Lifting Titan's Veil: Exploring the Giant Moon of Saturn

Book Description

Lifting Titan's Veil is a revealing account of the second largest moon in our solar system. This world in orbit around Saturn is the only body in the solar system with an atmosphere strikingly similar to Earth's. Titan is like a giant frozen laboratory that may help scientists understand the first chemical steps towards the origin of life. Beginning with its discovery in 1655, the authors describe our current knowledge of Titan, including observations made before the space age, results from the Voyager missions of the 1980s, and recent revelations from the world's most advanced telescopes. In Lifting Titan's Veil, Ralph Lorenz includes his personal experiences in preparing for the Cassini mission, which will reach Saturn in 2004 and release the Huygens probe into Titan's atmosphere in 2005. A splendid introduction to Titan, this book will appeal to anyone interested in astronomical discovery and space exploration. Ralph Lorenz trained as an engineer and worked for the European Space Agency at the very beginning of the Huygens project. Since obtaining a PhD at the University of Kent, England, he has worked as a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona, Tucson. His research interests focus on Titan, but also include climatology, radar, impact dynamics and spacecraft and instrumentation design. He has been involved in NASA's largest planetary mission (Cassini) and its smallest (the DS-2 Mars Microprobes). Jacqueline Mitton obtained a Ph.D in astrophysics from the University of Cambridge, and is now a full-time writer and media consultant specializing in astronomy. She has served as Press Officer for the Royal Astonomical Society since 1989, and was Editor of the Journal of the British Astronomical Association 1989-1993. She has written or co-authored sixteen published astronomy books, the most recent, The Cambridge Dictionary of Astronomy (2001).

Customer Reviews:

A Pale Orange Dot.......2004-06-06

Rare is the work that meets the high publication standards within a given scientific discipline while being simultaneously accessible to the public at large. In particular, and notwithstanding its cachet and increasing multidisciplinary approach, the field of planetary sciences often offers up works that are either overspecialized to the point of alienating all but a very select readership or those works appealing to a broad audience but derisively dismissed by experts as popularizing and superficial. Bridging the wide chasm separating these two extremes requires talented writing. LIFTING TITAN'S VEIL: EXPLORING THE GIANT MOON OF SATURN, by Ralph Lorenz and Jacqueline Mitton, is a book that accomplishes this with a professionally credible, yet highly readable, account of mankind's attempts to unravel the mysteries of Saturn's largest moon. Lorenz and Mitton succeed in this collaboration due in no small part to their highly impressive credentials. The former is one of today's most prolific planetary scientists, especially regarding the study of Titan, and also a participant in the current Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and Titan. The latter, with a Ph.D. in astrophysics, is a renowned science writer credited with authorship or co-authorship of sixteen astronomy-related works.

Answering, in the most basic way, the "why" question that often accompanies any discussion of planetary exploration, the authors write, "More than anything else, planetary exploration gives us a sense of perspective, a notion of who we are, where we came from and what our destiny might be. We can learn from all worlds. Each planet and moon in the solar system has its own unique history. Each is an experiment with a different set of conditions..." More specifically, they note that Titan, with its orange-tinted, nitrogen-rich 1.5 bar atmosphere containing traces of hydrocarbons and other organics, might represent an analogue, albeit a cyrogenic one, of the prebiotic atmosphere surrounding early Earth. Considering that mankind has yet to demonstrate time travel, studying Titan may be the only way (outside of modelling and laboratory experiments, both of which have obvious limitations) to explore this critical phase in Earth's history. It goes without saying that studying Titan, especially in situ, is exploration at the cutting edge.

