Essential at any level, 11 Feb 2008
Great book, great for all levels - good mix of theorists, excellent links to more information. Good links to those who oppose the theorists cited and why - would recommend as a good basic book for any level of learning

essential for child related degree, 16 Nov 2007
I'm doing an early years degree and this book provides lots of basic, vital info about theorists. Well worth the money & easy to read with lots of visual info too.

Excellent Book, 26 Oct 2007
Really helped give me a basic outline of each theorists life and studies. Has been my bible for my foundation degree in early years

excellent for nvq3 childcare, 21 Oct 2007
very easy to read and understand making it ideal for nvq3 childcare a must! great!!

A must for those studying in early years, 03 Feb 2007
This book gives a brief outline of the most well known child development theorists. Studying for my foundation degree in childhood studies I refer to this book often as a start point for further research on a particuar theorist, or to find a theorist to make sence of my studies. Together with 'Theories of Childhood' by Carol Garhart Mooney I'm not worried about where to start looking for my research. I look at these! BUY IT.

Essential at any level, 11 Feb 2008
Great book, great for all levels - good mix of theorists, excellent links to more information. Good links to those who oppose the theorists cited and why - would recommend as a good basic book for any level of learning

essential for child related degree, 16 Nov 2007
I'm doing an early years degree and this book provides lots of basic, vital info about theorists. Well worth the money & easy to read with lots of visual info too.

Excellent Book, 26 Oct 2007
Really helped give me a basic outline of each theorists life and studies. Has been my bible for my foundation degree in early years

excellent for nvq3 childcare, 21 Oct 2007
very easy to read and understand making it ideal for nvq3 childcare a must! great!!

A must for those studying in early years, 03 Feb 2007
This book gives a brief outline of the most well known child development theorists. Studying for my foundation degree in childhood studies I refer to this book often as a start point for further research on a particuar theorist, or to find a theorist to make sence of my studies. Together with 'Theories of Childhood' by Carol Garhart Mooney I'm not worried about where to start looking for my research. I look at these! BUY IT.

Eysenk and Keane, 03 Nov 2007
VEry useful book for my first year cognition lectures, and it's been recommended as a core text for 2nd year aswell. Readable, and not too complex to understand.

Good-but very technical, 04 Oct 2007
This is a great into to cognitive therapy but I would also recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz as a more comprehensive user-friendly book for those who want to go back to the original cognitive philosophy.

Essential at any level, 11 Feb 2008
Great book, great for all levels - good mix of theorists, excellent links to more information. Good links to those who oppose the theorists cited and why - would recommend as a good basic book for any level of learning

essential for child related degree, 16 Nov 2007
I'm doing an early years degree and this book provides lots of basic, vital info about theorists. Well worth the money & easy to read with lots of visual info too.

Excellent Book, 26 Oct 2007
Really helped give me a basic outline of each theorists life and studies. Has been my bible for my foundation degree in early years

excellent for nvq3 childcare, 21 Oct 2007
very easy to read and understand making it ideal for nvq3 childcare a must! great!!

A must for those studying in early years, 03 Feb 2007
This book gives a brief outline of the most well known child development theorists. Studying for my foundation degree in childhood studies I refer to this book often as a start point for further research on a particuar theorist, or to find a theorist to make sence of my studies. Together with 'Theories of Childhood' by Carol Garhart Mooney I'm not worried about where to start looking for my research. I look at these! BUY IT.

Eysenk and Keane, 03 Nov 2007
VEry useful book for my first year cognition lectures, and it's been recommended as a core text for 2nd year aswell. Readable, and not too complex to understand.

Good-but very technical, 04 Oct 2007
This is a great into to cognitive therapy but I would also recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz as a more comprehensive user-friendly book for those who want to go back to the original cognitive philosophy.

Useful book, 19 Dec 2007
Its a very good book covering all areas very well.
A good accompanyment to a BA Early Years Education.

First Year Psychology, 08 Sep 2006
Useful for coursework, but other than that pretty boring. It just went on and on!

Psychology Student, 10 Jan 2006
BORING!! My goodness I didnt think that a book could get anymore boring! Don't bother buying this unless its compulsory reading! For such an interesting subject this book has definately fallen below expectations.

Even for those of you that aren't psychologically minded!, 08 Nov 2000
This book is ideal for those people that haven't got a clue what child development is all about, and/or those that need further grounding on it.

The first few chapters build up a little background knowledge to psychology in general and the history of child delevopment, so those of you that know relatively nothing aren't thrown in at the deep end.

It is both comprehendible and quite easy to read. Jargon is explained and psychological models are illustrated clearly and plainly. It lacks nothing. All areas are covered in sufficient depth and reference to interesting research has been included to keep your attention focused.

All in all; worth buying.

Other relevant reads:

Child Developement: Laura Berk

The Blackwell reader in development: Slater and Muirer

Essential at any level, 11 Feb 2008
Great book, great for all levels - good mix of theorists, excellent links to more information. Good links to those who oppose the theorists cited and why - would recommend as a good basic book for any level of learning

essential for child related degree, 16 Nov 2007
I'm doing an early years degree and this book provides lots of basic, vital info about theorists. Well worth the money & easy to read with lots of visual info too.

Excellent Book, 26 Oct 2007
Really helped give me a basic outline of each theorists life and studies. Has been my bible for my foundation degree in early years

excellent for nvq3 childcare, 21 Oct 2007
very easy to read and understand making it ideal for nvq3 childcare a must! great!!

A must for those studying in early years, 03 Feb 2007
This book gives a brief outline of the most well known child development theorists. Studying for my foundation degree in childhood studies I refer to this book often as a start point for further research on a particuar theorist, or to find a theorist to make sence of my studies. Together with 'Theories of Childhood' by Carol Garhart Mooney I'm not worried about where to start looking for my research. I look at these! BUY IT.

Eysenk and Keane, 03 Nov 2007
VEry useful book for my first year cognition lectures, and it's been recommended as a core text for 2nd year aswell. Readable, and not too complex to understand.

Good-but very technical, 04 Oct 2007
This is a great into to cognitive therapy but I would also recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz as a more comprehensive user-friendly book for those who want to go back to the original cognitive philosophy.

Useful book, 19 Dec 2007
Its a very good book covering all areas very well.
A good accompanyment to a BA Early Years Education.

First Year Psychology, 08 Sep 2006
Useful for coursework, but other than that pretty boring. It just went on and on!

Psychology Student, 10 Jan 2006
BORING!! My goodness I didnt think that a book could get anymore boring! Don't bother buying this unless its compulsory reading! For such an interesting subject this book has definately fallen below expectations.

Even for those of you that aren't psychologically minded!, 08 Nov 2000
This book is ideal for those people that haven't got a clue what child development is all about, and/or those that need further grounding on it.

The first few chapters build up a little background knowledge to psychology in general and the history of child delevopment, so those of you that know relatively nothing aren't thrown in at the deep end.

It is both comprehendible and quite easy to read. Jargon is explained and psychological models are illustrated clearly and plainly. It lacks nothing. All areas are covered in sufficient depth and reference to interesting research has been included to keep your attention focused.

All in all; worth buying.

Other relevant reads:

Child Developement: Laura Berk

The Blackwell reader in development: Slater and Muirer

Start beating the credit crunch and digest Food For Free!, 11 Oct 2008
I do like a bit of hedgerow and it's great to enjoy the free gifts from Mother Nature, but until I got my hands on a copy of this pocket sized guide, it was a little unclear.

This book is ideal and helps you understand what's under your nose in the gardens! So many common plants can be used in cooking and yet still we pay mini-fortunes for little bags of this and that in the shops. This book certainly helped me to identify and try some of the more obscure plants that I had absolutely no idea I could eat.

It's clear descriptions of what they look like alongside nice imagery of the plants themselves help you feel brave enough to give them a pluck and cook and the warnings are there to be heeded, particularly when it comes to mushrooms (personally, I'd only go for a puffball, you can't go wrong there)....

Although it's an academic book, it's written in an entertaining style and makes for an enjoyable read too.

