Romanesque Churches of France: A Traveller's Guide

Book Description

The first comprehensive guide of its kind, Romanesque Churches of France is an ideal companion for travelers and an invaluable reference for those interested in architecture and sculpture. Featuring 100 churches, 180 photos, and maps.

Customer Reviews:

The best!.......2006-12-20

I have many books about the ancient cathedrals and churches of Europe, but this is my favorite. The inventory of churches covered is extensive. The writing style is very engaging, and the information provided for each church is thorough without being too much. I particularly like the historical overview in the introductory section of the book. Although the photos are all black and white, they are clearly printed. This is THE book to take if you're planning to wander the French countryside.

Average customer rating:

Great Way to Learn

Sandi's system works wonders

drawing instructions

First class workbook - buy it!

I CAN DRAW!!!

So You Thought You Couldn't Draw: For People Who Can't Even Draw a Straight Line (So You Thought You Couldn't Draw)
Sandra McFall Angelo
Manufacturer: Discover Art
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook: Guided Practice in the Five Basic Skills of Drawing

Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner

The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Drawing for Dummies

Colored Pencil: Project Book for Beginners

ASIN: 1887823115

Book Description

Now in a new, 60-day journal format, this program introduces a super-simple, four-step process that teaches aspiring artists how to develop drawing skills in as little as two months. In a humorous, down-to-earth tone, the innovative system breaks down complex classical concepts and leads novices through basic elements of drawing such as line, shape, value, and texture. Building both confidence and skill as they work their way through the exercises, students learn how to see shapes, lines, and contour, in addition to how to shade, create texture gradation, and draw from photographs. An accompanying DVD demonstrates the presented techniques.

Customer Reviews:

Great Way to Learn.......2007-08-07

Have just been using this book for 10 days and can already see amazing progress and improvement. I have never had an art lesson but always wanted to learn. I an sure that with continued practice I will get where I never dreamed I could.

Sandi's system works wonders.......2007-03-31

I am a person who could not draw a straight line. My efforts at art were pathetic. I thought I was hopeless. But Sandi's method has helped me immensely. Anyone who follows the instructions, and does each step, should not fail. It depends on how much time you give it (practice, practice, practice) and how closely you follow the instructions. Even my 12 year old daughter gets amazing results when following Sandi's teaching. You will be amazed how using some simple techniques will turn you into an artist.

drawing instructions.......2007-02-03

Her book and method is amazing. She teaches us we all can draw if we really want to, it is only our own inhibitions preventing us from doing what we love. Her methos allows us all to draw fairly realistic even if you are more of an impressionist. Good for young and old. Gives many hours of enjoyment.

First class workbook - buy it!.......2006-10-01

If you are looking for a workbook this is one of two that I would highly recommend. I gave this excellent book four stars instead of five because I doubt that a real beginner would miraculously develop professional skills from it alone, despite the claims. BUY IT ANYWAYS. The instructions are basic, but sufficient. I am partway through the exercises, and this book has helped my skills a great deal even in ten or so quick exercises (and I have many more to do!). This workbook will show you how to really draw what you see - truely - and that's about it. You draw right in the book, though I cut the pages out to make the process easier. There are plenty of exercises, so you can develop with practice, instead of "wham! Bam!, Now you are an Artist!". I love the new techniques that I am learning. Definately buy this book for what it is - a workbook that will painlessly teach you some solid drawing skills.

I CAN DRAW!!!.......2006-09-22

Don't hesitate on buying Sandra Angelo's books, videos, or tools. Her approach to teaching drawing has opened a whole new world for me. I've nearly completed the "So You Thought You Couldn't Draw" book of drawings using Sandra's step-by-step technique and I'm completely astounded at my progress. As a beginner that could only draw stick figures and two-dimensional cats and dogs, I can now draw flowers, landscapes, and a variety of animals that one can actually recognize. Also, Sandra's videos are a must while working through the book. Using the book and videos together, Sandra clearly describes her techniques, gradually moving the student through a series of exercises that quickly shows results. The tools Sandra recommends and sells are proven and the best quality for a reasonable price. It took the pressure off of me to decide what tools would produce the best drawing. I intend to move onto to Sandra's Exploring Colored Pencils book and videos and then onto mastering the art of faces and the human figure. I'm also very excited about applying my newfound talent to art quilts too.

