Superb little book, 20 Aug 2008
This is a great little book. You get the feeling that the author has either kept the species written about, or has paid attention to other veteran keepers. It's one of those books you look to keep on the coffee table; it's a joy to browse through.

Well worth the money.

Good, But Not Great, 31 Oct 2007

I have a number of books on Tropical and Marine fish and am always on the lookout to add to my collection. However I am always wary of books with Encyclopedia in the title. The subject if tropical fish and fish-keeping is vast and a book that covers every part of it would cost a fortune and probably break the table it rested on.

It is a nice enough book and with it by your side you should be able, not only to keep your fish alive but see them thrive. It gives the more common food that is available and these days that is a great deal of food. What to do if your fish become ill and also a little about the habits of different fish.

Superb little book, 20 Aug 2008
This is a great little book. You get the feeling that the author has either kept the species written about, or has paid attention to other veteran keepers. It's one of those books you look to keep on the coffee table; it's a joy to browse through.

Well worth the money.

Good, But Not Great, 31 Oct 2007

I have a number of books on Tropical and Marine fish and am always on the lookout to add to my collection. However I am always wary of books with Encyclopedia in the title. The subject if tropical fish and fish-keeping is vast and a book that covers every part of it would cost a fortune and probably break the table it rested on.

It is a nice enough book and with it by your side you should be able, not only to keep your fish alive but see them thrive. It gives the more common food that is available and these days that is a great deal of food. What to do if your fish become ill and also a little about the habits of different fish.

basic, 07 Jul 2008
This is a very basic text, probably good for total beginners but if you know what a blowtorch and a lathe are and don't need it explaining to you with poor pencil renderings then it's not the book for you (yes, I returned it!)

A great reference book , 29 Feb 2008
If you are like me a plumbing student then this book is a must. It clearly explains no end of principles and procedures.
I would recommend this to all fellow students.


As good as they get!, 28 Oct 2004
A very good referance book, and a real must have, if you are a plumbing student!

Great book for students, 24 Oct 2001
This is an excellent book. This book is a must have for students doing an nvq course, it is all in alphabetical order from above ground drainage to zinc weathering. It has all the basics of plumbing to the more advanced topic. This book helps with all assignment you have to compelete to get your nvq. It is a must have refrence book for all in the trade, because it give you vital information and british standards to conform too. I would as recomened you to get yourself a copy of Plumbing, Heating and gas installations, by R.D. Treloar (ISBN 0-632-05332-1). These two together give you an essential guide to plumbing and all you will need to know for your NVQ course.

Superb little book, 20 Aug 2008
This is a great little book. You get the feeling that the author has either kept the species written about, or has paid attention to other veteran keepers. It's one of those books you look to keep on the coffee table; it's a joy to browse through.

Well worth the money.

Good, But Not Great, 31 Oct 2007

I have a number of books on Tropical and Marine fish and am always on the lookout to add to my collection. However I am always wary of books with Encyclopedia in the title. The subject if tropical fish and fish-keeping is vast and a book that covers every part of it would cost a fortune and probably break the table it rested on.

It is a nice enough book and with it by your side you should be able, not only to keep your fish alive but see them thrive. It gives the more common food that is available and these days that is a great deal of food. What to do if your fish become ill and also a little about the habits of different fish.

basic, 07 Jul 2008
This is a very basic text, probably good for total beginners but if you know what a blowtorch and a lathe are and don't need it explaining to you with poor pencil renderings then it's not the book for you (yes, I returned it!)

A great reference book , 29 Feb 2008
If you are like me a plumbing student then this book is a must. It clearly explains no end of principles and procedures.
I would recommend this to all fellow students.


As good as they get!, 28 Oct 2004
A very good referance book, and a real must have, if you are a plumbing student!

Great book for students, 24 Oct 2001
This is an excellent book. This book is a must have for students doing an nvq course, it is all in alphabetical order from above ground drainage to zinc weathering. It has all the basics of plumbing to the more advanced topic. This book helps with all assignment you have to compelete to get your nvq. It is a must have refrence book for all in the trade, because it give you vital information and british standards to conform too. I would as recomened you to get yourself a copy of Plumbing, Heating and gas installations, by R.D. Treloar (ISBN 0-632-05332-1). These two together give you an essential guide to plumbing and all you will need to know for your NVQ course.

