Entire Degree in 10 Chapters, 15 May 2008
Very useful pocket knowledge but only if you understand engineering and mathematics. A definite buy if your a desk engineer. Likewise with Machinery Handbook and Roarks Stress/Strain formula. I now have a full array of weapons to use instead of googling all my forgotten formulae!

A Giecks best friend, 25 Jun 2003
There is a reason this book is hardback: This is the most overused book I have ever bought. It has all the formulas you can't be bothered to commit to memory without becoming "Janet and Jill do Engineering". It's well laid out to boot.
My last copy (1990) just died and the new edition is even better.

Ultimate formula reference book for the design engineer., 13 Jan 1999
This book has almost every topic that a mechanical design engineer will encounter, and provides a thorough reference for all those pesky formulae that you have difficulty remembering

A good reference to take on the road., 01 Dec 1998
This book is a good general reference for the technical professional who travels. A good variety of formulas and commonly referenced data makes this useful to someone who has experience solving problems, but just forgot the formula. There is little explaination of the subject matter, so it has limited use to the uninitiated. Still, the unit conversions, area formulas and good coverage of mathematics makes it valuable to the person who only occasionally has to make simple calculations. It also should sufficiently intimidate anyone who might think that solving engineering problems is fun and easy. The numerous, well scattered blank pages are useful for writing in your own formulas or notes, and the small size assures that you will take this one with you. I am buying a second because my brother (a technical salesman) ran off with mine.

Entire Degree in 10 Chapters, 15 May 2008
Very useful pocket knowledge but only if you understand engineering and mathematics. A definite buy if your a desk engineer. Likewise with Machinery Handbook and Roarks Stress/Strain formula. I now have a full array of weapons to use instead of googling all my forgotten formulae!

A Giecks best friend, 25 Jun 2003
There is a reason this book is hardback: This is the most overused book I have ever bought. It has all the formulas you can't be bothered to commit to memory without becoming "Janet and Jill do Engineering". It's well laid out to boot.
My last copy (1990) just died and the new edition is even better.

Ultimate formula reference book for the design engineer., 13 Jan 1999
This book has almost every topic that a mechanical design engineer will encounter, and provides a thorough reference for all those pesky formulae that you have difficulty remembering

A good reference to take on the road., 01 Dec 1998
This book is a good general reference for the technical professional who travels. A good variety of formulas and commonly referenced data makes this useful to someone who has experience solving problems, but just forgot the formula. There is little explaination of the subject matter, so it has limited use to the uninitiated. Still, the unit conversions, area formulas and good coverage of mathematics makes it valuable to the person who only occasionally has to make simple calculations. It also should sufficiently intimidate anyone who might think that solving engineering problems is fun and easy. The numerous, well scattered blank pages are useful for writing in your own formulas or notes, and the small size assures that you will take this one with you. I am buying a second because my brother (a technical salesman) ran off with mine.

I shed a LOT of weight through applying their principles, 22 Nov 2008
I have read many, many diet books and tried a few. The recent trend in weight loss tends towards some form of carbohydrate control. Or, to translate, depriving yourself of the very things that you like and that made you overweight in the first place.

Most diets are complicated, fussy and harsh. The authors of this book have distilled complex issues into some simple principles. Some people may not like that; they somehow feel robbed by having something simple to follow rather than a complex formula. Well, if you like to complicate your life and stay fat, good luck to you.

How much weight did I lose? Before I started using the principles in this book (early 2007) I weighed 117 kilos/18.4 Stone. I shed weight smoothly but rapidly and one year later weighed 82 kilos/12.9 stone. And that new weight is being maintained. Was it the book alone? No. If you think that you will get thinner by doing one thing then you are deluding yourself and will become de-motivated and probably revert to old eating habits.

You also need some exercise. My route was paragliding, so I got to walk up steep hills; kitesurfing, which is a whole body exercise, swimming and some gym. Sounds like a lot but I was doing a bit of exercise about 3 times a week. I have been maintaining my new weight with little exercise over past 6 months but am maintaining my new eating habits.

And that's all it is. New habits. I made a decision to change and have changed. Look after yourself: get this book, get some moderate exercise in a few times a week and enjoy the transformation.

Oh, there was one downside: I did change my wardrobe three times in a year!! One tip, buy clothes that you are happy to bin three months later. Do what this book says, exercise a little and it will happen for you too. Good luck

Post Atkins Diet, 17 Jan 2004
I tried this diet after doing the Atkins diet for 5 months - I lost weight on the Atkins but it made me feel very ill and was very hard to stick to and lead a normal life. This book promised a more sensible approach to losing weight the low-carb way and it is certainly easy to follow. However, after following it strictly for about 6 weeks I have not lost any weight on it!!

But don't let that put you off - I am eating a lot healthier than I have for a long time and I haven't put on any weight that I lost on Atkins. This book encourages a more long term, healthy approach to dieting.It also has helped me stop the 'bingeing' I was particularly prone to on Atkins (i.e. the 'I've broken the diet today so may as well really go for it!' binge)

I'm hoping that if I increase my exercise routine I will eventually lose weight on this diet.It's not a short-term quick loss plan - it is a plan for life.

very good book, 01 Sep 2003
This book describes me and my dieting problems absolutly to a T. I can relate so well to this book and all their ideas. It is a sensible eating and life plan. No expensive faddy foods, just a sensible regime. Simply link all carbohydrates with protein - don't go hungry - eat regularly and drink plenty of water.
It sounds fabulous.

Provides a simple method for coping with insulin resistance, 01 Nov 2001
Having read a number of diet books this follows much of the same pattern. It has lots of case studies and background into insulin resistance and how it affects sufferers - but the book could easily have been half as long. It's also more of a lifestyle diet than a prescriptive plan to follow. The 'link and balance' method (basically, every time you eat, make sure that the protein:carbohydrate weight ratio is at least 1:2) that it prescribes is very easy to follow (particularly if you're in the habit of checking food labels anyway) and it has some stuff about 'real world strategies' which are useful. It is somewhat confusing in that it switches between ounces and grams, and lots of the references are American (recipies use cups and I'm not sure if lots of the ingredients suggested such as non-fat cheese are available in the UK). I've only been following it for 2 weeks but it's easy to do and I've lost a couple of pounds already.

Entire Degree in 10 Chapters, 15 May 2008
Very useful pocket knowledge but only if you understand engineering and mathematics. A definite buy if your a desk engineer. Likewise with Machinery Handbook and Roarks Stress/Strain formula. I now have a full array of weapons to use instead of googling all my forgotten formulae!

A Giecks best friend, 25 Jun 2003
There is a reason this book is hardback: This is the most overused book I have ever bought. It has all the formulas you can't be bothered to commit to memory without becoming "Janet and Jill do Engineering". It's well laid out to boot.
My last copy (1990) just died and the new edition is even better.

Ultimate formula reference book for the design engineer., 13 Jan 1999
This book has almost every topic that a mechanical design engineer will encounter, and provides a thorough reference for all those pesky formulae that you have difficulty remembering

A good reference to take on the road., 01 Dec 1998
This book is a good general reference for the technical professional who travels. A good variety of formulas and commonly referenced data makes this useful to someone who has experience solving problems, but just forgot the formula. There is little explaination of the subject matter, so it has limited use to the uninitiated. Still, the unit conversions, area formulas and good coverage of mathematics makes it valuable to the person who only occasionally has to make simple calculations. It also should sufficiently intimidate anyone who might think that solving engineering problems is fun and easy. The numerous, well scattered blank pages are useful for writing in your own formulas or notes, and the small size assures that you will take this one with you. I am buying a second because my brother (a technical salesman) ran off with mine.

I shed a LOT of weight through applying their principles, 22 Nov 2008
I have read many, many diet books and tried a few. The recent trend in weight loss tends towards some form of carbohydrate control. Or, to translate, depriving yourself of the very things that you like and that made you overweight in the first place.

Most diets are complicated, fussy and harsh. The authors of this book have distilled complex issues into some simple principles. Some people may not like that; they somehow feel robbed by having something simple to follow rather than a complex formula. Well, if you like to complicate your life and stay fat, good luck to you.

