Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: National parks and reserves; Travel / Essays ... Read more

Product Description
here are 56 of them, from sea to shining sea, from Maine's Acadia to California's Redwoods, from Washington State's Olympic to Florida's Everglades. Each of them is more beautiful than the last, and each of them is visited in this special edition of LIFE.Come with LIFE to the peak of Rainier and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in this special edition celebrating our national parks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Beautiful book!
I bought this book as a birthday gift for a friend.She had seen a copy in a local
bookstore, and I decided it would be great for her, so I got on Amazon to order!
Have not given it to her yet, her birthday is in December! I would like a copy
for me too!!

Our National Parks
Life: Our National Parks: Celebrating America's Natural SplendorThis book has breath taking pictures.Every page from cover to the last page, has inspirational pages that mesmorize you.This book is for all ages, my 7 year daughter love the pictures.My 10 year old son enjoys the images, and the captions.This book mays you want to explore our National Parks.This is a book worth every dollar you pay. ... Read more

Product Description
Deignated as a United Nations world heritage site, the Everglades consists of vast watery regions as well as swamplands and is home to an amazing diversity of plants and wildlife. This book provides aerial to close-up views of the park, arranged according to routes that a visitor might take on a tour. Suggested tours are shown on accompanying maps. 300 color photos. ... Read more

Product Description
This guidebook features things to see and do,lists hiking trails and backpacking tips, shares information about Yosemite's history and place names, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

A good basic introduction to Yosemite
This was a well written if somewhat necessarily brief introduction to Yosemite National Park.We were there primarily to hike and found that we needed to find detailed hiking information elsewhere, but overall, it is a very good summary of the park, its history, natural attractions, and visitors' information.

Helpful and I didn't find this in the Yosemite store
This was a helpful book.I understood it pretty easily and I haven't been to Yosemite since I was a kid, so this was my first time in my adult life.The newspaper they give you at the guard shack when you pay to get in is quite helpful too.I didn't find this in the store at Yosemite so I am glad I had it with me.

The essential handbook for visiting Yosemite
Bought this book on the recommendation of others.it is the "essential" guidebook for Yosemite.You will find the book sold in the bookstores in the park but it's much wiser to get it ahead of time so you can plan your trip more carefully before you go.Yosemite Valley is an hour from the south entrance and you need to understand how to manage your time, your driving and the places you want to visit.This guidebook will do it very well for you.If you only have room for one book in your belongings, this is the one to take.I got an earlier version that was still very relevant.A must have for first time visitors to Yosemite.

Best Yosemite Guidebook
I am a native Californian and have gone to Yosemite many times.This is the best guidebook for the national park. One Amazon review wrote that it was "all over the place" but they must not know that the park is HUGE so the guidebook is categorized by south, middle and north.Besides lodging in the national park, it also lists exclusive (almost secret) lodging that is available just outside the park as well as more common places to stay for which ever direction you are driving from.The "Best Bets" tips for hikes, places to see, etc. are truly accurate and great advice.I highly recommend this book for anyone traveling to Yosemite - don't leave home without it!It also has detailed information on the wildlife and history and even little things like comparisons of the worlds tallest waterfalls and where Yosemite's fall on that list.The book is compact and easily packable, even in a backpack.(For a definitive "hikers guide" with topography of each trail, etc. then that would be another book.)

A Decent Introduction to the Park
There's a lot to like in this nice little guidebook to Yosemite.It has lots of color photographs, 2 color maps, lists services found within the park and nearby outside areas, and covers many of the recreational opportunities from hiking and fishing to skiing and skating.And it comes in a very readable format.In all, it is a 5 star guide....

That only gets 4 stars.Despite it's many good features some of the information is inaccurate, and after 6 editions, it would be nice to see these problems cleared up.Trail mileages are consistently short.The route to lower Yosemite Falls is described as 1/4 mile.The loop is 1.1 and it is nearly a 1/2 mile one way.It is a mile to Mirror Lake, not 1/2 mile.And so on.These are not dramatic errors (they do get the mileage to Half Dome right) but some of the other claims are off.Scorpion stings, we are told, hurt "but are not at all dangerous to humans."Do the authors mean "fatal" is a synonym for dangerous here?In any event, you run the risk of an infection and some people who are allergic could experience serious symptoms.