A superb introduction to life on Earth, 12 May 2005
Animals, birds, insects, fishes and reptiles have always fascinated people. This book provides as comprehensive a guide as it is reasonably possible to do on such a broad subject in a single book. There are plenty of photographs and drawings to support the text. All of it is well laid out and easy to read.

The overview at the beginning of the book makes clear that the co-authors believe in Darwin's theory of evolution, acknowledging the alternative theory of creation but being somewhat dismissive of it. This overview also covers biology, habitat and endangered species as well as evolution.

Anybody wishing to read it from cover to cover faces a daunting (albeit very enjoyable) prospect - however, the book is structured in such a way that you can dip into the book for the information you want and usually find it easily (though I wonder how many people would know to look for rabbits under their group name lagomorphs), with separate sections for each main category of creature and each section sub-divided appropriately.

Understandably, the biggest main section is devoted to mammals. Here you will find six pages devoted to the dog family, ten to the cat family and three to horses and related species. Obviously, a book like this can never offer much more than an appreciation of the diversity of life on our planet, but in this it does an excellent job. The pictures should appeal to people of all ages including even small children, thus helping to interest them in the subject. The text is not too technical so all readers can expand their knowledge via this book.

Of course, you can explore the natural world in greater detail by collecting books devoted to birds, butterflies, cats, dogs, horses, fishes or whatever appeals to you, but for such a wide-ranging book about animal life, this is as good as any I've seen.

Superb little book, 20 Aug 2008
This is a great little book. You get the feeling that the author has either kept the species written about, or has paid attention to other veteran keepers. It's one of those books you look to keep on the coffee table; it's a joy to browse through.

Well worth the money.

Good, But Not Great, 31 Oct 2007

I have a number of books on Tropical and Marine fish and am always on the lookout to add to my collection. However I am always wary of books with Encyclopedia in the title. The subject if tropical fish and fish-keeping is vast and a book that covers every part of it would cost a fortune and probably break the table it rested on.

It is a nice enough book and with it by your side you should be able, not only to keep your fish alive but see them thrive. It gives the more common food that is available and these days that is a great deal of food. What to do if your fish become ill and also a little about the habits of different fish.

basic, 07 Jul 2008
This is a very basic text, probably good for total beginners but if you know what a blowtorch and a lathe are and don't need it explaining to you with poor pencil renderings then it's not the book for you (yes, I returned it!)

A great reference book , 29 Feb 2008
If you are like me a plumbing student then this book is a must. It clearly explains no end of principles and procedures.
I would recommend this to all fellow students.


As good as they get!, 28 Oct 2004
A very good referance book, and a real must have, if you are a plumbing student!

Great book for students, 24 Oct 2001
This is an excellent book. This book is a must have for students doing an nvq course, it is all in alphabetical order from above ground drainage to zinc weathering. It has all the basics of plumbing to the more advanced topic. This book helps with all assignment you have to compelete to get your nvq. It is a must have refrence book for all in the trade, because it give you vital information and british standards to conform too. I would as recomened you to get yourself a copy of Plumbing, Heating and gas installations, by R.D. Treloar (ISBN 0-632-05332-1). These two together give you an essential guide to plumbing and all you will need to know for your NVQ course.

A superb introduction to life on Earth, 12 May 2005
Animals, birds, insects, fishes and reptiles have always fascinated people. This book provides as comprehensive a guide as it is reasonably possible to do on such a broad subject in a single book. There are plenty of photographs and drawings to support the text. All of it is well laid out and easy to read.

The overview at the beginning of the book makes clear that the co-authors believe in Darwin's theory of evolution, acknowledging the alternative theory of creation but being somewhat dismissive of it. This overview also covers biology, habitat and endangered species as well as evolution.

Anybody wishing to read it from cover to cover faces a daunting (albeit very enjoyable) prospect - however, the book is structured in such a way that you can dip into the book for the information you want and usually find it easily (though I wonder how many people would know to look for rabbits under their group name lagomorphs), with separate sections for each main category of creature and each section sub-divided appropriately.

Understandably, the biggest main section is devoted to mammals. Here you will find six pages devoted to the dog family, ten to the cat family and three to horses and related species. Obviously, a book like this can never offer much more than an appreciation of the diversity of life on our planet, but in this it does an excellent job. The pictures should appeal to people of all ages including even small children, thus helping to interest them in the subject. The text is not too technical so all readers can expand their knowledge via this book.