How much weight did I lose? Before I started using the principles in this book (early 2007) I weighed 117 kilos/18.4 Stone. I shed weight smoothly but rapidly and one year later weighed 82 kilos/12.9 stone. And that new weight is being maintained. Was it the book alone? No. If you think that you will get thinner by doing one thing then you are deluding yourself and will become de-motivated and probably revert to old eating habits.

You also need some exercise. My route was paragliding, so I got to walk up steep hills; kitesurfing, which is a whole body exercise, swimming and some gym. Sounds like a lot but I was doing a bit of exercise about 3 times a week. I have been maintaining my new weight with little exercise over past 6 months but am maintaining my new eating habits.

And that's all it is. New habits. I made a decision to change and have changed. Look after yourself: get this book, get some moderate exercise in a few times a week and enjoy the transformation.

Oh, there was one downside: I did change my wardrobe three times in a year!! One tip, buy clothes that you are happy to bin three months later. Do what this book says, exercise a little and it will happen for you too. Good luck

Post Atkins Diet, 17 Jan 2004
I tried this diet after doing the Atkins diet for 5 months - I lost weight on the Atkins but it made me feel very ill and was very hard to stick to and lead a normal life. This book promised a more sensible approach to losing weight the low-carb way and it is certainly easy to follow. However, after following it strictly for about 6 weeks I have not lost any weight on it!!

But don't let that put you off - I am eating a lot healthier than I have for a long time and I haven't put on any weight that I lost on Atkins. This book encourages a more long term, healthy approach to dieting.It also has helped me stop the 'bingeing' I was particularly prone to on Atkins (i.e. the 'I've broken the diet today so may as well really go for it!' binge)

I'm hoping that if I increase my exercise routine I will eventually lose weight on this diet.It's not a short-term quick loss plan - it is a plan for life.

very good book, 01 Sep 2003
This book describes me and my dieting problems absolutly to a T. I can relate so well to this book and all their ideas. It is a sensible eating and life plan. No expensive faddy foods, just a sensible regime. Simply link all carbohydrates with protein - don't go hungry - eat regularly and drink plenty of water.
It sounds fabulous.

Provides a simple method for coping with insulin resistance, 01 Nov 2001
Having read a number of diet books this follows much of the same pattern. It has lots of case studies and background into insulin resistance and how it affects sufferers - but the book could easily have been half as long. It's also more of a lifestyle diet than a prescriptive plan to follow. The 'link and balance' method (basically, every time you eat, make sure that the protein:carbohydrate weight ratio is at least 1:2) that it prescribes is very easy to follow (particularly if you're in the habit of checking food labels anyway) and it has some stuff about 'real world strategies' which are useful. It is somewhat confusing in that it switches between ounces and grams, and lots of the references are American (recipies use cups and I'm not sure if lots of the ingredients suggested such as non-fat cheese are available in the UK). I've only been following it for 2 weeks but it's easy to do and I've lost a couple of pounds already.

Excellent book for undergraduates - clear, simple, 20 Apr 2000
This is an excellent reference book for undergraduates as it covers most basic topic of coastal and hydraulics engineering. The text and illustrations are simple and easily understood and yet concise. Very useful for civil engineering student as the textbook comes with worked examples which further illustrates a working. Ideal book to start a research.

Entire Degree in 10 Chapters, 15 May 2008
Very useful pocket knowledge but only if you understand engineering and mathematics. A definite buy if your a desk engineer. Likewise with Machinery Handbook and Roarks Stress/Strain formula. I now have a full array of weapons to use instead of googling all my forgotten formulae!

A Giecks best friend, 25 Jun 2003
There is a reason this book is hardback: This is the most overused book I have ever bought. It has all the formulas you can't be bothered to commit to memory without becoming "Janet and Jill do Engineering". It's well laid out to boot.
My last copy (1990) just died and the new edition is even better.

Ultimate formula reference book for the design engineer., 13 Jan 1999
This book has almost every topic that a mechanical design engineer will encounter, and provides a thorough reference for all those pesky formulae that you have difficulty remembering

A good reference to take on the road., 01 Dec 1998
This book is a good general reference for the technical professional who travels. A good variety of formulas and commonly referenced data makes this useful to someone who has experience solving problems, but just forgot the formula. There is little explaination of the subject matter, so it has limited use to the uninitiated. Still, the unit conversions, area formulas and good coverage of mathematics makes it valuable to the person who only occasionally has to make simple calculations. It also should sufficiently intimidate anyone who might think that solving engineering problems is fun and easy. The numerous, well scattered blank pages are useful for writing in your own formulas or notes, and the small size assures that you will take this one with you. I am buying a second because my brother (a technical salesman) ran off with mine.

I shed a LOT of weight through applying their principles, 22 Nov 2008
I have read many, many diet books and tried a few. The recent trend in weight loss tends towards some form of carbohydrate control. Or, to translate, depriving yourself of the very things that you like and that made you overweight in the first place.

Most diets are complicated, fussy and harsh. The authors of this book have distilled complex issues into some simple principles. Some people may not like that; they somehow feel robbed by having something simple to follow rather than a complex formula. Well, if you like to complicate your life and stay fat, good luck to you.

How much weight did I lose? Before I started using the principles in this book (early 2007) I weighed 117 kilos/18.4 Stone. I shed weight smoothly but rapidly and one year later weighed 82 kilos/12.9 stone. And that new weight is being maintained. Was it the book alone? No. If you think that you will get thinner by doing one thing then you are deluding yourself and will become de-motivated and probably revert to old eating habits.

You also need some exercise. My route was paragliding, so I got to walk up steep hills; kitesurfing, which is a whole body exercise, swimming and some gym. Sounds like a lot but I was doing a bit of exercise about 3 times a week. I have been maintaining my new weight with little exercise over past 6 months but am maintaining my new eating habits.

And that's all it is. New habits. I made a decision to change and have changed. Look after yourself: get this book, get some moderate exercise in a few times a week and enjoy the transformation.

Oh, there was one downside: I did change my wardrobe three times in a year!! One tip, buy clothes that you are happy to bin three months later. Do what this book says, exercise a little and it will happen for you too. Good luck

Post Atkins Diet, 17 Jan 2004
I tried this diet after doing the Atkins diet for 5 months - I lost weight on the Atkins but it made me feel very ill and was very hard to stick to and lead a normal life. This book promised a more sensible approach to losing weight the low-carb way and it is certainly easy to follow. However, after following it strictly for about 6 weeks I have not lost any weight on it!!

But don't let that put you off - I am eating a lot healthier than I have for a long time and I haven't put on any weight that I lost on Atkins. This book encourages a more long term, healthy approach to dieting.It also has helped me stop the 'bingeing' I was particularly prone to on Atkins (i.e. the 'I've broken the diet today so may as well really go for it!' binge)

I'm hoping that if I increase my exercise routine I will eventually lose weight on this diet.It's not a short-term quick loss plan - it is a plan for life.

very good book, 01 Sep 2003
This book describes me and my dieting problems absolutly to a T. I can relate so well to this book and all their ideas. It is a sensible eating and life plan. No expensive faddy foods, just a sensible regime. Simply link all carbohydrates with protein - don't go hungry - eat regularly and drink plenty of water.
It sounds fabulous.

Provides a simple method for coping with insulin resistance, 01 Nov 2001
Having read a number of diet books this follows much of the same pattern. It has lots of case studies and background into insulin resistance and how it affects sufferers - but the book could easily have been half as long. It's also more of a lifestyle diet than a prescriptive plan to follow. The 'link and balance' method (basically, every time you eat, make sure that the protein:carbohydrate weight ratio is at least 1:2) that it prescribes is very easy to follow (particularly if you're in the habit of checking food labels anyway) and it has some stuff about 'real world strategies' which are useful. It is somewhat confusing in that it switches between ounces and grams, and lots of the references are American (recipies use cups and I'm not sure if lots of the ingredients suggested such as non-fat cheese are available in the UK). I've only been following it for 2 weeks but it's easy to do and I've lost a couple of pounds already.

Excellent book for undergraduates - clear, simple, 20 Apr 2000
This is an excellent reference book for undergraduates as it covers most basic topic of coastal and hydraulics engineering. The text and illustrations are simple and easily understood and yet concise. Very useful for civil engineering student as the textbook comes with worked examples which further illustrates a working. Ideal book to start a research.

