The Orchids of Puerto Rico And the Virgin Islands / Las Orquideas De Puerto Rico Y Las Islas Virgenes

Book Description

This volume is above all a pictorial essay on the diversity of flora found in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It is directed primarily at nature and orchid lovers. The text accompanying the paintings describe each species, including its taxonomy, natural history and distribution. Readers with deeper interest will find definitions and additional information in the Introduction and Glossary. Contains over 50 watercolors.

Este volumen es, ante todo, un ensayo pictorico sobre la diversidad de la flora de Puerto Rico e Islas Virgenes. Se dirige principalmente a los amantes de la naturaleza y las orquideas. El texto que acompana las pinturas describe cada especie, incluyendo su taxonomia, historia natural y distribucion. Los lectores que deseen profundizar aun mas encontraran definiciones e informacion adicional en la Introduccion y en el Glosario. Contiene mas de 50 acuarelas.

Customer Reviews:

Illustrated Guide on Identifying Caribbean Orchids.......2002-01-27

A beautifully organized guide, "The Orchids of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands / Las Orquideas De Puerto Rico y Las Islas Virgenes" by James D. Ackerman and Maria Del Castillo is a botanist's delight when it comes to identifying orchids commonly found in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Published by the University of Puerto Rico Press, this hardbound, bilingual book allows readers who are admirers of the islands' ecological systems or anything else related to them, to clearly identify the many forms of orchids found on the Eastern Caribbean islands.

The book, which only can be obtained via special order, is beautifully designed and features paintings of many orchids, which I found unique, because it definitely captures the essence of flora more so than a photograph. The book will make an excellent gift to anyone who is fascinated by the island's and their contents. Overall, this is a beautiful, informative book for botanists or botany lovers out there.

Book Description

This book is the first truly complete work on the monuments and art of Ethiopia, as well as a literary companion to its land and history. Stuart Munro-Hay provides a valuable guide to the countrys architecture, geography, peoples, art, and history that covers all the major sites of the land from ancient times to the present.

Customer Reviews:

This book doesn't live up to the Title.......2006-03-14

The author shows little respect for Ethiopians in General, numerous instances he describes Ethiopians artifacts as "meager", "dingy" etc. This is unacceptable in my opinion because if your going to write about a place then at least be respectful of the place and the people,the author shows little respect for the overall Culture. Ethiopia has been through many violent episodes in the past so if little fragments of history survive in a tarnished manner take account of the fact that wars are usually unkind to places where wars were fought. I read the intro and noticed the author focused on the Names Aksum which is correct towards one of the ancient name of Ethiopia, also correctly naming Kush a neighboring country north of Ethiopia that impressed me so I bought the book anticipating some quality information. After receiving and reading the first 15 pages the author begins to show his unethusiatic attitutde for Ethiopian History which turned off this reader so I returned my copy and will continue searching for quality unbiased information for Ethiopia.

Be Cautious of the Title.......2004-02-11

I purchased this book because I was looking for an in-depth study of Ethiopian culture, both past and present. However, it soon became apparent that the book's subtitle "A Cultural and Historical Guide" was somewhat misleading. Rather, Mr. Munro-Hay provides a detailed and scholarly analysis of Ethiopian historical sites. The publisher would have been well-advised to use the subtitle "An Archaeological Survey" instead. If that is what you're looking for, then this book is ideal. But if you want information on contemporary Ethiopian culture, it would be best to look elsewhere.

An explorer's companion.......2002-11-11

Although not a "tourist guide" this book is a handy reference for anyone with interest in this land. Munro-Hay's subtitle: The Unknown Land provides a clue to the problem he faced in summarizing the history and culture of this ancient country. Known to early Christians as the land of "Prester John," Ethiopia's nearly landlocked location and rugged terrain has made it a challenge to scholars for millennia. Munro-Hay makes an earnest effort to enlighten us on many aspects of Ethiopian history and culture. Rather than provide a surface overview, he divides the country into regions based on ancient kingdoms. It's an effective means of organizing the complex store of research he's brought to the task.

After an opening overview of Ethiopian history, the author provides a survey of the role of the Church in the society. For Ethiopia, this element cannot be overstated. Churches and their rituals are a fundamental part of Ethiopia life. He details the structure of church hierarchy and the roles assigned the various officers. Rituals and other aspects such as religious art are also described. Munro-Hay then gives a brief survey of the foreigners who entered the country, evaluating their published accounts. Foreign impact played a major role in how Ethiopia came to be a modern nation, with Portuguese, Arabs and others providing architectural expertise, trade and political developments. Some lasting impact of the Italian invasion in this century is added.

