The Way That I Went: An Irishman in Ireland

Customer Reviews:

A must-read for travellers in Ireland........1999-04-02

I'm ordering an extra copy of this book for my Irish house; it walks away with visitors, I think. It's a wonderful wander through a colorful land which, in a way, persists behind the modern clutter, the wide roads and narrow minds that have replaced the old ways. I'll carry it with me as I drive down to Roundstone, up to Sligo, amethyst mining on Achill ... the stones, plants, birds and other charms of Ireland are merrily visited, and it gives another dimension to one's explorations.

The Way That I Went: An Irishman in Ireland

Average customer rating:

The Way That I Went: An Irishman in Ireland

Manufacturer: Riverrun/ Allen Figgis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IEAXNW

Average customer rating:

Way That I Went an Irishman in Ireland
Robert Lloy Praeger
Manufacturer: HODGES FIGGIS & CO. LTD.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q01NSW

Customer Reviews:

THIS BOOK IS TOO LONG!.......2001-08-13

Everything about Australia's fire history from its geologic origins to the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires can be found in this book. Perhaps a little too much. We learn about everything from the Flora and Fauna of the continent, to aboriginal fire practices, to modern fire fighting techniques. If one wishes to know about all of this, then the Burning Bush is an indespensible source. For those with more narrow interests, be weary. I bought the book to learn about the major fires that have devastated the country periodically. The accounts are there, but the first one appeared 220 pages into the book! All of the accounts combined cover only around twenty pages. Readers with similar interests will find the book to be a 400 page yawn. Pyne would have been better served to narrow his focus a bit. It's all there, but more than most other books the reader will want to refer to the index rather than slog through each page.

Pick of the Bunch : New Zealand Wildflowers

Average customer rating:

A real dissapointment.

Pick of the Bunch : New Zealand Wildflowers
Peter Johnson
Manufacturer: Longacre Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

Come on a journey with renowned botanist Peter Johnson as your enthusiastic guide and discover the delights of New Zealand wildflowers from the mundane to the magnificent, from the overlooked to the ostentatious. Savor the detail of the regional bunches and their place in the wider landscape, and been entertained by Johnsons insight, anecdotes, and engaging style.

Pick of the Bunch is lavishly illustrated with over 260 color photographs and includes a map, a comprehensive index and a table featuring flowering times, common and botanical names, and the origins of the wildflowers.

Customer Reviews:

A real dissapointment........2003-10-10

I thought from the title that this book was on native wildflowers of New Zealand. I was partially right. It has a lot of information on plants introduced from all over the world and only a few pages on the alpine section of this wonderful part of the world. I found no useful information in it at all and returned it after a thorough but quick look. Don't waste your time or money.

Book Description

The harrowing true story of the Burke and Willis expedition team who took on the Australian wilds 150 years ago--and lost.

They departed Melbourne's Royal Park in the summer of 1860, a misfit party of eighteen amateur explorers cheered on by thousands of well-wishers. Their mission: to chart a course across the vast unmapped interior of Australia, from Melbourne to the northern coast. Months later, only one man returned alive--with tales of heroism, hardships, and lost opportunities that were by turns terrifying and darkly comic.

Drawing its title from one of the few remaining traces of the expedition, The Dig Tree combines the danger of Sebastian Junger with the irony of Bill Bryson to relive the tragic journey of these completely initiated adventurers. The cast of characters includes the expeditionleader; a reckless, charming Irish policeman known for getting lost on his way home from the pub; an eccentric nature enthusiast from Germany; an alcoholic camel handler; and a rogue American horse-breaker who is just in it for the money. For nine harrowing months, their quest for glory shifts from idiocy to perseverance and then inexorably toward tragedy. The nightmare culminates in a last haunting message left behind a group of desperate and dying men--the word DIG carved into what is now Australia's most famous tree.

The Dig Tree follows this compelling journey through a forgotten corner of history to examine a daring expedition that came unbelievably close to success only to let it slip away.

Customer Reviews:

The best account l have read on the Burke and Wills expedition.......2005-12-03

The late Sarah Murgatroyd has written a well researched and poignant account of this tragic expedition. Though l hesitate to use the word expedition, as it was poorly led and planned, perhaps a mad rush in the bush is a better description. Many times as a child l used to gaze at the statue of Burke and Wills, (Melbourne is my home town), when l visited the Museum and wondered how they died and why was that statue there. My schoolbooks portrayed them as tragic heroes, but l felt sorry for John King as these books seemed to minimize his achievement of survival

This book finally gives King the credit he deserves for his amazing survival and the tenacious ability he displayed to achieve this. Unfortunately his health was broken by the experience and he suffered much mental angiush for the remainder of his short life. This anguish, l suspect, derived from the charade he was forced to be a part of upon his return to Melbourne.