So You Thought You Couldn't Draw ; Easy Art Lessons for People Who Can't Even Draw a Straight Line

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So You Thought You Couldn't Draw ; Easy Art Lessons for People Who Can't Even Draw a Straight Line
Sandra Angelo
Manufacturer: Discover Art
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1887882324

Book Description

I Love You Because... is filled with gorgeous, hand-tinted, sepia-toned photographs that are the hallmark of the Soul KidzTM line, along with a delightful, heartwarming text that says "I Love You" in over 90 affectionate ways, whether it is because you make me laugh or you make me reach for the stars.

This beautifully designed volume is the perfect way to say "I love you" year-round.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully Refreshing!.......2002-02-16

This is an awesome book, not only for people of color, but for everyone. I was so mesmerized by the contents; the adorable pictures and quotes, were a breath of fresh air. Before I knew it, I had gone through the entire book before I even left the store. I've been married for 26 years and have a wonderful wonderful relationship. I knew that this was a gift I wanted to share with my husband to express once again, how very much I love him. My hats off to the author and photographer and the precious models, they really get it!

Thanks for the inspiration.......2002-01-16

I discovered this book last year and presented it to my husband for Valentine's Day. The pictures are darling and I found my self wanting to dedicate each page to my sweetie. I have been so inspired by this book that I have recommended it to the Married Couples Ministry at my church. I've come up with an idea for an icebreaker at our annual Valentine party using the book's theme. We'll do a contest to get it each couple to come up with ways to express or show their love. Responses can be in various categories such as the most romantic or humorous, least expensive, with the children, etc. We'll give away the I Love You Because calenders to the best responses. We're also encouraging people to buy an ad in the program booklet and surprise their valentine with their own I Love You reason. Thanks for the inspiration.

Perfect Gift.......2001-12-21

Great book.
Think of it as a hundred Kim Anderson greeting cards.
It's the perfect gift for that special person in your life...

Okay for kids... but adults will really appreciate it........2001-08-26

This is one of the best finds I've run across all year. I first saw the book at my 10 year old goddaughter's house. Her father bought it for her because he liked it. She thought it was okay but the adults, like me, who saw it laying on the family's coffee table were the ones who fell in love with it. Unfortunately, while her father always finds the best books to share with his family, he also manages to get the last copy. I couldn't believe this absolutely wonderful book was out of print. I searched everywhere for one for myself for months. When I finally found a source for it, I bought several to give to each of my best friends. When the books arrived, I wished I'd bought more because I loved it so. The pictures are wonderful. The sentiments; incredibly personal professions of love, gratitude and friendship. The combination of the photos and captions made it easy for me to tell my friends and family how important they were to me. This book is a fabulous gift to give to those people special to you. So when you buy it, buy more than one. Give the copies freely to the ones you love but don't forget to keep one for yourself. If you don't you'll regret it.

I Love "I Love You Because".......2000-10-04

What a great tribute to love.

Average customer rating:
So Short a Time; A Biography of John Reed and Louise Bryant.
Barbara Gelb
Manufacturer: W W Norton & Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Journalism | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books
Journalists | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Political Doctrines | Political Science | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Six Red Months in Russia

Queen of Bohemia: The Life of Louise Bryant

Ten days that Shook the World (Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics)

Reds (Special 25th Aniversary Collector's Edition)

ASIN: 0393074781

Average customer rating:
So Short A Time
Barbara Gelb
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Six Red Months in Russia

Queen of Bohemia: The Life of Louise Bryant

Romantic Revolutionary: A Biography of John Reed

Ten days that Shook the World (Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics)