The theme of this book relates the histories of ten important regions making up historical Ethiopia and into modern times. While all had their impact, three are of particular import. Gondar, situated near Lake Tana, was considered to be ruled by descendants of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Munro-Hay sees the political patterns set in ancient Gondar to carry through Ethiopia history until modern times. The heritage was so important that even usurpers found ways of establishing legitimacy by claiming descent from those origins. Munro-Hay provides diagrams of ancient Gondar and vivid descriptions of what remains from a glorious imperial city.

Next in significance is the ancient site of Aksum. Certainly, as Munro-Hay notes, it's of vital archaeological importance and worth any visitor's time and effort. Well north of Addis Ababa and on the way to the Red Sea, Aksum nearly disappeared until extensive excavations during the 1970s revealed its importance. The remnants of the city are dotted with numerous stone stelae, possibly inspired by similar constructions in Egypt, Ethiopia's
neighbour. Munro-Hay conducts us on a tour of these and other historical sites in a compelling chapter. As a participant in some of the exploratory work, the author is well-suited to describe what has been revealed. He does so with verve and close detail.

In his Forward, Munro-Hay reminds us that at the time of writing, Ethiopia had provided the oldest representative of our ancestry, Don Johanson's "Australopithecus afarensis," the 3.6 million-year old "Lucy." It's somewhat of a surprise that Ethiopia's other prehistory doesn't emerge for another 350 pages. In Yeha, "the beginnings of Ethiopian civilization are rooted," including the distinctive script still in use. Close to the Red Sea, Yeha appears to have adopted Semitic languages and religious artefacts from its Arabic neighbours. Pre-Christian temples and other buildings may still be seen there.

Munro-Hay is an acknowledged leader in the study of Ethiopia. This book is a monument to his scholarship. Rich in detail and presenting both ancient and modern aspects of Ethiopian life, it provides excellent resource material for anyone wishing to pursue the topic. At less than 400 pages, the book is also a worthwhile companion to the traveler. Clearly written and beautifully organized for both scholar and tourist, this book will remain useful for some time.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2006-07-12

I expected more from this book, especially since it is entitled "Atlas" and quite frankly there weren't a lot of maps. Also,I thought the history was fairly traditional. It does have lots of material and the production values are excellent.

An intriguing look at ancient civilizations.......1998-01-12

A beautiful book with excellent photography. It summarizes the world's ancient civilizations and gives the armchair traveler a look at how our world developed. Very fascinating accounts.

Past Worlds Collins Atlas of Archaeology

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Great Reference Material

Past Worlds Collins Atlas of Archaeology

Manufacturer: Borders Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0681502630

Product Description

Past Worlds is an archaeological reconstructin of the human story, using hundreds of maps, illustrations and meticulous reconstructions of ancient sites.

Customer Reviews:

Great Reference Material.......2005-12-29

This book has a bunch of great pictures of artifacts, maps, and info on the ancient civilizations of the world. Contains sections on peoples from all corners of the Earth. Granted, the section devoted to each civilization is small, but there are so many of them jammed into the covers of this gigantic-sized color book. If you want more expansive and detailed information on a particular ancient civilization, then look elsewhere. If you want a summary from an archaelogoical perspective of many civilizations, then get this one.

Atlas of Ancient Worlds: A Pictorial Atlas of Past Civilization

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A wonderful history atlas for children

Atlas of Ancient Worlds: A Pictorial Atlas of Past Civilization
Anne Millard
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1564584712

