Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant

Book Description

Winning by not competing: a fresh approach to strategy Since the dawn of the industrial age, companies have engaged in head-to-head competition in search of sustained, profitable growth. They have fought for competitive advantage, battled over market share, and struggled for differentiation. Yet these hallmarks of competitive strategy are not the way to create profitable growth in the future. In a book that challenges everything you thought you knew about the requirements for strategic success, W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne argue that cutthroat competition results in nothing but a bloody red ocean of rivals fighting over a shrinking profit pool. Based on a study of 150 strategic moves spanning more than a hundred years and thirty industries, the authors argue that lasting success comes not from battling competitors, but from creating “blue oceans”: untapped new market spaces ripe for growth. Such strategic moves—which the authors call “value innovation”—create powerful leaps in value that often render rivals obsolete for more than a decade. Blue Ocean Strategy presents a systematic approach to making the competition irrelevant and outlines principles and tools any company can use to create and capture blue oceans. A landmark work that upends traditional thinking about strategy, this book charts a bold new path to winning the future.

Customer Reviews:

Question the status quo.......2007-09-25

The book forced me to rethink the way I normally would look at business developments for my companies: either value based or feature based. The idea of a creating new space in a crowded market and making a leap in growth through the blue ocean strategy stirred up my thinking juices. Personally, I don't like how to books with "three simple steps" This book was great; a must read.

Good Book.......2007-09-24

1. This is NOT a marketing book
2. There is no such thing as a fail safe strategy
3. This is a tool and is only as good as the user
4. Applicable in different situations
5. Good companion to Competitive Strategy written in the 80's by Mike Porter which is THE industry book
6. The book is NOT a pioneer and is NOT proported to be. It is a study in those companies who seemed to have created new markets such as Cirque De Soleil. The authors did NOT set out to create a new "theory" and then retroactively "fit" companies but rather study an emerging pheonom. and try to locate patterns.

I think that pretty much covers all the gripes of the previous entries. I first came across this book in a competitive strategy class in a business organizational change degree. It is an excellent text and gives another viewpoint to the old study of competitive strategy. I have used the strategy canvas tool located in chapter two AS A TOOL to assist me in both departmental and industry situations to locate existing patterns of competition.

Worth the money.
But then, I am just a "mere" academic (albeit with many years of industry experience) so if you truly do not like the book I suggest returning it. :)

What is your greatest challenge?.......2007-09-13

The greatest struggle for most business people is to come up with a truly original and valuable idea. Close behind that is how to get employees to work together. This book makes me want to cry, because it actually, simply, lays out how to do both. Beautiful.

Academics rarely demonstrate how to do it!.......2007-09-11

I bought this book. Their identifications are valid enough. Great companies have always created uncontested market space while making their competitors irrelevant. This is not in dispute. However...

The authors Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne are just mere academics. And what is annoying is that they haven't battle tested their Blue Ocean model from hard knocks in the trenches business wars to find out what works and what doesn't for themselves! Again, this is what I find annoying with academics. They say a lot but never prove it themselves! Remember Merton & Scholes and LTCM?

For an example...in the book, the authors have an interesting strategic canvass graph approach that supposes to prove how Blue Ocean events come about. That's fine, but how do you prove it? Moreover, the 'values' are different for each company, so there is nothing consistent to glean from this.

What I'd like to have seen is a Dash Board type matrix template that allows any company or budding entrepreneur to carry out Blue Ocean due diligence on any industry or market niches...proofing these Blue Ocean catchments from a zero learning curve application! The book does have important points but lacks the cutting edge tools to unify Blue Ocean diligence and proofs for any company!

Thus, what this book lacks is a more honed processing of enquiry from the authors. And I suspect this to be the case because like many academics they haven't proven the unifying dynamics that goes into capturing Blue Ocean strategies for themselves with businesses they have built through their own mindset!

Again, this book is a case of 'do what I say, because I don't have to prove what I say'.

There are great industry shapers out there who can shift and move whole industries and markets in their favour...but the authors of this book are not one of them.

However, there are great positives the authors have identified. The book contains a very interesting 'Strategic Grid' technique. From this simple grid technique any one can mentally survey how to change one's industry or market from a macro-vantage point. But shifting and moving your new found Blue Ocean grid at a tactical level to rule your competition making them irrelevant is another matter entirely. The chapters that explain this grid are worth the book, but don't expect any thing else.

