Designer Reptiles and Amphibians: Advice on purchase and selective breeding of color morphs that display unusual patterns

Product Description

This unusual title focuses on reptile breeding to produce color morphs that display unusual patterns on many different reptile species. They include boas, pythons, milk snakes, kingsnakes, lizards, turtles, crocodilians, amphibians, and others. Here is advice from experts that discusses both purchasing and selective breeding in detail. The book is filled with color photos that indicate the wide variety of colors and patterns that can be obtained. Paperback / 96 Pages / 6 1/2 x 7 7/8 / 2002

Customer Reviews:

Poorly done, but nice photographs........2004-08-31

Although Bartlett and Bartlett have published some decent books on reptiles and amphibians, I find several of them seem rushed, and full of errors. Designer Reptiles and Amphibians is one of these.

The book contains a panoply of errors, such as poorly used examples and mislabelled photos. The accurate parts of the text are decently written, but if you are not already familiar with genetics and the species you're reading about, the mistakes may be hard to catch.

All in all, this book is a waste of money unless you want some nice pictures of some attractive colour morphs.

Informative and Interesting.......2004-07-23

This is an excellent book for anyone wanting an introduction to the amazing variations within different species of reptiles and amphibians that have appeared in the past few years. As well as specific information on many species it includes explanations of the terms commonly used to describe variants. It is well-written, friendly and accessible and at the same time packed with information. The many color photos show some magnificent animals at their best. I highly recommend this book!

Customer Reviews:

Great history with medium depth on the cigar review.......2006-05-31

I really appreciated this book for the photography and the explanation of the manufacturing process. Del Todesco does a great job of walking the reader through the myriad processes of creating a puro. The only thing about this book that left me a little disappointed was the review of cigars in the back. It seems a little difficult to review a cigar in one sentence, especially cigars that are as complex as a Montecristo #2 or a Hoyo de Monterrey...but time and again, he sums up an otherwise world famous cigar as "suitable for a beginner" or "mild, not much to recommend about this cigar". It just struck me as odd to have a compilation as deep as what is presented in this book and then give the cigars an extremely indifferent and passing glance en masse. The first 130 pages were interesting no matter what level of aficianado you are...the encyclopedia could use a good second edition enhancement.

Great work. One of the "must haves.".......2005-11-26

I agree with Van55. (What else is new?!) This is a fantastic book. I bought my copy used through Amazon over a year ago, and I am still making reference to it. If you are a fan of quality Cuban cigars, you need this volume along with Min Ron Nee's work. In contrast to Min Ron Nee's book, this one has much more on the history and production of the cigars. The photos, many full page, are colorful and moving.

While this book does have descriptions and evaluations of various vitolas, the ones in MRN's book are much more thorough and complete. That does not mean that the ones you will find in the book are not useful, but they are best treated as an overview. Don't look for detail here. But then again, this book is less than half the price of the MRN book, and it is much easier to find.

Again, you probably need both books, but buy this one first. You won'd be disappointed. Makes a great coffee table book too!

Excellent historical reference.......2005-06-13

I found this book at Amazon while searching for the second printing of "An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Post-Revolution Havana Cigars" by Min Ron Nee, that I understand is soon to be released for sale within the United States.

Mr. del Todesco's book, though now nearly ten years old, remains a valuable addition to the library of anyone who has an interest in Cuban cigars. The first 130 or so pages contain a detailed history of Cuba's cigar-making as well as a seed-to-cigar description of the creation of Cuban cigars. Most of these pages consist of excellent photographs of Cuba and of the farmers, torcedors and others whose skill and knowledge contribute to the manufacture of, arguably, the best cigars on earth. The last half of the book consists of sepia photgraphs and brief descriptions and tasting notes of the brands (marcas) and sizes (vitolas) of Cuban cigars that were in commercial production in 1996. Comparing these notes to more recent reviews of examples of later productions of these cigars is fascinating.

I'm glad that I happened to have stumbled onto the existence of this beautiful volume.