Book Description

An exciting pictorial atlas of past civilizations -- exploring the history of the ancient world from the Sumerians in 3500 BC to the Incas in AD 1500. Where did Alexander the Great fight the war elephants of King Poros? Who were the Assyrians and where did they live? How far did the Roman Empire stretch? Where did the Maya build their temples and palaces? The Atlas of Ancient Worlds reveals all this information, and much more. This new pictorial atlas looks at life in the ancient world -- from the great cultures of Greece, Rome, and the Middle east to the glittering cities of India, China, and the ancient Americas. Each civilization is illustrated with a beautiful full-color map featuring realistic scenes of how people lived and what crops they grew, their religious rituals and battle sites, as well as the trade routes that helped spread ideas and religions from one region to another. Lively text traces the progress and discoveries of each civilization and provides dramatic detail about the power struggles of ambitious rulers. Accurate reconstructions show the extraordinary architectural skill behind great structures, including the Parthenon in Greece the Great Wall of China, and the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. To complete the picture, stunning color photographs display the jewelry, tools, and weapons, architectural remains, and early writings that have helped experts piece together the story of the past. Packed with fascinating information and outstanding artwork, The Atlas of Ancient Worlds takes the reader on an exciting journey back in time.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful history atlas for children.......2007-07-07

My daughter and I both love this Atlas. The large maps that have a great balance between details of geography and relevant illustrations. They inspire rich conversations and wonderful curiosity. I only wish there was a good Medieval or Renaissance equivalent

Discovering the Global Past Vol. 1, 3rd Edition + Historical Atlas of the World

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Discovering the Global Past Vol. 1, 3rd Edition + Historical Atlas of the World
Merry E. Wiesner , William Bruce Wheeler , Franklin M. Doeringer , and Kenneth R. Curtis
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

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Discovering the Global Past: A Look at the Evidence ,Volume II: Since 1400

ASIN: 0618828699

World Atlas of the Past: The Age of Discovery Volume 3: 1492 TO 1815 (World Atlas of the Past)

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Great Historical Reference

World Atlas of the Past: The Age of Discovery Volume 3: 1492 TO 1815 (World Atlas of the Past)
John Haywood
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0195216911

Book Description

This volume in the World Atlas of the Past series combines 34 newly rendered full-color maps with exquisite art and photographs and engrossing narrative to trace the history of civilization in the Age of Discovery, from 1492 to 1815. This state-of-the-art book boasts extensive coverage of the countries and civilizations of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, which makes it a perfect fit with the global studies and world history curriculum. Each section features a full-page regional map showing such historical events as global migration, wars, and the shift of imperial boundaries, and a highlight map that illustrates a particular aspect of politics or culture. These clear and easy-to-understand maps show how cities have developed, flourished, and declined, how geographical centers have changed, and how countries and continents have interacted over time. The accompanying text captures the key historical facts of the period, while sidebars focus on art and artifacts to bring each period to life. A chronology within each section provides ready reference. The volume includes a glossary of terms, suggestions for further reading, and an index.

Customer Reviews:

Great Historical Reference.......2003-05-01

The "Atlas of Past Times" found a permanent place on my coffee table. This book is absolutely loaded with illustrative maps, photos, and text. John Haywood has done to the pictorial record of world history what Kenneth C. Davis did for American history in his "Don't Know Much About History."

Time after time over the years I've heard or read about a particular civilization, war, political upheaval, or religious movement, but was unclear as to the specific timeframe and geographic scope. It's one thing to read about boundaries in text, but Haywood lays it all out in numerous maps. Each map is color-coded and loaded with useful information. The legends are clear and concise. A perfect example of how I found the book useful was in my following the war in Iraq. I didn't want to read six textbooks to gain a better understanding of the region's history. Haywood's book provides a fantastic visual overview: Mesopotamia, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Jews, the Arabs, the advance and subdivisions of Islam, the Kurds, the Turks, etc. The area has a long and convoluted history, which the maps really help place within grasp of the common man.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic visual aid for class!.......2007-10-07

I teach social studies and I've benefitted from this book as a visual aid for classes to appreciate more about ancient cultures.

Excellent historical atlas.......2004-05-05

This is a very well done historical atlas covering the time from man's earliest origins to modern times. It may be a reprint or different edition by Collins of the Times atlas of the same name. It covers the period from 2.5 million years ago to the present, but 3/4 of of the space is devoted to the period up to 150 A.D., and the remaining 1/4 text covers about the last 2000 years, so the emphasis is mainly on the ancient world, as the title suggests.

The articles focus on various topics and events during a particular period. For example, there are articles on "First Farmers of the Near East, 10,000-6,000 B.C.; Bronze Age Scandinavia, 2,000-500 B.C.; The Assyrian Empire, 950-600 B.C.; Egypt: The Pyramid Age, 3250-2000 B.C.; Han China, 200 B.C.-220 A.D.; Iron-Age Africa, 1000 B.C.-650 A.D.; The Aztecs and Their Ancestors, 900-1521 A.D.; Empires of the Andes, 800-1532 A.D.;" and many others. There is a good balance between articles on the east and the west, and even a couple of articles on what's known about the settlement of Polynesia and the Pacific Rim and the Maori settlement of New Zealand.