What you really want is a knowledge base that allows you to dig out Blue Ocean criteria from a template of enquiring tools STACKED PROCESS BY PROCESS UNTIL YOU PROOF YOUR OWN BLUE OCEAN POWER. This book fails on this!

I would suggest that any one buying this book should read 'Blue Print to a Billion by David Thomson to understand how real Blue Ocean executions are carried out correctly. In addition, Chet Holmes' Ultimate Sales Machine' gets you to understand how to carry out big frame strategies at the tactical level.

Both these books will plug the holes lacking with Kim & Mauborgne's work.

Blue Ocean Strategy.......2007-09-10

I like the non text book clear presentation. You do not have to have an MBA to enjoy and learn from this book.

An Introduction to the World's Oceans 8/e with bind in OLC card

Average customer rating:

The Worlds Oceans

An Introduction to the World's Oceans 8/e with bind in OLC card
Keith A Sverdrup , Alyn C Duxbury , Alison B Duxbury , Keith Sverdrup , Alyn Duxbury , and Alison Duxbury
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Laboratory Exercises in Oceanography
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Understanding Weather and Climate, Third Edition
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ASIN: 0072945559

Book Description

An Introduction to the World's Oceans, 8/e is an introductory oceanography text intended for students without a background in mathematics, chemistry, physics, geology, or biology. It emphasizes the role of basic scientific principles in helping understand the processes that govern the ocean and the earth.

A major objective of An Introduction to the World's Oceans is to stimulate student interest and curiosity by blending contemporary information and research with basic principles to form an integrated introduction to the sciences of the oceans. To keep the text as current as possible, the authors conduct their own research and examine other findings such as analyzing satellite data and large-scale oceanographic programs. From this vast amount of data, they select interesting, relevant, and understandable examples that illustrate contemporary principles of oceanography.

An Introduction to the World's Oceans places greater emphasis on the physical and geological aspects of the oceans than on the chemical and geochemical properties, because the latter disciplines require more specific background knowledge. An ecological approach helps integrate the biological chapters with other subjects. Students are encouraged to look at oceanography as a cohesive and united discipline rather than a collection of subjects gathered under a marine umbrella. As with all previous editions, the authors continue to make each chapter stand as independently as possible, so that professors can assign chapters in the order that best suits their classrooms.

Customer Reviews:

The Worlds Oceans.......2006-08-31

It Looks great and cheap price!!!I never used a highlighter... Need to sell

Western Civilization: Volume II: Since 1500

Average customer rating:

Awesome Book
Great for CLEP resource
Revionist History
yikes
THIS BOOK SUCKS

Western Civilization: Volume II: Since 1500
Jackson J. Spielvogel
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Early Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Western Civilization: Volume I: To 1715
Western Civilization: Volume I: To 1715 (with InfoTrac)
Study Guide for Spielvogel's Western Civilization, Volume I, 6th
Master Harold . . . And The Boys (Penguin Plays)
Modern Chemistry

Accessories:

Study Guide for Spielvogel's Western Civilization, Vol. 2, 6th Edition
HistoryNow: Western Civilization for Spielvogel's Western Civilization, 6th

ASIN: 0534646042

Book Description

Best-selling text, WESTERN CIVILIZATION has helped over one million students learn about the present by exploring the past. Jack Spielvogel's engaging, chronological narrative weaves the political, economic, social, religious, intellectual, cultural, and military aspects of history into a gripping story that is as memorable as it is instructive. Each chapter offers a substantial introduction and conclusion, providing students a context for these disparate themes. The clear narrative of a single gifted author makes it easy for students to follow the story of Western civilization. Spielvogel gives the book depth by including over 150 maps and excerpts of over 200 primary sources--including official documents, poems, and songs--that enliven the past while introducing students to source material that forms the basis of historical scholarship. Available in many split options: WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Comprehensive, 6th Edition (Chapters 1-29), ISBN: 0534646026; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Volume I, To 1715, 6th Edition (Chapters 1-16), ISBN:0534646034; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Volume II, Since 1500, 6th Edition (Chapters 13-29), ISBN:0534646042; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Volume A: To 1500, 6th Edition (Chapters 1-12), ISBN: 0534646050; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Volume B: 1300-1815, 6th Edition (Chapters 11-19), ISBN:0534646069; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Volume C: Since 1789, 6th Edition (Chapters 19-29), ISBN: 0534646077; WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Since 1300, 6th Edition (Chapters 11-29), ISBN:0534646085.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Book.......2006-05-19

Very easy explanation in book.........dont try to read whole book otherwise you will get sleep

Great for CLEP resource.......2006-01-18

Got this book as well as Volume I and used them as my resources for taking the Western Civ I and II CLEPS. Perfect for the job, and helped me get a very good grade, highly recommend for anyone looking to use for that purpose.

