Customer Reviews:
Poor publishing, post-it notes to "correct" printing errors........2007-10-01
The quality of this book from the OUTSIDE looks great. The inside, however, has much to be fixed.
This NEVER should have been released to the public with such errors, and sloppy "fixing" by pasting small pieces of paper saying "this should be on page 41" and the like. Some information is missiong that SHOULD be in the book somewhere. If it is, I cant find it. Not everything is translated, and messy handwritten notes, while interesting, add nothing to the book other than nostalgia because they arent translated.
I'd love to see a book published in a dual-page format that isn't a mess like this one. I'd be willing to pay much more.
I feel I was cheated because of the price of this book.
Worth the money - a true Tesla Tome!.......2007-09-05
I was actually shocked when I received the book. For once someone has taken Tesla's notes, interpreted them, and put forth a true scientific understanding and explanation of his work complete with appropriate mathematical calculations. The book is hard bound and printed on the highest quality of paper and the photographs are simply superb. It is truly a book for the REAL researcher, scientist, and/or Tesla fan!
Excellent work Tesla Museum! This is a must have tome for any true Tesla-phile. It will be the envy of my collection!
While I give this 5 stars..........2007-08-26
This was not the development period of his now secret work. For the ten years prior to Pike's peak Tesla lived in NY and while trying to prove Hertz's claims Tesla accidentally discovered 'radiant energy' in a different form. This (after 10 years) led him to learn how to stimulate energy by an 'electro-static event." Later his focus was on understanding how to capture the energy from the electro-static event and then convert it back into normal electricity. It was in Pike's peak (the period this book covers) that he develops new hardware for the already understood event that he wished to reproduce, just on a massive scale. Pike's peak was the preamble to the famous tower and first working prototype of it.
Rocky Mountain Prophet.......2002-08-07
Tesla's time at Colorado Springs is THE critical period in his life. In his Notebook, we have Tesla in his own words, shifting effortlessly between startlingly original technical suppositions and his characteristic cosmic imaginings. His occasional lapses into reverie, particularly in regards to the fantastic lightning displays in Colorado-both man-made and naturally occurring, hint at the visionary's relationship with electricity on a level far beyond the technical. An inventor by trade, Tesla reveals a passionate fixation with his medium that makes his work personal. In his autobiography, Tesla mentions that as a child he was tortured by continuous lightning-like, prismatic displays whenever he closed his eyes. Later in life, Tesla would raise the shades in his Manhattan office only during lightning storms, at which point he would ask any others to leave, recline on a couch and, according to his trusted secretary, discourse out loud with himself. Perhaps his project was a Proustian one, relishing the real world display of what was once his childhood affliction. In any case, the Colorado Notebooks hint at much and reveal little. Simply, the man was a mystery and he will ever remain so.
Magnifying!.......2000-02-12
This is an excellent resource for those who wish to study about Tesla's experiments. The notes are highly detailed, and clearly show his attempts at transmitting electricity without wires by means of his magnifying transmitter. I also find it a very good insight into the inventor's mind.
For those studying Tesla and his methods, the technical notes are very rewarding, although the casual reader might have some difficulty with the text.
Book Description
Imagine what it would be like to take a trip through Colorado with John Fielder as your tour guide, or to be on location at a Fielder photo shoot. Now is your chance to do both! The celebrated photographer who has traveled the state for more than 20 years in search of its most beautiful vistas shares his love for Colorado's rugged beauty, as well as his knowledge of Colorado's historical, recreational, and cultural richness, in this extraordinary guidebook. Through lively text and spectacular images, John reveals more than 160 of his most treasured Colorado locations to photograph so you can work magic with your own camera. You can enjoy some of the state's prime offerings while you travel, as John profiles his favorite restaurants, hotels, hiking and biking trails, and area attractions. Local lore and cameos of influential Coloradans through the ages highlight the state's fascinating heritage. Whether you're a longtime local, a new resident, or an out-of-state visitor, John Fielder's Best of Colorado guarantees the ultimate insider experience!
Customer Reviews:
Great preview of beatiful Colorado!.......2007-07-20
Great directory of the beauty here in Colorado and how to get there. Other than some outdated restaurants, it really is a good book to have.
Fielder again.......2007-01-16
He's number one when it comes to capturing the beauty of Colorado. Awesome pics and some interesting historical information contained in the commentary.
Best of Colorado.......2007-01-15
This is a great book for anyone that wants to spend some time taking photographs of Colorado. Provides information on the best spots to photograph, how to get there, what time to take the shots and how to enjoy the location while you are there.
Every thing you want to know about Colorado.......2006-10-30
The beautiful pictures and descriptions of the sights of Colorado are breathtaking.
Awesome Book !!!.......2006-08-12
I recently moved to Colorado and before doing so purchased this book. My hobby is photography. This book is full of awesome pictures and exact driving tips to all parts of Colorado. This book is worth every penny and with Amazon prices you can't go wrong. Each city or area is described in detail without long drawn chapter. It is photographed beautifully and full of tips. This is a great book and I have used several tips so far for my photograph adventures...
Book Description
In Blood Feud, Colorado Avalanche beat writer Adrian Dater not only submits that the Red Wings-Avalanche rivalry was the most feverish match-up in recent years, but also that there was none better played.
