Average customer rating:
- Surprisingly flawed but still worthwhile
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Encyclopaedia of the Viking Age
John Haywood
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
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Binding: Hardcover
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Similar Items:
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The Vikings: Revised Edition
-
A History of the Vikings
-
Viking Age Iceland (Penguin History)
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The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings (Hist Atlas)
ASIN: 0500019827 |
Book Description
From the colorful accounts of early medieval chronicles to the heroic tales of nineteenth-century Romanticism, history has traditionally portrayed the Vikings as a race of bloodthirsty, marauding warriors. But in the late twentieth century, as archaeologists uncovered widespread evidence of peaceful Viking activity, a more balanced appreciation of the people from the North developed. The Encyclopaedia of the Viking Age does justice to both sides of the Vikings' story--the peaceful and the warlike. More than 400 copiously illustrated articles present every aspect of Viking society, including its history, laws, customs, industry, arts, literature, myths, religion, and folklore. Here one discovers not only how the Vikings successfully and brutally conquered vast areas of eastern and western Europe but also how they dressed, spent their leisure time, farmed and cooked, raised their children, used animals to heat their homes, and buried and celebrated their dead. Entries explain how they built ships that could carry them across the Atlantic Ocean, established trade routes to Constantinople and Baghdad, and eventually converted from paganism to Christianity. This comprehensive and invaluable book provides biographies of the leading personalities of the age, both the Vikings themselves and those who opposed them, while maps and entries on the Vikings' key cities, towns, and villages reflect the vast extent of their world. A historical introduction describes the origins of the Viking Age and explains why it ultimately came to an end, and a concise chronology serves as a useful overview of the period.
Customer Reviews:
Surprisingly flawed but still worthwhile.......2000-08-15
I've read the whole of the section for A and just started on B (about 30 pages) and there is a lot of good information in this book - both for those less knowledgeable and for those whose special interest this is but who could do with a quick reference work. There are also useful bibliographical references and the black and white photographs are good. What is surprising though is the awful typography. This is important because firstly the fonts used for this book don't appear to have the very important Old Norse letter eth - ð - resulting in using eths from another font (which looks absolutely awful), and secondly, Scandinavian letters like ö and ä are used seemingly at random - sometimes words that should have them have them, and sometimes they don't. This is not a minor detail: it amounts essentially to misspelling important place names and the like. Whether this is the author's or the publisher's fault I don't know. Furthermore, anglicization of Scandinavian names and words is bad enough, but even worse when it is done inconsistently, as in this book - some names are given in Old Norse, others in their modern English "equivalents". Sloppy and strange.
Customer Reviews:
Great Primer on Arab Culture.......2007-01-20
Without stereotyping, author Margaret Nydell explains some of the major assumptions that undergird Arab beliefs and behaviors. Included are insights into characteristic gestures, expectations regarding male-female relations, religious attitudes, eating, socializing, and family life, among other things.
FASCINATING & INFORMATIVE.......2004-01-29
I came to this book hoping to receive insight into the mindset of those responsible for 9/11. In a way, it was billed that way to me. But the closest UNDERSTANDING ARABS comes to answering the question Why? is that many Arabs feel the US backing of Israeli boarders is in direct conflict with US reasoning behind going into Iraq in 1991 to enforce the boarders of Kuwait. According to UA, a 2001 poll of various Middle Eastern countries indicate 90% of residents feel the Palestinian issue is among their top three concerns. Unfortunately, this issue is not looked at in depth, no doubt because the author is not qualified to comment.
According to the author, "Arabs will rarely admit to errors if doing so will cause them to lose face. To Arabs, honor is more important than facts." Additionally, "In arguing the Palestine issue...they (Arabs) often placed the greatest emphasis on the suffering of individuals rather than on points of law or recital of historical events." For someone who is trying to assist the lay person in understanding Arabs, this does not do much to portray Arabs as rational. Much of what I've mentioned was sprinkled in between Arab complaints that they are maligned and vilified in the media.
By contrast Arabs do not like being judged by Westerners. However, whereas the US makes a big deal of separating church and state, Arabs, fundamentally believe the two cannot be separated, and the religion of choice is Islam.