Revionist History.......2005-07-05

After being required to read this text for a class, I bought two other history books to which I could compare this one. I thought that Spielvogel was leaving out chunks of history, and revising the ones that he included, and I wanted to double check my facts before making any accusations. Well, boy was I right. This book makes the Publisher's tag line, "Changing the Way the World Learns" seem a little too true..

If you DO get this book, here are some things to look out for:

1. He is wrong on just about everything that has to do with art or music. He cites obscure artists and names them as the most popular, most of them had Christian themed work.

2. He glorifies Hitler and the Nazis and makes the Holocaust seem like nothing but a minor glitch in history.

3. The author has a degree in Reformation History and seems to be unable to help himself from relating every single event in history to religion. So keep in mind that Voltaire had more to offer history than an anti-Christian revisionist account of the fall of the Roman Empire, as Spielvogel states.

If I were you, I'd buy a different history book to read as well as this one, if this is required for a course. Preferably one that was published for the first time in the thirties or forties and has been updated since, so that its more clear it isn't revionist history. This one was first published in 2003.

Honestly, if I could give this book less than one star I would, but there's no such option on amazon.com...

yikes.......2005-04-22

This book was horrible for AP Euro, it was not in chronological order and often confused our class. Also, he skipped over some events that were important to know for the AP exam.

THIS BOOK SUCKS.......2004-12-30

Jackson J. Spielvogel has no sense of organization whatsoever. And as for those people who read this book for fun, SERIOUSLY need a life. I, however, am using this book as a text book for AP Euro and think it is absolutely ludicrous that we have to use it. It's confusing and needs to be written better. A LOT better. This book should get -1000000 stars.

Civilization in the West, Volume C (since 1789) (6th Edition) (MyHistoryLab Series)

Average customer rating:

Civilization in the West, Volume C (since 1789) (6th Edition) (MyHistoryLab Series)
Mark Kishlansky , Patrick Geary , and Patricia O'Brien
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Early Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Modern Europe: Sources and Perspectives from History
Globalization: The Human Consequences
Civilization in the West, Volume B (from 1350 to 1850) (6th Edition) (MyHistoryLab Series)
Testament of Youth (Penguin Classics)
Survival In Auschwitz

ASIN: 0321236238

Book Description

Civilization in the West blends social and political history into a fascinating narrative that brings history to life.

The authors tell a compelling story of Western Civilization that is enhanced by an image-based approach. “The Visual Record” chapter openers draw students in by illustrating a dominant theme of the chapter and exploring the dramatic changing contours of the West through standard maps, Map Discovery features and Geographical Tours of Europe. Discovering Western Civilization Online end-of-chapter Web site URLs make this the first Western Civilization book to include these resources.

Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign 1941-1945
Average customer rating:

No Bull...

Non-Fiction Thriller

Good Read, but.....

CORRECTION to Thomas' text

A good story

Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign 1941-1945
Evan Thomas
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | 20th Century | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
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General | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
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Ship of Ghosts: The Story of the USS Houston, FDR's Legendary Lost Cruiser, and the Epic Saga of her Survivors

ASIN: 0743252217

Book Description

Evan Thomas takes us inside the naval war of 1941-1945 in the South Pacific in a way that blends the best of military and cultural history and riveting narrative drama. He follows four men throughout: Admiral William ("Bull") Halsey, the macho, gallant, racist American fleet commander; Admiral Takeo Kurita, the Japanese battleship commander charged with making what was, in essence, a suicidal fleet attack against the American invasion of the Philippines; Admiral Matome Ugaki, a self-styled samurai who was the commander of all kamikazes and himself the last kamikaze of the war; and Commander Ernest Evans, a Cherokee Indian and Annapolis graduate who led his destroyer on the last great charge in the last great naval battle in history.

Sea of Thunder climaxes with the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the biggest naval battle ever fought, over four bloody and harrowing days in October 1944. We see Halsey make an epic blunder just as he reaches for true glory; we see the Japanese navy literally sailing in circles, torn between the desire to die heroically and the exhausted, unacceptable realization that death is futile; we sail with Commander Evans and the men of the USS Johnston into the jaws of the Japanese fleet and exult and suffer with them as they torpedo a cruiser, bluff and confuse the enemy -- and then, their ship sunk, endure fifty horrific hours in shark-infested water.