Customer Reviews:
AWSOME READ.......2007-06-27
anyone who is a hockey fan would enjoy this read, if your an avalanche or red wing fan its a must read, could not put it down untill finished, have passed on to other hockey fans and have enjoyed as much as I have, I even have read out loud to the guys at work during break bits of the book, anyone who enjoys hockey would find this a great read
Interesting Topic; Average Story.......2007-05-25
'Blood Feud' by Adrian Dater tells the story of the infamous Detroit-Colorado rivalry that was responsible for some of the best hockey during the 1990s.
The strong points of this book include interesting biographical information about some of the rivalry's stars (Roy, Lemieux, McCarty, and Bowman to name a few). Another solid component of this book was the inclusion of some of the 'behind the scenes' chatter among the rivals including the details of the famous exchange between Crawford and Bowman. The material was also presented in a fairly even-handed way (pretty remarkable considering this guy is Colorado media).
This book has its weak points as well. The author attempted to weave in and out of the storyline too much. You'll find yourself reading about a particular playoff series, only to be randomly pulled out of it and thrown into another topic (at times, this really killed the flow of the story). Another notable weak point is the author's statement that the Ray Borque to Colorado trade was possibly the "greatest steal of a deal in NHL history" which is absurd. Finally, there were far too many awkward personal interjections by the author (often unrelated to the story itself).
Overall, for this price, I'd recommend reading this book if you have an interest in the rivalry. Don't buy it with the hopes of it being a literary work of art; just enjoy it for what it is: an insider's recollection of an exciting NHL rivalry.
Wingnut Residing in Denver.......2007-05-23
As a 27 year Detroit native living the last 13 years in Denver, I was in the emotional vortex of this great rivalry. This book was a great read and brought back all the polar feelings from these incredible games and bloody fights. Mr. Dater retells this story in a bioptic fashion, delving into the important characters and the stories behind the story. He points out the strange ironic twists that festered into this Hockey hatred. His fact finding was thorough and impressive on both teams. His writing style is casual, easy to read and similar to Jon Krakauer's "Into thin Air." Anyone who suggests Avalanche bias is way off base. This Denver newspaper writer is arguably tougher on the Av's than the Wings with most negative ink heaped on Lemieux and Crawford and some not too flattering episodes by Patrick Roy. Luckily this was an easy read because I had a hard time putting it down after page 1. Sent a copy to my brother in Detroit and he was late to work the morning he cracked it open. He showed the book to his boss and his tardiness was quickly forgotten and his book quickly borrowed.
Sad Day for the Written Word.......2007-04-21
Whether your an Avs or Redwings fan (I am the former) this book is a disgrace to readers everywhere. While I appreciate the subject matter, which kept me from tossing this book into the flames before I was finished, Adrian Dater's inability to write with any depth or clarity is evident. Perhaps there is a bit more background on the relevant events, but the bios focusing on Bowman, Lemieux, Roy and McCarty are pure filler. Half the book is in quotes so I hope Woody Paige and Mark Kiszla are getting royalties from this. There are also sections about Dater himself and self realizations he has. I don't care! I didn't pick up this book to learn about Dater drinking high protein shakes and mentally pounding his HS tormentors. The editor over at Taylor Trade should submit his/her resignation. This should be a pamphlet, but with misc. facts that stray from the subject combined with 12 point font make it two hundred plus pages of dribble. This "book" is a failure on all levels and it's a shame Amazon forces one to give any stars.
Blood Feud Review.......2007-04-14
First of all, this book is worth the price just for, as other comments have attested to, the screaming match that Crawford had with Bowman in 97; vulgar, but albeit priceless stuff. Second of all, it would be nice to see a Detroit reporter put together a similar account because I don't know how everyone can take this account as "unbiased". This guy is an Avs reporter for the Post for crying out loud! He includes numerous excerpts from the apparently unabashed homer Avs radio man, while providing nothing from Ken Kal, the Wings radio man who, apparently with his middle-of-the-road approach, is too boring for this book. Look, I am an honest Red Wings fan and appreciated the rivalry between both teams, but there are definitely pro-Avalanche slants in this book. Granted there are few, but they are still there. I would appreciate a counter-offer from the Detroit perspective, maybe from Bob Wojonowski, who is probably one of the top three Detroit sports writers.
Average customer rating:
- Binding Fell Apart
- Worthy of permanent display on a coffee table
- Clearing Up the Confusion and Getting the Photo Details
- A Tale of Two Books
- Colorado: 1870-2000 vs. Colorado: Yesterday & Today
|
Colorado, 1870-2000
William Henry Jackson ,
John Fielder , and
Ed Marston
Manufacturer: Westcliffe Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Jackson, William Henry
| ( J-L )
| Artists, A-Z
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Nature & Wildlife
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Photo Essays
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
West
| United States
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Colorado
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
West
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Ecotourism
| Specialty Travel
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Colorado
| States
| United States
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Colorado 1870-2000 II
-
Colorado, Yesterday & Today
-
Mountain Ranges of Colorado
-
John Fielder's Best of Colorado
-
Colorado Reflections (Colorado Littlebooks)
ASIN: 1565793471 |
Book Description
The images of early west photographer William Henry Jackson capture a Colorado landscape both pristine and already dramatically affected by the onslaught on western civilization. Standing exactly where Jackson stood, and pointing his own camera in precisely the same direction, John Fielder has rephotographed Jackson's Colorado images to capture the often startling change that has occurred over the last century. The result is both breathtaking and stark, hopeful and disquieting. Jackson's and Fielder's photography is accompanied by thoughtful and provocative essays by respected experts in the environmental field: Roderick Nash, America's foremost wilderness historian and author of Wilderness and the American Mind; Ed Marston, journalist and publisher of High Country News; and Eric Paddock, Curator of Photography at the Colorado Historical Society. John Fielder describes the profound experience of traveling the state and seeing the landscape from Jackson's perspective, and reflects upon changes of the last 130 years.