I found the section that describes the current socioeconomic conditions to be the most informative. Many of the Arab nations suffer severe poverty. The richest countries tend to be the most authoritarian. (Saudi Arabia and Iraq.) Surprisingly, the author found Iraq to be the most progressive, until recently. (Saddam, progressive?) However, nothing is made of some of the fascist regimes in power in many of the Middle Eastern countries. And there is no mention of the generous US aid heaped on many of these ungrateful countries.
Generally, there is a sense that if there is to be peace in the Middle East, the United States is going to have to do the lions share of the work. But overall, I was left with a sense that the vast majority of Arabs are good and decent people just looking to make a life for themselves and their families. In spite of some of my comments, this book left me with a positive view of the Arab condition.
Good on Arabic customs, poor on geopolitics.......2003-09-05
This book is two books into one. The first book is essentially how to get along in Arabic countries. The second book is on geopolitics.
When the author writes about Arabic social customs and misunderstanding between Arabs and Westerners, she is more often than not right on the mark. The two populations are obviously very different in their overall behavior and approach to many aspects of life. In a sense it is an extrapolation of the North/South behavioral axis you find in many countries. If you meet a Northern French or Italian, he typically will be more reserved, more serious, and somewhat introverted than his Southern counterpart who will be more joyful, louder, extrovert. The North/South behavioral axis is not so pronounced in the U.S., as it is in many European countries. In any case, take this North/South axis and compound it several times, and you get an idea of the gulf between the typical Western behavior and the Arabic one. The author does an excellent job at explaining the differences between these two cultures. And, the information she imparts on this subject is truly useful for anyone traveling, working, or living in Arabic countries.
When the author shares her opinion about geopolitics, she is on quick sand. Her views on this subject are full of fallacies, contradictions, and errors. The author has no credentials and knowledge to support any of her subjective opinions. After all, her academic background is as an Arabic teacher. She has no academic degree in political science, international economics, demographics, or any other relevant discipline. And, it really shows. Had she stuck to Arabic customs, her book would have been so much better.
There are many authors who will shed much light on the subjects of Arabs, Islam, and their relationship to the Western World. Some of the luminaries in this field include Bernard Lewis, Samuel Huntington, Thomas Friedman, and Robert Kaplan.
It Changed My Life........2003-06-24
I first learned to fall in love with the Arab people through this book. As I delved into Islamic and Arabic culture studies, I came across Understanding Arabs, and was fascinated by what I found. A culture that put the group over the individual, that valued honor so highly, that had no word or concept for privacy (not as it is defined in American culture) . . . The more I read, the more God put them on my heart, and the more my heart became one with the Arab people, for here I found a culture so like my own. Over the years, in further reading and further experience, I've learned a lot more beyond Nydell's terse etic generalization of Arabic culture, but most of what she shares is accurate, and limited enough to be a very easy read, while making you pant for more. She writes with a Semitic style, sharing stories which illuminates the people far more than dry text. Come and read this book, and see for yourself the beginnings of a love affair with the Arab people.
Packed with Knowledge!.......2003-02-26
Margaret K. Nydell has recast this cross-cultural guide to getting along with Arabs in a new light in the midst of the war on terror. In so doing, she navigates sensitive territory, a no-man's land stuck between understanding another culture, and becoming an apologist for its negative behaviors. Properly executed, cross-cultural guides enhance one's awareness of the vast cultural gap between social norms and customs. Occasionally this volume lapses into cultural generalities, but that's inevitable when you're trying to explain norms of some 20 diverse Arab countries. Understanding Arabs will help you do just that, and although it may not shed a lot of light on the current conflict, it's very timely. We from getAbstract highly recommend it to anyone who wants a better understanding of Islam and Arabs. As Nydell says in her introduction, seeking understanding should not be confused with appeasement.
Book Description
"Many people consider ground water deep beneath their feet as mysterious, perhaps even supernatural. To clarify matters, hydrogeologist Frank Chapelle has written a definitive history and science of subsurface water in his Wellsprings, a book both accessible to the lay reader while being filled with startling nuggets of information pleasing to the professional water scientist."—Donald Siegel, professor of earth sciences, Syracuse University
"This book tells the story of bottled water in the United States in a highly readable and in-depth way, covering both the facts of the subject, and the persons and events that resulted in this now ubiquitous product."—Stephen C. Edberg, professor, Yale University
Bottled water is a part of everyday life for millions of Americans. Per capita consumption in the United States now tops fifteen gallons per year with sales over $5 billion in 2002. Even as fuel prices climb, many people are still willing to pay more for a gallon of bottled water than they are for the equivalent in gasoline. At the same time, bottled water has become a symbol of refined taste and a healthy lifestyle. But despite its growing popularity, many people cannot quite put their finger on just why they prefer bottled water to the much less expensive tap variety. Some have a vague notion that bottled water is "healthier," some prefer the convenience and more consistent taste, and others are simply content to follow the trend. The fact is most people know very little about the natural beverage that they drink and enjoy. It is reasonable to wonder, therefore, just what differentiates bottled water from other water? Is it really better or healthier than tap water? Why is it that different brands seem to have subtle variations in taste?