Thomas, a journalist and historian, traveled to Japan, where he interviewed veterans of the Imperial Japanese Navy who survived the Battle of Leyte Gulf and friends and family of the two Japanese admirals. From new documents and interviews, he was able to piece together and answer mysteries about the Battle of Leyte Gulf that have puzzled historians for decades. He writes with a knowing feel for the clash of cultures.

Sea of Thunder is a taut, fast-paced, suspenseful narrative of the last great naval war, an important contribution to the history of the Second World War.

Customer Reviews:

No Bull..........2007-09-29

It's no wonder were in the mess we are, when myoptic vision clouds reason.
This was not a hit on Halsey..Duoh! This was a very good read. Maybe Ken burns took some info here?
I see a lot of whinners(on other forums) saying the Japanese never had a plan to sue for peace if they took Hawaii..(?)
Any way Good book.
Thanks, Mr Evans

Non-Fiction Thriller.......2007-09-12

A non-fiction historical work of serious scholarship that can compete with any thriller. An absolute page turner that's hard to put down. When Thomas finds the time to do this kind of research with his TV panelist and news magazine gigs is a mystery. He is an absolutely first rate writer and story teller, and Sea of Thunder is not to be missed.

Good Read, but............2007-08-06

I got this book on Friday and finished it Saturday night. A decent book over all but as other reviewers have stated I find the revisionist aspect a bit much. I think the 'slam' on Halsey tended to be over-kill. The author even goes as far as mentioning the two occasions where Halsey sailed into typhoons to further his knocks on Halsey. Interesting, but not in the scope of the book. The author does point out the reasons behind Halsey's choice to go after Ozawa but only in passing. I found the study of Japanese vs. American admirals a bit slanted in the Japanese admiral's favor. As far as the 'racist' aspect of Halsey's statements "Kill Japs, Kill Japs. Kill more Japs" & etc. We only need to look at quotes by other Admirals and Generals to understand the purpose behind these statements. I gave it three stars only because it was a page-turner, I think what kept me reading was to see if the author was going to go into a more in-depth study of the choices made by the admirals and why they made them. I was left with the impression that the Japanese admirals made the choices they made mostly because of the training received at Eta Jima and the choices made by American admirals were due to some personal flaw as in Halsey's 'need' to get the Japanese carriers at all costs. What I wasn't left with was the stunning victory by the Americans and how important it was in shortening the war. I am just starting to read 'The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors' by James D. Hornfischer so I can compare two different author's views on the Leyte Gulf naval battles.

CORRECTION to Thomas' text.......2007-07-27

Evan Thomas incorrectly states that Admrial Spruance's son married Admiral Halsey's daughter. In fact, Margaret Halsey married Preston Lea Spruance who was only distantly related to Admiral Spruance.
- Halsey Spruance, a decendant of Margaret Halsey and Preston Lea Spruance

A good story.......2007-07-11

I did not know as much about the battle before this book. Thomas gives an excellent perspective of all sides of the battle. I felt I was a bit oversold on the book and it did not live completely up to expectations which is why I only give it 4 out of 5.

Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems

Average customer rating:

A great find!
Learning More About Sea Glass
Pure Sea Glass Book
A Real Joy To Read
Comments on Pure Sea Glass.......

Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems
Richard LaMotte , and Sally Lamotte Crane
Manufacturer: Chesapeake Seaglass Pub.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Glass & Glassware | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Sea Glass Chronicles
Beach Stones
The Art of Shelling : A Complete Guide to Finding Shells and Other Beach Collectibles at Shelling Locations from Florida to Maine
Beach Wisdom: Life Lessons From The Ocean
The Story of the Sea Glass

ASIN: 0975324608

Customer Reviews:

A great find!.......2007-09-09

I was handed Pure Sea Glass:Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems and asked to review it for an on line magazine I used to write for. Until then I had little or no interest in the bits of glass I occasionally picked up along the beaches visited in the course of my travels.

After reading the book,accomplished in one evening, I went looking for that jar of glass stashed somewhere in the garage and dumped it out on the table so that I could better sort through and identify the various colors and pieces, most new but some very old like a small lavendar triangle picked up along the Oregon Coast and a very dark blue from Hawaii.

