Harbors and High Seas, 3rd Edition : An Atlas and Geographical Guide to the Complete Aubrey-Maturin Novels of Patrick O'Brian, Third Edition

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Where did Sophie battle the Cacafuego? Where is Aubrey's beloved Ashgrove cottage? What route did Maturin take with his bear? What's so desolate about Kerguelen Island? What's the best route from Botany Bay to Moahu? Find the answers to these and hundreds of other questions in this indispensable guide to the terrain and cartography of O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin novels.

Book Description

This indispensable guide to navigating the well-loved Aubrey-Maturin novels has been updated, with new chapters devoted to the final books in the series. Harbors and High Seas includes maps created exclusively for each of the novels in this world-renowned series.

Customer Reviews:

harbors and high seas.......2007-09-14

This is a must have book when reading the Aubrey-Maturin series. It brings to life the voyages through maps and synopses of each place the ships traveled. Also it explains that some of the locations are fictional but places them in likely locations. I really enjoyed this book and wish I had it when i began reading the series. You have to get it.

Good companion book.......2007-08-22

A great companion book to the O'Brian "Master and Commander" Series. It's nice to see the maps of the places described in the books. It was especially helpful in being able to picture fight scenes and ships positioning. If you want to be able to visualize what the author wants you to see, buy this book.

For the true O'Brien aficionado's out there . . .......2006-06-30

A wonderfully illustrated geographical guide to the complete series. Great for both historians and the geographically-challenged, this book enhances the enjoyment of each novel. While King tries hard to avoid any 'spoilers' one has to be careful in looking at the route plots too early in each novel lest you see unexpected developments revealed - or, as Jack Aubrey would say, you'll be brought by the lee like a true lubber! Enjoy.

a rather weak effort.......2005-12-21

I dislike rambling Amazon user reviews, and so I'll keep this short; Mr. King's book is reasonably good in terms of maps, though one might wish that a few more were added. The introductory material is somewhat interesting, if a bit simplistic. The prose leaves something to be desired; I found myself constantly irritated by particularly inept turns of phrase.

All of this could be forgiven, though, if it were not for the most disappointing aspect --- which is the reason I'm writing this review --- namely, King's summaries of the novels. These summaries were one of the main reasons I decided to buy the book. I had read the first 14 O'Brian novels over the course of three months, earlier this year, but a fall semester of full-time graduate studies understandably pulled me away from the adventures; I found that the passage of time had left the exact order of events a bit hazy, and so I was looking forward to reading summaries of the first 14 installments. King's summaries are truly terrible; he usually recounts only the battles in any given book, if that much, and rarely mentions anything else of note (Diana Villiers and Sophie Aubrey are mentioned only twice each, in passing; Wray is mentioned once). Also, in order to 'avoid spoiling the endings,' he has left out the most important plot points of each novel; in certain cases he will leave out the entire final third of a plot, because to summarize that aspect of the novel would be to 'give away the ending,' which seems to me extremely idiotic if one's stated goal is to provide summaries of the novels (and not, say, a book review, in which one wouldn't want to give away the ending).

Excellent companion.......2005-10-26

Synopsi of each book; info on all the islands, cities and other places visited, excellent maps. I did want a little more though... more of each type of thing. It's one of those that you would want on your shelf along with other companion books. No 1 book is perfect.

The Essential Sea Kayaker: A Complete Guide for the Open Water Paddler, Second Edition

Average customer rating:

The Best on the Market
Essential, though perhaps not complete
Very well written and informative
Exactly the sort of basic kayaking book I was looking for
Covers technique & basic gear for beginner/intermediate.

The Essential Sea Kayaker: A Complete Guide for the Open Water Paddler, Second Edition
David Seidman
Manufacturer: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Sea Kayaking | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0071362371

Book Description

Expanded to include sections on seamanship, navigation, and health issues, the completely updated and redesigned new edition of David Seidman’s bestselling guide reaffirms its reputation as the best sea kayaking guide available. A top-to-bottom introduction for novice and mid-level kayakers, this highly visual handbook provides kayakers with the whole scoop on everything from gear, transportation, and paddling technique to the finer points of Eskimo rolling, rescue protocol, group and solo paddling.

Customer Reviews:

The Best on the Market.......2001-06-09

This is the best general kayaking book on the market today (2001). Covers the range of the activity. Enjoy.

Essential, though perhaps not complete.......2000-08-24

I don't know if I'd agree with the subtitle; Seidman's guide is by no means complete (for that, see Dowd's "Sea Kayaking") but it certainly does cover the essentials of the sport, and as others have noted, it is certainly sufficient to introduce a newcomer to all the essential techniques needed to get started. While no book is a replcement for a good teacher, Seidman gives you enough to get out and teach yourself basic strokes, braces and perhaps even rolls- though that's something best seen demonstrated first.