He was very critical of the Exploration Committee on the way back to Melbourne after his rescue but was stunned by the reception he received in Victoria on the way back to Melbourne where he was lauded as some type of hero. It was just too much for this quiet and unassuming man. He had to play along and hold his true thoughts about the Exploration Committee to himself. He was up against too much public emotion and powerful interests to upset the applecart, l also believe he felt very guilty about his survival.

This book captures the vastness and emptiness of the Australian interior and yet also describes the beauty of the outback. I have lived in the outback myself while working at remote weather stations. The description of the climate, landscape and vegetation of the part of the outback that the expedition traversed is concise and correct.

This book also gives an account of the expeditions of the explorer; the very able and resourceful John Macdouall Stuart and gives him the credit he richly deserves as a an explorer and a surveyor.

Almost makes it.......2003-05-27

Like the trek it describes, 'Dig Tree' is almost successful. There's no denying that a lot of research went into this book, and in some ways, that's what holds it back. It's almost like Ms Murgatroyd is afraid to leave anything out.
The book also has too many editorial gaffes--wrong tenses, left out words--they're minor, but annoying. Whether or not they are the author's is beside the point, they should have been caught.
I'd certainly keep this on my Burke & Wills shelf--but the classic for me is Alan Moorehead's 'Cooper's Creek.'
Although I doubt Moorehead had access to all that Murgatroyd did, he still manages to tell the story with a great deal more panache.

From sea to sea . . . almost.......2003-01-15

Australia's desolate interior evokes much legend. Dominating the legends are the traverses of European explorers in the region. Among these legends, that of Burke and Wills retains a lofty status, one Sarah Murgatroyd may have forever toppled. She has given the tradition of explorer heroics a strenuous airing with this book. Few reputations are left unsmirched, but her real assault centres on the incompetence of the expedition's leader, Robert O'Hara Burke.

The author relates how Burke left Melbourne, Victoria, in 1860 with several ambitions, muddled instructions and devoid of capabilities to manage the task. Behind his straggling team were a cabal of businessmen intent on extending Victoria's borders. Beyond that, they also hoped to initiate a telegraph line route to Asia, thence to London. In competition with Adelaide to the west, both cities had sponsored expeditions to traverse the continent from south to north. Others had made the attempt, but the travails of crossing a land intolerant of blundering had thwarted them all. Burke was aware of a major competitor in the figure of Charles McDouall Stuart who had nearly succeeded before turning back. Burke, among other things, saw the enterprise as a race - which he intended to win.

Murgatroyed demonstrates how that aspect, among others, doomed the expedition from the beginning. Burke's undue haste led to launching the trek at the worst time of year. He quarreled with subordinates, sacked members of the team and scorned delays occasioned by scientific studies. His fatal error was in dividing the group, ultimately leaving most of his companions behind to make a dash to the northern sea. It was the fragmenting of the expedition that led to conflicting priorities and delays. In the end, not able to actually observe the sea, three survivors of the dash north returned to the rendezvous point to find the word "Dig" carved in a tree. It wasn't enough to save the two leaders surviving the journey.

In analysing Burke's actions, Murgatroyd contrasts them with others, some having set out to rescue the lost venturers. As she points out, the business leaders of Melbourne enhanced the already general view that the only thing considered more "heroic than a successful explorer was a dead one." Melbourne now had two in Burke and his subordinate William Wills. The legend of their heroism was almost manufactured by those who'd sponsored the expedition. The hagiography surrounding the pair has persisted in strength for over a century.

Murgatroyd dispels that idolatry effectively. She cannot be faulted for viewing the past with modern eyes as some are led to do. As a journalist's account, the book is not footnoted, although she provides a good reading list. Her style is open and forthright, keeping the reader close to the events related. She speculates but little, and her judgements are conveyed in sharp contrast. Various persona are portrayed in scathing terms. Even those driven by events escape but narrowly. Her account will dismay some, but none sink into ennui. Her rendition of a complex story makes excellent reading. Her loss to journalism is severe.

Superb book about Australian exploration.......2002-12-29

The book describes the (unfortunate) journey of Burke and Wills and gives a good overview of other explorers of Australia. The author has a great ability to recreate mid-19th century Australian life and views. Overall, this is a superbly researched book that captivates the reader.

An excellent read that both informs and entertains. Ideal for anyone who has interest in Australia, Australian history or exploration. It may not be that interesting for those without these interests

A compelling, heartbreaking story.......2002-10-30

Sarah Murgatroyd does a terrific job of assembling a compelling story of a doomed expedition across Australia. She carefully pulls together pieces from diaries, old news accounts, and official records, and even throws in insights into human and camel physiology when necessary.

