50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques with Photoshop Elements 3

Book Description

* This update features fifty fast and impressive digital photo techniques-eighty percent of which are new since the previous edition
* The CD-ROM includes a bonus e-book of the entire first edition-giving readers two books for the price of one
* Developed by professional photographer and eDigital Photo contributing writer Gregory Georges, the techniques are valuable to both pros and hobbyists alike
* Uses the latest version of Adobe Photoshop Elements in the examples, but the techniques are readily adaptable to most image-editing programs
* Includes techniques for traditional photo effects, combining photos, artistic effects, animations, digital photo blends, and much more
* Step-by-step details, in-depth instructions, and plenty of illustrations-including a full color insert-make it easy for people to apply the techniques to their own photos

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic! Step-by-Step Instructions.......2005-08-27

All of Gregory Georges books are concisely written so that even the novice can follow the steps. I have been teaching Photoshop and Photoshop Elements for several years and these 50 Fast Digital books are a must have for my students. If you are one of those people that needs to know the "Why?" as to how everything works, this might not be the book for you. If you want to know "How" to get something done-this is it!
Jacki Sutherland

Inspirational and Good Value.......2005-06-25

I think that some of the reviews on this page are obviously for the previous edition, which I'm sure was getting quite dated by the time this one came out. However, I can attest that this book is generally superb. Georges' photos are very skilfull, his instructions clear. I've owned a copy for two days and my photos have already improved to the extent of getting "wows" from friends and family. My only criticism is that it would have been nice if the book was color throughout, but the 24 color pages that it does have certainly make an impact. I recommend this book, which is a great value for the price.

You Can Do Better.............2005-03-21

What a difference a year makes in digital photography! Or 5 years come to that. Having bought the book, 50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques, it was immediately clear that the techniques and tips were aimed at beginning photoshop workers. Nothing wrong with that. However, by today's standards, there are many more attractive books on the market that do the same thing so much better and with much better quality illustrations and colour photgraphs. I found the tips a bit 'old hat' and the illustrations very old hat, the sort of tips and techniques you could easily pick up in an hour's search on the net, AND with better colour examples.
Still, to keep things in perspective, the book IS 5 years old and it shows.
Buy it if you want a cheap second-hand book for your shelf. Otherwise, you can do much, much better with the scores of other visually attractive beginner/intermediate books on today's market.

The reviews posted for this book are not for this book.......2005-03-10

This new book has 50 entirely new techniques AND the CD includes all fifty of the techniques from the first edition for a total of 100 useful and fun techniques.

All other reviews (mostly 5-star reviews) that are posted here are for the first edition and most of those less than excellent reviews are by people who bought the first edition when it was three years old.

Amazon, please fix this!

The author...

Dissapointed in cover and description.......2004-07-23

Looking at the book's cover and at the now defunct editor's description, there was no indication this book was primarily aimed at - and indeed was written for - Photoshop Elements users. The copy said it was also for Photoshop users but it only covers through version 6 and the introduction says using applications other than Elements for the actions described may not work.

I've not used Elements so I have no idea whether the book will be helpful there. It's certainly not helpful for me.

I'm a professional using Photoshop CS and thought some of the tips might be worthwhile. I also use PaintShopPro 8. I thought some of this book might be worthwhile for me but I'm nothing but dissapointed.

Average customer rating:

An effective and innovative loosener for artists

Excellent!

Instant inspiration

Creativity... For Those With More Experience

Celebrate Your Creative Self: Over 25 Exercises to Unleash the Artist Within

Celebrate Your Creative Self: Over 25 Exercises to Unleash the Artist Within
Mary Todd Beam
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Mixed Media | Other Media | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Creativity | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Collage Techniques: A Guide for Artists and Illustrators

ASIN: 1581801025

Book Description

Artists and creatives of all kinds who are looking for new ways to liberate their artistic imagination will love this book. Readers are invited to playfully explore various aspects of visual art, such as light, color, texture and design through a series of imaginative art projects. Artists will experiment hands-on with dozens of techniques and mediums in new and unconventional ways including: * Capturing whites with crayon and wax resist * Glazing and floating colors * Portraying the patterns of nature with sedimentation and precipitation * Loosening up with gesso painting and printing with plastic * Constructing a new piece of art from old work * Experimenting with three-dimensional assemblage * Creating a street map In addition, artists are prompted to challenge their imaginations by building new painting surfaces, creating their own personal symbols and more. Further inspiration can be found in a gallery of work by more than 30 contributing artists. Celebrate Your Creative Self is a fun, no-fail guide every artist should have.

