Columbia Reviews

I have about thirty field guides on geology, fungi, plants, and wildlife generally focusing on the Northwest. I consider this to be best field guide of all - the standard by which other field guides should be measured. It is fairly comprehensive. It is concise and user-friendly. The color photographs are generally guide good. It even has occasional bits of interesting trivia to help you get familiar with the plant in question. I have heard from a biology student that there were a couple minor inaccuracies in the taxonomic classification, but unless you are a professional whose career depends on total precision, this book is your best bet. Buy it and get out and get to know your land a little better. Have fun but stay on the trails!

This is the most complete guide to our flora that is also understandable to laymen. Instead of organizing the plants by flower color, which may not be clear year-round, it organizes them by family. This not only allows you to identify the plant year-round, but also gives you taxenomical information about it. This book also has good descriptions and other interesting non-identifying information about each plant. (ie, cultural, historical) Almost every plant has a color photograph and/or line drawing.

We are on our second copy of this book because one of my husband's friends loved ours so much that we gave it to him! This book is arranged to make it easy to find any plant or tree you come across. You can teach yourself to identify trees by their bark, cones, leaves (or needles). This is a very impressive skill to have!

If you've ever kept a scrapbook of old photographs, you'll understand the fascination of this collection. Instead of grandmothers, aged aunts or toddler cousins, this book reveals life from the dimmest past. With photographs and drawings, Briggs and his colleagues have restored to view rare animals that lived in ancient seas. These are our earliest forebears, and for that reason alone, this book is worth repeated scrutiny. The images, with their stories of discovery and restoration, are offered in a spirit of shared discovery. These are very special creatures and it behooves us all to understand their value.

Although the book is targeted for professional paleontologists, the authors give us text nearly as illustrative as the images. They are part of the team who personally enticed many of these fossils from their lithic prison. Beginning with an account of Charles Woolcott's trek into the mountains of British Columbia, they go on to describe the environment in which these creatures lived. The significance of the Burgess Shale fossils, of course, is that they are images of soft body parts, usually lost as fossilization proceeds. At the time of the original find in 1909, such artifacts, especially ones of such ancient deposition were pricelessly rare. Woolcott himself understood their value to science, but never dedicated the necessary time to tease out their full secrets. It took Briggs and others, particularly Simon Conway Morris to apply the painstaking effort to recreate the body forms locked in the shale. In so doing, they overthrew a number of blithe assumptions made by a number of commentators, in particular Stephen J. Gould who had popularized the Shale finds, but sadly misinterpreted what they represent.

As you slowly turn over the pages of this book, reflect on the vast ages separating you from these creatures. The sea has always kept some bizarre secrets, but few can match the multi-spined Hallucegenia or mud-burrowing Ottoia. Haplophrentis might be mistaken for a Roman dagger lost in the sea until you read that its maximum length was but 30 millimetres long. A more formidable denizen of these waters is the Anomalocaris, with its hooked feelers and rasping mouth. Swimming in a sea with this half-meter long predator might not have been dangerous, but observing it might best be done from the beach.

This book is a clearly valuable contribution to our understanding of life's history and the process of evolution. It belongs on the shelf next to the other albums of family history. Take it down from time to time and simply open it at random. With half-closed eyes it isn't difficult to see these creatures in their daily lives, clutching rocks, swimming through the water, or burrowing into the bottom. They are your forebears, and deserve as much of your respect as does Aunt Matilda.

This is a wonderful book. It is chock-full of photographs of Burgess shale fossils. The photographs are full page photographs and are accompanied by drawings that illustrate what the plant or animal probably looked like. The text is informative and easy to follow for a layperson.

"The Fossils of the Burgess Shale," the non-geologist will find this book fascinating and understandable - yet the author did not "water down" the facts for those of us who have the technical background in the fields of geology and paleontology. The only drawback of the book was that some of the species listed in the back were not included in the pictorial portion of the book. I do understand that if Briggs had placed them all in the book the volume would have been over a 1,000 pages in length; however, several of the species not included are equally spectacular!

The first third of the book provides a brief history of the site and it's significance within Cambrian paleontology; the remaining two-third portion of the book provides clear photographs and line drawings of the animals entombed in this special location. I have used this book in teaching about the Cambrian explosion. Students were awed by the content of the book. If you are interested in invertebrate paleontology; this book is a must!