Excellent introduction to Hydraulics, 03 Dec 2000
Already having a degree in mechanical engineering, but no practical knowledge of hydraulics, I purchased this book to enable me to start designing using standard hydraulic components. Whilst a previous book I had acquired disappointingly focussed on pneumatics at the expense of hydraulics, this book was the other way around. Its coverage of hydraulics is excellent and should enable anyone with a technical background to begin designing hydraulic systems with confidence. My rating would have been higher had the coverage of pneumatics, joinly prominent in the book's title, been equally extensive.

Entire Degree in 10 Chapters, 15 May 2008
Very useful pocket knowledge but only if you understand engineering and mathematics. A definite buy if your a desk engineer. Likewise with Machinery Handbook and Roarks Stress/Strain formula. I now have a full array of weapons to use instead of googling all my forgotten formulae!

A Giecks best friend, 25 Jun 2003
There is a reason this book is hardback: This is the most overused book I have ever bought. It has all the formulas you can't be bothered to commit to memory without becoming "Janet and Jill do Engineering". It's well laid out to boot.
My last copy (1990) just died and the new edition is even better.

Ultimate formula reference book for the design engineer., 13 Jan 1999
This book has almost every topic that a mechanical design engineer will encounter, and provides a thorough reference for all those pesky formulae that you have difficulty remembering

A good reference to take on the road., 01 Dec 1998
This book is a good general reference for the technical professional who travels. A good variety of formulas and commonly referenced data makes this useful to someone who has experience solving problems, but just forgot the formula. There is little explaination of the subject matter, so it has limited use to the uninitiated. Still, the unit conversions, area formulas and good coverage of mathematics makes it valuable to the person who only occasionally has to make simple calculations. It also should sufficiently intimidate anyone who might think that solving engineering problems is fun and easy. The numerous, well scattered blank pages are useful for writing in your own formulas or notes, and the small size assures that you will take this one with you. I am buying a second because my brother (a technical salesman) ran off with mine.

I shed a LOT of weight through applying their principles, 22 Nov 2008
I have read many, many diet books and tried a few. The recent trend in weight loss tends towards some form of carbohydrate control. Or, to translate, depriving yourself of the very things that you like and that made you overweight in the first place.

Most diets are complicated, fussy and harsh. The authors of this book have distilled complex issues into some simple principles. Some people may not like that; they somehow feel robbed by having something simple to follow rather than a complex formula. Well, if you like to complicate your life and stay fat, good luck to you.

How much weight did I lose? Before I started using the principles in this book (early 2007) I weighed 117 kilos/18.4 Stone. I shed weight smoothly but rapidly and one year later weighed 82 kilos/12.9 stone. And that new weight is being maintained. Was it the book alone? No. If you think that you will get thinner by doing one thing then you are deluding yourself and will become de-motivated and probably revert to old eating habits.

You also need some exercise. My route was paragliding, so I got to walk up steep hills; kitesurfing, which is a whole body exercise, swimming and some gym. Sounds like a lot but I was doing a bit of exercise about 3 times a week. I have been maintaining my new weight with little exercise over past 6 months but am maintaining my new eating habits.

And that's all it is. New habits. I made a decision to change and have changed. Look after yourself: get this book, get some moderate exercise in a few times a week and enjoy the transformation.

Oh, there was one downside: I did change my wardrobe three times in a year!! One tip, buy clothes that you are happy to bin three months later. Do what this book says, exercise a little and it will happen for you too. Good luck

Post Atkins Diet, 17 Jan 2004
I tried this diet after doing the Atkins diet for 5 months - I lost weight on the Atkins but it made me feel very ill and was very hard to stick to and lead a normal life. This book promised a more sensible approach to losing weight the low-carb way and it is certainly easy to follow. However, after following it strictly for about 6 weeks I have not lost any weight on it!!

But don't let that put you off - I am eating a lot healthier than I have for a long time and I haven't put on any weight that I lost on Atkins. This book encourages a more long term, healthy approach to dieting.It also has helped me stop the 'bingeing' I was particularly prone to on Atkins (i.e. the 'I've broken the diet today so may as well really go for it!' binge)

I'm hoping that if I increase my exercise routine I will eventually lose weight on this diet.It's not a short-term quick loss plan - it is a plan for life.

very good book, 01 Sep 2003
This book describes me and my dieting problems absolutly to a T. I can relate so well to this book and all their ideas. It is a sensible eating and life plan. No expensive faddy foods, just a sensible regime. Simply link all carbohydrates with protein - don't go hungry - eat regularly and drink plenty of water.
It sounds fabulous.

Provides a simple method for coping with insulin resistance, 01 Nov 2001
Having read a number of diet books this follows much of the same pattern. It has lots of case studies and background into insulin resistance and how it affects sufferers - but the book could easily have been half as long. It's also more of a lifestyle diet than a prescriptive plan to follow. The 'link and balance' method (basically, every time you eat, make sure that the protein:carbohydrate weight ratio is at least 1:2) that it prescribes is very easy to follow (particularly if you're in the habit of checking food labels anyway) and it has some stuff about 'real world strategies' which are useful. It is somewhat confusing in that it switches between ounces and grams, and lots of the references are American (recipies use cups and I'm not sure if lots of the ingredients suggested such as non-fat cheese are available in the UK). I've only been following it for 2 weeks but it's easy to do and I've lost a couple of pounds already.

Excellent book for undergraduates - clear, simple, 20 Apr 2000
This is an excellent reference book for undergraduates as it covers most basic topic of coastal and hydraulics engineering. The text and illustrations are simple and easily understood and yet concise. Very useful for civil engineering student as the textbook comes with worked examples which further illustrates a working. Ideal book to start a research.

Excellent introduction to Hydraulics, 03 Dec 2000
Already having a degree in mechanical engineering, but no practical knowledge of hydraulics, I purchased this book to enable me to start designing using standard hydraulic components. Whilst a previous book I had acquired disappointingly focussed on pneumatics at the expense of hydraulics, this book was the other way around. Its coverage of hydraulics is excellent and should enable anyone with a technical background to begin designing hydraulic systems with confidence. My rating would have been higher had the coverage of pneumatics, joinly prominent in the book's title, been equally extensive.

A good read for anyone intrested in pheumatics or hydraulics, 27 Jan 2002
Quite a few years ago I had a limited experience of maintening pheumatic filling machines ect. I now find myself in a new job which requires a reasonable understanding of both pheumatics and hydraulics. Wishing to brush up on the little knowledge I obtained then I found this book to be an excellent read. It is both practical and also explains the theory of fluid power systems extremely well. I particulary found the circuit diagrams, symbols and explanation of how various components operate very useful.
I would reccommend this book for anyone
(student or otherwise) who is wishing to gain a good sound understanding in this field of fluid engineering.

Entire Degree in 10 Chapters, 15 May 2008
Very useful pocket knowledge but only if you understand engineering and mathematics. A definite buy if your a desk engineer. Likewise with Machinery Handbook and Roarks Stress/Strain formula. I now have a full array of weapons to use instead of googling all my forgotten formulae!

A Giecks best friend, 25 Jun 2003
There is a reason this book is hardback: This is the most overused book I have ever bought. It has all the formulas you can't be bothered to commit to memory without becoming "Janet and Jill do Engineering". It's well laid out to boot.
My last copy (1990) just died and the new edition is even better.

Ultimate formula reference book for the design engineer., 13 Jan 1999
This book has almost every topic that a mechanical design engineer will encounter, and provides a thorough reference for all those pesky formulae that you have difficulty remembering

A good reference to take on the road., 01 Dec 1998
This book is a good general reference for the technical professional who travels. A good variety of formulas and commonly referenced data makes this useful to someone who has experience solving problems, but just forgot the formula. There is little explaination of the subject matter, so it has limited use to the uninitiated. Still, the unit conversions, area formulas and good coverage of mathematics makes it valuable to the person who only occasionally has to make simple calculations. It also should sufficiently intimidate anyone who might think that solving engineering problems is fun and easy. The numerous, well scattered blank pages are useful for writing in your own formulas or notes, and the small size assures that you will take this one with you. I am buying a second because my brother (a technical salesman) ran off with mine.

