The Art Forgers Handbook

The Art Forgers Handbook
Average customer rating:

Amusing book - not a how to manual

The book with a catchy title

a good introduction to art forgery for fun and profit....

The Art Forgers Handbook
Eric Hebborn
Manufacturer: Overlook TP
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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False Impressions

The Expert versus the Object: Judging Fakes and False Attributions in the Visual Arts

Fakes and Forgeries: The True Crime Stories of History's Greatest Deceptions: The Criminals, the Scams, and the Victims

Drawn to Trouble: Confessions of a Master Forger: A Memoir

Art Theft and Forgery Investigation: The Complete Field Manual

ASIN: 1585676268
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Customer Reviews:

Amusing book - not a how to manual.......2005-07-22

Interesting to read and covers a wide area of the forgers requirements, however its like swimming.

You can read about it all day long but unless you do it the books pretty much useless.

The book with a catchy title.......2002-07-06

The art forgers handbook is an intriguing confession. While having reference worthy material I would advise against
believing the book is the bible on the subject. Forgery involves a talent for broad and bizarre logic that involves not
only the crafting but also a mental empathy inside the universal mind of the collector, the dealer, and the expert.

As far as I'm concerned there are more valuable resources how ever there can be no complete source that one book
could provide and Hebborns books makes a decent edition. The real success in a forgers ability would be in there
logic and this is something that Hebborn can't teach. Hebborn never the less seems to be a master and his
confessions add light on how one might tackle the subject.

I do hold the book in high regards but in fact I have learned very little from it. A study in the history of artist
materials and techniques, conservation, authentication, and a study of how these have been flawed, artistic
competence in craft, creative logic, and ones own trial and error will be the only all inclusive bible into successful
forgeries.

The book has a catchy title, is informative and intriguing just don't be misled that the book will give you the ability
to turn Degas and Rembrants. In my opinion there is only an illusion when it comes to success in forgery. The real
success of the book is a demonstration that history is flawed and art; mystical and intriguing art is indeed a
commodity illusion and nobody in the field is safe if fakes are indeed fakes in what ever context a fake is regarded
in. If you are interested in the subject read the book it may after all have cost the artist his own life. Oh yeah, look for
my own book in two-three years!

Good luck

a good introduction to art forgery for fun and profit...........1998-01-03

Hebborn certainlly knew his stuff and succeeded in selling many of his "creations" through dealers such as London's Colnagi. If you are interested in the nuts and bolts of forging old masters, this will certainly get you started. Other good, though more technical, books to look at are Gettens and Stout (and don't overlook the bibliography) and the immortal Max Doerner. There are some errors in the book, e.g., bistre and orpiment are easily found, if you know where to look. Still, Hebborn writes with rare wit and, quite often, with more humor than you will find in most deliberately humorous books. Well, are ya gonna do it? Assuming, of course, you have the skill.... That's up to you and if this book has a weak spot, it is in its cloying self-justification for doing this.

Book Description

You can find yourself, your family, your friends, and your co-workers in this book.

Some scientists have long maintained that the way you feel, the way you act, and your attitude toward other people may well be influenced by the shape of your body.

Now, Jan Gosnell has lifted established scientific theory off of dusty textbook pages with funny and often outrageous drawings that illustrate the possible effects of your external physique on your internal needs, your personality, and your behavior. The habits, fears, foibles, and pleasures of everyday life are depicted in perceptive and ludicrous extreme, according to the body contours of the people most likely to possess specific traits-- those generally considered by society to be both good and bad.

Do you tend to be somewhat oval in contour, and perhaps broad of hip? If so, you'll meet your counterparts romping amiably through the pages of Gosnell's book with a high degree of sociability. They are tolerant, complacent, and relaxed, with a love of physical comforts, affection, conviviality, and fine foods (which undoubtedly have contributed to the rotund configuration).

If you are the broad-shouldered type, a muscularly sturdy speciman with a basically triangular shape, you will encounter compatriots in the Gosnell characters who are assertive, adventurous, energetic, physically courageous, bold, petitive. Their daring frequently involves them in some interesting, if not always secure situations.

If you are inclined to be thin and angular, long-limbed and light-weight, chances are that you will discover yourself in Gosnell's cartoons of the sensitive, intense, private individuals of active temperament, who are restrained, resistant to routine, and mentally self-sufficient. Sudden changes in their thought patterns and outlooks can cause them to be considered capricious, and thus to be misunderstood.

