The Dragon and the Fair Maid of Kent (Dragon)

Book Description

Jim Eckert, the Dragon Knight, must now confront the three disasters that lie in wait for any visitor to the English Middle Ages: war, plague, and Plantagenets.The plagues is caused by a covert invasion of shape-shanging goblins with plague-tipped spears that seek to take over the world. Meanwhile, Eckert's castle is invaded by Plantagenets: Edward III, his son Edward the Black Prince, and Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent.Against the background of a full-scale human-versus-goblin war, these worthies move in a swirl of intrigue and dynastic tension. And, as usual, it's up to the Jim Eckert, in all his scaly glory, to make sure good triumphs in the end!

Customer Reviews:

The saga continues ..........2005-10-11

In the ninth book of the series, we get to deal again with the real medieval history of England. The time to deal with King Arthur and Merlin passed in te previous book. Since this is a series, there is further development of all the characters that have been there from the beginning: Brian, Geronde, Carolinus etc. James is also developing and we learn that he is being considered for another promotion in the Magickal arts. All the other favorites also make return appearances even if only very quickly (Aargh and Gorbash). With all of this, it is quite surprising that the Sea Devils and the Gnarlies don't show up!

The problem to be resolved this time has to do with keeping King Edward alive. It appears that the evil Lord Cumberland and Agatha Fallon are plotting to kill him and replace him with Cumberland. The chosen means is the Black Plague which is introduced to England by them. Other magical creatures that operate on the evil side are the goblins and we learn quite a bit about the relationship between them and the hobgoblins as well as other denizens of the evil side. A major development occurs with the hobs. It seems that there are thousands of them and in one of the climaxes of this book, there is literally a battle involving them. Quite a difference from how Hob appears in the first books!

If you have read the previous titles, this will be more of the same and you will enjoy the developments of the characters. If you have not read any of these before, you will miss most of the fun and should go right back to Dragon and the George!

The Fair Maid of Kent makes an appearance and we learn that the 14th century woman could be quite influential in her own way.

This is not a small book, yet I devoured it in favor of any other reading over the course of a few days. Well worth it!

Re: Welcome Back to the Middle Ages. - Oct. 17 2001.......2002-01-29

I just wanted to let it be known that The Dragon and the Fair Maid of Kent, is not, as stated by Marc Ruby in his Oct. 17 review, the fourth book in Gordon Dickson's Dragon Knight Series.

It is actually the NINTH book in the series. It may only appear to be the fourth due to the fact that Tor only included in the list of previous books those which had been published by Tor. The rest of the series was published by Ace Fantasy, with the exception of the very first book, The Dragon and the George, which was published by Del Rey in 1976.

Essentially, I just didn't want anyone to miss any of the books out of this wonderful series. Happy reading!

Historical Fantasy.......2001-11-09

A fantasy set during the time of King Edward III, it is a complex tale involving magicians, dragons, goblins, the plague, and court intrigue. The author has invented history only casually related to real history. Overall, it is an interesting story but sometimes drags in long scenes which may seem peripheral to the main plot. Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent, puts in an appearance in a secondary role. It seems unlikely that Edward III would have had an illegitimate half-brother as his father, Edward II, was gay and not known to have mistresses. The real power behind the throne was the Black Prince's younger brother, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (events would eventually lead to the War of the Roses between the Houses of York and Lancaster).

The author oversimplifies the relationship between Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent, and Edward, the Black Prince, by calling them cousins. Joan's father, Edmund, was both a half brother of Edward II and a cousin of Edward II's wife, Isobel of France (who contrary to the motion picture, never had any contact with Wallace). A grand-daughter of Joan and Sir Thomas Holland would marry John Beaufort, a nephew of Edward the Black Prince, and a daughter of that marriage would later marry King James I of Scotland with descent to the present royal family.

Welcome Back to the Middle Ages........2001-10-18

By habit I read more than one book at a time. It keeps me from getting bored, and sometimes the odd juxtaposition of ideas gives me something unique for a review. Right now I'm reading a horror story so bad I regret agreeing to review it and a mystery story that makes too great an effort to be literature. It's slow going at best. The third volume is (or rather, was) this, Gordon Dickson's fourth in his dragon series. It took me exactly three days to read this hefty (500+ page) small print book from cover to cover, and I am not a speed reader. The other books just had to wait.