Coming at an especially propitious moment, the book provides a comprehensive synthesis of the body of Titan-related science, which is placed into historical context. Starting with the moon's discovery in 1655 by Christiaan Huygens, the Dutch astronomer, LIFTING TITAN'S VEIL spans a time frame of three and a half centuries of astronomical observations leading up to the modern era of spacecraft reconnaissance and exploration. The book is organized topically, with a distinct narrative style (e.g., the unique "Ralph's Log" feature), and runs the gamut from astronomy to meterology to geology to speculation about future Titan exploration. I highly recommend LIFTING TITAN'S VEIL to all readers. Anyone interested in Titan, this "pale orange dot," will, I think, find something of worth in this work. Indeed, I personally feel that Chapter 3, "Titan's puzzling atmosphere," is alone worth the price of the book.

interesting scientific work.......2003-11-01

This book is fun for whoever loves science.Its an example of applying science to data gathered from earth telescopes and space probes,mainly through the eyes of Hubble and Voyager. Attempts at explaining theoretical models behind possible chemical and physical processes at work on this moon are made.It would be interesting to compare the current thinking with what Cassini will actually reveal in a years time!

Very good book on what we know now........2003-02-04

The authors do a good job in this book and it is a good read. What is interesting is how much we do not know about this amazing satellite. We have no idea about what the surface is like. In less than 5 years the Cassini mission w/ the Huygens lander will make this book obsolete. You have to wonder why this book was written so close to Cassini's arrival. Until then this book should be standard text in any amatuer astronomers library. The authors give too much credit to Carl Sagan and not enough to the real scientists who have contributed to our limited knowledge on the subject. Besides that this book almost gets my highest rating.

Titan And The Pursuit Of Science.......2002-12-31

This is an exciting time for planetary exploration, when after the solar system has been reconnoitered by spacecraft (except Pluto) and now spacecraft are being sent to specific planets and moons, etc., for closer examination. LIFTING TITAN'S VEIL covers the Cassini mission to Saturn and it's large moon Titan, known to possess a thick atmosphere and perhaps a hydrocarbon ocean, due to insert itself into Saturnian orbit in July, 2004, the attached Huygens probe should enter Titan's atmosphere January, 2005.

The authors include a lot of science in this volume, including background information concerning moons and planets across the solar system. Most of this book covers Titan of course, what we know about it and how we came about that knowledge, from early times to the present. Titan's atmosphere and surface and sub-surface conditions recieve the most attention, with the chemistry of the atmosphere discussed at length. Also, the authors debate the possibility of an ethane/methane ocean existing on Titan as the surface temperature, according to available evidence, is close to the triple point of methane. All of this science can of course, as the authors point out, shed light on the formation and evolution of the solar system and in turn give us clues to our own origins in the misty past. As a chemist I especially enjoyed the information on the chemistry of Titan, and the space-buff in me enjoyed all of it. In addition, the Cassini spacecraft is detailed, and there are lots of illustrations, many in color.

On a personal note, I remember being at the space center as a visitor just a few days before the launch of Cassini, in October, 1997, and thinking that here is this spacecraft sitting out there on the pad just a few hundred yards from the Atlantic beach, I wondered then, will Huygens, at the end of it's journey, find another beach? Space travel is cool!

Excellent!.......2002-06-28

In "Lifting Titan's Veil", Ralph Lorenz and Jacqueline Mitton have written a lucid account of what we know about Titan, and how the Huygens probe which will parachute down to its surface in 2005 is designed to tell us more. As a research scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory whose doctoral thesis was on the topic, Ralph is well placed to sift through the various competing theories. In fact, he designed the probe's spear-like penetrometer which - if all goes to plan - will be the first human artefact to come into contact with this intriguing moon's surface. As an avid reader on the topic, I thoroughly recommend this book.

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Jupiter (Exploring the Solar System)
Giles Sparrow
Manufacturer: Heinemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 1575723956

Exploring Jupiter: The Astrological Key to Progress, Prosperity & Potential

Average customer rating:

insigntful and helpful
Overall book on Jupiter
Yet another contemporary classic by Stephen Arroyo
One of the best astrology books I've read

Exploring Jupiter: The Astrological Key to Progress, Prosperity & Potential
Stephen Arroyo
Manufacturer: CRCS Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Relationships & Life Cycles: Astrological Patterns of Personal Experience
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Saturn: A New Look at an Old Devil