Of course, you can explore the natural world in greater detail by collecting books devoted to birds, butterflies, cats, dogs, horses, fishes or whatever appeals to you, but for such a wide-ranging book about animal life, this is as good as any I've seen.

The top green wood working practical guide., 01 Oct 2004
Iv been experimenting with green wood products for over a year now, you cant go wrong with this title, along with any others by R.Tabor or Mike Abbot, try "the woodland way" by Ben Law, modern forestry ethics and a hole lot more.

Superb little book, 20 Aug 2008
This is a great little book. You get the feeling that the author has either kept the species written about, or has paid attention to other veteran keepers. It's one of those books you look to keep on the coffee table; it's a joy to browse through.

Well worth the money.

Good, But Not Great, 31 Oct 2007

I have a number of books on Tropical and Marine fish and am always on the lookout to add to my collection. However I am always wary of books with Encyclopedia in the title. The subject if tropical fish and fish-keeping is vast and a book that covers every part of it would cost a fortune and probably break the table it rested on.

It is a nice enough book and with it by your side you should be able, not only to keep your fish alive but see them thrive. It gives the more common food that is available and these days that is a great deal of food. What to do if your fish become ill and also a little about the habits of different fish.

basic, 07 Jul 2008
This is a very basic text, probably good for total beginners but if you know what a blowtorch and a lathe are and don't need it explaining to you with poor pencil renderings then it's not the book for you (yes, I returned it!)

A great reference book , 29 Feb 2008
If you are like me a plumbing student then this book is a must. It clearly explains no end of principles and procedures.
I would recommend this to all fellow students.


As good as they get!, 28 Oct 2004
A very good referance book, and a real must have, if you are a plumbing student!

Great book for students, 24 Oct 2001
This is an excellent book. This book is a must have for students doing an nvq course, it is all in alphabetical order from above ground drainage to zinc weathering. It has all the basics of plumbing to the more advanced topic. This book helps with all assignment you have to compelete to get your nvq. It is a must have refrence book for all in the trade, because it give you vital information and british standards to conform too. I would as recomened you to get yourself a copy of Plumbing, Heating and gas installations, by R.D. Treloar (ISBN 0-632-05332-1). These two together give you an essential guide to plumbing and all you will need to know for your NVQ course.

A superb introduction to life on Earth, 12 May 2005
Animals, birds, insects, fishes and reptiles have always fascinated people. This book provides as comprehensive a guide as it is reasonably possible to do on such a broad subject in a single book. There are plenty of photographs and drawings to support the text. All of it is well laid out and easy to read.

The overview at the beginning of the book makes clear that the co-authors believe in Darwin's theory of evolution, acknowledging the alternative theory of creation but being somewhat dismissive of it. This overview also covers biology, habitat and endangered species as well as evolution.

Anybody wishing to read it from cover to cover faces a daunting (albeit very enjoyable) prospect - however, the book is structured in such a way that you can dip into the book for the information you want and usually find it easily (though I wonder how many people would know to look for rabbits under their group name lagomorphs), with separate sections for each main category of creature and each section sub-divided appropriately.

Understandably, the biggest main section is devoted to mammals. Here you will find six pages devoted to the dog family, ten to the cat family and three to horses and related species. Obviously, a book like this can never offer much more than an appreciation of the diversity of life on our planet, but in this it does an excellent job. The pictures should appeal to people of all ages including even small children, thus helping to interest them in the subject. The text is not too technical so all readers can expand their knowledge via this book.

Of course, you can explore the natural world in greater detail by collecting books devoted to birds, butterflies, cats, dogs, horses, fishes or whatever appeals to you, but for such a wide-ranging book about animal life, this is as good as any I've seen.

The top green wood working practical guide., 01 Oct 2004
Iv been experimenting with green wood products for over a year now, you cant go wrong with this title, along with any others by R.Tabor or Mike Abbot, try "the woodland way" by Ben Law, modern forestry ethics and a hole lot more.

Excellent, 13 Feb 2008
A really good reference with 650 colour plates, this book is a bargain and highly recommended.

Superb little book, 20 Aug 2008
This is a great little book. You get the feeling that the author has either kept the species written about, or has paid attention to other veteran keepers. It's one of those books you look to keep on the coffee table; it's a joy to browse through.

Well worth the money.

Good, But Not Great, 31 Oct 2007

I have a number of books on Tropical and Marine fish and am always on the lookout to add to my collection. However I am always wary of books with Encyclopedia in the title. The subject if tropical fish and fish-keeping is vast and a book that covers every part of it would cost a fortune and probably break the table it rested on.