The Rich Man's Make An Extra Income, Inner Game and Godfather Principles for Felt Shapes Web Businesses 3 CD Power Pack
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The Rich Man's Make An Extra Income, Inner Game and Godfather Principles for Felt Shapes Web Businesses 3 CD Power Pack
Lucas X. Smith
Manufacturer: LTBR, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000PLIGA0

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The Rich Man's Make An Extra Income, Sales Models and eCommerce for Felt Shapes Web Businesses 3 CD Power Pack
Alexpis X. Smith
Manufacturer: LTBR, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000R6SNHY

Book Description

This funny book of 96 crazy images of things to do with a Dead Gecko is a classic, reminiscent of "101 Things to do with a Dead Cat." It is a must-have book for anyone with a sense of humor.

Customer Reviews:

Great things come in small packages.......2003-10-24

Having a somewhat extensive Latin music collection that includes,45's, 78's, lp's(yes, I can and do still play them), some tapes, both cassette and reel to reel and into the modern digital era formats, I was more than curious to see what was considered "essential." The author, Sue Steward, who also wrote "Salsa, Musical Heartbeat of America," gives a bit of a disclaimer in the acknowledgement by stating the difficulty in selecting 100 essential discs among the thousnds of choices covering so many decades and so many countries aand varied genres. The result is a book that draws heavily on salsa( remember the title of her book) but the contributing specialists reviews of other styles of Latin music gives the book a pretty good balance. The terrific thing is the convenience of this handy mini- pocket book that can fit into the pocket of a mans shirt pocket! You can take this book anywhere and read it anytime to get information on your "unknown discovery" or to read about one of your favorite discs. Each disc is very professionally and competently reviewed. Each review is about two pages and besides the actual music information there are complete biographical backgrounds on the artists, the development of the musical style, including influences and assorted interesting side notes. Since the book is limited to 100 cd's at the end of the review there are a few suggestions for further exploration of either the artist or similar artists within the genre. There is lots to discover in this mini-book. This is a good book for the person looking for some of the best Latin muisc ever, whether the shopping is virtual or real this book will inform and help you make a better decision on your next selection. I have enjoyed reading this book and keep it handy when it comes time to add a new disc to the collection. Curiously I did find a few personal "gems" missing but why complain if what you get in return is learning about what you haven't heard. The musical years covered spans many decades and the styles range from bossa nova to cumbias, salsa to boleros, rocnEspanol to merengue, Latin jazz to Cuban, Tango to folkloric and just about everything else considered Latin. This is a great little book for a great little price. The price is absolutely right and you'll have change from that new colorful twenty to buy your new "discovery" cd in Latin music. There is a small section on websites suggested to buy the discs,which includes Amazon with as Sue Steward says, "seemingly bottomless well of stock."

Book Description

Israel has been remodelling itself on Western consumer societies for the last twenty years. Most Israelis now aspire to the "accessories" of Western lifestyles--private automobiles, cell phones, shopping malls, and travel abroad. International franchises such as McDonald's, Office Depot, Benetton, IKEA, and Toys 'R' Us increasingly feature in the Israeli landscape, and advertising has emerged as a potent force. Consumption and Market Society in Israel shows how different groups--kibbutzniks, Israeli Arabs, Ultra-Orthodox Jews, new immigrants, and middle-class Israelis--alternately exhibit a suspicion towards and enthusiasm for the consumer market society. Lifestyle consumerism is seen alternately as destructive to community and nation, or providing a sense of unity and familiarity in a time of political turmoil. This book is a timely contribution to a hotly debated topic. It is not only innovative in its research, but is the first work to explore fully the significance of this transformation in Israel.

Consumption and Market Society in Israel

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Consumption and Market Society in Israel
Simon Martin
Manufacturer: New York Univ Pr 01/30/2004
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N5Y7CE

Book Description

The Media Show is a lively analysis of one of the underreported major stories of our time: the growing power and influence of the media. In these essays and reports critic Edwin Diamond takes a hard look at the methods of the American media during a period of heightened competition and increased conglomeration, focusing on the way news stories are shaped, and sometimes distorted.