Best havana reference available in the US.......2004-12-10

This is a great reference book for specific havana brands. Life sized images of most cigars from nearly all brands is included along with vitola information and author's tasting notes/suggestions. This is in addition to general cigar information like history of tobacco, tobacco cultivation and creating a cigar. The specific details are a bit dated (1997) but still the best I have seen published in the US. However, Min Ron Nee's text is superior if you can obtain it.

Unquestionably the finest book available on Cuban cigars.......1999-07-05

With the plethora of books currently available on cigars in general and on Habanos in particular, this is (still) the one item no cigar aficionado dare be without.

Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Havana Cigars

Average customer rating:

A Specialist's Guide to Cuban Cigars

Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Havana Cigars
Richard B. Perelman
Manufacturer: Perelman, Pioneer & Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars, 2005 Edition

ASIN: 1893273067

Book Description

More than 180 pages, complete with color photographs, provide a complete list of brands and shapes from the most famous cigar island of them all. Its handy size makes it easy to carry in your coat pocket and is invaluable as a reference while shopping for Havanas (in legally selling countries, of course!) Also contains a history of Havana Brands and narrative on the fine art of cigar making in Cuba.

Customer Reviews:

A Specialist's Guide to Cuban Cigars.......2000-01-09

This is a book about Cuban cigars, past and present, and only about them. In reality, it is a book for the more serious smoker as the information is rather specialised. The book tells you which company made what cigars and whether they exist today or not. And of present cigars, it tells you which factory produces them and in what form of packing. This is THE defintive guide to date and I have read no other but be warned, it's about Cuban leaf and the book is not casual reading, it is more of a reference.

Average customer rating:

Nice pictures

Havana Cigars
Gerard Pere Et Fils
Manufacturer: Barnes Noble Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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The Journey of the Havana Cigar
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ASIN: 0760705194

Customer Reviews:

Nice pictures .......2004-08-08

It's a very nice looking book with a lot of nice looking pictures of diffrent havana brands. The BEST cigar coffe table book i'll ever seen.

Average customer rating:

A good general history with beautiful illustrations

Havana Cigars (1817-1960)
Enzo A. Infante
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Special Occasions | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

The Journey of the Havana Cigar
Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Havana Cigars

ASIN: 0793802911

Customer Reviews:

A good general history with beautiful illustrations.......1999-03-13

This is an enjoyable, informative history of the Cuban cigar industry, various Habanos brands and factories, with the most gorgeous photos of cigar box illustrations and cigar bands.

The author nicely avoids an overabundance of details, and has organized the material quite thoughtfully.

It is a real pity that his history goes no further than 1960 when the industry was nationalized; one is left with a definate sense of incompleteness.

Book Description

Throughout the history of the cigar, the habano has been unequivocally considerd the pinnacle of smoking pleasure. This unparalleled quality of the Havana cigar has bound the idea of Cuba with its most coveted export, and has held the imaginations of aficionados around the world for 500 years.

By way of explaining the enduring phenomenon known as the habano, author and photographer Nancy Stout journeys deep into the history and culture of a nation, beginning in the beautiful and often enigmatic capital of Havana, then striking out to one of the great plantations of the Vuelta Abajo, where the tobacco's delicate leaves grow under protective canopies, and to an agricultural collective in the Vuelta Arriba, where tobaco del sol thrives under Cuba's brilliant sun. Along the way she introduces us to the doctrinaire jefe of the Antonio Briones Montoto collective farm; a master grower whose family has been cultivating tobacco for more than 150 years; and a legendary cigar roller who gives a transfixing lesson in the art of rolling the perfect cigar.

The pursuit of the story of the Havana cigar extends into time as well as space. Included is a thorough history of Cuban tobacco cultivation, beginning with Columbus's first voyage to the West Indies and chronicling Cuba's legacy of exploration, conquest, and struggle for economic and political indepedence.