What makes Dickson so good that he has managed to author two major series (the dragon series and the Dorsai series) and innumerable other novels and collections? Personally I would call it superior plot making, intense dedication to details, and yes, heaps of talent. Dickson always takes the necessary time to draw his characters out fully, be they James Eckhart the knight/apprentice mage/sometimes dragon who is the hero of the story or the lowly master carpenter who keeps James in everything from chairs to outhouses. And he goes to know end of trouble to make sure that the reader painlessly acquires enough 14th century lore to make sense out of the goings on.

This volume finds James at Malencontri, his castle, trying to cope with both a plague of Plantagenet nobility and the very real plague which is advancing into James part of England. In addition, Carolinus, James mage master (one of the three AAA+ mages in the world, he'll have you know) is insisting that the King be protected at all costs. The Plantagenets on hand are Prince Edward the Fourth, the king's son and the beautiful Countess Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent. All they want is James assistance in a plot to make Edward the Third fond of Edward the Fourth again. This plot becomes ever more complicated until James finds himself commanded to appear before the King at Tiverton, where Edward III has retired to avoid the plague in London.

While this complexity develops James works overtime to prepare Malencontri against the plague. Since James and his wife Angie are actually visitors from our time who were unexpectedly thrust into the 14th century of an alternate earth, they know something of germs and disease protection. Since magic will not work on diseases, it is this knowledge which it their only hope. In the midst of all this confusion and stress, the EcKharts, their closest friends and Hob (the castle hobgoblin) are off to Tiverton to see the King.

Thanks to Hob, James is able to discover that an evil plot is afoot at Tiverton. Goblins, who are spreading the plague in order to take over the world, have slain the real castle staff and are now running it in disguise. James, due to his commitment to keep the king alive, goes into action. Since this is less that a third of the way into the book, it should be no surprise that Jim manages to use a small handful of men and knights (plus the unstoppable Hob and his buddy the hob of Tiverton) to completely mop up the Goblins and airlift everyone to Malencontri. Unfortunately James comes down with both the plague and magickal exhaustion simultaneously. Does he survive? Of course! Does he spend the rest of the book frantically trying to save Malencontri and the rest of England? You bet, but I will leave the rest of the plot for the reader to discover.

With this, ninth, volume in the series, it is getting a bit harder to simply pick up a volume and follow along. First of all you keep getting the feeling that you have missed several really good books, which you have. Secondly, there is simply too much background after eight solid novels to present enough information to the reader. This isn't all bad though, you will get to read several very good fantasy tales. And if you do wind up reading it first, you will still love it enough to come back to read a second time. Highly recommended.

Dickson has done it again!.......2001-09-23

Dickson has developed a series of books that allows the reader of today to say what if...? This unique viewpoint allows for the writer to put a 21st century spin on a classic fantasy novel. Characters are real in a fatastic world.

This time Jim has organized his motly crew to fight the plague which is born by shape changing goblins. He must do this while working around the politics of the middle ages with the King and Crown Prince in his company.

Book Description

Winner of the Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize of the American Society of Church History, Holy Fairs traces the roots of American camp-meeting revivalism to the communion festivals of early modern Scotland. This new paperback edition of Leigh Eric Schmidt's seminal work features updated material, a dozen illustrations, and a new preface by the author.

Saint Peter's Fair: The Fourth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

Average customer rating:

Fair Dealing, Foul Deeds, and a Fearful Damsel
Not long at the Fayre
Brother Cadfael with a chase scene!
Brother Cadfael with a chase scene!
More mediaeval goings-on to puzzle over

Saint Peter's Fair: The Fourth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael
Ellis Peters
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0688006671

Book Description

MysteryLarge Print EditionStylishly authentic . . . a graceful and informative case for Peters engaging herb-gardening monk. Kirkus ReviewsThe great annual Fair of Saint Peter at Shrewsbury, a high point in the citys calendar, attracts merchants from far and wide to do business. But when an unseemly quarrel breaks out between the local burghers and the monks from the Benedictine monastery as to who shall benefit from the levies the fair provides, a riot ensues. Afterwards a merchant is found dead, and Brother Cadfael is summoned from his peaceful herb garden to test his detective skills once more.