The photos are one of the strongest parts of the book, and a good argument for buying it- next to the "Perforamance Sea Kayaking" video Seidman's book has the best illustrations of basic moves to be found anywhere. If you were only going to buy one kayaking book, this would not be a bad choice- but after working your way through it you'd be well advised to move on to more detailed and specialized books as well.

Very well written and informative.......1999-05-04

I got into sea kayaking after reading this book and it is all the author said and more. I've lent this book to a number of friends who are now also "hooked". This is an easy to read book, one that evokes the possibilities of kayaking along with information necessary to develop the confidence to make them happen. I highly recommend it to anyone considering this great sport.

Exactly the sort of basic kayaking book I was looking for.......1998-09-02

This book is exactly what I needed to guide me through the kayak shopping and learning process. It begins with equipment basics to help you choose what's right for you and proceeds step by step through other basics of kayak ownership, use and transportation. I recommend it to all beginning kayakers and to anyone who's considering buying a kayak.

Covers technique & basic gear for beginner/intermediate........1998-07-15

This was the first book I bought after purchasing my kayak. It covers the gear you will need for paddling, safety and clothing. As well as discussing basic paddling and bracing strokes, a number of rescue techniques are covered, including the roll. Armed only with what I learned from the 8 pages on the eskimo roll, I went out and had myself rolling in two days. The book also include a chapter on family and handicapped paddling.

Book Description

For more than a hundred million years, sea turtles have been swimming in the world's oceans. These magnificent, long-lived creatures spend their lives in the water, coming ashore to lay their eggs. Upon hatching, the baby turtles leave the nest and enter a dangerous world of storms and predators. The females will return to the same beach to lay their own eggs when they reach maturity a decade later. Today, there are seven species of sea turtle: the grass--eating green turtle; the sea sponge--eating hawksbill; the olive ridley; the Kemp's ridley, which is the smallest species; the loggerhead; the flatback of Australia; and the giant leatherback. Having escaped the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs, these ancient reptiles today face new dangers that threaten their survival: pollution, hunting, and the destruction of their nesting grounds. Will this century be the last to witness their majesty? Will succeeding generations live in a world devoid of their graceful presence?

Marine biologist James R. Spotila has spent much of his life unraveling the mysteries of these graceful creatures and working to ensure their survival. In Sea Turtles, he offers a comprehensive and compelling account of their history and life cycle based on the most recent scientific data -- and suggests what we can do now to save them. From the Kemp's ridley, which nests on a single beach on Mexico's Gulf Coast, to the nomadic leatherback, which can weigh up to a ton and is in the most imminent danger of extinction, Spotila offers a vivid description of their diets and mating habits, and the conservation efforts being made on their behalf. Illustrated with stunning color photographs by the world's leading nature photographers, Sea Turtles will inform and inspire readers of all ages everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

EVERYTHING You need to know about Sea Turtles.......2007-05-23

I purchased this book for my High School Freshman as a Honors Lit non-fiction book project. She made a beautiful powerpoint presentation and Website with quizzes. This book was fabulous. At first I thought it would be a tough kind of informational book to read, but it was not! It was written in layman terms and easy to read. The pictures are nothing less than gorgeous. There is so much information packed in this book it was hard to decide what to leave out! Also this book would be a beautiful coffee table book because the quality and pictures are wonderful. There was plenty of information about conservation and even though my daughter has always loved turtles now she is an activist and has joined a save the sea turtles foundation. This book was a godsend and a pleasure to read.

Superb book.......2006-11-05

This book is full of fantastic photos and a wealth of detailed information. A must for anybody interested in sea turtles.

Beautiful and educational.......2006-07-30

This book is beautiful. From one of the top sea turtle conservationists. It covers almost everything there is to know about sea turtles. The diagrams of turtle anatomy really help to understand these creatures. It is also great that Spotila profiles some of the dedicated conservationists working to protect the turtles. The pictures are stunning. The books large pages do the pictures and the turtles justice. After reading the book, you feel as if you have been initiated into the world of sea turtles. And, an added bonus, a portion of the royalties will be donated to Leatherback Trust. In short, if you like sea turtles, buy this book.

Sea Turtles.......2006-02-22

I am a biologist and found this book filled with inspiration because it offered so many ways we all can help with saving the sea turtles. I plan to do my part, how about you?

Sea Turtle Lovers: Your Book Has Arrived!.......2005-09-10

James Spotila has produced one of those "labor of love" books that belongs on the shelf or coffee table of anyone who has ever enjoyed viewing a sea turtle.

Up to now these poorly understood gentile reptiles have been exploited to near extinction. Hopefully now the new understanding that these are wonderful sea creatures that deserve protection and respect is here to stay. Mr. Spotila's book will make a turtle lover out of anyone and I hope that it is widely read and becomes that classic natural history book on the 7 species of sea turtle that it should be.