The contrast between Jackson's and Fielder's photographs not only illuminates Colorado's past but will help us determine the course of land management as we move into the next century. Accompanied by an educational program that includes lectures, a traveling exhibit, newspaper serialization, and television series, this book is aimed at encouraging people to appreciate and reflect on nature, history, and photography as we move into the next century. Colorado: 1870-2000 stands not only as an important document of westward exploration, expansion, and urbanization, but helps define our past and future environmental values.
Customer Reviews:
Binding Fell Apart.......2003-05-11
I noticed the review that said this book was worthy of "permanent display on your coffee table." Well, I don't think that will be possible with my book, as the binding fell apart after 6 months. The book has gotten a fair amount of use, but nothing out of the ordinary. I've since seen a similar problem with a couple of the display copies at bookstores (which is why they've been demoted to display copies). So I don't think this is an isolated problem. It seems like the book is so big that they didn't make a strong enough binding for it. So just a warning for this thinking of buying this book. The good news is that, on the advice of one of the reviews, I bought Colorado: Yesterday & Today to replace my copy of Colorado: 1870-2000. I agree that it is the better book and now it will be on permanent display on my coffe-table.
Worthy of permanent display on a coffee table.......2003-02-28
This book is excellent in look, feel, and quality. It is intriguing to see how much landscape has changed in 130 years. Many times for the better and many times for the worse. In every case it is very interesting to see two pictures side by side and compare 1870 with 2000. The photographer was very meticulous to capture every shot as closely as possible to the original perspective and frame, which really enhances the "then and now" feel of the book.
Clearing Up the Confusion and Getting the Photo Details.......2002-11-18
There appears to be some confusion as all of the reviews of the original "Colorado 1870-2000" big book are credited to this, the paperback "Colorado 1870-2000 Revisited: The History Behind the Images". This book is a companion book to the original. It takes each photo set from the big book and goes into detail about the location, changes, and how Fielder acquired each photo. These are the things that, being left out of the original, made several people give the big book negative reviews. While it would have been nice (and certainly less expensive) to have everything in one volume, we now have the information for which those disappointed with the big book were looking. While the big book is a piece of coffee table art, the Revisited book fits neatly on your bookshelf, ready to be taken down to answer those questions posed by your friends perusing the big book. I take a bit of offense at having to have paid for two different books, but they belong together and I feel were money well spent; the big book for the beautiful photos and the revisited book for its entertaining and educational material.
A Tale of Two Books.......2002-09-05
John Fielder is one of America's greatest living photographers, and he brings his love of the Colorado wilderness to this book. His re-shoots of Jacksons 19th century photographs are both beautiful and thought-provoking.... the photographs make it worthwhile.
On the other hand, the text is a different story. Reading a text-only version of this book, one might conclude that the title is a misprint, and that the book should really be called "Colorado 1970 - 2000." Fielder roamed across Colorado capturing the changes in places like Kremmling, Denver, and Ouray, but the text never tells us anything about these places, or why they changed, or why we should care. Instead we get chapters about oil shale and the Forest Service.
Ahem. If I wanted to read about the relationship between Forest Service bureaucrats and small Western towns, I would have bought a book called "The Relationship Between the Forest Service and Small Western Towns." My book is called "Colorado 1870 - 2000." That is what I want to read about.
It's true that oil shale schemes, government agencies, and others have played a role in shaping Colorado in the past 30 years. But before that there were events like the Silver Crash of 1893, the City Beautiful movement, the Depression, World War II, and Urban Renewal. You won't read about those in this book.
The pictures are beautiful, and the text is well-written (if misplaced and unwanted). Just don't expect to learn much about the places you are looking at- except that they are very pretty.
Colorado: 1870-2000 vs. Colorado: Yesterday & Today.......2001-07-20
As people may or may not know, there are now two Colorado "then and now" books out: Colorado: 1870-2000 by John Fielder and Colorado: Yesterday & Today by Grant Collier. I am fascinated by these types of books and therefore bought both books. I have carefully compared the two based on several different aspects and decided that, for the reasons listed below, Colorado: Yesterday & Today is the best overall value.
1) Accuracy of Photo Retakes: While Fielder did a rather competent job of matching the historic photos, Collier did a remarkable job. Unless it was impossible to match them, due to trees blocking the view, etc., most of Collier's photos appear to be taken from nearly the exact location as the historic photos. EDGE: Colorado: Yesterday & Today.