Customer Reviews:

Fair Dealing, Foul Deeds, and a Fearful Damsel.......2006-04-01

Provost Corviser leads a delegation of Shrewsbury's best men before Abbot Radolfus demanding a bigger share of the proceeds of St. Peter's Fair, an annual event sponsored by the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul. The money is needed to repair the town after the ravages of the recent seige of the town by the forces of King Stephen. Abbot Radolfus demurs, saying he's bound by the ancient charters.

Philip Corviser, the Provost's son, leads a delegation of young men to request a voluntary contribution from the merchants at the fair. There he is smitten by the beauty of a merchant's niece, and also smitten by the merchant's bludgeon. A riot ensues.

When the dust settles, young Corviser is in gaol, the merchant is in the mortuary, and the neice, Emma, is in fear--but of what? Not to worry, Ivo Cobriere, a handsome young nobleman, stands ready to aid her. Misfortune continues to stalk poor Emma and another murder occurs. Deputy Sheriff Hugh Beringar and Brother Cadfael are sure that Emma knows more than she is telling.

Philip gets out of gaol, another killing occurs, Cadfael and Hugh unravel the mystery, and the saga ends in a stirring chase and rescue.

Not long at the Fayre.......2006-01-06

St.Peter's fair is held annually on the section of land outside the monastery walls in Shrewsbury, but involves the monastery itself, with its guesthouses filled with the gentry and travelling merchants. When the body of wealthy merchant, Thomas of Bristol is discovered, stabbed, stripped and robbed, his niece Emma who was accompanying him, is put into the care of Aline, the wife of the deputy sheriff, Hugh Berengar. Brother Cadfael becomes the girl's protector as she moves around the town, determined to carry on her uncle's business, as he would have wished. Another merchant is murdered and Emma's belongings are searched as if the killer is looking for something in particular. The townspeople of Shrewsbury become very alarmed as this part of the country is still very much divided in its loyalties, with factions supporting King Stephen and others favouring Empress Maud. Cadfael is convinced that Emma knows more than she's admitting, but it's only when she is openly courted by a young nobleman, who would normally be considered too far above her in station, that her life is endangered. It's another fascinating story of life and death in 12th century England, with the detective monk, Cadfaek working his way methodiaclly through clues to a satisfactory solution.

Brother Cadfael with a chase scene!.......2001-12-17

Of the chronicles of Brother Cadfael that I have thus far read, "St. Peter's Fair" is the most "mystery-like." No cut and dried solution springs to mind as the plot unfolds. This one had me guessing for some time.

All the regular ingredients of the previous stories are here: Political wrangling, personal intrigue, a love story, and of course--a murder.

Cadfael once more is a treasure trove of wisdom. Some of his lines here are classic. Cadfael is a very noble, very humane, world-weary protagonist. Ellis Peter has truly created a detective for the ages in him.

In "St. Peter's Fair" Cadfael is up against one heck of a baffling case. He and Hugh Berengar (my favorite secondary character) team up to try and solve the murder of a visiting merchant. I have no desire to give the ending away. I will only say that "St. Peter's Fair" has the added bonus of a chase scene.

"St. Peter's Fair" is a worthy entry in this series. The more I read of Ellis Peters, the greater my respect for her becomes. I recommend this book highly.

Brother Cadfael with a chase scene!.......2001-12-17

All the regular ingredients of the previous stories are here: Political wrangling, personal intrigue, a love story, and of course--a murder.

"St. Peter's Fair" is a worthy entry in this series. The more I read of Ellis Peters, the greater my respect for her becomes. I recommend this book highly.

More mediaeval goings-on to puzzle over.......2001-08-16

Ellis Peters' fourth Brother Cadfael mystery is set in the summer of 1139, in a Shrewsbury still recovering from the siege of town and castle by the army of King Stephen the previous summer. To speed the rebuilding of its defences, the townsfolk are eager for financial help from the abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which, being located just outside the town, came through the episode of the siege without harm. With the lucrative annual three-day St. Peter's fair fast approaching, the burghers of the town are anxious to secure a share of its profits - normally given over entirely to the abbey. The new abbot, however, is far from anxious to set a dangerous precedent by ceding away the abbey's dues.