ASIN: 091636058X

Customer Reviews:

insigntful and helpful.......2007-03-27

one part of the book explores jupiter (and both jupiter ruled signs in the mental cross, namely pisces and sagittarius), their similarities and differences. it explores jupiterian personality into great detail and gives both very broad and detailed view of jupiter, includes many quotes from other authors, some of which are completely unavailable elsewhere (mainly out of print).
second part is more of a cookbook, as it explores meaning of jupiter in signs and houses and various aspects.
i have to admit having read the cookbook part for my dear ones, not thru and thru, and i found it insightful and useful, albeit slightly unexpected.
4 stars for style of writing, which is unfocussed, slightly scattered and sometimes repetitive. i am a foreigner and it was pretty difficult to concentrate on this one..

Overall book on Jupiter.......2001-12-02

In the prologue the author writes that he began writing this book, inspired by Pluto entering Sagittarius and expecting the increase in Sagittarius and its ruler, Jupiterfs influence. Though Jupiter has been regarded as the best of fortune planet, it is the most neglected planet in astrology.

The author attempts to provide us with the whole picture of Jupiter in this book, explaining the key concepts and interpretive guidelines in the first part of the book, and then more detailed cookbook in the latter parts. What is the most interesting to me is that his comparison of Jupiter to Mercury, and also that of Sagittarius and the other three Mutable signs.

As he mentions, all the Mutable signs are related to "learning." Gemini and Virgo are ruled by Mercury, while Sagittarius and Pisces are (traditionally) ruled by Jupiter. So his way of comparing Jupiter to Mercury is actually very indicative to me. The author quotes from Charles Carter and writes that "Jupiter is a constructive and progressive Mercury. The latter is concerned with things as they are; it examines, it does not speculate or plan ahead. Jupiter seems to be the type of the explorer and experimenter, always ready to sweep its gaze towards wider horizons whether mental or physical."

In another part, he also quotes that "the vision of Gemini is normal, that of Virgo microscopic; but Jupiter is telescopic, scanning distant horizons. Mercury studies local maps; he is usually an authority on tubes and bus routes. But Jupiter asks for atlases and maps of continents."

Though modern Western educational system is dominated by Mercurian, the author insists on the importance of Jupiterfs envisioning, planning, improving, taking risks based on faith throughout the book.

In the human relationship, the author writes that those around Jupiterians may feel injured because of their insensitivity. In other words, the Jupiterian's sins come more often from omission than commission. Jupiterians do not intend to neglect others and their feelings. But they have begun to "above it all," and the results in an impersonal insensitivity to human feelings.

Yet another contemporary classic by Stephen Arroyo.......2000-03-22

This book is the very essence of Jupiter. From its apt title, to its generous use of many famous chart examples, to Arroyo's trademark insight and wisdom on every page, "Exploring Jupiter" is positively a winner! The presentation of the astrology is clear, practical and intelligent, making it a must for both newer students and more experienced practising astrologers.

While outlining a framework for understanding Jupiter in chapter one, the author comments: "...I cannot help but feel that Jupiter's bigness and broad vision is inextricably linked to the perennial human search for a larger truth and for an experience of oneness with the universe". The range of natal charts throughout the book reflects this, each one accompanied by a brief biographical account and astrological notes. Albert Einstein, Woody Allen, Eleanor Roosevelt, Michael Jordan, Robert Redford, William Blake are just a few of the wide range of Jupiterian characters covered.

Unlike the majority of modern astrologers, Arroyo refers to Jupiter's ancient rulership of Pisces as being significant, and the book is written with this in mind. Otherwise much of the book is built on the usual "cookbook" approach: Jupiter through the signs, Jupiter through the houses (arranged by element), Jupiter aspects in the birth chart and so on. As always with Stephen Arroyo, it is the clarity and profound depth of these guidelines for interpretation that is so striking. The chapter on transits involving Jupiter is particularly good, building on ideas he has expressed in earlier writings.

One of the best astrology books I've read.......2000-01-24

I generally don't find books about individual planets all that interesting--but Stephen Arroyo has done it right. He makes a powerful case for the importance of a planet that is often overlooked or treated blandly in chart interpretation--largely arguing from the charts of well-known people, in a series of perceptive readings that are themselves a great introduction to and argument for the art of astrology.