Still, there is a lot to like in this guide.An entire section is devoted to birds.Good information on backcountry restrictions and reservations of all types.If you are planning a trip to Yosemite, this is a nice book, though I still recommend Ann Marie Brown's fuller treatment in her Moon Guide to Yosemite. ... Read more

Product Description
The magnificent national parks of the United States draw visitors eager to witness scenic beauty--from the wind-honed shapes of Arches National Park in Utah to the crashing shoreline of Acadia Naitonal Park in Maine. This book combines prosaic text with stunning photography to provide a glorious tribute to the cultural, political, and natural history of America, as seen through its natural parks. 202 photos, 160 in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very happy with product and price!
My husband had requested this book, and was really pleased with the condition.He had seen it before, and asked me to order it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A little old, but good coverage.
This book, while hopelessly out-of-date according to the theme park situation in America, is a good look at the older amusement parks of the Northeastern United States. The focus of this book is definitely in thatdirection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

What makes a hero?
That's a tough question, and I don't suppose there is a logical answer. My friends [and enemies] know me as an unreconstructed Confederate whose two biggest heroes are the Right Reverend Leonidas Polk and Secretary Judah P. Benjamin. This fine book gives an excellent portrait of a most unusual man...note that I gave Polk's title as "Right Reverend", not "Lieutenant General", though both are true....

In Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18 we read of Christ and the Rich Young Ruler...a young man who turned away sad, rather than follow The Master. Now, what would have happened had he made a different choice? Naturally, that would have been up to God's superintending Grace, but the story of Leonidas Polk is one possible answer...

Polk was born in Raleigh, NC, in 1806, of a family that had used the Revolutionary War land grants to full advantage...Having the choice to be educated anywhere he wanted, he followed the family tradition of military service and attended West Point. There he did quite well in his studies, formed a friendship with Jefferson Davis, and came under the influence of Chaplain Charles McIlvaine. Converted to Christ, he was the first man ever baptized in the West Point Chapel. Feeling a call to the Ministry, he resigned from the Army after graduation [this was allowed in an Army overstocked with officers], went to Seminary in Alexandria, VA, then was called to be Associate Rector of Monumental Church in Richmond. {The Church still stands, and has a memorial plaque for Bishop Polk, though it hasn't been used as a Church since 1965}.

Bishop Polk soon embarked on a dual career as priest of small Churches, and as an increasingly rich Tennessee planter. Yes, he owned slaves, about 500 of them. Remember, in that time and place , no one saw a conflict...he made sure the slave's Spiritual welfare was taken care of {Episcopal and Baptist services were available on the plantation}, kept a doctor in residence, kept families together, and in general provided as well for his slaves as well as anybody, anywhere. Consecrated a Missionary Bishop in 1838, he grew in the job, starting numerous Churches, spreading the Gospel, and eventually becoming presiding Bishop of Louisiana.

The Bishop had long seen a need for a distinctively Southern Episcopal university....thus, The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN was born. The author gives much space to this story, as well he should. When war came, The Bishop was offered General's stars by President Davis. After much soul-searching, he accepted, and served as a Corps commander in the Army of Tennessee until he was killed at Pine Mountain, GA in June 1864. It wasn't all roses...[almost] everybody had problems with Braxton Bragg, and Polk was no exception...there were conflicts in Kentucky, at Murfreesboro, and, finally, at Chickamauga. Polk was blamed for an incomplete victory, and, in truth, there is enough blame to go around. For all his problems as a General, Polk remains the only man to beat US Grant on the field of battle [at Belmont, MO].

Not long before he was killed, The Bishop baptized Generals Hood and Joe Johnston...a fitting final chapter for a man who was both Bishop and General. BUT, there is not yet a final chapter...numerous Churches consecrated by the Bishop still preach the Gospel, and Sewanee still educates young people for Christ.

This is a fine study of a very great man. Well written, well organized...until last fall, it was the best available...then, Glenn Robins wrote "The Bishop of the Old South", one of the very finest books I've ever read [see my review]. Still, this book is worth reading, if you can find it at a decent price [not easy; I was lucky]. Robins' book is superior, and is easy to find...still, the serious student should read both.