The story moves along with interesting characters and sometimes heartbreaking events. Importantly, Murgatroyd grounds everything in historical research, giving her account valuable credibility.

If there's a weakness in this book it is only because the author does so well bringing the reader close to the events. You want the book to go one further step and recreate the conversations among the explorers, but of course it cannot do that.

Book Description

Published in association with the Department of Conservation

Montana New Zealand Book Awards
Environment Winner 2001

This book is a celebration of our most easily recognised and distinctive trees - their place in the natural world, their importance to Maori, their place in the world of symbolism, art, design, horticulture, and as a national symbol. It also looks at the mysterious disease called 'sudden decline syndrome', which has caused widespread losses of cabbage trees, and research to combat the problem.

Lavishly designed, the book features numerous illustrations ranging from the author's magnificent colour photographs to reproductions of the tree in art, sculpture, and popular culture. It also looks at conservation, the future of cabbage trees in the New Zealand landscape, and examples of cabbage trees notable for their great size or their particular significance in the Maori world, as well as trees planted to mark significant events or locations.

Average customer rating:
Down the Hole Up the Tree Across the Sandhills...: ...Running from the State and Daisy Bates
Edna Tantjingu Williams , and Eileen Wani Wingfield
Manufacturer: Iad Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Australia | Australia & Oceania | History | Subjects | Books
New Zealand | Australia & Oceania | History | Subjects | Books
General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1864650249

Book Description

Fodor's Scotland 2001 "Fodor's guides cover culture authoritatively and rarely miss a sight or museum." - National Geographic Traveler

"The king of guidebooks." - Newsweek

No matter what your budget or whether it's your first trip or fifteenth, Fodor's Gold Guides get you where you want to go.

Insider info that's totally up to date. Every year our local experts give you the inside track, showing you all the things to see and do -- from must-see sights to off-the-beaten-path adventures, from shopping to outdoor fun.

Hundreds of hotel and restaurant choices in all price ranges -- from budget-friendly B&Bs to luxury hotels, from casual eateries to the hottest new restaurants, complete with thorough reviews showing what makes each place special.

Smart Travel Tips A to Z section helps you take care of the nitty gritty with essential local contacts and great advice -- from how to take your mountain bike with you to what to do in an emergency.

Full-size, foldout map keeps you on course.

We've compiled a helpful list of guidebooks that complement Fodor's Scotland 2000. To learn more about them, just enter the title in the keyword search box.
Fodor's Exploring Scotland: An information-rich cultural guide in full color. Fodor's Great Britain 2001 Fodor's upCLOSE Great Britain: Designed for those who want to travel well and spend less.

Customer Reviews:

Just Scratches the Surface.......2001-07-14

I bought this book before a trip to Scotland in April 2001, and it actually didn't arrive until after I returned. So, I looked to this book to spark memories of the rich, gorgeous land I'd just visited, and I was sorely disappointed. This book just barely scratches the surface of what Scotland is, and I really think someone else MUST do a better job. The friend who I went to visit in Scotland agrees, by the way.

Customer Reviews:

A Real Adventure.......2000-07-27

You never know what will happen with fairies! Take a journey with the Queen of Fairies or the King of Fairies. Either way promises to bring danger, excitement, adventure, and a chance to meet friends.

Book Description

The Flagellates presents a multidisciplinary view of the flagellates exploring both their unity, in terms of their structure, mechanisms and processes, and their diversity in terms of biogeography, niche colonisation, and adaptations to their environment. In addition, evolutionary relationships amongst flagellates are explored. This is the only book published on this subject and features the most up to date information available making it an essential read for any one interested in or working in this field.

Average customer rating:

Taught me everything I needed beyond ap physics C

An excellent book to learn physics, not for the SAT II

While not flawless, an excellent book to use

Very good review

Cracking the SAT Physics Subject Test, 2005-2006
Princeton Review
Manufacturer: Princeton Review
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Cracking the SAT Math 1 and 2 Subject Tests, 2005-2006 Edition (College Test Prep)

How to Prepare for the SAT II Math Level II C

Cracking the SAT Chemistry Subject Test, 2005-2006 Edition (College Test Prep)

Kaplan SAT Subject Test: Physics 2006-2007 (Kaplan Sat Subject Test. Physics)

Cracking the SAT Biology E/M Subject Test, 2005-2006 Edition (College Test Prep)

ASIN: 0375764526
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Customer Reviews:

Taught me everything I needed beyond ap physics C.......2007-06-05

Background: I took ap physics C (both Mech and E&M). This was my primary book for learning the rest of the physics that is on the SAT subject test. It gave me the extra lessons I needed for an 800.

