Sierra Nevada: The Naturalist's Companion, Revised edition

Book Description

All lovers of the mountains will welcome Verna Johnston's new and completely updated edition of her classic, Sierra Nevada, originally published in 1970. A professional biologist, veteran ornithologist, and well-known wildlife photographer, Johnston is the perfect guide for a natural-history trip into the Sierra. Regardless of how one explores the magnificent 400-mile-long mountain range, on foot or by car, in an armchair or a classroom, this is the book to have.
Beginning with the western foothills, Johnston evokes a vivid picture of the varied plant and animal life encountered as the elevation increases, tops the crest, and drops to the more precipitous, arid eastern Sierra slope. The reader is taken through chaparral and mountain meadows, pine and fir forests, granite expanses and snowy peaks. Johnston writes of the Native Americans' uses and stewardship of the land, the role of fire in forest ecology, the eras of sheep herders and loggers, the work of John Muir and other preservationists, and the battles to save Mono Lake and Lake Tahoe. Her lifetime of field experience and discovery offers intimate observations of rarely recorded events: the courtship of the Sierra Nevada salamander, a wolverine attacking two bears, a fight to the death between a skink and a scorpion.
Many changes have occurred in the Sierra since the first edition of this book was published, including acid snow, tensions involving human and cougar habitats, and an ominous drop in amphibian populations. Johnston documents these events and updates the ecological research in the rich, evocative writing style that makes her book a naturalist's treasure. This is a guide to the Sierra Nevada for the next millennium.

Sierra Nevada - Naturalist's Companion - Revised Edtion

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Sierra Nevada - Naturalist's Companion - Revised Edtion
Verna R. Johnston
Manufacturer: Univ. Of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RJ0PW2

Our wild orchids: Trails and portraits
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Our wild orchids: Trails and portraits
Frank Morris
Manufacturer: C. Scribner's sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Plants | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00085D8QA

Book Description

Let's Go The Resource For The Independent TravelerFor over forty years Let's Go Travel Guides have brought budget savvy travelers closer to the world and its diverse cultures by providing the most up-to-date information. Entries at all price levels for lodging, food, attractions, and more Must-have tips for planning your trip, getting around, and staying safe Advice on outdoor activities, including sample itineraries In-depth cultural information that offers an insider's look at life in Egypt Opportunities to make a difference through study, work, and volunteering Detailed maps to help navigate cities and the outdoorsCultural Connections: Crack hieroglyphic code in the Valley of Kings.Hidden Scoops amp; Hidden Deals: Bargain for a burden at the Daraw market.Off The Beaten Path: Become a scuba instructor in Dahab."The grand-daddy of budget guides" The New York Times"Guides that penetrate the veneer of holiday brochures and mine the grit of real life" The Economist Visit Let's Go online at www.letsgo.com

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful guide, don't leave home without it!.......2003-04-05

If you are planning to gaze upon the Pyramids, climb Mount Sinai, sail the Nile or explore the catacombs of Alexandria your first step is to pick up a copy of "Let's Go Egypt". If you go by yourself or better still treat yourself to a package tour complete with a Nile cruise you will find this volume helpful and insightful. The National Museum of Antiquities in Cairo is probably the most famous museum in the world. It has an extensive collection. "Lets Go" breaks down every room and serves as a useful guide. Egypt is a amazing destination and on every trip there I have experienced a warm welcome from the people. While bustling Cairo is what most tourists first see don't miss the smaller towns along the Nile in the "Upper Kingdom" between Aswan and Luxor. The sprawling temple of Karnak and the smaller but still impressive temple of Luxor are situated at Luxor, Egypt. The Temple of the Sun at Abu Simbel is a very short plane ride from Aswan, Egypt. At Aswan don't miss the Temple of Isis on Philae and do return some evening for the Sound and Light show. Let's Go will serve as a detailed companion to these and many other wonders. I was amazed at the level of detail and how up to date the book was. I believe Egypt is still a safe destination and found security for tourists to be a top priority. I do recommend a tour with Nile cruise especially for the first timer and even for seasoned travelers. You get a an excellent package including hotels, some meals (full board on Nile cruises), all outside cabin state-rooms, transportation, escorts that save you lots of hassle, wonderful guides that illuminate the past and usually, new friends to share it with. Following the common sense advice found in Let's Go will ensure a safe, happy and memorable trip. Have a wonderful time! Don't forget "Let Go" and bring candy for the kids!