Diamond first considers some of the consequences of the new order created by richer technologies and lowered aspirations. He explores the mixed results of this new system, including marked changes in American broadcasting as the networks downsize their expenditures to news and public affairs coverage. There is, he notes, often a serious conflict within networks between the public good and the bottom line, a conflict that the news media generally chooses not to examine.

Diamond then scrutinizes the role of style and personality on television. Next he turns to specific examples of television coverage of the defining topics of the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the arrival of cable technology and CNN, which changed the way wars and crises are covered; how some members of the media practiced "unsafe journalism" in their reports on AIDS; the role the media assumed as the "moral police" in recent election campaigns; the way race and class influenced crime stories such as the Tawana Brawley and the Central Park jogger cases; how the media has often seemed "married to the mob" in its reporting about reputed godfather John Gotti; and the changes in White House press coverage as Ronald Reagan was succeeded by George Bush. Diamond concludes by proposing several ideas for creating new media structures.

Edwin Diamond is Professor of Journalism at New York University, where he directs the News Study Group, and he is media columnist for New York magazine. His previous books include Good News, Bad News, Sign Off. The Last Days of Television, and The Spot: The Rise of Political Advertising on Television.

The Media Show: The Changing Face of the News, 1985-1990

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The Media Show: The Changing Face of the News, 1985-1990
Edwin Diamond
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQBRIE

Dental Talk: How to Manage Children's Behavior With Effective Verbal Skills
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Dental Talk: How to Manage Children's Behavior With Effective Verbal Skills
Thomas Haller , and Chick Moorman
Manufacturer: Available
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0961604697

Product Description

Dental Talk is designed to help the dental practitioner manage the behavior of children. It provides the dentist, hygienist, orthodontist, pedodontist and office staff with verbal skills that prevent behavior problems from occurring and alleviaet those that do. This book presents language strategies and ways of communication with young patients that create a culture of trust, accountability, and cooperation. There is a simple theme running throughout this book. It is that the dental practitioner's choice of words, style of communication, way of talking to children, profoundly affects their attitudes, behavioral responses, and reactions to the dental experience. How the dental health professional communicates with young patients influences the children's actions as well as the outcomes which follow. By carefully choosing words and a style of speaking, the dental practitioner can help children become more relaxed, cooperative, and supportive of the job they need to do. Dental Talk teaches a series of verbal skills and language patters that will reduce stress, cut down on negative behaviors from young patients, and enable the dental practitioner to accomplish what needs to be done with a minumum of hassles, frustrations, and power struggles.

Book Description

More than 36,000 American servicemen died in combat or by other causes during the Korean War. As terrible as this figure is, it pales in comparison with the war's nearly two million civilian deaths. And the South Korean armed forces, whose soldiers were drawn from a male population half the size of the Union's in the American Civil War, suffered more combat deaths than the Union army.

Customer Reviews:

All Must Have Prizes.......2006-03-22

Dodo in ALICE declared "everybody has won and all must have prizes." War in Korea had many victims but no objective. The country was ravaged by Americans, Chinese, Russians, and Dutch as well as Koreans. Author Millett tries to be fair; the perspective seems to be that of a missionary, not giving offense. Soldiers did their duty quietly; Russians were told to be furtive - don't get caught doing anything.

Millett admires Koreans but does not say much about them. Seoul today ranks #1 in cell phones and controls more US bonds than Washington would like, but when I was there (I was drafted) farm people didn't have shoes. China today copies Korean fasion. Korean techology arose from genius, hard work and patience. Korean captive workers died in Hiroshima and rose above a century of Japanese abuse. Koreans in America are models of thrift and enterprise.

American should study Korea, but this book is not a start. All we have here is a story of a war America had no business starting or prolonging - not our only such dishonor. In a couple of places MIllett tries to honor Americans who have waited too long for respect.

Wallace F. Smith, Walnut Creek

A Making of a New Perspective on the Korean War.......2003-08-10

It's cliche to call the Korean War "forgotten" in the United States. More accurately, it is misunderstood, and has been in the west for over fifty years. For the Koreans, the results of the war war are daily in front of them: not least in the continued division of the peninsula. English speaking readers need to understand the central fact that the Korean war was fought by Koreans for the destiny of Korea.

Millett's groundbreaking effort brings this persepective into sharp focus. He calls the Korean war a "total" war (quoting Korean vets) and his first 14 thumbnail-sketch chapters bear out this interpretation. In terms of concentrated destruction in both time and space, Korea was as brutal a war as they come. Not much "limited" about it.

