Reviews (31)

Colorful and informative
This is a great overview of AKC breeds. There are 2 full color photos (not drawings) of the dogs. I refer to this book all the time. It covers the history of the breeds, statistics, temperment,personality, health isuues, and much more. I bought one for me and one for my sister. I highly recommend this book!

Good breed information, but lacking in presentation
I have an older version of The Encyclopedia of the Dog by Bruce Fogle, and here's how they compare: Dr. Fogle's book has many more breeds, but one complaint I heard was that the information it provided on the breeds was not always accurate (I can't verify this, I'm not a vet). This book here by Dr. Coile is supposedly very accurate, but has fewer breeds (only the AKC it seems); however, I knew that before I bought it so I can't complain. Very few people own or can obtain non-AKC breeds, so reading about them would just be for pleasure for most people. That said, Dr. Coile provides more information for each breed, giving 5-scale ratings for 13 different characteristics (tempermant, grooming, heat/cold tolerance, exercise needs, etc), health concerns, breed history, etc. However, the pictures they provide aren't nearly as professional looking as the ones in Dr. Fogle's book, if that matters to you. Also, the binding is cheaper in this book. One important difference, though, is that this book contains no other information aside of about the breeds. Dr. Fogle's book, in contrast, provides the history and use of types of breeds (such as hounds, herding dogs, hunting dogs, etc, not just a particular breed), anatomy, evolution, care, training, etc. Dr. Coile provides none of that. So, if you just want a book to help you pick out an AKC breed and need accurate, more detailed breed information then this book is the better choice; but for general interest and pleasure, Dr. Fogle's book is better.

A Really Informative Book
Even this book only lists about 150 breeds of dogs and it is based on just dog breeds, it is a pretty good book. I am trying to find the right dog for someone and have used the great overall section of each breed to find that the Havanese fits her best. The breed pages include history, AKC ranking, family, area of origin, date of origin, original function, today's function, other name, temperament, upkeep, health (including major concerns, minor concerns, occasionally seen, suggested tests, life span, and a note for some breeds), energy level, excersize requirements, playfulness, affection level, friendliness toward other dogs/other pets/strangers, training, watchdog, protection, grooming, cold/heat tolerance, weight, height, form and function, and fanally, an illustrated standard. It will help you a lot in picking the right breed of dogs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal Science (Specific Aspects)    2. Dog breeds    3. Dogs - Breeds    4. Encyclopedias    5. Pets    6. Pictorial works    7. Dogs    8. Pets / Dogs / Breeds    9. Reference works   

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Reference    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children's encyclopedias and d    4. Children's encyclopedias and dictionaries    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Encyclopedias and dictionaries    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Reference - Encyclopedias    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Reference / Encyclopedias    10. Reference | Subject area reference   

Reviews (3)

This is Considered on of the top Bible Dictionaries
First this is in reality more like an Encyclopedia than a Dictionary.While it is more "Liberal" in its perspective you also have conservative author's as well.Like anytype of of book you need to think for yourself.Where it is helpful is in giving a lot of archeological data and excellent bibliographies.I am currently a seminary student working on an MDiv degree.Having it on computer is a life saver.My school's library only has one set for a lot of students (our seminary has over 400 students and that doesn't include the undergrad students).In a class I took on the book of Acts and the General/Catholic epistles we had two sections of the class with 45 students all needing the same volumes of ABD.However having it on computer solves that problem.Also it makes doing research and adding quotes to my research/exegesis papers a synch.This is a really great resource.It should not be your only resource.There are a lot of good Bible dictionaries out there, so don't just depend upon one.God calls upon us to think for ourselves, Paul said to his young friend Timothy "To study".Logos/Libronix has some great titles available, check them out.

Great reference and interesting reading
I bought this at the recommendation of one of my professors and I'm so happy that I got this as my first Bible reference software.Not only is the content absolutely fantastic, but the Logos system works great, even though I consider myself a beginner user so far.I keep my notebook with me in class and can very quickly find supplementary information that is related to topics being discussed.It is also great to have at my fingertips while doing homework when I run into a new idea in my reading and want to get another explanation for it.I also love the links to the Unabridged Theological Dictionary of the NT.I currently use the books in my seminary library, but am looking forward to getting that on CD-ROM as well.