Customer Reviews:

An effective and innovative loosener for artists.......2007-09-11

This book presents simple exploratory exercises for acrylic paints that create novel and brilliant effects. The text is closely tied to the pictures, rather than stating generalities. The author is perhaps sponsored by Golden Paints, who I suspect of mounting a highly diverse and slightly annoying public relations effort through workshops and "how-to" books. Nevertheless, I have already learned a lot fom "25 Exercises".

Excellent!.......2007-07-09

Have enjoyed playing with all the ideas in this book. The exercises are very well presented and make great 'starts' in spurring your imagination.

Instant inspiration.......2007-03-28

The illustrations and suggestions in this beautiful book are an instant inspiration for any artist wanting to explore new methods and mediums, or make new uses of old ones. It made me want to run to my studio and try everything!

Creativity... For Those With More Experience.......2007-01-29

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Intermediate to Expert

I checked out this book from my local library to see if this was a book I would buy. Although I found Ms. Beam's book highly accessible to an art novice like myself, I found most of the projects more suitiable to those with more art experience. Also, I felt the title was a bit misleading. It should be titled, " Celebrate Your Creative Self: Over 25 Exercises to Unleash the Abstract Painter Within". The pictures are big enough to study each technique clearly and the instructions are thorough for determined beginners to complete the projects at the beginning of the book (the projects get progressively more challenging). In addition, the book lays flat, so it can propped on a book stand or lay on a table without damaging the spine. If you want to explore your abstract side it's a good find, but there are better books on creativity.

Celebrate Your Creative Self: Over 25 Exercises to Unleash the Artist Within.......2007-01-11

What a wonderful book to unleash your creativity. When I began reading it I couldn't wait to get out my brushes, canvas and get started. It teaches you to just be relaxed and let your innerself come out in your creations. It is a marvalous feeling. You can't go wrong. If you have been shy with acrylic paint you won't be for long when you get into this book.

Book Description

The guitar is more than a musical instrument. It is an archetype. In homage, Light Strings brings together two masters of their craft: photographer Ralph Gibson and former guitarist for the Police, Andy Summers. Gibson's enigmatic and sensuously elegant photographs are the visual counterpart to Summers' lyrical history and thoughtful exploration of the instrument's features. Together they create a unique poetic meditation on the guitar. Both artists pay attention to the form of the guitar and its relationship to the body; its curves echo the human figure, not only requiring it to be cradled to play it, but inviting a study of its own sumptuous anatomy. With over one hundred alluring images that capture the graceful details of the instrument, Light Strings is the book for every guitar player.

Average customer rating:

Light Strings Impressions of the Guitar
Ralph Gibson
Manufacturer: CHRONICLE BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N65240

Light Strings: Impressions Of The Guitar (ISBN: 0811843246)

Average customer rating:

Light Strings: Impressions Of The Guitar (ISBN: 0811843246)
Ralph; Summers, Andy Gibson
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NQIS5U

Book Description

Wynonna Earp, descendent of the famous lawman, follows in Wyatt's shoes, but with one difference: she brings the unnatural to justice. This special collection, written entirely by series creator Beau Smith, collects the entirety of Wynonna's adventures so far: her initial miniseries, the follow-up, "Home on the Strange," and her adventure from IDW's Tales of Terror, as well as pin-ups, the origin of Wynonna, an afterword from Beau, and more! Redneck, trailer trash, drug-running vampires, bounty-hunting biker werewolves, immortal desperadoes, an ancient mummy hitman and the Egyptian Mafia: these are the kinds of perpetrators that covert U.S. Marshal Wynonna Earp hunts down on a regular basis. Created by writer Beau Smith, Wynonna Earp is the descendant of the famous lawman Wyatt Earp. As a member of the so-called "Halloween Hunters" or "Freak Finders," she does what comes supernatural... she brings the unnatural to justice. If there's a monster committing crime in your neighborhood, then she'll be there to bag and tag 'em. His legend. Her legacy. their law. Wynonna Earp is a quirky, head-busting mixture of action/adventure/sci-fi/dark humor.

Book Description

A legendary goalscorer and Busby Babe, Dennis Viollet's career took in tragedy and triumph in equal measure. As a player he thrilled thousands as an outstanding teenage footballer with Manchester United's all-conquering Babes, developing an almost telepathic understanding with fellow striker Tommy Taylor.

Having survived the Munich air disaster, Viollet broke Manchester United's record for goals in a season - a mark he still holds despite the attempts of Law, Best, Charlton, Cantona, Hughes, Yorke and Cole. Along with Wilf McGuinness, Dennis campaigned for the abolition of the maximum wage which saw United's greatest ever goal-poacher on wages of £20 per week.

