Book Description
Environmental Soil Chemistry illustrates fundamental principles of soil chemistry with respect to environmental reactions between soils and other natural materials and heavy metals, pesticides, industrial contaminants, acid rain, and salts.Timely and comprehensive discussions of applications to real-world environmental concerns are a central focus of this established text.

<*> Provides students with both sound contemporary training in the basics of soil chemistry and applications to real-world environmental concerns
<*> Timely and comprehensive discussion of important concepts including: sorption/desorption, oxidation-reduction of metals and organics, and effects of acidic deposition and salinity on contaminant reacions
<*> Boxed sections focus on sample problems and explanations of key terms and parameters
<*> Extensive tables on elemental composition of soils, rocks and sediments, pesticide classes, inorganic minerals, and methods of decontaminating soils
<*> Clearly written for all students and professionals in environmental science and environmental engineering as well as soil science ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very good!
The book is very good. I received the product before the date stipulated by Amazon. I am satisfied.

For a class
This was required reading for a soil water chemistry course that I took.As the course was problem-based learning, this text came in handy as a resource.

Excellent Book about Environmental Soil Chemistry
Professor Donald L. Sparks has managed to write an excellent and up-to-date book on important topics related to environmental soil chemistry. The book covers all the essential subjects needed for an in-depth understanding of all the complex soil processes that control the fate and transport of both inorganic and organic contaminants in the environment. The book also includes good descriptions of state-of-the-art instrumentations used in environmental soil chemistry such as synchrotron radiation-based X-ray techniques. I use this book in my course entitled "Soil and Environmental Chemistry" and the book has the perfect length for a one semester course and the students like it. I can highly recommend this book for both undergraduate and graduate students as well as professionals.

Dr. Thomas Borch
Assistant Professor of Environmental Soil Chemistry
Department of Soil and Crop Sciences
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA ... Read more

Book Description
//-->9411G-9, 0-13-094117-4, Sylvia, David M., Fuhrmann, Jeffry J., Hartel, Peter G., Zuberer, David A., Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology, 2/E//-->Written by leading experts in their respective fields, this comprehensive, balanced introduction to soil microbiology captures the rapid advances in the study of soil microbiology&#8212;e.g., habitats and organisms, microbially mediated transformation, and applied environmental topics. Carefully edited for ease of reading, it aids users by providing an excellent multi-authored reference, the type of book that is continually used in the field. Background information is provided in the first part of the book for ease of comprehension; it then describes such fundamental topics as soil environment and microbial processes, microbial groups and their interactions, and thoroughly addresses critical nutrient cycles and important environmental and agricultural applications. An excellent desk reference and useful tool for certified professional soil scientists, environmental scientists, and others that effect environmental policy, such as soil erosion and maintenance specialists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

very in depth
Its a good book, easy to read but the chapter cover a lot of material in one chapter.

Great!
I took one basic biology course in college and have never taken a chemestry class, so parts of the book were over my head. However, the book was everything I had hoped, covering a number of topics at a level I could easily grasp. If you want to really understand the role of microbiology in plant growth and how it afffects the soil in so many ways, this is a great book.

very handy well written book
This book was recommended to me by my tutor at university and he was right good well written easy to use book on a complex subject. I still use it today and think its an essential in any soil or agricultural consultants library. ... Read more

Book Description
Soils can rarely be described as ideally elastic or perfectly plastic and yet simple elastic and plastic models form the basis for the most traditional geotechnical engineering calculations. With the advent of cheap powerful computers the possibility of performing analyses based on more realistic models has become widely available. One of the aims of this book is to describe the basic ingredients of a family of simple elastic-plastic models of soil behavior and to demonstrate how such models can be used in numerical analyses. Such numerical analyses are often regarded as mysterious black boxes but a proper appreciation of their worth requires an understanding of the numerical models on which they are based. Though the models on which this book concentrates are simple, understanding of these will indicate the ways in which more sophisticated models will perform.Download Description
Soils can rarely be described as ideally elastic or perfectly plastic and yet simple elastic and plastic models form the basis for the most traditional geotechnical engineering calculations. With the advent of cheap powerful computers the possibility of performing analyses based on more realistic models has become widely available. One of the aims of this book is to describe the basic ingredients of a family of simple elastic-plastic models of soil behavior and to demonstrate how such models can be used in numerical analyses. Such numerical analyses are often regarded as mysterious black boxes but a proper appreciation of their worth requires an understanding of the numerical models on which they are based. Though the models on which this book concentrates are simple, understanding of these will indicate the ways in which more sophisticated models will perform. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

One of the classic in the this topic
All geotechnical engineers must read this book. A beautifully crafted book with insight into soil strength and soil behavior. Wait untill the end of the chapters where theoretical developments are extended to describe laboratory testing from triaxial testings to Atterberg's limit.