I shed a LOT of weight through applying their principles, 22 Nov 2008
I have read many, many diet books and tried a few. The recent trend in weight loss tends towards some form of carbohydrate control. Or, to translate, depriving yourself of the very things that you like and that made you overweight in the first place.

Most diets are complicated, fussy and harsh. The authors of this book have distilled complex issues into some simple principles. Some people may not like that; they somehow feel robbed by having something simple to follow rather than a complex formula. Well, if you like to complicate your life and stay fat, good luck to you.

How much weight did I lose? Before I started using the principles in this book (early 2007) I weighed 117 kilos/18.4 Stone. I shed weight smoothly but rapidly and one year later weighed 82 kilos/12.9 stone. And that new weight is being maintained. Was it the book alone? No. If you think that you will get thinner by doing one thing then you are deluding yourself and will become de-motivated and probably revert to old eating habits.

You also need some exercise. My route was paragliding, so I got to walk up steep hills; kitesurfing, which is a whole body exercise, swimming and some gym. Sounds like a lot but I was doing a bit of exercise about 3 times a week. I have been maintaining my new weight with little exercise over past 6 months but am maintaining my new eating habits.

And that's all it is. New habits. I made a decision to change and have changed. Look after yourself: get this book, get some moderate exercise in a few times a week and enjoy the transformation.

Oh, there was one downside: I did change my wardrobe three times in a year!! One tip, buy clothes that you are happy to bin three months later. Do what this book says, exercise a little and it will happen for you too. Good luck

Post Atkins Diet, 17 Jan 2004
I tried this diet after doing the Atkins diet for 5 months - I lost weight on the Atkins but it made me feel very ill and was very hard to stick to and lead a normal life. This book promised a more sensible approach to losing weight the low-carb way and it is certainly easy to follow. However, after following it strictly for about 6 weeks I have not lost any weight on it!!

But don't let that put you off - I am eating a lot healthier than I have for a long time and I haven't put on any weight that I lost on Atkins. This book encourages a more long term, healthy approach to dieting.It also has helped me stop the 'bingeing' I was particularly prone to on Atkins (i.e. the 'I've broken the diet today so may as well really go for it!' binge)

I'm hoping that if I increase my exercise routine I will eventually lose weight on this diet.It's not a short-term quick loss plan - it is a plan for life.

very good book, 01 Sep 2003
This book describes me and my dieting problems absolutly to a T. I can relate so well to this book and all their ideas. It is a sensible eating and life plan. No expensive faddy foods, just a sensible regime. Simply link all carbohydrates with protein - don't go hungry - eat regularly and drink plenty of water.
It sounds fabulous.

Provides a simple method for coping with insulin resistance, 01 Nov 2001
Having read a number of diet books this follows much of the same pattern. It has lots of case studies and background into insulin resistance and how it affects sufferers - but the book could easily have been half as long. It's also more of a lifestyle diet than a prescriptive plan to follow. The 'link and balance' method (basically, every time you eat, make sure that the protein:carbohydrate weight ratio is at least 1:2) that it prescribes is very easy to follow (particularly if you're in the habit of checking food labels anyway) and it has some stuff about 'real world strategies' which are useful. It is somewhat confusing in that it switches between ounces and grams, and lots of the references are American (recipies use cups and I'm not sure if lots of the ingredients suggested such as non-fat cheese are available in the UK). I've only been following it for 2 weeks but it's easy to do and I've lost a couple of pounds already.

Excellent book for undergraduates - clear, simple, 20 Apr 2000
This is an excellent reference book for undergraduates as it covers most basic topic of coastal and hydraulics engineering. The text and illustrations are simple and easily understood and yet concise. Very useful for civil engineering student as the textbook comes with worked examples which further illustrates a working. Ideal book to start a research.

Excellent introduction to Hydraulics, 03 Dec 2000
Already having a degree in mechanical engineering, but no practical knowledge of hydraulics, I purchased this book to enable me to start designing using standard hydraulic components. Whilst a previous book I had acquired disappointingly focussed on pneumatics at the expense of hydraulics, this book was the other way around. Its coverage of hydraulics is excellent and should enable anyone with a technical background to begin designing hydraulic systems with confidence. My rating would have been higher had the coverage of pneumatics, joinly prominent in the book's title, been equally extensive.

A good read for anyone intrested in pheumatics or hydraulics, 27 Jan 2002
Quite a few years ago I had a limited experience of maintening pheumatic filling machines ect. I now find myself in a new job which requires a reasonable understanding of both pheumatics and hydraulics. Wishing to brush up on the little knowledge I obtained then I found this book to be an excellent read. It is both practical and also explains the theory of fluid power systems extremely well. I particulary found the circuit diagrams, symbols and explanation of how various components operate very useful.
I would reccommend this book for anyone
(student or otherwise) who is wishing to gain a good sound understanding in this field of fluid engineering.

Easy to understand, 12 Dec 2008
Well written book. Subjects are laid out very clearly and concepts are well explained. In the later years of a degree you may need to get a different book as it doesn't cover all advanced areas.

'Understanding Hydraulics" - I do now too!, 26 Jul 2008
Excellent book for anyone needing to understand hydraulics and engineering hydrology. Invaluable. My favourite.

PS: The chapter on engineering hydrology and particulary about surface runoff is much better and has more info than Shaw's Hydrology. Well illustrated section on hydrographs and stats analysis. Also it contains info on groundwater and well hydraulics.

Easy to Understand, 26 Oct 2007
The book is easy to follow and is a good reference. The problem that I have is my work colleagues keep borrowing it!

"Understanding Hydraulics" - I do now!, 23 May 2002
Unlike many of todays technical textbooks, the use of the word 'understanding' is not a misnomer.
The format of the book employs a question and answer theme to work through from the basic principals of hydraulics (hydrostatics, pipeline flow, open channel flow etc) to demonstrating and using more complicated theory (hydraulic structures and models etc). This is done with an imaginary student (Spike) asking the questions and a learned Professor answering them.
I found this text to compare favourably with it's counterparts, many of the recommended texts for Civvil Engineering and Environmental Engineering degree courses fail to display the clarity and easy to read format that this textbook demonstrates. "Fluid Mechanics" by B.S.Massey,is used by many university students. The scope of the subject matter is superior to most other texts. Unfortunately it assumes too much prior knowledge and fails to simplify complicated derivations. Although "Understanding Hydraulics" does not cover all the fields that Massey does the easy to read format and unconvoluted style promotes understanding. There are also plenty of examples, which are always a winner with students!
It is not only suitable for students, I will be using it in industry and find the modernised language refreshing.
Overall I would give this 9/10, with the only criticism I have being that there could have been more subjects covered(e.g. sediment transport). Or maybe that could be another book!

Entire Degree in 10 Chapters, 15 May 2008
Very useful pocket knowledge but only if you understand engineering and mathematics. A definite buy if your a desk engineer. Likewise with Machinery Handbook and Roarks Stress/Strain formula. I now have a full array of weapons to use instead of googling all my forgotten formulae!

A Giecks best friend, 25 Jun 2003
There is a reason this book is hardback: This is the most overused book I have ever bought. It has all the formulas you can't be bothered to commit to memory without becoming "Janet and Jill do Engineering". It's well laid out to boot.
My last copy (1990) just died and the new edition is even better.

Ultimate formula reference book for the design engineer., 13 Jan 1999
This book has almost every topic that a mechanical design engineer will encounter, and provides a thorough reference for all those pesky formulae that you have difficulty remembering

A good reference to take on the road., 01 Dec 1998
This book is a good general reference for the technical professional who travels. A good variety of formulas and commonly referenced data makes this useful to someone who has experience solving problems, but just forgot the formula. There is little explaination of the subject matter, so it has limited use to the uninitiated. Still, the unit conversions, area formulas and good coverage of mathematics makes it valuable to the person who only occasionally has to make simple calculations. It also should sufficiently intimidate anyone who might think that solving engineering problems is fun and easy. The numerous, well scattered blank pages are useful for writing in your own formulas or notes, and the small size assures that you will take this one with you. I am buying a second because my brother (a technical salesman) ran off with mine.

