Product Description
This colorful photographic field guide describes about 1,200 species of common invertebrates, fishes, reptiles and mammals that occur on and around the world's coral reefs and mangroves. 6-1/2" x 7", 478 pages, 1,300 color photos.
Customer Reviews:
A Diver's Guide to Reef Life.......2007-09-17
A Diver's Guide to Reef Life
Comment by Stephen Wong, Marine Wildlife Photojournalist
I used to believe that biologists (or people who knew much of science) did not make the prettiest images, while dedicated photographers were merely trying to paint aesthetic pictures but didn't know a lot about the scientific part of their subjects. I am sure the biologists could shoot extremely well but they just didn't have the time to create the pretty photos, as their time spent would be doing much research in lab and field. At the same time, wildlife photographers could be stellar ecologist but simply lack the proper background training to discuss seriously the scientific side, or the photographers could know in-depth biology on only a few subjects but not many. Gee, am I wrong! "A Diver's Guide to Reef Life" by Andrea & Antonella Ferrari has changed my steretypic perception.
This 480-page 16cm X 18cm book delivers a wealth of scientific knowledge plus a full load of exquisite images. There must be at least 828 species (I counted) of the more encountered and diver-interested marine creatures' discussed and over 1,200 species of animals deftly composed in the book. Not only the general distribution and sizing of the subjects are talked about, the animals' individual habitats and their intrigue life habits are discussed. The ID shots for the `science' section are more than adequate as the pictures clearly show the species' colors, shapes and unique features so that viewers can immediately locate and relate to. The life habits section and the galleries (many beautiful images) are my most favorite. I am learning a lot from these two areas, plus from the underwater photo-tips that the Ferraris stated in each family introduction.
Besides the more popular diver-quested subjects, such as sharks to the jeweled pygmy seahorses, the book also covers subjects that may be of less interest to most divers, like the corals, sponges and sea squirts. Though these are not talked in-depth, the authors have used ample images to let the readers compare to what they see in their dives - a criteria for a good guide book. The Ferraris also have dedicated a small section on the dangers that the ecosystem now faces and suggested a list of `Don'ts' for everyone to help to preserve the fragile reef.
"A Diver's Guide to Reef Life" is a book that makes nature lovers learn more about the denizens of the seas and the relationships with each other. With interesting marine science balances eye-savvy images, be the book placed on the shelf for educational purposes or bringing it on dive locations for reference, I highly recommend the book for everyone and all resorts.
If you need ONE book, this is the one!.......2007-06-27
This book is the most used book in the library at Raja Ampat's Sorido Bay. It seemed that whatever we were looking for, was in this book. Now I have to resolve the spelling quirk for Thysanozoon. Who is correct? The Ferrari's or the others? Also, a big plus for this book...it stays open wherever you put it, while you are researching all your finds. The construction is ingenious.
Top Guide.......2007-06-18
ANDREA AND ANTONELLA FERRARI have spent years amassing the photographs and information contained in A Diver's Guide to Reef Life, and it shows.
With 1200 tropical species, ranging from coral polyps, gorgonians, sea squirts, sponges, nudibranchs and all of the main fish groups, this is a truly comprehensive work, and probably the only reef guide most divers will need to take with them on a trip.
Covering the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific and many Caribbean species, the book comes in a handy, almost square format with just three species per page, allowing good-sized images of high quality.
The authors describe each species carefully, and where possible give information on behaviour to assist with identification. For example, the reader learns that the orangeband surgeonfish (Acanthurus olivaceus) "can switch its main body colour from dark olive to tan to dark blue in seconds" and that there are 40 different species of triggerfish. One section shows juvenile specimens of some of the commonest fish, demonstrating how unlike their adult forms they can be.
Photographically, Reef Life is excellent, with every shot a genuinely representative view of the animal or fish described. The book also contains a good general introduction to coral-reef ecology, and titbits of information are spread throughout the text: "94 million tonnes of fish are now taken globally each year, compared to 19 million tonnes in 1950."
The Ferraris also produced the Macrolife Guide to Underwater Malaysia, in my opinion the best of its kind. Now they have created an indispensable companion volume that will serve every diver well.