The book itself is divided into three sections, entitled "the Koreans", "the Allies", and "the Americans". Chronologically, it defines the conflict as beginning shortly after Liberation, 15 August 1945 and it finishes with a chapter on the man who first signed the Armistice documents for the United Nations Command. Millett's emphasis on oral history combined with impressive documentary research makes this book required reading to understand the war beyond the limits of operations, strategy, or diplomatic policies. The human face of war is poignantly and sympathetically presented. There are heros, cowards, soldiers, civilians, men, and women in this great drama of conflict, ideology, and destiny.

Their War for Korea promises to be the first of three volumes that will redefine the western view of the Korean War.

Their War for Korea: American, Asian, and European Combatants and Civilians, 1945-1953
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Their War for Korea: American, Asian, and European Combatants and Civilians, 1945-1953
Allan R. Millett
Manufacturer: Potomac Books Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OP6AQE

Crimes Against Nature: How George W. Bush and His Corporate Pals Are Plundering the Country and Hijacking Our Democracy
Average customer rating:

Blames far too much on Bush

Which pill would you like to take the blue pill or the red pill(CAN)

My Eyes Were Opened To The Truth

Eating your own words

impeach bush

Crimes Against Nature: How George W. Bush and His Corporate Pals Are Plundering the Country and Hijacking Our Democracy
Jr., Robert F. Kennedy
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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General | Political Doctrines | Political Science | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It

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You Are What You Say: The Proven Program that Uses the Power of Language to Combat Stress, Anger, and Depression

ASIN: 0060746882
Release Date: 2005-07-05

Book Description

In this powerful indictment of George W. Bush's White House, environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., charges that the administration has taken corporate favoritism to unprecedented heights -- threatening our health, our national security, and our democracy.

Kennedy lifts the veil on how the administration, in order to enrich its corporate paymasters, has eviscerated the laws that protect our nation's air, water, public lands, and wildlife. He describes the White House doling out lavish subsidies and tax breaks to energy barons while allowing the corporations to profit by poisoning the public and eliminating security at the more than 15,000 nuclear and chemical facilities that are prime targets for terrorist attacks. He shows how right-wing White House ideologues have taken the "conserve" out of conservatism and trampled the free-market democracy in favor of a kind of corporate-crony capitalism that is as antithetical to democracy, efficiency, and prosperity in America as it is in Nigeria.

Crimes Against Nature is a book for both Democrats and Republicans, people like the traditionally conservative farmers and fishermen whom Kennedy represents in lawsuits against polluters. "Without exception," he writes, "these people see the current administration as the greatest threat not just to their livelihoods but to their values, their sense of community, and their idea of what it means to be American."

Download Description

In this powerful and far-reaching indictment of George W. Bush's White House, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the country's most prominent environmental attorney, charges that this administration has taken corporate cronyism to such unprecedented heights that it now threatens our health, our national security, and democracy as we know it. In a headlong pursuit of private profit and personal power, Kennedy writes, George Bush and his administration have eviscerated the laws that have protected our nation's air,water, public lands, and wildlife for the past thirty years, enriching the president's political contributors whilelowering the quality of life for the rest of us.

Kennedy lifts the veil on how the administration has orchestrated these rollbacks almost entirely outside of public scrutiny -- and in tandem with the very industries that our laws are meant to regulate, the country's most notorious polluters. He writes of how it has deceived the public by manipulating and suppressing scientific data, intimidated enforcement officials and other civil servants, and masked its agenda with Orwellian doublespeak. He reports on how the White House doles out lavish subsidies and tax breaks to the energy barons while excusing industry from providing adequate security at the more than 15,000 chemical and nuclear facilities that are prime targets for terrorist attacks. Kennedy reveals an administration whose policies have ""squandered our Treasury, entangled us in foreign wars, diminished our international prestige, made us a target for terrorist attacks, and increased our reliance on petty Middle Eastern dictators who despise democracy and are hated by their own people.""

Crimes Against Nature is ultimately about the corrosive effect of corporate corruption on our core American values -- free-market capitalism and democracy. It is about an administration, the author argues, that has sacrificed respect for the law, public health, scientific integrity, and long-term economic vitality on the altar of corporate greed. It is a book for both Democrats and Republicans, people like the traditionally conservative farmers and fishermen Kennedy represents in lawsuits against polluters. ""Without exception,"" he writes, ""these people see the current administration as the greatest threat not just to their livelihoods but to their values, their sense of community, and their idea of what it means to be American.""