But by 1961 Dennis was mysteriously transferred from Old Trafford without a word from Matt Busby, the club or a good luck farewell from fans - United even denied the goalscoring legend a testimonial. Rather than dwell on his misfortune however, Dennis began a second career at Stoke City alongside Sir Stanley Matthews. There he helped the Potters win promotion back to Division One and, once he hung his boots up in 1967, received the testimonial he should have received in Manchester.

In the second half of his life Dennis became 'Coach Viollet', a respected member of the British coaching establishment in the United States. But in 1998 Dennis fell ill and died, after a painful illness, in his adopted home of Florida in March 1999.

In the course of a life long romance with football, Dennis played with or against most of the greats of the game: di Steffano, Puskas, Matthews, Best, Charlton and Pele. More than this though he was a gentleman footballer from a bygone age, a loveable rogue and charmer of both the opposite sex and opposing defences: Dennis didn't so much bludgeon the opposition as pick their pockets. In this respect he was ahead of his time, a Manchester lad with the brains, style and skills of a continental forward.

Book Description

Filled with activities to do before, during, and after field trips to reinforce learning. With original songs, fingerplays, a resource list, and beautiful illustrations.

Average customer rating:

The Best Book - For The Early Years

No original researches, no original insights

Incredible scholarhip but the trees do get in the way..

Good...But Not "Definitive" ...not yet.

Good...But Not

The First World War: Volume I: To Arms (First World War (Oxford Paperback))
Hew Strachan
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
World War I | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | World | History | Subjects | Books
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The First World War

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Pyrrhic Victory: French Strategy and Operations in the Great War

ASIN: 0199261911

Book Description

This is the first truly definitive history of the First World War, the war that has done most to shape the twentieth century. The first generation of its historians had access to only a limited range of sources, and their focus was primarily on military events. More recent approaches have embraced cultural, diplomatic, economic, and social history. In Hew Strachan's authoritative and readable history these fresh perspectives are incorporated with the military and strategic narrative. The result is an account that breaks the bounds of national preoccupations to become both global and comparative. To Arms, the first of three volumes in this magisterial study, examines not only the causes of the war and its opening clashes on land and sea, but also the ideas that underpinned it, and the motivations of the people who supported it. It provides full and pioneering accounts of the war's finances, of the war in Africa, and of the Central Powers' bid to widen the war outside Europe.

Customer Reviews:

The Best Book - For The Early Years.......2005-11-27

As noted by the author in his introduction, the intent of this first book and the books to follow is to be a replacement or updating of Cruttwell's well known work A History of the Great War published in 1934. The basic idea is to update that work and to include more information and more analysis.

This is the first book as most readers are aware of a multi-volume set, a work in progress, by the author Hew Strachan. He is a well known Oxford professor and prior history author, especially on World War I. This book is not recommended for someone wanting a quick introduction to the war. There are other books that give a combination of picture and text review of the complete war in under 500-700 pages by for example Martin Gilbert and his book The First world War: A Complete History or The First World War by John Keegan. There are others. Also one can read for example just a map and picture books, or pick another short text only overview books, strategy and troop movement books, and there are books that contain different sorts of analysis such as just the financial impact or the politics, or the naval actions, or just one counties activities. The present book attempts to do it all at perhaps at a less detailed level but with a lot of discussion and analysis. I have been researching of the subject if WWI books and put together a brief albeit incomplete and imperfect list of books that give a sampling of what is on the market and in libraries - 25 books Listmania list.

After reading a number of books on WWI, I still like the book The Western Front by Malcolm Brown from the Imperial War Museum of Books series. That is a quick light read about 300 pages, very engrossing, and gives many insights into what people did, how they acted, and what they thought, especially the participants at a lower level, i.e.: the individual men and women in the battles. It is excellent for a general reader but does not tell the whole story.

I bought about 6 books after visiting a number of book stores including this book. I thought that the present book by Strachan is one of the best current books, perhaps the best. It takes the reader to the next level of general detail and analysis. It is not a quick read and for myself I approached this book as a series of short stories, each one that can be read and digested on its own. Again, it is not just a re-telling of the story of the war. It is a historical analysis. It is not a book that most will sit in one setting that I think will take most readers at least 1 to 2 weeks straight in one read, reading 100 to 200 pages per day to cover all 1139 pages of text plus the seven page introduction. Although the book is mainly text it does contain 31 maps and a 50 page bibliography - so you can follow or find virtually every important source reference. He has almost 1200 source references to other articles and books.