Best Book for Critical State Soil Mechanics
Let me recommend this book to you, if you are interested in soil mechanics, numerical modelling, and if you try to understand soils well.
Critical states soil mechanics is a popular framework for the recent developement of many soil constitutive models. This book is a step by step exploration of this framework, especially Modified Cam Clay model, both conceptually and numerically. The stress-strain-strength behaviors of cohesive and cohesionless soils under drained or undrained condition can be quantitively determined using this simple model. More sophisticated models in the current research front, for example, MIT S2 model, bounding surface models, are all shadowed within critical state concepts.
Overall, it is a book about a very useful elasto-plastic soil mechanics model. It uses some fundamentals of elasticity and plasticity. You may meet a little bit mathematics there, but that is almost trivial compared with that used in solid mechanics and theory of plasticity.

Helpful for your work
I don't know how to explain about that but this book's really the best. ... Read more

Book Description
This clear, concise text provides a user-friendly introduction to the most current civil engineering and highway construction materials. It covers the essentials of highway construction technology without getting bogged down with complicated mathematics, excess theory, or difficult language.Topics covered in this book include soils, aggregates, pavement structure and base, asphalt pavements and materials, and Portland Cement Concrete, as well as Stone Matrix Asphalt, admixtures, and whitetopping.For civil engineers, those in highway construction, construction materials dealers, and soil mechanics. ... Read more

Book Description
Soil is the basis not only for all gardening, but for all terrestrial life. No aspect of agriculture is more fundamental and important, yet we have been losing vast quantities of our finite soil resources to erosion, pollution, and development.Now back in print, this eminently sensible and wonderfully well-focused book provides essential information about one of the most significant challenges for those attempting to grow delicious organic vegetables: the creation and maintenance of healthy soil.Chapter 2, "Understanding the Soil System," is alone worth the price of admission. Gershuny and Smillie give lay readers and experts a clear explanation of subjects--soil life and nutrient cycles--that have confounded most authors. Nowhere will the reader find simpler and more coherent descriptions of key concepts including cation exchange capacity and chelation.The soil fungi - 23977 Bytes There are other books about soil available, including Grace Gershuny's comprehensive Start with the Soil, and there are books that feature chapters on soil building. What distinguishes The Soil of Soil is the authors' concise presentation; they give readers important information, including technical essentials, without getting bogged down in scientific or quasiscientific mumbo-jumbo. In addition, useful tables list specific compost materials, green manures, and other resources that allow growers to translate into action the more general information provided by the book. The soil-building techniques featured include: * Organic matter management * Building and maintaining humus * On-site composting * Green manures and rotations; * Cultivation and weed control; * Nutrient balances and soil testing; * Using mineral fertilizers; * Planning for organic certification. Updates to the 1999 edition include analysis of Proposed Rules for the National Organic Standards, and expanded recommendations for private testing services and soil-testing equipment for home gardeners and organic farmers.All of us involved in the cultivation of plants--from the backyard gardener to the largest farmer--need to help regenerate a "living soil," for only in the diversity of the soil and its creatures can we ensure the long-term health of ourselves and our environment. The Soul of Soil offers everyone a basic understanding of what soil is and what we can do to improve our own patch of it. Seen in this light, this practical handbook will be an inspiration as well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

For master gardeners and farmers, but also good for basics
This is truly a good book. It is short, simply written, and very informative. However, it is a little technical for the average Gardner. I personally picked-up this book to gain general knowledge about soil, and I found everything I asked for and more. Nevertheless, there were things that I felt were not explained enough, but that's not the fault of the author because I am neither a master gardner nor a farmer. In the begging of the book it almost seemed like the author was one of the environmentalist extremists, however as I continued reading I found the author to be a responsible writer with no extremism. As a matter of fact, on several occasions the author offered advise to non-organic farmers. Overall, a great book and coming from my non-farmer background I would give it 4 stars.

