Fantastic resource for beginner or long time Iron devotee
357119
A book on the crossroads of bodybuilding, power-lifting, and fat loss, by an accomplished lifter, coach and writer with over forty years of experience in the game.

Mixed feelings about this book. Short form: I highly recommend it to a range of audiences, despite my reservations. I enjoyed reading it, and will re-read it several times, looking for the bits I can make use of.

Marty coached or met everyone who was anyone in the world of Power lifting in the 80s and 90s, and he fills the book with anecdotes that give a real feel for the characters that made a half-underground sport what it was. He also uses these anecdotes to great effect when discussing training styles and nutritional strategies, building his recommendations for various phases of body recomposition around the greats he trained with or coached. His writing is engaging, and his genuine love of the sport shines through. The tales of strength he shares are inspiring, and he has a knack for presenting even the roughest of his subjects with their humanity intact.

The training and diet information are comprehensive. Marty is a big believer in old school training splits and volume, and he has plenty of experience to back up his position. It's an approach to training that will feel pretty revolutionary to a machine trainer or someone caught up in the absurd, unproductive isolation training so many unqualified trainers end up foisting on their clients.

On the downside, this is mostly a book for beginners and intermediate trainees. I didn't see his weight training recommendations as all that relevant to my own current needs; my program is already spartan by Marty's standards, and I expect a fair number of more experienced lifters will feel the same way. His cardio and diet recommendations were similarly solid, but not likely to change the way I train or eat (not because they're bad; just because it's another case of "I already do that"). Marty also doesn't make much of a training distinction between Body Building, Power Lifting, Strong Man Competition, Olympic Lifting, Martial Arts, or other strength sports. To a more advanced lifter who knows where he wants to fit in the strength game, that cuts into the book's utility.

The place where the book falls down most is in its silence on the subject of steroids. It's a tough subject to honestly discuss. Talking about it opens you up to attack from the For The Children crowd and scares the heck out of a certain percentage of law abiding citizens (i.e. the vast majority of the market). Athletes don't want their reputations tarnished by the public admission that they were using, and supplement manufacturers (a prime job for ex-champions) hate admitting that their spokes-user did not gain twenty inch biceps at three percent body-fat solely through the use of their products.

So, Marty doesn't talk about steroids and training at all. This isn't just a problem because we miss out on part of the story of power lifting and bodybuilding in the day. Ultimately, the training you believe in and recommend is built around what you've seen work. The training that works for a twenty year old serious steroid user is not necessarily relevant to any natural trainee, let alone the thirty-and-over crowd Marty seems to be speaking to. I can see how much experience he's bringing to the recommendations in this book, and I absolutely respect his impeccable strength-cred. But I'm left wondering: Are these volume recommendations really the best choices for a non-user?

In the end, I'd say that this book is still of great value and well worth purchasing, despite its flaws. If you're interested in a slice of Iron History, or a beginner looking for a guide to body transformation, go get it.
1269018
For beginners to advanced - this is a great resource.
1674693
I've been making chainmaille for a number of years and am always looking for good beginner books to recommend to others.  This series is high on my recommend list.  Jeff gives clear pictures and written descriptions of the weave he is working on.
My only suggestion is on the bonus project is to have a link or location where one could download the either the written inlay rows or the IGP image.
Otherwise, keep up the great work!
681070
This is a great resource-- especially for recipes. I think most of the instructional portion of this book is available online. However, the author does a great deal for simplifying the procedure by using lots and lots of good photos to accompany his instructions.

I have brewed before and it turns out that I inadvertently followed the author's instructions for learning brewing and have used a kit, used malt extract, and have just recently bought what I need to tackle full-mash brewing. I am VERY glad to have his instructions for this process, which requires more equipment than I had expected and already has saved me from plunging into a project without the right tools (need a tun and sparge arm), which I seem to love to do. I've made several very good batches of bitter in the past and plan another for my experiment in full-mash.

The book is loaded with recipes, even some for lambics, which has always been a dream of mine. I have access to a very good brew shop-- DeFalco's, in Houston, so I've always be able to just pick up the phone and bug them with my questions. Thanks to Mr. Hughs' thorough instructions for full-mash brewing I'm feeling a bit more confident and hoping I won't need to pester my home-brew connections with incessant questions for this batch.