Habanos: The Story of the Havana Cigar is the ideal guide to that most potent symbol of luxury, disciplined craft, and, indeed, of Cuba itself.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2004-02-06

For a habanophile such as myself this has to be the best book that I have read to date on Cuba and Cuban Cigars. This book not only describes the habano from seed to cigar but explores the history of the cigar and it's relationship with Cuba from Columbus to the old factories. If you want more than just the typical seed, plant, harvest, cure, roll em books on Cuban cigars this is the one for you.

Great Photography well Researched.......1999-06-01

Wonderful illustrations combined with interestiong text make this more than a coffee table book. For Smokers of Habanos and those curious to learn more behind the cuban cigar this is an excellent book.

If you wanted to be there........without being there!.......1999-02-08

I thought of this book, as a trip without leaving home. I was at the vegas,,the people homes,the factories and, even the streets of Habana.I really enjoyed the way the author Nancy Stout, put together the history (from start to finish)of one of Cuba's most treasured and coveted commodity-La Habana "puros". When it comes to it's people and their beloved cigars,it defines recognition both in art and history! I give the book a 4-thumbs up!!!!! A must read for a "habanaphile" such as myself.To be read with the accompany of a sweet aromatic habano burning,and perhaps also,with your favorite spirit.Truly a book to be enjoyed over and over again!

Natural Landscaping: Gardening With Nature To Create A Backyard Paradise (Rodale Garden Book)
Average customer rating:

One of my favorites

too muddled to be useful or recommended

Good ideas

a must for your gardening library

Excellent all-around source on the new natural approach

Natural Landscaping: Gardening With Nature To Create A Backyard Paradise (Rodale Garden Book)
Sally Roth
Manufacturer: Rodale Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Landscape | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Garden Design | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Landscape | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Organic | Techniques | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest

ASIN: 0875967043

Amazon.com

Natural Landscaping is an intelligent and quietly compelling guide for naturalizing the garden. Country Living Gardener editor Sally Roth relies on decades of organic gardening experience, personal anecdotes, and a belief in working in concert with Mother Nature to restore native ecosystems. In the tradition of gardening manuals, she offers best-of lists for everything from grasses for prairie gardens to flowers for a night garden to plants to soften a pool's edge, always stressing the overarching importance of flora-fauna harmony. She also includes helpful tips and sidebars on bird-nest materials, unique ground covers, building dry streambeds, and making homemade sap for butterflies. There's a solid chapter on wall and path design and welcome field-guide information on water wildlife, birds, and butterflies. Roth's tone is warm throughout, and she further personalizes the book by including sidebars about other gardeners and their gardens. Grassland, woodland, and freshwater-area ecosystems are covered, although information on coastal or arid areas is absent. For readers in the Southwest, Desert Landscaping would be a better choice.

The real shine of Natural Landscaping is in the details on creating a natural habitat that is self-contained and self-perpetuating. For instance, one can plant a butterfly bush to attract butterflies, but what perennial will butterflies lay their eggs in for next year? Instead of fighting a never-ending battle of trapping and killing moles, let these insect-eating creatures tunnel their homes and aerate your soil. Your first impulse may be to tidily clear away fallen wood, but why not position it ornamentally and nourish the soil at the same time? The book is full of this kind of sensible wisdom. It's clear Roth has taken her lessons from Mother Nature seriously. --Karen Karleski