Soil Basics and More
The Soul of Soil

The Soul of Soil

Understanding our soil is essential to successful gardening and farming, as well as to building a sustainable future for the planet. Grace Gershuny and Joe Smillie have devoted decades to unlocking the secrets of this mysterious and often maligned substance and they share their wisdom with us here. Includes descriptions of the major soil types, nutrient cycles and physical properties of soil, as well as lessons on composting and cover cropping. This book gives us the tools we need to understand the complex interactions that take place below our feet as we work to turn the tide against the erosion, pollution and outright destruction of our precious earth.

The Soul of Soil
Very informative book but it is a little technical for home garderner. ... Read more

Book Description
This textbook is aimed at the majority of students, who need to quickly acquire a concise overview of soil science. Many current soil science textbooks still cater for a traditional student market where students embark on three years study in a narrow discipline. The growth in modular degree schemes has meant that soil science is now often taught as self-standing unit as part of broad based degree program. Students pursuing this type of course are increasingly reluctant to purchase expensive textbooks that are too detailed and often assume a scientific background. For those opting to specialise in soil science there are a variety of good textbooks to choose from. This short informative guide, will be particularly useful for students who do not possess a traditional scientific background, such as those studying geography, environment science, ecology and agriculture.

• Only textbook to cater for introductory courses in soil science.
  
• Provides an affordable concise overview of soil science.
  
• Learning exercises and chapter summaries enhance usability.
  
• Annotated suggestions for further reading.
  
• Based on proven and successful modular course structure.
  
• Emphasis on readability and interactive learning.
  
• No scientific background assumed.

Customer Reviews (1)

An outstanding reference
Are you concerned about the amount of damage to your hedges, your roses, your flowers, your trees and other plants?Have you automatically reached for your organic or chemical pesticides, herbacides, fertilizers, and anything else to use to salvage what is left of your plants?Do you advise others on their problems with plants?In solving these problems, does your solution address the root cause or merely the symptoms? In seven chapters of 185 pages, the authors take the reader from the question "What are soils made from?" to a thorough discussion of "soil contamination and erosion."The topic of each chapter and sub-chapter is presented in question form:"How does water act in the soil?" "What is soil acidity?" and the questions are answered:"Instinctively we all know what is meant when we say something is acidic--we automatically think about lemon juice or vinegar..."
The authors use a substantial number of charts, graphs, drawings, and black and white pictures to achieve their stated purpose:"Every attempt has been made to assume no previous scientific knowledge, to insure new concepts are explained simply, often using examples of everyday items, and anything considered too detailed for the average undergradate course has been ruthlessly cut from the text."
Relying on my recollection of various undergraduate college survey or introduction courses to biology, botony, chemistry, and my experiences of growing roses, flowers, shrubs and vegetables, I gained a basic understanding of the science of soils, and the impact errors in soil management have on plants.Too many times I have attempted to treat the symptoms of sick plants and not the root causes: "Chapter 6:How can we optimize the physical condition of the soil for plant growth?""What can we do to remediage a polluted site?"

When the authors conclude their presentation on page 185, we are presented five pages of other references including numerous internet web pages more than seven pages of index.The cost of the book is a lot, and in my opinion, worth every cent! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Understanding the process
An organic guide to developing and maintaining healthy soil, this book is organized in two parts. "Understanding Your Soil" explores the chemistry and underground wildlife. "Managing Your Soil" is the hands-on section. Chapters offer prescriptions for problem soils (inadequate drainage, slopes, hardpan, contamination) and catering to the needs of vegetables, flowers, lawns, trees and shrubs, container plants.

While the second portion provides for immediate action, the first half is a readable discussion of the interactions of plants and soil. Gershuny shows how to recognize characteristics of your soil by observing weeds and plant growth, and enters the microscopic world of compost and humus. A valuable introduction to the world beneath our feet. ... Read more

Book Description
Fundamental Soil Science teaches students about the many facets and uses of soil beyond its use as an agricultural resource. The authors take the approach that soils are dynamic, living, natural resources that affect every aspect of our lives. They also put particular focus on those areas of soil science they deem most critical, including physical, chemical and biological properties. As a learning tool, this publication introduces the reader to concepts then reinforces them throughout. As a reference tool, it meets professionals needs when they seek information about basic soil concepts pertinent to practical experience. ... Read more

Book Description
Now in its third edition, this classic textbook includes basic concepts and applications in agriculture, forestry, environmental science, and a new section entirely devoted to ecology. This revised and updated edition guides students through biochemical and microbial processes in soils and introduces them to microbial processes in water and sediments. Soil Microbiology, Ecology, and Biochemistry serves as an invaluable resource for students in biogeochemistry, soil microbiology, soil ecology, sustainable agriculture, and environmental amelioration.