If you are interested in starting home-brewing, I think this book is a very, very, very good investment. I wish I had had a copy of it to start with. I'm a cheapskate, but this would be worth the money to both new brewers and intermediate brewers alike.
4528067
What a terrific find!  I've loved this ironing board since I took it out of the box, but the more I use it, the more I appreciate the features.  Shipping was fast and I received the board in perfect condition.  Shipping box was adequate in my opinion, although several reviewers have found fault.

First off, it is well designed and constructed.  The setup mechanism works smoothly and easily and offers several heights.  My favorite way to set this up is low enough to iron from a chair.  I place the board perpendicular to my sewing machine, and all I have to do is turn my swivel chair and roll a few inches to iron a seam.

The four-footed design makes this ironing board ultra-stable.  The cotton pad and cover are plain, but quality, and I expect that it will last for a very long time.

The attached stow-away sleeve board is easy and smooth to operate.  Very nice feature.  Also wonderful is that this ironing  board is a full 50% wider than any ironing board I've owned through the ages.  Makes ironing almost a pleasure.

I love the iron rest that keeps your steam iron at the perfect angle to prevent those awful leaks or steam releases.  The hanger on the rear of the iron rest plate handles several shirts or pants on hangers so that you don't have to keep moving away from the board when your done ironing a piece.  The iron rest is accessible and works from either side of the board that you may be ironing from.  The pad on the rest IS heat proof, so don't do what another reviewer did and take it off.

It is without any hestiation that I grant this FIVE stars ... I'd give it 6 if Amazon would allow it!  For the money, you will NEVER beat this ironing board.

*****UPDATE***** After 4 years of almost daily use, with LOTS of steam, this ironing board is still like new.  I have several pad/cover sets, and change them weekly.  The board has no warp, no discoloration, nothing.  The frame is just like it was when I first set it up.  I still love it, and enjoy using it.
4731258
I have been a hobbyist photographer for several years and although I mainly shoot in Aperture Priority and Manual Mode, I know there is still a lot I do not know about my camera and I'm always looking for opportunities to learn more about photography.  This was my first DSLR Guide so I wasn't sure what to expect.  First of all there are almost 500 pages of content!  David has done a REALLY great job of providing a resource for both new and seasoned photographers alike.  The book starts out with the very basics of the D7200 but quickly begins to cover in detail every single button, feature and menu item on the camera (which in itself is an incredible feat).  David provides his suggested settings and throughout the book and even tells you why he recommends them.  There are photos and examples on almost every page of the book that illustrate the feature or show where on the camera that particular feature is found.  So far I'm 1/2 way finished with the book.  I've already learned a lot from this book and am excited to finish the rest of the book and learn about the features and settings that I am not as familiar with.  I would HIGHLY recommend this book to any photographer!
4231695
Great book to add to any blacksmith library!!  Covers a lot of material ranging from design, execution, and tool making.  Everything is well explained and beautifully photographed.  You can tell Robert Thomas and his design team spent a lot of time creating this book.  Everyone from the beginner to full time smith would benifit from purchasing this book.  ***** James Johnson /  Anyang USA
272383
Tons of photos and info make this book a worthwhile buy for anyone into metal - also makes a great gift!
3511972
This book is an excellent quick-reference styled resource for those wanting to know everything from how to purchase wood to ideas on some nice old-fashioned projects to almost every type of joinery you could craft.  It also has a nice detailed section on measuring and marking - the source of many of my woodworking headaches.  Easy to follow and a great refresher for those who might want to brush up on a lesson learned long ago.  The spiral binding is also great for keeping it open while working on a project.
1816639
I have, and love this book!  I sent for this one to give as a gift.  I first learned to solder with this book.  I just wish there were more sources for soldering irons, and a clear standardization for tips!  It is really hard for me to find the right tips for the irons that I have, since there is really no number on the iron, to match up with the tips.  The base of the tip (that slips into the collar, is usually too large).  Even though the package on the iron says 1/4" tip needed....it appears the iron manufacturers idea of 1/4" tip, isn't the same as the tip manufacturers!  Maybe the tip manufacturers are concentrating on the end used to solder, as being 1/4",  but forgetting that the end that slips into the collar of the iron needs to be slimmer!
397457
I love this iron!  I love the bulk and the weight! Best iron I've had in a long long time!
2673329
Hand-Stitched Home is a fabulous resource for anyone interested in creating beautiful woolen projects for their home, as well as their wardrobe. The author features Pendelton wool, but the projects can be completed using any wool of choice. There is a wonderful section filled with tips and tricks and basic instruction for sewing with wool that will be invaluable to beginning sewists especially. There is also an interesting section on the history of the Pendelton Wool company. I did not know very much about the company prior to reading this book. For anyone interested in the story behind a company, this is a great little addition.