Good biography of Polk
Ordained a deacon in the Episcopal church three years after graduating from West Point, Polk was offered a commission by his West Point classmate Jefferson Davis shortly after the war began. After some hesitation, Polk accepted, was made a Major General, and began serving by helping fortify and defend Mississippi defenses. He later defeated Grant at Belmont, MO, and fought gallantly at Shiloh. He was second-in-command at Perryville, KY, and saw action at Stones River, TN. He failed to attack when ordered by Bragg to do so at Chickamauga and was removed from command (Bragg wanted him court-martialed but Davis refused). He was killed at Pine Mountain, GA, in June 1864. Davis lamented the loss greatly, though he was not considered by most as being a superior military commander.

Parks's book, first published in 1962 and reissued 30 years later, is a workmanlike account of Polk's life and career. His approach is scholarly (there are lots of footnotes), but not numbingly academic. He writes with authority and has studied his subject well. The book definitely has the feel of being definitive.

A Solid Bio of Polk
Parks has written a solid bio of "The Fighting Bishop" in this work first published in the 1960s.This book delves into Polk's family history, his days at West Point, how he got into the priesthood, his daysas a bishop, his friendship with Jefferson Davis & Albert SidneyJohnston, and his feud with Braxton Bragg, among others.One sore point ofthe book, however, is that Parks has a great deal of respect for Polk andtherefore hardly ever criticizes any moves made by Polk even though Polk iswidely known as a below-average corps commander.Still, this a good bio(one of the few on Polk) and very much worth reading if you are interestedin Polk. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subtitle: With the Account of His Death From the Journal of Isaaco, the Substance of the Later Discoveries Relative to His Lamented Fate, and the Termination of the Niger; Original Published by: Harper in 1840 in 260 pages; Subjects: Africa; Niger River; Biography & Autobiography / Adventurers & Explorers; History / Africa / General; Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Exploration & Discovery; Travel / Africa / General; ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: Gunn Curtis Co in 1887 in 32 pages; Subjects: Bridges; Boston (Mass.); Technology ... Read more

Product Description
AFTA is ASEAN's response to the world-wide movement toward regional economic integration. Recent economic debate centers on measuring the impact of regional economic integration as a means of achieving persistent growth and facilitating structural adjustment. Park evaluates the long term effects that AFTA should have among ASEAN members, especially among the developing countries, by applying static, dynamic, and trade-linked CGE models. This work is valuable reading for scholars, policy makers, and businessmen interested in Southeast Asia's development and economy. ... Read more

Product Description
Glacier National Park: The First 100 Years is an exquisite new book celebrating the park's 100th anniversary.

Published in partnership with the Glacier Natural History Association and an official licensed product of the park's centennial, Glacier National Park: The First 100 Years features more than 200 exquisite landscape and historical photographs, as well as some of the finest artwork of the region and its people, including Charles M. Russell's sun-splashed paintings of Montana scenes, Winold Reiss's extraordinary portraits of the Blackfeet, Monte Dolack's vivid Glacier views, and Mel Ruder's Pulitzer Prize winning photographs.

C. W. Guthrie, author of four other books on Glacier National Park, details the astonishing changes the park has undergone since its designation in 1910. From the Great Northern Railway's Swiss-style chalets and lodges to the glorious Going-to-the-Sun Road, from the park's tragic first fatal grizzly attacks to its designation as an International Peace Park, Biosphere Reserve, and World Heritage Site, Glacier National Park has a story unlike any other.

AWARDS:
First Place, 2009 Benjamin Franklin Awards, history category.

First Place, 2009 APPL Media and Partnership Award, non-association book category.

Finalist, 2009 ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards, regional category.


Visit FarcountryPress.com for more information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A remarkably in-depth survey of the history of Glacier National Park from 1900 to 2000
Part American History chronicle, part photography compendium, The First 100 Years is a remarkably in-depth survey of the history of Glacier National Park from 1900 to 2000. Featuring more than 200 vintage black-and-white or stunning full color photographs, The First 100 Years also has detailed text chronicling the park's astonishing and colorful history. A chronology, bibliography, and index round out this captivating volume, highly recommended especially for public library collections due to its wealth of historical information balancing quality photographs on virtually every page.
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

RV Road Buddy
This has helped tremendously charting our cross-country trip.The format lacks a little; ie. the addresses of the RV campgounds are not included.But, along with google maps as a companion it works out just fine.Even though it is the 2008 issue we don't think much would change.The price is right!