Customer Reviews:

Too many errors in this book.......1999-11-03

While the concept of the book is good I found too many historical errors throughout the book. Being that I study wrestling history I can pick up on these things quickly. However, for novice wrestling fans these are seen as fact. Good pictures but author needs to be more concious of what he is writing.

HaHa a Waste Of Money!!!!!.......1999-11-01

I wouldn't reccomend buying this book. I think it has to many errors and is outdated. I don't even think this book deserved to be on Amazon.com. If you feel like buying a book just to throw it away, this is a great choice but that's about the only thing it is good for!!!

Too many technical errors make this a poor buy........1999-01-19

A wrestling judge friend of mine found many errors in the rules -- some more than several years outdated. Buyer beware.

Book Description

The Scientific Attitude presents a systematic account of the cognitive and social features of science. Written by an experimental biologist actively engaged in research, the work is unique in its attempt to understand science in terms of day-to-day practice. The book goes beyond the traditional description of science that focuses on method and logic to characterize the scientific attitude as a way of looking at the world.

The Scientific Attitude - Second Edition

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The Scientific Attitude - Second Edition
Frederick Grinnell
Manufacturer: Guilford Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBVG50

Book Description

This graduate textbook is concerned with both the formulation and the solution of radiation heat transfer problems in enclosures. The book is essentially self-contained and includes a brief historical survey. The foundations are carefully discussed from the point of view of the exact mathematical basis of boundary value problems and their variational solutions as well as of the physical foundations. The computational methods developed by the authors are used in engineering applications. The combination of exact mathematical modelling with numerical skills makes this a unique textbook.

Book Description

9X12 In, 96 Pp, 45 Black & White Illustrations We Are Proud To Introduce This Handsome Commemorative Edition of On Desert Trails With Everett Ruess (First Introduced In Our 60, 000 Copy A Vagabond For Beauty), Which Was Originally Published In 1940 and Has Since Become A Collector's Item. The Poetry, Letters, and Artwork Contained In This Book Reveal The Adventurous Young Artist Who Loved The Arid Wilderness and Disappeared Into The Desert of Southern Utah. To The Original Book We Have Added Many Photographs of Ruess On The Trail, Along With Others Taken By Ruess of The Land That So Inspired Him. A Special Appenidx Tells The Salt Lake Tribune's Account of Its 1935 Expedition To Southern Utah In Search of Everett Ruess.

Customer Reviews:

Poetry at its best.......2005-02-03

Everett Ruess is a marvelously gifted poet. He writes in elegant lines teeming with passionate imagery. "Wilderness Song" is the most incredible piece and describes nature at its fullest. Any poet can write beautiful lines, but Ruess writes with soul, the soul of an aficianado of the wilderness.

An amazing read.......2004-06-23

A chilling voice out of the past from one who loved wilderness so much he vanished without a trace in it. I am hard pressed to come up with a book or person who was able to articulate the beauty around him more than Everett Ruess. In a tragic twist this lover of the purity nature gave and continues to give a painter's perspective in words to the American west despite the mysterious circumstances surrounding his disappearance. He left behind not only the beautiful writings of a master (and at such a young age) but also a mysterious tale of intrigue that leaves people guessing to this very day. Was he a victim of murder or did his love for wilderness drive him into the vast unknown to live out his days in the peaceful tranquility only nature can provide? Buy the book and formulate your own opinions. I highly recommend it.