It is a nice enough book and with it by your side you should be able, not only to keep your fish alive but see them thrive. It gives the more common food that is available and these days that is a great deal of food. What to do if your fish become ill and also a little about the habits of different fish.

basic, 07 Jul 2008
This is a very basic text, probably good for total beginners but if you know what a blowtorch and a lathe are and don't need it explaining to you with poor pencil renderings then it's not the book for you (yes, I returned it!)

A great reference book , 29 Feb 2008
If you are like me a plumbing student then this book is a must. It clearly explains no end of principles and procedures.
I would recommend this to all fellow students.


As good as they get!, 28 Oct 2004
A very good referance book, and a real must have, if you are a plumbing student!

Great book for students, 24 Oct 2001
This is an excellent book. This book is a must have for students doing an nvq course, it is all in alphabetical order from above ground drainage to zinc weathering. It has all the basics of plumbing to the more advanced topic. This book helps with all assignment you have to compelete to get your nvq. It is a must have refrence book for all in the trade, because it give you vital information and british standards to conform too. I would as recomened you to get yourself a copy of Plumbing, Heating and gas installations, by R.D. Treloar (ISBN 0-632-05332-1). These two together give you an essential guide to plumbing and all you will need to know for your NVQ course.

A superb introduction to life on Earth, 12 May 2005
Animals, birds, insects, fishes and reptiles have always fascinated people. This book provides as comprehensive a guide as it is reasonably possible to do on such a broad subject in a single book. There are plenty of photographs and drawings to support the text. All of it is well laid out and easy to read.

The overview at the beginning of the book makes clear that the co-authors believe in Darwin's theory of evolution, acknowledging the alternative theory of creation but being somewhat dismissive of it. This overview also covers biology, habitat and endangered species as well as evolution.

Anybody wishing to read it from cover to cover faces a daunting (albeit very enjoyable) prospect - however, the book is structured in such a way that you can dip into the book for the information you want and usually find it easily (though I wonder how many people would know to look for rabbits under their group name lagomorphs), with separate sections for each main category of creature and each section sub-divided appropriately.

Understandably, the biggest main section is devoted to mammals. Here you will find six pages devoted to the dog family, ten to the cat family and three to horses and related species. Obviously, a book like this can never offer much more than an appreciation of the diversity of life on our planet, but in this it does an excellent job. The pictures should appeal to people of all ages including even small children, thus helping to interest them in the subject. The text is not too technical so all readers can expand their knowledge via this book.

Of course, you can explore the natural world in greater detail by collecting books devoted to birds, butterflies, cats, dogs, horses, fishes or whatever appeals to you, but for such a wide-ranging book about animal life, this is as good as any I've seen.

The top green wood working practical guide., 01 Oct 2004
Iv been experimenting with green wood products for over a year now, you cant go wrong with this title, along with any others by R.Tabor or Mike Abbot, try "the woodland way" by Ben Law, modern forestry ethics and a hole lot more.

Excellent, 13 Feb 2008
A really good reference with 650 colour plates, this book is a bargain and highly recommended.

Nice coffee table-book, by no means an encyclopedia, 12 Feb 2001
This is a very nicely printed coffee table book, with beautiful photographs. It is quite suitable as an introduction to what can be done with wood, and what wood has meant to man all through history.

However it would not do to actually read this book, there are far too many errors in it. As an encyclopedia, well if it were not so sad it would be laughable. Anybody interested in the history of wood use is advised to look up "The_International_book_of_Wood" (1976). Anybody wanting an introduction into working with wood can try the "Collins_Good_Wood_Guide".

Great coffee table book. Nice photos. Basic information., 28 May 1999
While the book could have been a little more dense it was a good read overall. I would have liked to have seen more focus on North American hardwoods, but that aside the book was very informative. About 150 different woods are described in detail with acompaning pictures. There is also a nice section on fine furniture. This book is an excellent introduction into the world of wood working and would make a fine gift for anyone with even a passing interest in that direction.

A truly excellent book, 29 Aug 1998
This is a truly comprehensive encyclopedia, liberally illustrated with large photographs--a must for any wood lover. It includes precise descriptions of grain, pattern, figure and color, as well as the relevant harvesting locations, processes and uses. Interesting historical tidbits also add to its richness. Attributes such as stiffness, density, workability, crushing strength, and hardness are specified for each wood. It is a remarkable and beautiful book that I STRONGLY recommend.