Great Dictionary, Easy Computer Interface
There are many bible dictionaries available on the market but the Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Reference - Dictionaries & Encyclopedias    2. Software - Bibles / Religion - Universal    3. Dictionaries   

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - General    2. Medical / Nursing    3. Pharmacology    4. Reference    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Reference works    8. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (12)

Good Book
The book gives details on every food group for your blood type.You can look at all four blood types at a glance in the charts given.I just wish there was more information about how to tell if you were a non-secretor or a secretor.Otherwise, good book to have in your library.The husband and I have changed our eating to be according to our blood type as suggested, and within two weeks we could both feel a difference.More energy, less bloating or indigestion.It's a good book!

Physical Results May Vary!
I was considering adopting a vegitarian diet due to my many health problems and my mother told me about this book and the benefits her friends have had. So I bought the book and the information was quite facinating. It was like reading my physical autobiography, so I started the diet and I've been on it for 4 weeks and I have had no weight loss. Why..I don't know, but my energy levels have dropped significantly although I must say that my overall shape has changed. It appears that either I'm toning or I'm loosing muscle mass. The books were an easy read, but the thing I find most confusing is this concept of using herbs for ailments and overal health, there are sooooo many herbs out there for every kind of physical issue good or bad and I'm confused as to just how many pills can one person take?! I want to buy the right kind of vitamins and minerals for my body, but even on the website there are 5 or more kinds of pills that I should take, not to mention the shakes, bars and extra health meds that they recommend. I'm sorry to say that I have learned why I am sensitive to certain foods and why I've gained weight, but as to how to fix the problem, there seem to be too many pills and sometimes conflicting pieces of advice. In all, I'm more confused than I was when I was in the dark. So to all of you who have been successful with this diet, BRAVO to you, but for those of you who have bodies that are far more complex than diets and "all natural" foods, I feel you and maybe we'll find the REAL solution someday together.

it was okay
I bought the book thinking that it would help me learn how to eat for my blood type but I find it very difficult to follow and difficult to read it. This is more like an index for health problems and if you are susseptible to them by what your blood type is. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blood groups    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Diets - Better Health    5. Health    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Healthy Living    9. Medicine, Popular    10. Physiology    11. Reference    12. Family & Health    13. Health & Fitness / Healthy Living    14. Popular medicine   

Reviews (1)

An Uneven Work
When I look at some of the entries in the Encyclopedia, I found unfortunate errors and very superficial research. The entry on Orangeburg County relies on the 1898 (that's right, 108 years old) history of the county by Alexander Salley, an ancient secondary source notorious for its inaccuracies. Several entries describe the early Swiss settlers (who dominated the earliest settlement of several large SC counties) as Lutherans, when in fact they were overwhelmingly Swiss Reformed, or Calvinist. Familiarity with primary sources would have told the authors and editor this. When we look for the settlers in Swiss parish records, they are in Reformed congregations. When we find records of the ordinations of ministers (prior to Giessendanner converting to the established Church of England in order to be paid by the colony) they are Reformed ordinations in Europe (for example Zubly, Theus) or Presbyterian if in South Carolina (for example, Giessendanner).When knowledgeable contemporaries refer to the religion of the Swiss settlers in Carolina, they say or imply that they were Reformed or Calvinist. Even Reimensperger's brochure encouraging Swiss to settle in Carolina specifies that potential settlers should be Reformed. Secondary sources would also provide the same information. Modern histories of the Presbyterian and Lutheran denominations in South Carolina acknowledge that the Swiss immigrants were Reformed. The Lutherans appear in SC only with the somewhat later immigration of Germans, who differed from the Swiss in other aspects of culture and history, as well as in religion. It is hard to understand how such a basic error regarding a significant part of early settlement in the state could be made in the Encyclopedia. Another entry tells us that the most "vibrant" German-speaking community in SC was in Charleston. I'm afraid the authors didn't have much information on which to base a comparison.
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Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. History    3. History - U.S.    4. History: World    5. Reference    6. South Carolina    7. United States - State & Local - South    8. American history    9. American studies    10. Reference works   

Reviews (1)

Epi for Public Health Practice
The book is very well written. Clean examples are given. The authors do a great job of avoiding complex and confusing examples. The book made epidemiology more interesting and much easier to understand than it could have been. Charts, graphs, and tables help clear up differences between similar concepts and provide examples of concepts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Epidemiology    2. General    3. Medical    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Public Health    6. Public health personnel    7. Encyclopaedias & Reference Works   