I shed a LOT of weight through applying their principles, 22 Nov 2008
I have read many, many diet books and tried a few. The recent trend in weight loss tends towards some form of carbohydrate control. Or, to translate, depriving yourself of the very things that you like and that made you overweight in the first place.

Most diets are complicated, fussy and harsh. The authors of this book have distilled complex issues into some simple principles. Some people may not like that; they somehow feel robbed by having something simple to follow rather than a complex formula. Well, if you like to complicate your life and stay fat, good luck to you.

How much weight did I lose? Before I started using the principles in this book (early 2007) I weighed 117 kilos/18.4 Stone. I shed weight smoothly but rapidly and one year later weighed 82 kilos/12.9 stone. And that new weight is being maintained. Was it the book alone? No. If you think that you will get thinner by doing one thing then you are deluding yourself and will become de-motivated and probably revert to old eating habits.

You also need some exercise. My route was paragliding, so I got to walk up steep hills; kitesurfing, which is a whole body exercise, swimming and some gym. Sounds like a lot but I was doing a bit of exercise about 3 times a week. I have been maintaining my new weight with little exercise over past 6 months but am maintaining my new eating habits.

And that's all it is. New habits. I made a decision to change and have changed. Look after yourself: get this book, get some moderate exercise in a few times a week and enjoy the transformation.

Oh, there was one downside: I did change my wardrobe three times in a year!! One tip, buy clothes that you are happy to bin three months later. Do what this book says, exercise a little and it will happen for you too. Good luck

Post Atkins Diet, 17 Jan 2004
I tried this diet after doing the Atkins diet for 5 months - I lost weight on the Atkins but it made me feel very ill and was very hard to stick to and lead a normal life. This book promised a more sensible approach to losing weight the low-carb way and it is certainly easy to follow. However, after following it strictly for about 6 weeks I have not lost any weight on it!!

But don't let that put you off - I am eating a lot healthier than I have for a long time and I haven't put on any weight that I lost on Atkins. This book encourages a more long term, healthy approach to dieting.It also has helped me stop the 'bingeing' I was particularly prone to on Atkins (i.e. the 'I've broken the diet today so may as well really go for it!' binge)

I'm hoping that if I increase my exercise routine I will eventually lose weight on this diet.It's not a short-term quick loss plan - it is a plan for life.

very good book, 01 Sep 2003
This book describes me and my dieting problems absolutly to a T. I can relate so well to this book and all their ideas. It is a sensible eating and life plan. No expensive faddy foods, just a sensible regime. Simply link all carbohydrates with protein - don't go hungry - eat regularly and drink plenty of water.
It sounds fabulous.

Provides a simple method for coping with insulin resistance, 01 Nov 2001
Having read a number of diet books this follows much of the same pattern. It has lots of case studies and background into insulin resistance and how it affects sufferers - but the book could easily have been half as long. It's also more of a lifestyle diet than a prescriptive plan to follow. The 'link and balance' method (basically, every time you eat, make sure that the protein:carbohydrate weight ratio is at least 1:2) that it prescribes is very easy to follow (particularly if you're in the habit of checking food labels anyway) and it has some stuff about 'real world strategies' which are useful. It is somewhat confusing in that it switches between ounces and grams, and lots of the references are American (recipies use cups and I'm not sure if lots of the ingredients suggested such as non-fat cheese are available in the UK). I've only been following it for 2 weeks but it's easy to do and I've lost a couple of pounds already.

Excellent book for undergraduates - clear, simple, 20 Apr 2000
This is an excellent reference book for undergraduates as it covers most basic topic of coastal and hydraulics engineering. The text and illustrations are simple and easily understood and yet concise. Very useful for civil engineering student as the textbook comes with worked examples which further illustrates a working. Ideal book to start a research.

Excellent introduction to Hydraulics, 03 Dec 2000
Already having a degree in mechanical engineering, but no practical knowledge of hydraulics, I purchased this book to enable me to start designing using standard hydraulic components. Whilst a previous book I had acquired disappointingly focussed on pneumatics at the expense of hydraulics, this book was the other way around. Its coverage of hydraulics is excellent and should enable anyone with a technical background to begin designing hydraulic systems with confidence. My rating would have been higher had the coverage of pneumatics, joinly prominent in the book's title, been equally extensive.

A good read for anyone intrested in pheumatics or hydraulics, 27 Jan 2002
Quite a few years ago I had a limited experience of maintening pheumatic filling machines ect. I now find myself in a new job which requires a reasonable understanding of both pheumatics and hydraulics. Wishing to brush up on the little knowledge I obtained then I found this book to be an excellent read. It is both practical and also explains the theory of fluid power systems extremely well. I particulary found the circuit diagrams, symbols and explanation of how various components operate very useful.
I would reccommend this book for anyone
(student or otherwise) who is wishing to gain a good sound understanding in this field of fluid engineering.

Easy to understand, 12 Dec 2008
Well written book. Subjects are laid out very clearly and concepts are well explained. In the later years of a degree you may need to get a different book as it doesn't cover all advanced areas.

'Understanding Hydraulics" - I do now too!, 26 Jul 2008
Excellent book for anyone needing to understand hydraulics and engineering hydrology. Invaluable. My favourite.

PS: The chapter on engineering hydrology and particulary about surface runoff is much better and has more info than Shaw's Hydrology. Well illustrated section on hydrographs and stats analysis. Also it contains info on groundwater and well hydraulics.

Easy to Understand, 26 Oct 2007
The book is easy to follow and is a good reference. The problem that I have is my work colleagues keep borrowing it!

"Understanding Hydraulics" - I do now!, 23 May 2002
Unlike many of todays technical textbooks, the use of the word 'understanding' is not a misnomer.
The format of the book employs a question and answer theme to work through from the basic principals of hydraulics (hydrostatics, pipeline flow, open channel flow etc) to demonstrating and using more complicated theory (hydraulic structures and models etc). This is done with an imaginary student (Spike) asking the questions and a learned Professor answering them.
I found this text to compare favourably with it's counterparts, many of the recommended texts for Civvil Engineering and Environmental Engineering degree courses fail to display the clarity and easy to read format that this textbook demonstrates. "Fluid Mechanics" by B.S.Massey,is used by many university students. The scope of the subject matter is superior to most other texts. Unfortunately it assumes too much prior knowledge and fails to simplify complicated derivations. Although "Understanding Hydraulics" does not cover all the fields that Massey does the easy to read format and unconvoluted style promotes understanding. There are also plenty of examples, which are always a winner with students!
It is not only suitable for students, I will be using it in industry and find the modernised language refreshing.
Overall I would give this 9/10, with the only criticism I have being that there could have been more subjects covered(e.g. sediment transport). Or maybe that could be another book!

I loved this book, 18 Nov 2008
I loved this book. The Panama Canal story is an extraordinary, epic tale and Matthew Parker's marvellous account more than does it justice.

The book is written with a sure feel for the grand sweep of history: the unprecedented engineering challenge, the daunting geography of the mountainous Panamanian jungles, the strategic imperatives, the complex and fascinating finances, and the heart-rending and totally unforeseen logistical difficulties that turned dreams to nightmares.

At the same time the author has a wonderful nose for characters and this book has a rich and compelling cast to propel the story along. Parker clearly is a fine historian and one of the most impressive aspects of this book is the original work he has clearly done in scouring the archives to deliver a wealth of original written accounts - letters, diaries, company memos, political machinations, and so on.

The structure of the story is fascinating. The canal was begun by the French, expected to be the crowning glory of the man who built the Suez Canal, Ferdinand de Lesseps: and the years of disaster didn't just finish him but came close to bankrupting a generation of French investors. The canal then went into a second, very different phase, after the rising power of the United States took it over as the keystone of a very modern strategic vision of the future. The Americans, it should be said, also completed it.

Parker devotes roughly half of the book to each phase, and the contrast is amazing - between, if you like, the Victorian era of Jules Verne fantasies and the modern age of skyscrapers and internal combustion engines. All this helps to make this story not just a historical epic but also a very modern tale of engineering on the grand scale.

All in all I heartily recommend this book. I read a lot of non-fiction and this has been one of the treats of the year. Buy it!