As Francis H. Chapelle reveals in this delightful and informative volume, a complex story of geology, hydrology, and history lies behind every bottle of spring water. The book chronicles the history of the bottled water industry in America from its beginnings in Europe hundreds of years ago to the present day. Subsequent chapters describe the chemical characteristics that make some waters desirable, and provide an overview of the geologic circumstances that produce them. Wellsprings explains how these geologic conditions vary throughout the country, and how this affects the kinds and quality of bottled water that are available. Finally, Chapelle shows how the bottled water industry uses this natural history, together with the perceived health benefits of spring waters, to market their products.
Accessibly written and well illustrated, Wellsprings is both a revealing account and a user's guide to natural spring waters. Regardless of your drinking preference, this timely exploration will make your next drink of water refreshingly informed.
Book Description
The Complete Whale-Watching Handbook is a spectacular celebration of whales and of the immense diversity of whale-watching opportunities. Once the stuff of fishermens yarns and literary classics, we can all now experience the excitement of an eye-to-eye encounter with a whale.The Complete Whale-Watching Handbook looks at the biology of whales, focusing on the species that can be seen on whale-watching excursions, the behaviors likely to be encountered, and the nature of the industry. There is also a species guide, followed by a comprehensive region-by-region guide to whale-watching opportunities worldwide. Up-to-date listings include contact information and a seasonal analysis of the species that can be expected. There are also sections explaining the study of whales, examining the impact of whale-watching on whale populations, and offering practical advice on how to view, photograph, and enjoy cetaceans in the wild.
Customer Reviews:
Enough insights to allow whale watchers to fully appreciate and anticipate their experience........2006-10-15
THE COMPLETE WHALE-WATCHING HANDBOOK: A GUIDE TO WHALES, DOLPHINS, AND PORPOISES OF THE WORLD blends a focus on the biology of whales and their behaviors with a species guide, a regional guide to whale-watching opportunities around the world, and seasonal analysis of species which can be expected. Much more than just a listing of parks and outfitters, it focuses on the biology and science of the species and provides maps, color photos, and enough insights to allow whale watchers to fully appreciate and anticipate their experience.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book Description
"The definitive account of the status and protection of cetaceans -- a well-written and interesting work on an important subject, accessible to both experts and general readers." -- Edward O Wilson, Harvard University, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize
'Multiple strategies are needed to reverse the decline of whales and dolphins, and one of these is creating protected areas for them. Renowned writer and leading authority on whale watching Erich Hoyt takes us on a fascinating journey across the complex and uncharted world of protected areas for cetaceans. This highly informative book will become a source of inspiration and understanding for the decision-maker as well as for the layperson, and an exhaustive repository of information and references for the specialist' Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group and ICRAM, Rome
This definitive handbook launches a new chapter in cetacean conservation with its investigation into the habitat needs and protection requirements of some 84 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. This is the first work to bridge the separate disciplines of marine protected areas (MPAs) and cetacean conservation.
The first part of the book outlines the principles for creating the best possible MPAs for cetaceans, stemming from the identification of critical habitat and through an inclusive process involving all stakeholders – local community, NGOs, researchers, the fishing and tourism industries, along with government planners and wildlife managers.
The second part covers each of the 18 marine regions around the world. Included are marine region maps and tables outlining proposed and existing MPAs, detailed checklists for creating and implementing MPAs, an explanation of biosphere reserves, and relevant international legislation. The book also looks at regulation of international trade and hunting, fisheries agreements and promotion of whale watching, ecotourism and other non-consumptive economic policies.
Customer Reviews:
My Bible for MPA for cetacean management!.......2005-03-16
I received this book almost a month ago, and ever since I've been using it to write my paper on MPA. My masters thesis is about marine mammal management in Indonesia, and this book helps me put many things in perspective.
