The History and Folklore of North American Wildflowers

Book Description

This highly entertaining reference book presents the popular lore, social history, and practical uses of nearly seven hundred native flowers.

Customer Reviews:

Rare, perhaps soon-to-be lost, botanical esoterica.......2006-05-10

There are things in this book I have never heard anywhere else. It is an unusual compilation of historical plant literature, which like much ethnobotany could one day simply vanish from the collective conscience.

The historical anecdotes are wide-ranging and memorable, e.g. Arrow Arum tubers were a staple food of mid-Atlantic Indian tribes; Jimsonweed's strongly hallucinogenic alkaloids were a favorite tool of medieval "wenches... so skilled in [the] dosing of it, that they [could] make a man mad for as many hours as they [pleased];" the Pawnee Indians swore by a perfume made of crushed Columbine seeds...

I cringe at the thought of how much plant knowledge was once commonly known and used, yet now stands on the brink of extinction. I liken it to a pile of never-published Bach or Vivaldi manuscripts rotting away in some attic, when they instead could bring joy to millions.

The History and Folklore of North American Wildflowers.......2003-02-28

If you find yourself wondering about wildflowers and how they were appreciated by those many generations before us, then this is a wonderful book to add to your library. I found various aspects of this book to be helpful, including the biographical notes on Pliny the Elder, Peter Kalm and many others. The author also lists regional names for plants; for instance Garlic Mustard is also known as Sauce-Alone. The book is easy to read, and gives interesting historical information from various sources on the medicinal and other uses of wildflowers. The line drawings add a nice touch. Keep in mind that the book is geared toward history and is not meant as a guide for identifying plants. Good companion books to this would be any of the Peterson's Field Guides to Wildflowers and/or Medicinal Plants.

Average customer rating:

Baseball heaven!

A Home Run with the Bases Juiced

Sports Illustrated: Great Baseball Writing
Editors of Sports Illustrated
Manufacturer: Sports Illustrated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Essays & Writings | Baseball | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Baseball | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Sports Illustrated: Great Football Writing (Sports Illustrated)

Sports Illustrated: Inside Baseball: The Best of Tom Verducci

Sports Illustrated: Fifty Years of Great Writing: 50th Anniversary 1954-2004

Sports Illustrated: The Baseball Book

The Best of Baseball Digest: The Greatest Players, The Greatest Games, the Greatest Writers from the Game's Most Exciting Years

ASIN: 1933821817

Book Description

hen Sports Illustrated was launched in 1954, baseball was, indisputably, the national pastime, its stars America's epic heroes, its rivalries the era's mythology. As baseball's fortunes rose and fell over the next 50 years-and then rose again to new heights, drawing more than 65 million fans to ballparks in 2004-the game never failed to produce great drama and inspired storytelling. This collection is a virtual Hall of Fame from the pages of SI, bringing together the stories of baseball's greatest heroes (Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Sandy Koufax) and villains (Ty Cobb, Pete Rose, Denny McLain) and characters (Casey Stengel, Max Patkin, Yogi Berra); its legendary quests (the home run chases of Roger Maris, Hank Aaron, Mark McGwire, and Barry Bonds; the thrilling pennant races, from the Dodgers-Giants in 1951 to the Yankees-Red Sox in 1978); its world-class writers (Frank Deford, Mark Kram, George Plimpton, Peter Gammons, and Tom Verducci) and its own players writing from the inside about their game (Ted Williams, Jim Brosnan, and Jim Bouton). In the wake of SI's acclaimed Fifty Years of Great Writing comes this baseball anthology worthy of Cooperstown.

Customer Reviews:

Baseball heaven!.......2007-03-09

As a fan of the game and of Sports Illustrated I was pleasantly suprised by the content and the writing style of the book. Some of the stories brought back memories and others were new to me. I would recommend this book to anyone even, non-lovers of the game.

A Home Run with the Bases Juiced.......2005-12-07

The book contains just over 50 essays collected from the 50+ years of Sports Illustrated. I own several hundred baseball books and this one slides safely (without a throw)into the top ten.

The writing is generally top notch - truly an honor role of the best: Roger Kahn, Frank DeFord, Peter Gammons, Robert Creamer, George Plimpton - and so many others.

