king. All fill out author successes wonderfully and are recommended for literary college-level collections.

Digital Photography Pocket Guide, 3rd Edition.
Derrick Story
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Hwy N., Sebastopol, CA 95472
0596199159 $14.95 www.oreilly.com

From locating the right camera for a shooting objective to learning how to take photos at weddings and in the studio, handling outdoor events and travel shots, and sharing them with slideshows and online media, DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY POCKET GUIDE appears in its third updated edition to include the latest technology and all the basics. Plenty of color photos examples accompany tips on making, editing and transmitting images: an easy 'must' beginners will welcome.

O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Hwy N., Sebastopol CA 95472
www.oreilly.com

Want to save money on telephones? Consider James E. Gasklin's TALK IS CHEAP: SWITCHING TO INTERNET TELEPHONES (05969009607, $19.95) for ideas on how to choose among the Internet phone services offered. From getting voicemail over the web or the phone to having your own toll-free number and changing an area code in a flash, TALK IS CHEAP covers everything from choosing plans to signing up, monitoring an account, and more. CustomGuide, Inc.'s PROJECT 2003 PERSONAL TRAINER (0596008546, $29.95) offers 'workouts' for project planning which begin with initial scheduling and hours to entering and working with tasks, assigning resources, working within budgets, and more. Part of the Personal Trainer series based on content from a leading provider of computer training manuals, CustomGuide offers a livelier format than most and designed as both a workbook and quick reference. Guy Hart-Davis' WORD ANNOYANCES: HOW TO FIX THE MOST ANNOYING THINGS ABOUT YORU FAVORITE WORD PROCESSOR (0596009542, $19.95) addresses all the common glitches MS Word is known for, from formatting issues and lost text to crashes, printing program glitches and more. Control style when you paste, align numbers with decimal tabs, use tables and overcome common obstacles when doing so. Two new 'Missing Manual' titles are 'musts' for any who would compliment systems or programs with instructions which 'should have been in the box' with the hardware. David Pogue's MAC OS X TIGER EDITION: THE MISSING MANUAL (0596009410, $29.95) comes from a weekly tech columnist for the New York Times, a bestselling Macintosh author, and the creator of the Missing Manual series. It offers both newcomers to the Mac and seasoned users expert advice on everything from security and increasing efficiency to customization options, features such as fax and voiceover, Mac services and more. 'Tiger' represents a rethinking of come of the most important elements of computers - but it still comes without a manual - until now. Scott Lowe's HOME NETWORKING: THE MISSING MANUAL (059600558, $24.95) tells how to set up a home network, whether it be with WiFi, Ethernet, or a Windows or Mac system. From router and adapter issues to tweaking settings and overcoming common network problems, everything needed is here in one place - and once your network is up, the book moves to tell how to stream music, display pictures on your TV, and more. Damian Conway's PERL BEST PRACTICES: STANDARDS AND STYLES FOR DEVELOPING MAINTAINABLE CODE (0596001738, $39.95) covers several hundred guidelines on coding more efficiently using Perl. Code which is clear, efficient, and concise is promoted in chapters which offer suggestions based on the realities of modern code writing logic, challenges, and options. Plenty of examples throughout. The fourth revised edition of Ranmdal Schwartz, Tom Phoenix and Brian D. Foy's LEARNING PERL (0596101058, $39.95) is out, and it is tops among instruction books for newcomers to the language. More than just a programmer's guide, it uses real-life, applied situations to cover the major features most people use time and again. Programmers who don't already know Perl could do no better than to begin here. Brian McWilliams' SPAM KINGS: THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE HIGH-ROLLING HUCKSTERS POSHING PORN, PILLS (0596997329, $22.95) takes an investigative approach in probing the world of email spammers and whose who are trying to stop them. Just who are those responsible for unwanted junk-email? Investigative journalist McWilliams charts the many 'spam wars' played by makers and anti-spam activisits on the computer court, detailing the activities of some notorious spam 'kings' and their successes producing spam which 'works' for them.

If You Want It Done Right, You Don't Have To Do It Yourself!
Donna M. Gennett, Ph.D.
Quill Driver Books
1254 Commercial Avenue, Sanger, CA 93657
1884956327 $19.95 1-800-497-4909 www.quilldriverbooks.com

It's a common belief among small business owners especially that only they can do the job right, but in effect, that's only a reflection of poor hiring choices or poor delegation skills. It's delegation skills which are the focus of IF YOU WANT IT DONE RIGHT, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT YOURSELF: THE POWER OF EFFECTIVE DELEGATION. A short story about two 'identical' cousins learning to delegate provides a light example on how to create more efficiency and relieve stress at work. A thought-provoking, useful guide for any in business.

Classic French Wrought Iron
Raymond Lecoq
W.W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
039373157X $29.95 1-800-233-4830 www.wwnorton.com

Grills, gates, balconies and more are revealed in a descriptive focus on French architectural ironwork designs which provides both a history of the French industry and descriptions of forging, assembly and other techniques. CLASSIC FRENCH WROUGHT IRON isn't just based on archives: the author walked the streets of each French city he visited, recording examples of metalworker's art in an archive of over 9,000 images, making for a reference both authoritative and well detailed. The full-page black and white images are exceptionally clear.

The Holding
Merilyn Simonds
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Ave., New York, NY 10110
0393060616 $23.95 1-800-233-4830 www.wwnorton.com

A plot of land cultivated for over a century, secluded by society, houses an immigrant pioneer woman and a modern woman who discovers her. The two women have very different reasons for seeking seclusion from the world, experiences similar hardships and challenges even though living a hundred years apart. A journal found by Alyson will help her understand both Margaret's journey and the hope in building a new life. A gripping, psychologically tense story.

Historical Dictionary of U.S.-Latin American Relations
David W. Dent
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313321956 $99.95 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Much of the tone and content of U.S.-Latin American relations has been dictated by the U.S. to its benefit - and this historical dictionary gathers nearly three hundred A-Z entries profiling the key individuals, events, treaties, wars and theories which have gone into these relationships, on both sides. College-level students of international politics will find HISTORICAL DICTIONARY OF U.S.-LATIN AMERICAN RELATIONS lends to a blend of history and politics in quick reference format, allowing for both thematic reference and biographical or political study. These aren't just brief passages either: in-depth overviews are accompanied by bibliographic references for further reading.

Food in Colonial and Federal America
Sandra L. Oliver
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313329885 $49.95 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

The success of the early American settlements depended in large part upon food: it's availability and its bounty helped build the early colonies and built regional food habits which blended immigrant foods with new American ingredients. FOOD IN COLONIAL AND FEDERAL AMERICA traces these food influences in early American history, reviewing relationships between Native Americans and early settlers which were forged by food, considering how food was handled daily and for special occasions, and surveying immigrant group contributions to food use. An excellent history evolves.

Radio: The Life Story of a Technology
Brian Regal
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313331677 $45.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Radio was more than just a media delivery system: it was a new technology which changed and connected the lives of the world, moving from a clumsy wireless telegraph to a system which is so much a part of our lives that its roots have all but been forgotten. So as not to forget, RADIO: LIFE STORY OF A TECHNOLOGY considers both the scientific and social changes radio brought, considering it as a cultural phenomenon and providing a history of the business and social impact of radio. There have of course been other radio histories on the market - but none other with the attention to both social and economic impact.

Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction & Fantasy
Gary Westfahl, Editor
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 0688105007
0313329508 $349.95/3 Vols., 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Over 400 entries cover all kinds of science fiction concerns, from literature to film and TV, and enjoys contributions from well over a hundred experts which discuss major genre themes, relates them to modern works, and provides reference material suitable for either browsing by genre fans or study by college-level literature majors. Volume 1 holds the major themes from imaginary worlds to curses, black holes and dragons; the second volume packs in related sub-themes from lost worlds to mad scientists, and Volume 3 provides the detailed reference to over 200 works of science fiction and fantasy by title. The overviews, bibliographies, and discussions are important for any serious student of science fiction and provide details on story variations and versions, major writers and trends, and more.

Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Greenwood's titles are perfect for the discriminating college-level collection: packaged in solid binding for durable library lending and consisting of topics which students will find both intriguing and invaluable for reports. History students even at the high school grades will relish many of them, such as William E. Burns' SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN COLONIAL AMERICA (031333160X, $49.95), which follows the early peoples of America and how domestic technology, agriculture and conflicts changed their lives. Chapters trace the evolution and roots of these technologies in new discoveries and provide fine links between scientific developments and human activities. Norman Roth's DAILY LIFE OF THE JEWS IN THE MIDDLE AGES (031332865X, $49.95) will also reach into the high school grades with its survey of Jewish culture and daily life in the medieval world. Chapters cover everything from the Jewish community to the interactions of Jews in other societies, providing a strong overview of the politics, economics, and history surrounding early Jewish daily life. Two new additions to Greenwood's 'Histories of the Modern Nations' ($45.00 each) are particularly strong recommendations. Steven Drakeley's HISTORY OF INDONESIA (0313331146) covers a country seldom given its own in-depth treatment. Indonesia is one of the more complex countries in the world: under its umbrella are over three hundred ethnic groups speaking almost six hundred languages and dialects and under one uncertain political umbrella. From early settlement to modern times, students receive a lively history. Courtney Hunt's THE HISTORY OF IRAQ (0313334145, $45.00) achieves the same for Iraq, exploring the Muslim faith's influence on Iraq and the British influence on the nation after World War 1. Here's a fascinating coverage packed with local color and social and political insights. For more social insights choose Carlos Cordova's THE SALVADORAN AMERICANS (0313323062, $45.00) contributing to the 'New Americans' series with its survey of both El Salvador and the mgration of Salvadorans to the U.S. From early history to modern adjustment issues and the state of El Salvador and Salvadoran communities in California, Texas and Washington DC, this delves into both past and present in examining influences and issues. Todd Timmons' DAILY LIFE THROUGH HISTORY: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN 19TH CENTURY AMERICA (0313331618, $49.95) offers a sweeping view of how science and innovations contributed to social and political changes in early 19th century America. Vast changes ranged from communication to transportation, agriculture and new navigation systems: both a timeline of events and a bibliography pair vintage black and white photos with analysis of changing technology's effects on 19th centruy America.

Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

College-level reference libraries strong in literary studies will find something unique in ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LITERATURE & POLITICS: CENSORSHIP, REVOLUTION & WRITING edited by M. Keith Booker (0313329281 $299.95/3 Vol. Set): it's the first of its kind to explore the relationship between literature and politics from ancient to modern times. There are over 500 entries written by over 200 expert contributors covering authors, critics, theorists and others: both major literary figures and movements, along with more general topics such as Alienation or Apartheid. Editor M. Keith Booker has himself published numerous articles and books on modern literature and culture: his is a powerful multidisciplinary study certain to reach a wide college-level audience. Specialty college-level collections shouldn't miss S.T. Joshi and Stefan Dziemianowicz's extensive 3-volume SUPERNATURAL LITERATURE OF THE WORLD: AN ENCYCLOPEDIA (0313060576, $299.95): it's wide-ranging in its definition of 'supernatural' which moves from the common ghost tale to nightmares, dreams, occultism, alien abduction and voodoo; and it provides listings by both author and by major book both old and new to provide a satisfying cross-reference of names and approaches. There are almost 1,000 entries created by a team of 700 contributors ranging from brand-name science fiction writers to editors and critics, while listings include extensive overviews and notes on major works, literary trends, supernatural themes, and belief systems. Simply outstanding in its scope, and unparalleled in depth: very highly recommended for any serious college-level literature collection, it will attract browsers as well as students. Any studying F. Scott Fitzgerald won't want to miss Edward J. Rielly's F. SCOTT FITZGERALD: A BIOGRAPHY (0313331642, $29.95): it reviews his life and his works against a background of social history and events and considers his early successes before Great Gatsby and his later achievements alike. Chapters provide extensive notes to support the information which students of Fitzgerald's writings will find lends plenty of insight into the nature and course of his writings.

Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Five new American history coverages are important recommendations for college-level libraries with strong American history holdings. Two provide coverages of Presidential issues. David A. Smith's PRESIDENTS FROM ADAMS THROUGH POLK, 1825-1849: DEBATING THE ISSUES IN PRO AND CON PRIMARY DOCUMENTS (0313331758, $59.95) joins the 'President's Position: Debating the Issues' series which many a high school class will find relevant. Many arguments swirled around presidential decisions and issues and PRESIDENTS FROM ADAMS THROUGH POLK gathers these issues and debates in a pro/con reference perfect for classroom history and debates. John W. Matviko edits THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT IN POPULAR CULTURE (031332705X, $55.00), examining the changing ways popular culture has been influenced and reflected by presidents over the decades. From film and literary representation to popular music, political cartoons and more, popular culture's links to the presidency are considered. Dan Monroe and Bruce Tap's SHAPERS OF THE GREAT DEBATE ON THE CIVIL WAR - A BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY (0313317453, $75.00) tells of tensions before the war and the major debates of the times, as defined by 20 individuals who shaped these debates of the times. Political, military and reformer activists alike are surveyed in an approach which contrasts biographies of the subject's life with an analysis of their contribution to the issues of their times. THE FREEDOM OF RELIGION by Jonathan A. Wright is also part of the 'Shapers of the Great American Debates' series, and also uses the biography as a foundation for providing insights on major issues of the times. Debates over religious freedom are detailed with an eye to probing the individuals who drove them. Both are excellent classroom discussion choices for high school to college audiences. Aurora Wallace's NEWSPAPERS AND THE MAKING OF MODERN AMERICA: A HISTORY (0313323208, $49.95) considers newspapers and their community impact, drawing important links between newspaper reporting, public policy, community awarenes and the formation of new communities. An intriguing survey of how newspapers contribute to community growth and population change.

Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Samuel J. Best and Benjamin Radcliff's POLLING AMERICA: AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PUBLIC OPINION (0313327017, $249.95) discusses the factor which define 'public opinion' not just the opinion poll, but how it's conducted under a democracy. The value of such a poll lies as much in how its meaning is interpreted as in its contents: this A-Z college-level reference provides a history and discussion of the major concepts, people, and events involved in the practice and theory of political opinion polling in this country, covering everything from gender differences and ethics to voting. Backed by statistics, charts and research, POLLING AMERICA is a must for any in-depth social issues collection. Also essential for college-level audiences and some advanced high school collections is Mark Isaak's THE COUNTER-CREATIONISM HANDBOOK (031333305X, $65.00) addresses over 400 of the most common claims and theories made by creationists, following each with a scientifically valid rebuttal and including plenty of detail for further reading. This makes THE COUNTER-CREATIONISM HANDBOOK most important not just for courses considering creationism, but for classroom debates and cross-disciplinary studies from science to history and linguistics. A cross-reference, thematic organization makes it easy to locate an argument, understand its flaws, and assess a claim. Greenwood's 'Food Culture Around the World' ($49.95 each) series could also have been featured in our food section but is mentioned here for their important cultural insights, making them essential for any discriminating high school to college collection specializing in world cultures. Glenn R. Mack and Asele Surina's FOOD CULTURE IN RUSSIA AND CENTRAL ASIA (0313327734), Lynn Marie Houston's FOOD CULTURE IN THE CARIBBEAN (0313327645) and Fran Osseo-Asare's FOOD CULTURE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA (0313324483) pairs a timeline of cultural events with historical discussions of food developments in each country. Each packs in many levels of discussion, from cooking and diet insights to eatingout or at home, special occasions and celebrations, recipes, and more. Three new 'Cultures and Customs of' guides ($49.95 each) provide further cultural insights: John Mukum Mbaku's CULTURE AND CUSTOMS OF CAMEROON (0313332312), Hafizullah Emadi's CULTURE AND CUSTOMS OF AFGHANISTAN (0313330891) and David E. Long's CULTURE AND CUSTOMS OF SAUDI ARABIA (0313320217) each present extensive historical and cultural insights, from surveys of religion and the arts to social customs, food, family, and politics. College-level discussions of geographical distribution patterns and cultural influences make these particularly recommended for the college social studies collection. Millie Allen Beik's LABOR RELATIONS (0313318646, $65.00) uses over a hundred annotated primary documents to present 'snapshots' of the roles played by workers and organized labor efforts in America, and given the recent news, is of even greater importance to both high school and college-level audiences in revealing the history, operations, and conflicting issues behind labor events through history. All are excellent references.

Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Two excellent college-level studies are recommended picks for sociology collections. Kathy S. Stolley's THE BASICS OF SOCIOLOGY (0313323879, $75.00) provides an excellent introduction recommended for both classroom use as a text and for supplemental reading. Both classic studies and modern references join to display an analysis of basic sociological concepts and both their history of development and relevance to modern thinking. Chapters survey key thinkers and concepts, place them in historical context, and discuss social changes, movements, and corresponding changes in both behavior and sociological theory. An important basic 'foundation piece', BASICS OF SOCIOLOGY is an easily-digested reference. Elizabeth Vierck & Kris Hodges' AGING: LIFESTYLES, WORK, AND MONEY (1573565482, $65.00) packs in almost two hundred tables, graphs and charts to illustrate concepts of aging issues, from transportation, housing and health to crime, citizenship, retirement and social security. Vital statistics form the backbone of AGING, but there's also analytical support on trends and data, and a format and organization which lends to lay reader involvement as well as student consultation.

Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Greenwood's holdings on other cultures offers a diverse range of reference holdings, from literary reviews and histories to surveys of popular minority culture. Take the 2-volume ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LATINO POPULAR CULTURE (0313322155, $175.00), for example: Cordelia Chavez Candelaria edits a fine reference which traces how profoundly U.S. culture has been impacted by contributions from Latinos. The Latino population is the fastest-growing segment of U.S. society: showcased here are not just notable contributors to Latino society, but festivals, movements, food and sports, fashion, performing arts trends, and more. Mary Yu Danico and Franklin Ng's ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES (0313319650, $45.00) joins others in the 'Contemporary American Ethnic Issues' series, using hot news topics and cultural issues to debate pros and cons of Asian concerns. Original issues provide historical and cultural background as well as legal and political insights, providing readers with an invaluable resource reference suitable for classroom debate and report. Samih K. Farsoun's CULTURE AND CUSTOMS OF THE PALESTINIANS (0313320519, $45.00) joins others in the 'Culture and Customs of the Middle East' series, providing a historical overviews of Palestine, the diaspora, and the nature and roots of the current conflict. Culture, traditions, values, religion and daily life are all included in a guide which covers Palestine relationships not only with Israel, but the rest of the Middle East, and the world. Emmanuel S. Nelson edits AFRICAN AMERICAN DRAMATISTS: AN A-TO-Z GUIDE (0313322333, $85.00) tells how African American dramatists have contributed to the theater, covering their works with alphabetically arranged entries by playwright and including analysis, biographical backgrounds, a critical discussion of major works and themes, and bibliographic references. A 'must' for any collection strong in Afro-American history and culture.

Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007 Westport, CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Greenwood's college-level reference guides on science, nature and technology are outstanding recommendation for science libraries: each provides plenty of bibliographic citations and well-researched materials suitable for reports. Two new to the 'Technographies' series include A. Bowdoin Van Riper's ROCKETS AND MISSILES: THE LIFE STORY OF A TECHNOLOGY (0313327955, $45.00) begins with World War II when missiles changed the face of warfare for the first time, but provides a history of rocketry's origins in the medieval and modern world too, and how it spread from Asia to the Western world. A lively format and style provides narrative chapters, timelines and more. Ditto ELECTRONICS: THE LIFE STORY OF A TECHNOLOGY by David L. Morton Jr. and Joseph Gabriel (0313332479, $45.00): surprisingly, this represents the first book to provide a comprehensive account of the history of the field's development, up to the invention of electron devices in the 20th century. The development of electronic devices fostered an era of technological advancement: biographies of the creators of these devices accompany surveys of electrical advancements. Roger Pauly's FIREARMS (0313327963, $45.00) rounds out the theme's offerings, providing the life story of firearms development and usage over the decades. The history covers how firearms developed, why styles of guns changed, and how technology influenced its evolution. NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY by Joseph A. Angelo Jr. adds to the 'Sourcebooks in Modern Technology' series (1573563366, $75.00), covering how technology affects modern culture and providing a detailed history of nuclear technology's evolution and civilian and military applications. From its major impacts to terminology, politics, and technology, NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY provides a reference which is key to an understanding of its issues. Perhaps it's nature which is needed in a college-level science holding: if so, you can't go wrong with Marc Bekoff's 3-volume ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (0313327467, $349.95): each book in the set holdsalmost 500 pages of detail on animal behavior patterns, providing topical entries and discussions ranging from animal communication and tool use to display behavior, reproductive behavior, and more. Photos, charts and diagrams provide extensive illustration while sidebars of behaviors help readers understand theories. First-person observations juxtapose with scholarly research to make for an accessible, variable set. Edward Grant's SCIENCE AND RELIGION: 400 BC-AD1550 (0313328587, $65.00) covers scientific and religious confrontations from Aristotle to Copernicus, exploring both religious traditions of the times and the scientific findings which came to challenge established thought and authority. From timelines and annotated primary source materials to biographical sketches, this is a basic reference surveying medieval history and the stormy relationships between science and religion.

Surfing USA
Ben Marcus
Voyageur Press
123 N. 2nd Street, Stillwater, MN 55082-5002
0896586901 $35.00 www.voyageurpress.com

Surfing is a symbol of freedom and many books have covered surfing - but SURFING USA! AN ILLUSTRATED HSITORY OF THE COOLEST SPORT OF ALL TIME isn't another instructional guide - it's a celebration of the sport though vivid photos. Ben Marcus knows and loves surfing: his art gathers period images from vintage postcards, movie posters, album covers, ads, and more to celebrate the sport. Accompanying these pages of images are plenty of insights on the sport, its figureheads, and its seasonal changes. A gorgeous gift presentation for that avid surfer.

ABCs of Early Americana
Eric Sloane
Voyageur Press
123 N. 2nd Street, Stillwater, MN 55082-5002
0896586871 $12.95 www.voyageurpress.com

Sketch artist Eric Sloane's ABCS OF EARLY AMERICANA has long been out of print, so it's refreshing to see this gathering of American symbols and signs re-appear in print, each page featuring his own fine hand lettering explaining the origins and use of each object. Sloane was a famous American painter and illustrator: ABCs takes an A-Z format in presenting black and white sketches of inventions, lore and American symbols.

The Education of a Comics Artist
Michael Dooley & Steven Heller
Allworth Press
10 E. 23rd St. #510, New York, NY 10010
1581154089 $19.95 1-800-491-2808 www.allworth.com

Any involved in teaching or learning comics will find THE EDUCATION OF A COMICS ARTIST's collection of essays and interview on the art, business and development of comics art covers all kinds of essential subjects. It doesn't matter what kind of cartoon is of interest: editorials, superhero stories, alternative comics - all are covered in essays which provide tips and lesson plans by top teachers in the industry.

Photography Your Way
Chuck Delaney
Allworth Press
10 E. 23rd St. #510, New York, NY 10010
1581154054 $22.95 1-800-491-2808 www.allworth.com

Newly revised and updated is a guide which offers the latest tips on selecting digital cameras, using them, and developing an individual style in the process. Other guides just cover features and methods: professional photographer/freelance writer Delaney has devoted his career to new photographers and here provide his knowledge and strategies for succeeding as a pro - by developing a unique style, overcoming creative blocks, and setting up a productive business. The emphasis on career over artistic trends is quite satisfying.

The Right Way to Sing
Linda Marquart
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd St., Suite 510, NY NY 10010
1581154070 $12.95 1-800-491-2808 www.allworth.com

Want to learn how to sing like a pro? Singing's a skill, as voice teacher Linda Marquart reveals in THE RIGHT WAY TO SING: it requires a blend of knowledge, practice and experience. Her book is a pick for both amateur and neo-pro singers, students and voice coaches alike, covering everything from common terms and different voice categories to posture, breath control, and adjusting sounds to produce a flowing singing voice. The next best thing to having your vocal coach right beside you.