Diving and Snorkeling the Sea of Cortez: The Most Complete Guide to Baja California's Best Sites - Includes the Islas de Revillagigedo (Socorro Islands)

Average customer rating:

Diving and Snorkeling the Sea of Cortez: The Most Complete Guide to Baja California's Best Sites - Includes the Islas de Revillagigedo (Socorro Islands)
Susan Speck , and Bruce Williams
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 1425932029

Book Description

- 91 dive sites described in detail - Depth range and conditions of the sites - Full color photos throughout - Marine life descriptions and behavior - Getting there; driving and flying - Dive facilities - Accommodations; hotels and campsites - Launch ramps - Easy to read Maps - History of the areas This book is the most complete and user friendly guide to diving and snorkeling along Baja California's Sea of Cortez. Covering the terrain and marine life of 91 of Baja's best dive sites, some of them little known, are described in detail. They include sites throughout the offshore islands along Baja's peninsula and also shore diving along its coastline. Whether you are a serious diver or a holiday snorkeler, Diving and Snorkeling the Sea of Cortez will prove an invaluable reference book. The 1000 mile Sea of Cortez hugs the Baja peninsula. Known for its desolate offshore islands and incredible marine life, it lures divers and snorkelers from all over the world. This great sea along with the Revillagigedos give divers chance encounters with the giant manta rays, hammerhead sharks, playful sea lions, wrecks and marine life endemic only to the Sea of Cortez. Accommodations along this great stretch of land range from luxury resorts to campsites with huge stretches of sparkling deserted beaches and unspoiled reefs. The Sea of Cortez is unique. It is a place where once you visit; you know you'll be back.

Average customer rating:

Excellent for new kayakers
Complete Sea Kayak Touring
good comprehensive book
This is a good all around kayak touring reference book
well written, humorous and informative- a fun read

The Complete Guide to Sea Kayak Touring
Jonathan Hanson
Manufacturer: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

Sea Kayaking | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0070262047

Book Description

If you're a sea kayaker who dreams of heading over the far horizon, this guide is a must. It is the comprehensive manual for planning the ideal sea kayaking expedition, covering everything from provisioning, gear, navigation, and bivouacking, to kayak sailing. Included: sidebars for fabulous destinations from Baja to Newfoundland.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent for new kayakers.......2004-04-08

We recently bought two sea kayaks and were looking for an
"encyclopedia" on the basics of getting started with our own boats. The book gives excellent basic informtion on safety, skills, and equipment. The sections on kayak camping gear are really informative. The author uses his own experiences and lots of houmour to make this book not only informative but an enjoyable read.

Complete Sea Kayak Touring.......2001-06-17

A superb book that contains all of the information one could possibly need on the subject, very well-written & entertaining!

good comprehensive book.......2000-02-22

I really liked the book. Its concise well written and goes over the basics of sea kayaking. It has helped me immensely as I'm just starting out. The author's enthusiasm is contagious and he's sense of humor makes the book an easy read.

This is a good all around kayak touring reference book.......1999-05-16

This book describes kayaking at its best. I was especially interested in the section on kayak camping and storage of gear.The book is organized well and covers all facets of kayaking. There are many clear closeup pictures of the topic being discussed and in fact there is at least 1 picture on every page. I enjoyed this book and I ordered a copy for my brother in Alabama.

well written, humorous and informative- a fun read.......1998-11-23

As advertized this book is about the basics of kayak touring. It is a well written and because of the authors enthusiasm- inspirational. For a begining kayaker, like myself, this book has served to fire and intensify my interest in touring. Unlike many books which dwell the dangers and near death experiences of the author-( thus dissuading many of us) this book deals with the great experiences this author and friends have had and inspires us to try to find some of those adventure ourselves. The author writes well, with a great sense of humor, and seems like the kind of person we all wish we had along as we paddled along our own journeys. I am sure we could have hours of animated discussions about the merits of rotomolded kayaks-- I like them. This is an informative book that will serve to introduce the reader to kayak touring, there is still much to be learned but that will come with experience. I believe even experienced tourers would enjoy reading this book.

The Great Book of the Sea: A Complete Guide to Marine Life

Average customer rating:

Colorful, informative, hard to put down

The Great Book of the Sea: A Complete Guide to Marine Life
Francesco Guerrini
Manufacturer: Courage Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Customer Reviews:

Colorful, informative, hard to put down.......2005-03-22

Beautifully illustrated by dozens of artists, intelligently written by the director of Naples' Museum of Natural History -- this book is a quality production. It's filled with interesting facts about all the major fish groups, as well as notable marine invertebrates, birds, reptiles and mammals. And unlike more modern coffee table books on the subject, the Great Book of the Sea is actually substantial. This is not a glorified photo album.