What I loved about this book is that it makes history come alive. Roy Blount's essay isn't about how great Reggie Jackson was, Blount writes about how great he IS. Kahn's essay on Stan the Man Musial captures the essence of a Hall of Famer who somehow is an underrated superstar. Red Sox diehard Johnathan Schwartz crafts a vivid, yet heartbreaking account of the 1978 playoff game.

My favorites? Creamer's essay on Vin Scully which includes a brilliant account of Scully broadcasting from a stadium roof during a freezing winter. Dan Okrent's gem revealing the statistical genius of Bill James years before he hit the mainstream.

Oddly, a couple of the more famous pieces, Rick Rilley's "Heaven Help Marge Schott" really does come off as a hatchet-job on a old lady. Bouton's "Son of Ball Four" is a whiney diatribe. However, those are just two clunkers compared with the 50 that are really good.

A great book, up there with "Veeck as Wreck", "Babe", and "Glory of Their Times". A great gift for baseball fans of all ages and at $17 for 500+ pages - a true bargain.

Sports Illustrated: Great Football Writing (Sports Illustrated)

Average customer rating:

An excellent compendium or giftbook especially for thoughtful football fans
A Hall-of-Fame Colection

Sports Illustrated: Great Football Writing (Sports Illustrated)
Editors of Sports Illustrated
Manufacturer: Sports Illustrated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Sports | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Baseball | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books

Essays | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1933405090

Book Description

For more than 50 years, Sports Illustrated has been the gold standard of sports writing, and during that time, footballonce a popular college pastime but only a rag-tag professional gamehas moved to center stage, taking its unquestioned place as Americas most popular sport.This book brings together dozens of football classics from the pages of SI, featuring the work of such esteemed writers as John OHara and Jack Kerouac, Dan Jenkins and George Plimpton, Don DeLillo and John Underwood and John Ed Bradley.And of course, the collection includes many of the longtime favorites of SI readers: Frank Deford and Rick Reilly, Steve Rushin and Gary Smith, Peter King and Rick Telander, and the inimitable Dr. Z, Paul Zimmerman.Covering more than half a century of the game at every level from high school to the Super Bowl, this volume will be indispensable reading for serious football fans.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent compendium or giftbook especially for thoughtful football fans.......2007-01-06

Edited by Sports Illustrated magazine's executive editor Rob Fleder, and with an introduction by popular football writer Peter King, Sports Illustrated: Great Football Writing compiles classic stories about football and football players from the pages of the venerable magazine, from the modern day to the 1950's. From "The Nightmare of Steroids" to "Where Have You Gone, Joe Namath?" to "All the Way with O.J." - an article about Simpson's stellar football performance from long before his arrest and trial for murder - the articles cover the both the highlights and the low points of America's long love affair with football. An excellent compendium or giftbook especially for thoughtful football fans, who enjoy pondering at length how the sport and its telling has gradually evolved with the decades.

A Hall-of-Fame Colection.......2006-09-27

There once was a time - it seems like a century ago - when SI really meant something in chronicling sports. But the magazine has sunk over the years to lazily give readers too many book excerpts and not enough good reporting. Is a lead article bashing A-Rod, that includes quotes by cowards who don't want to be named, really good journalism?

This outstanding collection of essays over the many years of the publication shows how sports writing can be equal parts art and history. In the first 50 or so pages, a reader learns about the first sports agent in the game, how a NFL franchise owner parlayed purchasing a team for a buck into stock worth almost $2 million, how the draw-play was invented, the grand history and sordid collapse of the Southwest Conference and the mystique of Lambeau Field.

The writers are a venerable who's who in American letters; David Halberstam, Jack Kerouac and George Plimpton. The sleeper in the bunch is Myron Cope, who was an outstanding sports writer before becoming the Super Fan-character on Pittsburgh Steelers radio broadcasts. Though not included in the collection, Cope's SI interview of Howard Cosell was the best feature I ever read on the man who "Told It Like It Is" well before Monday Night Football.

Great Football Writing is essential reading for people who enjoy the great mechanics of being told a story. And though the writers make the craft seem as easy as drawing up a last-second bomb to win the street-game, it takes a champion to professionally cover a champion. The collection is a classic.