NEW TO THIS EDITION:
* New section on Ecology integrated with biochemistry and microbiology
* Sections on exciting new methodology such as tracers, molecular analysis and computers that will allow great advances in this field
* Six new chapters: bioremediation, soil molecular biology, biodiversity, global climate change, basic physiology and ecological interpretations
* Expanded with contributions from leading soil microbiologists and agronomists on both fundamental and applied aspects of the science
* Full-color figures
* Includes a website with figures for classroom presentation use ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very good text book
This book has some excellent introductory material if you want to learn about soil microbiology. It is nicely organized with chapters (check the table of contents). A very good improvement over the previous edition in that it talks about some of the recent technology such as metagenomics. I would not recommend it as a reference book for graduate students, but a very good intro text book for grad and undergrads.

Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry, Second Edition
Book in very good condition when arrived, was new when purchased.Cost was a little high at 62.00 dollars.Received in a timely manner.

Standard text for soil microbiology
I was a graduate student in soils and forestry when I took a class in soil microbiology that used this text. It is essentially the gold standard for soil micro texts. It isn't overly technical, but it includes a thorough analysis of the basic concepts needed to understand most aspects of soil microbiology research and application. The book uses mostlyagronomic examples, but there is enough variety of ecosystems to make it useful for those working in forestry, grasslands, and almost any type of soil. Those interested in detailed discussions of molecular microbial methods or biotechnology may be disappointed, but for the general student looking to understand what those billion microbes per teaspoon of soil are doing, this book is the best introduction out there. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Early Book on Organic Agriculture
The Soil and Health is a wonderful book that is equal parts agricultural science and environmental advocacy, with just a dash of kooky Nature worship thrown in.Howard was a conventionally trained agricultural scientist in the late 19th and early to mid 20th century who was employed by the British government to bring modern industrial agriculture, based on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides to Britain's tropical colonies.Soon, though, he realized the value of more traditional agricultural practices from India and China, especially in keeping the microbial, fungal and invertebrate life in the soil healthy.

If you believe in the value of organic agriculture, it is somewhat sad to see how little has changed since 1945.Howard confidently predicts in his book that organic methods based on compost would soon sweep the globe.Things have changed some, though.We can now buy "organic" labeled products in most markets in America, and I believe that more people have an appreciation for the importance of treating the earth well.This book does an excellent job of establishing and reinforcing that appreciation. ... Read more

Book Description

The book reviews the experiences with, as well as recent developments and research results on excavations and foundations in and on soft soil deposits. Geotechnical design and execution of civil engineering structures on very soft soils are usually associated with substantial difficulties. The aim of the authors is to give the readers an overview of the state of the art of material properties of soft soils and their application in excavations, different types of foundations and stabilization methods. The authors emphasize, however, that an underground with soft soil layer should not a priori be classified as extremely difficult and highly cost intensive. By making use of advance knowledge in soft soil engineering so far as available in the field of geotechnical engineering, it is possible to attain a technically safe and economically justifiable solution for a particular construction project. The book is expected to contribute much in this regard. The book is intended to serve practising as well as research engineers in the field of geotechnical engineering, moreover civil and structural engineers and advanced students may also find it a useful reference work.

Book Description
This book uses only simple mathematics and emphasizes applications to explore the nature of soils and how they can influence certain construction operations.An introduction to soil materials is followed by a discussion of soils in the construction contract. Specifications from example contracts influenced by soil materials are discussed, as are the applications of soil behavior principles.For contractors, owners, technicians, lawyers, and engineers in the construction field. ... Read more

Book Description
The principles and concepts for unsaturated soils are developed as extensions of saturated soils. Addresses problems where soils have a matric suction or where pore-water pressure is negative. Covers theory, measurement and use of the fundamental properties of unsaturated soils--permeability, shear strength and volume change. Includes a significant amount of case studies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Soil Mechanics for Unsaturated Soils
The book is classic. But i got the almost photocopied version book which is made me a bit upset.