2) Originality: Since both of the books were published within a short time span, it seems possible that one photographer copied the other's idea for the book. Initially, I assumed that Fielder started on his book first. But, after looking into it, I was surprised to find that Collier started working on his book before Fielder even decided to do his book. EDGE: Colorado: Yesterday & Today
3) Reputation: This is Collier's first book, while Fielder has published many other books. EDGE: Colorado: 1870-2000
4) Written Text: Colorado: 1870-2000 has some interesting essays written by leading environmentalists, historians, etc. My one complaint is that the essays do not really provide any information on the photos in the book. Colorado: Yesterday & Today was written entirely by the photographer, Grant Collier. He did a very competent job writing the histories of the towns in the book, and this text provides the reader with additional information on the photographs in the book. EDGE: EVEN
5) Appearance of the book: Colorado: 1870-2000 is a very large book and is perhaps a little bulky. But the large photos in it are quite nice. Colorado: Yesterday & Today is more of a standard size book, and it is easier to sit down and look through this book. But the photos are obviously not quite as large. Also, both books have VERY NICE leather covers. EDGE: EVEN
6) Intangibles: In Colorado: 1870-2000 Fielder reshot the images of pioneer photographer William Henry Jackson. In Colorado: Yesterday & Today Collier reshot the images of his great-great-grandfather, and pioneer photographer, Joseph Collier. This adds a fascinating human-interest aspect to Colorado: Yesterday & Today that is lacking in Colorado: 1870-2000. EDGE: Colorado: Yesterday & Today.
OVERALL VALUE: The SRP of Fielder's book is $95, while the SRP of Collier's book is $39.95. So, given the price and quality of Colorado: Yesterday & Today, I would say that it is certainly the best overall value.
To conclude, if you're only going to buy one Colorado "then and now" book, I'd recommend Colorado: Yesterday & Today. If you're going to buy two, Colorado: 1870-2000 isn't too bad a buy, either.
Average customer rating:
- Not what I thought
- The finest Grand Canyon book at the lowest price....
- off the charts superb stunning startling good heavens
- Review by Jennifer Owings Dewey, author/illustrator
- A superb choice as a Memorial Fund acquisition for any library system
|
Lasting Light: 125 Years of Grand Canyon Photography
Stephen Trimble
Manufacturer: Northland Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Nature & Wildlife
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Photo Essays
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
West
| United States
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| How-to
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Pictorial
| Reference & Tips
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Mountain
| West
| Regions
| United States
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arizona
| States
| United States
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Arizona
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside History Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Travel Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Grand: The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon a Photo Journey
-
The Hidden Canyon: A River Journey
-
Grand Canyon Wild: A Photographic Journey
-
Our National Parks
-
Photographer's Guide to the Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona
ASIN: 0873588940 |
Book Description
One of the most photographed subjects on earth, Grand Canyon continues to inspire awe, admiration, and frustration for those who attempt to capture its majesty with a camera. Reaching back 125 years into the photographic record of the Canyon, this book artfully explores the experiences of the earliest photographers and today's most exceptional artists.
Accomplished writer and Ansel Adams Award-winning photographer Stephen Trimble deftly navigates the stories of the Canyon's photographic history and takes us down the river and along the rim with the next generation of photographers and their photographs. Also included are twenty-one essays by the finest contemporary photographers recounting their experiences at Grand Canyon, along with fascinating details of changing equipment and a timeline of important moments in the Canyon's photographic record.
Customer Reviews:
Not what I thought.......2007-09-13
I bought this as a present for my wife. We had just returned from a trip that included a visit to the Grand Canyon, and I wanted to get her a memento of the visit. This book sounded good, but was not the one that included the beautiful vistas that we wanted. There are some photos too dark to really discern why they are included. There are some photos of a boat on the bank of the river. That could be from anywhere.
Although I suppose others may find it interesting, we didn't want a book of prose, we just wanted amazing photos. This was not that book.
The finest Grand Canyon book at the lowest price...........2007-02-15
This book is so awesome, and of such high quality, that its Amazon price seems surreal...I have two copies and am ordering a third, for posterity or whatever.
Intensely beautiful photographic prints, at the very leading edge of Canyon photos....almost beyond description!
If you buy one copy of this book, you'll then want another for a gift, and another for your own collection.....etc.
off the charts superb stunning startling good heavens.......2006-11-03
Yes, you would expect truly astounding photography here, and you get exactly that, in lots of different flavors too, but the stories are deft and revealing -- far more than in a book of photos alone of a place that you couldn't take a bad photo if you tried. Trimble himself is a master craftsman with the camera, but his service here is to gather some really remarkable work and voices into a tome that anyone who has gaped and prayed there will want to paw through before you get major brownie points for giving it to someone else. Terrific work.
Review by Jennifer Owings Dewey, author/illustrator.......2006-09-28
Lasting Light is a treasure, a compilation of photographs taken of the Crand Ganyon over a broad stretch of time. The viewer/reader may gain a sense of history, passing from the old to the new. The book is an experience in images of the vast wonder of the Canyon and the smallest, most discreet detail. Because the text is direct and not-technical, anyone interested in what is grand and lit by extraordinary light, the Grand Canyon itself, will find this work a delight.