This has been "The Hiker's Bible" for over 30 years and is now in its seventh edition still in print. The new edition has added trails in adjacent provincial parks making it the only trail guide to cover the five national mountain parks (Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay and Waterton Lakes) and five adjoining provincial parks (Mt. Robson, Mt. Assiniboine, Peter Lougheed / Kananaskis, Elk Lakes and Akamina-Kishinena.)

The trail descriptions are complete and accurate and the maps are adequate. There are references to government topo maps and GemTrek maps for those who want more detail. This is still the best of all the Canadian Rockies Books and is readily available through Canadian stores in the area.

I used this book while hiking for a week in Banff and Yoho National Parks in September '03. It thoroughly covers trails in Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Koontenay, Waterton Lakes, Mount Robson and several other areas with accurate descriptions so one knows when to take the fork in the trail and when to stay straight. The book is designed in a very clean manner.

It starts with a basic introduction on things you need to be aware of when hiking in the Rockies such as bears and weather. Then comes the listing of trails for each park. How it works is that they divide each park into smaller sections, and each section is preceded by a map showing all the trails in that area. Next to each trail is a trail number. So you look at the map and see a trail you are interested in, flip a few pages to the page titled with that trail number and you get all the details you need. Or vice-versa...Read the different trail descriptions until one captures your interest and then flip over to the map and look for the trail with that trail number to get an idea of the layout of your hike.

The trail descriptions also show elevation gain and loss, maximum elevation, distance, and approximate time it will take to complete the hike. It also details on how to reach the trail-head by car and good times of the year to do certain trails. Many trail descriptions are accompanied by photos taken on that trail so get an idea of what you will see.

The other book I got was Don't Waste Your Time in The Canadian Rockies. It is unnecessary and less useful. That book has no trail maps and is not as thorough as the Trail Guide. The Canadian Rockies Trail Guide is 450 pages of trails that will lead you to scenes that seem impossibly beautiful.

I used this book while hiking for a week in Banff and Yoho National Parks in September '03. It thoroughly covers trails in Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Koontenay, Waterton Lakes, Mount Robson and several other areas with accurate descriptions so one knows when to take the fork in the trail and when to stay straight. The book is designed in a very clean manner.

It starts with a basic introduction on things you need to be aware of when hiking in the Rockies such as bears and weather. Then comes the listing of trails for each park. How it works is that they divide each park into smaller sections, and each section is preceded by a map showing all the trails in that area. Next to each trail is a trail number. So you look at the map and see a trail you are interested in, flip a few pages to the page titled with that trail number and you get all the details you need. Or vice-versa...Read the different trail descriptions until one captures your interest and then flip over to the map and look for the trail with that trail number to get an idea of the layout of your hike.

The trail descriptions also show elevation gain and loss, maximum elevation, distance, and approximate time it will take to complete the hike. It also details on how to reach the trail-head by car and good times of the year to do certain trails. Many trail descriptions are accompanied by photos taken on that trail so get an idea of what you will see.

The other book I got was Don't Waste Your Time in The Canadian Rockies. It is unnecessary and less useful. That book has no trail maps and is not as thorough as the Trail Guide. The Canadian Rockies Trail Guide is 450 pages of trails that will lead you to scenes that seem impossibly beautiful.

y la historia..te cautiva.
Lo que me fascino, fue el gaspacho...

The Columbia restaurant is the oldest spanish restaurant in the US and the very best! Their succulent recipes are all here and I have tried them. My dishes tasted just like the ones I have eaten there! The history of the restaurant, told in this book, has tears, laughter, romance, tragedy, triumph and above all, and incredible love for this, our country. This book is indispensable in my kitchen and my house is always full of company because of it. Recipes that are many generations old, made with love. Beautiful book.

I visited both the Columbia restaurant in Ybor City and in Clearwater,and I had to buy the book,the recipes are wonderful,specially the seafood dishes,but,what I liked the most was the actual story about Tampa and the family that owns the restaurants,I finished the book feeling like I knew the family since ever!!!.
If you are not around Florida right now,I'll suggest you to buy the book,and if you are in Florida and anywhere close to any of the Columbia restaurants,make a dinner reservation right now!!,and then,buy the book.

This is one of the outstanding books on theology of the twentieth century by Professor Gillis of Georgetown University. It is not merely a description but a comparison and analysis of issues, such as Mission versus Maintenance which is an in-depth study of paradoxes between the mission of the church and the maintenance of the bureaucracy and structure. Nobody is expected to accept both sides or all sides of issues, but the reader of any religion or even no religion will come away with an understanding of unique features of Roman Catholicism such as the protection of the connection between the human and the Divine which the institution of Priests and Sisters provides. Buddhism and Hinduism have a different way of protecting this connection, and Judaism and Islam and the Protestant Faith have their own ways. Perhaps there is hope in this Amerian melting pot, that by comparing good experiences the good lives on and the evil is buried. This is why I only review good books.