From aa to Yellowstone, if it's got anything at all to do with earthquakes or volcanoes, you're likely to find it within the pages of the updated Encyclopedia of Earthquakes and Volcanoes from science journalist David Ritchie and geology professor Alexander Gates.

The 1,000-plus alphabetical listings range from historical volcanoes and quakes (both famous and obscure) to entries on specific seismic phenomenon (everything from parasitic cones to jökulhlaup) and general geological principles, including a few excellent in-depth discussions on topics like plate tectonics and seismic wave types. The encyclopaedia also includes a lengthy bibliography, a list of Internet resources, a chronological listing of notable quakes and eruptions, and a handful of unforgettable eyewitness accounts (after the eruption of Vesuvius in A.D.79, apparently Pliny the Elder's party went out "having pillows tied upon their heads with napkins; and this was their whole defence against the storm of stones that fell around them").

With its clear, newspaper-style entries, the Encyclopedia of Earthquakes and Volcanoes will be navigable even to geo-newbies, but its a-to-z organisation makes it more useful as a reference than as a stand-alone text. Then again, given its liberal cross-referencing, you can easily find yourself led onto a long, enjoyable read. --Paul Hughes

Superb little book, 20 Aug 2008
This is a great little book. You get the feeling that the author has either kept the species written about, or has paid attention to other veteran keepers. It's one of those books you look to keep on the coffee table; it's a joy to browse through.

Well worth the money.

Good, But Not Great, 31 Oct 2007

I have a number of books on Tropical and Marine fish and am always on the lookout to add to my collection. However I am always wary of books with Encyclopedia in the title. The subject if tropical fish and fish-keeping is vast and a book that covers every part of it would cost a fortune and probably break the table it rested on.

It is a nice enough book and with it by your side you should be able, not only to keep your fish alive but see them thrive. It gives the more common food that is available and these days that is a great deal of food. What to do if your fish become ill and also a little about the habits of different fish.

basic, 07 Jul 2008
This is a very basic text, probably good for total beginners but if you know what a blowtorch and a lathe are and don't need it explaining to you with poor pencil renderings then it's not the book for you (yes, I returned it!)

A great reference book , 29 Feb 2008
If you are like me a plumbing student then this book is a must. It clearly explains no end of principles and procedures.
I would recommend this to all fellow students.


As good as they get!, 28 Oct 2004
A very good referance book, and a real must have, if you are a plumbing student!

Great book for students, 24 Oct 2001
This is an excellent book. This book is a must have for students doing an nvq course, it is all in alphabetical order from above ground drainage to zinc weathering. It has all the basics of plumbing to the more advanced topic. This book helps with all assignment you have to compelete to get your nvq. It is a must have refrence book for all in the trade, because it give you vital information and british standards to conform too. I would as recomened you to get yourself a copy of Plumbing, Heating and gas installations, by R.D. Treloar (ISBN 0-632-05332-1). These two together give you an essential guide to plumbing and all you will need to know for your NVQ course.

A superb introduction to life on Earth, 12 May 2005
Animals, birds, insects, fishes and reptiles have always fascinated people. This book provides as comprehensive a guide as it is reasonably possible to do on such a broad subject in a single book. There are plenty of photographs and drawings to support the text. All of it is well laid out and easy to read.

The overview at the beginning of the book makes clear that the co-authors believe in Darwin's theory of evolution, acknowledging the alternative theory of creation but being somewhat dismissive of it. This overview also covers biology, habitat and endangered species as well as evolution.

Anybody wishing to read it from cover to cover faces a daunting (albeit very enjoyable) prospect - however, the book is structured in such a way that you can dip into the book for the information you want and usually find it easily (though I wonder how many people would know to look for rabbits under their group name lagomorphs), with separate sections for each main category of creature and each section sub-divided appropriately.

Understandably, the biggest main section is devoted to mammals. Here you will find six pages devoted to the dog family, ten to the cat family and three to horses and related species. Obviously, a book like this can never offer much more than an appreciation of the diversity of life on our planet, but in this it does an excellent job. The pictures should appeal to people of all ages including even small children, thus helping to interest them in the subject. The text is not too technical so all readers can expand their knowledge via this book.

Of course, you can explore the natural world in greater detail by collecting books devoted to birds, butterflies, cats, dogs, horses, fishes or whatever appeals to you, but for such a wide-ranging book about animal life, this is as good as any I've seen.