I would highly recommend this for anyone who's trying to pull in their belts a bit, not because it will give them 'all' the answers, but it WILL help them to understand that all food doesn't come from the shops and that's a great step forward. As is cooking from fresh which of course this book sings out loud and clear.

There's always a really good reason why a book reprints and there are too many to list for this little fella.

Order it and don't leave it to fester on a shelf somewhere - keep it handy in your bag or coat pocket.

Tracey Smith
Author of 'The Book of Rubbish Ideas'
The Book of Rubbish Ideas: An interactive, room-by-room, guide to reducing household waste.

An excellent little book, 18 Jul 2008
This little gem of a book should be in every backpackers back pocket. Concise, focused and descriptive you'll have no trouble identifying the plants and shellfish. There has been some comments about lack of information on animals to eat, this is probably because rabbits, pheasants and such are classed as game and will belong to the landowner. Whilst it's ok to pick a few plants, mushrooms and shellfish it will probably be frowned on if you start blasting away at the countryside or setting traps!

A Handy Pocket Volume, 13 Aug 2007


Richard Mabey is the author of several books on flora and fauna so he is well qualified to write a book such as this. Over one hundred edible plants are featured together with recipes and other culinary information. There is also information on how to pick and when to pick and the regulations on picking which are very important. As I come from farming stock I have to say that food for free does not mean going into a field and digging up a few potato plants or for that matter cabbages.

There are plenty of hedgerow plants available for free, if you are prepared to look for them and suffer the odd few scratches. There is nothing better than a bowl of freshly picked blackberries or raspberries, if you can get them home before they are all eaten.

Plants that are edible are fully illustrated and described and the recipes are both old and new. Other fascinating information is how the plants have been used through the ages. An ideal book for all those who are nature lovers and like the idea of something for nothing. I think the last part covers 99.9% of the population.

Good Introduction, 02 May 2007
I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.
The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.
I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

Excellent pocket sized guide, 05 Feb 2006
This is a 2004 version and worthy addition to the very popular and pocket-sized Collins Gem series. ISBN 0-00-718303-8. Food For Free - A Fantastic Feast of Plants and Folklore.

The book starts with an introduction by the author Richard Mabey. It then has short sections titled 'Roots', 'Green Vegetables', 'Herbs', 'Spices', 'Flowers', 'Fruits', 'Making Jellies and Jams' and 'Nuts'. They include general advice, observations and uses. The main section of the book is given over to identification, with at least two pages per entry. An interesting section follows titled ’Picking Rules’ which gives advice on how to pick correctly how to stay safe. The last section before the main body of the book is a summary calendar which groups the picking times for entries into a colour-coded calendar - very useful as a quick reference.

Every entry is accompanied with a drawing. Most of the drawings are excellent, but one or two are a little small and thus less detailed. Fortunately, almost every entry also has a photograph. The combination of colour drawings and colour photographs is what makes this little pocket book a true 'gem'. If the drawing is a little weak, the photo will be excellent and vice-versa. Almost fool proof.

Each entry starts with the common English name (Latin is in small type at the top of the page)a colour illustration and description. Taking Beech (at random), it says: 'Widespread and common throughout the British Isles, especially on chalky soils. A stately deciduous tree, with smooth, grey bark, to 40m (130ft). Leaves: bright green, alternate, oval. Flowers: male drooping, stalked heads; female in pairs. Fruit: four inside a prickly brown husk, Sept-Oct. When ripe this opens into four lobes, this liberating the brown, three-sided nuts.' The illustration depicts a leaf, spring twig with unopened buds, an opening husk revealing nut inside and bare nut. The article continues with headings; Harvest/Pick, Uses, Beech Nut, Beech Nut Oil, Beech Leaf Noyau. The photo at the end of the entry is a good close-up of a twig with a cluster of husks. (I didn’t know, for example, that ‘fresh from the tree Beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage though much softer in texture’.)

The book, in line with its title, covers Plants and Trees, Fungi, Seaweeds and Shellfish. There is a glossary at the end and a page devoted to further reading. There is a List of Recipes and finally an index of entries in common English or Latin.

There aren't that many books devoted to 'British' wild foods so to find one which lists over 100 edible plants, berries, mushrooms, seaweed and shellfish is most welcome. Given the true pocket size measurements of the Collins Gem series of books, the price of a fiver (£4-99) and the quality of each entry, this is as good as it gets. Obviously not a benchmark reference work or field-guide, but at least this fits in the pocket - which is the main purpose of such books, isn't it? Five stars!

Essential at any level, 11 Feb 2008
Great book, great for all levels - good mix of theorists, excellent links to more information. Good links to those who oppose the theorists cited and why - would recommend as a good basic book for any level of learning

essential for child related degree, 16 Nov 2007
I'm doing an early years degree and this book provides lots of basic, vital info about theorists. Well worth the money & easy to read with lots of visual info too.

Excellent Book, 26 Oct 2007
Really helped give me a basic outline of each theorists life and studies. Has been my bible for my foundation degree in early years

excellent for nvq3 childcare, 21 Oct 2007
very easy to read and understand making it ideal for nvq3 childcare a must! great!!

A must for those studying in early years, 03 Feb 2007
This book gives a brief outline of the most well known child development theorists. Studying for my foundation degree in childhood studies I refer to this book often as a start point for further research on a particuar theorist, or to find a theorist to make sence of my studies. Together with 'Theories of Childhood' by Carol Garhart Mooney I'm not worried about where to start looking for my research. I look at these! BUY IT.

Eysenk and Keane, 03 Nov 2007
VEry useful book for my first year cognition lectures, and it's been recommended as a core text for 2nd year aswell. Readable, and not too complex to understand.

Good-but very technical, 04 Oct 2007
This is a great into to cognitive therapy but I would also recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz as a more comprehensive user-friendly book for those who want to go back to the original cognitive philosophy.

Useful book, 19 Dec 2007
Its a very good book covering all areas very well.
A good accompanyment to a BA Early Years Education.

First Year Psychology, 08 Sep 2006
Useful for coursework, but other than that pretty boring. It just went on and on!

Psychology Student, 10 Jan 2006
BORING!! My goodness I didnt think that a book could get anymore boring! Don't bother buying this unless its compulsory reading! For such an interesting subject this book has definately fallen below expectations.

Even for those of you that aren't psychologically minded!, 08 Nov 2000
This book is ideal for those people that haven't got a clue what child development is all about, and/or those that need further grounding on it.

The first few chapters build up a little background knowledge to psychology in general and the history of child delevopment, so those of you that know relatively nothing aren't thrown in at the deep end.

It is both comprehendible and quite easy to read. Jargon is explained and psychological models are illustrated clearly and plainly. It lacks nothing. All areas are covered in sufficient depth and reference to interesting research has been included to keep your attention focused.

All in all; worth buying.

Other relevant reads:

Child Developement: Laura Berk

The Blackwell reader in development: Slater and Muirer

Start beating the credit crunch and digest Food For Free!, 11 Oct 2008
I do like a bit of hedgerow and it's great to enjoy the free gifts from Mother Nature, but until I got my hands on a copy of this pocket sized guide, it was a little unclear.

This book is ideal and helps you understand what's under your nose in the gardens! So many common plants can be used in cooking and yet still we pay mini-fortunes for little bags of this and that in the shops. This book certainly helped me to identify and try some of the more obscure plants that I had absolutely no idea I could eat.

It's clear descriptions of what they look like alongside nice imagery of the plants themselves help you feel brave enough to give them a pluck and cook and the warnings are there to be heeded, particularly when it comes to mushrooms (personally, I'd only go for a puffball, you can't go wrong there)....

Although it's an academic book, it's written in an entertaining style and makes for an enjoyable read too.

I would highly recommend this for anyone who's trying to pull in their belts a bit, not because it will give them 'all' the answers, but it WILL help them to understand that all food doesn't come from the shops and that's a great step forward. As is cooking from fresh which of course this book sings out loud and clear.

There's always a really good reason why a book reprints and there are too many to list for this little fella.

Order it and don't leave it to fester on a shelf somewhere - keep it handy in your bag or coat pocket.