A captivating account of human endeavour, 31 Oct 2007
Matthew Parker's Panama Fever offers a captivating account of the building of one of the world's greatest engineering achievements, weaving together an impressive range of first hand sources which not only tell an extraordinary tale but transport the reader back in time and half way around the world to the untamed forests of Central America. Parker's style is fluid and engaging, skilfully mixing the poignant details of the lives and deaths of the individuals drawn together to built the canal with the grander themes of its place in history. It is a difficult balancing act for any historian to tell a story on so many levels but Parker carries it off with distinction and great stylistic flair. A first rate read.

An excellent overview of the battle to construct the Canal, 14 Mar 2007
This is an enthralling account of the history of the various endeavours to construct a canal to unite the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Isthmus of Central America, particularly at Panama. The descriptions of the hardships undergone by the mainly British West Indian labourers leaves one wondering why it was permitted. The books intensity is spellbinding. But it comes to an abrupt end once the canal is open to traffic - nearly 100 years' ago; what has happened since then?

Just one adverse comment; the editing is a bit lax, for example the author refers to the uniform that the labourers were requited to wear and describes the "shirt and trousers" but the "r" in "shirt" is missing.

You should read "El Caballo de Oro" by Juan David Morgan first - this is an account of the construction of the railway across the Isthmus woven around the romance of the marriage of one the principal promotors. Fascinating.

Entire Degree in 10 Chapters, 15 May 2008
Very useful pocket knowledge but only if you understand engineering and mathematics. A definite buy if your a desk engineer. Likewise with Machinery Handbook and Roarks Stress/Strain formula. I now have a full array of weapons to use instead of googling all my forgotten formulae!

A Giecks best friend, 25 Jun 2003
There is a reason this book is hardback: This is the most overused book I have ever bought. It has all the formulas you can't be bothered to commit to memory without becoming "Janet and Jill do Engineering". It's well laid out to boot.
My last copy (1990) just died and the new edition is even better.

Ultimate formula reference book for the design engineer., 13 Jan 1999
This book has almost every topic that a mechanical design engineer will encounter, and provides a thorough reference for all those pesky formulae that you have difficulty remembering

A good reference to take on the road., 01 Dec 1998
This book is a good general reference for the technical professional who travels. A good variety of formulas and commonly referenced data makes this useful to someone who has experience solving problems, but just forgot the formula. There is little explaination of the subject matter, so it has limited use to the uninitiated. Still, the unit conversions, area formulas and good coverage of mathematics makes it valuable to the person who only occasionally has to make simple calculations. It also should sufficiently intimidate anyone who might think that solving engineering problems is fun and easy. The numerous, well scattered blank pages are useful for writing in your own formulas or notes, and the small size assures that you will take this one with you. I am buying a second because my brother (a technical salesman) ran off with mine.

I shed a LOT of weight through applying their principles, 22 Nov 2008
I have read many, many diet books and tried a few. The recent trend in weight loss tends towards some form of carbohydrate control. Or, to translate, depriving yourself of the very things that you like and that made you overweight in the first place.

Most diets are complicated, fussy and harsh. The authors of this book have distilled complex issues into some simple principles. Some people may not like that; they somehow feel robbed by having something simple to follow rather than a complex formula. Well, if you like to complicate your life and stay fat, good luck to you.

How much weight did I lose? Before I started using the principles in this book (early 2007) I weighed 117 kilos/18.4 Stone. I shed weight smoothly but rapidly and one year later weighed 82 kilos/12.9 stone. And that new weight is being maintained. Was it the book alone? No. If you think that you will get thinner by doing one thing then you are deluding yourself and will become de-motivated and probably revert to old eating habits.

You also need some exercise. My route was paragliding, so I got to walk up steep hills; kitesurfing, which is a whole body exercise, swimming and some gym. Sounds like a lot but I was doing a bit of exercise about 3 times a week. I have been maintaining my new weight with little exercise over past 6 months but am maintaining my new eating habits.

And that's all it is. New habits. I made a decision to change and have changed. Look after yourself: get this book, get some moderate exercise in a few times a week and enjoy the transformation.

Oh, there was one downside: I did change my wardrobe three times in a year!! One tip, buy clothes that you are happy to bin three months later. Do what this book says, exercise a little and it will happen for you too. Good luck

Post Atkins Diet, 17 Jan 2004
I tried this diet after doing the Atkins diet for 5 months - I lost weight on the Atkins but it made me feel very ill and was very hard to stick to and lead a normal life. This book promised a more sensible approach to losing weight the low-carb way and it is certainly easy to follow. However, after following it strictly for about 6 weeks I have not lost any weight on it!!

But don't let that put you off - I am eating a lot healthier than I have for a long time and I haven't put on any weight that I lost on Atkins. This book encourages a more long term, healthy approach to dieting.It also has helped me stop the 'bingeing' I was particularly prone to on Atkins (i.e. the 'I've broken the diet today so may as well really go for it!' binge)

I'm hoping that if I increase my exercise routine I will eventually lose weight on this diet.It's not a short-term quick loss plan - it is a plan for life.

very good book, 01 Sep 2003
This book describes me and my dieting problems absolutly to a T. I can relate so well to this book and all their ideas. It is a sensible eating and life plan. No expensive faddy foods, just a sensible regime. Simply link all carbohydrates with protein - don't go hungry - eat regularly and drink plenty of water.
It sounds fabulous.

Provides a simple method for coping with insulin resistance, 01 Nov 2001
Having read a number of diet books this follows much of the same pattern. It has lots of case studies and background into insulin resistance and how it affects sufferers - but the book could easily have been half as long. It's also more of a lifestyle diet than a prescriptive plan to follow. The 'link and balance' method (basically, every time you eat, make sure that the protein:carbohydrate weight ratio is at least 1:2) that it prescribes is very easy to follow (particularly if you're in the habit of checking food labels anyway) and it has some stuff about 'real world strategies' which are useful. It is somewhat confusing in that it switches between ounces and grams, and lots of the references are American (recipies use cups and I'm not sure if lots of the ingredients suggested such as non-fat cheese are available in the UK). I've only been following it for 2 weeks but it's easy to do and I've lost a couple of pounds already.

Excellent book for undergraduates - clear, simple, 20 Apr 2000
This is an excellent reference book for undergraduates as it covers most basic topic of coastal and hydraulics engineering. The text and illustrations are simple and easily understood and yet concise. Very useful for civil engineering student as the textbook comes with worked examples which further illustrates a working. Ideal book to start a research.

Excellent introduction to Hydraulics, 03 Dec 2000
Already having a degree in mechanical engineering, but no practical knowledge of hydraulics, I purchased this book to enable me to start designing using standard hydraulic components. Whilst a previous book I had acquired disappointingly focussed on pneumatics at the expense of hydraulics, this book was the other way around. Its coverage of hydraulics is excellent and should enable anyone with a technical background to begin designing hydraulic systems with confidence. My rating would have been higher had the coverage of pneumatics, joinly prominent in the book's title, been equally extensive.

A good read for anyone intrested in pheumatics or hydraulics, 27 Jan 2002
Quite a few years ago I had a limited experience of maintening pheumatic filling machines ect. I now find myself in a new job which requires a reasonable understanding of both pheumatics and hydraulics. Wishing to brush up on the little knowledge I obtained then I found this book to be an excellent read. It is both practical and also explains the theory of fluid power systems extremely well. I particulary found the circuit diagrams, symbols and explanation of how various components operate very useful.
I would reccommend this book for anyone
(student or otherwise) who is wishing to gain a good sound understanding in this field of fluid engineering.

Easy to understand, 12 Dec 2008
Well written book. Subjects are laid out very clearly and concepts are well explained. In the later years of a degree you may need to get a different book as it doesn't cover all advanced areas.

'Understanding Hydraulics" - I do now too!, 26 Jul 2008
Excellent book for anyone needing to understand hydraulics and engineering hydrology. Invaluable. My favourite.

PS: The chapter on engineering hydrology and particulary about surface runoff is much better and has more info than Shaw's Hydrology. Well illustrated section on hydrographs and stats analysis. Also it contains info on groundwater and well hydraulics.

Easy to Understand, 26 Oct 2007
The book is easy to follow and is a good reference. The problem that I have is my work colleagues keep borrowing it!