On Desert Trails with Everett Ruess : Commemorative Edition

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On Desert Trails with Everett Ruess : Commemorative Edition
Everett; Bergera, Gary J. (editor) Ruess
Manufacturer: Gibbs Smith Publisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KP1NAG

On Desert Trails with Everett Ruess, ( Artist ) he Was Youthful Poet , Vagabond of Remote Southwestern Trails During Part of 4 Yrs. Then in November , 1934 he Vanished in Desert Wilderness of Southern Utah, Search Parties Found His Burros in Isolated Cany

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On Desert Trails with Everett Ruess, ( Artist ) he Was Youthful Poet , Vagabond of Remote Southwestern Trails During Part of 4 Yrs. Then in November , 1934 he Vanished in Desert Wilderness of Southern Utah, Search Parties Found His Burros in Isolated Cany
Vagabond of Remote SOuthwestern Trails for 4 Yrs, Illustrated, Blank Endpapers FoXED Light Chips Extremities, Fabulous waterColor Frontispiece By Rueess, Introduction Hugh Lacy, Foreword Randall Henderson, Editor Desert Magazine, With Everett Ruess
Manufacturer: Desert Magazine Press, El Centro CA.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JD4IC4

Book Description

Floyd Paseman. For 35 years, Floyd Paseman served in the Operations Directorate of the Central Intelligence Agency. From spy in the field to the top ranks of the company's career agents, he experienced it all, as well as seven different presidential administrations.

Customer Reviews:

Poorly written, but entertaining........2006-03-17

While certainly a skilled case officer, Mr. Paseman's writing skills leave something to be desired. His memoirs are very entertaining and full of unique experiences, but his lack of skill with the written word means that paragraphs are clunky and flow poorly. Well worth the money for anyone looking to find out exactly what being a CIA case officer is truly like, but don't expect writing skills beyond the level of a high school newspaper editor.

Great Spy -- Bad Author.......2005-08-12

Without a doubt Floyd Paseman was a great spy and had a wonderful career in service to our country. But, he is a horrible author and should have had someone else write his memoirs. The book is dull and boring.

A Spy's Journey.......2005-07-19

I thought that the book was poorly written because the writer puts none of his stories in any context of what was going on at the time that the events he writes about were occuring. He could have added a lot about what happened after Carter and Turner with the help of the Church committee wrecked the CIA. A couple of his "hah hah" stories should have gotten somone fired for bad judgement.

A shallow book over all. There are a lot better books written by CIA alums.

Entertaining and easy to read.......2005-07-01

This book presents a detailed account of one man's life in the CIA, the challenges he had to face and how he went about to resolve these challenges. Its more of a biography rather then an account of what the CIA is really is. Futhermore, the author talks about how his family deals with his working life and thereby giving a 'human' side to the espionage world. All in all, a great read and would reccomend it.

James Bond with a Wife and Two Small Children.......2005-05-14

After being raised on the stories of James Bond, I was interested to see what a real field agent's life was like. And I was surprised. Here is this man, married with two small children living in Asia. In the evenings he would go out to meet spies that he had recruited for the CIA. Somehow all this just didn't register as the romantic view that "Bond, James Bond" had created. It makes spying seem just like any other profession.

And I guess that it must be so. He is concerned with the same kinds of things that bother the rest of us: salary, promotions, bosses -- all those kinds of things.

I was expecting to read a lot more about wher he worked and just what he did, but this wasn't there. I guess that the author still respected the secrecy enough to simply not mention it.

Perhaps the most useful parts of the book were on his observations about the various heads of the CIA and the view of the various Presidents toward the agency. Finally the CIA is an agency of our Government, with all of the strengths and weaknesses that that implies. This book helps to de-mystify the agency.

Skating on the Edge: A Memoir and Journey through a Metamorphosis of the CIA

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A keen edge!
Excellent Skate!