A superb choice as a Memorial Fund acquisition for any library system.......2006-07-10
Lasting Light: 125 Years Of Grand Canyon Photography by award-winning author and photographer Stephen Trimble is a visual celebration and documentation of the beauty and grandeur of one of the most photographed subjects on earth -- the Grand Canyon. Comprised of the best of 125 years of great photographs beginning with the pioneering glass plate negatives of the 19th century to the digital images of the 21st century, Lasting Light produces spectacular visuals enhanced with an accompanying text of fascinating details regarding the advances of photography, stories of various individual photographers, and the relationship between the photographers and the unique American icon that is the Grand Canyon. As a coffetable art book, Lasting Light is a simply wonderful contribution to any personal, academic, or community library photography reference collection and would make a superb choice as a Memorial Fund acquisition for any library system.
Book Description
Just as huge nuclear explosions result from small spheres of plutonium, the story of the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant near Denver, Colorado is much larger than itself. It is about the Church family, who came West seeking gold in 1861, stayed to raise cattle, watched the federal government take a large piece of its land for the weapons plant in 1951--and now is busily developing real estate in the booming suburbs next to the contaminated plant site. It is about the government and private corporations that produced the deadliest devices in history for thirty-seven years, concealed problems behind the wall of national security secrecy, and came close to a Chernobyl-scale disaster during a 1969 fire. It is about plant managers who cut corners to maintain weapons production, workers who saw themselves as loyal Cold War soldiers, and citizen activists who challenged the plant's very existence. And it is about a community that profited from thousands of jobs and contracts but now faces long-term environmental and health risks.
Making a Real Killing examines the way Americans participated in building a nuclear weapons arsenal capable of destroying the human species. To read it is to learn some sobering lessons, including the fact that the democratic process lagged decades behind technological developments.
"As Americans reckon with the legacy of the Cold War, Making a Real Killing deserves a place at the center of our attention. Len Ackland's integrity and hard work remind us how crucial energetic journalism is for a successful democracy."—Patricia Nelson Limerick
A chilling, fast-moving study of the nuclear weapons plant in the Denver suburbs, told through the experiences of managers, workers, activists, and neighbors who were all so deeply affected by the hazardous plant.
Customer Reviews:
I worked there too........2006-07-01
I look forward to reading this book. I was a Nuclear Engineer at Rocky Flats in the 80's. I quit after less than a year on site because I feared for my health. The plant was a mess. Everyone should read about what the cold war did to our country.
I worked there for 12 years..........2005-04-09
One thing I learned while working at Rocky Flats: Usually the media doesn't lie to you straight out, they just tell the story in a way that will lead you to draw the conclusion they want you to.
I have not read this book - yet -, but am very familiar with the story line, inside workings and history. They don't call Boulder, Colorado "The Peoples Republic of Boulder" for nothing.
The worst thing Rocky Flats did was to sacrifice its Patriots - its workers - over the decades, especially when the politicians wanted to cash in the Peace Dividend. My experience was: Workers were pushed out the door to avoid paying severence pay, etc.
just keep these things in mind while you read.
My Review From Southwest BookViews Fall 2002.......2005-01-26
The specter of America's nuclear legacy hangs like a pall over the Western landscape. Nearly 15 years after the end of the Cold War, we are confronting the consequences of 50-year-old political decisions. From Fat Man and Little Boy of the Los Alamos National Laboratories to Nevada's Yucca Mountain which will someday become the repository of this nation's nuclear waste, the West has seen its share of America's atomic heritage. The perceived isolation and wide-open spaces of the post-war West were ideal sites for top-secret government nuclear installations. But it's the 21st century now and Westerners aren't nearly as captivated by the atomic age as they once were. The facilities we welcomed with open arms for economic growth are now damned for their environmental, ethical and health threats.
In this updated paperback edition of his 1999 hardcover, Ackland, Director of the Center for Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado at Boulder, documents the complete history of Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant near Denver. Starting from the very beginning of nuclear weapons production, he takes us through the formation of the Atomic Energy Commission, the building of the Rocky Flats plant and its administration by Dow Chemical and the Department of Energy, to present day and the efforts to clean up the plant site. This is not just a story about an infamous nuclear weapons assembly plant. This is also a story about assembly workers and middle managers who were more concerned with keeping their good jobs than what it was they were producing, as well as adjacent land owners, environmental activists, anti-nuclear protesters and, of course, the politicians.
The amount of research presented in this remarkable work is mind-boggling, and it is relayed in a clear, concise journalistic style. But one wouldn't call this an unbiased book. Ackland is sympathetic to the production workers of Rocky Flats, environmentalists, peace activists and neighboring land owners and extremely critical of the management by Dow Chemical and the Department of Energy.
The continuing threat of an atomic catastrophe haunts the Denver area as the DOE attempts to clean up the mess it let grow out of hand while it turned its back on safety for the sake of production. Certainly the most shocking aspect of this exposé is discovering what those in power are capable of doing to keep the gravy train of nuclear production continuing even in the face of endangering their own workers, neighbors, and citizenry. Plant managers were involved in cover-ups, lies, and illegal dumping of toxic waste-all in the name of continuing production. It is appalling to realize what the DOE concealed behind a veil of secrecy they called National Security. The FBI finally raided Rocky Flats in 1989, temporarily shutting down operations.