Thus it is that merchants arriving from distant towns for the fair find themselves suddenly embroiled in a dispute between town and cloister - and embroiled rather too deeply for comfort as the town's youth escalate the situation out of hand. And so it is that Shrewsbury (and therefore Brother Cadfael, of course) suddenly finds itself with the mystery of another murder (and various other nefarious goings-on) to solve.

With her characteristic meticulous attention to period detail, Ellis Peters weaves an intricate web of deceit and intrigue into this far from obvious murder mystery. As usual, she balances the political manoeuvrings of the principal parties with the playing out of a separate romantic sub-plot. This serves to keep the reader (and, in this case, Cadfael too) guessing almost up to the very end as to the real drama running through the story and, of course, to the identity of the villain of the piece. Indeed, the reader is well into the nail-biting conclusion to the story before realising fully what has been going on.

Peters' writing style ensures that this book is as enjoyable as Brother Cadfael books ever are. Fans of the mediaeval sleuth may be somewhat disappointed to find that he actually has very little to do here beyond collating the pieces of others' findings but this does not really detract from the tale over all. If the Cadfael books are new to you, I would really recommend reading the first two volumes before any others to truly get the most from them. On the other hand, if you are not interested in reading the whole series but simply want an evocative tale of mediaeval England, then you need look no further than this.

Average customer rating:

It's alright but more how to would be nice

wonderful

Review of Simple Flutes by Mark Shepard

A source of joy

Basic stuff for makers, players & listeners

Simple Flutes: A Guide to Flute Making and Playing, or How to Make and Play Great Homemade Musical Instruments for Children and All Ages from Bamboo, Wood, Clay, Metal, PVC Plastic, or Anything Else
Mark Shepard
Manufacturer: Shepard Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Amateur Wind Instrument Maker

Flute Shop: A Guide to Crafting the Native American Style Flute

Musical Instrument Design: Practical Information for Instrument Making

How to Love Your Flute: A Guide to Flutes and Flute Playing, or How to Play the Flute, Choose One, and Care for It, Plus Flute History, Flute Science, Folk Flutes, and More

Fundamentals of Musical Acoustics: Second, Revised Edition

ASIN: 0938497189

Book Description

Simple flutes of bamboo, wood, metal, plastic, or clay can be a joy to play and make. This book gives you the basics of simple flute playing, then offers guidelines for making flutes of your own from a variety of materials. It even includes a handy chart for "where to put the holes." Simple Flutes is a must for simple flute players and makers!

Download Description

Also available in paperback!

Mark Shepard is the author of How to Love Your Flute: A Guide to Flutes and Flute Playing, featured in The Next Whole Earth Catalog and called by Paul Horn "a model for our times." He was a professional flutist and simple flutemaker for many years.

Reviews

"Contains the essence of a tremendous amount of experience." -- Sam Hinton, Sing Out

"An excellent overview for those interested in learning more about simple side-blown flutes." -- Monty Levenson, Tai Hei Shakuhachi

"A slim, elegantly presented, and highly practical guide to crafting simple flutes and making music with them. Flutes of bamboo, wood, clay, metal, and plastic are authoritatively discussed. Simple line drawings and easy-to-understand instructions enhance and round out this first-rate, 'user friendly' guide for anyone with a fondness toward simplicity in their own personal music." -- Midwest Book Review's The Bookwatch and Internet Bookwatch, Aug. 2002

"This thin volume contains a wealth of information." -- Linda Dailey Paulson, Dirty Linen, Oct.-Nov. 2002

Contents 1~Playing

The Sound
The Hands
The Notes
Second Octave
Sharps and Flats
Breath and Tonguing
Making Music
Flute Care

2~Making

Flute Qualities
The Flute Tube
The Mouthhole
The Fingerholes
Tuning
Stoppers
Finishes
Plastic
Bamboo
Wood
Clay
Metal
Other

Resources
Sample

Here are the two most important rules for tuning:

A hole will give a higher note if it is placed closer to the mouthhole. It will give a lower note if placed farther away.
A hole will give a higher note if made larger. It will give a lower note if smaller.