Tracey Smith
Author of 'The Book of Rubbish Ideas'
The Book of Rubbish Ideas: An interactive, room-by-room, guide to reducing household waste.

An excellent little book, 18 Jul 2008
This little gem of a book should be in every backpackers back pocket. Concise, focused and descriptive you'll have no trouble identifying the plants and shellfish. There has been some comments about lack of information on animals to eat, this is probably because rabbits, pheasants and such are classed as game and will belong to the landowner. Whilst it's ok to pick a few plants, mushrooms and shellfish it will probably be frowned on if you start blasting away at the countryside or setting traps!

A Handy Pocket Volume, 13 Aug 2007


Richard Mabey is the author of several books on flora and fauna so he is well qualified to write a book such as this. Over one hundred edible plants are featured together with recipes and other culinary information. There is also information on how to pick and when to pick and the regulations on picking which are very important. As I come from farming stock I have to say that food for free does not mean going into a field and digging up a few potato plants or for that matter cabbages.

There are plenty of hedgerow plants available for free, if you are prepared to look for them and suffer the odd few scratches. There is nothing better than a bowl of freshly picked blackberries or raspberries, if you can get them home before they are all eaten.

Plants that are edible are fully illustrated and described and the recipes are both old and new. Other fascinating information is how the plants have been used through the ages. An ideal book for all those who are nature lovers and like the idea of something for nothing. I think the last part covers 99.9% of the population.

Good Introduction, 02 May 2007
I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.
The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.
I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

Excellent pocket sized guide, 05 Feb 2006
This is a 2004 version and worthy addition to the very popular and pocket-sized Collins Gem series. ISBN 0-00-718303-8. Food For Free - A Fantastic Feast of Plants and Folklore.

The book starts with an introduction by the author Richard Mabey. It then has short sections titled 'Roots', 'Green Vegetables', 'Herbs', 'Spices', 'Flowers', 'Fruits', 'Making Jellies and Jams' and 'Nuts'. They include general advice, observations and uses. The main section of the book is given over to identification, with at least two pages per entry. An interesting section follows titled ’Picking Rules’ which gives advice on how to pick correctly how to stay safe. The last section before the main body of the book is a summary calendar which groups the picking times for entries into a colour-coded calendar - very useful as a quick reference.

Every entry is accompanied with a drawing. Most of the drawings are excellent, but one or two are a little small and thus less detailed. Fortunately, almost every entry also has a photograph. The combination of colour drawings and colour photographs is what makes this little pocket book a true 'gem'. If the drawing is a little weak, the photo will be excellent and vice-versa. Almost fool proof.

Each entry starts with the common English name (Latin is in small type at the top of the page)a colour illustration and description. Taking Beech (at random), it says: 'Widespread and common throughout the British Isles, especially on chalky soils. A stately deciduous tree, with smooth, grey bark, to 40m (130ft). Leaves: bright green, alternate, oval. Flowers: male drooping, stalked heads; female in pairs. Fruit: four inside a prickly brown husk, Sept-Oct. When ripe this opens into four lobes, this liberating the brown, three-sided nuts.' The illustration depicts a leaf, spring twig with unopened buds, an opening husk revealing nut inside and bare nut. The article continues with headings; Harvest/Pick, Uses, Beech Nut, Beech Nut Oil, Beech Leaf Noyau. The photo at the end of the entry is a good close-up of a twig with a cluster of husks. (I didn’t know, for example, that ‘fresh from the tree Beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage though much softer in texture’.)

The book, in line with its title, covers Plants and Trees, Fungi, Seaweeds and Shellfish. There is a glossary at the end and a page devoted to further reading. There is a List of Recipes and finally an index of entries in common English or Latin.

There aren't that many books devoted to 'British' wild foods so to find one which lists over 100 edible plants, berries, mushrooms, seaweed and shellfish is most welcome. Given the true pocket size measurements of the Collins Gem series of books, the price of a fiver (£4-99) and the quality of each entry, this is as good as it gets. Obviously not a benchmark reference work or field-guide, but at least this fits in the pocket - which is the main purpose of such books, isn't it? Five stars!

very practical, 22 Mar 2008
I'm no expert on cbt or any type of psychology and I'm always slightly wary. CBT, however, was recommended to me by a psychologist to assist me to help my client group - troubled young people. I love the 'for Dummies' series as they are really easy to read but provide you with quite a broad knowledge for a layman. There is a wealth of sound practical advice in this book for everybody and I can't believe how much I'm learning about myself and my incorrect thinking and its effects. This book requires a lot of concentration (although the style of writing is easy) and effort to think the material through and also to complete the exercises but it really is life-changing. I don't know if it works really well for serious mental health problems but it is certainly working for me and I will most definitely be presenting the practices to the young people I work with.

the best approach to solving life issues, 07 Mar 2008
The cognitive approach to the mind is by far the most empirically sound way to deal with emotional problems. This book helps us to understand the science behind the method. I would only add the book FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz as a companion. Stultz shows us the ancient roots of CBT in Eastern wisdom and offers and updated system that incorporates the best of Buddhist insight and Western technique.

Stop ruminating , start living , 18 Feb 2008
I know nothing about clinical depression but it is much bandied about. We all feel down from time to time and I am sure there are are those amongst us who hide behind this so as to wallow in their own self pity.

The most common thing you can do and I see it in both myself and other is ruminative thinking. That is allowing things to go round and round in your head. I see it with people who will not make a decision for fear of making the wrong decision. They defend this behaviour because they think by taking no decision they will not make another mistake.

It was the most important lesson from this book. Do not indulge in ruminative thinking.

Fill your life up with things to do so that you do not have time to keep thinking about all your problems .

I also liked the section of spotting errors in your thinking . It is easy to think somehow you are being a realist by accepting current cynical opinions such as turning molehills into mountains, overgeneralising and not thinking efficiently .

For the last few years I have had a set of goals in both my private and business life. It gives me plenty to do and stops me ruminating about my past " failures".

Also I try and practice mindfulness from meditation whereby you live in the moment and experience what you are doing right now.It is a form of concentration and can take you mind off the past and the future. dealing with the present is a full time occupation


A very good informative book on what could be a complicated subject. A must read who want to change their lives.

Excellent, 22 Nov 2007
This book is based on the NLP principles that work so excellently in "The Ultimate Guide To Cosmic Ordering, Empower Your Destiny: Take Control of Your Life" by Andronicos Andronicou. I found it to be full of insight. It is written with clarity and simplicity. I believe it to be a must have if you want to change your life.

An excellent self-help book, 08 Nov 2007
I cannot commend this book highly enough, speaking as someone who has benefitted greatly from the common sense approach of CBT described in this book. It is written in an easy to understand manner and I felt immediate benefits from reading this book. CBT won't change your life overnight but if you are prepared to put in the effort then I have found that my life is changing for the better. Old, negative ways of thinking, which I had believed would never change, have been replaced with a more positive attitude and outlook.

Essential at any level, 11 Feb 2008
Great book, great for all levels - good mix of theorists, excellent links to more information. Good links to those who oppose the theorists cited and why - would recommend as a good basic book for any level of learning

essential for child related degree, 16 Nov 2007
I'm doing an early years degree and this book provides lots of basic, vital info about theorists. Well worth the money & easy to read with lots of visual info too.

Excellent Book, 26 Oct 2007
Really helped give me a basic outline of each theorists life and studies. Has been my bible for my foundation degree in early years

excellent for nvq3 childcare, 21 Oct 2007
very easy to read and understand making it ideal for nvq3 childcare a must! great!!

A must for those studying in early years, 03 Feb 2007
This book gives a brief outline of the most well known child development theorists. Studying for my foundation degree in childhood studies I refer to this book often as a start point for further research on a particuar theorist, or to find a theorist to make sence of my studies. Together with 'Theories of Childhood' by Carol Garhart Mooney I'm not worried about where to start looking for my research. I look at these! BUY IT.

Eysenk and Keane, 03 Nov 2007
VEry useful book for my first year cognition lectures, and it's been recommended as a core text for 2nd year aswell. Readable, and not too complex to understand.