As luck would have it, due to the end of the Cold War and various arms reduction treaties, 1989 was the last year of production for Rocky Flats; its only function now is as an EPA clean-up site. The irony of it all is that more Americans will probably die from the consequences of nuclear weapons production and testing than any real or imagined threat from the "Evil Empire" or any of its successors. And the threat of Rocky Flats, even without the production of nuclear bomb components, will probably never go away.
A case study of Cold War America.......2000-03-10
As a journalist, I'm proud of "Making a Real Killing." Its compelling attention to detail underscores its credibility. Without the detail, the book succumbs to a dull existence as an uninformed environmental screed.
As a reporter, I'm proud of the book's clear, concise explanations of highly complex nuclear technology. The workings of a nuclear bomb and the sources and effects of ionizing radiation are set forth in a clear and compelling manner.
As a storyteller, I'm proud of the fundamental organizing tools the book uses. Telling the history of Rocky Flats from the point of view of the participants in the story makes the book readable and adds a dramatic element that is effective without being cloying or sensationalistic. Also, telling the story of the land itself is a wonderful device.
As a professor of journalism, I'm reinvigorated by the book. It reflects an author in full command of his reporting and writing skills. Each semester I show one particular overhead transparency repeatedly in class: "Use more detail. Reveal more truth." I have read passages from the book to my students to demonstrate the power of carefully used detail.
As a copy editor, I'm particularly proud of the masterful editing. Believe me, I looked very, very hard for errors and even harder for ways to tighten wording or clarify organization. I found only two commas I might quibble with. The University of New Mexico Press did a superb job in designing, editing, and publishing this book.
As a person who practiced "duck and cover" in elementary school, I'm struck by the compelling arguments the book makes about the insane politics and economics of national weapons and defense policies. For this reason alone, the book should earn a Pulitzer prize.
Len Ackland produced a rich, valuable, compelling piece of book-length journalism. As a work of history, it should provide sound lessons for those who create public policy.
(Disclosure: Len Ackland served on my dissertation committee while I was a doctoral student at the University of Colorado-Boulder.)
Average customer rating:
- Fielder
- Mountain Masterpiece !
- A New Colorado Must-Have
- Mountain Ranges of Colorado vs. Colorado: Moments in Time
|
Mountain Ranges of Colorado
Manufacturer: Westcliffe Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Photographers, A-Z
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Nature & Wildlife
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Photo Essays
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
West
| United States
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Colorado
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Mountain
| West
| Regions
| United States
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Colorado
| States
| United States
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside History Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Travel Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Colorado 1870-2000 II
-
A Colorado Autumn
-
John Fielder's Best of Colorado
-
Colorado, 1870-2000
-
Colorado, Moments in Time
ASIN: 1565794966 |
Customer Reviews:
Fielder.......2007-01-16
He's number one when it comes to capturing the beauty of Colorado. Awesome pics and some decent commentary.
Mountain Masterpiece !.......2004-12-26
We have some nice mountain scenery here in New Zealand but never has it been showcased in a book of such class and quality as this one from Westcliffe. I do have two other books of Colorado from Fielder, "Colorado's CDT" and "To Walk In Wilderness" and I think about 4 of the photos look familiar out of the 200 or so in this book.
This is a large, heavy and classy book. The photos are generally full page, some double page, and are crystal clear with superb colouring and lighting. A page of text introduces each mountain range featured followed by the photos with interesting captions under each one but the emphasis is on the photos. The photos make you feel like you want to be in the scene enjoying what Fielder was obviously enjoying at the time too. The book retails at $75 but I consider it a bargain at Amazon's discounted price for what you are getting.
If you are a mountain lover like I am then this book is a must have. There has been and will be very few books like this ever published - thoroughly recommended.
A New Colorado Must-Have.......2004-12-16
Over the years, Fielder has taken many a spectacular photo. In John Fielder's new book, Mountain Ranges of Colorado, all of his greatest images over 15 years form a complete and comprehensive view of the reason for Colorado's trademark beauty: the Southern Rockies. The book not only goes range by range through the entire state, but presents some of the best images Fielder has ever done. A granite-feel cover, along with the photos, guarantees that there isn't a book like this out there, and there won't be unless Fielder does a sequel.
Mountain Ranges of Colorado vs. Colorado: Moments in Time.......2004-11-02
A few years ago I wrote a review of "Colorado: 1870-2000" by John Fielder and "Colorado: Yesterday & Today" by Grant Collier. These two photographers both have new coffee table books out: Fielder published "Mountain Ranges of Colorado" and Collier published "Colorado: Moments in Time." These are two of the nicest color photography books published on Colorado in quite a while, so I thought I'd write another reviewing comparing the books of two of Colorado's best photographers. For the reasons listed below, I've concluded that Collier's new book is a little better than Fielder's.