These rules mean you can "raise" a note by enlarging the hole or by placing the hole closer to the mouthhole. You can "lower" the note by using a smaller hole or by placing the hole farther from the mouthhole.

It also means you can change the hole size and its placement without changing the note. A larger hole could be placed farther from the mouthhole, or a smaller hole placed closer to the mouthhole.

Customer Reviews:

It's alright but more how to would be nice.......2007-09-10

Personally, I liked the book, but perhaps some more pictures on how to do things would be nice. For example, on how to make a wood flute it says a shell auger can be used to make a flute. Some step by step directions would be nice.

wonderful.......2007-07-29

this is a great book to give the BASICS of creating simple instruments such as flutes. its very short and gives some great base ideas for begainers. i do wish it was more detailed however it will have you making flutes quickly

Review of Simple Flutes by Mark Shepard.......2006-12-20

My interest in flutes began years ago by making several pan flutes from Bamboo and acrylic tubing. After a trip to Peru in 2004 I became interested in quenas...end blown Andean flutes. My ambitions then carried through to wanting to make transverse flutes. I have found the book Simple Flutes perfect for my initial foray into trans-flute making. I am impressed with the economy of words that conveyed much information. It is a good doorway to other references. The G flute described in this book was easy to build and works very well. More detailed data for other sizes would have been welcome. However, more ponderous book might discourage the neophyte into not carrying through with making one's first flute. Mark's book and instructions made it easy to be successful, which then whets the appetite to get more involved with flutes in other keys.
A great, simple to read handbook for someone starting in this fascinating hobby.

A source of joy.......2006-10-29

I have just started making flutes as a hobby, because I thought it would be interesting, and to knock out a few cheap Christmas presents for a myriad of nieces and nephews. I did not anticipate what a source of joy making flutes would be for its own sake. This book got me started and will remain the most senior of my teachers as long as I do this. What you do not find in its lines, you will find between them as you grow in the experience. I am sure there are many more advanced books out there, but they will be useless without the foundation that this book provides.

Basic stuff for makers, players & listeners.......2005-02-25

The book only contains about 35 pages of large type text, so don't expect much detail. The 5 or so pages on playing are really basic, only helpful to someone who knows absolutely zero about flute playing. The book only gives exact mathematical dimensions for making a pvc flute in G, which you can find at the author's website (www.markshep.com/flute). All other flute dimensions are given as 'about' & 'generally'. Nonetheless, the book provides a foundation for someone with a trained ear to be able to start making simple flutes, refining thier skills through trial & error. Overall the information in the book is more than worth the price. As a half hour read it is well worth reading by everyone interested in making, playing or listening to flutes. The knowledge gained versus the money & time invested ends up being a real bargain. The book also provides resources on where to go for more and more detailed information.

Average customer rating:

You can't lose with this book!!

Quick-but-Great Science Fair Projects
Shar Levine , and Leslie Johnstone
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0806960035

Book Description

Want a winning science fair project that isn't a lot of work? Here are actual projects to use (with adaptations for different grade levels). Experiment and see whether family members have fingerprint characteristics in common, what the effects of calcium on bone strength are, how light affects leaves, and much more. Here are the few other choices that could earn you a blue ribbon!
* Scents of Smell: Some aromas say they'll put you in a certain mood. But, do they?
* The Yolks on You!: Demonstrate the power of osmosis--using the humble egg.
* The Iceman Cometh: You've skated on icy ponds--but why can't you ever skate on the ocean? Find out how salt lowers the freezing temperature.
You'll get help in finding an idea, for organizing and displaying the work, and in figuring out just what judges are looking for; plus checklists and suggestions for doing research, all of which will speed you on your way!

Customer Reviews:

You can't lose with this book!!.......2002-02-09

I ordered two different books to find a project for my 10 yr. old son plus looked at projects all over the internet. This book is the ultimate if your looking for something simple but really great. It even gives you ideas to take your project further depending on the grade level of your child. My son won 1st place!!!!!! I HIGHLY recommend this book. You won't be sorry you ordered it.