Tim Ecott, author Neutral Buoyancy: Adventures in a Liquid World
One of the better guides to marine life.......2007-06-06
As a marine biologist as well as an author and photographer of marine life books, I am very selective in my choice of those that end up on my shelf. I am particularly critical of books with a global scope as these invariably include only a small fraction of what lives in any particular area. These books usually include only what the photographer happens to have good photographs of rather than what is important. This book is an exception as the authors have included many excellent photographs taken by others. In doing so the authors have managed to pull together 1200 of the most important and interesting species, all with concise information on distribution, habitat and behavior. No book of this kind is immune from misidentification, but this one has fewer than most. It's a keeper. For those in the w. Pacific who want to dig deeper, please also check the following: Micronesian Reef Fishes: A Field Guide for Divers and Aquarists
Wonderful photo guide to reef life.......2007-06-04
I have A DIVER'S GUIDE TO UNDERWATER MALAYSIA MACROLIFE and was pleased to see this additional book by the Andrea & Antonella Ferrari. I find this book just beautiful and well researched. This book is superior to some other field guides seem slapped together without much substance. I see this as a great addition to my library. You may also be interested in the following book: Coral Reef Guide Red Sea (Coral Reef)
Average customer rating:
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Light and Photosynthesis in Aquatic Ecosystems
John T. O. Kirk
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
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Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis
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Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics: Fundamentals and Large-scale Circulation
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Stable Isotope Ecology
ASIN: 0521459664 |
Book Description
Penetration of light into aquatic ecosystems is greatly affected by the absorption and scattering processes that take place within the water. Thus within any water body, the intensity and color of the light field changes greatly with depth and this has a marked influence on both the total productivity of, and the kinds of plant that predominate in, the ecosystem. This study presents an integrated and coherent treatment of the key role of light in aquatic ecosystems. It ranges from the physics of light transmission within water, through the biochemistry and physiology of aquatic photosynthesis, to the ecological relationships that depend on the underwater light climate.
Book Description
This book holds appeal for divers, laymen, romantic, and dolphin lovers alike, regarding man's spiritual connection to the sea.
Customer Reviews:
Water World.......2004-09-10
I first heard of the late Jacques Mayol from the now classic cult movie "The Big Blue". Judging by this encyclopedic work, the real Jacques Mayol was a more interesting character than his celluloid image. "Homo Delphinus" is clearly a work of love and a beautiful book. It is published in a large glossy format with stunning photos. It is difficult to classify the book as it is a combination of science, semi-science, ecology, philosophy and mysticism. Mr. Mayol is successful in producing a touching work that summarizes his life long romance with the aquatic world and his hopes and visions for the future.
As I said, the book is encyclopedic - Mr. Mayol covers a wide range of topics- and this is also one of the weaknesses of the book. At times I felt that the author was rambling a bit. Perhaps a good editor would have helped Mayol be more focused.
The translation is not always smooth. From the book itself it is unclear if the translation was done from the original French, the Italian version or both.
I was very interested to read that Mayol did not take kindly to the fact that freediving has become a type of extreme sport. He feels that this is dangerous and misconstrues the real spirit of apnea diving.
I would recommend this book to anybody interested in the oceans, marine mammals or diving.
If I could, I would have rated the book 4 1/2 stars.
Disappointing.......2002-03-22
I am a great admirer of Mr. Mayol. Since a child I felt always impressed about his contributions to science and conservationism. However, I just felt so disappointed when I read Homo Delphinus. Through it, he tries to cover many topics, but in such a superficial way that it made me anxious for not getting into any point at all. And his theory about the "homo delphinus" is only a collection of cliches and general thoughts.
With respect to the book itself, it lacks the quality of modern books and the photography has been poorly incorporated.
I am sure many people will love this book, but I expected far more from such a remarkable man as Jacques Mayol.
A MUST.......2002-01-01
Being a diver and a fan of the sea, having met Jacques Mayol the guru of breath-hold dives in Oct 2001 in Elba and upon learning that this famous book was now available in English, the next day I procured one from this site. Having since learnt of Jacques's passing on the 22nd of Dec 2001 I feel that anyone who dives or simply loves the sea and its creatures should get hold of this very remarkable book - before it goes out of production.
A fantastic book with lots of beautiful photographs that takes the reader through Jacques' early life, his reactions in the form of questions and answers to the movie "The Big Blue" and his techniques on apnea, his travels and inventions and his views on the purity of the ocean and man's endeavour to demolish anything remotely beautiful. A fantastic book to have and to keep for future generations of a man who seems to much prefer living with the creatures of the sea than with homo sapiens on land.
interaction between one man and the sea.......2000-04-19
Jacques Mayol launches first book in the United States
Idelson-Gnocchi Publishing is pleased to announce the release of Jacques Mayol's first book published in the United States, "Homo Delphinus - The Dolphin within Man". This large format, gorgeously photographed volume, is the culmination of a lifetime of personal oceanic experiences by Jacques Mayol, easily one of the most accomplished free divers of his or any other generation.