1) Quality of photos: The photos in both of these books are very nice and really show how spectacular Colorado is. I think Collier does a better job compositionally, while Fielder's shots have a little better lighting and colors. My own complaint with Fielder's shots is that many of them have been published in previous books and calendars, so if you own any previous work by
Fielder, you may be disappointed to see the same photos published here. EDGE: Colorado: Moments in Time
2) Design & Appearance of Book: Fielder's book has a cool backdrop of granite and Collier's book has a nice backdrop of wavy sand. The interior of both books is also very well designed and the photos are nice and big. Fielder's book seems to be printed on somewhat cheaper paper, but the overall design is very comparable. EDGE: Even
3) Reputation of Photographers: John Fielder has published many books and is very well known, while Collier is a newer photographer, who is not yet as well known. EDGE: Mountain Ranges of Colorado
4) Written Text: In addition to taking the photos, both photographers wrote the text for their books. Collier is nearly as good a writer as he is a photographer. He wrote concise and very information essays on various aspects of the history of Colorado that really complemented the images in the book. Fielder text was not as well written, although it was an improvement on his previous attempts at writing. The text tends to ramble on and the writing style could use some improvement. But there is some good information in there if you look hard enough. EDGE: Colorado: Moments in Time.
Overall Vallue: Fielder's book has a retail value of $75, while Collier's book has a retail value of $45. Both books are very large. Fielder's is just a little bigger, but not much. So, even with the large discount that Amazon.com currently provides on Fielder's book, Colorado: Moments in Time is still priced lower. I therefore believe that it is, by a small margain, the best book and the best overall value.
Average customer rating:
|
Colorado (America Series)
Tanya Lloyd Kyi
Manufacturer: Whitecap Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Photo Essays
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
West
| United States
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Pictorial
| Reference & Tips
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Colorado
| States
| United States
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Colorado
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside History Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Travel Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Oregon (America Series)
-
Arizona (America Series)
-
New Mexico (America Series)
-
New England (America Series)
-
Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula (Canada Series)
ASIN: 1551109468 |
Book Description
Colorado's mountains are so rugged that the state was settled years later than the surrounding areas -- the harsh winters and steep hillsides dissuaded potential homesteaders.
About the America
series:
As expansive as America itself, this outstanding series captures outstanding views of panoramic landscapes, brilliant city skylines, and picturesque communities. Each volume focuses on a city or state and features 96 pages and 70 stunning images by internationally renowned photographers, plus descriptive captions.
Book Description
One of the great works of American exploration literature, this account of a scientific expedition forced to survive famine, attacks, mutiny, and some of the most dangerous rapids known to man remains as fresh and exciting today as it was in 1874.
Customer Reviews:
Bold Explorer.......2007-07-14
I got this book to read while I was rafting the Grand Canyon. It was well worth it. John Wesley Powell's description of his unbelivable expedition helped me put into words the spectacular scenes that makes up the Grand Canyon. I recommend this book to anyone who is considering traveling down the Colorado River.
Perilous journey into a sublime landscape.......2006-04-25
Anyone who is enthralled by the beauty of the Southwest, or as Powell defines it - the Colorado River watershed, should read this book. It's not the same now as it was in his day. For one thing, Glen Canyon, which he named, is now submerged under Lake Powell (could any name be more ironic?). No one today can feel the same kind of wonder and awe as Powell and his companions did as they pushed their boats into the raging rapids of the muddy Colorado without having any idea of what was ahead. Even the part of the Colorado watershed that has not been developed, and there is a considerable extent of land under protective status, today has nothing like the remoteness that Powell experienced. Everything has been mapped and carefully scutinized.
Yet, anyone who has spent some time sizing up the immense water-carved rock canyons, can still feel something of the sublimity that Powell felt. It requires more imagination; it is true, but anyone who is determined to make more of a commitment than just standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon can still experience the really sublime features of this landscape. How much more difficult will it be in the future? Will these wilderness wonders become more degraded?
The book describes by daily journal entries the historic river run of 1868 starting at the Flaming Gorge in Wyoming and ending at the Virgin River as well as a follow-up expedition the next year. Powell does not overdo the apprehensions and hardships of himself and companions, nor does he make mention that he accomplished the physical exertion of climbing the canyon walls and navigating the boats with one arm: but largely confines himself to descriptions of the events and the incredible landforms. The extent of the journey and all the spectacular features that he finds and names is impressive. That Powell's group experienced hardships there can be no doubt.
One of the more interesting parts of the book to me was the way Powell approached the Indian tribe that killed his three companions, who decided to abandon the expedition and hike out of the Canyon. In those frontier days, it was the accepted norm to meet violence with violence. But Powell, I thought here, really showed himself to be an exceptional human being. He had a inquiring mind and a sincere desire to learn everything he could without inflicting retribution.
It is shameful that students today don't know this man!.......2006-01-09
I find it totally unexcuseable that today's young college students (especially earth and environmental science types) do not know this man; yet, they all know Edward Abbey. Powell was not a scientist by today's standards but yet he managed to do many great things. He stood in opposition to the popular belief at that time that the West was a virgin Utopian land awaiting industrial and population exploitation from eastern society. He saw a great empty space in the National maps of the West and set about to explore and understand and map this area. He was a geologist, ecologist, ethnologist, and anthropologist all wrapped up in a persona that was at one time a soldier and commander. His exploration of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River is a terrific read for anyone looking for an adventure read. Its a scientific quest turned whitewater adventure. Abbey, on the other hand, has never done anything as substantial as what Powell did for our basic knowledge and appreciation of the West. Furthermore, Powell's vision isn't clouded by the selfish, militant, eco-geek goggles through which Abbey viewed the West.
A classic, I guess.......2005-09-30
John Wesley Powell was a fascinating guy.