Great Baseball Writing - Sports Illustrated 1954-2004

Average customer rating:

Great Baseball Writing - Sports Illustrated 1954-2004
Rob, Editor Fleder
Manufacturer: Time, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KIRB1I

Book Description

Marco Polo thought Sri Lanka was the finest island of its size in all the world - and we agree. Explore the majestic ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. Stretch out on secluded palm-fringed beaches. Follow the glowing strings of lights on the pilgrim trail up Adam's Peak. Ride through hillside tea plantations in a rattling train. This guide gives you the inside information on Sri Lanka's richest experiences.

o GET THE LOWDOWN - our dedicated Snapshot, Culture and History chapters are your ticket to understanding local life
o GO ON SAFARI - get up close to Sri Lanka's birds, elephants and leopards: our detailed national parks information shows you how
o DON'T JUST LIE THERE - we tempt you off the beach with Sri Lanka's best diving, hiking and surfing
o KNOW YOUR KITUL FROM YOUR KIRI BATH - our Food & Drink chapter will help you gobble your way through the island's celebrated cuisine
o FIND YOUR WAY - easy-to-read maps show you where to go

Customer Reviews:

Very Helpful.......2007-04-02

This book helped me navigate my way through my very interesting recent trip.

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Sinhala Phrasebook

Lonely Planet Sinhala Phrasebook
Swarna Pragnaratne
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

Sri Lanka | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Lonely Planet | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

General | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 086442597X

Book Description

Make the most of your travel tin Sri Lanka: speak Sinhala! If you're after a ticket for the cricket, the best way to the beach or a taste of Ayurveda treatment, this is the book for you. Seek out the striking Sigiriya frescoes or kick on with the kolam dancers at Ambalangoda. Barter for your batiks or talk tea at the plantation - whatever you choose, add sparkle to you, speech on the Isle of Gems.

get the lowdown on full moon days and festivals
don't be thrown by signs in script
curry favour with your waiter - order in Sinhala
use the comprehensive dictionary to find words fast
know the right vocab for monk communication
wise up on Sinhalese pronunciation and grammar

Customer Reviews:

Lonely Planet Sinhala Phrasebook.......2007-05-13

Nice little book even though the language is crazy to try to learn.

Average customer rating:

Great service!
Lonely Planet Sri Lanka Travel Guide
The Pearl of the Orient
Great guide
useful and informative

Lonely Planet Sri Lanka
Richard Plunkett , and Brigitte Ellemor
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

Sri Lanka | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Lonely Planet | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1740594231

Book Description

Whether you want to marvel at ancient cities or the Buddha's tooth, comb idyllic beaches or follow the paths of elephants, this guide to the colour and flavours of Sri Lanka is your key to unlocking its secrets.

43 maps, including a colour country map
colour section on the wildlife of Sri Lanka, plus essential tips for birdwatchers
the flavours of Sri Lanka, from a morning hopper to an evening arrack
from cheap dens to colonial mansions - the scoop on where to puff your pillow

Customer Reviews:

Great service!.......2006-07-06

I received the book in excellent condition and quite fast! Would use this company again without a doubt!

Lonely Planet Sri Lanka Travel Guide.......2005-08-15

I barely give "Lonely Planet Sri Lanka" 5 stars as they have some nice color photos of different activities and areas in Sri Lanka, they also have good individual area maps though straight black and white not topographical or color as they have in "Insight Guide Sri Lanka". Basically a very nicely laid out guide with just about all the information you would hope to expect or need.

The Pearl of the Orient .......2005-01-19

Sri Lanka is an island of exceptional beauty -- but there is trouble in paradise. For two decades the island has been torn apart by violence between the two largest ethnic groups, Buddhist Sinhalese and Hindu Tamils. One of my most vivid memories of Colombo was a march of Buddhist monks carrying signs with political sentiments such as, "Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country." The Tamil Tigers, on their part, will probably be remembered as virtuoso suicide bombers. So much for "tolerant" Asian religions.

Most of the violence has now ceased and the traveler need not be concerned with it, although traveling by land from Colombo to Jaffna in the north one has to pass along a dirt highway lined in places with minefields. Military fortresses will also be encountered along main highways.