Reviews (1)

This Encylopedia is one for the angels
There is something almost comical about the thought of reviewing theMcGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. It is an amazing work,such a stunning compendium of erudition in such a wide array of difficultand rigorous subjects that the ordinary rules and reasons of writing areview don't really apply to it. Read more

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Reference    3. Reference / Encyclopedias   

Reviews (6)

A Gardener's Must-have
If you just want to indulge yourself in fabulous photos of every flowering plant imaginable, this book is for you.If you have problem garden spots, this book has special sections to take the guesswork out of planting.If your creativity needs a little nudge in designing a particular type of garden, again, this book contains marvelous options and suggestions, all zone-specific.It's an absolute must for gardeners and beauty-lovers alike!

Incredible reference
Some other reviewers that own this book are right when giving this book high marks. I am a landscape contractor and can attest to the rich information and pictures inside. Although, I wouldn't recomend this bk for the beginning gardener. It has a 'common names' index by which to cross ref backwards with but, if common names are all you are familiar with, this bk may be a bit much to find what you want.However, this bk will tell you if thie plant is evergreen,semievergreen, deciduous, its habit, bloom time, hardiness zones,Hight & Spread, Light & some moisture requirements, etc.The bk is alphabetized with the genus/ Latin names for a reason. These Latin names are how all plants are traced from their origin and habit, regardless of hybridizing or crossing.A Plant may have several common names regionally or for marketing purposes, but will always have the Latin name to trace its' origin. This is why you will see alot of bks with Latin names intead of common names. This bk is a must for landscapers and horticulturists.This is one of the best reference sources I've seen.

Okay Reference
I bought this book primarily because of the review by: W. Oliver "scudder" which mentions the "Plant Selector" feature. It would be a great help if it were accurate. I was particularly interested in being able to cross-reference plants by acid-loving and deer-resistant features. I know that deer will eat anything if hungry; however, many sources from garden centers to university bulletins (and my own experience) note that hostas and tulips are deer candy. Both of these plants are listed deer resistant. Additionally, hollies are also listed as deer resistant. This fall, deer turned my new 8' holly into a topiary! Other than the "Plant Selector" feature, I'm not sure why I need this book along with the A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. To anyone else considering buying the package, I would recommend you don't do it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Flowers - General    3. Gardening    4. Gardening / Horticulture    5. Gardening/Plants    6. Ornamental Plants    7. Pictorial works    8. Plants, Ornamental    9. Reference    10. Gardening / Flowers / General   

Editorial Review

At the beginning of Read more

Reviews (75)

terrific book
This is a terrific book - I read the original memo years ago thatVogler then went on to base the book on. I require my beginning writing students to read it!
Fantastic summary
I loved this book!
Telling a story
I learn over and over that writing fiction is mostly about telling a story. Fortunately for us, some really smart people have put a lot of thought into what makes a story "good." I highly recommend this book. It's worth the time and money you will put into it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - General    2. Composition & Creative Writing - Play/Scriptwriting    3. Creative writing    4. Film & Video - Screenwriting    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Motion picture authorship    8. Myth in literature    9. Mythology in literature    10. Narration (Rhetoric)    11. Reference    12. Writing Skills    13. Approved List/Classroom Adoption    14. Language Arts & Disciplines / Composition & Creative Writing    15. Performing Arts/Film & Video - Screenwriting    16. Reference / Writing Skills    17. Reference/Writing Skills    18. Writing & editing guides   

Reviews (158)

I LOVED this book!
This book had me laughing out loud from start to finish. Jacobs is clever.And he seems completely honest and unafraid to write candidly about the sorts of thoughts and feelings that everyone has but few admit.Well okay, maybe not everyone; maybe just me and him. Anyway, I have trouble imagining any intelligent person not liking this book.

Now, I Know!
A plain- old -fashion-just down right-enjoyable book full of twists, turns and laughs!
amusing and diverting
This is a great book to read right before bed as it is light, easy to follow and profoundly amusing. It cheers you up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1968-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Books & Reading    6. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    7. Encyclopaedia Britannica    8. Encyclopedias (Multi-Subject)    9. General    10. History    11. Jacobs, A. J.,    12. Learning and scholarship    13. Personal Memoirs    14. Scholarship And Learning    15. United States    16. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (7)

Yes itis an Encyclodedia.
Book Report:
A heral magic
I love this book. I use its medicine for almost everything from headaches to stomachaches. I would remained this book to anyone looking to an alternate root for medicine.