The Scientific American Book of Great Science Fair Projects

Average customer rating:

Won third place with the wind tunnel project.
The Book that changed my life.

The Scientific American Book of Great Science Fair Projects
Scientific American , and Marc Rosner
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0471356255

Book Description

Explore the wonders of science with the very best of guides!

Have you ever wished that you could observe underwater creatures undetected? Or watch the very moment a caterpillar becomes a butterfly? Or create your own rain? Well, with Scientific American Great Science Fair Projects, you can! Enter the fascinating world of Scientific American--the ultimate science authority--and learn how to build an underwater periscope, photograph a lunar eclipse, grow hydroponic plants, and much, much more! From creating your own non-newtonian fluids (slime, putty, and goop!) to teaching a sow bug how to run through a maze, you'll be astounded at the number of incredible things you can do with Scientific American Great Science Fair Projects. Based on the long-standing and well-respected "Amateur Scientist" column in Scientific American, each experiment can be done with ordinary materials found around the house or that are easily available at low cost. Whether you're looking for a great idea for your next science fair project, want to astonish your friends and family with your discoveries, or are just intrigued by the world around you, you'll find endless hours of scientific \fun in this one-of-a-kind project book! Scientific American magazine reaches more than three million readers globally by subscription, on newsstands, and online at www.sciam.com.

The company also publishes Scientific American Explorations, a quarterly family magazine, and the Scientific American Archive, an online archive of issues from 1993 to the present at www.sciamarchive.com

Customer Reviews:

Won third place with the wind tunnel project........2004-02-05

I like the book though it's not spectacular. We built the wind tunnel and we had to do some tweaking....for example the airconditioner filter blocks out *all* the "wind" from an ordinary fan so we had to carefully pick apart the filter apart and just leave the wire skeleton, and then after going through all the motion of building the tunnel with the filter and the plexiglass window and getting it to actually work, we found that we got the same result by just setting the the air foil and the scale directly in front of the fan.
I just wish we could have found something that was more straightforward and to the point.
Better luck next year.

The Book that changed my life........2003-11-03

I fell after reading this book, I have become a personal friend of Marc Rosner. Through his colorful language and profound metaphors, I was moved to a whole new plain of conciousness. Marc is a true mastermind of scientific literature. I am bringing this book with me for personal reading and will hopefully be able to speak about this peice of literatute at the Vacuum convention this weekend. (...)

Janice VanCleave's Great Science Project Ideas from Real Kids (Janice VanCleave Presents)

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Janice VanCleave's Great Science Project Ideas from Real Kids (Janice VanCleave Presents)
Janice VanCleave
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0471472042

Book Description

There's plenty for you to choose from in this collection of forty terrific science project ideas from real kids, chosen by well-known children's science writer Janice VanCleave. Developing your own science project requires planning, research, and lots of hard work. This book saves you time and effort by showing you how to develop your project from start to finish and offering useful design and presentation techniques. Projects are in an easy-to-follow format, use easy-to-find materials, and include dozens illustrations and diagrams that show you what kinds of charts and graphs to include in your science project and how to set up your project display. You’ll also find clear scientific explanations, tips for developing your own unique science project, and 100 additional ideas for science projects in all science categories.

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Accurate, easy to read book on black bears.
Excellent detailed content along with wonderful photographs

The Great American Bear
Jeff Fair , and Lynn Rogers
Manufacturer: Northword Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1559714123

Customer Reviews:

Accurate, easy to read book on black bears........1999-03-11

I'm the author of Backcountry Bear Basics: The Definitive Guide to Avoiding Unpleasant Encounters, and there aren't many books about bears I can recommend, but this is one of them. It doesn't portray black bears as demons or Disneyland characters. It's 100% accurate and the writing is top notch: very engaging. If you can only buy one book about black bears, this is it. If you can buy two books, add A Shadow In The Forest: Idaho's Black Bears, by two Idaho biologists.

