Reviews (5)

Herbs
I am taking a medicinal botany class and was not satisfied with the information the text book gave me and wanted to know more I saw this book and ordered it.I love it.It is a must have for someone interested in herbs even my instructor found it helpful.

Best of it's kind
I have an older edition that my sister bought for me for christmas several years back.It's one of the few books i'll have for the rest of my life because of its incredible value as a comprehensive herb and plant info resource.The edition I have has pictures, names, references in the front with longer descriptions in the back in the same style as an audubon society field guide book.It's great for picking up and reading random stuff or to lookup the medicinal uses of a specific herb.The book never ceases to amaze me.Of all the herb books i've read, this one is time and again the most useful.

Superb Comprehensive Book
This book is very comprehensive.It is fairly easy to use with both Latin and English names.There are many photographs to support herb descriptions.The book doesn't does not have a botanical key to support identification of more unusual specimens (I don't miss this, others may).
Read more

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Herb gardening    6. Herbal Medications    7. Herbs    8. Pictorial works    9. Reference    10. Gardening / Herbs    11. Gardening   

Reviews (12)

nice explanations
Abrams supplies very nicely written explanations of many terms you are likely to come across in literature, or more specifically, in literary studies. If you have puzzled over an "objective correlative", then he explains that it wasn't due to TS Eliot, as many believe, but to Allston. Though Eliot was the one responsible for popularising the term. Or, if you want to use "doggerel" properly when deconstructing some Bukowski poem, perhaps check Abrams first.

Beware Beware!
The reader who complains that the 8th edition is radically different from previous editions with respect to the definitions of literary terms such as sonnet and ode is entirely mistaken.The entries on these and other terms are either unchanged from earlier editions or improved and updated.Moreover, a number of new terms have been added.

Essential for Lovers of Literature
Every student of literature should have their own copy of this book. Non-students would get a lot out of this too. And while the price might appear excessive, I think in the long-term this book is a worthwhile investment. What makes this guide of literary terms different from others, is its comprehensiveness. Abrams goes into great detail on the important terms that one comes across most often in literature. There is information on theories and movements in criticism and terms such as modernism and post modernism, are clearly defined. there is also material on symbolism, metaphor and other figures of speech and so on. A Glossary of Literary Terms, now in its 8th edition, is written in a lucid style, and is a must buy for anyone who wants to expand their literary horizons. Recommended. 5 stars. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criticism    2. English language    3. Higher    4. Language    5. Language Arts & Disciplines    6. Literature    7. Literature - Classics / Criticism    8. Reference    9. Terminology    10. Terms and phrases    11. Language teaching & learning material & coursework    12. Literary Criticism & Collections / General    13. Literary reference works   

Reviews (11)

Pretty good ...
... if you like your herbs from the herb store, that is. And if you like the TCM view of things. Excellent but not the most recent version....
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MEDICINAL PLANTS by Andrew Chevallier is a relatively comprehensive source of information about herbal uses for healing.This is not the most recent volume by this author, however.The 2000 version is more comprehensive and includes the most current information about research associated with herbal medicinal uses. Best Source there is for medicinal plant information!!
From its detailed descriptions of almost all medicinal plants, to its step by step instructions for different preparations, this bookhas it all!!It tells you where the plant is from even the history behind todays uses.If your interested in healing with plants... this book is for you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dictionaries    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Encyclopedias    4. Health/Fitness    5. Herbal Medications    6. Materia Medica    7. Materia medica, Vegetable    8. Medical    9. Medicinal plants    10. Pharmacology    11. Complementary Medicine    12. Gardening / Reference    13. Reference works   

Subjects:  1. 18th Century World History    2. Encyclopedias    3. Enlightenment    4. Europe    5. Europe - General    6. History - General History    7. Philosophy    8. Reference    9. United States    10. European history: c 1500 to c 1750    11. European history: c 1750 to c 1900    12. History, World | Modern    13. Reference / Encyclopedias    14. Social history    15. Western philosophy, c 1600 to c 1800    16. c 1700 to c 1800   

Reviews (114)

The index is very useful
I was disappointed in the superficiality of the descriptions for the herbs and their uses, but the index is very useful. Folk names, common names, and Latin names are all easily found -making it much simpler to track down the plants you want at your local greenhouse.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Llewellyn's Sourcebook Series)
This is a great general book. A word to the wise. Some of the herbs that he recommends are posionous and should be not ingested. These herbs are in no way flagged in the book at all. Lily of the Valley, Mandrake, Belladonna are all dangerous and not for use without extensive research. Remember even if you see lots of food on the forest ground not all of it is safe to eat.