A must have for the traveler !
I have used this book for years.I order the new edition every year and every year it gets better. A great resource to have when on the road, enabling you to call ahead and reserve a spot to spend the night or week.

trailer life rv book
Haven't used the book yet but intend to do so when we plan our next trip. It seems to be very comprehensive and I'm sure it will be very helpful. Thanks.

terrific
In this day of "who cares", I am happy to say this was a terrific purchase.I ordered, it was delivered, and it was in good shape.What a simple concept.

Big but full of information
This directory is HUGE, and filled with adds but I can't imagine setting off on a long trip without it. Calling ahead, or reserving a spot online is such a good idea when you are driving or pulling a large trailer. It really pays to have an idea of what you are getting into before you get there. If you are arriving later in the day to an area you are unfamiliar with this directory is a necessity. ... Read more

Product Description
Part of a series of guides to the US State and National Parks, this title covers Oregon and Washington. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A kindle take with you while roughing it guide?
Kindle might have its place, but out on the trail or in a canoe ain't it.This is one of the many books that should be bought in a paper edition so that rough handling, dirt, and rain aren't a total castrophe.

Oregon & Washington, A Guide to the State and National Parks
Chock-full of useful details about every park in Washington and Oregon, both state and national, this book is organized by area.Details for all types of activities include innovations such as yurt camping, backpack andbike camping, group camping, hiking, cave touring and more.This is a"take with you edition" complete with phone numbers forreservations, campsites that don't take reservations (overflow sites), acouple good maps and and short locator descriptions for each park, to beused in conjunction with a roadmap (not included).Find out where thereare ranger talks, river access, and even an underground structure that wasbuilt as a bombproof communications center, muzzle loading demonstrations,park hours, marine facilities, equestrian facilities and more!Anat-a-glance manual for the on-the-road, want-to-go-there Oregon andWashington park visitor. ... Read more

Product Description
From stunning mountain ranges to arid expanses of desert, America has been blessed with an incredibly diverse land -- and the vision to protect it for our and future generations to enjoy. These lands are ours to view, wander, learn from, and revel in. America's National Parks captures all that is great about all fifty-six parks in the national park system. It also gives interesting, easy-to-understand background on the geological and ecological forces that continue to make each national park so worthy of protection.

Nature lovers will be captivated by gorgeous photos of landforms, flora, and fauna. Families will appreciate the information that is sure to enhance vacations at the parks. And visitors to any of the country's national parks will forever treasure this book as a memento of past visits and an inspiration for future ones.

Unlike any other book published on national parks, America's National Parks is a must-have for anyone who relishes America's natural wonders and wants to learn more about the powerful forces that created them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Gorgeous book on National Parks
This is a beautiful book with a lot of gorgeous pictures. Just what I was looking for. Would highly recommend it. Others seemed to have too much text and/or too many drawings and/or black and white photos. This is truly satisfying for anyone who loves nature and America's National Parks. You'll look at it again and again. Makes a fabulous gift or coffee table book.

An Introduction to Geology as Much as to America's National Parks
You might expect a book on US National Parks to have an all-USA (including Alaska and Hawaii) orientation map along with local maps of each National Park--and it does. You would expect it to have beautiful pictures--and it does. You would expect it to discuss the flora and wildlife found in these parks--and it does. You might expect it to touch on the history of the locations going back to the days of the First Americans--and it does. You would probably expect to hear that Yellowstone National Park, founded in 1872, was the first US National Park, and that it contains most of the world's geysers--and the book certainly states this.

Being a geologist, what I find relatively unique about this book is its emphasis throughout on basic geological processes. The cross-sections it gives of various geological processes and structures are quite educational, and they are very suitable for the geology classroom. (I wish that I had seen them when I first began to formally study geology!) The reader learns about the internal structure and dynamics of volcanoes, the types of folds and faults that form during mountain building, weathering and erosional structures such as hoodoos, and even such things as fumaroles and mudspots. There are also detailed visual aids on bays and reefs.