John Wesley Powell was a scientist, geologist, and Civil War veteran whose right arm was shot off by a cannonball; he was the man who named Glen Canyon, and the man Lake Powell was named for. He was the first man to lead an expedition down the Colorado--the first two expeditions, actually--back when the river flowed wild, without dams.
He didn't worry about all the details like a knowledgeable crew, funds, both arms, having an experienced crew, not knowing if there was a Niagara-sized waterfall around the next bend or not, and so on--he just went. He understood you don't need experience to gain experience. He and his crew paid for their inexperience by nearly drowning, nearly starving, and by misadventure after misadventure but in the end MOST of their group emerged from the southern end of the Grand Canyon with stories, experiences, and first-hand knowledge of a part of the world that few people had ever seen before.
(Three of his crew abandoned the expedition, and their fates are uncertain.)
This is Powell's story. It's also a story of the geology of the Colorado Plateau, of the Colorado River, and of the West. It's not a perfect account, but it is a classic one. Powell's prose is at times high-falutin', he recklessly combines details from his first and second expedition, and he gives too little credit to his crew, but he is always an optimist, and always fun to read.
Take a river trip, and take this along. Or, take "Down the Great Unknown" by Edward Dolnick--that's a good account of that trip as well. (I actually prefer it.)
A great adventure story .......2005-09-13
This is a classic adventure tale, inspiring in that it's a true story of courage and endurance. John Wesley Powell and his companions (including a wonderful illustrator) set out on the Colorado River to chart what was the last unexplored territory of the U.S., the Grand Canyon. Powell was a Civil War veteran who, despite the loss of one of his arms, took on the mighty untamed Colorado in wooden lorries. He is the person for whom Lake Powell is named and interestingly his story is featured in a short IMAX film about the Grand Canyon. The book had originally been sold to a magazine in serial form and Powell's adventure followed avidly by "folks back East". Reading this book transports you back to a different time when the written word was the primary means of reporting stories like this.
Book Description
What some of the people have been forced to endure in Colorado City is little different from living in a third world country. TEN-YEAR-OLD Benjamin Bistline moved with his parents to Short Creek (Colorado City), Arizona, in 1945 to join with a group of excommunicated Mormons who believed in honoring the law of polygamy as revealed by the Prophet Joseph Smith and instituted by Brigham Young. Mr. Bistline has compiled A DETAILED HISTORY of the significant events that shaped and sustained this community from the beginning. He tells of the shifts in power, changes in leadership philosophies, persecution from outside forces - and from within. Mr. Bistline's goal in writing this history is to reveal that the original leadership structure of a Council of men holding common and balancing power has slowly descended into a ONE-MAN TYRANNICAL RULE over the people. Bistline has observed: 1) Older men being taught to take CHILD BRIDES before the girls are attracted to boys their own age. 2) BOYS DRIVEN OUT of the community for competing with older men for wives. 3) Plural wives expected to apply for WELFARE as single mothers. 4) Men out of favor are "EVICTED" from their homes with their wives and children reassigned to a more compliant man. 5) Community members AFRAID TO DISOBEY the "Prophet" out of fear for their eternal salvation. RESIDENT HISTORIAN Ben Bistline is recognized as the most credible and knowledgeable source of information about Colorado City. He knows more about the people, their motives, their family connections, their religion, their strengths and their weaknesses than any other pundit. Mr. Bistline is contacted by media and the press from all across the country, and has appeared on CNN and Dateline NBC.
Customer Reviews:
This book is so accurate!.......2006-01-21
I found this book very enlightening. I learned a lot about a group of people I knew little about. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know the truth about the society in Colorado City/Hildale. The author is not interested in sensationalism, but in reporting the truth. I moved to an area just south of these twin towns - found the people interesting and the book helps me to understand them better. They do have tv's, computers, etc. in spite of their commands otherwise - and they have vehicles and modern conveniences. They just dress like pioneers. Great book!
George Bush should stop polygamists.......2005-07-31
I feel bad for what the women have to go through in Colorado City. They are force to marrie, even when their under age. Men are having mulitple wives and dozens of children. The people over their were clothes from and old century, theirs no entertainment for them to enjoy like television, radio, computers nothing. A person from the outside world comes in at night and get the girls out of that city to live a normal. They were talking about polygamisty on Opera and Dr. Phil. Why won't lazy George Bush do something about this.
Books:
- No Laughing Matter
- No Place Like Home: A Novel
- Ovarian Cancer (Atlas of Clinical Oncology)
- Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon
- Patty's Toxicology, 8 Volume + Index Set
- Possible Side Effects
- Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America 1789-1989
- Something the Cat Dragged in
- Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know
- Suite Française
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The Good Husband of Zebra Drive
- Mastiff: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog
- House of the Solitary Maggot
- History: Fiction or Science
- Magic Lantern Guides: Nikon D80
- Numerical Heat Transfer And Fluid Flow
- Natural Grace: The Charm, Wonder, and Lessons of Pacific Northwest Animals and Plants
- Smart Growth Tool Kit
- Future Tense: The Business Realities of the Next Ten Years
- The Paradox of the Gold Watch: Planning Twenty Years Before Retirement
Experiments With Alternate Currents of High Potential and High Frequency
My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla
The Problem of Increasing Human Energy
Nikola Tesla Complete Patent Collection
Tesla : The Lost Inventions