Customer Reviews:

Blames far too much on Bush.......2007-10-13

I can only spot one glaring error:

On page 2, the author states, "I want to be very clear here: This book is not about a Democrat attacking a Republican administration."

If I had a dime every time he used the phrase "right wing," the book would be free.

Nothing's "left wing" just right wing. He seems to lay all blame for all time at the hands of George, Jr. Hey, the guy's made some terrible environmental blunders but I don't recall any radical environmental improvements during Bill Clinton's eight (8) years. In fact, I'll go record saying that the Clean Air Amendments of 1990 (signed by George, Sr.) have been the most significant air regulations in the last 17 years. Why didn't Clinton mandate and phase in all the CAFE standards during his tenure? Probably, because both parties of Congress have to address the economy first, the environment second.

Kennedy takes his environmental stance too far when he quotes a constitutent on page 85, "With a president who doesn't believe in evolution, it's hard to imagine what kind of scientific evidence would suffice..." By making the environment his religion, his arguments start sounding like fanatical ramblings.

Is Bush really responsible for Hurricane Katrina? For the polluted Hudson River? For all of America's pollution problems? Was all the environmental degradation done only on his watch? What about the failures of past president's and their lack of environmental leadership?

True, Bush has passed on his chance to wean us off foreign oil while improving the environment (primarily by addressing auto pollution and alternative technologies) but so has every president up to now.

Which pill would you like to take the blue pill or the red pill(CAN).......2007-08-19

Metaphorically speaking, Do you live on in ignorance (The blue pill) or do you lead what Aristotle called 'the examined life'(Red Pill). Do you read CAN or do you live in ignorance?

Crimes Against Nature was a real eye opener for me. You have to read this book. So much of the truth that should be available to the American public is squashed by various laws and phony junk science produced by special interest groups who want to control what we think. This book is filled with the facts.

For years I have read in the paper or heard on the news how various Bush appointed people have revoked various laws that protect our natural resources. Then once I read this book it all made sense and fully list all of the damaging laws that have been passed allowing for destruction of our natural resources.

There are so many shocking things in this book. The fact that so much of our country is controlled by the people who give money to our elected officials. I was very surprised to read in this book that Condoleeza Rice has an oil tanker named after her.

If I were to have named this book, I would have named it "Organized Crimes against Nature". Because everything I read has lead me to the conclusion that the acts perpetrated upon our natural resources have been pre-meditated.

I strongly recommend reading this book. God Bless Mr. Kennedy.

Not only is Mr. Kennedy an excellent writer, but he is a great Orator as well. You can check out his speaches on YouTube:

[...]

My Eyes Were Opened To The Truth.......2007-08-11

I gave this book 5 stars, because this book opened by eyes to things that I had no idea were happening. I knew some of the things that were happening, but not to the extent that it is happening. I know in my heart that Robert Kennedy Jr is telling the truth about the true condition of this country.

I would encourage all people who are interested in the truth to read this book. I know that many people will feel that Republicans are being attacked, but I don't think that is the intent at all, but RFK jr is exposing the reasons why we as Americans are being mislead to voting for people who lie to us. When is the last time Americans were encouraged to be the best they could be and put what was best for this Country first and make a positive change? Now we have Americans who are being scared and out of fear approve of policies that have led to America being hated across the world. For those who would think I am a die hard liberal Democrat I am an Independent. I just believe in shining the light on the darkness and believe that America is fighting for her very soul and I want to see America saved for future generations. So yes, I agree with RFK jr on his accessment and encourage this book to be read and passed on so that more people will be awaken to the truth.

My Nephew is in Law School and will be an Enviromental Attorney in Hawaii and that is just one reason I have started to really look into the issues of global warming, the enviroment, etc. I wanted to be informed so I could with knowledge encourage my nephew to choose a path that makes a difference for good. I hope that when my nephew is graduated that he will follow in the footsteps of Robert Kennedy Jr who is fighting for the American people. I do not want my nephew join the energy companies or others who have no concern about the future of this country. Anyway, I plan to give this book to my nephew which I hope will inspire him to choose the right direction when he graduates next June.