The top green wood working practical guide., 01 Oct 2004
Iv been experimenting with green wood products for over a year now, you cant go wrong with this title, along with any others by R.Tabor or Mike Abbot, try "the woodland way" by Ben Law, modern forestry ethics and a hole lot more.

Excellent, 13 Feb 2008
A really good reference with 650 colour plates, this book is a bargain and highly recommended.

Nice coffee table-book, by no means an encyclopedia, 12 Feb 2001
This is a very nicely printed coffee table book, with beautiful photographs. It is quite suitable as an introduction to what can be done with wood, and what wood has meant to man all through history.

However it would not do to actually read this book, there are far too many errors in it. As an encyclopedia, well if it were not so sad it would be laughable. Anybody interested in the history of wood use is advised to look up "The_International_book_of_Wood" (1976). Anybody wanting an introduction into working with wood can try the "Collins_Good_Wood_Guide".

Great coffee table book. Nice photos. Basic information., 28 May 1999
While the book could have been a little more dense it was a good read overall. I would have liked to have seen more focus on North American hardwoods, but that aside the book was very informative. About 150 different woods are described in detail with acompaning pictures. There is also a nice section on fine furniture. This book is an excellent introduction into the world of wood working and would make a fine gift for anyone with even a passing interest in that direction.

A truly excellent book, 29 Aug 1998
This is a truly comprehensive encyclopedia, liberally illustrated with large photographs--a must for any wood lover. It includes precise descriptions of grain, pattern, figure and color, as well as the relevant harvesting locations, processes and uses. Interesting historical tidbits also add to its richness. Attributes such as stiffness, density, workability, crushing strength, and hardness are specified for each wood. It is a remarkable and beautiful book that I STRONGLY recommend.

I REALLY LOVE THIS BOOK!, 05 May 1999
Hi, I really like this book. It's bben helpfully to me for my carrer. Thanks, Michelle Trzecisnki

Excellent introduction., 16 Feb 1998
In a unique and very handy A-Z format, here in one volume is all the information you are ever likely to need on these most dramatic natural phenomena.
The great earthquakes and famous volcanic eruptions are comprehensively covered, with clear explanations of the geologic concepts and terms, interesting photos and maps, and thumbnail biographies of leading figures in the study of these majestic forces of nature. A particularly interesting feature is the inclusion of each state with an evaluation of its seismic potential. (There are some surprises here). Highly recommended as a very useful single-volume introduction for libraries and interested individuals.

(The "score" rating is an ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)

Superb little book, 20 Aug 2008
This is a great little book. You get the feeling that the author has either kept the species written about, or has paid attention to other veteran keepers. It's one of those books you look to keep on the coffee table; it's a joy to browse through.

Well worth the money.

Good, But Not Great, 31 Oct 2007

I have a number of books on Tropical and Marine fish and am always on the lookout to add to my collection. However I am always wary of books with Encyclopedia in the title. The subject if tropical fish and fish-keeping is vast and a book that covers every part of it would cost a fortune and probably break the table it rested on.

It is a nice enough book and with it by your side you should be able, not only to keep your fish alive but see them thrive. It gives the more common food that is available and these days that is a great deal of food. What to do if your fish become ill and also a little about the habits of different fish.

basic, 07 Jul 2008
This is a very basic text, probably good for total beginners but if you know what a blowtorch and a lathe are and don't need it explaining to you with poor pencil renderings then it's not the book for you (yes, I returned it!)

A great reference book , 29 Feb 2008
If you are like me a plumbing student then this book is a must. It clearly explains no end of principles and procedures.
I would recommend this to all fellow students.


As good as they get!, 28 Oct 2004
A very good referance book, and a real must have, if you are a plumbing student!

Great book for students, 24 Oct 2001
This is an excellent book. This book is a must have for students doing an nvq course, it is all in alphabetical order from above ground drainage to zinc weathering. It has all the basics of plumbing to the more advanced topic. This book helps with all assignment you have to compelete to get your nvq. It is a must have refrence book for all in the trade, because it give you vital information and british standards to conform too. I would as recomened you to get yourself a copy of Plumbing, Heating and gas installations, by R.D. Treloar (ISBN 0-632-05332-1). These two together give you an essential guide to plumbing and all you will need to know for your NVQ course.