The best book of unsaturated soil I have ever seen !
If you want to study unsaturated soil, this is the book that you must have. Excellent work ! ... Read more

Book Description
Based on the most current scientific developments in all areas, this time-honored, broad introduction to soil sciences covers the complete spectrum of traditional and state-of-the-art soil topics&ndash;e.g., taxonomy, soil formation, properties of soils, common soil problems and their solutions, evaluation of soils, pollution from use of soils, precision agriculture, GIS and GPS. The volume examines soil composition and importance, soil's physical, water and chemical properties, organisms and their residues, soil formation and morphology, soil taxonomy, plant nutrients, soil fertility management, tillage systems and alternatives, soil erosion, water resources and irrigation, wetlands and land drainage, pollution of soil, water, and air, environmental integrity, soil surveys and land-use planning, greenhouse soils and soulless culture. For Environmental scientists, consultants and engineers, soil scientists, plant scientists, crop consultants, irrigation consultants, farmers and land developers. ... Read more

Book Description
The presence of cyanide is a significant issue in industrial and municipal wastewater treatment and management, in remediation of former manufactured gas plant sites and aluminum production waste disposal sites, in treatment and management of residuals from hydrometallurgical gold mining, and in other industrial operations in which cyanide-bearing wastes were produced. The complexity of the chemistry and toxicology of cyanide and the risk it poses in different environmental contexts make its management and remediation extremely challenging. Cyanide in Water and Soil is the first book to present the state-of-the-art in managing cyanide across a wide range of industrial and environmental contexts.

The book brings together current knowledge and information about cyanide release to and behavior in the environment, and explores how to control or remediate these releases. No other broad-based examination of this topic exists. Exploring the anthropogenic and natural sources of cyanide in the environment, the authors address the full range of issues pertaining to cyanide fate, transport, treatment, and toxicity in water and soil as well as approaches currently used in risk assessment and management. They have developed a careful balance of depth and scope of coverage, providing current references that help readers learn more about topics of particular interest.

An array of technologies is available for the treatment of cyanide in surface water and groundwater, wastewaters, and contaminated soils and sludges. These technologies span the gamut of biological, chemical, electrolytic, physical, and thermal treatment processing. Presenting examples of applications of the technologies employed most commonly in municipal and industrial settings, the book is a useful reference tool for engineers, scientists, practitioners, and researchers in academia, industrial organizations, government, and engineering and science consulting firms. ... Read more

Book Description
"Soil Mechanics and Foundation Design:201 Solved Problems" contains geotechnical analysis and foundation engineering worked examples. Students in junior level Soil Mechanics and senior level Foundation Engineering classes refer to this supplemental text.

Engineers taking the Professional Engineer exam or in professional practice have a multitude of topics to master.Subjects like bearing capacity, soil consolidation, earthwork calculations and retaining walls often are of paramount concern.

Hard to find topics like borrow pit calculations, compensated mat foundations and capacity of drilled shafts are covered and solved in great detail.

Emphasis has been placed on setting up applicable equations and writing down all units and assumptions with any necessary sketches.This solving technique will help you and others proof your work and is a good habit that is best developed early. This will make you think like an engineer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Not worth the money!
This book is poorly written.The solutions are often not explained well.There was no attempt by the author to properly subscript notation or uses his own notation.The problems are simple.A much better book is the 6 minute solutions - which I highly recommend.Don't waste your money on this book.One star is a high rating in my opinion.

Not worth the money
This book does not give you the right type or depth of question that comes in the exam,it could be enough for the morning session but for afternoon session you need a good source,not this book.save your money and use it towards a better book

Soil Mechanics and Foundation Design: 201 Solved Problems
The book seems not refined to me. The figures could be improved and the errors could be minimized. I would not recommend this book.

PE Review or Practical knowledge
~ This author has given his 100%, when he wrote this book. It is a gift to all Civil Engineers who is working in construction materials engineering/testing and/or Geotechnical Engineering. People taking PE, must have it.

~ Price is amazingly so low.

~ Book worth way much more than five star or my words.

~ Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering DVD Review by the same author is also good for PE Exam.