I'm not much of a beach fan, although that's why most tourists go to Sri Lanka. Given the ravages of the tsunami most of the beach resorts on the South and East coasts have probably been damaged. So this is an excellent time to go to Sri Lanka to see the beautiful tea estates in the cool, cloudy hill country and the Buddhist monuments near the center of the island. For the sand and sea set, some decent beach resorts near Colombo on the West coast were probably not affected by the Tsunami.

The Lonely Planet Guide sums up the many attractions of this beautiful country. As always, it includes reliable information on history and practical matters plus sidebars on interesting subjects such as birds, turtles, train schedules, and 101 uses for a coconut.

Smallchief

Great guide.......2004-11-18

I traveled to Sri Lanka for New Year's 2004, and found the information contained to be extremely helpful. Especially the accommodation information. When I arrived to Sri Lanka, I had nothing planned - and was going to hire a driver to take me around. Finding a driver, we sat down to plan the trip, book the hotels etc... I was able to compare the prices listed in the Lonely Planet Guide with those quoted and used the book to bargain the prices down - it was great! Most of the stuff in the guide was tourist orientated - where I prefer to take the road less traveled. I definitely recommend getting this guide before you head over - and read it over a few times before getting there, it will help you out heaps!

useful and informative.......2003-12-07

I used the latest edition of this book (published August 2003) while travelling around Sri Lanka for a month in November 2003. I found the information in the book to be accurate and easy to find. Like most Lonely Planet guide books its strength is detailed logistical information such as bus and train times, accommodation and opening times. The only negative point is that sometimes the historical and background information is a little vague and lacks specific dates. Still I would thoroughly recommend this book for any independent traveller in Sri Lanka. It will save you time and money and help you enjoy your holiday even more.

Lonely Planet Sri Lanka Phrasebook (Lonely Planet Sinhala Phrasebook)

Average customer rating:

Excellent value
Not very useful
Not a Good Way to Learn Singhalese

Lonely Planet Sri Lanka Phrasebook (Lonely Planet Sinhala Phrasebook)
Margit Meinhold
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0908086946

Customer Reviews:

Excellent value.......2001-03-02

I found this little book to be a good value- there is so little available on the languages of Sri Lanka- There a lots of little cultural tips as well- An audio tape would be a good accessory-

Not very useful.......2000-05-01

This little book is not very useful for learning such a complex language. There is nothing about the alphabet and the pronunciation guide is confusing.

Not a Good Way to Learn Singhalese.......2000-02-29

Right before my trip to Sri Lanka I purchased this book. I find the culture and language fascinating, but I was incredibly frustrated by my lack of understanding of Singhalese. Nearly every word in the Singhalese language is at least twice as long as any word in English.

For a person w/ no previous experience w/ Singhalese this book will be too cursory to provide much benefit. I don't recommend taking it w/ you to Sri Lanka unless you have nothing else. On the other hand, it doesn't cost much, and is probably worth its price tag.

Book Description

For Paula Herman, 11 going on 12, life is pretty straightforward - until the summer her mother decides to move to Edmonton. There Paula begins to unravel the mystery of her past and things begin to get complicated. Why does her mother refuse to talk about it? What has happened to the handsome man in the photograph - the man she knows must be her father? Why is his name Popowich when hers is Herman?

The deeper Paula goes into solving the mystery, the more tangled her life becomes - until running away seems the only solution. Or is it?

Teacher's Guide Book 1 : My Name is Paula Popowich

Average customer rating:

Teacher's Guide Book 1 : My Name is Paula Popowich
Sylvia Hill
Manufacturer: Lorimer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0888628315
Release Date: 1987-01-01

Book Description

The teachers guide for Paula Popowich is part of a series of 7 books; The Time of Our Lives Series. The books are suitable for students reading at a grade 6 level.

Average customer rating:

So-so

My Name Is Paula Popowich

Manufacturer: Lorimer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 9997813650

Customer Reviews:

So-so.......2000-04-15

This book wasn't all that I thought it was. It was a classic story with a "I-don't-know-if-it-should-be-called-an-ending" story.It's about a girl who lives with her mother and has to move to Edmonton. When she finds pictures and belongings of her long lost father. She builds a fantasy around the memory of her father, that he was some kind of a hero, until she learns the truth. It's very ho-hum and I expected more from Monica Hughes.

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