Since, I've become an avid collector of beach glass and secret places to find it. What great fun! A good read, informative and totally satisfying.

Learning More About Sea Glass.......2007-08-10

Great book. The photographs were excellent and the information about the origin of sea glass and where it is most likely to appear on the beach was well presented. Our 14 year old enjoyed learning more about sea glass just as we did.

I plan to buy copies for all our coastal friends as house warming gifts this year.

Pure Sea Glass Book.......2007-08-06

I was pleased with the condition of the book when I received it. It was almost like new. Will certainly order more books.

A Real Joy To Read.......2007-06-02

Richard LaMotte did a wonder-filled job of putting together this informative and comprehensive book on sea glass. I honestly have enjoyed reading every page. I had no idea that there was so much history hidden in every piece of glass, and even though I have collected glass over the years, I never understood the relationship between winds and tides and the weather that deposits these beautiful little gems on our shores. Mr. LaMotte shares all this knowldege with such passion that reading his book not only feed my intellect but also inspired the beachcomber in me. And, the photographs are simply beautiful. Every image works to support as well as illustrate all the topics that are being discussed. The entire book is truly a piece of art in itself. I will read and re-read this book. It is a must for anyone and everyone who loves sea glass.

Comments on Pure Sea Glass..............2007-05-13

This book is lovely and interesting to read. It has fueled my passion for collecting more sea glass.

Average customer rating:

Big, informative, but still young-person-friendly
NOT THE GREAT COFFEE TABLE BOOK!
Best of its Kind
A great, captivating book
Wonderful graphics!

Ocean
Robert Dinwiddie , and Louise Thomas
Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Nature & Wildlife | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Rainforest
Earth
Universe
Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife
Planet Earth: As You've Never Seen It Before

ASIN: 0756622050

Book Description

As the site where life first formed on Earth, a key element of the climate, and a continuing but fragile resource, oceans are of vital importance to our planet. From the geological and physical processes that affect the ocean floor to the key habitat zones, flora, and fauna, this is the definitive reference to the world's oceans for the entire family. Includes an introduction by Fabien Cousteau. Includes the latest developments in ocean exploration and photography. Catalogs the rich diversity of ocean features and marine life. Highlights important people, unique habitats, human impact studies, and extreme facts. Published in association with the American Museum of Natural History.

Customer Reviews:

Big, informative, but still young-person-friendly.......2007-07-15

We purchased this book for our 8-year-old nephew who wanted a book on oceans. His reading skills are advanced for his age, but is is still just 8. That said, we had a choice to make: Buy an age-appropriate book on oceans which were full of nice pictures and only a topographical bit of information about sea-life, or buy an adult book which was full of in-depth information and held no interest for a child.

Fortunately, we discovered that this was not the only choice. This book is full of wonderful pictures which help the reader to visualize what is being discussed, which is also full of great and (fairly) in-depth information, and which is written in an accessible manner. It is not written to be accessible just to children, but neiter does it require a Ph.D.

Sometimes it is important to treat your children as true consumers of information. He wanted a book on oceans, so we got him one. He was so excited when he got the book and said something like, "This is not a kid's book, it's a real book." Now he has a book that he can keep as a good reference for years to come - a book that respects him as a learner and keeps his interest as a child.

This was a great purchase and our own (younger) son will get one as soon as his reading skills are sufficient. I am a child psychologist and not an elementary education specialist, but I would estimate the minimum reading level at about 10 years of age (around 5th grade). That means great readers who are younger -may- be able to handle it. However, the pictures are so great that it may encourage children to -want- to read about them.

We have found this with our son. It is actually the big, more advanced (and cool) picture-oriented books with which he sits by himself and tries to read. He works at them all by himself, asking questions about words on his own. We let him pick out his own books and we just keep an eye out for (too) advanced text.

NOT THE GREAT COFFEE TABLE BOOK!.......2007-07-05

NOT 500 pages and if I had paused to read the item description properly I wouldn't have bought this book! Way too good a price to be true, it is not another edition of the wonderful Cousteau-forwarded book, but a perfectly respectable DK full-color children's book with many very nice color photos. Probably very worth $7.99 and I was just far too greedy to read the fine print.