Good-but very technical, 04 Oct 2007
This is a great into to cognitive therapy but I would also recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz as a more comprehensive user-friendly book for those who want to go back to the original cognitive philosophy.

Useful book, 19 Dec 2007
Its a very good book covering all areas very well.
A good accompanyment to a BA Early Years Education.

First Year Psychology, 08 Sep 2006
Useful for coursework, but other than that pretty boring. It just went on and on!

Psychology Student, 10 Jan 2006
BORING!! My goodness I didnt think that a book could get anymore boring! Don't bother buying this unless its compulsory reading! For such an interesting subject this book has definately fallen below expectations.

Even for those of you that aren't psychologically minded!, 08 Nov 2000
This book is ideal for those people that haven't got a clue what child development is all about, and/or those that need further grounding on it.

The first few chapters build up a little background knowledge to psychology in general and the history of child delevopment, so those of you that know relatively nothing aren't thrown in at the deep end.

It is both comprehendible and quite easy to read. Jargon is explained and psychological models are illustrated clearly and plainly. It lacks nothing. All areas are covered in sufficient depth and reference to interesting research has been included to keep your attention focused.

All in all; worth buying.

Other relevant reads:

Child Developement: Laura Berk

The Blackwell reader in development: Slater and Muirer

Start beating the credit crunch and digest Food For Free!, 11 Oct 2008
I do like a bit of hedgerow and it's great to enjoy the free gifts from Mother Nature, but until I got my hands on a copy of this pocket sized guide, it was a little unclear.

This book is ideal and helps you understand what's under your nose in the gardens! So many common plants can be used in cooking and yet still we pay mini-fortunes for little bags of this and that in the shops. This book certainly helped me to identify and try some of the more obscure plants that I had absolutely no idea I could eat.

It's clear descriptions of what they look like alongside nice imagery of the plants themselves help you feel brave enough to give them a pluck and cook and the warnings are there to be heeded, particularly when it comes to mushrooms (personally, I'd only go for a puffball, you can't go wrong there)....

Although it's an academic book, it's written in an entertaining style and makes for an enjoyable read too.

I would highly recommend this for anyone who's trying to pull in their belts a bit, not because it will give them 'all' the answers, but it WILL help them to understand that all food doesn't come from the shops and that's a great step forward. As is cooking from fresh which of course this book sings out loud and clear.

There's always a really good reason why a book reprints and there are too many to list for this little fella.

Order it and don't leave it to fester on a shelf somewhere - keep it handy in your bag or coat pocket.

Tracey Smith
Author of 'The Book of Rubbish Ideas'
The Book of Rubbish Ideas: An interactive, room-by-room, guide to reducing household waste.

An excellent little book, 18 Jul 2008
This little gem of a book should be in every backpackers back pocket. Concise, focused and descriptive you'll have no trouble identifying the plants and shellfish. There has been some comments about lack of information on animals to eat, this is probably because rabbits, pheasants and such are classed as game and will belong to the landowner. Whilst it's ok to pick a few plants, mushrooms and shellfish it will probably be frowned on if you start blasting away at the countryside or setting traps!

A Handy Pocket Volume, 13 Aug 2007


Richard Mabey is the author of several books on flora and fauna so he is well qualified to write a book such as this. Over one hundred edible plants are featured together with recipes and other culinary information. There is also information on how to pick and when to pick and the regulations on picking which are very important. As I come from farming stock I have to say that food for free does not mean going into a field and digging up a few potato plants or for that matter cabbages.

There are plenty of hedgerow plants available for free, if you are prepared to look for them and suffer the odd few scratches. There is nothing better than a bowl of freshly picked blackberries or raspberries, if you can get them home before they are all eaten.

Plants that are edible are fully illustrated and described and the recipes are both old and new. Other fascinating information is how the plants have been used through the ages. An ideal book for all those who are nature lovers and like the idea of something for nothing. I think the last part covers 99.9% of the population.

Good Introduction, 02 May 2007
I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.
The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.
I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

Excellent pocket sized guide, 05 Feb 2006
This is a 2004 version and worthy addition to the very popular and pocket-sized Collins Gem series. ISBN 0-00-718303-8. Food For Free - A Fantastic Feast of Plants and Folklore.

The book starts with an introduction by the author Richard Mabey. It then has short sections titled 'Roots', 'Green Vegetables', 'Herbs', 'Spices', 'Flowers', 'Fruits', 'Making Jellies and Jams' and 'Nuts'. They include general advice, observations and uses. The main section of the book is given over to identification, with at least two pages per entry. An interesting section follows titled ’Picking Rules’ which gives advice on how to pick correctly how to stay safe. The last section before the main body of the book is a summary calendar which groups the picking times for entries into a colour-coded calendar - very useful as a quick reference.

Every entry is accompanied with a drawing. Most of the drawings are excellent, but one or two are a little small and thus less detailed. Fortunately, almost every entry also has a photograph. The combination of colour drawings and colour photographs is what makes this little pocket book a true 'gem'. If the drawing is a little weak, the photo will be excellent and vice-versa. Almost fool proof.

Each entry starts with the common English name (Latin is in small type at the top of the page)a colour illustration and description. Taking Beech (at random), it says: 'Widespread and common throughout the British Isles, especially on chalky soils. A stately deciduous tree, with smooth, grey bark, to 40m (130ft). Leaves: bright green, alternate, oval. Flowers: male drooping, stalked heads; female in pairs. Fruit: four inside a prickly brown husk, Sept-Oct. When ripe this opens into four lobes, this liberating the brown, three-sided nuts.' The illustration depicts a leaf, spring twig with unopened buds, an opening husk revealing nut inside and bare nut. The article continues with headings; Harvest/Pick, Uses, Beech Nut, Beech Nut Oil, Beech Leaf Noyau. The photo at the end of the entry is a good close-up of a twig with a cluster of husks. (I didn’t know, for example, that ‘fresh from the tree Beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage though much softer in texture’.)

The book, in line with its title, covers Plants and Trees, Fungi, Seaweeds and Shellfish. There is a glossary at the end and a page devoted to further reading. There is a List of Recipes and finally an index of entries in common English or Latin.

There aren't that many books devoted to 'British' wild foods so to find one which lists over 100 edible plants, berries, mushrooms, seaweed and shellfish is most welcome. Given the true pocket size measurements of the Collins Gem series of books, the price of a fiver (£4-99) and the quality of each entry, this is as good as it gets. Obviously not a benchmark reference work or field-guide, but at least this fits in the pocket - which is the main purpose of such books, isn't it? Five stars!

very practical, 22 Mar 2008
I'm no expert on cbt or any type of psychology and I'm always slightly wary. CBT, however, was recommended to me by a psychologist to assist me to help my client group - troubled young people. I love the 'for Dummies' series as they are really easy to read but provide you with quite a broad knowledge for a layman. There is a wealth of sound practical advice in this book for everybody and I can't believe how much I'm learning about myself and my incorrect thinking and its effects. This book requires a lot of concentration (although the style of writing is easy) and effort to think the material through and also to complete the exercises but it really is life-changing. I don't know if it works really well for serious mental health problems but it is certainly working for me and I will most definitely be presenting the practices to the young people I work with.

the best approach to solving life issues, 07 Mar 2008
The cognitive approach to the mind is by far the most empirically sound way to deal with emotional problems. This book helps us to understand the science behind the method. I would only add the book FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz as a companion. Stultz shows us the ancient roots of CBT in Eastern wisdom and offers and updated system that incorporates the best of Buddhist insight and Western technique.

Stop ruminating , start living , 18 Feb 2008
I know nothing about clinical depression but it is much bandied about. We all feel down from time to time and I am sure there are are those amongst us who hide behind this so as to wallow in their own self pity.

The most common thing you can do and I see it in both myself and other is ruminative thinking. That is allowing things to go round and round in your head. I see it with people who will not make a decision for fear of making the wrong decision. They defend this behaviour because they think by taking no decision they will not make another mistake.

It was the most important lesson from this book. Do not indulge in ruminative thinking.

Fill your life up with things to do so that you do not have time to keep thinking about all your problems .