ASIN: 0425047245

Average customer rating:
SO SHORT A TIME A Biography of John Reed and Louise Bryant
Barbara Gelb
Manufacturer: W.W. Norton & Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J0D8QO

Average customer rating:
So Short a Time: A Biography of John Reed and Louise Bryant
Barbara Gelb
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NOYUHW

Average customer rating:

results

Well organized, excellent resource

NBAF 'another must have book'

Excellent resource

Very objective, both pro and con

Doctor's Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia
Sheldon Saul Hendler
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Nutrition | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Vitamins & Supplements | Nutrition | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Vitamins | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Supplements | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Physiology | Basic Science | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals

The Essential Guide to Vitamins and Minerals: Second Edition, Revised and Updated

The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs: How They Are Best Used to Promote Health and Well Being

The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs

PDR for Nutritional Supplements

Accessories:

RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device

Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)

ASIN: 067166784X

Book Description

In this comprehensive book, Dr. Sheldon Saul Hendler has compiled the most complete, authoritative, and up-to-date guide to nutritional supplements ever published. Ranging from Vitamin A to Zinc, from fish oil to ginseng, more than 200 entries for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, and other dietary supplements:

* separate proven therapeutic benefits from unsubstantiated claims
* evaluate the supplement's possible positive and negative effects
* recommend dosages and nutrient sources for promoting specific health goals

Dr. Hendler also provides nutrient formulas based on thorough medical research that can help to:

* lower cholesterol
* fight cancer
* speed weight loss
* build immunity
* alleviate pain
* maintain good health

With an index that includes symptoms and disorders to provide easy reference, the Encyclopedia will prove an invaluable resource to anyone interested in achieving and maintaining good health through the use of sound nutritional information.

Customer Reviews:

results.......1999-12-03

I tried to get pregnant for 2 years, without success. I purchased Hendler's book and made a list of what vitamins and minerals my husband and I could take to help with fertility. After 2 months on the vitamins, I was pregnant! I have also used other formulas of Hindler's, and they really work! It's also nice that he gives daily recommendations for what you want to accomplish.

Well organized, excellent resource.......1998-12-14

As we are all ultimately responsible for our own physical well-being, objective data is imperative in making informed health care decisions. Dr. Hendler's book delivers just that. I share the sentiments of the other reviewers;I signed on to Amazon hoping to find an updated version of this excellant resource. During this "herbal explosion", I have found the availability of objective and medical data on dietary supplements to be severely deficient. So, Dr. Hendler, if you're out there, we need you!

NBAF 'another must have book'.......1998-08-24

This is another must have book. First the author has nothing to 'do' with fitness or bodybuilding so you get the straight scoop. The book is easy to understand and goes into great detail. Vitamins and Minerals are covered PLUS most supplements. Want real information, get this book. NBAF 'very best'. (Hope for a update!)

Excellent resource.......1998-08-19

This book was an excellent resource for me to decipher between the hype and the scientific data on nutritional supplements. This information held a lot of credibility for me because Sheldon Saul Hendler is an M.D. and a Ph.D. I used the information in his book and mapped out a nutritional supplemental program. It worked!! I felt more energetic and healthy. I researched this book on Amazon.Com hoping that Dr. Hendler had updated the information because so much has changed since the book was written in 1991. So, Dr. Hendler, if you happen to read this, I hope you are updating your book as I would love to read about the latest research on nutritional supplements.

Very objective, both pro and con.......1998-07-24

This is a book that is written from the doctors view point, in other words you don't hear words about how a vitamin, mineral, herb is the next saviour of mankind. But when there is data supporting statements about improving memory or increasing energy or slowing the aging process etc, he will state it, and explore it. All in all, very informative, the only problem with this book is that it is 8 years old ( this was written at 07/98 ), although that does not detract from the data in the book a lot of things happen in this field in 8 years.