Jacques Mayol, holder of a dozen world breathhold diving records, was the first man to descend to 100 meters (330 feet), a feat he accomplished in 1976. He followed this with yet another record breaking drop to 105 meters (346 feet) at the age of 56. A Frenchman born in China, Jacques Mayol now splits his time between homes on the island of Elba in Italy, the island of South Caicos in the Turks & Caicos and a full life in Japan. He is a practitioner of Yoga, Zen and other Oriental life philosophies, essential disciplines he incorporates into his free diving practices.
Homo Delphinus demonstrates an exceptional personal vision of the interaction between one man and the sea. It also provides a superb explanation of how the separate disciplines of science and philosophy come together to allow these extraordinary free diving explorations of the ocean. This theme goes hand in hand with Jacques' deep abiding love for the ocean and it's inhabitants, particularly dolphins. He spends much of the book exploring both the affection and the similarities existing between man and dolphin, a heartfelt search for "the dolphin dormant in all of us".
The adventures in Jacques' life were chronicled in the landmark Luc Bresson film 'The Big Blue'. He has been the subject of numerous national and international broadcast interviews and print features. Jacques is also one of the world's leading authorities on 'apnea', a phenomenal physical discipline which reduces heart rate and respiratory functions, thus
allowing him to perform his remarkable diving feats. Free diving aficionados worldwide recognize and thank him for his insight, his developments of the sport and for his accomplishments. At 72 years of age, Jacques still revels in the ocean, swimming and diving virtually every available day.
Idelson-Gnocchi Publishing is based in Napoli, Italy where it has been publishing specialized Scientific Publications since 1908. The company now has offices in both Italy as well as in Florida.
Exciting........2000-04-19
"how exciting it was to read about how it felt to come up from a dive, to have his own experience written down on the page, just the way he experienced".
Average customer rating:
- Revenge of the Whale
- Revenge Of The Whale
- A Review of Revenge of the Whale
- Revenge of the Whale
- Revenge of the Whale
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Revenge Of The Whale
Nathaniel Philbrick
Manufacturer: Audio Bookshelf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: 0976193205 |
Customer Reviews:
Revenge of the Whale.......2006-04-27
This book is an interesting book. In this book the main characters are Thomas Nickerson a cabin boy aboard the whale ship Essex, the first mate Owen Chase, and the captain George Pollard Jr. This book starts out in a place in New England called Nantucket. Then as the book progresses the rest of the book pretty much takes place on the sea.
This book is an interesting book because it is interesting to learn about whaling. One thing that amazed me was how dangerous whaling could be. It sounded not only dangerous, but a job that required a lot of skill. If you like whaling stories this is the right book for you. If you are a person who likes survival stories this is a great book for you. Also if you like stories that take place at sea this is also the perfect book for you. This book was adapted from the National Book Award-Winner In the Heart of the Sea. So, if you like the book in the heart of the sea I would advise this book.
~ Nico
Revenge Of The Whale.......2006-04-27
The book that I read was "Revenge Of The Whale" by Nathaniel Philbrick. I thought that this book was ok because it was very suspencful,scary, a little of humor, and gory. I discovered reading this book that I feel bad about what we have done in the past to the whales.
This book is about a crew member on the boat Essex his name was Thomas Nickerson. Thomas Nickerson is the cabin boy on the boat. The fact that he got a chance to fo whaling was the most exciting thing in his life. He is also the youngest crew member and also the youngest out of the few people that survived the attack of a sperm whale. He is far away from home in the middle of the ocean with nothing to eat the only thing he had was a little boat the big sea and hope. Will hope help him though? How will he survive?
This book makes you feel as if you are standing in the eyes of young Nickerson. Very adventuros book filled with suspence, action, and sadness. This nook is very simular to "I The Heart Of The Sea." I would recomend this book to somone who likes scary books. I hope you like this book and have a fun time reading it!
~Kiersten
A Review of Revenge of the Whale.......2006-04-26
"All aboard the Essex," with George Pallard as your Captain. The crew members will be staying out on sea for almost two years. The crew of the Essex is sailing, looking for whales, but having a little trouble with that until they spot a Sperm whale. Little did they know that that whale could cost the crew their lives.