The present book covers the early days of the war, mainly the first year but there are parts of the book that cover longer periods and the author adds a brief analysis of the war at the end of the book in an attempt to bring everything together. As noted by the author and other writers, the lead up to and the first few months of the war were perhaps the most interesting parts of the war, so this book covers in detail many important aspects of the war, and what were the major trends and what was political thinking of the times.

In the book, the author presents a brief introduction and then two sections of 160 pages that covers the build up and political support for the war, going through most of the actions of the political figures, popular press, what others such as thought, i.e.; the madness that engulfed the times. There is a lot of analysis and commentary.

This is followed by a 120 page section on the western front, (almost half the size of Brown's complete book), an 80 page section with maps on the eastern front, then a long two section review of the naval actions, followed by sections on Africa and Turkey.

This is followed by lengthy sections on German strategy, war finances, and war production. Each of these sections is long and detailed.

The author does not simply re-tell the story per se. Again, he tries to describe the actions in the context of the times. He references many comments by others from that 1200 article bibliography and he presents and includes a lot of discussion on the dynamics, financing, politics, and the context of the events. The madness of WWI was not unique. The author attempts to explain the "madness", the war that followed, and link it to other historical events.

An unusual and excellent book that is very well written.

No original researches, no original insights.......2005-08-07

This is really a general overview of the Great War, with Strachan recycling all the old cliches about its origins (eg German social imperialism) and its main culprits (Germans of course, then Austrians).

It is a most disappointing book, as a cursory look at the Bibliography will tell you that the author has done NO primary researches, or consulted the relevant war diaries, memoirs, correspondence or official documents (or apologias) of the main actors on stage, instead he has just lifted wholesale dubious, and outdated conclusions from other researchers. What's amazing is that he has not even read Paul Schroeder's work on the origins of the War, which concluded that the War was as much the responsibility of the British (who wants the destruction of the Dual Monarchy ever since the Crimean War) as the Germans and their sidekicks, the Austrians.

So, if you want a good old summary of aged researches, yes, this is good. For original thinking or counterfactual conclusions, look elsewhere.

Incredible scholarhip but the trees do get in the way.........2002-08-07

If you are looking for a book that gives a broad overview of the First World War, this is not the book for you. This is the first of a three volume work that will probably become the definitive study of the war. It's over 1100 pages are so full of detail and information that one can only stand in awe of the author's breadth and depth of knowledge on the subject. This volume, in general covers the origins and early phases of the war, except in certain chapters, e.g. on Africa, where he may cover a longer period or the whole war.

He brings out, in depth, aspects of the war that are often forgotten; from the African campaigns to the critical issues around financing and supplying the war. He has drawn on sources from many countries that allow him to give one of the most balanced accounts of this or other conflicts.

However, sometimes in his desire to deliver or show off his incredibly detailed knowledge, there is a tendency to lose track of the forest because of all the trees. Particularly in the financial and industrial mobilization chapters, the sheer weight of information can numb the brain (at least this brain) and important general points can be missed.

A lot of this is made worse by the way data is presented. Other reviewers have commented on the poor quality of the maps. They are of limited value but at least there are some. In the 125 page chapter on "Financing the War" and the over 50 page chapter on "Industrial Mobilization" there is not a single chart or graph, although much of the information would have been appropriately and more clearly presented in graphic form.

Having said that, this is truly a great piece of work. Perhaps in later volumes Strachan can get some more editorial/graphical support to ensure the book the 5 stars it really deserves.

Good...But Not "Definitive" ...not yet........2002-06-28

Hew Strachan was commissioned to write this book to replace C. R. M. F. Cruttwell's 1934 A History of the Great War and it has been anxiously anticipated by scholars. Most reviewers have called it definitive, but this is difficult to claim with still two volumes to follow. Given that this book took 15 years to complete, it is doubtful that Strachan himself will ever complete the work. Nevertheless, this is a monumental achievement but flawed.

To Arms is an enormous achievement in scholarship. Strachan has utilized all the most recent resources as well as the older material in several different languages. The synthesis of this overwhelming and diverse amount of information into a coherent, pleasurable, and largely unbiased prose is perhaps Strachan's greatest achievement. Strachan covers the year 1914 including the events preceding the war, Anglo-German antagonisms, war plans for all the belligerents, Socialist parties in each country, leaders, and economies. The roles of the leaders, the maneuvers of the armies and navies, and the tangling alliances all receive ample treatment. The virtually unprecedented depth of treatment of the African theater is worth the purchase alone. Both the Eastern and Western Front are covered in some depth as far as the armies and generals are concerned. Strachan has also impressively managed to paint the war as a truly global war, and not just a European war. Japan and her war aims are expertly explained. Strachan manages to cover political, economic, social, and military issues while revealing the lack of planning and preparation for war, especially the war aims of the different countries.