I also liked the section of spotting errors in your thinking . It is easy to think somehow you are being a realist by accepting current cynical opinions such as turning molehills into mountains, overgeneralising and not thinking efficiently .

For the last few years I have had a set of goals in both my private and business life. It gives me plenty to do and stops me ruminating about my past " failures".

Also I try and practice mindfulness from meditation whereby you live in the moment and experience what you are doing right now.It is a form of concentration and can take you mind off the past and the future. dealing with the present is a full time occupation


A very good informative book on what could be a complicated subject. A must read who want to change their lives.

Excellent, 22 Nov 2007
This book is based on the NLP principles that work so excellently in "The Ultimate Guide To Cosmic Ordering, Empower Your Destiny: Take Control of Your Life" by Andronicos Andronicou. I found it to be full of insight. It is written with clarity and simplicity. I believe it to be a must have if you want to change your life.

An excellent self-help book, 08 Nov 2007
I cannot commend this book highly enough, speaking as someone who has benefitted greatly from the common sense approach of CBT described in this book. It is written in an easy to understand manner and I felt immediate benefits from reading this book. CBT won't change your life overnight but if you are prepared to put in the effort then I have found that my life is changing for the better. Old, negative ways of thinking, which I had believed would never change, have been replaced with a more positive attitude and outlook.

very effective self help guide, 07 Jul 2008
This is an excellent book to make you realise how your feelings are determined by your thoughts, and how you can positively influence your mood by changing the way you think. Some self-help books don't deliver because they're too vague but this book is also very practical, with many useful exercises. It's no wonder that many people are so enthusiastic about CBT and talking about it as an alternative to medication. I do not suffer from depression and was always a fairly happy person but this book has taught me how to be happier still. I would also recommended Eckhart Tolle's the Power of Now for a slightly different perspective and Steve Taylor's Making Time Making Time: Why Time Seems to Pass at Different Speeds and How to Control It for an invesigation into time and how we can learn to expand time and learn to live in the present.


The old made new, 07 Mar 2008
I always recommend books on cognitive psychology as they represent the cutting edge of psychotherapy. I also always recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz-he helps us to see the roots of CBT are from the Buddhist tradition and he presents a system that combines CBT in a Buddhist orientation.

Helpful Strategies, 04 Jul 2007
This book offers many helpful cognitive therapy strategies to overcome mental distortions that lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive therapy looks at changing thought patterns that contribute to negative feelings. Once you gain an understanding of your own distortions and how they contribute to your feeling down or anxious, you can then creative positive thoughts and feel better about yourself with the helpful cognitive therapy strategies offered in this book.

I highly recommend this book as a practical hands-on book on cognitive therapy. Also try "Feeling Good" by David Burns and for a novel about Logan's struggle with depression, check out "Nexus: A Neo Novel."


12 years on, still using it..., 01 Jul 2007
When I had post-natal depression, OCD (cleaning...) and agoraphobia, my GP referred me to a psychologist. Who sat me down with this book. We worked through it, chapter by chapter. As a medical professional, I was familiar with the concepts, but hadn't been able to see clearly enough to put them into practice for myself. Within 18 months, I was living a full normal life and haven't had a panic attack since. 12 years on, I still refer other people to this book, use it with my own clients, and use the techniques to get me through exams, interviews and public speaking. Brilliant.

A practical guide to coping with anxiety, 08 Apr 2007
I read this book from two perspectives - that of a person who has suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for many years. And also as a person who is now helping others to manage their own anxiety.

This book provides a very practical way to cope with anxiety. It uses the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach which is proven as a successful therapeutic method for treating anxiety and panic. The book is very action oriented and, through numerous worksheets, encourages the reader to try the techniques for themselves.

The exercises are deceptively simple but are very effective. I found that I had already used some of the techniques and this book helped me to develop them further and also reassured me that I was on the right path - both in how I cope with my own anxiety and how I support others who are in the same position.

This book is easy to understand and gives you the building blocks to manage anxiety and make the changes that will improve your life - highly recommended!

Essential at any level, 11 Feb 2008
Great book, great for all levels - good mix of theorists, excellent links to more information. Good links to those who oppose the theorists cited and why - would recommend as a good basic book for any level of learning

essential for child related degree, 16 Nov 2007
I'm doing an early years degree and this book provides lots of basic, vital info about theorists. Well worth the money & easy to read with lots of visual info too.

Excellent Book, 26 Oct 2007
Really helped give me a basic outline of each theorists life and studies. Has been my bible for my foundation degree in early years

excellent for nvq3 childcare, 21 Oct 2007
very easy to read and understand making it ideal for nvq3 childcare a must! great!!

A must for those studying in early years, 03 Feb 2007
This book gives a brief outline of the most well known child development theorists. Studying for my foundation degree in childhood studies I refer to this book often as a start point for further research on a particuar theorist, or to find a theorist to make sence of my studies. Together with 'Theories of Childhood' by Carol Garhart Mooney I'm not worried about where to start looking for my research. I look at these! BUY IT.

Eysenk and Keane, 03 Nov 2007
VEry useful book for my first year cognition lectures, and it's been recommended as a core text for 2nd year aswell. Readable, and not too complex to understand.

Good-but very technical, 04 Oct 2007
This is a great into to cognitive therapy but I would also recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz as a more comprehensive user-friendly book for those who want to go back to the original cognitive philosophy.

Useful book, 19 Dec 2007
Its a very good book covering all areas very well.
A good accompanyment to a BA Early Years Education.

First Year Psychology, 08 Sep 2006
Useful for coursework, but other than that pretty boring. It just went on and on!

Psychology Student, 10 Jan 2006
BORING!! My goodness I didnt think that a book could get anymore boring! Don't bother buying this unless its compulsory reading! For such an interesting subject this book has definately fallen below expectations.

Even for those of you that aren't psychologically minded!, 08 Nov 2000
This book is ideal for those people that haven't got a clue what child development is all about, and/or those that need further grounding on it.

The first few chapters build up a little background knowledge to psychology in general and the history of child delevopment, so those of you that know relatively nothing aren't thrown in at the deep end.

It is both comprehendible and quite easy to read. Jargon is explained and psychological models are illustrated clearly and plainly. It lacks nothing. All areas are covered in sufficient depth and reference to interesting research has been included to keep your attention focused.

All in all; worth buying.

Other relevant reads:

Child Developement: Laura Berk

The Blackwell reader in development: Slater and Muirer

Start beating the credit crunch and digest Food For Free!, 11 Oct 2008
I do like a bit of hedgerow and it's great to enjoy the free gifts from Mother Nature, but until I got my hands on a copy of this pocket sized guide, it was a little unclear.

This book is ideal and helps you understand what's under your nose in the gardens! So many common plants can be used in cooking and yet still we pay mini-fortunes for little bags of this and that in the shops. This book certainly helped me to identify and try some of the more obscure plants that I had absolutely no idea I could eat.

It's clear descriptions of what they look like alongside nice imagery of the plants themselves help you feel brave enough to give them a pluck and cook and the warnings are there to be heeded, particularly when it comes to mushrooms (personally, I'd only go for a puffball, you can't go wrong there)....

Although it's an academic book, it's written in an entertaining style and makes for an enjoyable read too.

I would highly recommend this for anyone who's trying to pull in their belts a bit, not because it will give them 'all' the answers, but it WILL help them to understand that all food doesn't come from the shops and that's a great step forward. As is cooking from fresh which of course this book sings out loud and clear.

There's always a really good reason why a book reprints and there are too many to list for this little fella.

Order it and don't leave it to fester on a shelf somewhere - keep it handy in your bag or coat pocket.

Tracey Smith
Author of 'The Book of Rubbish Ideas'
The Book of Rubbish Ideas: An interactive, room-by-room, guide to reducing household waste.

An excellent little book, 18 Jul 2008
This little gem of a book should be in every backpackers back pocket. Concise, focused and descriptive you'll have no trouble identifying the plants and shellfish. There has been some comments about lack of information on animals to eat, this is probably because rabbits, pheasants and such are classed as game and will belong to the landowner. Whilst it's ok to pick a few plants, mushrooms and shellfish it will probably be frowned on if you start blasting away at the countryside or setting traps!

