An Indispensable Contribution to the Field ...
356630
Foremost (and as is repeatedly emphasized here), this is a graduate-level text which can also be used by researchers/clinicians as a reference. (Therefore, proceed accordingly).

Here are a few observations on this piece:
-The editor's organization follows a logical progression.
-The contributors' writing is clear and concise (a quality very much prized in a textbook of this inherent complexity).
-The text is immaculately researched/documented.

The only caveat: it positively essential that the reader has successfully completed at least an undergraduate course in probability and statics. The editor is emphatic on this point ... and for good reason. Unless the reader possesses a strong math background, he/she will find this (extremely valuable) work difficult to penetrate.
1705673
For several years now, WILDGuides have been setting the standard for small, handy field guides that focus mainly on the identification of neglected groups of wildlife. Their approach is characterised by portability, emphasis on visual utility (the use of computer enhanced photographs) and a significant contribution to conservation. The latter is achieved in two ways: firstly by getting these guides into the hands of the public at very competitive prices (WILDGuides is a non-profit publisher) and secondly by donating all profits to conservation organisations that work on the area or organisms treated by each guide.

True to form, WILDGuides' new guide to Britain's Reptiles & Amphibians covers a group that has not received much attention in recent years. But the guide recommends itself not just by simple default: a lot of care has clearly gone into ensuring that this will be the definitive guide for years to come. To begin with, all Britain's species are included: thirteen species native to Britain and Ireland, plus five marine turtles (the "native" Leatherback and the four vagrants), six well established non-native species and eight other exotics.

Foremost are the photographs, more than 200 of which handsomely illustrate the introductory chapters as well as the species accounts themselves. Needless to say, the images are of the highest quality. The text matches them, being succinct, informative and authoritative, both on identification features and on natural history. It is heartening to see a strong emphasis on conservation too. WILDGuides' trademark annual activity clocks - a highly effective way of portraying life cycles - and crystal clear, up-to-date distribution maps, complement the text. Preceding the species accounts, a series of summary identification charts compare the characteristics of similar groups of species. And there are some striking comparative images of snake heads, as well as photographs of the sloughed skin of reptiles (the latter easily enabling identification by this method). It would be difficult to ask for more.

And since WILDGuides is a non-profit organisation that supports conservation throughout the world, you are helping ensure that the wildlife you enjoy today will still be there for others to enjoy tomorrow. In this case, profits from the book go to the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust.

In sum, this is THE guide to reptiles and amphibians, an essential addition to the naturalist's library. Highly recommended for beginners and experts alike.

Chris Sharpe, 3 November 2009. ISBN-13: 978-1-903657-25-6
1539796
This is an indispensable reference for professional geologists as well as amateurs. Some terms that have fallen out of use are defined with obsolete concepts, but those do turn up every now and then in both amateur and professional contexts. No doubt it needs to be revised soon. However, most of us have a copy and many of us need it.
1107575
No other book on amphibian ecology or behavior comes even close to the breadth and  rigor of this work.  The extraordinary wealth of real, peer-reviewed data that the author has gathered is simply staggering, and its seamless incorporation into the material is a testament to Kent Wells' unique grasp of amphibian biology.  As amphibian populations face unprecedented challenges globally, it is more crucial than ever that we understand how amphibians interact with their environment, and each other, so that we may better preserve and protect their remaining populations in meaningful ways. I have no doubt that this book will remain the ultimate treatise for this task.
3028945
This is the best available anthology on the important and difficult problem of clarifying and operationalising the use of character concepts in evolutionary biology. The introduction by Gunter Wagner, a leading evo-devo researcher and clear-minded theoretician, is the most cogent ten-page summary of the scientific difficulties and prospects involved you'll ever come across. The collection contains papers offering a broad range of perspectives: philosophical, mathematical, historical, comparative, mechanistic. All the papers are informative, and a number are simply excellent and evidently push science forward. I would go as far as to say it should be required reading for any evolutionary biologist.
3589341
This is a timely book on the world's largest ocean that arguably remains one of the least known areas on the planet.

Greater understanding and insights are gained on a range of topics,  most of which are of considerable importance today.  Anyone keen to know more about climate change and the geo-sciences as they apply to the Pacific, and indeed to all areas,  will find much to engage with in this 269 page book.
There are intriguing passages devoted to refuting some of the lunatic fringe theories by Madame Blavatsky et al, on sunken continents and their inhabitants.