There are weaknesses. The typographical errors are numerous enough to become irritating. Expect major revisions on the reissue. The maps that accompany the book have already been a chief criticism of most reviewers but I must state that they are simply useless. The importance of operations and command strategy are the chief focus while the individual trials of combat for the soldiers are absent, but these may be covered in the later volumes. Strachan also tends to skim over extremely important areas, giving passing treatment to the crucial battle of the Marne and its intricacies. Strachan prefers to explain it from the generals' points of view, and focuses on the cooperation problems with Sir John French and the BEF with Foch, Joffre, Lanrezac and other French generals. Factual errors are few. The only one I can remember is Hitler celebrating the coming war in Vienna when it was actually Munich

Despite these problems this book is deserving of the high praise it has received and a worthy read for any First World War scholar. Casual readers and those with only a marginal understanding of the First World War would do well to avoid this book. Strachan assumes a competent level of knowledge of the War from his readers and tends to skim things of standard knowledge

Good...But Not.......2002-06-28

The First World War. Volume I: to Arms.(Book Review) (book review) : An article from: Canadian Journal of History

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The First World War. Volume I: to Arms.(Book Review) (book review) : An article from: Canadian Journal of History
Keith Neilson
Manufacturer: University of Saskatchewan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Canadian Journal of History, published by University of Saskatchewan on December 1, 2002. The length of the article is 1070 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The First World War. Volume I: to Arms.(Book Review) (book review)
Author: Keith Neilson
Publication: Canadian Journal of History (Refereed)
Date: December 1, 2002
Publisher: University of Saskatchewan
Volume: 37 Issue: 3 Page: 558(2)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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The First World War, Volume I: To Arms
Hew Strachan
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKR29S

Average customer rating:

The First World War: Volume I - To Arms
Hew Strachan
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LVT76Q

Average customer rating:
How to Talk to Birds : And Other Uncommon Ways of Enjoying Nature the Year Round
Richard C. Davids
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H7KO3Y

Average customer rating:
HOW TO TALK TO BIRDS and Other Uncommon Ways of Enjoying Nature the Year Round
Richard C. Davis
Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JFKIVM

Average customer rating:
HOW TO TALK TO BIRDS and Other Uncommon Ways of Enjoying nature the Year Round

Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000G3LH8U

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How to Talk to Birds and Other Uncommon Ways of Enjoying Nature the Year Round
Davids Richard C
Manufacturer: Alfred a . Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LCEPNU

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How To Talk to Birds and other uncommon ways of enjoying nature the year round
Richard C. Davids
Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NUOA1W

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From DJ~

How to talk to birds and other uncommon ways of enjoying nature the year round
Richard C Davids
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Science | Subjects | Books
Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0394472799

Customer Reviews:

From DJ~.......2006-03-02

A wise, funny and moving book, so interestingly told you don't realize you're getting a short course in nature. Here's a chance to tramp the woods and marshes with someone who knows every plant and tree and bird and animal...and who talks to them, too. Just about the best nature book I've ever seen." -Senator Walter F. Mondale

For those of us who know that nature is There, but don't quite know what to do about it, here is a book that charms, delights, and invites by telling us:

-how to learn to love a swamp
-how to attract many varieties of birds to your doorstep (and how to recognize them once they've arrived)
-how to raise moths in your own bedroom (for enlightenment and pleasure, not for sweaters and overcoats)
-how to keep an indoor garden prospering even in January
-how best to provision a feeder
-how to get a deer, every time (by watching, not shooting!)
-how to make sense of field guides
-how to offer children a close-up view of the home life of birds-and other ways of introducing them to nature
-and more...

Season by season, Richard Davids shows us uncommon ways of enjoying our common woods, fields, marses, forests-even our own backyards. Pondering the mysteries of nature, summoning up its immediate and its remembered beauties, he opens our eyes to its infinite fascinations. With his help even the most house- and office-bound reader will gain a new intimacy with the natural world, even to the point of learning-really-How to Talk to Birds.

How to Talk to Birds and other uncommon ways of enjoying nature the year round

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How to Talk to Birds and other uncommon ways of enjoying nature the year round
Richard C. Davis
Manufacturer: Alfred Knopf. NY. . First Edition
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QKN4G6

Average customer rating:

How to Talk to Birds, and Other Uncommon Ways of Enjoying Nature the Year Round
Richard C. Davids
Manufacturer: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1972
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O3N9K6

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