Roman Catholicism in America is an essential text for any thorough study of Roman Catholicism: it examines the religion within the context of American culture, with scholar Gillis examining the major religious concepts, individuals, and principles of Roman Catholics. An interdisciplinary approach allows for the consideration of various Catholic experiences and influences.

Chester Gillis delights readers with his historical thoroughness and timeless ancedotes on Catholicism in America. As a former student of his at Georgetown, I am not suprised. Thank you, Professor Gillis.

Over the last several years, I've hiked most of the trails described in "100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon." Sullivan's diving directions, trail descriptions and maps have always been perfect and immensely helpful.

The trail descriptions are both concise and crystal clear. Sullivan does not meticulously describe each detail, which leaves much to discover on your own and allows for a more personal hiking experience. He writes eloquently, and often includes great tidbits of scientific and historical information that add context to your hike. For example, he might briefly describe how a specific area was geologically formed, and point out some evidence that you'll find along trail.

Sullivan's practical advice is invaluable. If he tells you that a trail passes poison oak, you better wear long pants! If he tells you that a trail is open from July to October, don't show up without snowshoes in March! Clearly, he knows these trails well. Readers should not overlook the preface, where he provides an equipment checklist, low impact camping guidelines, contacts for trail conditions, and other useful information.

The one downside of this guide is that so many people use it. If a hike is within an hour of Portland, and is featured in this book, you can count on a crowded trailhead on a nice weekend. Plenty of the featured hikes are off the beaten path, and still consistently provide solitude. Just plan on driving for awhile.

Anybody who hikes in Oregon should consult "100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon," or one of Sullivan's other books. I also frequently use his Oregon Coast and Central Oregon guides, and they too are first rate.

Just a quick additional note: When you do hike, always leave no trace! If you see trash, pick it up! Always be respectful of our Earth, and all of its creatures.

I bought this book two years ago to add to the many guide books in my library. After two years of hiking many weekends in northwestern OR and southwestern WA, it's become clear that this is the book that get's used the most. Most of the trails are suitable for the whole family. We've hiked into the crater of Mount St. Helens, eaten wild huckle berries in Indian Heaven Wilderness, hiked every slope of Mt. Hood, visited water falls in the Columbia river Gorge that we didn't know existed and more.

Many of the trails are suitable for the occasional dry weekend in the winter months as well. Sullivan provides many low elevation trails which extend the hiking season year round.

If you live in southwestern Washington or northwestern Oregon, you should own this book.

I bought this book prior to a trip to Oregon in hopes of finding some beautiful hikes. This book was a valuable tool in my search. Every hike was accurately described from details on finding the trailhead to distances traveled including the level of difficulty and points of interest along the way.

I loved this book, not because of the writing so much as for the experience this author had with her children, for the strong evocative sense of place and time, and for the metaphoric way in which she seemed in her random travels to be searching for her lost husband. It's like taking a trip to the west coast (for this east coaster) and back in time. I'm very glad Seal Press chose to make this available!

I read this book while cruising on a boat in the same waters Ms. Blanchet writes about. In many ways and places, only the years have changed and the landscapes and history remain relatively untouched by today's rapid change.

Not only are the stories of her travels with her children on her late husband's boat interesting, but her writing and her perspective for the times are as fresh and current as if written just recently.

I have gifted this book many times. It was gifted to me. This is a volume which sticks with you from the day you read it. When you gift it, you need to go back and read all or part again, just to take you back.

As a woman filled with wanderlust and independence, Muriel Wylie Blanchet is one of my heros.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who not only loves the outdoors, the waters of Vancouver and BC, but to any person who loves the spirit of adventure based on real life experience--not a made for TV event.

This is clearly my favorite book on cruising the Inside Passage and about women. Capi was an inspiration not only as an adventurer but as a mother, accomplished mariner and author. I only wish she had written more or that more had been written about this amazing woman. Her literary style was wonderfully understated. She tells an exciting story of cruising the Inside Passage alone with five small children as though she were taking an inconsequential stroll around the block. Only those that have experienced these waters can fully appreciate the courage and self confidence of this remarkable woman. This book should be mandatory reading for all young girls.