Impeccably researched and well-written,  Nunn's book deserves to be in every public library.  It will be a valuable  resource for academics and students, as well as holding the interest of a wide general reading public.
841025
Rich's latest book addressing work with sexually abusive youth focuses strictly on the assessment of risk for sexual re-offense. His book is complete and broad in every respect, moving seamlessly from theory, to research, to practice, and finally to instruction, moving from the academic to the practical. This is a hands on book that provides information, insight, critique, and direction, including a review of current risk assessment tools and their application, and instruction on how to conduct and document a comprehensive risk assessment, with a focus on the juvenile in the context of his (or her) "whole" life, and not as just an "offender." This is an important contribution to the field.
1845953
Dr Herson is one of the reigning gurus on DSMC matters. This volume continues the accomplishments of the first edition in presenting state-of-the-art information regarding DSMC operations, management, and decision-making. Since the first volume appeared I have used it regularly as my "go-to" reference for DSMC items and I fully anticipate this edition will be even more useful. I can recommend it for anyone who is involved with DSMCs in any capacity -- members, chairs, sponsors, and other participating parties.
3044313
Not the most thoroughly-researched literary genre, this collection of academia and theory is much-needed and highly-appreciated as an important contribution to discourse in the field.
1521012
This superbly edited compendium of expository and research articles by the finest planetary scientists in this speciality will fascinate all serious students of astronomy; there is much here for the physicist or meteorologist also.  For example, an article on comparative atmospheric  evolutions on Venus, Earth, and Mars clearly and cogently explains to the  diligent reader the relationships among planetary size, the planet's  ability to generate plate-tectonic activity, and the planet's evolved  atmosphere. A section of color photographs, superb both in their  attractiveness and their expository value, is included in this seminal  work.
1846051
I have had the priveledge of close association with the author, Ron Redfern, throughout the writing, organization and photographic activities that support this publication. In a  career of geology-based endeavors, I have never enjoyed a more unique, thorough and emminently readable portrayal of the interlocking sciences that result in the Earth's evolutionary history. This is a complex subject. However, the author has made the 700 million year trip a pleasure. The beautiful, panoramic photography, the interweaving of summary-level essays, and meticulously time-based text, lavishly supported by color illustrations, gives the reader a multi-disciplinary view of not only our planet's geologic evolution, but also its close association with meteorological events and the evolution of life. The reader will want to read and re-read this book. A wonderful adventure, every time, with new perspectives of "how things work" discovered on each page.
M.M. Thacker
Geologist
President, the La Mancha Company (consulting)
3667828
Reed's book is essential reading for anyone, particularly women, looking to gain a greater understanding of the origin or women's oppression.  Reed was a lifelong student of anthropology and her scientific and materialist explanation of the pivotal role women have played in the development of humanity are necessary tools for anyone seeking to change the status of women for the better. The book is imbued with this.  Though a serious work of scholorship, it is foremost a book for fighters.  It stands along side Frederick Engel's, "Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State" in this regard.
Reed traces the development of human societies, with particular attention to the role of women, from the early matriarchal clans of hunters and gatherers, to the growth of agriculture, to the rise of the first states and beyond.  Her defense of the matriarchal nature of the early clans devastates the many defenders of the idea that society was always patriarchal and women are doomed to being the second sex.  It also lays waste the idea that men are "by nature" oppressors of women. It is a welcome antidote to the many "spiritual" works on women as well as the psuedo scientific defenders of women's oppression.
The book is important for any student of human history. Among it's particular contributions:The explanation of the incest taboos as originating in taboos on cannibalism; the role of women in the development of agriculture; the significance of human sacrifice and why it ended (this section is particularly useful for students of Meso-American history); the evolution of lineage and kinship groupings prior to and after the formation of the first city states; the role of the state and private property in cementing the dominance of men and the patriarchy, etc. Her defense of both the evolutionary and comparative methods of anthropology, and her consistant materialism make the book a part of an important ongoing debate in scientific circles.  A debate which is interesting to any reader looking for an explanation of why society is organized the way it is.
The book is a serious scientific work and takes work to read, though it is fascinating work.  Her other books, "Problems of Women's Liberation" and "Sexism and Science" are useful introductions to some of the concepts explored here.
Women's Evolution is necessary reading for any student of anthropology.  It is ignored by most anthropologists who have made their careers as defenders of the status quo and for the same reasons have ignored Engels, Lewis Henry Morgan, Bachofen and others. Though they often polemicize against them and their ideas.  Reed wrote the book as a fighter for women's rights and an anti-capitalist, the work is dedicated to young feminists.
3786530
Grant's skillful review of the sometimes complex topics in this field are a revelation. This text should be used by all students in the field, and expereinced practitioners will benefit as well.
2718070
For those interested in the sociology of the environment and the politics of space and resource use, this book is enormously useful. I found documents here I have never seen in any other compendium. I highly recommend this book!
532270
This is an excellent book written by an expert in the field covering an impressive range of topics such as physics of the strong, weak, and electroweak interactions, physics beyond the standard model, and even general topics in particle physics and quantum field theory. The breadth does not come at the expense of the depth. In fact, the book gives details where other sources "waive their hands" or just remain silent.  For students and experts alike it is an invaluable resource. The book is on my shelf and I often consult it. You should do too!
4720163
Important publication of a remarkable collection.  The examples are world class and the text clear and informative.  The area is not as well know as some others and this alone makes the book an important contribution to this area of study
3649696
Excellent, readable treatise on an immensely important and complex, multifaceted ecological issue.
Dr. Marra deals in an even-handed, scientifically sound, data-driven manner with multiple issues in the management of cats.

He takes very seriously the sad lives of cats left to roam outdoors -  vulnerable to predation, vulnerable to cars, vulnerable to illnesses and malnutrition. Hence it is not a book only about the damage done by outdoor cats (owned, un-owned or feral).  The damage however is serious and well documented. The damage to wildlife - birds, mammals and reptiles is staggering, many species populations are seriously endangered by the addition of cat predation to habitat loss and climate change.  The damage to people can also be considerable.  The problem of Toxoplasmosis to human health is well documented in the book and the broader literature.  It is a must-read for those who take seriously the balance of nature, the preservation of the living environment (even in your own back-yard!), the health and well being of the living, interacting systems of which we humans are an important component.
The persons who denigrate and demean the message of this book just aren't getting it!