practical info for the practicing witch
what I like about this book is not the info on obcure plants that I have to send away for, but the info on things and herbs you can find in the grosery store. like some fruits and spices.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Charms    2. Gardening    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Herbs    5. Herbs (Botany)    6. Magic    7. Magick Studies    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Occult sciences    10. Plants    11. Witchcraft & Wicca    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    13. Complementary Medicine    14. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (3)

Not worth the money!!
I don't think this book worth the price. All the letters are very basic, a bit outdated and follow old prospecting techniques. Some of the letters can only be use after you made a call or you met with a prospect. There is nothing impressive about this book.
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!
This book has been quite helpful for me in writing letters that sound so professional, but like I wrote them myself.Sure saves the brain alot of time on trying to construct a personal but professional letter.

Great book!
This is an excellent book for both new & experienced real estate agents. The letters sound intelligent and professional, and they're informative without being either too informal or sounding stilted. The CD included with the book was especially helpful, because you can just download all the letters onto your computer & personalize them with your own information or make changes. Real estate agents are too busy to have to re-invent the wheel every time they need to write a professional-sounding letter. These are GREAT templates. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Handbooks & Manuals    5. Real Estate - General    6. Real Estate - Sales    7. Real estate business    8. Records and correspondence    9. Business & Economics / Real Estate    10. Encyclopaedias & Reference Works    11. Management of real estate, property & plant    12. Property & real estate    13. Reference works   

Reviews (3)

Great addition
This book was more along the lines I was looking for in fabric beading. Instructions were clear, pictures beautiful and had lots of detail. I will enjoy using this book.

Full Color Inspiration Book
I finally know what to do with all the "weird" Beads I just had to have for no other reason than they looked different. I love the Picture instructions on beading cabs. I would liked to have seen more of these types of instructions. That is my only complaint. If you can see the patterns in your head the written instructions are clear enough.Her chapter on tools and materials is very good and she even explains the types of threads most books do not cover as well as the glues, scissors, needles, hoops and frames and even includes the newest craze, Fire Line and Power Pro. Chapter 2 is all about beads including my "weird" beads.
A little bit of heaven
Having forgotten that I had ordered this book before it was published, I was pleasantly surprised when it came yesterday. Wow, am I glad that I ordered it! It provides great information about beading on various types of fabrics, the different types of beads and tips as well as things to watch out for from the author. I am new to beading and have been wanting to add it to my quilt blocks and hand made clothing for a while. This book has a large number of her completed pieces in full color and provides explanations for the techniques she used on each one. I found this to be a very helpful and inspiring book, and will recommend it to my friends who are wanting to begin beading as well. Great job, Ms. Van Horn. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Beads & Beading    3. Beadwork    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - General    8. Reference    9. Textile Arts - General    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    11. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (81)

Great book
This book is very useful.Scott Cunningham's books are wonderful.He knew his stuff, and was very thorough when compiling the information.This book tells how to make incense, different oils for ritual, herbal charms, sachets, powders, soaps, and lots of other stuff.It's a great book for the kitchen witch because it's a wonderful reference book.And as with all of his books, he adds charts for substitutions, sabbats, days, seasons, and just correspondences for each oil and herb.I highly recommend this book.

Mother Earth's Majik
I am discovering the enjoyment and knowledge from this book.I think the forklore is interesting, but since I have just begun I feel this book will be a winter project to create some of the oils and such the I would would like to make.

Great Book and Very Informative
I found this book very informative for those wishing to make their own brews and potions. I enjoyed reading it and have put some of the formulas into action. I use the oils and soaps when I'm feeling the need to recharge. Also great information on herbs and such. If you're into making your own things and using them or giving them as gifts then this book is for you. You won't go wrong buying this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Essences and essential oils    3. Folklore & Mythology    4. Incense    5. Magic    6. Magick Studies    7. Miscellanea    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Perfumes    10. Reference    11. Witchcraft & Wicca    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    13. Complementary Medicine    14. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. E-Commerce - General    5. Electronic commerce    6. Encyclopedias    7. Internet in public administration    8. Mail Order    9. Mobile commerce    10. Reference    11. Business & Management    12. Central government    13. General encyclopaedias    14. Telephone technology   

Subjects:  1. Baseball - General    2. Encyclopedias    3. Essays    4. General    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Erotic art    8. Photographs: collections    9. Photography / General   

Reviews (2)