The Sperm whale has attacked their ship and forced all of the men to divide up and live for two or more months on little whaling boats. The crew is left with only 3 pounds of hardtack a day and only half a pint of water. All the men are struggling to stay alive, there is soon cannibalism and not enough water to keep the crew living. None of the men know what is going to happen next.
The author gives alot of detail with his writing. There are parts in this book that i did not like very much; the starving, the blood and gore, and the act of cannibalism. I also felt
bad and sorry for what happens to the crew aboard the Essex. You would enjoy this book if you like true stories out on the sea. If you like survival stories, you would also like this book. It was a long ride aboard the Essex but now they are coming home.
~Morgan
Revenge of the Whale.......2006-04-26
Revenge of the Whale is a book about the "Essex", a whaling ship in the early 1820s.
Thomas Nickerson is a 14-year-old boy that lives on the small island of Nantucket, right off of Cape Cod. He decides that he is going to go on his first whaling journey on the "Essex", under the command of George Pollard jr., the Captain, Owen Chase, the first mate, and Matthew Joy, the second mate.
After a series of unlucky events, Thomas Nickerson, Owen Chase, and a few other crew members find themselves in the middle of the Pacific ocean being attacked by a Male, 80-ton Sperm whale. The whale rammed the "Essex" twice leaving it on it's side.
Once the rest of the crew comes back from the whale they were hunting, they decide to try and sail for any land. Once they gather what provisions they could find, they set sail in three small whaleboats.
George Pollard jr. and Owen Chase decide not to sail to the closest islands, the Society Islands, in fear of cannibals, and instead sail South then East, to get the South American Coast. The boats soon start to run out of food, and the only way to survive may be to consume their fallen comrades.
This Book is a true story of 20 sailors and their struggle for life at sea. I thought this book was very interesting since it was a true story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes realistic and intense survival stories.
-by Alex
Revenge of the Whale.......2006-04-26
Revenge of the Whale is a book about the "Essex", a whaling ship in the early 1820s.
Thomas Nickerson is a 14-year-old boy that lives on the small island of Nantucket, right off of Cape Cod. He decides that he is going to go on his first whaling journey on the "Essex", under the command of George Pollard jr., the Captain, Owen Chase, the first mate, and Matthew Joy, the second mate.
After a series of unlucky events, Thomas Nickerson, Owen Chase, and a few other crew members find themselves in the middle of the Pacific ocean being attacked by a Male, 80-ton Sperm whale. The whale rammed the "Essex" twice leaving it on it's side.
Once the rest of the crew comes back from the whale they were hunting, they decide to try and sail for any land. Once they gather what provisions they could find, they set sail in three small whaleboats.
George Pollard jr. and Owen Chase decide not to sail to the closest islands, the Society Islands, in fear of cannibals, and instead sail South then East, to get the South American Coast. The boats soon start to run out of food, and the only way to survive may be to consume their fallen comrades.
This Book is a true story of 20 sailors and their struggle for life at sea. I thought this book was very interesting since it was a true story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes realistic and intense survival stories.
-by Alex
Average customer rating:
- From a man who understands Photography like no other.
- It`s A WORK OF ART!
- The sea in a page
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Light in the Sea
David Doubilet
Manufacturer: Legacy Words
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Binding: Hardcover
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Water Light Time
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Great Barrier Reef (National Geographic Insight)
ASIN: 0934738548 |
Customer Reviews:
From a man who understands Photography like no other........2002-01-31
It is very easy to mention David Doubilet in the same breath as National Geographic as though that says it all. Of course his work has appeared in that illustrious magazine for many years and, well, perhaps it does.
Light in the Sea is a large coffee-table book measuring 12in x 12in and is packed with a collection of photographs taken in, on, around, above and, of course, below the surface of the sea. It is, however, far more than just another collection of photographs of fish, corals and other sea creatures - this is an complete exercise in what to aim for when taking similar photographs.
I am studiously avoiding such words as "Outstanding" or "Excellent" when describing the pictures contained in this book. This is because there are many outstanding and excellent photographers out there - but David Doubilet is a cut above the rest and in a class of his own. His photographs need no such description.
There is far more to Underwater Photography than taking good photographs underwater and, having studied the many images in this book, I would suggest "Light in the Sea" is the template on which any aspiring underwater photographer should model their own abilities.
Sea Creatures are photographed from every position - with wide-angle lens and with macro-lens, from above the surface, from below the surface - and even from half in and half out of the water. Islands are shown with rows of coconut trees along the shores in the background and rows of corals underwater in the foreground - and all in a single photograph. Even that well-known rocky promontory in Egypt called Ras Mohammed is photographed from a new and exciting angle.