I even recommend this book to my supervisor (she will buy it from Amazon as well!) and the uni library for collection. My friend in the next room is borrowing the book for a while for her thesis as well.
I say Hoyt has done a good job. This might be the first comprehensive book about MPA for cetaceans, and it sure worth 5 stars!
Recommended reading.......2004-11-29
In this excellent and definitive book, the author makes clear that Marine Protected Areas, even in the earliest stages of full evaluation, offer a realistic and informed approach to immediate and future marine conservation. Whilst the science and logisitcs are complex, the theory behind MPAs is simple. Its an holistic approach to conservation in which single factors are considered cumulatively, rather than individually. So for example, the effects of all human activities in one area (say, fishing, recreational boating and waste management) are considered all together, not just for one particular species but on the entire ecosystem in question, from whale to coral reef to microorganism. The emphasis is strongly on the management of human activities. Truly effective MPAs require difficult and unpopular decisions, such as the zoning of areas where human presence is limited and, in some cases, prohibited. We are accustomed to plundering the seas without thought, for economic and recreational benefit. For the world in general to embrace MPAs to their fullest extent will require a huge shift in thinking and greater cooperation between nations and understanding between cultures.
This book cuts through the multiplicity of labels attached to areas of protection for marine life and lays bare the precise meaning of each. Such labels generally make it easy for us to imagine that, in those protected sanctuaries at least, cetaceans are saved. But large whales being protected from commercial hunting in one area does not necessarily mean they will not be killed in the name of science or suffer a fatal strike from a ship, and goes absolutely nowhere towards protecting smaller cetaceans from dying in a fishing net.
Land-based conservation has the advantage of being relatively stable and focused on discreet areas. To paraphrase the author, one can't simply erect a fence at sea and put up a Keep Out sign. Marine protected areas need to be fluid to take into account the fact that critical habitats for cetaceans change with the season, their migratory movements and the dispersal of their prey. Further, our very definition of critical habitat must be questioned and expanded: what good a protected area for calving if there is no safe area for socialising and mating?
This is an exhaustively researched, fascinating, thought-provoking and hugely useful book. It is both reference and reading material in one. For those involved in the conservation of cetaceans it must already be a compulsory handbook and for the layreader it is a revealing and readable account of the considerable progress of our conservation experts and of the huge task still ahead. A massive achievement marking a milestone in marine protection.
Average customer rating:
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Sharks and Other Creatures, Birds, Whales Dolphins and Porpoises, Life Through the Ages, Flight and Flying Machines, Wonders of the World, Prehistoric Life, Cars, How People Lived, Trains and Railroads, Animals and Where They Live, Machines (See & Explore Library:)
John Feltwell ,
Sydney Wood ,
Anne Millard ,
Gordon Cruickshank ,
Steve Parker ,
Giovanni Caselli ,
Mark Carwardine ,
Philip Steele , and
David Burnie
Manufacturer: DK Dorling Kindersley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000OVIHPK |
Product Description
SEE & EXPLORE LIBRARY
TOTAL OF 12 BOOKS:
MACHINES AND HOW THEY WORK,
BIRDS AND HOW THEY LIVE,
SHARKS AND OTHER CREATURES OF THE DEEP,
WHALES DOLPHINS AND PORPOISES,
LIFE THROUGH THE AGES,
FLIGHT AND FLYING MACHINES,
WONDERS OF THE WORLD,
PREHISTORIC LIFE,
CARS AND HOW THEY WORK,
HOW PEOPLE LIVED,
TRAINS AND RAILROADS,
ANIMALS AND WHERE THEY LIVE.
Average customer rating:
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Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World
Mary L. Baker
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Fish & Sharks
| Animals
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Mammals
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| Zoology
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ASIN: 038515366X
Release Date: 1987-08-04 |
Product Description
Profusely illustrated with color photographs, this book draws you into the world of the whales. Discover their anatomy, family lives and behavior while being introduced to the different species. Includes bibliography, index, and whale classification appendix listing their orders and scientific and common names.
Average customer rating:
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A World Guide to Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises
Donald S. Heintzelman
Manufacturer: Winchester Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Mammals
| Animals
| Biological Sciences
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Mammals
| Zoology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
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Mammals
| Field Guides
| Outdoors & Nature
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ASIN: 0832932302 |
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