Great reference but poor value
There are three classes of science & technology encyclopedias currently available. The best and most comprehensive one, by far, is the 20+ volume 15,600 page McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology-it's in a class by itself but it will cost [quite a bit]. The next class of science & tech encyclopedias are what you might call the mammoth 2-hand desktops. There are only two in this class, Von Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia and the McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Science & Technology. The next class of science & tech encyclopedias are the smaller 1-hand desktops of which there are many. After looking at them all and buying several, I've come to the conclusion that the two mammoth desktop encyclopedias are the most useful and the best value. The 20+ volume McGraw-Hill would certainly be nice to have, but if you're the average non-scientist college-educated layman it's too expensive (you could buy a top of the line PowerMac G4 computer for that price) for an encyclopedia whose scientific content will be obsolete in a few short years until McGraw-Hill follows Britannica and makes it available on affordable CDs or online. On the other hand, the smaller more affordable desktop 'encyclopedias' are really misnamed dictionaries given their tremendously broad scope and relatively short length, making them virtually useless (except for James Trefil's excellent Encyclopedia of Science and Technology). That leaves the two mammoth desktop encyclopedias in the middle; they're the best values: large enough to be truly useful, yet small enough to be affordable. Comparing these two qualitatively, they're both authoritative, scholarly, and top-notch. I read each of the encyclopedia's articles on data, information, and computer technology (an admittedly small sample of the enormous content of each). I found the Concise McGraw-Hill to be much more useful. The larger Von Nostrand had more information on these subjects, but it was of such a technical nature that only IT specialists with a heavy mathematics background could understand it. That's great for other professors (who probably wouldn't be consulting a desktop encyclopedia for help in their field anyway) but not very helpful to non-specialists. In other words, as a college-educated liberal arts generalist I learned more from the content of the Concise McGraw-Hill. Comparing them quantitatively in terms of their value, the Concise McGraw-Hill is also a much better value. Von Nostrand's 4192 page encyc. [is costly] while the 2318 page Concise McGraw-Hill goes for [cheaper]. For the price of Von Nostrand's you can purchase the Concise McGraw-Hill and Trefil's smaller but excellent work and still have [money] to spare. Until McGraw-Hill and/or Von Nostrand's delivers their content in more economical and accessible forms the printed Concise McGraw-Hill is the best value available (December 2002).

The Best General Reference in Science Sees an Innovative 9th
VAN NOSTRAND'S SCIENTIFIC ENCYCLOPEDIA, 9th Edition edited by Glenn D. Considine and Peter H. Kulik (Wiley-Interscience)Chronicals significant scientific advancements with special attention to Life-Biosciences; Chemistry; Earth and Atmospheric Sciences; Energy Sources and Power Technology; Mathematics and Engineering Sciences; Medicine, Anatomy, and Physiology; Physics; Plant Sciences; Space and Planetary SciencesRead more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - General    2. Encyclopedias    3. Engineering    4. Reference    5. Science    6. Science (General)    7. Science/Mathematics    8. General encyclopaedias    9. Popular science    10. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (15)

Often Insightful
This is a very good overview of nationalism.Following other scholars, notably the pioneering work of Carlton Hayes and Hans Kohn in the 1930s, Hobsbawm point of departure is the fact that nationalism in the modern sense is a recent phenomenon, arising prinicipally in the 19th century and often as the produce of state formation in that era.Hobsbawm covers the history of nationalist ideas from the early 19th century onward, describing the evolution of nationalist ideas from their association with liberal political movements to their later association with the right, indeed, the fascist right.Hobsbawm covers also the basic historiography as well.The primary theme is the social construction of nationalism, often as a state mediated process with developing states using nationalist ideas to increase social cohesion.Hobsbawm also points out how nationalist ideas often arise from confrontation with others, an increasingly common experience as 19th and 20th century Europe saw increasing contact with others from differing ethnicities and religions as the world economy promoted large population movements and novel information about others.Written with Hobsbawm's typical combination of broad erudition and solid prose, this is an engaging and instuctive book.