This is a book where every photograph is an abject lesson in photography with each one making the statement; "this is what you should aim to achieve when taking a photograph like this." This is a book where the Master has demonstrated his art to the student and I salute the author.
NM
It`s A WORK OF ART!.......2001-03-26
Light in the Sea is a book that revolutionized the techniques of underwater photography. It belongs to the most beautifull books I`ve ever seen. Doubilet is a photographer that has done a pair of other good books and written a lot of articles for National Geographic. His photos looks more like paintings than photos and that`s what`s making the book so good. Among my favourite pics are the Izu Peninsula coral reefs and also the Caribbean which is my favourite underwater area. His ways to capture the animals is unique,although there are other good photographers too,such as Roger Steene and Chris Newbert. But Doubilet is the best. The only thing which made me disappointed is that it is so short,just 160 pages. A 400-page photo book would be better. Fortunatley,I also own his other book that has 240 pages of beautifull photos. But don`t forget this,it is fantastic,I promise you that!
The sea in a page.......2000-01-06
This book was a gift, and one I'm eternally grateful for. David Doubilet takes you on a photographic journey from the cold waters of British Colmbia to dive with giant octopus to the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Palau, the Red Sea and the underwater volcanic sands of the Izu Penninsular, Japan. Amazing shots of Great White sharks and WWII wrecks, the incredible compositions and imagination of his photography will pluck you out of your chair and dunk you in the ocean! The supporting text just adds to the effect and compliments the photos beautifully. It's so real that I use it as a substitute for diving when I can't get out there. This man knows how to use a camera, and has a real feel for the sea. If you find it, grab it!
Product Description
The Mary Rose carried a crew of naval officers and sailors, a fighting force of gunners and soldiers, a Barber-surgeon, several ship's carpenters and skilled navigators. Of nearly 500 men, fewer than 40 survived the sinking on 19th July 1545. Trapped by netting, or below deck, they stood little chance, and their bodies and belongings went to the bottom of the sea. Excavation of the hull and contents produced a huge collection of objects that together make up a detailed picture of what life was like on board. Before the Mast explores how the men of the Mary Rose lived, through their surviving possessions; how they were fed; their music and recreation, medicine and provision for illness and injury, as well as working practices: carpentry and maintenance, stowage, navigation and ship's communications. The personal possessions of the crew included religious items, books, fishing lines and weights, sewing kits, money, hair combs, jewellery, knives, musical instruments and many items of clothing. The Barber-surgeon, who had his own cabin, brought on board a fine chest filled with canisters, bottles and pots of ointment and medicines, a variety of surgical instruments and a fine set of razors. Another cabin nearby was clearly occupied by the ship's carpenters whose toolkit included planes, adzes, axes, hammers and drills, as well as pitch pots and special mallets for patching up leaks in the ship's hull. The ship's navigators had the best in sixteenth century compasses. The ship's galley was in the hold and this area in particular produced many examples of wooden and pewter plates, bowls, pots, bread troughs, and tankards, as well as barrels and baskets still containing beef, pork, fish and fruit. The volume also includes an analysis of the human remains providing evidence for the stature and age range of the men most were under 30 their health, and injuries sustained.
Customer Reviews:
Before the Mast.......2007-06-27
The Mary Rose shipwreck is a unique time capsule for those interested in history, let alone in Tudor England. The range of artifacts represent the life, death and warfare aboard a late medieval ship, consisting of the naval equipment, arms and armaments (arrows, bows, cannon, etc), furniture, clothing, the bones of those drowned, jewellery, medical supplies, games, musical instruments, and this list goes on. Because of the condition of the finds it is a great reference for those using it to make replicas. The descriptions, line drawings and measurements make it all the easier to understand how the artifacts were made and used.
The presentation and and text is well done and easy to read. All in all a worthy addition to any libary or bookshelf.
Customer Reviews:
Very good book!.......2007-03-28
I enjoyed the cross section pictures and thought that the text was interesting. There is lots of fine detail, I see something different everytime I flip through it. Be sure to watch the movie "Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World". The movie director did an excellent job portraying life aboard the Man-of-War. In my opinion, the movie is the book put in motion. The movie and book captures what life could have been like aboard the Man-of-War.