Average customer rating:

From the view of the fighting man

Personal Accounts of True Patriots & Heroes

Twenty Five Yards of War

The Success of Twenty-Five Yards of War

Twenty Five yards of war

Twenty-Five Yards of War: The Extraordinary Courage of Ordinary Men inWorld War II
Stephen Ambrose , and Ronald J. Drez
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Americans at War

Pegasus Bridge

The VICTORS : Eisenhower and His Boys: The Men of World War II

Citizen Soldiers: The U. S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany

The Wild Blue : The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-45

ASIN: 0786867833

Book Description

These accounts come from low-ranking soldiers rather than from the commanders who sent them into the fray. Featuring pivitol battles such as Midway and Normandy, as well as lesser-known operations that were also essential to victory, here is an extraordinary opportunity for fans of military history to understand what it really means to fightand live througha war.

Customer Reviews:

From the view of the fighting man.......2007-07-15

This book helped to strengthen my appreciation for what the men in the trenches had to deal with day to day. This is one of the most harrowing books you will read, but it is well written, fast paced, and gives you a clear look at what the horror of war.

Personal Accounts of True Patriots & Heroes.......2006-07-17

Ron Drez is a US Marine Vietnam combat veteran but rather than talk about his own heroic accomplishments he shares twelve stories of WWII. The Twenty-Five yards of war from the title refer to the individual in combat and how major events of conflict impact the individual. Some of the events such as Doolittle's raid over Tokyo and the sinking of the USS Indianapolis are well known but some of the stories are much less familiar. By seeing events unfold from the soldier, sailor, airman, and marine's perspective you feel like you're part of the battle. The book is well-written and each story keeps your attention. One of the great surprises of this book involved the actions of Navy flyers during the Battle of the Philippine Sea. After the Marianas Turkey Shoot where over 350 Zeros were destroyed, the Japanese made a run to escape. The Task Force 58 commander decided to try to intercept the naval force with airpower but the distances involved meant that the Navy pilots would be flying "one-way" missions and ditching at night on the return leg. Almost eighty aircraft splashed into the ocean on the return flight and the next day, half of those pilots were recovered along the path of their flight. You'll learn similar facts in the other eleven stories. You won't be disappointed.

Twenty Five Yards of War.......2004-12-08

As a generation-Xer who has had very little past interest (other than viewing Saving Private Ryan) in the facts and realities of WWII, this book was an eye-opener. The personal stories of the very real men who fought this all-important war against often seemingly insurmountable odds are astounding. My grandfather was a navigational Officer in the Royal Navy during WWII and when he was alive he would not share most of his experiences. Now I understand a bit why this was so.

I have a much deeper respect and admiration for the veterans of WWII and will take the time to show that admiration and appreciation for the rest of my life thanks to this book. Mr. Drez is an outstanding author and I recommend this book heartily.

The Success of Twenty-Five Yards of War.......2004-04-14

In Twenty-Five Yards of War, Ronald J. Drez tells the heroic stories of 12 men who have shown inspiring courage in their contribution to the United States' World War II effort.

It was interesting that those men and all who contributed to the war were named "Warriors". These warriors were "called upon to bear unswerving allegiance to the nation...and to surrender part of their own rights and freedoms so the people they protect can better enjoy their own. And this service is predestined to be forgotten". This quote awakened me to the tremendous gratitude that is owed to all those who have unselfishly fought for their country. The warrior theme was appropriately carried out throughout the book. In every story, each soldier, no matter what branch he was in, pushed himself to the limit to get that victory for the U.S. He never worried about whether someone back home would appreciate his deed.

The book kept me engrossed in a way that truly made me excited about history, especially World War II. I had learned about the Doolitte Raid, Battles of Midway and Tarawa, Invasion of Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, and Iwo Jima, but the book expanded upon that knowledge in a way that was clear and easy to read. Also, focusing on one person's experience at each of the battles helped me to have a better understand of what hardships and successes the soldiers went through.

I encountered, for the first time, information on the development of U.S. submarines, like U.S.S. Barb, throughout WWII. I was shocked at the number of deaths occurring on both sides of the war. After every battle the numbers were listed off in the range of hundreds to thousands of men. It was sad for me to think that each man probably had a remarkable story to tell just like the 12 men featured in the book.