A Handy Pocket Volume, 13 Aug 2007


Richard Mabey is the author of several books on flora and fauna so he is well qualified to write a book such as this. Over one hundred edible plants are featured together with recipes and other culinary information. There is also information on how to pick and when to pick and the regulations on picking which are very important. As I come from farming stock I have to say that food for free does not mean going into a field and digging up a few potato plants or for that matter cabbages.

There are plenty of hedgerow plants available for free, if you are prepared to look for them and suffer the odd few scratches. There is nothing better than a bowl of freshly picked blackberries or raspberries, if you can get them home before they are all eaten.

Plants that are edible are fully illustrated and described and the recipes are both old and new. Other fascinating information is how the plants have been used through the ages. An ideal book for all those who are nature lovers and like the idea of something for nothing. I think the last part covers 99.9% of the population.

Good Introduction, 02 May 2007
I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.
The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.
I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

Excellent pocket sized guide, 05 Feb 2006
This is a 2004 version and worthy addition to the very popular and pocket-sized Collins Gem series. ISBN 0-00-718303-8. Food For Free - A Fantastic Feast of Plants and Folklore.

The book starts with an introduction by the author Richard Mabey. It then has short sections titled 'Roots', 'Green Vegetables', 'Herbs', 'Spices', 'Flowers', 'Fruits', 'Making Jellies and Jams' and 'Nuts'. They include general advice, observations and uses. The main section of the book is given over to identification, with at least two pages per entry. An interesting section follows titled ’Picking Rules’ which gives advice on how to pick correctly how to stay safe. The last section before the main body of the book is a summary calendar which groups the picking times for entries into a colour-coded calendar - very useful as a quick reference.

Every entry is accompanied with a drawing. Most of the drawings are excellent, but one or two are a little small and thus less detailed. Fortunately, almost every entry also has a photograph. The combination of colour drawings and colour photographs is what makes this little pocket book a true 'gem'. If the drawing is a little weak, the photo will be excellent and vice-versa. Almost fool proof.

Each entry starts with the common English name (Latin is in small type at the top of the page)a colour illustration and description. Taking Beech (at random), it says: 'Widespread and common throughout the British Isles, especially on chalky soils. A stately deciduous tree, with smooth, grey bark, to 40m (130ft). Leaves: bright green, alternate, oval. Flowers: male drooping, stalked heads; female in pairs. Fruit: four inside a prickly brown husk, Sept-Oct. When ripe this opens into four lobes, this liberating the brown, three-sided nuts.' The illustration depicts a leaf, spring twig with unopened buds, an opening husk revealing nut inside and bare nut. The article continues with headings; Harvest/Pick, Uses, Beech Nut, Beech Nut Oil, Beech Leaf Noyau. The photo at the end of the entry is a good close-up of a twig with a cluster of husks. (I didn’t know, for example, that ‘fresh from the tree Beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage though much softer in texture’.)

The book, in line with its title, covers Plants and Trees, Fungi, Seaweeds and Shellfish. There is a glossary at the end and a page devoted to further reading. There is a List of Recipes and finally an index of entries in common English or Latin.

There aren't that many books devoted to 'British' wild foods so to find one which lists over 100 edible plants, berries, mushrooms, seaweed and shellfish is most welcome. Given the true pocket size measurements of the Collins Gem series of books, the price of a fiver (£4-99) and the quality of each entry, this is as good as it gets. Obviously not a benchmark reference work or field-guide, but at least this fits in the pocket - which is the main purpose of such books, isn't it? Five stars!

very practical, 22 Mar 2008
I'm no expert on cbt or any type of psychology and I'm always slightly wary. CBT, however, was recommended to me by a psychologist to assist me to help my client group - troubled young people. I love the 'for Dummies' series as they are really easy to read but provide you with quite a broad knowledge for a layman. There is a wealth of sound practical advice in this book for everybody and I can't believe how much I'm learning about myself and my incorrect thinking and its effects. This book requires a lot of concentration (although the style of writing is easy) and effort to think the material through and also to complete the exercises but it really is life-changing. I don't know if it works really well for serious mental health problems but it is certainly working for me and I will most definitely be presenting the practices to the young people I work with.

the best approach to solving life issues, 07 Mar 2008
The cognitive approach to the mind is by far the most empirically sound way to deal with emotional problems. This book helps us to understand the science behind the method. I would only add the book FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz as a companion. Stultz shows us the ancient roots of CBT in Eastern wisdom and offers and updated system that incorporates the best of Buddhist insight and Western technique.

Stop ruminating , start living , 18 Feb 2008
I know nothing about clinical depression but it is much bandied about. We all feel down from time to time and I am sure there are are those amongst us who hide behind this so as to wallow in their own self pity.

The most common thing you can do and I see it in both myself and other is ruminative thinking. That is allowing things to go round and round in your head. I see it with people who will not make a decision for fear of making the wrong decision. They defend this behaviour because they think by taking no decision they will not make another mistake.

It was the most important lesson from this book. Do not indulge in ruminative thinking.

Fill your life up with things to do so that you do not have time to keep thinking about all your problems .

I also liked the section of spotting errors in your thinking . It is easy to think somehow you are being a realist by accepting current cynical opinions such as turning molehills into mountains, overgeneralising and not thinking efficiently .

For the last few years I have had a set of goals in both my private and business life. It gives me plenty to do and stops me ruminating about my past " failures".

Also I try and practice mindfulness from meditation whereby you live in the moment and experience what you are doing right now.It is a form of concentration and can take you mind off the past and the future. dealing with the present is a full time occupation


A very good informative book on what could be a complicated subject. A must read who want to change their lives.

Excellent, 22 Nov 2007
This book is based on the NLP principles that work so excellently in "The Ultimate Guide To Cosmic Ordering, Empower Your Destiny: Take Control of Your Life" by Andronicos Andronicou. I found it to be full of insight. It is written with clarity and simplicity. I believe it to be a must have if you want to change your life.

An excellent self-help book, 08 Nov 2007
I cannot commend this book highly enough, speaking as someone who has benefitted greatly from the common sense approach of CBT described in this book. It is written in an easy to understand manner and I felt immediate benefits from reading this book. CBT won't change your life overnight but if you are prepared to put in the effort then I have found that my life is changing for the better. Old, negative ways of thinking, which I had believed would never change, have been replaced with a more positive attitude and outlook.

very effective self help guide, 07 Jul 2008
This is an excellent book to make you realise how your feelings are determined by your thoughts, and how you can positively influence your mood by changing the way you think. Some self-help books don't deliver because they're too vague but this book is also very practical, with many useful exercises. It's no wonder that many people are so enthusiastic about CBT and talking about it as an alternative to medication. I do not suffer from depression and was always a fairly happy person but this book has taught me how to be happier still. I would also recommended Eckhart Tolle's the Power of Now for a slightly different perspective and Steve Taylor's Making Time Making Time: Why Time Seems to Pass at Different Speeds and How to Control It for an invesigation into time and how we can learn to expand time and learn to live in the present.


The old made new, 07 Mar 2008
I always recommend books on cognitive psychology as they represent the cutting edge of psychotherapy. I also always recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz-he helps us to see the roots of CBT are from the Buddhist tradition and he presents a system that combines CBT in a Buddhist orientation.

Helpful Strategies, 04 Jul 2007
This book offers many helpful cognitive therapy strategies to overcome mental distortions that lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive therapy looks at changing thought patterns that contribute to negative feelings. Once you gain an understanding of your own distortions and how they contribute to your feeling down or anxious, you can then creative positive thoughts and feel better about yourself with the helpful cognitive therapy strategies offered in this book.

I highly recommend this book as a practical hands-on book on cognitive therapy. Also try "Feeling Good" by David Burns and for a novel about Logan's struggle with depression, check out "Nexus: A Neo Novel."