Best of its Kind.......2007-06-27

I'm an avid reader of books about the ocean. I've read dozens on the subject, from Jacques Cousteau to Rachel Carson and Sylvia Earle. This latest contribution by Robert Dinwiddie is so full of information that it can be enjoyed on many levels. Oceanography, Biology, Chemistry, Geology-it's all there. Despite the beautiful photos, this is not just another ocean picture book, but a virtual encyclopedia on the subject of the ocean. It is thorough, yet concise, scientifically advanced, yet full of wonder. The author has done a wonderful job with this complex and important subject. This book is an excellent choice, whether you're considering a career in ocean science, or just love reading and learning about the ocean.

A great, captivating book.......2007-05-24

A complete overview of the ocean: physical features, marine life, fishing, exploration - this book covers it all. Great photography and short pieces of information on many of the ocean features will engage even the casual browser of this book.

Wonderful graphics!.......2007-05-17

I recently sent this book to my younger sister who has inspirations of becoming an oceanographer. The book is so colorful and educational I think I want to become an oceanographer now!

Alaska by Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising Alaska with Giant Pull-out Map (5th Edition)

Average customer rating:

Fanctastic Trip Planner
A little ponderous for my taste
Alaskan Cruise
A little dry
Great Research for a Cruise

Alaska by Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising Alaska with Giant Pull-out Map (5th Edition)
Anne Vipond
Manufacturer: Ocean Cruise Guides
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Cruises | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
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Frommer's Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call 2007 (Frommer's Cruises)
Frommer's Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call 2006
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Alaska & Canada's Inside Passage Cruise Tour Guide: City Maps, History, Native Culture Plus a 6-Foot Fold-Out Map of Cruise Route from Puget Sound to (Cruise Tour Guide)

ASIN: 0968838979

Book Description

This international bestseller is a completely updated edition with new information on adventure hiking and land travel. With coverage of ports from Seattle to Anchorage and the Bering Sea, this book is the benchmark of cruise guides to Alaska. The author covers all areas of interest, including new itineraries, port attractions, history, wildlife and native culture. Includes all Alaska cruises, land tours and shore excursions. Detail on Denali Park and tours to far north of Alaska as well as the Yukon and Canadian Rockies. Full-color photos and maps throughout. 368 pp. Updated in 2005

Customer Reviews:

Fanctastic Trip Planner.......2007-10-03

What a wonderful resource! Terrific information that helped us plan - and enjoy a wonderful trip.

A little ponderous for my taste.......2007-09-12

This book contains a ton of information. However, it's very "text-booky". I found it hard to stay engaged while reading it.

Alaskan Cruise.......2007-09-03

My business is travel and many of my clients enjoy cruising. This book was very helpful is assisting me with my clients in planning their Alaskan Vacations. My family and I do plan to go to Alaska in the near future, sounds like an exciting vacation!

Billy Wannyn

A little dry.......2007-06-26

The map is good, but overall, I didn't find the book very engaging -- a little bit dry.

Great Research for a Cruise.......2007-04-05

If you are planning an Alaskan Cruise this is the book to get. I wish I'd had it before signing up for the cruise - I would have picked one that stopped at some of the cities that our cruise won't be stopping at. The book does a great job of talking about cruises in general without giving too much attention to any one cruise line. The book was real handy in choosing which shore excursions to take. If you're taking a cruise to Alaska, this book is much more handy than the Eyewitness Guide Book for Alaska which only covers on-land sightseeing.

In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex

Average customer rating:

Fantastic
A Captivating Read.
one of the best maritime disaster books I've ever read
great book!!!
If only I could give this six stars!!

In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
Nathaniel Philbrick
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mexico | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

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Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
The Loss of the Ship Essex, Sunk by a Whale (Penguin Classics)

ASIN: 0141001828
Release Date: 2001-05-01

Amazon.com

The appeal of Dava Sobel's Longitude was, in part, that it illuminated a little-known piece of history through a series of captivating incidents and engaging personalities. Nathaniel Philbrick's In the Heart of the Sea is certainly cast from the same mold, examining the 19th-century Pacific whaling industry through the arc of the sinking of the whaleship Essex by a boisterous sperm whale. The story that inspired Herman Melville's classic Moby-Dick has a lot going for it--derring-do, cannibalism, rescue--and Philbrick proves an amiable and well-informed narrator, providing both context and detail. We learn about the importance and mechanics of blubber production--a vital source of oil--and we get the nuts and bolts of harpooning and life aboard whalers. We are spared neither the nitty-gritty of open boats nor the sucking of human bones dry.