Allworth Press
10 East 23rd St. #510, New York, NY 10010
1-800-491-2808 www.allworth.com

Jack Benza's SO YOU WANNABE ON REALITY TV (1581154224, $19.95) is a real winner for any viewer who has watched reality TV with the wonder of how its stars get on the show. Jack Benza's acting background and participation in over thirty reality, dating and game shows lends an insider's perspective to any questions about how reality TV operates. Chapters here tell how to avoid application form traps, how to produce a memorable audition tape, how to win at on-camera interviews and prepare for physical and mental tests, and more. Don't go for the interview without it! Michael Jefferson's BREAKING INTO GRAPHIC DESIGN: TIPS FROM THE PROS ON FINDING THE RIGHT POSITION FOR YOU (1581154216, $19.95) provides tips on how to enter the industry and locate the type of graphic design position which will work. From designing a self-promoting web site and working with agents to temp agency work and handling basic marketing interview questions, BREAKING INTO GRAPHIC DESIGN offers a wealth of insider tips on entering a most competitive field.

Australian Fishing Network
P.O. Box 511, Croydon, Victroia 3136 Australia
www.afn.com.au

Fishermen have four wonderful titles to expand their knowledge and fishing library holdings, and should place these books on their lists for building a solid professional reference library on fishing. Trevor Hawkins' FLY FISHING KNOTS, RIGS & LEADERS (1865130710, $14.95) appeared last year but deserves ongoing mention as one of the best guides to fly fishing knots, rigs and leaders on the market. It covers both fresh and salt water and comes from a leading angling illustrators who already has many books and articles to his name - plus almost forty years experience as a fly fisherman. You can't get better credentials or expertise - and the full-page illustrations can't be clearer. Frank Prokop's LURE ENCYCLOPEDIA (1865130761, $19.95) is a solid lure reference which holds over 500 lures in a lure selection guide which includes dive depth, action types, assessments of the deepest lures on the market, and major manufacturer holdings. One of the most specific guides is Steve Starling and Kaj Busch's ON SOFT PLASTICS AND HOW TO USE THEM (1865130702, $29.95), which is the only guide to choosing, rigging and using soft plastic lures alone. While it's geared to Australian fish, the tips and details - aside from species-specific references - can easily apply to other waters. Soft plastic fishing is big in Australia, but there are special tips needed for managing, repairing and using plastics: all of which are to be found in ON SOFT PLASTICS AND HOW TO USE THEM. The experts at Freshwater Fishing Magazine Australia's TROUT FISHING TACTICS (186513080X, $24.99) present the latest trout tactics to provide fishermen with tips on catching more trout. From lurecasting and rolling techniques to trout profiles and chapters discussing castability, US spoon sizes and their problems, rigging for shallows, and more, TROUT FISHING TACTIC's specific applications to trout casts it above most general fishing guides, while its authority guarantees even avid trout fishermen will learn something new.

Audio Editions
Auburn, CA 95604
www.audiopartners.com

The latest batch of audio cds provides a host of wonderful leisure listens. Fans of mystery will be familiar with Agatha Christie, undoubtedly - but not with the gripping audio drama imparted by the cd versions. Anna Massey narrates MURDER IN MESPOTAMIA (1572704780, $29.95), lending quiet drama to a Hercule Poirot mystery about a frightened archaeologist's wife, a concerned nurse's, and the detective's involvement probing a team of possible suspects; David Suchet narrates EVIL UNDER THE SUN (1572704772, $29.95) which tells of a strangled actress and an island filled with suspects of Poirot to investigate; DEATH ON THE NILE (1572704756, $31.95) also enjoys Suchet's moving and dramatic style as it tells of Poirot's cruise holiday spoiled by a honeymooner's murder. The trouble is - everyone has airtight alibis. Suchet also narrates the Pirot mystery SAD CYPRESS (1572704764, $27.95), telling of a beautiful monied girl facing a murder indictment and a criminal trial for the poisoning of her rival. Only Pirot thinks she's innocent: but can he prove it? Rex Stout's PLEASE PASS THE GUILT (1572704802, $27.95) receives long-time Stout narrator Michael Prichard's fine acting voice: listening fans of past Stout mysteries thus receive a smooth, uninterrupted set of audios where the tension is heightened by Prichard's fine voice. A fatal trap kills a top TV executive - but was it intended for him or someone else? Nero Wolfe doesn't want the convoluted case - but he winds up with it. Mystery fans have a lot to celebrate with these complete, unabridged presentations of classic writers and readers.

The Quilter's Guild Collection
Bridget Long, Editor
Krause Publications
700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990
0896891852 $24.99 www.krause.com

The Quilter's Guild Heritage Collection is the largest national collection of patchwork and quilting in the UK, holding over 450 items dating back to the 18th century. Here are products from twelve modern quiltmakers who each take a different item in this collection to produce a modern piece. Each work imparts a lesson - such as how to use transfers, or how to produce corded quilting in clothing and house crafts alike - and each includes crafter comments, sources of inspirations, pages from sketchbook designs, and more to trace the work from idea to completion. Packed with gorgeous color photos throughout.

The Civil War Diary Quilt
Rosemary Youngs
Krause Publications
700 East State St., Iola, WI 54990-0001
0873499956 $22.99 www.krause.com

Civil War diaries and the women who wrote them are captured in quilt form by Rosemary Youngs, who provides over a hundred full-sized quilt blocks inspired by a diary entry. Each page offsets a color quilt with a facing diary entry for maximum impact: while THE CIVIL WAR DIARY QUILT: 121 STORIES AND THE QUILT BLOCKS THEY INSPIRED could have been featured in our crafts section, it's reviewed here for its special interest to Civil war buffs.

Simply Java
James R. Levenick
Charles River Media/Thomson
10 Downer Ave., Hingham, MA 02043
1584504269 $49.95 www.charlesriver.com

It's hard for novice programmers to locate an accessible book on basic Java programming: most assume quite a degree of prior knowledge or offer only advanced and intermediate coverages based on a solid foundation. SIMPLY JAVA: AN INTRODUCTION TO JAVA PROGRAMMING teaches problem solving and object-oriented design basics using Java in a spiral approach which teaches the basics before moving on. Chapters come packed with programming examples and test exercises students can readily follow to create a step-by-step course.

4th of July, Asbury Park
Daniel Wolff
Bloomsbury
175 - 5th Ave. #300, NY, NY 10010
1582345090 $24.95 www.bloomsbury.com

The rise and fall of Asbury Park charts the promise, heyday and failure of a small tourist town which became the stuff of rock music tributes in Daniel Wolff's 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK: A HISTORY OF THE PROMISED LAND. The popular image of Asbury Park "never existed", says music journalist/poet/author Daniel Woff. From its founding as a religious amusement park to its hosting of legendary music figures, this provides a captivating tour of days gone buy in a legendary place.

The Clumsiest People In Europe
Todd Pruzan
Bloomsbury
175 - 5th Ave. #300, NY, NY 10010
158235504X $19.95 www.bloomsbury.com

For most of the 19th century Mrs. Mortimer was a cranky, politically ignorant travel commentator who always had something nasty to say about the world: she published children's books, lived in England, and casts a jaded eye on much of the nations of the world, packed with opinion and inaccuracies, in THE CLUMSIEST PEOPLE IN EUROPE OR: MRS. MORTIMER'S BAD-TEMPERED GUIDE TO THE VICTORIAM WORLD. Todd Pruzan edits her tantrums and biting observations in an account both thought-provoking and intriguing.

The Devil's Picnic
Taras Grescoe
Bloomsbury USA
175 - 5th Ave., New York, NY 10010
1852344299 $23.95 www.bloomsbury.com

Prohibition is delivered up in a complete meal here, but it doesn't focus on drink alone, but on the range of 'forbidden foods' which have been denied at tables around the world. Grescoe searches out illicit indulgences, from Norwegian moonshine to raw milk cheese in France. Blending travel with culinary discovery, THE DEVIL'S PICNIC: AROUND THE WORLD IN PURSUIT OF FORBIDDEN FRUIT explores what you can't have - and why.

The Extraordinary Adventures Of Alfred Kropp
Rick Yancey
Bloomsbury USA
175 - 5th Ave., New York, NY 10010
1582346933 $16.95 www.bloomsbury.com

Alfred Kropp is the last person to save the world or have any sort of adventure - but when he's tricked into stealing Excalibur and finds himself in hot water facing thugs on motorcycles and international espionage, Alfred is forced to bring some buried talents to life. Part fantasy and part thriller, it may be hard to easily categorize THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF ALFRED KROPP - but it's impossible not to enjoy the rollicking mishaps and adventures.

Crap Cars
Richard Porter
Bloomsbury USA
175 - 5th Ave., New York, NY 10010
www.bloomsburyusa.com
1582345380 $14.95 www.bloomsbury.com

Many coverages have been written - and shows created - to display how battered cars were restored and improved: but what about the cars which seemed a good idea at the time, but proved flops? With a blend of reality and tongue-in-cheek humor, CRAP CARS pairs a facing page color photo of each car with a history and observation of what made its concept a bad idea. Whether you agree with the definition or not, CRAP CARS is certainly intriguing, packed with both insights, car history and fun.

Sustainability and Human Settlements
M. Monto, L.S. Fanesh & Koshy Varghese
Sage Publications
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
0761933859 $49.95 1-800-818-7243 www.sagepub.com

Human settlements around the world are under pressure from different sources, and tradition studies of these settlements have failed to address changes brought about by rapid urban growth and demands on accompanying systems. SUSTAINABILITY AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES, MODELING AND SIMULATIONS is suitable for a college-level audience, blending and analyzing information pertaining to the basic applied principles of sustainability. Three professors contribute their different disciplinary expertise to the analysis, which helps readers understand sustainable development issues as they apply to urban planning.

The Eldercare 911 Question and Answer Book
Susan Beerman, MS, MSW & Judith Rappaport-Musson, CSA
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
1591022932 $20.00 1-800-421-0351 www.prometheusbooks.com

Men and women who serve as caregivers know how difficult it is to manage elders: now there's a handbook which addresses all kinds of issues; from rules of intervention and how to avoid guilt-tripping elders and friends to handling the increasing complexities of Alzheimer's patients and avoiding family conflicts and burnout. Real caregivers' solutions to their problems supplements worksheets for maximum information.

Challenging U.S. Human Rights Violations Since 9/11
Ann Fagan Ginger, Ed.
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Dr., Amherst, NTY 14228-2197
1591022797 $24.00 www.prometheusbooks.com

Activists, politicians, students and human rights researchers alike will welcome an important analysis by Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute Executive Director Ann Fagan Ginger in CHALLENGING U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS SINCE 9/11. Here's a hard-hitting, factual account which describes executive orders, new laws, new complaint processes and new reporting processes involved in civil rights since 9/11, drawing some important connections between civil liberties and the legal process. Any defending civil liberties must have CHALLENGING U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS SINCE 9/11 close at hand: it not only documents changes and events, but packs in reports on 30 types of violations and refers to specific laws being violated by the government, military and their agents.

The Affinity Trap
Martin Sketchley
Pyr/Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
1591023394 $15.00 1-800-421-0351 www.prometheusbooks.com

It's the 24th century on Earth, and a general heads the planet's government, Structure. His illegal arms deals with a mysterious alien runs into trouble when the aliens feel threatened - until Myson agrees to father a child which will link Earth and aliens politically. The only trouble is - the alien would-be mother seeks sanctuary with Affinity Group…fast political action makes THE AFFINITY TRAP engrossing but be forewarned: it's 'Book 1' in a projected series.

Energy & Security
Jan H. Kalicki & David L. Goldwyn
Woodrow Wilson Center Press
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004-4029
0801882796 $29.95 www.wilsoncenter.org

Any college-level student of political science, foreign relations or environmental issues, especially on an international level, should make ENERGY & SECURITY: TOWARD A NEW FOREIGN POLICY STRATEGY required reading. Some of the most distinguished energy and foreign policy experts in the world contribute papers which examine the foundations of America's energy policies and relationships with producer nations. From the country's energy dependence upon other nations to a new approach with blends US energy and security needs, both market influences and security concerns are addressed in analyses of approaches to world regional energy issues. From Africa and the Middle East to Russia, China and Latin America, no region is omitted. Very highly recommended as an essential college-level resource.