12 years on, still using it..., 01 Jul 2007
When I had post-natal depression, OCD (cleaning...) and agoraphobia, my GP referred me to a psychologist. Who sat me down with this book. We worked through it, chapter by chapter. As a medical professional, I was familiar with the concepts, but hadn't been able to see clearly enough to put them into practice for myself. Within 18 months, I was living a full normal life and haven't had a panic attack since. 12 years on, I still refer other people to this book, use it with my own clients, and use the techniques to get me through exams, interviews and public speaking. Brilliant.

A practical guide to coping with anxiety, 08 Apr 2007
I read this book from two perspectives - that of a person who has suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for many years. And also as a person who is now helping others to manage their own anxiety.

This book provides a very practical way to cope with anxiety. It uses the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach which is proven as a successful therapeutic method for treating anxiety and panic. The book is very action oriented and, through numerous worksheets, encourages the reader to try the techniques for themselves.

The exercises are deceptively simple but are very effective. I found that I had already used some of the techniques and this book helped me to develop them further and also reassured me that I was on the right path - both in how I cope with my own anxiety and how I support others who are in the same position.

This book is easy to understand and gives you the building blocks to manage anxiety and make the changes that will improve your life - highly recommended!


Really good books, Highly recommended, 25 Aug 2008
Lives up to the high standard set by the previous editions & moves on from them. Now in two volumes which means that it is lighter & easier to use. The free extra book is also a very useful resource. I would highly recommend this to any Paramedic students out there.

Essential at any level, 11 Feb 2008
Great book, great for all levels - good mix of theorists, excellent links to more information. Good links to those who oppose the theorists cited and why - would recommend as a good basic book for any level of learning

essential for child related degree, 16 Nov 2007
I'm doing an early years degree and this book provides lots of basic, vital info about theorists. Well worth the money & easy to read with lots of visual info too.

Excellent Book, 26 Oct 2007
Really helped give me a basic outline of each theorists life and studies. Has been my bible for my foundation degree in early years

excellent for nvq3 childcare, 21 Oct 2007
very easy to read and understand making it ideal for nvq3 childcare a must! great!!

A must for those studying in early years, 03 Feb 2007
This book gives a brief outline of the most well known child development theorists. Studying for my foundation degree in childhood studies I refer to this book often as a start point for further research on a particuar theorist, or to find a theorist to make sence of my studies. Together with 'Theories of Childhood' by Carol Garhart Mooney I'm not worried about where to start looking for my research. I look at these! BUY IT.

Eysenk and Keane, 03 Nov 2007
VEry useful book for my first year cognition lectures, and it's been recommended as a core text for 2nd year aswell. Readable, and not too complex to understand.

Good-but very technical, 04 Oct 2007
This is a great into to cognitive therapy but I would also recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz as a more comprehensive user-friendly book for those who want to go back to the original cognitive philosophy.

Useful book, 19 Dec 2007
Its a very good book covering all areas very well.
A good accompanyment to a BA Early Years Education.

First Year Psychology, 08 Sep 2006
Useful for coursework, but other than that pretty boring. It just went on and on!

Psychology Student, 10 Jan 2006
BORING!! My goodness I didnt think that a book could get anymore boring! Don't bother buying this unless its compulsory reading! For such an interesting subject this book has definately fallen below expectations.

Even for those of you that aren't psychologically minded!, 08 Nov 2000
This book is ideal for those people that haven't got a clue what child development is all about, and/or those that need further grounding on it.

The first few chapters build up a little background knowledge to psychology in general and the history of child delevopment, so those of you that know relatively nothing aren't thrown in at the deep end.

It is both comprehendible and quite easy to read. Jargon is explained and psychological models are illustrated clearly and plainly. It lacks nothing. All areas are covered in sufficient depth and reference to interesting research has been included to keep your attention focused.

All in all; worth buying.

Other relevant reads:

Child Developement: Laura Berk

The Blackwell reader in development: Slater and Muirer

Start beating the credit crunch and digest Food For Free!, 11 Oct 2008
I do like a bit of hedgerow and it's great to enjoy the free gifts from Mother Nature, but until I got my hands on a copy of this pocket sized guide, it was a little unclear.

This book is ideal and helps you understand what's under your nose in the gardens! So many common plants can be used in cooking and yet still we pay mini-fortunes for little bags of this and that in the shops. This book certainly helped me to identify and try some of the more obscure plants that I had absolutely no idea I could eat.

It's clear descriptions of what they look like alongside nice imagery of the plants themselves help you feel brave enough to give them a pluck and cook and the warnings are there to be heeded, particularly when it comes to mushrooms (personally, I'd only go for a puffball, you can't go wrong there)....

Although it's an academic book, it's written in an entertaining style and makes for an enjoyable read too.

I would highly recommend this for anyone who's trying to pull in their belts a bit, not because it will give them 'all' the answers, but it WILL help them to understand that all food doesn't come from the shops and that's a great step forward. As is cooking from fresh which of course this book sings out loud and clear.

There's always a really good reason why a book reprints and there are too many to list for this little fella.

Order it and don't leave it to fester on a shelf somewhere - keep it handy in your bag or coat pocket.

Tracey Smith
Author of 'The Book of Rubbish Ideas'
The Book of Rubbish Ideas: An interactive, room-by-room, guide to reducing household waste.

An excellent little book, 18 Jul 2008
This little gem of a book should be in every backpackers back pocket. Concise, focused and descriptive you'll have no trouble identifying the plants and shellfish. There has been some comments about lack of information on animals to eat, this is probably because rabbits, pheasants and such are classed as game and will belong to the landowner. Whilst it's ok to pick a few plants, mushrooms and shellfish it will probably be frowned on if you start blasting away at the countryside or setting traps!

A Handy Pocket Volume, 13 Aug 2007


Richard Mabey is the author of several books on flora and fauna so he is well qualified to write a book such as this. Over one hundred edible plants are featured together with recipes and other culinary information. There is also information on how to pick and when to pick and the regulations on picking which are very important. As I come from farming stock I have to say that food for free does not mean going into a field and digging up a few potato plants or for that matter cabbages.

There are plenty of hedgerow plants available for free, if you are prepared to look for them and suffer the odd few scratches. There is nothing better than a bowl of freshly picked blackberries or raspberries, if you can get them home before they are all eaten.

Plants that are edible are fully illustrated and described and the recipes are both old and new. Other fascinating information is how the plants have been used through the ages. An ideal book for all those who are nature lovers and like the idea of something for nothing. I think the last part covers 99.9% of the population.

Good Introduction, 02 May 2007
I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.
The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.
I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

Excellent pocket sized guide, 05 Feb 2006
This is a 2004 version and worthy addition to the very popular and pocket-sized Collins Gem series. ISBN 0-00-718303-8. Food For Free - A Fantastic Feast of Plants and Folklore.

The book starts with an introduction by the author Richard Mabey. It then has short sections titled 'Roots', 'Green Vegetables', 'Herbs', 'Spices', 'Flowers', 'Fruits', 'Making Jellies and Jams' and 'Nuts'. They include general advice, observations and uses. The main section of the book is given over to identification, with at least two pages per entry. An interesting section follows titled ’Picking Rules’ which gives advice on how to pick correctly how to stay safe. The last section before the main body of the book is a summary calendar which groups the picking times for entries into a colour-coded calendar - very useful as a quick reference.

Every entry is accompanied with a drawing. Most of the drawings are excellent, but one or two are a little small and thus less detailed. Fortunately, almost every entry also has a photograph. The combination of colour drawings and colour photographs is what makes this little pocket book a true 'gem'. If the drawing is a little weak, the photo will be excellent and vice-versa. Almost fool proof.

Each entry starts with the common English name (Latin is in small type at the top of the page)a colour illustration and description. Taking Beech (at random), it says: 'Widespread and common throughout the British Isles, especially on chalky soils. A stately deciduous tree, with smooth, grey bark, to 40m (130ft). Leaves: bright green, alternate, oval. Flowers: male drooping, stalked heads; female in pairs. Fruit: four inside a prickly brown husk, Sept-Oct. When ripe this opens into four lobes, this liberating the brown, three-sided nuts.' The illustration depicts a leaf, spring twig with unopened buds, an opening husk revealing nut inside and bare nut. The article continues with headings; Harvest/Pick, Uses, Beech Nut, Beech Nut Oil, Beech Leaf Noyau. The photo at the end of the entry is a good close-up of a twig with a cluster of husks. (I didn’t know, for example, that ‘fresh from the tree Beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage though much softer in texture’.)