This book also answered questions about the Media. I know in my heart he is telling the truth about that as well. With the end of the free press we are in danger of loosing our Democratic Republic. We no longer have an informed citizentry who votes from knowledge of the facts, but bases their decision on misinformation and sound bites.

It takes great courage to be willing to shine the light on the darkness. Robert Kennedy is doing that, not only with this book but with his life long work.

I look forward to reading more books on this issue and passing them on to my nephew while he is in Law School as he is making up his mind as to what direction he will go when he graduates this June.

Eating your own words.......2007-08-03

I loved this book when I read it. "Yes! Finally a real expose!"

But then I read Cape Wind: Money, Celebrity, Class, Politics, and the Battle for Our Energy Future on Nantucket Sound, which tells about how the Cape Cod elite, which of course includes the environmentally enlightened Kennedy family, and was appalled once again how NIMBYism could blind even the most devoted people.

Certainly read this book, because it is very much worth your time, but read Cape Wind afterwards, for even more insight into the politics of the environment!

impeach bush.......2007-07-03

If the allegations about corruption and lying described in this book are true, which they probably are because there where no denials from the white house, why is Bush still in office ? Why are the Democrats such toothless whiners, not taking action to rid the US of Bush and restore the values America was once respected and admired for? This Administration is kicking your values with their feet and is destroying your country and your kids heritage. Look at libby, why isnt there a huge Uproar in the US ? Be a patriot, impeach Bush !

Crimes Against Nature : How George W. Bush and His Corporate Pals Are Plundering the Country and Hijacking Our Democracy

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Crimes Against Nature : How George W. Bush and His Corporate Pals Are Plundering the Country and Hijacking Our Democracy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OERCV2

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Crimes Against Nature: How George W. Bush and His Corporate Pals Are Plundering the Country and Hijacking Our Democracy
Robert F. Kennedy
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEU92Q

Amazon.com

Paul Johnsgard, a well-known ornithologist and student of bird behavior, especially of migratory waterfowl, is a native son of Nebraska, the setting for many of the essays that make up this small collection. There, above a reservoir called Keystone Lake, he has for years observed the avifauna of the Great Plains--nearly 300 species. "Here no radio stations blare out the most recent results of meaningless sports events, few newspapers ever manage to find their way to this outpost of civilization, and no traffic noises confound the senses," he writes. Instead, he is left to ponder the graceful flight of terns, the meaning of a dead turkey vulture. Offering homespun lessons in conservation biology, Johnsgard takes his readers into the lives of cranes, quails, ducks, pheasants, plovers, geese, curlews, and other birds, for all of which he feels an evident affection. He extends that care to Nebraska's fields and watercourses as well, offering a fine hymn of praise to the Niobrara River, a place only recently made safe from commercial overdevelopment and ecological destruction. His little book is the perfect glovebox companion for anyone doing a little birdwatching in this corner of the world--and for anyone interested in good natural history writing. --Gregory McNamee

Book Description

"As I write this, I am sitting in a cabin at Cedar Point Biological Station in southwestern Nebraska. . . . The glorious elemental mixture of earth, water, and sky around me is the home of nearly three hundred species of birds, and comprises one of my favorite places in the world. Here no radio stations blare out the most recent results of meaningless sports events . . . no traffic noises confound the senses. Instead the wind is the unquestioned dominating summer influence. The prairie grasses bend willingly and gracefully before it, and the leaves of the cottonwood trees convert its breezes into soft music." Paul Johnsgard is one of America's most prominent ornithologists and a world authority on waterfowl behavior. In these popularly written, often lyrical essays, he describes some of his most fascinating encounters with birds, from watching the annual mating displays of prairie-chickens on a hilltop in Pawnee County, Nebraska, to attempting to solve some of the mysteries surrounding Australia's nearly flightless musk duck. Reflecting his worldwide interests and travels, the birds Johnsgard describes inhabit many parts of the globe. Grouping the birds by the element they frequent most--earth, water, or sky--he weaves a wealth of accurate natural history into personal stories drawn from a lifetime of avian observation. And, as a bonus, Johnsgard's lovely pen-and-ink drawings illustrate each species he describes.

Earth, Water, and Sky: A Naturalist's Stories and Sketches (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)

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Earth, Water, and Sky: A Naturalist's Stories and Sketches (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)
Paul A. Johnsgard
Manufacturer: University of Texas Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ORGROM

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