Salmon Wars
Dennis Brown
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC VON 2HO, Canada
1550173510 $25.95 www.harbourpublishing.com

Any involved in fishing issues in general and the state of the West Coast salmon industry in particular can't miss SALMON WARS: THE BATTLE FOR THE WEST COAST SALMON FISHERY. Author Dennis Brown's family has fished the area commercially for three generations and have served as fishery policy advisors in BC Canada, so he holds the background and experience to handle the long-time debates over the use and management of the West Coast salmon industry. Different management plans, controversies on both sides, and political involvements are detailed in chapters which cover all aspects of the issues.

Secrets of Voice-Over Success
Joan Baker
Sentient Publications
1113 Spruce St., Boulder, CO 80302
1591810337 $18.95 www.sentientpublciations.com

Any in the industry who wants an idea of what it takes to become a voice-over pro will find SECRETS OF VOICE-OVER SUCCESS: TOP VOICE-OVER ACTORS REVEAL HOW THEY DID IT comes packed with tricks of the trade, insider's experiences, and stories which will teach novices how to develop talent and gain employment. Having a range of voice-over actor experiences makes for a powerful title indeed - and a 'must' for any aspiring voice-over novice.

Straight Talk About Gays in the Workplace
Liz Winfeld
Harrington Park Press
10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 13904-1580
1560235470 $19.95 www.HaworthPress.com

How can an employer create an inclusive, productive environment for everyone in the workplace? This third updated edition of a classic treatise focuses on everything from domestic partner benefit issues and nondiscrimination to employee alliances and transgender issues which may come into the workplace. Here's a unique discussion of all kinds of gender issues which may affect both performance, morale and employer legal standing - all updated to reflect the latest workforce issues.

Berrett-Koehler Publishers
450 Sansome #1200, San Francisco, CA 94111-3320
www.bkpub.com

Hazel Henderson's BUILDING A WIN-WIN WORLD: LIFE BEYOND GLOBAL ECONOMIC WARFARE (1576750272, $19.95) comes from the author's 25 years of work in economics and examines the havoc the current system is inflicting around the world. Markets are spreading, but they're still being run on old models which ignore social and ecological ramifications of actions. To remedy this, BUILDING A WIN-WIN WORLD suggests changes to the global economy which affect all levels and help even the most ordinary person see the benefits of economic policies which take social and environmental issues into account. Chapters discuss joblessness, myths and realities which may point the way to a better sustainable future, and leadership changes. Very inspirational indeed. Organizational leaders and future managers will want James R. Davis and Adelaide B. Davis' EFFECTIVE TRAINING STRATEGIES: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO MAXIMIZING LEARNING IN ORGANIZATIONS (157675037X, $49.95) in their reference library: no general analysis, it describes several powerful training strategies for producing dynamic interactions, illustrating learning theories with powerful real-world examples and even including case histories of appropriate uses of the different strategies. Examples aren't just from the U.S. but come from around the world, making for an even more powerful, diverse collection of leadership experience. Howard Karger's SHORTCHANGED: LIFE AND DEBT IN THE FRINGE ECONOMY (1576753360, $24.95) is a recommended pick for college-level students of economics and social issues as well as for any wishing to examine the 'fringe economy' of America, whether it be pawnshops, check cashers, or used car lots. There are lots of alternative services catering to this fringe market - but which are part of their own economy dominated by just a few well-financed corporations with ties to mainstream finance. SHORTCHANGED examines this underground economy's ties to the mainstream, using the case histories of real people trapped in debt to expose deceptive practices and how the uderground has become the oppressor.

The JFK Myths
Larry Sturdivan
Paragon House
1925 Oakcrest Ave. Suite 7, St. Paul, MN 55113-2619
1557788472 $19.95 www.paragonhouse.com

So very much has been written about JFK's murder that it's hard to believe anything new could appear - but wound ballistics researcher Larry M. Sturdivan takes a different approach to assessing evidence in THE JFK MYTHS: A SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION OF THE KENNEDY ASSASSINATION, and any who harbor an interest in the subject will find this a 'must'. It goes beyond mere conjecture to use hard evidence to show how how myth is separated from reality. From bungled autopsies to mis-measured evidence, THE JFK MYTHS delves into how myths evolve.

Corporate Scandals: The Many Faces of Greed
Kenenth R. Gray, Larry Frieder, George W. Clark Jr.
Paragon House
925 Oakcrest Ave. #7, St. Paul, MN 55113
1557788383 $19.95 www.paragonhouse.com

How can the business student understand all the news about corporate scandals and impact on social, political and economic systems alike? Choose CORPORATE SCANDALS: THE MANY FACES OF GREED for a primer on how business should behave, how Wall Street and others should address the specter of corporate greed, and examples of what happens when scandal spreads in the business world. Key corporate scandals of recent times are used as examples of wider-reaching issues in a survey of wider-ranging issues.

365 Ways to Motivate and Reward Your Employees
Dianna Podmoroff, BA, MBA, CHRP
Atlantic Publishing Group
1210 SW 23rd Place, Ocala, FL 34474
0910627517 $24.95 www.atlantic-pub.com

Plenty of employers wish to reward employees: problem is, it usually costs money. Statistics show American businesses lost an average of 25 days of work in 2001 due to employee anxiety and stress, and 365 WAYS TO MOTIVATE AND REWARD YOUR EMPLOYEES EVERY DAY WITH LITTLE OR NO MONEY addresses both of these concerns. Here are inexpensive, simple ways to motivate and reward taken from real-world business examples: from allowing employees to bank sick time and extend vacations to a paid session with a financial advisor, free income tax preparation with a pro, and more.

The Leader's Tool Kit
Cy Charney
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
0814408478 $17.95 1-800-250-5308 www.amacombooks.org

Plenty of books advise on mastering leadership skills - but too few tell exactly what's involved in doing so: enter THE LEADER'S TOOL KIT: HUNDREDS OF TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR DEVELOPING THE SKILLS YOU NEED, which both identifies skills and tells how to gain them. From learning how to lead others and develop accountability and innovative thinking strategies to identifying one's personal learning style and integrating it to organizational goals for maximum effectiveness, THE LEADER'S TOOL KIT is packed with necessities any business manager should have.

eBay the Smart Way, 4th Editon
Joseph T. Sinclair
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
0814472893 $17.95 1-800-250-5308 www.amacombooks.org

Thinking of selling antiques or collectibles on the Internet? Don't think too much before consulting the latest 4th updated edition of EBAY THE SMART WAY: SELLING, BUYING, AND PROFITING ON THE WEB'S #1 AUCTION SITE: it's the only unauthorized guide to eBay auctions which covers everything from specialty auctions and eBay stores to eBay Motors, the international section, and more. From reporting earnings to collecting from auction flakes, EBAY THE SMART WAY covers all the pros, cons and tricks of eBay's trade.

First in Thirst
Darren Rovell
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
0814472990 $21.95 1-800-250-5308 www.amacombooks.org

Visit any athletic event and Gatorade will surely be present: how was it developed, and how did it come to be so associated with sports? FIRST IN THIRST; HOW GATORADE TURNED THE SCIENCE OF SWEAT INTO A CULTURAL PHENOMENON tells of the Sports-Drink wars - a war quickly fought and won when the gatorade invention became superior over all. Journalist Darren Rovell recounts the company's history and rise, from the invention of gatorade for university sports to its marketing, commercial promotion, and brief flurry of competition. While marketed for the businessman as an example of a most successful marketing strategy, FIRST IN THIRST also holds plenty of interest for health collections.

Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
1-800-250-5308 www.amacombooks.org

There's more to seller success on Ebay than setting the right price: of equal importance is displaying the goods in an attractive, compelling manner - and Joseph Sinclair & Stanley Livingston 's EBAY PHOTOGRAPHY THE SMART WAY: CREATING GREAT PRODUCT PICTURES THAT WILL ATTRACT HIGHER BIDS AND SELL YOUR ITEMS FASTER (0814472931 $19.95) is the way to achieve this goal. There are the usual chapters of photography basics such as how to handle indoor and outdoor photography challenges - but there are also specifics on what makes a good display, how to depict large or small items attractively, and more. It's these specifics which will help you sell the product - with the help of EBAY PHOTOGRAPHY THE SMART WAY, of course. David Teten and Scott Allen's THE VIRTUAL HANDSHAKE: OPENING DOORS AND LCOSING DEALS ONLINE (0814472869, $19.95) could also have been featured in our business books section, but is reviewed here for its outstanding guide to using simple online tools to make lucrative contacts and close lucrative business deals. How do business people connect on the net? How do they form and foster business relationships online, gain new business, and use the web for product branding? From the basics of controlling email to achieving success in career, business and life and using Web conferencing and discussion forums, THE VIRTUAL HANDSHAKE is packed with tested business applications and ideas.

Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
1-800-250-5308 www.amacombooks.org

Amacom consistently publishes unique and thought-provoking business books, and these new arrivals are some of the best of their recent publications, highly recommended for both business book readers and business library holdings. Beverly Langford's THE ETIQUETTE EDGE: THE UNSPOKEN RULES FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS (0814472427, $14.95) melds etiquette and business concerns, from making a great impression on bosses and clients to using body language to advantage and avoiding being labeled as a troublemaker if making a valid complaint. It's all about relationship-building and the underlying, sometimes-unwritten foundations of business rules - and THE ETIQUETTE EDGE covers all this in depth. Harry Mills' THE STREETSMART NEGOTIATOR: HOW TO OUTWIT, OUTMANEUVER, AND OUTLAST YOUR OPPONENTS (0814471986, $15.00) comes from the chief executive of The Mills Group, and provides a collaborative account of the world's top negotiators and their strategies for success. From planning an agenda and analyzing the other part to understanding how concessions are exchanged and settled, THE STREETSMART NEGOTIATOR is packed with tips. Lordin B. Belker and Gary s. Topchik's THE FIRST-TIME MANAGER, 5TH EDITION (0814408214, $17.95) comes from the Belker's 30 years experience as an executive in a major Midwest insurance company, and from Topchik's experience as a managing partner in a consulting firm. Both share their tips on how rookie managers can handle new management responsibilities, and this updated edition covers all the basics of how to manage people for optimum results. Learn how to become a more effective leader through mastering time management in John K. Clemens and Scott Dalrymple's TIME MASTERY: HOW TEMPORAL INTELLIGENCE WILL MAKE YOU A STRONGER, MORE EFFECTIVE LEADER (0814408494, $21.95). Maybe you can manage time, but that doesn't mean you've mastered it: chapters provide a different view of how to consider time and take control of it, using examples from industry leaders to illustrate basic differences between management and contro. All are excellent guides.

Harvard Business School Press
60 Harvard Way, Boston, MA 02163
www.hbsp.harvard.edu

Think 'business' and the words 'compassion' and 'benevolence' don't usually come to mind - yet that's what Richard Boyatzis & Annie McKee's RESONANT LEADERSHIP (1591395631 $25.95) teaches: that these terms can become an integral part of a business plan. Great leaders find these features in an organizational structure and today face major challenges in finding them amid the chaos, stress and sacrifice business models seem to include. Decades of multidisciplinary research and consulting provide a framework for showing how leaders can create such resonance in their relationships and organizations, with examples from active organizations around the world illustrating three key elements for change. A powerful, in-depth account of personal excellence and renewal. Anthony J. Mayo and Nitin Nohria's IN THEIR TIME: THE GREATEST BUSINESS LEADERS OF THE 20TH CENTURY (1591393450, $35.00) is a detailed, important guide to the impact of business leadership not just on economics but the world as a whole. IN THEIR TIME examines the characteristics of such outstanding leaders, considering their abilities, the special paths they chose to set them apart from any other, and the blend of management and leadership skills required to stand out. A thousand of the 20th century's most influential businessmen were considered in the making of this book, which uses their stories to examine marketplace and business changes of the early 1900s to modern times. Exactly how leaders guided business solutions from decade to decade makes for fascinating reading indeed: both inspirational and thought-provoking. Robert D. Austin and Stephen P. Bradley edit THE BROADBAND EXPLOSION: LEADING THINKERS ON THE PROMISE OF A TRULY INTERACTIVE WORLD (1591396700, $45.00): a survey of digital technologies and how their future potential for making long-distance business as effective as face-to-face will change the future and nature of the business world. It's cheap and abundant bandwidth which promises these changes - and chapters examine how to anticipate and andle the new capabilities, markets and strategies which will result. This isn't just one or two authors' opinions either: essays by Harvard professor Clayton Christensen, former FCC chairman Reed Hundt, and others address the real-world concerns and impact of broadband.