A superb introduction to life on Earth, 12 May 2005
Animals, birds, insects, fishes and reptiles have always fascinated people. This book provides as comprehensive a guide as it is reasonably possible to do on such a broad subject in a single book. There are plenty of photographs and drawings to support the text. All of it is well laid out and easy to read.

The overview at the beginning of the book makes clear that the co-authors believe in Darwin's theory of evolution, acknowledging the alternative theory of creation but being somewhat dismissive of it. This overview also covers biology, habitat and endangered species as well as evolution.

Anybody wishing to read it from cover to cover faces a daunting (albeit very enjoyable) prospect - however, the book is structured in such a way that you can dip into the book for the information you want and usually find it easily (though I wonder how many people would know to look for rabbits under their group name lagomorphs), with separate sections for each main category of creature and each section sub-divided appropriately.

Understandably, the biggest main section is devoted to mammals. Here you will find six pages devoted to the dog family, ten to the cat family and three to horses and related species. Obviously, a book like this can never offer much more than an appreciation of the diversity of life on our planet, but in this it does an excellent job. The pictures should appeal to people of all ages including even small children, thus helping to interest them in the subject. The text is not too technical so all readers can expand their knowledge via this book.

Of course, you can explore the natural world in greater detail by collecting books devoted to birds, butterflies, cats, dogs, horses, fishes or whatever appeals to you, but for such a wide-ranging book about animal life, this is as good as any I've seen.

The top green wood working practical guide., 01 Oct 2004
Iv been experimenting with green wood products for over a year now, you cant go wrong with this title, along with any others by R.Tabor or Mike Abbot, try "the woodland way" by Ben Law, modern forestry ethics and a hole lot more.

Excellent, 13 Feb 2008
A really good reference with 650 colour plates, this book is a bargain and highly recommended.

Nice coffee table-book, by no means an encyclopedia, 12 Feb 2001
This is a very nicely printed coffee table book, with beautiful photographs. It is quite suitable as an introduction to what can be done with wood, and what wood has meant to man all through history.

However it would not do to actually read this book, there are far too many errors in it. As an encyclopedia, well if it were not so sad it would be laughable. Anybody interested in the history of wood use is advised to look up "The_International_book_of_Wood" (1976). Anybody wanting an introduction into working with wood can try the "Collins_Good_Wood_Guide".

Great coffee table book. Nice photos. Basic information., 28 May 1999
While the book could have been a little more dense it was a good read overall. I would have liked to have seen more focus on North American hardwoods, but that aside the book was very informative. About 150 different woods are described in detail with acompaning pictures. There is also a nice section on fine furniture. This book is an excellent introduction into the world of wood working and would make a fine gift for anyone with even a passing interest in that direction.

A truly excellent book, 29 Aug 1998
This is a truly comprehensive encyclopedia, liberally illustrated with large photographs--a must for any wood lover. It includes precise descriptions of grain, pattern, figure and color, as well as the relevant harvesting locations, processes and uses. Interesting historical tidbits also add to its richness. Attributes such as stiffness, density, workability, crushing strength, and hardness are specified for each wood. It is a remarkable and beautiful book that I STRONGLY recommend.

I REALLY LOVE THIS BOOK!, 05 May 1999
Hi, I really like this book. It's bben helpfully to me for my carrer. Thanks, Michelle Trzecisnki

Excellent introduction., 16 Feb 1998
In a unique and very handy A-Z format, here in one volume is all the information you are ever likely to need on these most dramatic natural phenomena.
The great earthquakes and famous volcanic eruptions are comprehensively covered, with clear explanations of the geologic concepts and terms, interesting photos and maps, and thumbnail biographies of leading figures in the study of these majestic forces of nature. A particularly interesting feature is the inclusion of each state with an evaluation of its seismic potential. (There are some surprises here). Highly recommended as a very useful single-volume introduction for libraries and interested individuals.

(The "score" rating is an ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)

A Visual Feast for the Cactophile, 07 Feb 2005
This is a terrific book devoted entirely to Cacti (no succulents are shown. The photographs are superb and many of them show plants in their natural habitat.

Each plant description gives brief cultural requirements for the plant shown and these are qite adequate but this is not really what this book is all about. The book is a visual feast of photographs, many of the plants quite rare in cultivation.

The book also uses what may be a unique form of layout, rather than the plants being shown in alphabetical order, they are classified according to their geographical origin.

There is also a place in the book for hybrids and specialist varieties. next to each plant photograph throughout the book there are symbols for light requirement and overwintering.