This is indeed a terrific guidebook for B.C. Previous editions, however, included Banff and Jasper National Parks, which admittedly are in Alberta, not B.C., but are usually included in Canadian Rockies travel itineraries. There's no excuse including Yoho (which is just over the border) but not Banff and Jasper, except to sell more books. So this is not an improvement.

I know of no better book to my home province of British Columbia than this Moon guide. On my travels as a semi-retired geologist, I also carry copies of the Lonely Planet and Frommer's book and have reviewed both of them and others at Amazon.com, but Moon Handbooks British Columbia stands alone for its usefulness. The other books have their good points, but this one encapsulates everything one needs to enjoy the wonders of the province, whether it's their first trip or they live here. It covers every single corner of BC and is thorough and up to date.

The Moon guide is cleverly written and arranged to appeal to all budgets. The bulk of the text relates to towns and parks of BC, with informative coverage of everything from museums to fishing opportunities and wildlife viewing. Each section ends with details of the best places to stay and recommendations for dining. If you're camping out or RVing I'd suggest also getting a campground guide, but the Moon book suggests at least one campground in each town, each of which the author has obviously visited. Motels are also detailed, and over previous editions I'm yet to find fault with the author's choices. Ditto for bed and breakfasts and restaurants.

In my opinion, thois is definitely the best allround guidebook for British Columbia

I've used Moon Handbooks for years and they are simply the best! I have the Montana, Wyoming, Washington, Alberta, and now the British Columbia book, and I've never been disappointed. These books include the usual stuff, such as lodging, restaurants, and recreation, but they also include local history and cultural information that makes them far superior to most guides. Buy a Moon Handbook that covers the state you live in--you will be surprised at how much you can learn. If you're going traveling, they are indispensable.

For everyone who has ever adopted an animal, surrendered an animal, loved an animal or simply wants to know how we who work at a shelter manage to hang in there, this is the book. Elizabeth Hess has done a marvelous job recording her insights into the very stressful, often frustrating, often heartwarming aspect of this very difficult job. It is not a depressing book, but, rather, a realistic one. I could have written every single word she has put on paper, even though my shelter is many hundreds of miles away from hers and deals with a different population. What most people do not realize, and which this book points out, is that it is a humane shelter's job to protect the animals, most of which are abused and neglected, and get them into stable, non-abusive homes. This can be source of stress, as the average person thinks of a shelter as a pet store. We are far more than that, as Ms. Hess points it. She covers the horrors of puppy mills, the frustrations of working with an abusive public and non-caring judicial system, and the marvelous families who adopt and care for the unwanted and suffering. The most wonderful animals are found in shelters, and often some of the most wonderful people. Thank you, Ms. Hess, for letting everyone see this.

Ms. Hess does a wonderful job in portraying the true life aspects of the life and work in an animal shelter. As was previously expressed, it is a book that everyone should read since it is not only about animals but about the people who take them into their lives as well. We need to take a serious look at our motivations in becoming pet owners. I have passed the book on to my friends to read. It was a wonderful experience and I could not put it down.

I've volunteered at the animal shelter in my town for a few years now, but have never had quite as much insight as this book provided. I get the feeling the shelter in the book has a smaller volunteer base than the shelter I have dealt with based on the details they were willing to share with her. This was a very uplifting book that explained a lot about why shelters work the way they do (ie rules about who can adopt, what happens when they get lost pets, etc.). Unfortunately, it is most likely to be read by the people that already understand these rules and why they exist.

Grover does a great job of detailing the ins and outs of outdoor adventure in B.C., for those who don`t have vehicles or choose not to. Very timely.

Great information source. Most guide books seem to leave out odd little bits of information that you have to scurry around and find at the last minute. This book is great on the details; it has all the contact numbers you need at your fingertips. Even if you cheat like I do and use a car, it is still a fabulous guide. Plus the writing stlye is great, easy to read and funny!

The trips described have just the right amount of detail. The author gets you interested, tells you how to get there but doesn't get too carried away with his own impressions. I have made good use of this book since I picked it up and I heartily recommend it.

This book is a great addition to my collection of outdoor books on BC. The reason is that I can now slow down my life a bit when I want to get outdoors and not be so stressed about getting to the trailhead or kayaking point or...public transit is cheap, easy to use and allows you to get in a more relaxed frame of mind before you start your next adventure. You even get to meet some interesting folks enroute. Try it!

The pictures and bits of useful and interesting information peppered througout make it very browsable. The maps for each activity are really clear and easy to use. A great outdoor guide even if you take a car.

Now if the author would do a "BC Car Free: How to get to urban adventures in BC" book, I could get to urban activities in the same mode of transport and frame of mind...