Worst Enemy, Best Teacher
Deidre Combs
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
1577314824 $14.95 www.newworldlibrary.com

There are folks who drive us crazy in any professional or situation, whether it be a neighbor, a co-worker, a manager or a politician: learn how to cope with adverse personalities with a title which teaches how to use these people to improve and learn about yourself, WORST ENEMY BEST TEACHER: HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE WITH OPPONENTS, COMPETITORS, AND THE PEOPLE WHO DRIVE YOU CRAZY. Why look at an enemy as a teacher rather than a danger? Because by identifying threats and responses, it's possible to change your own behavior to maximize your own strengths and response patterns.

Calibration: A Technician's Guide
Mike Cable
ISA
PO Box 12277, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
155617912X $79.00 www.isa.org

College-level collections which have holds in technical instrumentation, whether they be electronic or mechanical, will find essential the addition of CALIBRATION: A TECHNICIAN'S GUIDE: it discusses the basics of calibration systems, provides documentation and definitions of field vs. bench calibration, and includes all kinds of calibration techniques, from electrical and pressure to temperature, level, flow, and analytics. An added plus: the exercises and questions in each chapter lend to the use of CALIBRATION: A TECHNICIAN'S GUIDE for home study or classroom.

Pinto's Points
Jim Pinto
ISA
PO Box 12277, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
1556179537 $30.00 www.isa.org

Highly specific, highly technical and highly relevant is Jim Pinto's PINTO'S PONTS: HOW TO WIN IN THE AUTOMATION BUSINESS. From understanding just how emerging wireless industries are changing the face of business organizations and lives to tracking technology trends, understanding molecular manufacturing and broadband, and understanding new guidelines for growth and success in the automation industry, here's a practical assessment of the past, present and future which business pros can't afford to miss.

The Woman Road Warrior
Kathleen Ameche
Agate
1501 Madison St., Evanston, IL 60202
1932841091 $12.95 www.agatepublishing.com

In this modern world businesswomen travel as much as men - yet there are hardly any coverages which address the special challenges of the female business traveler - until THE WOMAN ROAD WARRIOR: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO BUSINESS TRAVEL emerged. It's a resource which covers accommodation and travel options for women, from parenting while on the road and entertaining outside the hotel room to handling safety. While there are plenty of general travel tips such as getting the best deals on airfare and rentals, it's the points specific to the female traveler, which make THE WOMAN ROAD WARRIOR invaluable.

The Ten-Minute Trainer
Sharon L. Bowman
Pfeiffer
989 Market Street, San Francisco CA 94103
0787974420 $35.00 www.pfeiffer.com

Trainers and HR professionals alike now have a specific guide to training which is written with the busy business pro in mind. If you need to deliver an effective training program, here are well over a hundred activities which have been tested and proven to help learners, including ten short 'games' to reinforce learning, a training map, templates, a navigation chart and more. Best of all, the tested methods are presented in short 'bursts' of energy, requiring only quick consultation to work. An outstanding guide to developing and maintaining meaningful training routines at work.

The Owner's Manual for Personality at Work
Pierce J. Howard Ph.D. & Jane Mitchell Howard, MBA
Bard Press
2140 Newmarket Pkwy #122, Marietta, GA 30067
1885167458 $19.95 www.bardpress.com

Take five personality 'supertraits' which describe how people respond to stress, react flexibly, determine interests, work with others and establish goals - then translate them to workplace issues ranging from leadership and career planning to teamwork and sales goals, and you have a collection of strategies which provides an 'owner's manual' for workplace success in THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR PERSONALITY AT WORK. Learn how to make selection decisions, undertake realistic career planning, and more through understanding how personality traits affect all aspects of job performance.

Wolfgang Publications
217 2nd Street, North, Stillwater, MN 55082
www.wolfpub.com

While television shows love to profile chopper shops which build $30K showpieces, in fact a chopper can be built at home for as little as $4K using a donor bike for most of the components - and with Timothy Remus' HOW TO BUILD A CHEAP CHOPPER FROM $5,000 TO $20,000 (1929133170 $24.95) in hand. Over four hundred color photos sot in the shots of various motorcycle owners covers the construction of four bike models from start to finish. A 'must' for any would-be builder. Another winning motorcycle coverage from Timothy Remus, TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES FROM SPEED TWIN TO BONNEVILLE (1929133219, $29.95) is even more weighty, packed with color photos throughout to provide a moving history of the classic Triumph twins and triples. Most are vertical twin models and all receive picturesque and wonderful poses. Perfect for coffee table display or library shelf alike.

CarTech Inc.
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
www.cartechbooks.com

Charles R. Morris' TOTAL PERFORMERS FORD DRAG RACING IN THE 1960S (1932494073, $39.95) is a 'must' for any Ford racing fan who wants to live the heyday of Ford in the 1960s. Here are over 400 unique color photos paired with accounts from racers who enjoyed Ford drag cars from 1960-70. And you don't even have to be a Ford fan to enjoy it: all that's needed is a prior appreciation for drag racing history, and an affection for racing detail. An even wider audience (because of the topic) will relish Ken Gross & Robert Genat's HOT ROD MILESTONES: AMERICA'S COOLEST COUPLES, ROADSTERS & RACERS (1884089801, $39.95). Hot rodding has a large fandom and many books have been written on the topic, but HOT ROD MILESTONES differs from most in its colorful attention to 25 of the most influential hot rods ever. The narrowed field of coverage allows for far more detail - and for far more color photos - than a wider focus could achieve. Pat Ganahl's VON DUTCH: THE ART, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND (1884089984, $39.95) tells of one Kenneth Howard, nicknamed 'Von Dutch', who blended a beatnick artist's talent with an avid interest in hot rods and pop culture to develop a unique art form. His works were copied, his exploits renowned, and Von Dutch's legend led him to become a recluse. Here his works of art blend with vintage photos and stories and quotes from interviews to recreate the life, times and talents of a mystery man, packing over three hundred photos of the man and his work for audiences of hot rod fans familiar with the name and some of his creations. These are all vivid, enjoyable presentations.

Railroad Bridges in the Heartland
Stanleyu A. Changnon
Printec Press
801 Buckthorn Circle, Mahomet, IL
1096318114 $30.00

Stan Chagnon is a scientist but his hobby of a lifetime has been railroading, and he's written three prior books about railroads. His RAILROAD BRIDGES IN THE HEARTLAND packs in over two hundred black and white photos chronicling all kinds of bridges, from those crossing major rivers to different structures offering different scenic wonders and purposes. First-person observations of his field research blend with history and a fine analysis of tracks, lines, construction and more. An excellent specialty item any Heartland library would relish.

Temple to the Wind
Christopher Pastore
The Lyons Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
1592285570 $22.95 1-800-836-0510 www.LyonsPress.com

Reliance was more than a unique yacht built in 1903 around the end of sale: it sparked political tension between Britain and America, it produced debates among those who claimed the giant yacht too dangerous to sail, and it entered the America's Cup to bring fame and drama to the seas. TEMPLE TO THE WIND: THE STORY OF AMERICA'S GREATEST NAVAL ARCHITECT AND HIS MASTERPIECE, RELIANCE documents the many controversies and high drama surrounding the Reliance and will please any with a prior affection for sailing history.

Tracking
David Diaz & V.L. McCann
The Lyons Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
1592286860 $22.95 1-800-836-0510 www.LyonsPress.com

How do you track a human? Humans leave traces much as animals do, and Marine Corps special officer David Diaz provides insights into how to track a human in TRACKING: SIGNS OF MAN, SIGNS OF HOPE: A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO THE ART AND SCIENCE AND TRACKING HUMANS. From discovering how the experts gather information to track humans to telling the difference between natural and unnatural movements, sounds, and foliage in the wild, or interpreting the age of a human sign, TRACKING is packed with true-life tips.

The Attention-Deficit Workplace
Mitch Thrower
The Lyons Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
1592286127 $12.95 1-800-836-0510 www.LyonsPress.com

ADD adults typically suffer from distractions, volatility, and the inability to focus: the ADD workplace is filled with shifting ideas, office nuances, and stress. Mitch Thrower's THE ATTENTION-DEFICIT WORKPLACE: WINNING STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS IN TODAY'S FAST-PACED BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT is for the worker who thinks the workplace is moving too fast. Chapters cover technologies which save time, challenges to productivity in an attention-deficit world, and provide case histories of strategies which work - and those which don't.

Kidnapped in Yemen
Mary Quin
The Lyons Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
159228728X $23.95 1-800-836-0510 www.LyonsPress.com

Author Mary Quinn was kidnapped and, along with fifteen fellow tourists, had been used as human shields in a gun battle between Yemeni troops and the Aden-Abyan Islamic Army: her escape into the Yemen Desert heralded not just freedom but a new struggle for survival. KIDNAPPED IN YEMEN: ONE WOMAN'S AMAZING ESCAPE FROM CAPTIVITY covers her ordeals and struggle to understand why the kidnapping occurred. How a vacation turned into ambush, captivity and facing death preoccupied her even after her return to safety: KIDNAPPED IN YEMEN is an attempt to make sense of it all - and is a gripping survival account.

My First Crush
Linda Kaplan
The Lyons Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
1592286100 $22.95 1-800-836-0510 www.LyonsPress.com

Linda Kaplan's husband quit his law firm job and bought a vineyard in Oregon and Kaplan soon found herself learning how to make pinot noir in a small town, with barely a knowledge of wine at all. Their adventures make for revealing, intriguing armchair reading in MY FIRST CRUSH: MISADVENTURES IN WINE COUNTRY. Here are Kaplan's lessons learned on how to not just make wine, but how to market it and cook with it. Chapters with details are particularly insightful as the author's winery grew to become an award-winning venture. A fun blend of autobiography and wine industry insights.

Working Windows
Terry Meany
The Lyons Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
1592287085 $14.95 1-800-836-0510 www.LyonsPress.com

The newly revised, updated edition of repairman Terry Meany's WORKING WINDOWS: A GUIDE TO THE REPAIR & RESTORATION OF WOOD WINDOWS comes with a healthy dose of humor and lots of detail as it tells the basics of how to restore, repair or replace virtually any kind of window, from those on older homes to brand-new construction. Meany has repaired thousands of windows in Seattle: his tips address all kinds of common problems, from poor fits and drafts to restoring original hardware and obtaining the best materials.

Driver
Phillip Wilson
The Lyons Press
Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
1592286798 $22.95 1-800-836-0510 www.LyonsPress.com

Philip Wilson wanted to see America without paying for the journey - so he learned how to drive a big rig and spent six weeks of over-the-road training, crossing the country. His journey not only reveals parts of the country he wanted to see, but the world of the long-distance trucker, revealed in DRIVER: SIX WEEKS IN AN EIGHTEEN-WHEELER. Driving such a rig is demanding work: DRIVER provides 'you are there' stories of the adventure and the challenge.

Windmill Hill Books
PO Box 86554, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
www.windmillhillbooks.com

Two specific cruising guides are recommended picks for any avid cruiser who wants complete charts, pilot details, snorkeling and diving tips, and more. BELIZE AND MEXICO'S CARIBBEAN COAST INCLUDING GUATEMALA'S RIO DULCE (0975575309, $34.95) packs in charts, maps, insert references, and tips on everything from resorts and restaurants to wind and sea conditions, suppliers, and more. The closer-in FLORIDA KEYS AND EVERGLADES CRUISING GUIDE (0918752248, $32.95) is especially recommended for its extensive details on cruising the keys: it identifies the numerous keys of the area, discusses anchorage and harbor conditions, packs in nautical charts, and even surveys cultural opportunities and local bookstores and eateries. Both are strong picks for cruisers.