By sticking to the tried and tested Longitude formula, Philbrick has missed a slight trick or two. The epicenter of the whaling industry was Nantucket, a small island off Cape Cod; most of the whales were in the Pacific, necessitating a huge journey around the southernmost tip of South America. We never learn why no one ever tried to create an alternative whaling capital somewhere nearer. Similarly, Philbrick tells us that the story of the Essex was well known to Americans for decades, but he never explores how such legends fade from our consciousness. Philbrick would no doubt reply that such questions were beyond his remit, and you can't exactly accuse him of skimping on his research. By any standard, 50 pages of footnotes impress, though he wears his learning lightly. He doesn't get bogged down in turgid detail, and his narrative rattles along at a nice pace. When the storyline is as good as this, you can't really ask for more. --John Crace, Amazon.co.uk

Book Description

The ordeal of the whaleship Essex was an event as mythic in the nineteenth century as the sinking of the Titanic was in the twentieth. In 1819, the Essex left Nantucket for the South Pacific with twenty crew members aboard. In the middle of the South Pacific the ship was rammed and sunk by an angry sperm whale. The crew drifted for more than ninety days in three tiny whaleboats, succumbing to weather, hunger, disease, and ultimately turning to drastic measures in the fight for survival. Nathaniel Philbrick uses little-known documents-including a long-lost account written by the ship's cabin boy-and penetrating details about whaling and the Nantucket community to reveal the chilling events surrounding this epic maritime disaster. An intense and mesmerizing read, In the Heart of the Sea is a monumental work of history forever placing the Essex tragedy in the American historical canon.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2007-09-24

I am a big skeptic when I read these types of books. I always assume the author is filling in the substantial blanks in the story with his own interpretation & fluff. I did not feel that way with this authors version of the story.

The story was really entertaining. It was a page turner that kept me up too late on work nights. I think I read the last 1/3 of it without putting it down.

Highly recommended. You will learn a lot about whaling and Nantucket, both of which I surprisingly found captivating.

A Captivating Read........2007-08-17

Knowing that this was not a fictional story added an element of intensity as I read this book. Truthfully, this would have made for good fictional reading as well. I enjoyed the character development and the way in which the story was told. I was on the edge of my seat, and looking forward to getting to the book every morning while reading this. In the Mr. Philbrick's words, "The Essex disaster is not a tale of adventure. It is a tragedy that happens to be one of the the greatest true stories ever told."

one of the best maritime disaster books I've ever read.......2007-08-13

What a fantastic story told in a fascinating way. I've read many books about maritime disasters, and this one has gone to the top of the list. Nathaniel Philbrick is a great story-teller and meticulous researcher. I'm very, very impressed.

great book!!!.......2007-08-04

Wow, this is a great book. The author is very skilled in telling historical facts and journal entries but into a story that is easy to read, full of factual informative information, and has great structure. If you like this book I would definitely suggest reading "Skeletons in the Sahara" another phenomenal book, it's not written by Nathaniel Philbrick, but also another amazing author who tells a tragic story of a crew and his captain lost at sea near Africa and the story of the few that survived.

I also bought Nathaniel Philbrick's Mayflower but haven't had a chance to read it yet but look forward to doing so now since i've read In the Heart of the sea.

If only I could give this six stars!!.......2007-07-10

This is a phenomenal book. I am putting it in my top five. It is that rare bit of nonfiction that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I am an avid horror reader, and although technically this book doesn't fit that genre, I am making a place for it on my horror shelf. This truly is a tragedy, and the depths of Captain Pollard's misfortune is staggering. Granted he wasn't a "fishy man," but he is a character you rooted for. Chase, more captain than first mate, was the true leader. He kept an almost obsessive watch over the rations and kept his battered boat in sailing shape despite the seemingly insurmountable odds set before his crew. This is an outstanding book. Philbrick is an excellent writer. I particularly like the way he handled the explanation of starvation and the effects on the psyche. I've heard some call the section about cannibalism gruesome, and it was, but in order to understand the sheer power of this tragedy, it was tactfully and, I think, brilliantly handled in this regard by Philbrick.

Kudos to the author and kudos to the lucky reader who picks up this book!