Book Description

Whether you yearn for a colorful meadow garden splashed with asters and black-eyed Susans, a shady garden filled with graceful woodland wildflowers and feathery ferns, or a poolside planting lush with Japanese iris and astilbes, Natural Landscaping can help you make your gardening dreams a landscape reality. Page after page of this stunning book shows you the beauties and benefits of a natural garden. And a garden that takes its inspiration from nature is a beacon to birds, butterflies, toads, and other wild creatures. Author Sally Roth has a lifetime's experience creating natural landscapes. In this beautifully designed, lavishly illustrated book, she tells you everything you need to know about creating a natural landscape. You'll find:* Chapters on meadow and prairie gardens, woodland and shade gardens, water and bog gardens, gardens for songbirds and hummingbirds, and gardens to attract butterflies and moths.* Step-by-step projects for building special garden features. The easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations take you through the basics of creating such exciting garden additions as a waterfall and a bluebird nest box. You'll learn how to install garden lighting to add a glow to walkways, create a bubbling spring for birds, build a rustic bench, and more.* Garden plans for such varied gardens as a moonlight garden, a birdseed garden, and a hummingbird garden. You'll find nine beautifully illustrated plans that show you exactly how to create special natural gardens. You can follow the plans exactly or adapt them for your own needs.* Effective gardening techniques, each explained with step-by-step illustrations. You'll learn the easiest way to strip sod for a new garden, how to saw through a limb without damaging the tree, an effortless way to propagate your plants, and how to control problems organically. With these simple instructions, every gardener-- even a beginner-- can create and maintain a lush natural landscape.* Profiles of delightful natural landscapes created by gardeners across the country. Each profile features a different kind of natural landscape, from a prairie planting to a butterfly garden to a yard designed just for the birds. The gardeners talk about their inspirations and share valuable tips on how to create your own version.* Scores of quick-reference charts show you the best plants for every type of natural landscape. No matter where you live, you'll find a selection of the best plants for your area-- whether you're looking for flowers to attract hummingbirds, grasses for a prairie garden, shrubs for your woodland garden, plants to soften a pool's edge, flowers for a night garden, or wildflowers for your sunny meadow garden. You'll find helpful charts of the best plants for each garden style, conveniently located at the end of each chapter.With lively, authoritative text and more than 250 gorgeous color photos and illustrations, Natural Landscaping is an indispensable guide to a lush, inviting garden that's full of the beauty of nature.

Customer Reviews:

One of my favorites.......2005-03-07

This was my first gardening book, and I feel so very lucky, because the author's sensibility matches my own, and her emphasis on planting for wildlife makes her a kindred spirit. Here I first learned the definition of a meadow garden, a woodland garden, and even the names of birds and butterflies. I first became aware of Joe Pye Weed and Spicebush, Bee Balm, Milkweed and New England Aster.

Reading this book is like having a wise and non-judgmental master gardener take you under her wing. Sally Roth's passion for the natural world shines from every page. She touches on a wide range of topics, such as: laying out a path; building a bluebird nest box; starting a meadow garden; planting a flowering fence; avoiding the "Elvis look"; monthly calendar for meadow care ; creating a streambed; how to saw through a limb; starting plants from seed; -- all techniques are clearly described and easily understood. There are charts such as "Best Shrubs for Woodland Gardens" and "Best Trees for Songbirds." The book is beautifully laid out, and the color pictures are pure inspiration, especially during the blizzardy days of winter.

The negative comments from the previous reviewer seem overly severe and curmudgeonly. I haven't spotted an invasive species in the suggested plants lists yet, though the author does suggest some cultivated hybrids that I don't choose to use. Of course, there are many more technical, rigorous tomes out there that can and should be added to one's gardening library, (and a hard slog of a read they may be, too!)

I highly recommend this book as a general introduction to natural gardening, one that will inspire curiosity, guide discovery, generate ideas and projects, and make the adventure loads of fun.

too muddled to be useful or recommended.......2001-10-26

I speak on the subject of natural landscaping frequently - I've been doing this for years.
I always search out useful references so audiences can go home and apply what we've discussed. I would not recommend this book. This book muddles the concept of "natural" and "native" to the point that an inexperienced gardener is likely to plant invasive, non-native plants and never realize they have created a disaster where they hoped to create environemental harmony in their yard. Awhile after the fact they may realize what has happened - I speak to disappointed homeowners often.

Diekelman's book of the same title is much better, especially for folks in the Midwest.
It is somewhat techincial, so may be a little dense for beginners, but at least it won't cause mistakes, disappointment and regret.