Perhaps the most amusing thread of the book involves fish-human parallels. Some Anglerfish have been observed swallowing far more than they could chew, and dying immediately of indigestion. Giant Groupers have been known to allow visiting divers to bribe them in exchange for affection, exchanging snacks for petting privileges. Mudskippers... ah, how Pixar missed an opportunity when they neglected to include Mudskippers in their movie "Finding Nemo"; these silly fish engage in slapstick antics while maintaining the composure of old bespectacled men.

Then there are the illustrations. Many are outstanding. Rignall's plates depicting cleaner fish almost always provoke spontaneous laughter; big toothy fish are helplessly dependent upon the anti-parasite services of tiny whimsical wrasses. The painting of the European Stargazer -- what could be more anthropomorphic?

I think the world's marine ecosystems would be far healthier if more people were exposed to books like these. When fish acquire personalities, they're more apt to be considered friends than seafood.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Oceans (The Complete Idiot's Guide)

Average customer rating:

But Not So Complete Idiots Will Like It Too.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Oceans (The Complete Idiot's Guide)
Kim W. Tetrault , and Joe Kraynak
Manufacturer: Alpha
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 002864462X
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Book Description

Although our oceans are some of the most beautiful and diverse environments in the world, most people know very little about the ocean's ecology or just how much humans depend on the oceans for survival.

The Complete Idiot's Guide' to the Oceans will be a marine-lover's reference for mapping the world's oceans and their exploration.

Authors will provide key illustrations to help readers understand important concepts along the way with a color photo insert presenting a wide array of marine creatures and habitats.

Customer Reviews:

But Not So Complete Idiots Will Like It Too........2006-11-25

Of course one has to be predisposed to an interest in this topic, but if you saw David Attenbourrough's recent Blue Planet Series you will come away with a similar impression but a much more in-depth knowledge of the subject. As a former oceanography student I can say that this book is aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge. They make a potentially dry topic (no pun meant) quite interesting. The chapters consist of describiing estuaries in the land-sea ecotome to the barren and alien quality of the abyssal plain. Marine flora and fauna are featured prominently. I recommend this for anyone with a casual interest and greater. Looks good on a bookshelf also!

Complete Guide to the Sea of Cortez (CD-ROM)

Average customer rating:

A Must Have!!
Great work!

Complete Guide to the Sea of Cortez (CD-ROM)
Gerry Cunningham
Manufacturer: Cruising Charts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
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ASIN: 0970981805

Book Description

This CD-ROM contains all of the text and all of the charts in the hard copy THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE SEA OF CORTEZ, plus an additional hundred photographs, with all of the photos in full color. The charts may be printed out. With all of these full color photos, this makes an ideal tool for planning a cruise before leaving home as well as a compact way to store the information on board.

Customer Reviews:

A Must Have!!.......2002-10-29

Gerry Has Done it again! The crusing guides on CD-ROM is a must have!! This easy to navagate program has proven itself to be a permanant crusing companion. The many COLOR photographs, accurate GPS positions, and much more make this CD-ROM invaluable!

Great work!.......2002-09-13

I love having so much information on a CD. I find that this information is more complete and more accurate that anything else available for the area. Having it all on one CD along with hundreds of extra color photos and charts makes this a cruiser's dream come true!

Seabirds of the World: The Complete Reference (Birds of the World)

Average customer rating:

A very useful reference - excellent photos!
Most complete reference of seabirds available

Seabirds of the World: The Complete Reference (Birds of the World)
Jim Enticott , and David Tipling
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Seabirds of the World

ASIN: 0811702391

Customer Reviews:

A very useful reference - excellent photos!.......2000-03-14

Exhaustive and complete. Very informative for every bird-lover

Most complete reference of seabirds available.......1999-08-09

This is an absolutely indispensable reference on sea birds, including penguins. It is the most complete book available on the subject and makes identifying the birds a breeze. It is truly fascinating book.

Detailed information on nearly 300 species is included. Detailed juvenile & adult descriptions are given for each bird. Facts about distribution & population are also provided.

There are over 800 photographs that are arranged from six to nine to a page. Many have never been published before. Usually there are at least two clear close-up photographs of each species.

Captions list the species, approximate age, & location. Photographic acknowledgments are listed in the back. The topography guide is a nice bonus. This is a beautiful and informative book for any bird lover.

Average customer rating:
Painting sea and shore;: A complete guide to the technique of marine painting in oils
Harry Russell Ballinger
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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Painting landscapes

Painting Maritime Landscapes

Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting

Painting Ships, Shores and the Sea

Drawing Scenery: Landscapes and Seascapes

ASIN: B0006BO4UU

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