Nelson's HMS Victory exposed fore-to-aft, larboard to starboard, and deck to holds .......2006-01-04
This is a great book for getting an overview of the pieces of a first-rate ship of the line. In this case, the British first-rate, triple-(gun)-decker, 104 gun HMS Victory. The Victory was launched in 1765 and commissioned in 1778, but is best known as Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship in the victorious Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 (in which Nelson was killed by an enemy sharpshooter while standing on the quarterdeck).
The amount of detail packed into this book's 25 or so very large pages is mind-boggling. In fact, the book's so large that you may have trouble finding a place to shelve it. Although it took less than an hour to read all the text, I'm still finding new things in the pictures. It provides a great sense of just how crowded these ships were. The illustrations are in the very clear line-and-watercolor style of the rest of Biesty's "cross-section" books.
There is a lot of information on day-to-day life and practice in a ship, detailing foodstuffs (including weevils and bargemen), officer's roles, disease, the working of the guns, the cooking of food in the galley, the use of the heads, floggings, scurvy, etc.
Oddly, the book only concentrates on illustrating the decks; there is almost nothing said about the sails or rigging, which is a real disappointment. I found it very hard to get a sense of the fore-to-aft arrangement, with each cross-section being so narrow.
I wish I had found this book before reading about a dozen series of nautical fiction (Aubrey, Hornblower, Ramage, Kydd, Lewrie, etc. etc.). After all that background, I actually didn't learn anything reading this book I didn't know from reading the fiction and other supporting materials. For depth, you'll need "The Young Sea Officer's Sheet Anchor" written by Darcy Lever in the early 1800s, and comprehensive on everything from rigging to stepping masts to club-hauling off a lee shore. And its images are both beautiful and a complete contrast to the ones in this book, being early 19th century etchings.
EXCELLENT VISUAL book.......2004-06-29
Though some of the photos are a bit funny and maybe a little "crud", but it's a neat book anyway.
Also try another DK ship book called the Visual Dictionary of Ships if you can find it (it's out of print).
An exceptionally fine book that can delight young and old.......2004-05-28
Dorling Kindersley has in the past twenty years quickly established itself as an outstanding publisher of niche books--children's reference books, travel guides, atlases, and the such. What I find so remarkable about a number of their children's books is how enormously satisfying they are for adults as well, even adults who are fairly familiar with the subject matter. One of the better series of books in their impressive list are the Cross-Sections books by Stephen Biesty. As someone who is interested both in the history of ships and the Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick O'Brian, I find this one even more interesting than most.
Two things stand out about this book: its remarkably detailed drawings and the enormous amount of information that gets stuffed into the book's relatively short length. This book provides a pictorial rendering of one of the great ships of the line of the Napoleonic navy, similar to H.M.S. Victory. Virtually nothing gets left out, and the book can actually serve as a surprisingly comprehensive introduction to the Royal British Navy during the time of Nelson and Napoleon. It is somewhat misleading in that the ship depicted was the exception and not the norm, the British navy possessing only a handful of ships this size. Apart from that the book has no serious flaws, except for the unaffordable one in a visual guide that it is sometimes hard to locate information in its closely packed pages.
I would also recommend another Dorling Kindersley book, also unfortunately out of print, THE VISUAL DICTIONARY OF SHIPS AND SAILING. It does a bit better job than this one of defining many nautical terms. Each represents a marvelous addition to personal library of books on the age of the sailing ship.
If you love the age of sail and nautical fiction..........2002-04-08
you should definitely try to get this book. I am a landlubber, who has just discovered the pleasures of Hornblower and Aubrey/Maturin (via Austen's Persuasion). Along with a number of more serious naval non-fiction reference works, notably THE WOODEN WORLD by N.A.M. Rodger (ISBN 0393314693; ASIN 0393314693)I found a copy of this wonderful book first at my public library and then in a sale at my local store.
This is an oversized book, thin but full of detailed information. A man-of-war, one of the mainstays of the Georgian fleet during the wars of the 1700s and early 1800s, is "cut away" section by section and deck by deck to illustrate life on board as well as the structure of the ship. The first works better than the latter, although I got a very good idea of how the ship's anchor works as well as how the ship crew handled guns and gunpowder (as well as the dangers of a loose gun). I wished that the authors had provided a bird-eye view of the ship from the top of the masts, and showed sailors working the sails. Apart from this and other minor quibbles, I think I learned more from this book faster than I had expected.