Good ideas.......2000-03-26

This book offers some basic ideas in landscpaing your property in order to maintain a natural look. It offers beautiful uses for wet areas instead of trying to correct it.

a must for your gardening library.......1999-01-04

I originally bought this book ONLY because Ms. Roth is a local writer and I had enjoyed her newspaper columns and also went to a few lectures that featured her. As I have matured as a gardener I am very cautious about spending my garden dollars. I assumed that this book would be one of the "fluffy" books similar to my first garden book purchases. I was surprised at the depth of information and wealth of ideas. In talking to other gardeners or anyone else interested in nature, I always recommend this book as a must for their gardening library. I have probably reread the book 3 times since I purchased it and always pick up something new.

Excellent all-around source on the new natural approach.......1998-10-28

There are a number of books out on natural landscaping - a fast-growing field - but this is the first one I found which included useful information on the whole spectrum of related issues: style, philosophy, horticulture, and wildlife habitat and feeding. Chapters on woodland and prairie gardens are excellent. There are good lists of native plant nurseries; sound information on water features; and inspirational but not too idiosyncratic commentary by the author - just about everything someone needs to get started. And as someone who has already worked with this style for some time, I can also say it's useful for the experienced gardener. Besides, I like the author's style - she is a serious garden writer who can relate to those of us who don't go about designing in the traditional way with grids, etc. Highly recommended. The only reason I didn't give it four stars was that in a couple of cases, I had questions about the execution of certain plans which were not answered in the text or drawings. Still, that sort of detail can be gotten around given the clear principles outlined in the various projects. If you can just have one book on the subject, this would serve you well.

Waddesdon Manor: The Heritage of a Rothschild House
Average customer rating:

Rothschild Elegance

Outstanding

An incredible tour through culture, time, & architecture

Waddesdon Manor: The Heritage of a Rothschild House
Michael Hall
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Specific Styles | Building Types & Styles | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | History & Periods | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | England | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0810932393

Book Description

More than 125 years ago, Baron Ferdinand Rothschild transformed a barren hill in the countryside outside London into the setting for an astonishing French Renaissance-style chateau that remains one of the most extraordinary houses in all of England. Bequeathed to Britain's National Trust in 1957, Waddesdon Manor and its spectacular gardens are now open to the public, welcoming more and more visitors every year.

Illustrated with specially commissioned photographs and unpublished historical material, this book provides a fascinating portrait of the Manor and its inhabitants. Perusing it, readers can marvel at the architecture and interior decor, wander through the romantic gardens, enjoy the renowned collections of superb English portraits, Dutch Old Masters, and exquisite furniture and textiles—and bask in le style Rothschild.

Customer Reviews:

Rothschild Elegance.......2005-05-03

This book is wonderfully put together. The photos are vivid and the history of the house is facinating. This is truely a grand English Estate, even if done in the french style usually favored by the Rothschilds. This first family of banking always lived in the most amazing homes, like the home of the U.S. ambassador to France and the Rothschild estate in the south of France. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves European elegance; just a beautiful book. Now if someone would just do a book on Felieres, outside Paris, the ultimate Rothchild grand estate.

Outstanding.......2003-09-30

For anyone interested in beautiful things, especially houses, I highly recommend this book. It is very informative and gives a lot of insight into the Rothschild family. I loved the pictures of which are beautifully shot. I also believe that the price range is very good considering it is a great book to own and of the finest quality. I have read it thoroughly many times and it does not come apart ike other books that I have.

An incredible tour through culture, time, & architecture.......2002-05-18

Waddesdon Manor: The Heritage Of A Rothschild House is a gorgeous coffee table book, filled cover to cover with fabulous full-color photographs depicting an extraordinary house in the English countryside near London and its 125-year history. Showcasing romantic gardens, a superb private wine cellar, a wondrous aviary and much, much more, Waddesdon Manor is an incredible tour through culture, time, architecture, and interior design. The detailed text, drawing from previously unpublished research, memoirs, family and retainer reminiscences, takes the reader on a step by step tour through rooms and eras alike in this classical volume recommended for students of architectural history.

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