Skating on the Edge: A Memoir and Journey through a Metamorphosis of the CIA
Carlos D. Luria
Manufacturer: BookSurge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Capital Speculations: Writing and Building Washington, D.C. (Becoming Modern: New Nineteenth-Century Studies)
Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA
At the Center of the Storm: My Years at the CIA

ASIN: 1419649027
Release Date: 2006-10-02

Product Description

The memoir of a German-born immigrant, his early schooling in the UK, and his recruitment by a CIA feverishly gearing up to meet the new Soviet threat. . The book provides a unique perspective on CIA's clandestine operations, a look at the strengths and weaknesses of America's approach to Intelligence, and insight to the unpublicized contributors to the 9/11 Intelligence failure At times poignant, at times funny but always self-effacing, the book includes an account of life aboard a 37' sloop, exploring the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and the author's futile attempts to keep up with a wife determined to hike the Appalachian Trail The book's royalties are all donated to charity - specifically, to the Guardian ad Litem program that advocates for abused children.

Customer Reviews:

A keen edge!.......2007-02-22

Mixing humor, shock, and sorrow in a memoir format, Carlos Luria's Skating on the Edge held our attention from beginning to end and had us on the "Edge" of our chairs. The author weaves his personal and family struggles into the account of actual incidents of the successes and failures of the CIA in which he served. His respect for that agency is evident in the writing. But that does not dull the edge of his insightful criticism of the metamorphosis of intelligence collection following the cold war in which human intelligence collection activities were overshadowed by reliance on remote technology-based systems. He blames this policy transition for the intelligence failures leading up to the 9-11 disaster. From the hilarious recounting of his own training and that of others to the shocking revelation of the undetected existence of armed nuclear missiles in a part of Cuba missed by U-2 surveillance, Mr. Luria succeeds in sharing his life experiences in an attention grabbing manner. And there is plenty of between-the-lines inference to stoke the reader's curiosity. For example, what was behind the decision to replace much of the human intelligence gathering program with expensive technology? But alas, it is a memoir and, as such, it's a great read.

Marcia and Ted Wallenius, Summit Book Club

Excellent Skate!.......2007-01-09

Thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Luria's journal. Has a great ability to hold your attention and bring you with him on his jouney through his life in
the CIA and also his time spent in Germany, England and the US. Gave many copies of this book to family and friends as Christmas gifts and have received very good reviews. Mr. Carlos Luria has a special ability to tell stories.

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A Spy's Journey: A CIA Memoir.
FLOYD L.: PASEMAN
Manufacturer: Zenith Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UD19UW

(Army Air Force and U.S. Air Force Decorations) Decorations, Medals, Ribbons, Badges and Insignia of the United States Air Force: World War II to Present, 2nd Edition
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(Army Air Force and U.S. Air Force Decorations) Decorations, Medals, Ribbons, Badges and Insignia of the United States Air Force: World War II to Present, 2nd Edition
Anthony Aldebol
Manufacturer: Moa Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Uniforms | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Military Science | History | Subjects | Books
Coins & Medals | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Home & Garden | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Complete Guide to United States Army Medals, Badges and Insignia - World War II to Present

Complete Guide to United States Marine Corps Medals, badges and Insignia: World War II to Present

Complete Guide to United States Navy Medals, Badges and Insignia: World War II to Present

United States Military Patch Guide

A Complete Guide to United States Military Medals: 1939 to Present Sixth Edition

ASIN: 1884452051

The Decorations, Medals, Ribbons, Badges and Insignia of the United States Army: World War II to Present
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An excellent reference source

Complete history and details of all Army Medals and Badges

The Decorations, Medals, Ribbons, Badges and Insignia of the United States Army: World War II to Present
Frank C. Foster
Manufacturer: Medals of America Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Uniforms | Military | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1884452574

Book Description

8 x 11 The most complete guide to United States Army medals, ribbons, rank, insignia, and patches from WW II to the present day. Each medal and insignia shown in full color. Includes listing of respective criteria and campaigns. Medals of America Press

Customer Reviews:

An excellent reference source.......2002-01-06

Being an avid collector of US Army medals, badges, uniforms and accoutrements from the Vietnam War period I have found this book to be invaluable in both assisting me to correctly identify items I have in my collection (and want to have!) and telling me about their design and history. The colour plates are just superb as is the informative text. I have not been able to find a better book that comprehensively covers the subject matter as this one does - it takes pride of place in my library and is referred to so often I've had to have it rebound!