Hobsbawm places nationalism in its historical context
We ordered this book as a reading for our 'Old Curmudgeons Book Club'. The book club is made up of a small bunch of 'older guys', i.e. in their 50s and 60s. We get together once a month and disucss non-fiction books. We've been doing this for about 15 years now. The book has to have something important to say about the human condition. Since nations and nationalism play such an important role in the 20th and 21st centuries, we thought it important to get a better handle on this.Hobsbawm's book helps us to understand the incredibly short time that nations and nationalisms have played a big role in the human experience.It is essentially a 19th century invention and yet it has become such a part of our thinking - e.g. the notion of the inviolability of national sovereignty, the whole business of being an 'American', Briton, Australian, etc. which is such an important part of self identity.One piece of information I found to be astonishing is the statement that at the time of the founding of modern 'Italy',in the mid 19th century, only 2.5% of the population in the territory now known as Italy spoke Italian.Hobsbawm's book then, helps to put into perspective the whole notion of nation and nationalism and helps us to be a bit more critical and more sceptical (suspicious perhaps) when political leaders appeal in language such as 'My fellow Americans', or 'Canadians believe that...', etc. Oh yeah? (What's America? What's Canada, etc.?It helps us to recall Samuel Johnson's famous and useful phrase 'Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel'.Of course, we can get into debates about the difference between 'nationalism' and 'patriotism' but, for my money, they're pretty much the same thing and both are based on unexamined assumptions.Hobsbawm's book will get you thinking about these issues.
Corrupted analysis
You'll never get the straight story about nationalism out of Eric Hobsbawm, who himself appears to try to reconcile his own ethnic identity with the topic.David Pryce-Jones once noted that in Hobsbawm's own autobiography: "he [Hobsbawm] boasts of a visit to Bir Zeit University on the West Bank to display solidarity with the Palestinians.Why Palestinian nationalism is valid, and Jewish nationalism invalid, is something else Hobsbawm fails to analyze and explain. Quite crudely, he approves of nationalism in countries which proclaim themselves Communist and anti-American, like Cuba or Vietnam, while rejecting nationalism in countries which are not Communist and are pro-American, like Israel" ([...], Jan. 3, 2003).
Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. Nationalism    5. Political Science    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Reference    8. World - General    9. Europe    10. European history: c 1750 to c 1900    11. History / Europe / General    12. Nationalism--History    13. c 1700 to c 1800    14. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (2)

morbid compulsion
I saw this book listed in Entertainment Weekly recently and decided it may be worth buying. For those of you out there fascinated by death this is the book for you. The forward claims that reading this book will extend your life by two years. After reading just a few of the pages so far, I can understand the claim. The presentation is somewhat lighthearted for such a morbid subject but very readable. Once you pick it up, it really is difficult to put down - the statistics, the details, the illustrations and photos all make this a wonderful - although sobering - read. Knowing now how an airbag can KILL YOU makes me glad I own a later model vehicle.

"Addicted to Death!"
This is a great book!It's easy to read and hard to put down!Largo has done a terrific job of entertaining and educating his readers on a subject to which we can all relate.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Death & Dying    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. Encyclopedias    4. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    5. Popular Culture - General    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Thanatology    9. Popular culture    10. Social Science / Popular Culture   

Reviews (2)

BUD HASTINS AVON COLLECTORS BOOK
I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE BOOK I PURCHASED FROM AMAZON.COMTHIS BOOK DID GIVE ME ALL THE INFORMATION I WAS LOOKING FOR. AND DOING BUSINESS WITH AMAZON.COM WAS VERY GOOD, AND THE PRICES AND SHIPPING WERE VERY SATISFACTORY.

The Seventeenth Edition
As a whole it is fantastic. But, by not listing the men's by name, such as "Leather"; it caused me a lot of time and trouble trying to find it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Avon Products, Inc.    6. Bottles    7. Catalogs    8. Collectors and collecting    9. Glass & Glassware    10. Glass Arts And Crafts    11. Glassware    12. Reference - Price Guides    13. United States   

Reviews (3)

32 Volumes - The Best Encyclopedia Ever
I have always considered this to be the best encyclopedia available to the consumer. It is available in printed and in CD-ROM formats. One person actually read the entire encyclopedia. It takes about 15 months reading about 8 hours per day. The information is awesome. Many technical topics are covered in layperson's language.
Encyclopedia Britannica
The latest Britannica contains full-color illustrations which
An expensive edition printed on the chippest quality paper
Encyclopedia Britannica does not need a promotion - it itself is one of the best creations of the mankind. That's why it is so humiliatng to see it printed so poorly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Reference   

Reviews (14)

Revision of Holman's classic Handbook
The original compiler/editor, Hugh Holman, had created a classic--probably the best handbook to literature (almost exclusively English and American) available.The latest edition (10th) has everything that Holman had, with some modifications and additions.One of best features of Handbook is its invaluable time-line at the end, covering every major book and author in every major period of English literature, side-by-side with a chronology of American literature.

A Handbook to Literature (10th edition)
Easily one of the best handbooks on the market, and an indispensable reference for English teachers of literature and researchers at all levels.After thirty-seven years in teaching, I still make certain my copy of AHTL is readily accessible.