Overall, the book was exciting, and was good for me in clarifying basic information. For example, I correlated, for the first time, that The Battle of the Philippine Sea was the same thing as The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. The book is a good read for someone who is interested in World War II.

Twenty Five yards of war.......2002-03-12

This book is a easy read, filled with many many facts previously not read, and the short stories of various battles, with specific people was EXCELLENT. Best author since Ambrose I've read in years.

Book Description

Provides an essential introduction to the effects of industrialization on British society, from Queen Victoria's reign to the birth of the Welfare State in the 1950s. The book looks at contemporary ways in which the government and ordinary people tried to cope with these new pressures, and studies their reactions to the unforeseen consequences of the steam revolution. In particular, this indispensable book considers: the Victorian inheritance, Edwardian England and the Liberal reforms, the two world wars and the Welfare State.

De-Industrialization: Social,Cultural, and Political Aspects (International Review of Social History Supplements)

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De-Industrialization: Social,Cultural, and Political Aspects (International Review of Social History Supplements)

Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Renaissance | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Industrial | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Renaissance | World | History | Subjects | Books

Social History | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

Book Description

What are the consequences of de-industrialization for working-class families and their communities? How does it affect working-class culture, trade unions traditional labor parties, and the regional social, educational and cultural infrastructure? Are gender relations changed by de-industrialization? These essays cover a broad range of topics relevant to the study of industrial devolution.

The Rise of Modern Society: Aspects of the Social and Political Development of the West

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The Rise of Modern Society: Aspects of the Social and Political Development of the West
Krishan Kumar
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Industrial | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Social History | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Amazon.com

A well-versed hunter or backwoods wanderer can tell the passage of a deer or elk herd by patterns of broken twigs, can guess at the age of a bear by the height of claw marks on a tree, can distinguish bird species by minute differences in their footprints and droppings. Tracks and signs reveal much about animals--and about humans. Martin Lockley, a paleontologist and dinosaur tracker, explores the hidden grammar of those signs in the Eternal Trail, a book full of wonders. Looking for evidence of Tyrannosaurus rex is one thing, of course; but who knew that archaeologists can tell Anglo-Saxons and Celts apart in ancient British sites by the shape of their footprints? Lockley uses such small variations among individuals, the cornerstone of Darwinian evolutionary theory, to explore the remarkable record of the past that lies on the ground all around us, accessible to anyone with keen eyes and a modicum of imagination. "What does it mean to look consciously backward and forward along the eternal trail and see ourselves in motion?" Lockley asks, having taken his readers through a vast catalog of examples. He answers by suggesting that we gain insight into the miracle of evolution across time, and that with this insight we better prepare ourselves to protect the natural world. It's a fine lesson, entertainingly delivered. --Gregory McNamee

Book Description

A contemplative tale of evolution-from prehistoric monster centipedes and Jurassic dinosaurs to mammoths, mastodons, and men on the moon-as seen through the eyes of one of the world's preeminent trackers.

Were Jurassic dinosaurs social creatures? Is the legendary Bigfoot merely a myth? Can you determine the shape of a ram's horns from its footprints? Paleontologist Martin Lockley answers these questions and many more in this highly original chronology of tracking and track-making. From the earliest fossilized prints left by a millipede on a volcanic island to Neil Armstrong's footprint, forever embedded in the lunar dust, Lockley reinterprets the story of evolution, recorded over millions of years in the strata and substrata of our planet and its environs. In the process, he offers a new, holistic approach to tracking-one that highlights the self-organizing principles at work in the natural world-and demonstrates how the science of tracking is giving us new insights into the biology, behavior, and evolutionary history of a diverse array of extinct animals. Filled with fascinating anecdotes and surprising discoveries, The Eternal Trail initiates us into the art and science of tracking, while offering a poetic reflection on the continuity of life.