Complete history and details of all Army Medals and Badges.......2001-04-16

This is the most complete and detailed book ever published on U.S. Army Military Awards and Insignia. It is lavishly illustrated with original drawings and beautiful color pictures of every medal, badge and insignia in the Army since 1941. The book opens with a short history of US Army insignia starting in 1775 and how they developed war by war up to today. Each period is illustrated with numerous examples. The book then covers all Army branch insignia in detail and the development of both officer and enlisted rank from 1775 to 2001. All skill and combat badges are laid out with criteria and dates to include those which have been discontinued.Every badge is shown in full color. Decorations and medals are displayed in color showing both front and back to include ribbon only awards. Additionally there is a complete ribbon chest in the correct order of precedence for wear. Detail descriptions of the medals cover criteria for award, symbolism of the medal and ribbon and even campaign dates for all service medals. There are special sections on how to detemine what medals a veteran would earn in each conflict as well as sections on How to claim awards from the government and once obtained how to display military awards. The book took 5 years to research and write. With over 140 pages loaded with color illustrations and detail it is an incredible value.

Book Description

A new edition of a major historical account of the evolution of American imperialism with a specially commissioned new preface by Eric Hobsbawm.

The invasion and occupation of Iraq have sparked considerable discussion about the nature of American imperialism, but most of it revolves around immediate concerns. This book is rooted in a classical historical approach and is a convincing and compelling analysis of the different phases of American imperialism which has now made it a global hegemon without any serious rivals on the horizon.

Victor Kiernan, one of the world's most respected historians, has used his nuanced knowledge of history, literature and politics to trace the evolution of the American Empire: accounts of relations between Indians and white settlers, readings of the work of Melville and Whitman, and analysis of the way money and politics became intertwined all find a home here.

Eric Hobsbawm's preface provides both an insight into his own current thoughts on American imperialism and a valuable introduction to Victor Kiernan's work. Together, they shed useful light on today's urgent debates about such issues as the uses and misuses of seemingly unlimited military power, a lack of respect for international agreements, and the right to pre-emptive defense.

Customer Reviews:

A MASTER WORK.......2005-06-05

It took me just over a week to finish reading Mr Kiernan's work. I had no idea who he was but was attracted by the cover and the title and, if I'm honest, Eric Hobsbawm's preface. This is the best-written and most educative history of our country and its wars that I've ever read. I finished school over a year ago and have been travelling the world. This amazing history taught me more than I'd ever learnt at NYU. This book should be on every history reading list. I'm not saying that I expect everyone to agree with its arguments, but simply in the interests of diversity and freedom of thought. I was educated on Professor Niall Ferguson's work (he, too, like Kiernan is a Scot!), but THE NEW IMPERIALISM was a wonderful antidote.

Book Description

Throughout the world people are concerned about the demise of tropical forests and their wildlife. Hunting by forest-dwelling people has a dramatic effect on wildlife in many tropical forests, frequently driving species to local extinction, with devastating implications for other species and the health of the forests themselves. But wildlife is an important source of protein and cash for rural peoples. Can hunting be managed to conserve biological communities while meeting human needs? Are hunting rates as practiced by tropical forest peoples sustainable? If not, what are the biological, social, and cultural implications of this failure? Answering these questions is ever more important as national and international agencies seek to integrate the development of local peoples with the conservation of tropical forest systems and species.