Excellent beginner text book and quick reference...
I am fond of this book because it is the first of it's kind that I have read.It presents relevant information logically and doesn't go too far with the more advanced information.It is no replacement for a biochemisty degree, but it sure does help you learn about each plant and gives you a general knowledge of what it does and how. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - General    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Encyclopedias    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Herbal Medications    8. Materia medica    9. Materia medica, Vegetable    10. Medicinal plants    11. Reference    12. Health & Fitness / Herbal Medications    13. Health   

Reviews (27)

perfect for getting kids to read
I bought this for my nephew for his 10th birthday. When he opened it he said "now I can take my name off the list at the library cause I OWN it" For the rest of the party he regaled us all reading from the book. In the hour he owned the book he learned several new words. What a great way to get kids to read.

Perfect gift book forlittle boys!
My nephew LOVED it. I expected more pictures and less text but it didn't bother the 8 year old. He got tons of thrills just from the kid picking his nose on the cover. Perfect gift for a wild little boy along with a container of that oozing slime you get at Walmart. (the fits of giggles from the booger jokes are worth everything)

It's nasty and the kids love it
I bought this for my classroom bookshelf. I teach 7th grade science and my kids fight with each other to read it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aversion    2. Children's 9-12 - Science    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Curiosities & Wonders    6. Encyclopedias, Juvenile    7. Handbooks, vade-mecums, etc    8. Handbooks, vade-mecums, etc.    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Miscellaneous    12. Reference - Encyclopedias    13. Science & Technology - General    14. Encyclopaedias & reference works    15. Humour & jokes    16. JUVENILE NONFICTION / Reference / Encyclopedias    17. JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / General (see also headings under Animals or Technology)    18. Juvenile Nonfiction / Curiosities & Wonders    19. Natural history & pets   

Editorial Review

The history of "history"--our changing perspectives on the act of narrating and trying to "recapture" the past--encompasses the most profound seismic shifts in modern consciousness.Once seemingly commonsensical, the science-aspiring ambition of historiography to recount the past "as it actually was" (to borrow Leopold von Ranke's famously misunderstood phase) now betrays anachronistic naivete, if not a dangerous arrogance masquerading as objectivity. And the business of cultural history provides a particularly fascinating--and contentious--index to the larger issues at stake. The very urgency of the debate over "how" to tell the story (and indeed what the story is) continues to intensify in proportion to the uncertainty of our times.Read more

Reviews (6)

Interested in 'Classical Music'? A MUST READ!
This 6-volume history is both entertaining and highly idiosyncratic. For a 'survey', that's an unusual combination, but in this case the idiosyncracies are a great advantage. The reader is treated to a comprehensive tour of Western music, from a cultural perspective infused with brilliant social and political insights. For example, the extended discussion of 'Romanticism' and 'The Folk', with all the psycho-social baggage attendant to the latter is a stunning tour-de-force. You won't agree with all of Taruskin's observations: the charm he finds in Mozart's 'Magic Flute' (with its high dose of 'Das Volk') falls flat with me. Mozart wrote several operas head and shoulders above that one, to my ears. But one need not agree with Taruskin to find the journey wondrously edifying.
A Landmark Work of WorldCulture
This work is amazing in every way, a magisterial survey that has long been needed. It equals Edward Gibbon stylistically for starters. It is a model for all such historicalworks in the arts: music, poetry etc. We need such surveys of the arts by a single person. The section on Britten gets him absolutely right and "Max" is a hoot (Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Master of the Queen of Britain's Music since 2002). One problem is that the Index is in typography that is too small for easy reading. I also cannot see the value in the hardcover despite the work's brilliance. This work far surpasses Lang, the prior survey, now very outdated with new knowledge and discoveries. One omission is that the author does nto deal with non European and US "western" music (eg in China, Japan, Australia, South America etc) but you can't have everything. A paperback is urgently needed.
Taruskin *****, Oxford *
Oxford gets two very black eyes for this one.Here are five magnificent textbooks for graduate music-history classes.But they can't be ordered separately: myclass of 15 are sharing a single library copy of vol. 4 (and lapping it up).
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Subjects:  1. History & Criticism - General    2. History and criticism    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Reference    6. Encyclopaedias & Reference Works    7. History of specific subjects    8. Music / History & Criticism    9. Music | Music History, Western   

Reviews (2)

decent
a decent reference. i have only two things to complain: it's too north-american oriented (for example, there is no explanation for 'polish club' or for 'standard french system') and it doesn't have any website or electronic contact for updates/comments etc.