Great for nature lovers and armchair traverlers!
Fabulous book! The text is very interesting and educational, and it explains the scientific aspects of the National Parks and their land very well. The photos are gorgeous and made me want to visit every single park! :-) They really show some of the awesome beauty of God's handiwork. I highly recommend this book to all outdoor enthusiasts, lovers of nature and science and fellow armchair travelers. The book also contains helpful contact information for planning a visit to the parks. A great read and a great book to enjoy!

spectacular visuals, excellent text
This book is a spectacular visual text to some of the American National Parks.The size of the photos, and their photographic quality, are just excellent. The photos are right up there with National Geographic-type quality. In addition, the accompaning text gives ecological insights to where and why this part of the United States was designated and saved as a National Park.The book gives short but insightful accompanying text for each of the Parks that are presented to the reader. The only problem is, unfortunately, the organization of the chapters, and a very skimpy table of contents, and the reader can get easily annoyed with these two problems. It is hard to understand why the publisher made such errors, as the problems are very obvious, and the whole book suffers as a result.It is a beautiful book covering many of the National Parks, with super photos and very good college level text, and if you can put up with the problems of a missing table of contents, this book is a great collection of art, ecology, and the National Parks of the USA.A 5-star for the photos and accompanying text, and a 3 for a useless table of contents.Sorry, but the publisher made major mistakes in putting this otherwise spectacular book together. But I will still give the book a 5-star anyway. The photos and text are just too good to give this book anything less than a 5-star.

Spectacular Presentation of Natural Wonder
Paul Schullery presents a book filled with powerful and beautiful images of fifty-six national parks that have been dedicated to the preservation and protection of irreplaceable treasures. This book shows why these parks are so worthy of protection.

Not only are they places where indescribable beauty can be seen, they have also been formed by unique geological forces. From stunning mountain ranges to arid expanses of desert, these are the lands we view, wander in and learn from.

America's National Parks is a celebration of the diversity of national parks throughout the United States. They are grouped according to the geological forces that helped to create them.

Diagrammatic illustrations, important landmarks, travel routes, topographical maps and spectacular full-color photographs illustrate the sheer majestic beauty of nature.

You will also find captivating information to encourage an awareness of the landforms, flora and fauna. Families will also find information to help enhance their vacations at the parks.

Inside the front cover a map of America shows the location of each park I started to remember my trip to the Grand Canyon National Park and my husband's visit to Denali.

Our Treasured Lands
The Rolling Land - Volcanic and Geothermal Forces
The Broken Crust - The Power of Mountain Building
Water Designing Lands - Waves, Caves and Currents
Ice Sculpting Stone - The Carving Power of Glaciers
The Patient Power - Wind and Water Erosion
Weather Shaping Life - Effects of Extreme Climates

This book contains some of the most amazing photographs I've ever seen of America. From pictures of dripstone formations adorning New Mexico's Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico to Lush Ecosystems shrouded in Fog in the National Park in Washington, these pictures help to vividly describe each park. I remember once having an argument with someone over the fact that there were rainforests near where I lived in Washington and no one would believe me. Well, here is proof!

I was also especially interested in looking up the Painted Desert we visited once on a trip across America after college. At the time, I didn't actually realize I was in the Petrified Forest national Park in Arizona because technically, we were just driving right through and I wasn't paying attention.

This book has helped to bring a new awareness to my own life and also encourages a desire for more exploration. Now I definitely want to see Mount McKinley in person.

Voyageurs National Park looks like a fascinating place to paddle around lonely islands. However, they do say never to skimp on insect repellent. A third of the park is water.

A memento of past visits or an inspiration for future exploration!