Indigo Ocean Dreams: 4 Children's Stories Designed to Decrease Stress, Anger and Anxiety while Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness (Indigo Dreams)

Average customer rating:

Even the young feel stress
Tranquility!
Indigo Ocean - Children's Stories
Great CD
Awesome CD for children!!! (even adults/family)

Indigo Ocean Dreams: 4 Children's Stories Designed to Decrease Stress, Anger and Anxiety while Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness (Indigo Dreams)
Lori Lite
Manufacturer: Lori Lite
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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Indigo Dreams: Garden of Wellness Stories And Techniques Designed to Decrease Bullying, Anger, Anxiety & Obesity, While Promoting Self-esteem & Healthy ... with children ages 5-10 (Indigo Dreams)

ASIN: 0970863365
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Book Description

"Indigo Ocean Dreams" is the 2nd CD/audio book in this children's series. Like "Indigo Dreams",this 60 minute CD/audio book is designed to entertain your child while introducing them to relaxation and meditation techniques. Narrated by a soothing male voice, "Indigo Ocean Dreams" offers longer stories and variations on the same techniques found on "Indigo Dreams". Ideal for older children and as step two for those already familiar with "Indigo Dreams". Four "new" stories explore breathing, visualizations, muscular relaxation and affirmations. Children follow their sea friends along as they learn to manage their own anger,stress and anxiety. The narration is accompanied by healing sounds of dolphins, sea otters and gentle waves. An additional music sound track is included to further enhance your child's mind, body and spirit."Angry Octopus": Muscular Relaxation is essential to a good night's sleep. Children follow the octopus along as they learn to manage anger, relax and see things more clearly. This easy, fun exercise relaxes muscles throughout the body as anxiety, tension and anger slip away. Children and parents will fall asleep more easily and experience a deeper peaceful night's sleep. Sweet dreams! "Affirmation Weaver": Affirmations or positive statements build self-esteem and empower children to be the best they can be. Children follow the sea friends along as they weave a web of confidence. Children learn to believe in themselves while replacing negative messages with positive self-talk. Children love this feel good story and the positive effect it has on their lives. Feel good! "Sea Otter Cove": Breathing for relaxation and wellness is a basic technique practiced by cultures throughout the world. This ancient technique encourages children to feel calm and in control of their own energy. Children love to follow the sea otters along as they experience diaphragmatic/belly breathing. This self calming technique can be used anytime, anywhere. Lets Breathe! "Bubble Riding": Visualization is an effective technique widely used for achieving sports goals, creating success and attaining wellness. Now children can follow the sea child along as they fill their bodies with the colors of the rainbow. Colorful imagery quiets the mind and relaxes the body. Parents as well as children enjoy falling asleep while playing with bubbles. Relax with colors!

Customer Reviews:

Even the young feel stress.......2007-09-23

I got this for my 9yr old to help him get to sleep on school nights when he claimed he wasn't tired. It worked like a charm. Every night he would try to stay awake to hear it to the end. Two months later he is still trying to hear the end. I also have Indigo Dreams for the younger kids for my 5yr old. When he went to his first sleep over I sent it with him just incase he started feeling scared at bed time. The friends mother said he didn't need it but listened to it herself and loved it and asked where I got it. She had a 10yr old who was having trouble the night before she had a test. I offered her this cd for a few days. When she returned it she informed me she had purchased both for her kids. Keep up the great work. Highly recommened.

Tranquility!.......2007-09-14

I bought this for my kids after they grew tired of my own, self-published children's books, "The L'il Zombie" and "Flesheaters from Candyland." They now have the placid demeanor of Herbalife franchisees, though actually scaling those heights may be tough for them later in life.

Indigo Ocean - Children's Stories.......2007-08-29

I bought this as a gift for a friend's children they Love it, asking to listen to it each night.

Great CD.......2007-06-12

I've never written a review before but this CD was so great. I rely on these reviews to buy so I know how important they are. I bought the CD because my 8 year daughter old has been suffering from "tummy aches" and panic attacks at night. She really enjoyed the stories. The guided meditations helped calm her down. My 5 year old son just enjoyed listening to the bedtime type stories as he drifted off to sleep. He requests to listen to it several nights a week and doesn't seem to get sick of it. They love them so much I'm going to try the "sister" cd next. Great buy!

Awesome CD for children!!! (even adults/family).......2007-05-14

Our four children; age range of 5 to 12 years love this CD. The stories and then the relaxing music at the end is fantastic. We have everything from a stressed out "tween" to a hyper 5 year old, and they feel that the music combined with the relaxing voice of the stories really help them. We put the CD on when they are playing in their rooms and my husband and I agree that the messages on this CD give them such a different feeling about themselves, always positive. We give this information a 5* rating, we love it as a family of 6.

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