(Credit should be given to editor Barbara McEnerney, who contributed several of the chart readings--she and Arroyo should consider collaborating on a book of famous charts.)

The book includes full descriptions of how Jupiter can be interpreted by sign, house, aspect and transit. One big plus is that Arroyo quotes what other astrologers had to say about these factors--showing both common understandings and disagreements. There's also an insightful discussion of what Jupiter means in general, looking at the planet in conjunction with Sagittarius (and also Pisces) and in contrast with Saturn.

Even if you don't have a particular interest in Jupiter, you'll enjoy this book if you like great astrological writing.

Exploring Planet Earth (Sense of Wonder Series) ("Sense of Wonder" Series)
Average customer rating:

Extremley great book

Gets to the source of many discoveries about our world!!!

Exploring Planet Earth (Sense of Wonder Series) ("Sense of Wonder" Series)
John Hudson Tiner
Manufacturer: Master Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Exploring the History of Medicine: From the Ancient Physicians of Pharaoh to Genetic Engineering (Exploring (New Leaf Press))

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Ancient China: 2,000 Years of Mystery and Adventure to Unlock and Discover (Treasure Chest)

Exploring the World of Mathematics (The Exploring)

ASIN: 0890511780

Book Description

A wonderful supplement to any homeschool curriculum, this book emphasizes the history of civilization from a biblical perspective with terms, definitions, and chapter tests. Students receive an excellent knowledge of people and places in this middle school level book.

Customer Reviews:

Extremley great book.......2002-04-26

This is a great book! It is a fast book for middle school kids and a slow book for elementary kids. It is interesting, well written, well illustrated, and covers a good amount of material. I would recommend this to anybody but it is especially great for homeschoolers

Gets to the source of many discoveries about our world!!!.......1999-04-08

As a homeschooling parent, I am very pleased with this book and the vast amount of information it contains about our world. Most interesting is the authors approach. Not only does he talk about the various discoveries of the past centuries, but he also takes you back to the person and the circumstances that provided the opportunity for the discovery to be made. My children and I have all been made educationally richer thanks to this work.

I will purchase the other books (there are to be three of them total) as soon as I am able to locate them. The quality of information is excellent and I expect the other books to meet the quality and depth as this one has done. I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing the "who, when, and how" various discoveries were made.

The Changing Earth: Exploring Geology and Evolution (with Physical GeologyNOW)
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The Changing Earth: Exploring Geology and Evolution (with Physical GeologyNOW)
James S. Monroe , and Reed Wicander
Manufacturer: Brooks Cole
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

Study Guide for Monroe/Wicander's The Changing Earth, 4th

ASIN: 0495010200

Book Description

THE CHANGING EARTH, a leader in the Introductory Geology course, is the only text specifically written for the combined physical and historical geology course. The Fourth Edition's content is based on the best-selling texts PHYSICAL GEOLOGY: EXPLORING THE EARTH and HISTORICAL GEOLOGY: EVOLUTION OF EARTH AND LIFE THROUGH TIME, both written by James Monroe and Reed Wicander. Briefer than the previous edition and maintaining a consistent and clear writing style throughout, the text provides a balanced coverage of physical and historical geology with engaging, real-life examples that draw students into the material. Examples in the Fourth Edition include new two-page art spreads, new paleogeographic maps, and "Geology in Unexpected Places"-a favorite feature from PHYSICAL GEOLOGY: EXPLORING THE EARTH, Fifth Edition. Known for its competitive and robust ancillary package, the Fourth Edition now features GeologyNow, the first assessment-centered student tutorial technology developed for the Geology market. The seamless integration of GeologyNow with chapter concepts emphasizes the connections between the content and students' own lives, through visual 3-D animations and chapter quizzes, helping students develop a greater appreciation for geology.

Planets in Love: Exploring Your Emotional and Sexual Needs

Average customer rating:

Want to know what is really going on in your relationships?