Although I was expecting Princeton to be a terrible choice when it comes to math and science (usually Barrons is better there), this book was surprisingly good. It taught me everything I needed for the test that was not either mechanics or e&m. I do not know how good this book is for those 2 topics however (which is 60% of the test). Princeton Review always have the best practice tests by far (only the offical book has better ones, and no duh, they are real). I do not recommend barrons for this test at all. the practice test for kaplan is the closest to the real one in terms of score, but its on the easy side, which is never good. The practice tests in this book was way harder than the real one, but its got the exact format and I still consider it the best for practice. You can probably add at least 50 points to your score on the Princeton.

I gave this book a 4 instead of a 5 because the practice tests overly emphasized calculation (just like all other physics prep books) and it gives you a lot of formulas you will never need. The SAT physics test is mostly conceptual. The good news is, there was not a single thing that I have not seen before because of this book. and again, it is the best of its kind even if its not perfect.

An excellent book to learn physics, not for the SAT II.......2006-01-31

This book is an excellent source to learn about almost every aspect of physics. It touches base on things that are not taught in the high school curriculum. I took a year of regents physics and am taking IB physics this year and the book helped a lot. However, the practice problems and in depth information in this book is NOT ON THE PHYSICS SAT II. I took the test a few months ago and the test is nothing compared to the book. Yes it will overprepare you for the test, but if you don't have time to read and study all of those pages, theres no reason to. I'm sure there are other books out that will teach you all you need to know. Again, excellent book, but for the person who just wants to ace the test and nothing more, its a waste of time and energy trying to understand it all. It is not an easy read for an average student. I got a 780 on the test and most of the questions are all on concepts, maybe about 8 percent of the test had actual math problems where you had to work stuff out, and you really don't need to know that many formulas. All in all its a great book to impress your physics teacher and grasp many concepts but not the best for the test.

While not flawless, an excellent book to use.......2005-06-27

I started reviewing with this book for the SAT Physics Subject Test only three days before I had to take it. While I had taken one year of regular physics in school, we never had to memorize the equations for our tests. This book did an excellent job of condensing all the information needed, and its explanations were clear and concise. The review problems were challenging but ensured a thorough understanding of the concepts, and the provided solutions to the practice tests were easy to understand.

I rate this book a four instead of a five only because of its practice tests. There are only two of them, and I found them to be harder than the actual test (althougth that's better than being easier). To give a sense of the score distortion, I made a 740 on the first practice test, and I made a 790 on the real thing. So although this book's tests aren't great indicators of how well you will perform on the real SAT Physics Subject Test, its review of the material is very good, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Very good review.......2005-06-06

This book presents an excellent review, the only issue is that it shoudl have had more practice tests.

SAT Subject Tests: Physics 2005-2006 (Kaplan SAT Subject Tests: Physics)

Average customer rating:

I think Kaplan doesn't proofread its books
do not purchase
Depends on what you want to score

SAT Subject Tests: Physics 2005-2006 (Kaplan SAT Subject Tests: Physics)
Kaplan
Manufacturer: Kaplan Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Test Prep Central | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0743265343
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Customer Reviews:

I think Kaplan doesn't proofread its books.......2007-03-12

There are tons of typos in this book. In one particularly stupid question, they ask what happens when you decrease the volume of a gas but keep the temperature constant. One of the options is "the volume decreases"! Worse, it's the wrong answer! (My guess is they meant to write pressure)
The questions that don't have typos are pretty lousy, and clearly not the kind they'll have on the SAT. One question asked what what the angle above which complete reflection occurs is called. A semantics question! The SAT writers aren't stupid enough to test what a specific term is called - they're testing actual physics. Kaplan, however, is that stupid.
Lastly, it's remarkably easy. The review book I intend to use hasn't arrived yet, I haven't studied physics since last June, yet I got an 800 on the first practice test I tried. Don't waste your money.

do not purchase.......2006-01-23

This book does not prepare you for SAT II Physics, instead it just wastes your money and time. This book does not include any hard questions at all. This book may be helpful for those who want to score 700, but for those who want to score 800 in test, this book is not useful. According to my experience so far, I would say that it is better to pay more attention in class room and you can still score 700.

Depends on what you want to score.......2005-10-18

This book is the best out there if you don't know anthing about physics. It explains concepts very clearly so that everyone can understand them. However, if you want to score 750+, just use this book as a last day review, because you can only score 700 even if you know all the material in this book. Use barron's though it is hard to study from that book. (Also practice tests and scale don't reflect the actual test in this book. It says that you get 10 wrong and a still 800. If you are able to get 10 wrong from kaplan, in the actual exam, you can only get 700).

Book Description

This book, which includes A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Winter's Tale,and The Tempest, is for the student of Shakespeare, whether in the theatre class or the literature class. It is for actors of Shakespeare, and for the directors. It is a practical guide and an insightful critique. It is also immensely readable.

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