Excellent all-round bridge reference
The Official Encyclopaedia of Bridge is an excellent all-round bridge reference. It provides everything you could possibly want to know about bridge. Biographies are well-researched, conventions explained in detail. Obscure coups, endplays, squeezes are provided and explained with diagrammed examples. A great number of pages are dedicated in card combinations and deals with this subject is dealt in a comprehensive and complete manner, a first in bridge literature. I thoroughly recommend this book, my only slight complaint is that the book is getting slightly out of date and perhaps it is time for new edition. Bridge in the internet has grown tremendously between now and the time of print and this subject has only received little coverage in this edition. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bridge (Game)    2. Card Games - Bridge    3. Contract bridge    4. Encyclopedias    5. Games    6. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    7. Games/Puzzles    8. Fiction / General    9. Games / General   

Reviews (12)

A Must Companion to O'Brian
Currently deployed to Iraq....Having read three of his books without this companion, I can tell you that I was missing out on a great deal of the language and the history. Buy this with the Lexicon and O'Brian's series are impossible to put down!!
Great Reference
I bought a second one of these for my son, who recently started reading Patrick O'Brian's series.This is an excellent reference for anyone who wants to learn about the Royal Navy of the late 18 / early 19th century.Highly recommend.

good, but lacking in depth
I suppose I may have expected too much.I was a little disapointed in the lack of depth and detail.The various graphics, pictures, etc are great.An interesting coffee table book for O'Brian mavens and a good place to start in looking for more about the Napoleanic era of the Royal Navy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. Military    4. Military - Naval    5. English    6. Literary reference works    7. Maritime history    8. Novels, other prose & writers: from c 1900 -   

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / General   

Editorial Review

For twenty years people have relied on these hundreds of recipes,instructions, and morsels of invaluable practical advice on all aspects of growingand preparing food. This definitive classic on food, gardening, andself-sufficient living is a complete resource for living off the landwith over 800 pages of collected wisdom from country maven, CarlaEmery--how to cultivate a garden, buy land, bake bread, raise farmanimals, make sausage, milk a goat, grow herbs, churn butter, catch apig, make soap, work with bees and more. Read more

Reviews (83)

Tribute to Carla Emery and Country Living
The Encycopedia of Country Living is a wonderful reference guide written over the course of Carla Emery's lifetime.It is packed full of information for the person dreaming of living in the country or for the experienced homesteader.Carla Emery writes in a personal, down to earth way and it is never boring.It is a must-have for those even thinking about a county lifestyle. Carla Emery passed away recently but her book will continue to live on and be a reference guide to all those people that have hopes and dreams of living off the land.

An Absolute Treasure! Thank you Carla!
This book is a rich treasury of simple living. Reading it is not only incredibly informative, but also almost like having a close friend or grandmother at your side. Excellent for reference, full of useful facts, critical insights, and a personal touch that rings of the warmth of a country home.
Can't live without book
Long ago I had an earlier version that was punched hole pages with wire rings holding it together.
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Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Gardening    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Home economics    6. Reference   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture, Domestic    3. Details    4. Great Britain    5. History - General    6. History Of Architecture    7. Interior Design - Style Books    8. Interior architecture    9. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    10. Reference    11. Architecture - Details    12. Architecture / Historic Preservation   

Reviews (1)

Superb in every way but one
This is a tremendous resource for anyone needing concise information about anyone involved in or any concept, however obscure, concerning classical music. The one thing missing that I think would be invaluable is a phonetic pronunciation guide. This would be particularly helpful with the composers, conductors and other musicians who are referenced. Everyone probably knows the big dogs, but the strength of this publications is the inclusion of practically everyone of note in this music field; many who are quite unknown to most of us. The pronunciation guide would be extremely helpful. Otherwise, I find this text to be a clearly superior and exhaustive resource. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Genres & Styles - Classical    3. Music    4. Music Appreciation    5. Music/Songbooks    6. Reference    7. Music / Classical    8. Reference works    9. Western music: periods & styles