Planets in Love: Exploring Your Emotional and Sexual Needs
John Townley
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Planets in Composite: Analyzing Human Relationships (The Planet Series)
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ASIN: 0914918214

Book Description

Planets in Love is the first astrology book to take an unabashed look at human sexuality and the variety of relationships people form to meet emotional sexual needs. With unusual depth and insight, author John Townley delineates each traditional horoscope factor in terms of love and sex. Planets in Love contains a 300-word delineation of every planet and the Ascendant in every sign, every planet in every major house and planetary aspect. In all, there are 550 delineations written in terms of your sexual behavior and relationships. This book provides a catalyst for couples to open up their communication about sexual and emotional issues. Moreover, it gives you a valuable guide for an ongoing process of discovery and exploration., 6 1/2" x 9 1/4"

Customer Reviews:

Want to know what is really going on in your relationships?.......2001-01-22

I've had Planets in Love and referred to it since it first came out. It has proven to be a classic and timeless. It has always been helpful when looking for another path to understanding yourself, others, and just what might be going on in relationships. I've used it personally and with my more "enlightened" students and clients and I've even used it just for fun!

Average customer rating:

Facsinating!
A fascinating introduction to the Solar System

Exploring the Planets (2nd Edition)
Eric H. Christiansen , and Kenneth W. Hamblin
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0023224215

Customer Reviews:

Facsinating!.......2002-04-22

Very well written. I used this book for a class from one of the authors of the book. He does a really good job with up-to-date info in the book. Very well-written. Keeps you wanting to read more. It could definitely be enhanced if it had color pictures, though.

A fascinating introduction to the Solar System.......1998-02-28

Dr. Christiansen is my professor for my Astrogeology class. This book is wonderful, the photos are awesome and more than that, it really is interesting. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the planets. It's worth the price.

Average customer rating:

Review from FirstScience Online Newsletter
With over a hundred color photos and diagrams
This Book Rocks My Solar System!
Spectacular View of Our Solar System!

Exploring Our Solar System
Sally Ride , and Tam O'Shaughnessy
Manufacturer: Crown Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0375812040
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Book Description

Five billion years ago, a starship passing through our region of space would not have slowed down for a second look. There was nothing to see. No Earth, no sun, no solar system. Nothing but a huge tenuous cloud of gas.

Now, as the result of billions of years of evolution, and centuries of scientific research, we can chart our way through the solar system . . . with Sally Ride as our navigator. Starting from the sun and working outward, Sally Ride and Tam O’Shaughnessy take readers on a tour of the nine planets and explain the formation, current conditions, and possibility of life on each.

Filled with crisp, full-color photographs and lucid prose, this comprehensive volume untangles the complexities of space and allows readers to feel like masters of the universe.

Customer Reviews:

Review from FirstScience Online Newsletter.......2005-09-01

"Five billion years ago, a starship passing through our region of space would not have slowed down for a second look. There was nothing to see. No Earth, no sun, no solar system. Nothing but a huge tenuous cloud of gas.

Now, as the result of billions of years of evolution, and centuries of scientific research, we can chart our way through the solar system . . . with Sally Ride as our navigator. Starting from the sun and working outward, Sally Ride and Tam O'Shaughnessy take readers on a tour of the nine planets (Editors Note - Now it's 10 they will need a new edition!!) and explain the formation, current conditions, and possibility of life on each.

Filled with crisp, full-colour photographs and lucid prose, this comprehensive volume untangles the complexities of space and allows readers to feel like masters of the universe."

With over a hundred color photos and diagrams.......2003-12-14

Exploring Our Solar System is a definitive guide to space will particularly interest readers ages 10 and older with its survey of the planets by former astronaut Sally Ride, who begins with the Sun and moves outward. Over a hundred color photos and diagrams lends to classroom assignment and research use.

This Book Rocks My Solar System!.......2003-11-16

This is an outstanding book! My mother bought it for my younger sister but I borrowed it to help me research a report for my 10th grade science class. It is extremely clear and well written, and the pictures are cool! My science teacher liked it so much that she bought a copy for our classroom. I highly recommend Sally Ride's book for kids (and teachers) of any age.