~The Rebecca Review ... Read more

Product Description
Have you ever gone to a theme park and wondered, "How did they do that?" At last there's a book that shows you. Theme Park Design reveals the secrets behind some of the world's greatest attractions. Take a peek behind the scenes, with a theme park engineer. Aimed at theme park enthusiasts, the book features behind the scenes information based upon author Steve Alcorn's 35 years designing attractions.The story follows the development of an attraction from "Blue Sky" design to opening day. Along the way it reveals the engineering tricks used to build many fan favorite rides."This book shows you the secrets behind the magic," says Alcorn.Theme Park Design explores ride control, mechanics, audio, video, lighting, special effects, animated figures, art direction, and much more, with insider commentary.The author illuminates the fast-paced world of theme park design through tales of calamity and triumph, sprinkled with many humorous anecdotes. He also offers career tips on becoming an Imagineer.A must-read for every theme park enthusiast! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very educational...and funny!
If you are interested in Theme Parks, read this.I am not an Engineer and did not feel like it was over my head.I loved the behind the scenes stories!Having been to the Disney parks hundreds of times (was there for Epcot's opening day!) I've always wondered what goes on behind the curtains.(Also read "Building a Better Mouse.")Both very fun reads! ... Read more

Product Description
Highland Park, New Jersey explores the rich history of this 2-square-mile town in an unprecedented collection of over 200 photographs. Highland Park's history is one of growth and is best seen through the evertightening weaving of old and new architecture. As 19thcentury farmsteads gave way to residential developments, Highland Park's main street experienced considerable development and change; the horse and buggy gave way to trolleys and, eventually, to automobile traffic. In this unique pictorial collection, discover the charm of this New Jersey town through historic images of Highland Park's architecture, from mansions and churches to shacks. Also featured are collected memorabilia from local cultural events such as parades and horse races. While Highland Park acknowledges close ties to the city of New Brunswick, its small-town identity comes out from under New Brunswick's large shadow. Outstanding photographs of Ayres beach, the building of the railroad bridge, and the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps in dress uniforms are complemented by timely graphics from maps, advertisements, and even a raffle ticket that was saved for 95 years. ... Read more

Product Description
Problem Solving Tools and Techniques purpose is to provide guidelines to park and recreation personnel in developing a systematic and creative approach to problems and issues. In this fourth edition, the authors bridge a serious gap by providing a basic process through which individuals can learn specific knowledge and functional skills of human relations.

The authors process of problem solving is an innovative and practical approach to meeting the needs of students and park/recreation practitioners.

The majority of the case studies are new, representing a wide array of current problems. All cases are drawn from actual situations.

This book is suitable for staff development, in-service training, recreation and park boards as well as a wide variety of social and educational institutions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A guide to standard problem solving methodologies
Now in an updated fourth edition, Problem Solving Tools And Techniques For The Park And Recreation Administrator by co-authors Margaret L. Arnold, Linda A. Heyne, and James A. Busser, is a no-nonsense guide to standard problem solving methodologies, especially with relation to the needs of park and recreation administrators. Individual chapters address such techniques and factors as case study methods, the role of organizational culture and climate, how to facilitate creative thinking, brainstorming, focus groups, making decision trees, how to mediate conflict resolution, and much more. A thorough, methodical, step-by-step interpersonal resource, focusing on basic logical approaches that can be directly applied to far more than parks and recreation administration, though the specific examples given focus upon that field.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Where is my book?
This book has never arrived after ordering it 7 weeks ago. The estimated delivery date was 6-20. Five weeks later and it still has not arrived.

How to Design and Build a Theme Park!
For Animal Kingdom fans, there isn't a lot of published information that focuses on the theme park. Malmberg's book is a rare gem for several reasons: it is an in-depth look at the creation of the park; a thorough look at the team, the political process and environmental issues; and most importantly, it is one of the few resources that looks at the step-by-step development of a Disney theme park--how it grew from a small team led by Joe Rohde to a cast of thousands.

This book reflects the Animal Kingdom in so many ways. The park was shepherded by Imagineer Joe Rohde, who had the vision and the desire to keep the project moving forward. Ms. Malmberg was able to collect the stories of the Imagineers, follow their progress and take us behind the scenes of the park. She interviewed key people that were there from the beginning: Joe Rohde, Rick Barongi and Zofia Kostyrko. You get the feeling that you were there, day-by-day, watching as they create the park.

You learn, early on, that the Imagineers knew they needed one thing to make the park a success; their rallying cry was Proximity Equals Excitement! During one budget and planning meeting, the Imagineers, unbeknown even to Marty Sklar, brought in a 400 pound female Bengal tiger that walked around the conference room while Rohde spoke. The executives got the point and let the group move forward (p. 25). They were able to try and develop new means of getting the guests closer to the animals--safely, of course.