"Understanding Hydraulics" - I do now!, 23 May 2002
Unlike many of todays technical textbooks, the use of the word 'understanding' is not a misnomer.
The format of the book employs a question and answer theme to work through from the basic principals of hydraulics (hydrostatics, pipeline flow, open channel flow etc) to demonstrating and using more complicated theory (hydraulic structures and models etc). This is done with an imaginary student (Spike) asking the questions and a learned Professor answering them.
I found this text to compare favourably with it's counterparts, many of the recommended texts for Civvil Engineering and Environmental Engineering degree courses fail to display the clarity and easy to read format that this textbook demonstrates. "Fluid Mechanics" by B.S.Massey,is used by many university students. The scope of the subject matter is superior to most other texts. Unfortunately it assumes too much prior knowledge and fails to simplify complicated derivations. Although "Understanding Hydraulics" does not cover all the fields that Massey does the easy to read format and unconvoluted style promotes understanding. There are also plenty of examples, which are always a winner with students!
It is not only suitable for students, I will be using it in industry and find the modernised language refreshing.
Overall I would give this 9/10, with the only criticism I have being that there could have been more subjects covered(e.g. sediment transport). Or maybe that could be another book!

I loved this book, 18 Nov 2008
I loved this book. The Panama Canal story is an extraordinary, epic tale and Matthew Parker's marvellous account more than does it justice.

The book is written with a sure feel for the grand sweep of history: the unprecedented engineering challenge, the daunting geography of the mountainous Panamanian jungles, the strategic imperatives, the complex and fascinating finances, and the heart-rending and totally unforeseen logistical difficulties that turned dreams to nightmares.

At the same time the author has a wonderful nose for characters and this book has a rich and compelling cast to propel the story along. Parker clearly is a fine historian and one of the most impressive aspects of this book is the original work he has clearly done in scouring the archives to deliver a wealth of original written accounts - letters, diaries, company memos, political machinations, and so on.

The structure of the story is fascinating. The canal was begun by the French, expected to be the crowning glory of the man who built the Suez Canal, Ferdinand de Lesseps: and the years of disaster didn't just finish him but came close to bankrupting a generation of French investors. The canal then went into a second, very different phase, after the rising power of the United States took it over as the keystone of a very modern strategic vision of the future. The Americans, it should be said, also completed it.

Parker devotes roughly half of the book to each phase, and the contrast is amazing - between, if you like, the Victorian era of Jules Verne fantasies and the modern age of skyscrapers and internal combustion engines. All this helps to make this story not just a historical epic but also a very modern tale of engineering on the grand scale.

All in all I heartily recommend this book. I read a lot of non-fiction and this has been one of the treats of the year. Buy it!

A captivating account of human endeavour, 31 Oct 2007
Matthew Parker's Panama Fever offers a captivating account of the building of one of the world's greatest engineering achievements, weaving together an impressive range of first hand sources which not only tell an extraordinary tale but transport the reader back in time and half way around the world to the untamed forests of Central America. Parker's style is fluid and engaging, skilfully mixing the poignant details of the lives and deaths of the individuals drawn together to built the canal with the grander themes of its place in history. It is a difficult balancing act for any historian to tell a story on so many levels but Parker carries it off with distinction and great stylistic flair. A first rate read.

An excellent overview of the battle to construct the Canal, 14 Mar 2007
This is an enthralling account of the history of the various endeavours to construct a canal to unite the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Isthmus of Central America, particularly at Panama. The descriptions of the hardships undergone by the mainly British West Indian labourers leaves one wondering why it was permitted. The books intensity is spellbinding. But it comes to an abrupt end once the canal is open to traffic - nearly 100 years' ago; what has happened since then?

Just one adverse comment; the editing is a bit lax, for example the author refers to the uniform that the labourers were requited to wear and describes the "shirt and trousers" but the "r" in "shirt" is missing.

You should read "El Caballo de Oro" by Juan David Morgan first - this is an account of the construction of the railway across the Isthmus woven around the romance of the marriage of one the principal promotors. Fascinating.

Clear, concise and useful for self-teaching, 23 Jun 2003
I found this book vital in plugging a hole in my knowledge in the step up from undergraduate maths to post-graduate applied maths - the book's approach pleased me very much as it is rooted in the mathematics of the subject. No equation is plucked from the air - the fluid dynamics is described from first principles, for both viscous and non-viscous flows, with some investigation into boundary layers.

The exercises are particularly useful, and the answers given are detailed. Probably a good working knowledge of vector calculus is needed, although the method for calculating divergence and curl in curvilinear coords is well explained in appendices. The chapter on waves is a good read - some rather paradoxical results there.

Entire Degree in 10 Chapters, 15 May 2008
Very useful pocket knowledge but only if you understand engineering and mathematics. A definite buy if your a desk engineer. Likewise with Machinery Handbook and Roarks Stress/Strain formula. I now have a full array of weapons to use instead of googling all my forgotten formulae!

A Giecks best friend, 25 Jun 2003
There is a reason this book is hardback: This is the most overused book I have ever bought. It has all the formulas you can't be bothered to commit to memory without becoming "Janet and Jill do Engineering". It's well laid out to boot.
My last copy (1990) just died and the new edition is even better.

Ultimate formula reference book for the design engineer., 13 Jan 1999
This book has almost every topic that a mechanical design engineer will encounter, and provides a thorough reference for all those pesky formulae that you have difficulty remembering

A good reference to take on the road., 01 Dec 1998
This book is a good general reference for the technical professional who travels. A good variety of formulas and commonly referenced data makes this useful to someone who has experience solving problems, but just forgot the formula. There is little explaination of the subject matter, so it has limited use to the uninitiated. Still, the unit conversions, area formulas and good coverage of mathematics makes it valuable to the person who only occasionally has to make simple calculations. It also should sufficiently intimidate anyone who might think that solving engineering problems is fun and easy. The numerous, well scattered blank pages are useful for writing in your own formulas or notes, and the small size assures that you will take this one with you. I am buying a second because my brother (a technical salesman) ran off with mine.

I shed a LOT of weight through applying their principles, 22 Nov 2008
I have read many, many diet books and tried a few. The recent trend in weight loss tends towards some form of carbohydrate control. Or, to translate, depriving yourself of the very things that you like and that made you overweight in the first place.

Most diets are complicated, fussy and harsh. The authors of this book have distilled complex issues into some simple principles. Some people may not like that; they somehow feel robbed by having something simple to follow rather than a complex formula. Well, if you like to complicate your life and stay fat, good luck to you.

How much weight did I lose? Before I started using the principles in this book (early 2007) I weighed 117 kilos/18.4 Stone. I shed weight smoothly but rapidly and one year later weighed 82 kilos/12.9 stone. And that new weight is being maintained. Was it the book alone? No. If you think that you will get thinner by doing one thing then you are deluding yourself and will become de-motivated and probably revert to old eating habits.

You also need some exercise. My route was paragliding, so I got to walk up steep hills; kitesurfing, which is a whole body exercise, swimming and some gym. Sounds like a lot but I was doing a bit of exercise about 3 times a week. I have been maintaining my new weight with little exercise over past 6 months but am maintaining my new eating habits.

And that's all it is. New habits. I made a decision to change and have changed. Look after yourself: get this book, get some moderate exercise in a few times a week and enjoy the transformation.

Oh, there was one downside: I did change my wardrobe three times in a year!! One tip, buy clothes that you are happy to bin three months later. Do what this book says, exercise a little and it will happen for you too. Good luck

Post Atkins Diet, 17 Jan 2004
I tried this diet after doing the Atkins diet for 5 months - I lost weight on the Atkins but it made me feel very ill and was very hard to stick to and lead a normal life. This book promised a more sensible approach to losing weight the low-carb way and it is certainly easy to follow. However, after following it strictly for about 6 weeks I have not lost any weight on it!!

But don't let that put you off - I am eating a lot healthier than I have for a long time and I haven't put on any weight that I lost on Atkins. This book encourages a more long term, healthy approach to dieting.It also has helped me stop the 'bingeing' I was particularly prone to on Atkins (i.e. the 'I've broken the diet today so may as well really go for it!' binge)

I'm hoping that if I increase my exercise routine I will eventually lose weight on this diet.It's not a short-term quick loss plan - it is a plan for life.

very good book, 01 Sep 2003
This book describes me and my dieting problems absolutly to a T. I can relate so well to this book and all their ideas. It is a sensible eating and life plan. No expensive faddy foods, just a sensible regime. Simply link all carbohydrates with protein - don't go hungry - eat regularly and drink plenty of water.
It sounds fabulous.