Poet of the Appetites
Joan Reardon
North Point Press
79 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003
0865476217 $15.00 www.amazon.com

Food writer M.F.K. Fisher produced over thirty books which changed American perception of eating and living well, involving herself in observations of the food world which educated the common man about good food and how best to consume it. POET OF THE APPETITES: THE LIVES AND LOVES OF M.F.K. FISHER at last provides an in-depth biography of the goddess of food writing, covering her life, those who criticized her works and approach, and her inspirational wellsprings. From relationships with parents to disastrous experiences and illness, M.F.K. Fisher's years are told in a panorama of insightful observations any fan will relish.

The Flying Book
David Blatner
Walker & Company
104 - 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
0802776914 $13.00 www.walkerbooks.com

If you like planes or have wondered what happens during flight, THE FLYING BOOK: EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER WONDERED ABOUT FLYING ON AIRPLANES is for you. View this is as light trivia book packed with plane facts, from how air traffic control works and why plane windows have tiny holes at the bottom to differences between airships and helicopters, explanations of cockpit instrumentation, and more. A lively illustrated format keeps novices interested and intrigued.

Walker & Company
104 - 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
0802777317 $15.00 www.walkerbooks.com

Blend biography, history and culinary insight and you have a fun account - with recipes - of the first 'celebrity chef' in COOKING FOR KINGS: THE LIFE OF ANTONIN CAREME. If you don't recognize Careme's name, you don't know food or history: he worked for gourmet king George IV and the Viennese court and made Napoleon's wedding cake. He hobnobbed with some of Europe's richest, finest, and most politically connected. Ian Kelly provides insights not just on Careme's life and achievements, but the evolution of gastronomic politics in post-Revolutionary Paris. A tasty achievement.

Daab
Friesentsr 50, D - 50670 Koln
www.daab-online.de

Two excellent new art titles are lovely visual displays and highly recommended picks. NEW LIGHT DESIGN (3937718206, $18.95) is a visual display of room lighting of the most contemporary type: globes, overheads, floor lamps, candelabras, and more illuminate rooms in page after page of wordless displays which let the visual graphics speak for themselves. Even more outstanding for its diverse visual display is YACHT INTERIORS (3937718095, $29.95), which reveals all kinds of interior design choices for yachts; from bedrooms and living rooms to interiors which look as though they belong in a home and not aboard a ship. An outstanding set of examples of how interior design can be brought on board to transform the yacht - and can be incorporated into a home design as well. Both are intensely flavored visual collections highly recommended for an art library strong in interior design and architecture.

Declaration of Independent Filmmaking
Mark Polish, Michael Polish & Jonathan Sheldon
Harcourt Books
525 'B' St. #1900, San Diego, CA 92101
0155029529 $15.00 www.amazon.com

If you recognize the authors' last names (Polish), it's because you're involved in the moviemaking industry and will recognize them as pioneers in independent filmmaking those productions have won awards. THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING: AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO MAKING MOVIES OUTSIDE OF HOLLYWOOD is their key to producing these winners: it covers writing and scoring to promoting and distributing short and feature films, pairs advice with fun stories of how their productions saw light, and includes plenty of tips for independent filmmakers on a budget. From licensing issues to financial concerns, this is the best book an indie filmmaker could choose to address all matters surrounding the film industry.

The Lovecraft Lexicon
Anthony Pearsall
New Falcon Publications
1739 E. Broadway #1-277, Tempe AZ 85282
1561841293 $19.95 www.newfalcon.com

Fans of horror/fantasy writer H.P. Lovecraft won't want to miss this blend of biography and literary criticism, THE LOVECRAFT LEXICON: A READER'S GUIDE TO PERSONS, PLACES AND THINGS IN THE TALES OF H.P. LOVECRAFT. Literally hundreds of events and places in his writings are covered, along with plenty of insights on Lovecraft's writing and influences. An A-Z arrangement makes it easy to look up places, names, phrases or events, while extensive quotes from his works are used as examples throughout. Michael Moorcock and Storm Constantine's SILVERHEART: A NOVEL OF THE MULTIVERSE (159102336X, $25.00) provides an unusual, powerful collaboration between two to-notch science fiction writers, setting the story in the heart of Moorcock's 'multiverse' in Karadur, and telling of one thief Max, who suddenly must discover the truth about his heritage or due from a witch mark. Blend elements of a gothic mystery with pure fantasy and you have a powerful plot, indeed.

New Falcon Publications
1739 E. Broadway #1-277, Tempe, AZ 85282
www.newfalcon.com

Two new age guides for practicing magicians will find ready audiences with powerful new topics competing magic titles don't approach. Stephen Mace's SHAPING FORMLESS FIRE: DISTILLING THE QUINTESSENCE OF MAGICK (1561842389, $12.95) provides a technique for handling psychic energy. From potent places for meeting spirits and harnessing energy to understanding definitions of white and black magic and how they apply, SHAPING FORMLESS FIRE includes reflections, exercises, explanations and plenty of insights. Joseph C. Lisiewski, Ph.D.'s KABBALISTIC HANDBOOK FOR THE PRACTICING MAGICIAN (1561842362, $16.95) offers practicing magicians a basic working knowledge of the Kabbalah, blending a course in Western Magic with Kabbalistic insights to create a working coursebook. There are many books covering Kabbalah - but none which synthesize the key concepts in a manner practicing magicians can really use. Until now, that is.

Witch in the Boardroom
Stacey Demarco
Llewellyn Publications
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
0738708402 $14.95 www.llewellyn.com

Spirituality - especially Wiccan - is rarely mentioned in conjunction with business and career goals, so it's especially notable that Stacey Demarco's WITCH IN THE BOARDROOM: PROVEN BUSINESS MAGIC is here to prove the two can be mutually beneficial. Demarco, a business consultant and experienced Witch, blends business with a spiritual bent to show how Wiccan techniques can help find business purpose, land a job, attract good new clients, and more. Stories of magical success from her own life and others makes for a lively, engrossing coverage.

The Other Side of Israel
Susan Nathan
Nan Talese/Doubleday
0385514565 $25.00 www.nanatalese.com

In 2003 susan Nathan moved from her home in Tel Aviv to an Arab town in the north of Israel: she'd taught English and worked in the country but four years, and she wanted to help Israel build a just, humane society. What she found in Tamara was anything but just or humane: it exposed an oppressed indigenous Arab population, the history of which Nathan explores in THE OTHER SIDE OF ISRAEL: MY JOURNEY ACROSS THE JEWISH/ARAB DIVIDE. In living amongst the 'enemy' Nathan challenged prejudices on all sides; in producing THE OTHER SIDE OF ISRAEL she proves it's possible for Jews and Arabs to live and work peacefully together.

Where God Was Born
Bruce Feiler
William Morrow
10 E. 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
0060574879 $26.95 www.harpercollins.com

Bruce Feiler has written discussions of Biblical history and travel before: here he journeys ten thousand miles through the heart of the Middle East to consider if religion is truly uniting people - or dividing them. WHERE GOD WAS BORN: A JOURNEY BY LAND TO THE ROOTS OF RELIGION provides a 'you are there' experience: you literally walk with Feiler as he journesy through Israel, Iraq and Iran, and surveys the birth of Western religious sources and its modern meaning to various faiths. Historical observation is a strong part of WHERE GOD WAS BORN, bringing a fine blend of travelogue, religious inspection and historical fact to join in a unique consideration of the roots of religion and conflict.

Green Magic/SBC
15608 South New Century Drive, Gardena, CA 90248-2129
www.sbcdistributors.com

These four Wiccan guides are powerful indicators of the history and meaning of Wiccan tradition in modern life, and are highly recommended, basic picks for any practicing Wiccan or solid Wiccan library collection. Start with Frederic Lamond's FIFTY YEARS OF WICCA (0954723015, $16.95): it provides a fine blend of autobiography and Wicca history by one who has spent fifty years following the path of Gardnerian Wicca, a Bricket Wood coven of the 1950s and 60s. Lamond has himself observed many of the events which have given rise to Wicca in both the UK and the USA, and shares both his beliefs and practices and his insights and observations of the movement's key people. Move to Rosa Romani's GREEN SPIRITUALITY: MAGIC IN THE MIDST OF LIFE (0954296362, $16.99), which tells how to blend daily living with a recognition of the magic inherent in modern living. From understanding 'greenwood' guardians and the underlying spirituality of nature to recognizing and communicating with nature spirits and partaking of the spiritual changes brought about by seasonal changes, GREEN SPIRITUALITY teaches the basics of everyday life magic. Mary Neasham's THE SPIRIT OF THE GREEN MAN (0954296370, $16.99) presents an in-depth coverage of the archetype of Green Man, celebrating the modern appeal of the ancient image of fertility and considering Green Man's message to both spiritual and environmental activists alike. Chapters tell how to meet The Green Man through meditation and magic and how to draw on his force through daily living. Danny Sullivan's LEY LINES: THE GREATEST LANDSCAPE MYSTERY (0954296346, $16.95) takes a topographical approach to spirituality, showing how the world's sacred sites are linked by landscape alignments known as Ley Lines in the UK. These lines were discovered over fifty years ago, and the revised, updated edition of LEY LINES: THE GREATEST LANDSCAPE MYSTERY provides one of the best guides on the topic you could wish for, including a directory of over 50 leys. Are all excellent new age references.

Mackerel at Midnight
Ethel G. Hofman
Camino Books
PO Box 59026, Philadelphia, PA 19102
0940159937 $14.95 www.caminobooks.com

Two diverse cultures met in a wild landscape when the author's Jewish family fled Russia a century ago to open shop in Lerwick, Shetland, where they became part of the island community. MACKERAL AT MIDNIGHT, their story, blends memoir with recipes of island and Jewish dishes: while it could have been featured in our biography or cookbook sections as easily as here, it's presented here for its intriguing insights into growing up Jewish on a remote Scottish island.

EcceNova Editions
308-640 Dallas Rd., Victoria, BC V8V 1B6, Canada
www.eccenova.com

Enola Nicks' SIDE EFFECT: TESTAMENT OF A CONTACTEE (0973534141, $9.95) doesn't hold what you'd expect from a slim treatise on alien abduction: it provides the story of Nicks, who witnessed the 'other side' of the abduction experience and tells of extraterrestrial beings working with humans after first contact is made between an alien and a human. Nicks believes the ultimate revolution is soon at hand: she describes her UFO sightings, telepathic communications, and premonitions which all serve as warnings. Riveting reading. J.S. Tyson's JESUS KING OF ISRAEL: SAMARITAN BLOOD AND THE KINGDOM AT SHILOH (097353415X, $22.95) gathers evidence to refute the Biblical Jesus, Mary and child stories, providing an alternative view of the historical Jesus which uses the text of John to reveal Jesus as the pretender whose subversive messages were denounced as heresy. What heresy? That the resurrection had already taken place. Any student of Biblical history will find this a solid, new analysis of the Gospel of John with wide-reaching implications for a new Biblical history. J.S. Tyson's BEFORE THE DA VINCI CODE: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ORIGINAL ENCODED SECRET CONCERNING JESUS, MARY AND A CHILD (0973534176, $9.95) is also a recommended piece of critical Bible study which focuses on the historical new Testament Jesus and the Da Vinci Code's debate of the Jesus, Mary and Child idea. This introduction reveals who the Jesus of history was, and his real mission. Read this first, but don't miss the follow-up JESUS KING OF ISRAEL.

New Page Books
PO Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
www.newpagebooks.com

Vampire coverages are primarily fictional in genre, but for a survey of the vampire legend and its myths, choose Dr. Bob Curran 's VAMPIRES: A FIELD GUIDE TO THE CREATURES THAT STALK THE NIGHT (1564148076 $14.99). VAMPIRES gathers folk stories from around the world to contrast different images of vampires - many far different from the modern image created by TV and film. From the origins of vampire belief and legend to vampire myths in India and Sweden, VAMPIRES: A FIELD GUIDE is one of the most comprehensive coverages on the topic. Jeff Belanger compiles and edits ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HAUNTED PLACES: GHOSTLY LOCALES FROM AROUND THE WORLD (1564147991, $19.99), a gathering for both armchair and destination-oriented visitors, created by one of the world's leading paranormal investigators. A state-by-state organization makes it easy to narrow a region, while listings include background history/ghostly stories and addresses and phone numbers where applicable. An excellent compilation of the latest haunted sites.