You get a detailed look at how the art (re: buildings, details, interiors, roofs, painting) was constructed using as many local and foreign talents as available. Sculptors, thatchers and artisans were brought in from all over the world. Malmberg spends a lot of time looking at the backstage care and living areas. Since Disney was creating a park that would, inevitably, be compared to zoos, there is a focus on how Disney treats the animals. The first two animals to arrive, the giraffes Miles and Zari, were greeted with tears and cheers. Malmberg goes into great detail explaining how the animals were procured, transported and acclimated to the park.

The book is filled with photos, artwork, and concept drawings. One of the final sections looks at the next few years of the Animal Kingdom. Asia is the next land planned with the river ride and the Maharajah Jungle Trek opening first. The possibility of a new hotel called the Animal Kingdom Lodge, with savanna views, is even mentioned! The very last section is a listing of all the Imagineers that worked on the Animal Kingdom. Eight pages of names.

The park has come a long way in 10 years.

Bottom Line: This is a one-of-a-kind resource for Disney fans. There is not another work that takes such a detailed look at the making of the Animal Kingdom or a Disney theme park. There is a lot of discussion about conservation and animal care--this is not a negative, but the whole work is a balanced look at the creation of the park. There are chapters dedicated to the creation of the attractions and lands, but equal attention is paid to the zoological needs of the park. There is a lot less of the geeky stuff and more a look at the animals and their care. Ms. Malmberg is able to capture the passion of those involved and it translates very well to the written word. You will enjoy this work for the vast detail dedicated to the creation of a Disney theme park.

Verifying the magic - I was there.
This is a wonderful look behind the scenes at a truly magical park.I had the priviledge of working for Walt Disney Imagineering from 1996 through 2000.My main assignment was supporting the engineers' computers during the construction of Animal Kingdom.As I recall Melody was all over the place and now I know why.She has done a spectacular job of documenting how the park was put together.From the drawings and sketches to the actual construction photos, this book gives names to the many talents that were brought together to create this masterpiece.

A brilliant insider's view
This is the first book that takes a look at *how* Disney designs and builds its theme parks. This information was once only available to those who work for Walt Disney Imagineering and others in the Walt DisneyCompany. Now, we all get to go behind the scenes to learn how it'sdone--from the experts themselves. This book is a must-have for any fans ofWalt Disney Imagineering ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Geology of National Parks
Perfect, great condition, just what I needed.Great seller, fast shipping.I would recommend to others.

Imperfect, but Useful.
I teach a college-level course in the Geology of National Parks and Monuments. Finding a textbook suitable for such a course has always been a problem, but I've used various editions of this book for at least a couple decades. It's a very poor choice for my needs, but I've never found anything more suitable. For example, my course is about Parks and Monuments, but this book only concerns parks. Another thing is that this book attempts to cover all national parks, but my course only concerns the National Parks of the western United States. In the sections about the parks I cover, this book attempts to cover almost everything, but I only look at selected subjects. Well, everything seems imperfect for my needs, but that's not the fault of the book.

If I get away from my specific needs, this book isn't bad at all. It outlines the geology of the parks as best as might be expected in the space available. I find it tough reading in that each park is covered by a different author or set of authors so the writing styles and geological styles and depth of coverage are glaringly different with the different parks. Well that's what compilation books are.

A beginning geology text is woven through the book and can be quite useful to the reader, if the reader is adept at using the index. For example, if a reader is interested in igneous rocks he/she can go into the index and can find numerous places throughout the book which discuss various aspects of this subject. It's imperfect, but someone can become reasonably conversant. Also, an index is provided if you tend to stumble over technical jargon.

I have very mixed feelings about this book. It's a very imperfect tome, yet it's really not a bad book at all. I could easily recommend it as a starting place for someone interested in the Geology of National Parks. Once started, an overwhelming amount of information is available in the literature and on the internet. It's worth a try, if you can get around the high cost of the book.