Spectacular View of Our Solar System!.......2003-11-14

Wow! This book offers a fabulous introduction to the solar system and our place in it. It is more than the usual description of the sun and 9 planets -- it describes how the solar system was formed, how the planets came to be so different, and why the Earth is unique. And the pictures are spectacular!

A Field Manual for the Amateur Geologist: Tools and Activities for Exploring Our Planet

Average customer rating:

Great book for the novice geologist
a good broad generalization
needs color!

A Field Manual for the Amateur Geologist: Tools and Activities for Exploring Our Planet
Alan M. Cvancara
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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The Practical Geologist: The Introductory Guide to the Basics of Geology and to Collecting and Identifying Rocks
Geology: A Self-Teaching Guide
The Field Guide to Geology
Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals (Smithsonian Handbooks)
Simon & Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones)

ASIN: 047104430X

Book Description

Praise for the first edition . . .

"A must-have volume for rock and fossil collectors, naturalists, and travelers . . . ideal for the nature enthusiast with little or no background in geology." -Earth "Cvancara's Field Manual is the book for which I have been waiting for many years!"

This fascinating guide is an important resource you'll want to have with you on any outdoor vacation, nature walk, or rock hunting expedition. A Field Manual for the Amateur Geologist not only describes the science of geology, but also shows you how to do geology in the field. This book introduces the geologist's core concepts, tools, and techniques and requires no prior training in geology. Beginners will learn to identify landforms, minerals, rocks, and fossils and experience, firsthand, all the excitement of geological discovery. More experienced "rockhounds" will find a wealth of useful information as well, including:

Easy-to-use mineral keys and landform keys
Unique chapters on the geologist's approach, exploring the geology of North American national parks, sleuthing stones, and prospecting for gold
Over 200 photographs and drawings
Lists of geological museums, geological surveys, and other resources

Whether you are an amateur geologist, fossil hunter, naturalist, or simply a traveler with an inquiring mind, this handy field manual is sure to become a constant companion on your explorations of our planet.

Customer Reviews:

Great book for the novice geologist.......2006-08-04

I'm definitely no expert in geology, but I've always wanted to learn the basic concepts and understand the terminology. I found this book to be an excellent introductory book. It is much more than a grade-school primer, but not as deep as a college textbook. In short, it's ideal for the interested amateur who want to understand the subject without having their eyes glaze over. It is well organized, starting by describing the different types of landforms, then on to historical geology, minerals, rocks, and fossils, and finally a practical section on how to do geology as an amateur. I learned such things as the difference between basalt and gabbro, how to measure strike and dip, and what an anticline is. This is probably not a book that you would sit down and read start to finish, but it is written in easy-to-understand text. (Compare that to something like John McPhee's Annals of the Former World, a book guaranteed to mystify anyone who doesn't have a Ph.D. in geology.) I agree that the photos of rocks and minerals need work, but part of the problem is that in my copy, they are printed too dark. Color might help, but the colors in the field never seem to match those in a photo, so what you really need are samples you can touch and feel. The only real complaint I have is that the layout of the book is atrocious. The choice of font and line spacing makes it appear to have been done by an amateur desktop publisher. I would have expected better from a quality publisher like John Wiley.

a good broad generalization.......2001-01-30

the previous reviewer's 3-star rating because of the lack of color photographs doesn't do this book justice. Cvancara provides a strong, broad overview of geology for the amateur or hiker who's interested in knowing a bit about the nature, origin, and contents of the land around them.

The book covers types and varieties of rock, fossils & landforms as well as geologic time and how it changes & reforms land. I foudn the best part to be an interesting ~50 page section on "how to do geology", covering such interesting topics as how to analyze a landscape to determine its origins, reading topographic and geologic maps, how to track the source of a stone, how to find & pan for gold, and how to build a rock, mineral, or fossil collection. With the attached appendices of geologic resources I find it a great way for myself as an amateur to enjoy knowing what it is I'm admiring on hikes & such.

needs color!.......2000-01-05

Considering a majority of geology is recognizing colors, this book (with only black and white photos) is hard to use as a reference manual. The reading is also a bit stuffy, but does cover a wide range of geologic topics.

Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents

Average customer rating:

Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents
Entertaining,informative and vicariously enjoyable!
Close Encounters with Creatures on 7 Continents
Real life Jungle Book !
Fun Humorous Travel Book

Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents
Marty Essen
Manufacturer: Encante Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0977859975

Book Description

Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents follows Marty and Deb Essen on a three-and-a-half-year-long adventure to some of the wildest places on all seven continents.

The American couple began crisscrossing the globe with the simple intention of searching for rare and interesting wildlife. When their travels coincided with the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the added element made them unwitting ambassadors for peace. Their experiences - from amusing to life threatening - changed their lives forever.

This is not your average travelogue. Marty Essen has written a book that entertains, informs, and poignantly reminds us that we all share a small planet.

"This is a wonderful book - a labor of love - that describes in soul-stirring language what it is like to live with the people, the animals, the birds, the snakes, the insects, the jungles, the treacherous rivers, the gorgeous scenery of seven continents. It is the best travel and exploratory work I have yet encountered. Marty Essen and his wife, Deb, are two highly intelligent, imaginative, and brave people." - Senator George McGovern, 1972 Democratic nominee for president

Customer Reviews:

Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents.......2007-07-18

Marty Essen was a workaholic who never took a day off work sick and rarely had a vacation. Then, he turned forty and had a self described "midlife crisis". However, unlike many men facing this problem, Marty didn't buy a fast car. Instead, he finally took a long overdue vacation with his wife.

Cool Creatures, Hot Planet describes the author's vacation, actually a series of vacations that took the couple to exotic locations on each of the seven continents. Each trip was hand picked not for relaxation and a little sun but for the best possible wilderness adventure and animal viewings (particularly snakes which the author seems to adore).

I completely enjoyed Cool Creatures, Hot Planet. I felt like I was along for the ride on each of his travels. The shear magnitude of the animals and natural habitats that this man got to experience is awe inspiring. The experiences are absolutely priceless.

Entertaining,informative and vicariously enjoyable!.......2007-07-01

What an enjoyable read,Cool Creatures,hot planet should be required reading in high school.At times it was laugh out loud and always thought provoking.If I was forced to pick a favorite adventure it would be the Canada trip and the night with the wolves howling. It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.Marty and Deb remind us that this beautiful planet we are sharing, needs all of us to participate in its care if it is to survive for the next generations to come.

Close Encounters with Creatures on 7 Continents.......2007-06-28

Did you ever watch Steve Irwin grab a snake in the wild and then think, I want to do that? If so, then this is the book for you. Marty Essen starts to live his dream with a trip to the Amazon. Gamely accompanied by his wife, Deb, he treks through the rain forest seeking dangerous snakes. Finding the experience fascinating, the couple followed that trip with seven others over the next 3 1/2 years.
The reader accompanies them on expeditions to Canada, Borneo, Australia, Antartica, Europe and Africa. Avoiding the tourist areas, they sought out close encounters with the wildlife and nature in each continent.
His enthusiasm for herps (snakes and lizards) plus exotic insects makes lively reading. Plenty of adventures fill the 450 pages, including an attack on their canoe by a hippo.
Marty's photographs of the wildlife kept me flipping to the photo section to see the striking pictures that matched his description. I sure wish they were full page photos, as each deserved more than the allotted 1/3 to 1/8 of a page. Really some stunning shots.
At first I found his humor a bit juvenile and could have skipped the imaginary conversations with his dogs who traveled with them in Canada. Gradually the light touch grew on me and I felt I knew him and his wife fairly well by the end of the book. Fun people.
A few places he drops references to President Bush and the war and the government's destructive policies on the environment. Some may find these annoying, but they don't seem inappropriate in a book about saving wildlife.
I particularly enjoyed the section on their Australian trip as he described places I'd seen myself. His assessment of the Australian people hit the target. They are a delight to know and are quite progressive about conservation compared to Americans.
Another part that resonated with me was the description of the caribou migration during their trip to Canada. I'd read James Oliver Curwood's description of that massive animal movement in The Alaskan. It was interesting to see the change that a century of human infringement causes.
If you love to travel or want to experience exotic places vicariously, pick up a copy of Cool Creatures, Hot Planet.
(I had to cover the front of the book so I wouldn't see the whip-scorpion on his face. That bit was too much for me.)