Paulist Press
997 Macarthur Blvd., Mahwah, NH 07430
www.paulistpress.com

Four titles on spirituality are highly recommended picks for any serious Christian collection. Richard Taylor's HOW TO READ A CHURCH: A GUIDE TO SYMBOLS AND IMAGES IN CHURCHES AND CATHEDRALS (1587680300, $18.00) provides an excellent interpretation of the mail features of churches and that they represent, from images contained in stained glass or church art to symbolism, scenes, and architecture. An excellent, well-detailed guide to a host of important images receives an A-Z encyclopedic treatment. Colin Duriez's TOLKIEN AND C.S. LEWIS: THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP (1587680262, $16.00) surveys the unique friendship and literary worlds of two notable authors. Lewis and Tolkien had many differences, from spiritual to temperament and literary style - yet they cultivated a friendship which made them central figures in their circles. A fine literary biography reviews the extent and nature of this friendship and the influences between the two. Adrian House's FRANCIS OF ASSISI: A REVOLUTIONARY LIFE (1587680270, $20.00) provides a biography for any who would learn of Francis's life and beliefs. From how Francis viewed God and handled religious problems brought to him by ordinary people to his risks and challenges in life, this is the in-depth item of choice for any who would receive more than a casual review of Francis of Assisi's life. Jennifer Health's THE SCIMITAR AND THE VEIL: EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN OF ISLAM (1587680203, $28.00) is the first history to consider Muslim women and their accomplishments under Islam from early to modern times. Over fifty such women are examined in THE SCIMITAR AND THE VEIL, analyzing the role women played in Muhammad's life, their lives, and their overall influence on Islam's development. Sources range from Swahili lore to Western scholars and Muslim women's writings. Very highly recommended: a definitive resource which should not be missed by any serious Muslim collection.

Traveling with the Saints in Italy
Lucinda Vardey
Hidden Spring/Paulist Press
997 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, NJ 07430
1587680246 $22.00 www.paulistpress.com

TRAVELING WITH THE SAINTS IN ITALY: CONTEMPORARY PILGRIMAGES ON ANCIENT PATHS could also have been featured in our 'Spirituality' column, but we're featuring it here so that no traveler with a spiritual sentiment overlooks this very important guide. Ten pilgrimages to all parts of Italy are outlined with a focus on these places associated with early saints and modern teachers alike. But TRAVELING WITH THE SAINTS IN ITALY is more than a destination-oriented collection of routes and advisories: pages of history cover each saint's spiritual teaching, suggests itineraries for either a short stay or a week's hiatus, and provides directions to other key locales central to that person's life. A recommended pick for any traveling to Italy with spiritual sightseeing in mind.

Taunton Press
63 S. Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
www.taunton.com

Taunton's home idea books are invaluable for any homeowner making changes: they pair strategy and design ideas with solid how-to details on do-it-yourself carpentry and style - and if you wish to hire someone, you can use the tips to assure quality work from your contractor, too! The 2-volume, slipcased FRONT & BACKYARD IDEA BOOK COLLECTION (1561587567, $29.95) is the perfect choice for a gift: it looks classy, it comes packed with ideas for the entire home from entryway to play spaces to yard, and it offers a wealth of designer tips from leading landscape designers and architects, backed by over 600 color photos throughout. The set considers personal needs, social trends, and alternative options throughout. Kira Obolensky's GOOD HOUSE CHEAP HOUSE: ADVENTURES IN CREATING AN EXTRAORDINARY HOME AT AN EVERYDAY PRICE (1561587524, $24.95) uses 27 example homes to demonstrate that good design can also be cheap. What makes a good, cheap house design? Obolensky surveys all the options to find three main common ingredients for homeowners considering a home redesign project: architects who can solve tough problems, innovative uses of materials, and homeowners who get actively involved in the project from start to finish. Materials notes, costs, and options are compared throughout for maximum understanding of what was involved. Fu-Tang Cheng works with Eric Olsen in CONCRETE AT HOME (156158682X, $32.00), a home design guide which considers concrete not just on floors, entryways and walls; but on countertops and fireplaces, bathrooms and kitchens. One's initial thought is 'ugh' - but CONCRETE AT HOME shows there are many, many design options and placement strategies which show concrete at its best and brightest, and it also offers plenty of tips on working with concrete and overcoming any problems. Sarah Susanka and Marc Vassalo's INSIDE THE NOT SO BIG HOUSE: DISCOVERING THE DETAILS THAT BRING A HOME TO LFIE (1561586811, $34.95) presents the team of an architectural design writer and an author whose first book THE NOT SO IG HOUSE sparked wide public interest in new residential architecture choices. Here they go inside the house to create better designs for indoor spaces: ones more functional than lavish, ones more thoughtful than demonstrative. From window seats and alcoves to pocket doors and unique touches, INSIDE THE NOT SO BIG HOUSE is packed with ideas. M. Caren Connolly and Louis Wasserman's COTTAGE: AMERICA'S FAVORITE HOME INSIDE AND OUT (1561587311, $34.95) pushes the idea of what constitutes a 'cottage' - which used to mean a small house. While cozy interiors are a feature, some cottage structures are more elegant than a regular home, and go way beyond the rustic weekend getaway one associates with cottages. COTTAGE holds more than bright color photos, though all features hold multiple interior and exterior shots: chapters focus on the special features inside and out which lend to a cottage atmosphere and include floor designs, comments on strategy and atmosphere, and more. Max Jacobson, Murray Silverstein and Barbara Winslow's PATTERNS OF HOME: THE TEN ESSENTIALS OF ENDURING DESIGN (156158696X, $24.95) focuses on home patterns - design concepts - which make a home exceptional. The three authors are respected architects who define and present these ten patterns having to do with light, room flow, atmosphere and more. Packed with interior color photos and design patterns, PATTERNS OF HOME is filled with plenty of solid ideas. Don't miss Tom and Lane Meehan's WORKING WITH TILE (1561586773, $19.95), a 'Build Like a Pro' series addition which focuses on just how to choose, plan, work with and handle tile, from fireplaces to bathrooms and beyond. The whole idea of this series is to produce polished, professional results: WORKING WITH TILE is thus packed with professional tips on making the most of a tiling job.

Bulfinch Press
www.bulfinchpress.com

Author Jamie Drake was one of House Beautiful's top-rated designers in 2001 and 2002, one of New York Magazine's top rated designers in 2002, and has won numerous awards as well as seeing extensive feature in top-name architectural publications across the country. That's why his NEW AMERICAN GLAMOUR (0821257161 $45.00) should attract more than casual attention: it demonstrates his flair for style and his signature look, providing lovely color photos by William Waldron and others - nearly two hundred of them - as it details Drake's interior designs. Even more valuable: each lovely shot is accompanied by a first-person explanation of special challenges or insights into why a particular strategy was chosen. A wonderful, appealing guide. Katie Brown's WEEKENDS: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TWO TREASURED DAYS (0821252092, $30.00) is loaded with bright color photos by Paul Wicheloe as it describes over a hundred recipes plus home projects to help families get the most out of their weekends. WEEKENDS could also have been reviewed in our Food and Wine Column; but it's so much more than a recipe guide alone: it embraces the entire concept of using weekends to maximum purpose and covers all range of ideas, from gardening and enjoying the home and creating home projects which are fun as well as satisfying, to producing quick meals. A treasure trove of varied ideas.

Warped Passages
Lisa Randall
Ecco/HarperCollins
10 E. 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
0060531088 $27.95 www.harpercollins.com

Do we inhabit a three-dimensional universe in a four-dimensional space? What of other dimensions were not small but vast? Harvard professor Lisa Randall writes of other/extra dimensions in WARPED PASSAGES: UNRAVELING THE MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE'S HIDDEN DIMENSIONS; but it's also a scientist's autobiography, telling of how she became involved in the quest for other dimensions. WARPED PASSAGES traverses hard science with ease, from string theory and particle physics to Einstein's ideas. In so doing she takes the non-scientist reader along for the ride on a spirited journey of personal and theoretical discovery which requires no prior expertise to understand.

Moneymaker
Chris Moneymaker & Daniel Paisner
HarperCollins
10 E. 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
006076001X $23.95 www.harpercollins.com

An amateur poker player took $40 and turned it into 2.5 million, and a star was born in Chris Moneymaker, who came out of nowhere to win the 2003 series. The young Moneymaker was an accountant who loved to gamble, but he had to borrow money to get to Las Vegas to enter his first tournament. His autobiography includes his gambling ploys and his many achievements and will excite any with an avid interest in poker - and in champions.

Happy Housewives
Darla Shine
Regan Books/Harper
10 E. 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
0060859202 $24.95 www.reganbooks.com

When did it become out of style for housewives to enjoy playing with the kids, cleaning a house and caring for a spouse In the 70s, that's when - and here to rectify the problems of miserable housewives is HAPPY HOUSEWIVES IN 10 EASY STEPS: a guide to making marriage and home a priority again. Chapters pack in formulas for such success which includes controlling whining and nagging, making family-friendly foods, and taking care of personal health. A bright, upbeat coverage of what it takes to make the modern housewife truly happy.

Capital Books Inc.
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
www.capital-books.com

If you want to learn how to color-coordinate your home, two answer books equate mood choices to colors and provide dramatic tips from Leatrice Eiseman, a leading color expert. THE COLOR ANSWER BOOK: 100+ FREQUENTLY ASKED COLOR QUESTIONS FOR HOME, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS (1933102101, $20.00) is for any have questions about making basic color choices: there are a host of color-related questions to consider in any home or personal project, and using a question/answer format, Eiseman tackles many of them. Questions range from how cultural background affects color choices and perceptions to the best colors of use in health care settings, how to use guidelines for hair coloring, considering the effects of a new color choice on personality, and much more. More understanding of connections between color and mood are revealed in Eiseman's COLORS FOR YOUR EVERY MOOD: DISCOVER YOUR TRUE DECORATING COLORS (189212338X, $20.00), a guide to learning how to create personal color choices to transform a room into something dynamic. From balance to crossovers, personal color moods and nature color moods, pages pair vivid colors with interior rooms and reflections on what happens when mood blends with interior decorating savvy. Both are excellent foundation references for aspiring interior decorators considering the special challenges of using and blending color choices.

Clean House!
Alison Haynes
Laurel Glen
5880 Oberlin Drive, San Diego, Ca 92121-4794
1592233104 $12.95 www.laurelglenbooks.com

Want a clean, organized home without clutter and dust? Then you should consult CLEAN HOUSE! For inspiration: it covers everything from using the right cleaner for the right job and understanding labeling to handling different kinds of woods, dealing with different stain sources, alternative washing and cleaning methods, and more. From laundry to linens, kitchen to bath, CLEAN HOUSE! Uses color-coded pages, charts, and color photos to make it easy and quick to consult - and clean!

R is for Rose
Carolyn Parker
Horticulture Books/F&W
4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
155870759X $35.00 www.amazon.com

If you have a rose enthusiast in the family and wish something different suitable for fancy holiday gift-giving, make R IS FOR ROSE: REFLECTIONS FROM A PASSIONATE ROSE LOVER your bouquet of choice: it comes from a photographer and avid gardener who uses an A-Z approach and the author's personal experiences and reflections to match lovely color photos with insights. From Alba, Rosa Rugosa to Zephirine Droughin, the A-Z chapters create lively reflections on each rose type, blending personal observation and knowledge with history and rose characteristics - and of course, the full-page photos. An impressive, lovely garden of roses between two covers is created, just in time for Christmas.