Gary Peterson

Geology of the National Parks
My 10 year old daughter loves the book.She wants to be a geologist with the National Park Service when she grows up.

geology of national parks text book, no highlights at all
the book came nice and clean, no creases and no highlights, very happy with my purchase

Excellent material.Well presented sans...............
This is an excellent textbook of geology and some history of our national parks.The text is organized by each park within geographic regions.This is great and helps one to read up on a specific park BEFORE visiting it so as to get the most out of the trip.

The layout, font size and pictures are great.The explanation of the geology behind the landscape is just beautiful and quite meaty.There is a CD that comes with the text and this is where I have a problem.The CD has great pictures of the parks but that is it.It would have been great if the CD came with some interactive stuff.

With the book size being formidible it would have been great to have a folded handout along with the CD so that one could actually use it on a field trip.

But all in all this is an excellent book and very useful to a non-geologist like myself.

I would have given it a 5-star except that there is no handy cutout that effectively summarizes the book for use in the field. ... Read more

Product Description
Stand amid soaring Douglas fir in the great hall of Glacier Park Lodge or sit in the setting sun and gaze into the Grand Canyon at El Tovar. This beautiful gift book will transport you to the majestic lodges of our national parks to relive the glory of past vacations or plan adventures anew. This book and the PBS television series of the same title (to air in spring 2002) take armchair travelers into these architectural wonders and explore the surrounding natural beauty of our national parks. Lodges, wildlife, and stunning vistas are showcased in 175 full-color and black-and-white photographs, along with historical documents from the PBS series. In his introduction, Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, offers a call to preserve this national heritage, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book go toward the rehabilitation of these magnificent buildings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Nice book
Very nice book; makes me want to plan to visit each location. Received book in excellent shape.

Great Lodges of the National Parks
Travel the country without leaving your own home, or use this book as a guide while making travel plans!

Great book on great lodges
I was thumbing through "O" magazine, March 2009 issue and there was Great Lodges of the National Parks as Sarah Vowell's "Books That Made a Difference". She's such a quirky historian/writer/commentator, that I was thrilled to see she agreed with ME that this is a wonderful book. Here's an excerpt from "O":

"O" Magazine, March 2009: BOOKS THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE to SARAH VOWELL

The author, public radio contributor, and self-described indoorsy person falls for outdoorsy epics, ace historians, and one very unhinged memoirist.

As someone who makes a living writing books, my favorite thing to talk about is other people's books...Truth is, I love paging through architecture books, and I have included one of my favorites here, because I find being in and thinking about buildings to be gloriously nonverbal. All five of the titles speak of my fascination with history and geography, mostly the history and geography of the United States.

Great Lodges of the National Parks
By Christine Barnes

I'm an indoorsy person who grew up in Montana alienated from nature. In my hometown, the outdoors was the domain of those who could climb higher, bike farther, ski faster, and camp out forever. But after I moved to New York City and got homesick for the West, I found myself drawn to our come-as-you-are national parks. I fell in love the comforting, all-American beauty of the historic lodges pictured and described in this book. Having dinner at El Tovar after a sweaty day ogling the Grand Canyon, or reading a book in a rocking chair at the Old Faithful Inn after sulfurous hikes around Yellowstone---it's hard not to get swept up with an old-fashioned excitement about seeing the country. Also, turns out I have a thing for stuff made out of giant logs.

(The author has another new edition, Great Lodges of the National Parks, Volume Two that I also love.)

Great Book that captures the wonderful lodges
If you have had the opportunity to stay or visit more than one of the great lodges of the National Parks, I highly recommend this book.Our National Parks are the best treasure that the United States has, and these elegant lodges embrace the spirit of nature and take the experience to another level.The PBS videos are terrific and are a good companion to the book, but the book stands alone as well.The book provides additional information about the construction and history of each of the lodges.If you are an architecture buff, a national park fan, or love rustic lodges this book is definitely for you.Every time I pick it up I want to head out west and explore.

This book is a keeper!
This book makes a wonderful gift or a reference to pour over time and time again as it is packed with information about the history of the Lodges of the National Parks, information about their architectural aspects, interviews with individuals involved in their building etc, along with wonderful photos that make you want to see them all, today!And, we understand that there is a NEW Great Lodges of the National Parks coming out in July, 08, along with an accompanying PBS series.If it is anything like this book, I won't be the least bit disappointed ... Read more