Other features include a color-coded timeline at the beginning of the book, an extensive index of almost 30 pages, and a glossary of archaeological terms. The text was written by an international team of scholars of dozens of specialists. There are numerous photos, maps, and illustrations of towns, villages, temple complexes, cities and so on down through the ages. Many are done as cutaway or aerial views for a better perspective and understanding.

Customer Reviews:

Have You Ever Wondered About Different Cultures?.......2003-11-21

Have you ever wondered about the innumerable people representing diverse cultures that populate the world? What constitutes a people? What are the elements necessary to coalesce in order to produce an ethnic group? Where do they live? What languages do they speak? How did they originate? What are their customs?

Look no further, National Geographic's coffee-table reference book, Peoples Of The World, provides us with transportation to 150 countries around the world where we meet some of the world's most compelling ethnic groups.
No doubt, this is a daunting task and as mentioned in the introductory Editor's Note, "Peoples of the World is unquestionably an ambitious topic for a single book."

Soliciting the advice of no less than fifteen contributors, who are experts in the fields of anthropology and demography, this brilliant reference text, quenches our thirst. At the same time, and as a coda to the book, the reader is encouraged to investigate the topic further and is provided with an extensive list of five thousand ethnic groups scattered around the globe.

The tome divides itself into nine chapters each of which concentrates on a particular geographical area of the globe that have a unique broad cultural cohesion. These are: Asia, Oceania, South America, Mesoamerica & The Caribbean, North America, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa & The Middle East and the Arctic. Within these nine divisions we are introduced to more than 150 peoples that constitute part of the myriad of cultures inhabiting the earth.

To name a few, we discover the descendants of escaped African slaves, the Saramaka, who live in the deep forests of Suriname; the Nukak of eastern Colombia, who not until 1988 have had any sustained contact with Western civilization; the Tapirapé of central Brazil, who until the early 20th century had virtually no contact with Europeans; the Yanomami, the most numerous of the indigenous groups of South America; the Inuit that encompass the Greenlanders, the Polar Eskimos, the Caribou, Iglukik, Netsilik and Copper Eskimos.

We are also fortunate in being provided with a wealth of exquisite colour photos depicting the many characters and scenes that form part of this cultural diversity. These photos illustrate the desire expressed by humans to relish their distinctiveness and their ability to express themselves as part of a particular group.

Wade Davis, Explorer-in-Residence of the National Geographic Society concludes the book in his thought provoking observation that by destroying a people's way of life or ethnocide we will all become poorer.
As Davis points us, Margaret Mead before her death, expressed her concern about the diminishing cultural diversity and stated: "as we drift toward a more homogeneous world, all of human potential might be reduced to a single modality, a blandly amorphous generic culture, a monochromatic world of monotony. Her greatest fear was the possibility that we might awake one day as from a dream, having forgotten there had ever been any other options."

This review first appeared on reviewer's own site:

Interesting, but not to the Magazine standard.......2000-08-02

This big format book failed short of my expectations. It contains varied information but lacks the quality of the Magazine photography. It covers new and ancient world alike, but I found information rather superficial and detail sometimes obscures the big picture.

When compared to other books, like The Times Atlas of Archaeology , it comes second place. Book names are not alike, but scope of coverage is similar.

Maybe young readers will like it best than adult ones. Drawing and pictures are big in size.

Book Description

This book is perfect for all those embroiderers seeking ideas and inspiration for their work. It covers many different styles and is packed with original designs which can be used and adapted to create a whole range of finished pieces. As an endless resource it offers traditional and contemporary ideas which can be stitched and embellished with fabric paints, dyes, metallic threads, beads, appliqué and much more. Here you will find flowers, trees, foliage, birds, animals, figures, hearts and a host of inspirational ideas.

The Sampler Workbook: A Practical Source and Record Book for Embroiderers

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The Sampler Workbook: A Practical Source and Record Book for Embroiderers
Jane Greenoff
Manufacturer: Sterling Pub Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Embroidery | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1852383348

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Embroiderers' Pattern Book
*
Manufacturer: Unknown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K43MIS

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