Excellent detailed content along with wonderful photographs.......1997-08-21

Granted, this is not the type of book one would normally 'just happen upon'. However, if you are looking specifically for information on "Ursus Americanus", the American Black Bear, this is the one you want. I have been involved in black bear research for over 10 years. This is the most detailed, well photographed, and up to date book I have found. Did I mention it is also enjoyable to read?! The combined effort of the researcher and author resulted in an excellent book. While reading this book, you'll come to learn the behavior, life cycles, lauguage and habitat of the black bear. Take advantage of others' years of experience, and photography; take their knowledge. You'll come away with a complete understanding of black bears that you will not get from any other resource

Knitting Fair Isle Mittens & Gloves: 40 Great-Looking Designs

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Knitting Fair Isle Mittens & Gloves: 40 Great-Looking Designs by Carol Rasmussen Noble [Paperback]
Great book - lots of fun and lots of variety
beautiful but beware
Pink Poodles jump through flaming hoops --exciting!

Knitting Fair Isle Mittens & Gloves: 40 Great-Looking Designs
Carol Rasmussen Noble , and Carol Noble
Manufacturer: Lark Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1579902537

Book Description

Some of the 45 distinctive designs stay close to tradition; others go modern and feature a contemporary color palette. You’ll find a style for everyone. Every project has fantastic full-color graphs of both sides—so knitting is easier then ever. “An excellent choice for large public libraries and ethnic needlework collections.”—Library Journal.

Customer Reviews:

Knitting Fair Isle Mittens & Gloves: 40 Great-Looking Designs by Carol Rasmussen Noble [Paperback] .......2005-10-03

This book has many attractive choices for you to choose from. Concise instructions, it was just what I was looking for.

Great book - lots of fun and lots of variety.......2003-12-02

I disagree with the previous reviewers of this book. I am a compulsive mitten knitter and I totally love this book.

The colors and yarns used in the projects are traditional - in fact the mittens and gloves featured in the book were collected by the author in the Shetland Islands. The beginning of the book includes a brief history of Fair Isle kitting, along with some instruction on special techniques that are used by Shetland Island knitters. If you are the least bit interested in traditional knitting techniques, you'll be very happy with Knitting Fair Isle Mittens & Gloves.

The photographs show the palm and the back of the hand for each pair, so you can easily compare them to adjacent charts.

I would definitely recommend this book. It includes basic patterns for gloves and mittens for women and children, with charts in many styles and colors. And there's a bonus lace glove pattern in the back.

My favorite projects are the fingerless gloves, which provide an easy way for mitten knitters to ease into glove knitting. Not to mention that fingerless gloves are incredibly popular right now, so there are a slew of ideas for gifts to knit.

(The only thing missing is a pattern for men's gloves, but you can easily convert any of the women's patterns to a man's size by using a slightly heavier yarn and going up a needle size.)

beautiful but beware.......2003-11-12

This book is full of beautiful gloves and mittens but beware of mistakes. There are errors in materials needed-amount of yarn. Errors in number of stitches to cast on and mistakes in the knitting charts. If you are an experienced knitter you will be able to find the problems, beginners will have a problem.

Pink Poodles jump through flaming hoops --exciting!.......2003-02-17

The good points about "Knitting Fair Isle Mittens and Gloves:

1. There are patterns of all sizes, including kids' sizes.
2. The gloves have the Fair Isle motifs placed in various ways, giving you ideas for designs of your own.
3. There are fingerless gloves patterns, fun to do and they have some utility as well as being funky-stylish.
4. The introduction has some interesting reading and historical pictures.

The not-so-good points about this book:

1. The colorways are not exciting--rather mundane, in my opinion.
2. The photography is not top-notch.
3. The color and printing are also second-rate.

If you love doing gloves, you may enjoy the color patterns in this book. I like them--they make great gifts and are fun to knit. If you only knit gloves occasionally, a basic glove pattern would do you fine, and you can figure out how to put Fair Isle style patterns on them yourself from knitting charts. You probably can also figure out how to adjust the size and how to do a fingerless glove. It's not rocket science, after all.

Book Description

Harry Pearson vowed that his next project would be about the summer—specifically, about a summer of shows and fairs in the north of England. Encompassing such diverse talents as fell-running, tupperware-boxing, and rabbit fancying (literally), and containing many more jokes about goats than is legal in the Isle of Man, Racing Pigs and Giant Marrows must be the only book in existence to explain the design faults of earwigs.

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