Yes, this is a children's book, but it is highly recommended by sites specializing in naval fiction of the Georgian and Regency era (think Napoleonic Wars, Revolutionary Wars, as well as sites devoted to O'Brian and Forester). Children will be delighted by various grosser aspects of life abroad (the very basic toilet and bathing facilities, the surgeon in action during battle, and of course the maggot-filled biscuits), not to mention trying to find a certain stowaway. Adults will revel in little details that explain things that have puzzled them.
I started out not knowing port from starboard, and very little else. By the end of this book, while I cannot claim to be proficient, I certainly understand that a ship has three masts in several sections, that it has several decks, and that life at sea was more complicated than is sometimes depicted in fiction.
You might also want to try "The Visual Dictionary of Ships and Sailing" (ISBN 1879431203; ASIN 1879431203) which apparently discusses different types of ships, the sails and ropes, and so forth. I have not seen this book yet, but it looks interesting.
Book Description
This recent release in Jerry Pallotta's best-selling alphabet book series takes you underwater to explore the coral reef. From Angelfish to Zebra Pipefish, an alphabet of amazing tropical creatures leads us through this important ecological system.
Vivid, color illustrations enhance a fact-filled, entertaining text which teaches the young and not-so-young reader about the fascinating life on the coral reef.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding alphabet book!.......2002-05-20
I bought this book because my class is studying oceans. I thought the book might be dull but I needed something and didn't find much else. I had already covered whates, dolphins and sharks. So anyway I read it before bringing the book to school and found it entertaining and amusing. The book is not afraid to be funny. It really lightened up the subject and I can't wait to read it to my students. Thanks Jerry!
A must-have if you regularly go to any aquarium........1998-01-01
We had to buy a second copy (a hardcover) because our sons loved the first, paperback, version to death. Taught my kids not only the alphabet but the names of all the fish. I is for Indigo Hamlet was one of my son's first sentences! My four-year-old can i.d. all these fish at the San Diego aquarium (and wants us to find the others at another aquarium). Never boring for adults, unlike some alphabet books.
Average customer rating:
- The only way out is to work harder
- Terrific Adventure Story! Fascinating History!
- Another Great Book from Jim Murphy
- And you'll always know your neighbor, you'll always know your pal if you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal
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Desperate Journey
Jim Murphy
Manufacturer: Scholastic Press
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0439078067 |
Book Description
When Maggie's father loses next year's salary and two of their best mules in a bet with Long-Fingered John, the family is left desperate for money. They have only a few days to get the heavy cargo in their mule-drawn barge to Buffalo in order to make a much-needed bonus. But when Papa and Uncle Hen are arrested on an alleged assault charge, 12-year-old Maggie, her younger brother, and their pregnant mother must fight all manner of adversity to save their boat, their mules, and their life savings. Jim Murphy is at his best in this colorful and gritty slice of 19th C. life on the Erie Canal.
Customer Reviews:
The only way out is to work harder.......2007-01-06
DESPERATE JOURNEY by Jim Murphy tells of pre-teen Maggie, whose father loses all their money in a fight with an Erie Canal bully, placing the family in danger of losing their boat. The only way out is to work harder - but when her elders are arrested it's up to Maggie and her mother and brother to race against time to get the job done.
Terrific Adventure Story! Fascinating History!.......2006-11-11
I gave a copy of Desperate Journeys to my friend's 11-year-old son for his birthday, and he just loved it. Even though the main character is a girl, the adventure and setting really appealed to him. Jim Murphy builds in lots of suspense to the story, and you feel as if you're traveling along the Erie Canal with the family of 12-year-old Maggie Haggerty. I've personally read a lot of canal history, and this book brings that part of our history to life better than anything I've read before, either for adults or kids. This is a terrific book!
Another Great Book from Jim Murphy.......2006-10-19
Desperate Journey is a riveting novel! Maggie is a truly compelling character who, with her family, triumphs against all odds. Set against the backdrop of mid 19th century upstate New York, the story paints a broad protrait of immigrant families, canal life, and the meeting of city of country. Local color, humor, and tension and a story worthy of film treatment.
Middle grade readers should love this. Teachers will want to require this as historical fiction that opens up the world of westward expansion and canal life to young readers. Jim Murphy brings his fine sense of storytelling and sense of historical detail to this well-crafted story.