Provides a simple method for coping with insulin resistance, 01 Nov 2001
Having read a number of diet books this follows much of the same pattern. It has lots of case studies and background into insulin resistance and how it affects sufferers - but the book could easily have been half as long. It's also more of a lifestyle diet than a prescriptive plan to follow. The 'link and balance' method (basically, every time you eat, make sure that the protein:carbohydrate weight ratio is at least 1:2) that it prescribes is very easy to follow (particularly if you're in the habit of checking food labels anyway) and it has some stuff about 'real world strategies' which are useful. It is somewhat confusing in that it switches between ounces and grams, and lots of the references are American (recipies use cups and I'm not sure if lots of the ingredients suggested such as non-fat cheese are available in the UK). I've only been following it for 2 weeks but it's easy to do and I've lost a couple of pounds already.

Excellent book for undergraduates - clear, simple, 20 Apr 2000
This is an excellent reference book for undergraduates as it covers most basic topic of coastal and hydraulics engineering. The text and illustrations are simple and easily understood and yet concise. Very useful for civil engineering student as the textbook comes with worked examples which further illustrates a working. Ideal book to start a research.

Excellent introduction to Hydraulics, 03 Dec 2000
Already having a degree in mechanical engineering, but no practical knowledge of hydraulics, I purchased this book to enable me to start designing using standard hydraulic components. Whilst a previous book I had acquired disappointingly focussed on pneumatics at the expense of hydraulics, this book was the other way around. Its coverage of hydraulics is excellent and should enable anyone with a technical background to begin designing hydraulic systems with confidence. My rating would have been higher had the coverage of pneumatics, joinly prominent in the book's title, been equally extensive.

A good read for anyone intrested in pheumatics or hydraulics, 27 Jan 2002
Quite a few years ago I had a limited experience of maintening pheumatic filling machines ect. I now find myself in a new job which requires a reasonable understanding of both pheumatics and hydraulics. Wishing to brush up on the little knowledge I obtained then I found this book to be an excellent read. It is both practical and also explains the theory of fluid power systems extremely well. I particulary found the circuit diagrams, symbols and explanation of how various components operate very useful.
I would reccommend this book for anyone
(student or otherwise) who is wishing to gain a good sound understanding in this field of fluid engineering.

Easy to understand, 12 Dec 2008
Well written book. Subjects are laid out very clearly and concepts are well explained. In the later years of a degree you may need to get a different book as it doesn't cover all advanced areas.

'Understanding Hydraulics" - I do now too!, 26 Jul 2008
Excellent book for anyone needing to understand hydraulics and engineering hydrology. Invaluable. My favourite.

PS: The chapter on engineering hydrology and particulary about surface runoff is much better and has more info than Shaw's Hydrology. Well illustrated section on hydrographs and stats analysis. Also it contains info on groundwater and well hydraulics.

Easy to Understand, 26 Oct 2007
The book is easy to follow and is a good reference. The problem that I have is my work colleagues keep borrowing it!

"Understanding Hydraulics" - I do now!, 23 May 2002
Unlike many of todays technical textbooks, the use of the word 'understanding' is not a misnomer.
The format of the book employs a question and answer theme to work through from the basic principals of hydraulics (hydrostatics, pipeline flow, open channel flow etc) to demonstrating and using more complicated theory (hydraulic structures and models etc). This is done with an imaginary student (Spike) asking the questions and a learned Professor answering them.
I found this text to compare favourably with it's counterparts, many of the recommended texts for Civvil Engineering and Environmental Engineering degree courses fail to display the clarity and easy to read format that this textbook demonstrates. "Fluid Mechanics" by B.S.Massey,is used by many university students. The scope of the subject matter is superior to most other texts. Unfortunately it assumes too much prior knowledge and fails to simplify complicated derivations. Although "Understanding Hydraulics" does not cover all the fields that Massey does the easy to read format and unconvoluted style promotes understanding. There are also plenty of examples, which are always a winner with students!
It is not only suitable for students, I will be using it in industry and find the modernised language refreshing.
Overall I would give this 9/10, with the only criticism I have being that there could have been more subjects covered(e.g. sediment transport). Or maybe that could be another book!

I loved this book, 18 Nov 2008
I loved this book. The Panama Canal story is an extraordinary, epic tale and Matthew Parker's marvellous account more than does it justice.

The book is written with a sure feel for the grand sweep of history: the unprecedented engineering challenge, the daunting geography of the mountainous Panamanian jungles, the strategic imperatives, the complex and fascinating finances, and the heart-rending and totally unforeseen logistical difficulties that turned dreams to nightmares.

At the same time the author has a wonderful nose for characters and this book has a rich and compelling cast to propel the story along. Parker clearly is a fine historian and one of the most impressive aspects of this book is the original work he has clearly done in scouring the archives to deliver a wealth of original written accounts - letters, diaries, company memos, political machinations, and so on.

The structure of the story is fascinating. The canal was begun by the French, expected to be the crowning glory of the man who built the Suez Canal, Ferdinand de Lesseps: and the years of disaster didn't just finish him but came close to bankrupting a generation of French investors. The canal then went into a second, very different phase, after the rising power of the United States took it over as the keystone of a very modern strategic vision of the future. The Americans, it should be said, also completed it.

Parker devotes roughly half of the book to each phase, and the contrast is amazing - between, if you like, the Victorian era of Jules Verne fantasies and the modern age of skyscrapers and internal combustion engines. All this helps to make this story not just a historical epic but also a very modern tale of engineering on the grand scale.

All in all I heartily recommend this book. I read a lot of non-fiction and this has been one of the treats of the year. Buy it!

A captivating account of human endeavour, 31 Oct 2007
Matthew Parker's Panama Fever offers a captivating account of the building of one of the world's greatest engineering achievements, weaving together an impressive range of first hand sources which not only tell an extraordinary tale but transport the reader back in time and half way around the world to the untamed forests of Central America. Parker's style is fluid and engaging, skilfully mixing the poignant details of the lives and deaths of the individuals drawn together to built the canal with the grander themes of its place in history. It is a difficult balancing act for any historian to tell a story on so many levels but Parker carries it off with distinction and great stylistic flair. A first rate read.

An excellent overview of the battle to construct the Canal, 14 Mar 2007
This is an enthralling account of the history of the various endeavours to construct a canal to unite the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Isthmus of Central America, particularly at Panama. The descriptions of the hardships undergone by the mainly British West Indian labourers leaves one wondering why it was permitted. The books intensity is spellbinding. But it comes to an abrupt end once the canal is open to traffic - nearly 100 years' ago; what has happened since then?

Just one adverse comment; the editing is a bit lax, for example the author refers to the uniform that the labourers were requited to wear and describes the "shirt and trousers" but the "r" in "shirt" is missing.

You should read "El Caballo de Oro" by Juan David Morgan first - this is an account of the construction of the railway across the Isthmus woven around the romance of the marriage of one the principal promotors. Fascinating.

Clear, concise and useful for self-teaching, 23 Jun 2003
I found this book vital in plugging a hole in my knowledge in the step up from undergraduate maths to post-graduate applied maths - the book's approach pleased me very much as it is rooted in the mathematics of the subject. No equation is plucked from the air - the fluid dynamics is described from first principles, for both viscous and non-viscous flows, with some investigation into boundary layers.

The exercises are particularly useful, and the answers given are detailed. Probably a good working knowledge of vector calculus is needed, although the method for calculating divergence and curl in curvilinear coords is well explained in appendices. The chapter on waves is a good read - some rather paradoxical results there.

Good book but difficult to use, 25 Sep 2006
I purchased this book to help revise for my civil engineering exams at University but rarely used it because the vast majority of its questions use the imperial measuring system. Having always been taught using the metric system this meant that it became very time consuming having to convert the figures into the format that i would expect in my exams. Moreover it made the solution to some questions difficult to understand. However, for those who are familar with the imperial system, it has a comprehensive range of topics and manages to cover them in good detail.