This book presents a wide array of studies that examine the sustainability of hunting as practiced by rural peoples. Comprising work by both biological and social scientists, Hunting for Sustainability in Tropical Forests provides a balanced viewpoint on the ecological and human aspects of this hunting. The first section examines the effects of hunting on wildlife in tropical forests throughout the world. The next section looks at the importance of hunting to local communities. The third section looks at institutional challenges of resource management, while the fourth draws on economic perspectives to understand both hunting and sustainability. A final section provides synthesis and summary of the factors that influence sustainability and the implications for management.

Drawing on examples from Ecuador to Congo-Zaire to Sulawesi, Hunting for Sustainability in Tropical Forests will be a valuable resource to policymakers, conservation organizations, and students and scholars of biology, ecology, and anthropology.

Customer Reviews:

Good introduction and conclusion, but otherwise less than the sum of its parts.......2007-07-02

This book examines the potential for sustainable hunting in tropical rainforests. It's an important question, since these forests face the threat of being cut down, their wildlife hunting out of existence, and their people turned into urban slum-dwellers. Though the editors give it the old college try, however, this book doesn't really succeed in telling us how to improve the prospects for sustainable hunting in such cases, to say nothing of dealing with the external threats such as deforestation, global warming, and urbanization and industrialization.

The introduction is really very good, and usefully explores the key question of sustainable hunting. The authors are very careful to think about analytical categories and definitions, and they make a strong case that we need to consider the social context of hunting: traditional hunting versus hunting with modern technology, sport hunting versus hunting out of necessity, and subsistence hunting versus commercial hunting.

The conclusion, also written by the editors, also makes a very helpful contribution. The core of the conclusion summarizes in about 50 points the main conclusions of the contributors. These are organized by categories such as the social-cultural, institutional, and economic influences on sustainable hunting in tropical forests.

Unfortunately, what makes the conclusion helpful is what weakens the book as a whole. It lacks a strong analytical framework or theory, which forces the authors to cobble everything together at the end. It consists overwhelmingly of single cases, with no apparent attention to case selection issues. The authors of each chapter give no evidence of having read the other chapters, even those on the same topic. The editors work valiantly to summarize the findings, but these are pure summaries of facts not attempts to bring them together and make sense of the patterns.

The book also does not make many concessions to other scholars who don't do the same kind of work, whether biological or economic modeling for example. The book is very ethnographic and anthropological in its sensibility, even in those chapters written by biologists. In addition, most of the chapters are not very policy oriented, despite the apparent focus of the book. (In fairness, some studies of the Congo explicitly consider possible policy responses, as do a few other chapters.)

In sum, I was impressed by the editors' written contributions but it's evident that they were unable to whip their contributors into shape. There are a *lot* of contributors - - 1000 pages spread among 25 chapters - - so that makes much of the book a long slog in details about this or that forest scattered around the world.

Beyond Arm Chair Conservation.......2000-04-07

For anyone interested in wildlife conservation and habitat destruction - this book is a must read! The crisis in bushmeat in Africa is mounting - and among other things this book gives the reader a view from the inside, on the ground in Africa.

Hunting for Sustainability in Tropical Forests. (book review): An article from: The Canadian Geographer

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Hunting for Sustainability in Tropical Forests. (book review): An article from: The Canadian Geographer
Lisa M. Campbell
Manufacturer: Canadian Association of Geographers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Canadian Geographer, published by Canadian Association of Geographers on March 22, 2002. The length of the article is 657 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: Hunting for Sustainability in Tropical Forests. (book review)
Author: Lisa M. Campbell
Publication: The Canadian Geographer (Refereed)
Date: March 22, 2002
Publisher: Canadian Association of Geographers
Volume: 46 Issue: 1 Page: 85(1)

Article Type: Book Review

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Hunting for Sustainability in Tropical Forests

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Hunting for Sustainability in Tropical Forests
Editor-John Robinson; Editor-Elizabeth Bennett
Manufacturer: Columbia University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPTFK2

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