The projects are beautifully photographed and the instructions are so clearly written that even a novice sewist should have no problem following them. There are nearly two dozen projects, ranging from a beautiful reverse-applique table runner to a very stylish obi belt to a cozy, beautiful patchwork blanket. All the projects are rated by difficulty, and after reading through several carefully, I believe the ratings are accurate.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in sewing with wool.
718996
I was reluctant to buy this book at first because I purchased Shewey's "Steelhead Flies" book some years back.  I was afraid that there would be an abundance of repeat material, and too much overlap.  I'm happy to say that my fears were unfounded and I have thouroughly enjoyed this book.

Shewey does a good job of providing some history of the material used for tying these styles, and I believe it is a nice addition to the fly recipes and techniques he describes (the techniques are one area where there is some overlap with his other book, but they are an essential part of the book).  The picture quality is great, and this book (especially in hardcover) could look just as good on a coffee table as on a tying bench. I especially enjoyed seeing different tyers' interprations of the same pattern, and the little variation each one makes.

Although Shewey does a good job of explaining the different techniques needed to tie spay and dee flies, to make the most of this book you really need to have some prior tying experience.  I don't see that as an issue though, since the complete novice fly tyer typically won't be attempting to tie in this style in the first place.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to get a start on tying these style of flies, or any fly tyer that finds them fascinating as I do.
4372772
The best reference for the metal working trade - more than you will ever need  to know
3519181
I am brand new to Metal Clay. I have read this book cover to cover and then some! It is excellent for anyone just starting out or for someone who may need a refresher course! A wonderful reference book that is well written and easy to follow!
2713418
I purchased the only used book available, due to budget constrictions .I love this book!  The only disagreement I would have is  my peference for yellow cornmeal.  I grew up with yellow cornmeal , but always have both (yellow and white cornmeal)  on hand and in some recipes mix them.
 I am now reacquainting myself and family with cast iron. The recipes in this book remind me of my mother and my aunt cooking wonderful cast iron meals in the southwest (Seminole,Oklahoma) and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  After a few moves during the years (theirs and mine),  I've lost their cast iron cookware and recipes .Yet, I do I treasure the use of cast iron and cast iron cooking.  As a first in this book,  I have tried  the Garden Meatloaf and  my family loved it !  I do have to purchase 2 loaf pans and a 2 quart oval casserole for some of the recipes.
The background information gives insight into the towns' (Pittsburg, Tennessee ) history and makes one feel as if they might be your neighbors. This made in the USA book , is my new go to for reacquainting with cast iron and cast cooking. Way to go foundation and Amazon!

Made in the USA, this memoable little book, has now become my go to recipe book for cast iron coking reacquainted.
1260236
A BOOK OF THIS KIND, AND STYLE, WAS A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING, but John Carroll & Garry Stuart were more than up to the task. Its strength lies in the research and history of our American Iron that was done at the outset.

The book flows from the earliest days of Henry's Model T, all the way through to some of the neatest rides on the planet that were showcased in the New Millienium at the Petersen Museum.  In between, the contents of its eleven chapters cover: the Teens, Twenties, Thirties, Forties, Fifties, Sixties, Seventies, Eighties, Nineties & Beyond.  With a Special Chapter on "Hot Rod People" and a Glossary for those that are new to the Hobby/Industry and want to brush-up on some ot the terms we use.

When I said that this book was a "massive undertaking" I wasn't kidding ! This Hardcover book measures 11"X 8.5", has 448 Pages, is loaded with over a bazillion color pictures, many early B&W photos in the Early Years Section, and weighs-in at almost FIVE POUNDS !

John Carroll & Garry Stuart are both Brits and that's a good thing because they also cover some of the action/events in the U.K....where so many dearly love our All-American Iron. In addition , they both are not only into cars but bikes as well, are good friends and have collaborated on many other books.  It shows in the stellar work done on this volume.

All-in-all I gave it 5 Stars...it's one you'll love to look at time-and-time again, and it will really be a great addition to your library !