And you'll always know your neighbor, you'll always know your pal if you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal.......2006-10-03
Like every other child born in the state of Michigan, I had the history of that fine state stuffed into my little brain from an early age. I learned about assembly lines and the state bird and what a Petoskey stone was. And what song did we sing each and every year in music class? Well, it began, "I've got a mule, her name is Sal." Yup. "Erie Canal", was a classic little ditty, but somehow the story of the canal never fastened itself firmly enough in my brain. What better place then to set a historical novel? Credit author Jim Murphy for thinking it up in the first place. He plops the reader down smack dab in the middle of what could only be described as a watery stretch of lawlessness and gives the whole book a sense of the danger that went with the territory. Surprisingly poor on a couple of his details, Murphy is sometimes wholly engaging and sometimes wholly confusing. In the end, the book is great read, but only for those kids that don't mind stumbling through a tale that is difficult to continually imagine.
What do you do when your father, who never lost a fight a day of his life, loses one to the nastiest bully on the Erie Canal? You go on with your life and your job, that's what. For twelve-year-old Maggie and her family, that's just what they're trying to do. Papa lost a lot of money to a man named Long-fingered John and now the family is going to try to make an extra bonus on the ship's goods they're carrying to make it up. Unfortunately it never rains but it pours. Soon Papa and Uncle Hen are arrested for the attempted murder of a man found beaten in an alley and it's up to Mama and her children to finish the job they're on. Mama, however, is sick and Eamon (Maggie's little brother) is too small to do a man's work. That leaves Maggie to make the tough decisions. Do they trust the strange straggler who keeps offering them his help? How will they get around the many bottlenecks around the locks? Is that mule limping? Things are never easy when working the Canal is your life, but Maggie's got more strength than anyone has ever given her credit for.
Not many children's books grab you right from the start, but "Desperate Journey" did. I picked this title up idly in a bookstore intending to give it a quick go and then move on to meatier fare. Five chapters later I was still giving it that "quick go" and finding that my hands literally did not want to put the title down. Now the only books I'd ever read that were written by Mr. Murphy were, up until this point in time, non-fiction titles. Mr. Murphy knows how to take a moment in history, be it a plague of Yellow Fever or Chicago in flames, and make it entirely accessible to his young readers. And when you think about it, the Erie Canal was kind of an event as well. As the book mentions in the historical note at the end, the 363-mile-long water route was a feat of engineering the like of which no one had ever seen before. I suppose that if he had wanted to, Mr. Murphy could have set his story during the canal's construction, but he didn't. He chose to follow the men and families that worked the canal day in and day out. The choice was a smart one, even if the delivery is a bit forced now and again.
I say that I picked this book up and immediately wanted to know more, and this is true. Equally true, however, is the fact that I was absolutely baffled by how a boat on a canal worked. By examining the back cover, a person may learn that mules would pull boats from the road on the side of the canal. But how do the mules get on and off the boat? How does one boat pass another on the canal if both are attached to mules? I mean, the book feels authentic. Too authentic. Mr. Murphy skims past the duties of the boat's crew without taking the time to explain these small details to the 21st century reader. Even a map of the boat's layout in relation to the road next to the canal could have helped, but no such map is forthcoming. The result is that I struggled to imagine how most of the scenes in this book even played out when I couldn't determine how it looked in the first place. Mr. Murphy can always be relied upon to know his history and to know it well. I just wish he could have taken the time to explain it to us too.
It was nice to find that the people in the novel breathe with life. Maggie's Mama is a tough woman who'll launch herself onto another boat and punch a man in the nose if she thinks it'll do some good. She's too hard on Maggie and too skimpy with the compliments, but that doesn't mean she doesn't know what she's doing most of the time. Murphy skillfully presents Maggie's family at the start as the kind of people a tween would be just dying to get away from. Then, as that family structure is threatened by outside forces, he shows them slowly banding together to do what needs to be done. I liked the subtle switch and emphasis on how important it is to work together when times get tough. However, the character of Billy Black just made no sense at all either. I mean talk about your deus ex machina. In the book he arrives during the Haggertys' time of need to do whatever it takes to aid them along. To wit, this man, who has never met any of the Haggertys before, appears out of nowhere and is suddenly their guardian angel. I'll be the first to admit that he's an engaging character and that his presence lends quite a bit of oomph to the narrative. Just the same, he felt like a guy created for the sole purpose of moving the plot along. We know only a little about his past, even less about his motivations (he says he's doing God's will, but that's the extent of it), and nothing at all about his future. If he's more than a bit of authorial convenience then why does he remain so shadowy?
Well, it's not a perfect novel, that's for sure. It shows great promise, though. Mr. Murphy certainly knows how to lay down the dialogue, plots, and themes. A little tightening up is all the book really needs. It's definitely worth a read. I would just give the author a little more time before he comes up with the fictional equivalent of "An American Plague."
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