All you need for Geotechnical Review
This book covers huge amount of subjects and all in great detail. Author has emphasized NCEES topics like deep and shallow foundations, pavement design, retaining walls, soil settlement and earthwork engineering. There is a blend of technical clarity and engineering practice hints that makes this book a keeper reference after the P.E. exam. Another plus is that it has not been rushed to market and has a systematic and uniform way of arriving at answers. ... Read more

Book Description
This major revision of a bestselling text shows that soil is three-dimensional and dynamic. This concept is developed in the first two chapters and is built on throughout the book. Chapters 3 through 7 explore soil physical properties and water, with expanded coverage of tillage and traffic and an increased emphasis on water and wind erosion processes. Chapters 8 through 11 discuss the biological aspects of soils as well as their mineralogical and chemical properties. In Chapters 12 through 15, the general area of soil fertility and fertilizer use is covered. Other chapters examine soil genesis, taxonomy, geography, land use and soil survey, and land use interpretations. Finally in chapter 20, the importance of nonagronomic factors in the food population problem are discussed. Both English and metric units are used for crop yields, new figures and tables are included, summary statements are given at the end of the more difficult sections and at the end of each chapter, and non-agricultural examples and several computer applications are provided for reference. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Almost Lost Forever!
Thanks to Nick Begich this book is still available. Everyone on the planet should read it! Contained within this book are answers to so many problems in our world that most people aren't aware of! It is part of my Library and I refer to it quite often. I have handed out numerous copies! ... Read more

Book Description
This classic text by Fei Xiaotong, China's finest social scientist, was first published in 1947 and is Fei's chief theoretical statement about the distinctive characteristics of Chinese society. Written in Chinese from a Chinese point of view for a Chinese audience, From the Soil describes the contrasting organizational principles of Chinese and Western societies, thereby conveying the essential features of both. Fei shows how these unique features reflect and are reflected in the moral and ethical characters of people in these societies. This profound, challenging book is both succinct and accessible. In its first complete English-language edition, it is likely to have a wide impact on Western social theorists.
Gary G. Hamilton and Wang Zheng's translation captures Fei's jargonless, straightforward style of writing. Their introduction describes Fei's education and career as a sociologist, the fate of his writings on and off the Mainland, and the sociological significance of his analysis. The translators' epilogue highlights the social reforms for China that Fei drew from his analysis and advocated in a companion text written in the same period. ... Read more

Book Description
In Something in the Soil, Patricia Nelson Limerick travels far outside the usual academic circles to bring Western past and Western present into a spirited union. Whether her topic is the rapid growth in the West today, the patent awfulness of most academic writing, or struggles over the standing of the "Great White Men" of the region's past, Limerick operates on the principle that history is an active presence in the West, layers of collective memory that are, quite literally, "something in the soil." Enlightening and always witty, this wide-ranging collection of essays and arguments from the New West's landmark historian offers an artful journey into its dramatic past and contentious present. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

for the knowing
Limerick made a huge mark on the study of the American west with her "Legacy of Conquest" so I'll read anything with her name on it. This book is a compilation of speeches and essays, which she has tried to group together thematically. Each essay on its own is interesting, but as a group, they don't work. Each piece was written for a different audience - an environmental group, a commemorative book, historians. It feels rather disjointed. Also, she is often speaking to people with some background knowledge of her subject matter, so she does not always explain references to books, authors, events. I think if someone was looking for an introduction to Western history, this would be one of those works you would read after having read other works. For the new-comer, Legacy of Conquest is a much better introduction.

A Work From the Heart
This book is passionate but eminently fair--a rare combination these days.Whatever your views of cowboys, Indians, gold miners, the U.S.Army,Mexican-Americans, Mormons, Californians, etc. may be, I guarantee you willthink differently about ALL of them and more if you read this book. Iearnestly hope Ms. Limerick will write such a book about the nation as awhole:we need it.

Fertile Soil for Academia
In true "new west" fasion, Dr. Limerick uncovers and more important contextualizes some rather uncomfortable but necessary information about darker moments in the history of the West.HoweverLimerick also moves beyond that paradigm and wittily "reads" whywe read certain aspects of history the way that we do. The book definatelymade me think about how I view the West, both historically and in presenttime.I found the insistent cateloging a bit overdone, but much of thebook is laugh out loud funny.If you are used to reading dull academicprose, this is a wonderful breath of Colorado-fresh air (a little dry, alittle hot, but resusitating nonetheless). Best of all, she includes threeaddendum pieces, one of which offers some succinct and much needed adviceon writing readable prose.The other, "Dancing with Professors"a sly little piece she wrote for a mass audience on why professors act theway that they do, is worth the book itself. ... Read more