Great for School
This text was required, and it was cheaper at Amazon than the local university book stores. The book is actually great. I wish I had it when I first started school. It is fantastic at describing various literary terms and definitions. We may know a term in general use; however, in literary use the term may have a different meaning, and this is when this book comes in very handy. Utilize this book and you can actually participate in class discussion and not feel like a dummy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dictionaries    2. Literary Criticism    3. Literary History And Criticism    4. Literature    5. Literature (General)    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Reference    8. Literary reference works    9. Literary studies: general   

Reviews (3)

Atheists are Funny!
Notice that the Atheist below claimed that Archer is illogical when in fact all the "reviewer" did was throw out illogical ad hominems left and right. Where was the logical argument? It wasn't there. Just a bunch of strawmen and moral judgments on the Bible and Christianity. One must wonder where one gets absolute moral judgments about the Bible being "wrong" when one doesn't believe in an absolute source of those moral judgments? I guess atheists are better at living with their errant contradictions than they are allowing scholars like Archer (Harvard educated in his BA, MA and PhD) to explain misunderstandings made by our cultural and linguistic distance from the text. O well, I guess it's just in one ear and out the other of those who want to keep their precious, licentious religion in tact.
Once you've actually read the Bible...
This volume is a good addition to the Biblical expositor's reference library. But the first step is to become familiar with the Bible by actually having spent time reading and studying it. Many questions become answered once you understand the entire Bible in context. Then reference books such as this become useful in understanding cultural references, difficulties in the English translations of the original autographs, etc.

Generally excellent refutation of biblioskeptics
The author has an encyclopedic knowledge of Biblical languages and culture, and his book is most informative about a wide range of topics.Archer is also a trained lawyer, so can cut through the illogicality and special pleading of the arguments for "contradictions".By comparison, among those who argue for contradictions are such blatantly unqualified misotheists such as Barker, Ingersoll, McKinsey and Paine who haven't a clue about the original languages or culture, and are blatantly chronologically chauvinistic.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - General    3. Bible - Reference - Dictionaries & Encyclopedias    4. Examinations, questions, etc    5. Reference    6. Religion    7. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    8. Christian Interest    9. Religion / Reference    10. The Bible   

Reviews (26)

A great way to understand the history of our country
This book will help you to comprehend the background of our country a little more as well as give a high-level overview of where the foundations of our nation came from.Covering literature to common everyday sayings as well as the scientific side of things from an origin perspective, you will begin to have an appreciation for what our forefathers went through as they strove to build a society in the grand ol' USA.

Down-and-Dirty Info
This book is excellent if you want to know concise bits of info about a particular topic (and it covers A LOT of topics, grouped nicely into categories in the Table of Contents). Then, if you want to delve further into an item, you can always hop on the Web. I gave the book to my 21-year-old son to help him start his own book collection, so I recently purchased another for myself.

Not what I expected...
I bought this on recommendation and was excited about reading it.I received it and was taken aback at the format of the book.I thought it was a book you could read from cover to cover, etc....but it is more like a dictionary/reference book to address any questions you might have regarding any number of things.Stillis an interesting read though. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Civilization    3. Dictionaries    4. Dictionaries - General    5. Encyclopedias and dictionaries    6. English language    7. History - U.S.    8. Reference    9. Social History    10. United States    11. United States - General    12. Anthropology    13. Reference / General   

Reviews (40)

The best I've ever encountered
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Having studied the more esoteric aspect of the Christian religion for several years, I have a pretty good idea of when I'm looking at a load of bull-honkey and when I'm looking at accuracy based on good sources. The one thing to be careful of is READ THE CITED SOURCES in the individual descriptions. Works by people like Milton are fiction, and should not be taken into consideration if you're seriously looking to find out who the angels "are." They're listed more as "this is what pop culture thinks" versus "this is what a Christian scholar said," which is still useful if you're using the book to write a fiction piece yourself. The tables and symbols in the back are also a nice change from your normal books of angels, who only give one side's perspective on which are 'right.' Davidson supplies several different beliefs and a nice little collection of symbols.
Good historical reading
Gustav Davidson shines in this publication, His information is percise and factual.An excellent refrence book.I highly recomend it!

Not as I expected
If I new more about angels and wanted to look them up by name, this dictionary would be great.But as it is, there isn't anything to explain all of the thousands of dictionary angel listings.I bought the book to learn about angels and their different dominions, but was dissapointed at only finding dictionary listings.And those listings werent very descriptive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - Angelology    2. Inspirational - General    3. Reference    4. Religion    5. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    6. Animism    7. Christianity    8. Myths & mythology    9. Reference works    10. Religion / General   

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Gardens    6. General    7. History    8. Horticulture (Specific Aspects)    9. Reference    10. Agriculture | Horticulture & Gardening    11. Gardening / Reference