Customer Reviews:

baghhhh. .......2007-03-18

Somebody gave me this book, since I'm an amateur tracker; I doubt I'd have bought it if I read the reviews. Parts of it were truly delightful, I admit, but I got a stomach-ache everytime I read some sort of pseudo-science or bastardization of actual science. When factual claims are made that contradict what we know is true (I won't repeat the other reviewers' comments), or are made without evidence or reliable references, I can't trust anything else the author says. It's a shame, because, for example I suspect the relation between foot shape and being "down to earth" is bunk (in lieu of carefully controlled studies to verify this), there *has* been a recent study showing a correlation between index/ring finger length ratio and the subject's sexual orientation or athletic ability. But, as with most pseudo-science, such actual science is disregarded in favor of wishful thinking.

I couldn't pass the first chapters.......2001-11-24

The philosophy and the ideas behind the first few chapters were so silly that I started suspecting that the author was a creationist in disguise. So I got turned off and didn't read the rest. If I am mistaken, it is the author's fault.

A mixed bag.......2001-01-04

This book has some pretty interesting parts, but there is a lot of marginal material mixed in, and that tends to be a big distraction. I had a tough time getting through the introduction and first chapter, and nearly set the book aside for something else. The problem is that the first part of the book has lots of bad philosophy, and some bad science. For example, Lockley tells us in the introduction that

"... a mystical or intuitive approach to understanding existence is not incompatible with a scientific one."

He then explains how scientists sometimes find insights through intuition. He fails to illustrate, however, that (unlike mysticism) an essential element of the scientific method is independent, skeptical validation and review.

Lockley's personal penchants for things like palm reading are found at both the beginning and end of the book. For example, on page 22 he says:

"There is evidence that palms and hand shapes fall into various categories that reveal much of the character of the person. In palmistry an elongate hand is regarded as a sign of the gift of high intelligence, sensitivity, intuition, and psychic ability, whereas a stout hand, of the type sometimes called the square or useful hand, is a sign of a `salt of the earth' commonsense personality."

He makes the connection between palmistry and footprints by explaining how footprints reflect on the whole being. For example, he explains that Celtic feet tend to be longer and narrower than wide-footed Saxons, and that this can give insight into mental characteristics of these two groups of people. For example, on page 23, he writes:

"As we shall see, inherent qualities are also associated with narrowness and breadth, so we might infer from their foot shape that ancient Celts were more intuitive and mystical, whereas Saxons more practical and down to earth."

There are also some serious technical errors in the book. For example, on page 32 he says:

"In her seminal work Ho reiterates the known maxim that living organisms defy entropy, the tendency of systems to run down, by transcending the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that all inanimate matter decays to equilibrium or "heat death."

This is misleading and false. Living things do not posses some mystical capability to "transcend" the laws of thermodynamics. These laws apply to all matter, with no exceptions. Bogus arguments about thermodynamics are common among mythologists and creationist, and I was rather surprised and disappointed to find Lockley using some of them.

Fortunately the book improves once you get past the first part, with the rest of the book being mostly a discussion of fossil footprints down through the ages in a more or less chronological order. This was what I'd been looking for in the first place. It's just too bad that there's so much other stuff mixed in with what's actually a very interesting subject.

The story of the tracks begins almost at the beginning, with Trilobite pirouettes and worm trails from the Precambrian, along with some quite interesting discussions about tracks left by monster millipedes and the earliest land animals. Once again, however, Lockley makes a serious technical error, when, on page 53 he says:

"It is fun to suggest that these ancestors of wood lice were stunned by the sheer enormity of their pioneering explorations on land. Dazed by sudden exposure to atmospheric pressure, they were still finding their land legs."

At first, I thought Lockley must have been joking, but he later describes discussing (in apparent seriousness) this very idea with a class of students. Any physicist will realize that atmospheric pressure is felt below the surface of a lake, just as it is right above the surface. The pressure increases below water, but in a continuous way. The first organisms to leave the seas had lots of things with which to contend, but a sudden change in pressure (assuming they were not deep-water organisms) was not one of them. And while Lockley seems to think that animals emerging from the sea would have been suddenly exposed to an increase in pressure, the opposite is actually the case. The total pressure under water is higher than the atmospheric pressure at the surface.