Wonders of the Winter Landscape
Vincent A. Simeone
Ball Publishing
Box 9, Batavia, IL 60510
1883052459 $24.95 www.ballpublishing.com

WONDERS OF THE WINTER LANDSCAPE: SHRUBS AND TREES TO BRIGHTEN THE COLD-WEATHER GARDEN isn't for California or Arizona dwellers: it's for the snowy winter areas which tend to see little color in December. Surprisingly, there are some seventy genera of shrubs and trees which can provide this color in winter, and descriptive notes on species not only discuss attractions and growth, but bright winter fruits and winter displays which make the plant stand out. Expect not a color display between covers - though there are color photos of selected plants against winter's backdrop - but a practical gardener's guide to choosing the best.

When You Love a Man Who Loves Himself
W. Keith Campbell
Casablance/Sourcebooks
PO Box 4410, Naperville, IL 60567-4410
140220342X $14.95 www.sourcebooks.com

How can you deal with a one-way relationship? One way is to consider the advice of WHEN YOU LOVE A MAN WHO LOVES HIMSELF: it tells how to spot the characteristics of a narcissist, how to avoid entanglement, and how to consider if narcissism is worth the rest of the package. If a self-centered man seems to be more in love with himself than you or if a big ego man won't let you in - it's time to consider the options. WHEN YOU LOVE A MAN WHO LOVES HIMSELF uses plenty of case history examples to illustrate points, so you may even find yourself in these pages!

Sphinx Publishing
c/o Sourcebooks
Box 4410, Naperville, IL 60567-4410
www.sourcebooks.com www.SphinxLegal.com

Most wedding books focus on etiquette, cake, flowers, arrangements and finances - but too few consider the marriage contract itself, and its meaning to a couple's future both individually and together. Before you say 'I do', Nihara Choudhri's WHAT TO DO BEFORE "I DO": THE MODERN COUPLE'S GUIDE TO MARRIAGE, MONEY AND PRENUPS (1572484519 $14.95) should be consulted and discussed. From making arrangements for existing children pre-marriage to handling finance debts, premarital property claims, and more, the prenuptial agreement's foundations are covered here in depth - and should be thoroughly understood before any ceremony. Brette McWhorter Sember, Attorney's THE COMPLETE CREDIT REPAIR KIT (1572485000, $19.95) is an important guide for consumers who want to lower monthly payments, reduce debt, and gain a fresh start on finances. Every form you need is on an accompanying CD-ROM, and any debtor in trouble will find everything needed here, from how to improve a credit score and handle identity theft damage to understanding creditor tactics and how to consolidate debts.

How to Buy Your First Home
Diana Brodman Summers, Attorney
Sphinx Publishing
c/o Sourcebooks
PO Box 4410, Naperville, IL 60567-4410
1572484977 $14.95 www.sourcebooks.com www.SphinxLegal.com

Buying your first house is an overwhelming experience: there's lots of legal consideration, new financial terms and concerns, considerations of both structure and neighborhood and present and future needs - and that's all before you even walk in the door! You need something on your side - and HOW TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME: EXPERT ADVICE FROM AN ATTORNEY appears in its second updated edition to provide such advice. From pre-qualifying for a mortgage to identifying government funding and understanding for whom an agent really works, this is the perfect place to begin - and will make a great gift for any newlywed aspiring to buy their first home.

The Manufactured Home Buyer's Handbook
Wes Johnson
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640
0786422092 $35.00 www.mcfarlandpub.com

There's relatively little on the market guiding buyers on the special nature and options when buying a manufactured home, so writer and computer business owner Wes Johnson is performing a great service in tackling this topic based on his firsthand experience and research. From choosing a manufactured home dealership and negotiating to understanding common troubles in set-up and financing and understanding agreement details, THE MANUFACTURED HOME BUYER'S HANDBOOK tackles problems the standard home buyer doesn't even consider.

Discovering Home With Laurie Smith
Laurie Smith
Meredith
1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023
0696224062 $19.95 www.meredithbooks.com

Plenty of books tell secrets of interior decoration savvy, from color schemes to furniture placement; but few can actually teach now to design a functional room. DISCOVERING HOME WITH LAURIE SMITH: FIND YOUR PERSONAL STYLE melds the basics of understanding function with the basics of understanding personal needs. Readers receive a blend of architectural style primer and home planner which covers everything from fabric choices to layering colors. The idea is to learn a foundation in design and function, then blend in personal needs and interests. DISCOVERING HOME is the polished result.

Turf
Anthony Gara
How Books
4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
1558707611 $19.99 www.howdesign.com

Want a cool room which is really your style even if you're broke, on a budget, and you've never made anything? You don't have to be an artist or a rich man with TURF: IT'S YOUR SPACE. BUILD WHAT YOU WANT: all you need is desire and a sense of personal style. TURF assumes a small room, small-budget mentality - no big-screen plasma TVs to house, here - and only a minimum of tools and materials to build sensible, practical room enhancers, from a stand for a 12-inch TV to a candle holder or a coat rack. Quirky, offbeat, and inspirational projects for the 20-something newly out of the home best describes TURF.

Unconventional Success
David F. Swensen
The Free Press
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York, NY 10020
0743228383 $27.50 www.simonsays.com

There are so many personal finance and investment guides on the market today that it's hard to see the need for yet another, but UNCONVENTIONAL SUCCESS: A FUNDAMENTAL APPROACH TO PERSONAL INVESTMENT indeed offers an alternative outside the norm: a guide by an investment legend who produced the definitive PIONEERING PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT and here provides a formula for a contrarian investment alternative that promotes equity-oriented 'market mimicking' portfolios. If you get only one message out of this book, it might be 'stay the course' once such a plan is made an investment reality: chapters explore the failure of traditional mutual fund investment vehicles while showing how a different 'active management' system will provide riches for investors with the courage to stay with the program.

Strategies in Personal Finance
Keith Smith & Jane Smith
Purdue University Press
598 Harrison Street, South Campus Courts, Bldg. E, W. Lafayette, IN 47907-2025
1557533474 $49.95 www.thepress.pursue.edu

For a basic college-level workbook of investment strategies; especially for would-be financial planners as well as college students seeking more control over their financial world, you can't go wrong with STRATEGIES IN PERSONAL FINANCE: BASIC INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW. From basic money management tools to concepts of risk and return, portfolio management theory and analysis tactics, real estate and stock holdings, STRATEGIES IN PERSONAL FINANCE translates planning to portfolio holdings in a logical, progressive series of lessons making it easy to learn the basic principles.

Nolo Press
950 Parker, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.nolo.com

Three important, basic references aren't just recommended for law libraries and personal collections: any serious public library will find them standard, much-used references too. Attorneys Janet Portman and Fred Steingold's second edition of NEGOTIATE THE BEST LEASE FOR YOUR BUSINESS (1413302165, $24.99) tells how to negotiate a business lease, from handling flexibility for future expansion or leaving early to considering how costs are divided among tenants and how to avoid costly code compliance requirements. Relatively few books exist on negotiating commercial leases, and most only skim the process of understanding commercial lease options: all the advice and strategies needed to evaluate a commercial space and obtain a good lease is standard in NEGOTIATE THE BEST LEASE FOR YOUR BUSINESS. Attorneys Stephen Elias and Susan Levinkind's LEGAL RESEARCH: HOW TO FIND & UNDERSTAND THE LAW (1413303951, $39.99) appears in its 13th revised, updated edition to offer law students and researchers keys to the legal process. From understanding how to locate legal information in a law library to locating Internet answers, writing a legal memorandum, and honing research skills, LEGAL RESEARCH is a fine basic guide any library should be pleased to have. Attorney David W. Brown's FIGHT YOUR TICKET AND WIN IN CALIFORNIA (1413301878, $29.99) appears in its 11th updated edition and comes from a Monterey, California lawyer who has written a national version of the title. Learn how to challenge speeding tickets, how to determine if a ticket is beatable before going to court, how to assemble evidence and present a case, and how to appeal a conviction.

Aardvark Publishing
BSP House, Station Road, Lincon Cambs CB2 6NW, United Kingdom
www.circusfriends.co.uk

To be sure, circus books aren't common the market today; but any with a special affection for the circus will find quite special these two titles. CIRCUS TRANSPORT PHOTOGRAPHS V. 2: 1900-2002 (1872904211, $12.50) packs in over two hundred archive black and white and color photos from around the world as it focuses on motorized transport and circuses travelling by rail, sea and even air. British and European circuses are the focus, with shots capturing the circus on the move. David Jamieson's BILLY SMART'S CIRCUS: A PICTORIAL HISTORY (1872904262, $20.00) tells of a fairground showman who began his circus in 1946 and built it to become Britain's largest travelling show. It had over 100 animals and even colorful theme productions, and traveled until 1971 - and even when it scaled back its road shows, its TV shows continued into the 80s. Unique photos from archives and various collections accompanies posters, programs, and history to provide the definitive history of the circus and Billy Smart's contribution to the circus world.

Bodyguard Manual
Leroy Thompson
Greenhill Books/Stackpole
5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
1853676624 $24.95 www.greenhillbooks.com

The revised edition of BODYGUARD MANUAL, based on techniques of the US Secret Service, Metropolitan Police, KGB and others around the world, provides an updated new edition, important because of changing events in the field. Subjects range from providing security on trains or cruise ships to protecting officers in combat: it covers everything from social engagements to foot escort, vehicle and motorcade security, and more. An essential handbook for any who would understand the profession.

Testifying Under Oath
James M. Vukelic
Volcano Press
PO Box 270, Volcano, CA 95689
1884244262 $18.95 www.volcanopress.com

Any who are called upon to be a witness under oath knows it's important to testify effectively as well as truthfully- but unless you are regularly in court, how can you learn to be an effective witness? TESTIFYING UNDER OATH: HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE WITNESS will make a solid library reference acquisition, useful for its specific insights on court proceedings, details on factors which contribute to a persuasive witness, and advice on how to handle typical lawyer tricks and traps. Since few Americans will regularly appear as witnesses, TESTIFYING UNDER OATH makes the perfect library choice, ready for any patron who finds himself in such a position and needs a quick reference to handle it.

Tree of Love: Songs of Our Ancestors: Volume III
Patrick Atangan
NBM Publishing
555 - 8th Avenue, #1202, New York, NY 10018
1561634387 $12.95 www.nbmpublishing.com

Fans of graphic novels in general and folk tales in particular will find this exploration of Asian stories unique and satisfying. Atangan received acclaim for his prior explorations of art of Asian countries, and TREE OF LOVE is the latest in his SONGS OF OUR ANCESTORS series, presenting a classic design from India as it provides a striking, moving story. The graphic novel at its best, fine-tuned with Asian folklore: another smash hit from Atangan.

Advanced Vivarium Systems
PO Box 6050, Mission Viejo, CA 92690
www.avsbooks.com

Two excellent turtle guides by Philippe de Vosjoli in the 'The Herpetocultural Library' series from Advanced Vivarium Systems are highly recommended for any pet owner who wants solid insights on popular turtles. POPULAR TORTOISES (1882770668, $8.95) has been newly updated to include the latest details on Leopard, African Spurred, and other popular tortoise pets. While there are plenty of special notes for these species, chapters generally include plenty of detail on how to select the right tortoise, how to house and care for it, and making sure the turtle arrives and stays healthy. RED-EARED SLIDERS (1882770684, $6.95) is even more useful: it's specific to the Red-Eared Slider, one of the more popular water turtles on the pet market, and it packs in plenty of slider-specific facts on breeding, health and more. Peppered with black and white and color photos, these are excellent, highly recommended picks which should be both basic library references and basic to any turtle acquisition.

Understanding Your Horse's Behavior
Sue McDonnell, Ph.D.
Blood-Horse Publications
PO Box 919003, Lexington, KY 40591-9003
1581501285 $16.95 800-582-5604 www.thehorse.com

If it's a simple guide to horse care and management which is needed, you can't go wrong with UNDERSTANDING YOUR HORSE'S BEHAVIOR: YOUR GUIDE TO HORSE HEALTH CARE AND MANAGEMENT. Real-life questions from horse answers are answered by equine behaviorist McDonnell, who provides insights into common problems and how best to correct them. From unloading problems to carnivorous behavior and biting, insights are pr