Real life Jungle Book !.......2007-06-19

I wasn't sure what to expect upon my first encounter with this book since I'm used to watching nature shows on TV and rarely get to read about them. This book turned out to be a wild and fascinating adventure of a married couple traveling though the seven continents, commenting on many steps of their journey with sharp eye for the tiniest details that made for a marvelous book. Marty Essen shows his deep talent for writing, his witty comments and jokes; descriptions of the people, places, even their dogs that went with them to Canada were so entertaining that I never knew what was coming up next. This isn't some boring nature book but a delicious seven course meal of the highest caliber. The book is easy to read yet is chock full packed with incredible information that can only be witnessed by the person who actually went to those places and experiences the cold, the hot and dangerous spots that hold so much allure to all of us.

First leg of the trip was Belize, located on the Caribbean Sea where they searched for deadly snakes and explored flora and fauna of the humid, tropical jungle followed by an amazing boat ride through the rivers of the Amazon. Next they visited Australia, savoring the red hot beauty and in search of cute marsupials followed by a 5,572mile drive to Canada and back with their adorable dogs where they slept in tents and discovered beauty that is closer to most Americans than they think. Up next was Antarctica, a magnificent place that so few of us get to experience, and with Marty and Deb it was a chilling and glorious landscape that wasn't as alien as it appears to be. Borneo, Europe and Africa were the last places that were covered, making me feel that the whole Earth was covered with footprints that belonged to the Essens. Their cheerful and sometimes scary encounters were so wonderfully written about, supplemented with marvelous photographs that I had to look at every time I cracked the book. They were also in perfect order with the book, giving the reader a transition into their trip from place to place, making it seem effortless even though it took them a few years to complete. It also helped that Marty took notes while traveling, making this book more authentic and adding little bits and pieces of conversation and jokes that could have been lost otherwise.

I felt closer to some of my favorite animals after reading this gripping book, felt the warmth and hospitality of people from far away places and best of all I feel like I got the front row seat at a ride of my life, thinking that perhaps one day I will visit those places and give them the same respect as the author did. Marty placed great value upon respecting our planet, not littering and being careful with wild animals, not bringing them any harm when they are being observed. People should go and visit places to take the beauty in, not to take it away and diminish it in any way.

This was a really exciting read, a wild life memoir filled with laughs and valuable information that will grip any reader and it made me feel like I went on an adventure of my own, reading about the close encounters with the most beautiful places and coolest animals.

- Kasia S.

Fun Humorous Travel Book.......2007-06-16

The first thing I noticed about this book, (well, not really the first thing, the first thing was the photograph of the author with a critter of some kind over his eye), so the second thing I noticed was the sub-title, Exploring the Seven Continents.

Seven Continents?

Yes, there are seven continents, but I didn't think that ordinary folk were allowed to visit Antarctica. It turns out that you can, and even tells you the name of the travel agency that sold them the trip and the cost ($4,495 per person - but it's gone up since then and there's a fuel surcharge). It sounded like a splendid trip on a Russian ship that only carried 49 passengers. --I read this chapter first. Now I want to go.

Perhaps the biggest strength of this book is the writing style. It's a mix of great detail (he must have taken copious notes of what happened every day), humor (especially about the antics of his fellow travelers and his own), and commentary about the wildlife along the way (he has a particular fascination with snakes, not one of my things).

All in all its a fascinating book, and it includes a lot of places like jungles that are not my favorite, but which make good reading. Every so often he seemingly can help himself and takes off on a tirade against George W. Bush. I dismissed these as the typical rantings of a disgruntled Democrat who just can't seem to believe that their guys lost but thought that this was a bit out of place and didn't help a travel book.

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