A good part of the rest of the book consists of examples of track ways, including some interesting personal stories about famous tracks that have been found and preserved. There is a nice discussion about phantom tracks that occur when a footprint is transferred to layers below the one on which the animal trod (sort of like making a carbon copy) and some very interesting accounts of footprints from the Holocene and Pleistocene - including horses and camels. One of the most interesting parts of the book is the section that deals with footprints of our earliest ancestors.

Throughout the book are examples of the author's belief that footprints exhibit clues about the whole animal, including such things as similarities between the shapes of hoofs and the shapes of horns. I find this interesting, and entirely plausible, but I wish the author had provided a more secure scientific basis for the claim. He frequently draws comparisons with a relatively small set of animals, for which the conclusions all hold quite nicely, but he fails to provide a more complete basis for drawing general conclusions.

When Lockley sticks with the subject of tracking and footprints he can be very engaging and quite informative. But he injects his personal philosophy so often that I found it distracting - especially when he starts making erroneous statements about atmospheric pressure and the laws of thermodynamics. Still, I'm glad I took the time to read his book. It made me think, and it taught me some things I didn't know before.

Follow the Trail.......2000-06-15

Lockley's book is an amazing compendium of insights into the evolutionary process as seen by an expert paleontologist. Loosely organized around the morphodynamic schemes of W. Schad and the noospheric views of P. Teilhard de Chardin, *The Eternal Trail* follows the paths of animal evolution and develops a synthesis of observation and process that I never would have thought possible. Lockley not only documents cases of convergent evolution, he is also able (via Schadian analysis) to explain how and why the convergences occur. References to palmistry, dancing angels, iridium homeopathy and subatomic particles as vital entities may confuse or upset more traditionally-oriented science readers. Lockley nevertheless makes a compelling case that there is more to evolution than meets the eye, and as such this book is a track-laying bellwether for a new science.

PONDERINGS OF A WORLD-CLASS TRACKER!.......1999-12-17

THE ETERNAL TRAIL is an important, informative, and exciting read. For years, Martin Lockley's works have played an indispensible role, pioneering in and the sharing of track studies with scientists and the world at large. Now, in THE ETERNAL TRAIL, we learn how this has lead him to deep thought about the nature of life, evolution, and even the forms which life takes. In sharing his facinating thoughts and insights, one perceives commendable courage. Some hounds of late 20th-century materialism may howl well past midnight because a scientist and educator of Lockley's caliber has dared to suggest that maybe we do not encompass the deeper modus of evolution by viewing it as only a result of natural selection manifesting in punctuated equilibrium. Of course, Lockley does not pretend to understand evolution, suggesting only that we may benefit by studing similarities in diverse forms that may have something to tell us. Commendably candid, LOCKLEY IS WILLING TO THINK OUT LOUD, unashamed to question, declaring at least the incompleteness of present evolutionary theory. Indeed, his personal exploration of both the broader and the deeper implications of 'the eternal trail', reflect an appropriate, rather cosmic perspective befitting an age where 'quantum teleportation'and other such wonders are now being discussed. Over past years Lockley has played a major (maybe THE major) role in transforming track studies (paleo-ichnology) from a mere scientific sideline, into a world-wide and world-class scientific endeavor involving geology, biology, paleo-ecology, and other disciplines. THE ETERNAL TRAIL is a continuation of that progress, challenging each of us to a broader playing field. Definitely a read that should not be missed by persons interested in evolution, the philosophy of science, pondering the nature of reality, paleo-ichnology in general, reading the 'signs' of nature or, well, dinosaurs, for that matter!

Eternal Trail: a Tracker Looks at Evolution

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Eternal Trail: a Tracker Looks at Evolution
M. G. Lockley
Manufacturer: Perseus Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NWMJWW

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