The book, in line with its title, covers Plants and Trees, Fungi, Seaweeds and Shellfish. There is a glossary at the end and a page devoted to further reading. There is a List of Recipes and finally an index of entries in common English or Latin.

There aren't that many books devoted to 'British' wild foods so to find one which lists over 100 edible plants, berries, mushrooms, seaweed and shellfish is most welcome. Given the true pocket size measurements of the Collins Gem series of books, the price of a fiver (£4-99) and the quality of each entry, this is as good as it gets. Obviously not a benchmark reference work or field-guide, but at least this fits in the pocket - which is the main purpose of such books, isn't it? Five stars!

very practical, 22 Mar 2008
I'm no expert on cbt or any type of psychology and I'm always slightly wary. CBT, however, was recommended to me by a psychologist to assist me to help my client group - troubled young people. I love the 'for Dummies' series as they are really easy to read but provide you with quite a broad knowledge for a layman. There is a wealth of sound practical advice in this book for everybody and I can't believe how much I'm learning about myself and my incorrect thinking and its effects. This book requires a lot of concentration (although the style of writing is easy) and effort to think the material through and also to complete the exercises but it really is life-changing. I don't know if it works really well for serious mental health problems but it is certainly working for me and I will most definitely be presenting the practices to the young people I work with.

the best approach to solving life issues, 07 Mar 2008
The cognitive approach to the mind is by far the most empirically sound way to deal with emotional problems. This book helps us to understand the science behind the method. I would only add the book FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz as a companion. Stultz shows us the ancient roots of CBT in Eastern wisdom and offers and updated system that incorporates the best of Buddhist insight and Western technique.

Stop ruminating , start living , 18 Feb 2008
I know nothing about clinical depression but it is much bandied about. We all feel down from time to time and I am sure there are are those amongst us who hide behind this so as to wallow in their own self pity.

The most common thing you can do and I see it in both myself and other is ruminative thinking. That is allowing things to go round and round in your head. I see it with people who will not make a decision for fear of making the wrong decision. They defend this behaviour because they think by taking no decision they will not make another mistake.

It was the most important lesson from this book. Do not indulge in ruminative thinking.

Fill your life up with things to do so that you do not have time to keep thinking about all your problems .

I also liked the section of spotting errors in your thinking . It is easy to think somehow you are being a realist by accepting current cynical opinions such as turning molehills into mountains, overgeneralising and not thinking efficiently .

For the last few years I have had a set of goals in both my private and business life. It gives me plenty to do and stops me ruminating about my past " failures".

Also I try and practice mindfulness from meditation whereby you live in the moment and experience what you are doing right now.It is a form of concentration and can take you mind off the past and the future. dealing with the present is a full time occupation


A very good informative book on what could be a complicated subject. A must read who want to change their lives.

Excellent, 22 Nov 2007
This book is based on the NLP principles that work so excellently in "The Ultimate Guide To Cosmic Ordering, Empower Your Destiny: Take Control of Your Life" by Andronicos Andronicou. I found it to be full of insight. It is written with clarity and simplicity. I believe it to be a must have if you want to change your life.

An excellent self-help book, 08 Nov 2007
I cannot commend this book highly enough, speaking as someone who has benefitted greatly from the common sense approach of CBT described in this book. It is written in an easy to understand manner and I felt immediate benefits from reading this book. CBT won't change your life overnight but if you are prepared to put in the effort then I have found that my life is changing for the better. Old, negative ways of thinking, which I had believed would never change, have been replaced with a more positive attitude and outlook.

very effective self help guide, 07 Jul 2008
This is an excellent book to make you realise how your feelings are determined by your thoughts, and how you can positively influence your mood by changing the way you think. Some self-help books don't deliver because they're too vague but this book is also very practical, with many useful exercises. It's no wonder that many people are so enthusiastic about CBT and talking about it as an alternative to medication. I do not suffer from depression and was always a fairly happy person but this book has taught me how to be happier still. I would also recommended Eckhart Tolle's the Power of Now for a slightly different perspective and Steve Taylor's Making Time Making Time: Why Time Seems to Pass at Different Speeds and How to Control It for an invesigation into time and how we can learn to expand time and learn to live in the present.


The old made new, 07 Mar 2008
I always recommend books on cognitive psychology as they represent the cutting edge of psychotherapy. I also always recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Anthony Stultz-he helps us to see the roots of CBT are from the Buddhist tradition and he presents a system that combines CBT in a Buddhist orientation.

Helpful Strategies, 04 Jul 2007
This book offers many helpful cognitive therapy strategies to overcome mental distortions that lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive therapy looks at changing thought patterns that contribute to negative feelings. Once you gain an understanding of your own distortions and how they contribute to your feeling down or anxious, you can then creative positive thoughts and feel better about yourself with the helpful cognitive therapy strategies offered in this book.

I highly recommend this book as a practical hands-on book on cognitive therapy. Also try "Feeling Good" by David Burns and for a novel about Logan's struggle with depression, check out "Nexus: A Neo Novel."


12 years on, still using it..., 01 Jul 2007
When I had post-natal depression, OCD (cleaning...) and agoraphobia, my GP referred me to a psychologist. Who sat me down with this book. We worked through it, chapter by chapter. As a medical professional, I was familiar with the concepts, but hadn't been able to see clearly enough to put them into practice for myself. Within 18 months, I was living a full normal life and haven't had a panic attack since. 12 years on, I still refer other people to this book, use it with my own clients, and use the techniques to get me through exams, interviews and public speaking. Brilliant.

A practical guide to coping with anxiety, 08 Apr 2007
I read this book from two perspectives - that of a person who has suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for many years. And also as a person who is now helping others to manage their own anxiety.

This book provides a very practical way to cope with anxiety. It uses the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach which is proven as a successful therapeutic method for treating anxiety and panic. The book is very action oriented and, through numerous worksheets, encourages the reader to try the techniques for themselves.

The exercises are deceptively simple but are very effective. I found that I had already used some of the techniques and this book helped me to develop them further and also reassured me that I was on the right path - both in how I cope with my own anxiety and how I support others who are in the same position.

This book is easy to understand and gives you the building blocks to manage anxiety and make the changes that will improve your life - highly recommended!


Really good books, Highly recommended, 25 Aug 2008
Lives up to the high standard set by the previous editions & moves on from them. Now in two volumes which means that it is lighter & easier to use. The free extra book is also a very useful resource. I would highly recommend this to any Paramedic students out there.

jean genie, 05 Oct 2008
Dawkins is excellent while he sticks to biology
however he may have lost the plot in the last chapter
as he has in thinking promoting science involves attacking
religion
If an evangalist is someone who does not leave people to work
it out for themselves but pushes his point of view Dawkins is one
Nutty Baptists and Dawkins looked similar on channel 4 for example
ie they both spin world events too far to promote a point of view

Imaginative guessing, 13 Sep 2008
I have attempted to read Dawkins's books on a few occasions but seldom get beyond the first 100 pages. I simply find his style of writing boring and his theories pure imaginative guesswork; I cannot take this author's ideas onboard yet biology fascinates me and especially that of epigenetics which seems to disprove all that this author advocates. I suspect that there is a snobbery value to those who support him. Irrespective of his academic standing I cannot avoid regarding the author as an imposter as I constantly want to wage war with his views. Admittedly, he comes across publicly as a very plausible academic but, that does not sway me.

Blind theorizing, 27 Jun 2008
Dawkins writes that "the argument of this book is that we, and all other animals, are machines created by our genes" (p.xxi) and that "We are survival machines - robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes" (p.xxi). Yet, according to him, this book "is not science fiction; it is science" (p.xxi)!

Dawkins contrives to overlook the twin discoveries that:
1. the observable traits of organisms are mostly conditioned by the interactions of many genes;
2. most genes have multiple effects on many of these t