Reviewer's Choice Grok Gazer Miramar Productions 1-57177-005-4 $14.98 This new version of computer-enhanced images involves visual kaleidoscope images which change periodically, accompanying background music by Todd Rundgren and David Levine. Visual backgrounds are more effective when viewed in a club setting or used as background, rather than pursued on the usual home TV. Cultivating Crisis Douglas L. Murray University of Texas Press 0-292-75169-9 $17.95 What is the ultimate end result of pesticide use in Third World nations? Murray focuses on Latin America, drawing on ten years of field research to tell of development strategies, change, and human costs in the region. Economics, politics and sociology blend in a fine analysis of pesticide useÕs ultimate result. In These Girls, Hope is a Muscle Madeleine Blais Grove/Atlantic 0-87113-572-8 $21.00 Blais provides a close-up profile of a high school girlsÕ basketball team who have built up team spirit and personal relationships over years of practice. A seasonÕs changes in sisterhood and playing power provide strong insights into the social development of girls as they become women. Listening for a Change Hugo Slim & Paul Thompson New Society Publishers 0-86571-303-0 $14.95 Community organizers and dwellers receive a fine account on how to improve their listening skills to understand the individual voices in the crowd. Plenty of titles focus on speech; but all too few instruct on how to listen; especially to politically-charged statements. Oral testimony interviews reveal strong opinions: this provides an important key to understanding. VCRs & Camcorders for Dummies Gordon McComb & Andy Rathbone IDG Books 1-56884-229-5 $14.99 Set your blinking VCR clock, edit home movies, and connect camcorders and VCRs with all equipment; even if youÕre afraid to plug it in. This title provides the basics in a use-friendly manner, assuming no prior knowledge and stepping novices through the process of making connections and using equipment. Is It Utopia Yet? Kat Kinkade Twin Oaks Publishing Rt. 4, Box 169 Louisa, VA 23093 0-9640445-0-1 $10.00 The community of Twin Oaks, founded in 1967, proved one of the longest-lasting, most successful cooperative communes to arise from the era. Kinkade is a founder of Twin Oaks: hers charts the first 25 years of the communityÕs evolution, telling what it was really like to live in a ŌUtopianÕ community. The River Stops Here Ted Simon Random House 0-679-42822-4 $23.00 Richard Wilson left a comfortable life to settle in Round Valley in California with his family, building a cattle ranch and cultivating close associations with neighbors. Then the state announced its plan to flood the valley to make a reservoir, and Wilson undertook an environmental campaign which was to shake the foundations of California politics. His story is related in a personal, revealing account. Bantam Books Two excellent titles on love take very different approaches in tackling the topic. Hugh and Gayle PratherÕs I Will Never Leave You (0-553-09533-1, $19.95) tells how couples can achieve lasting love, teaching the value of staying in a permanent and lasting relationship and using the authorsÕ own experiences as a foundation for exploring relationship changes and trends. A kind of ŌblueprintÕ is created which can guide others through some common paths of discovery. Courtney LongÕs Love Awaits (09702-4, $21.95) gathers the experiences of Afro-American women, who talk about sex, love and their lives. Twenty-six women interviewed with filmmaker Long, revealing their experiences in dealing with men, sex, and love. The insights provide wisdom and reflection for readers. Greenwood Press Winston Langley and Vivian FoxÕs WomenÕs Rights In The United States (0-313-28755-4, $49.95), a documentary history, gathers works a nd references from biblical to modern times, charting the evolution of womenÕs rights in this country as based on older laws and the rise of womenÕs rights movements over the decades. Extensive source references and footnotes contribute to a strong survey of changing legal and social roles. Rod Van Whitlock, et.al. compile Homelessness In America (0-313-27623-4, $55.00): a college-level annotated bibliography of homelessness from 1893-1992. This organizes the general issue under topics such as ŌHealthÕ, ŌMental HealthÕ and ŌLegal IssuesÕ, providing strong references to different influences on homelessness. The Arts University of Washington Press Hay CooperÕs The Painted Towns Of Shekhawati (0-944142-80-X, $17.50) may appear diminutive in size, but this small paperback encases a wealth of small color plates and detail relating to the architecture and paintings of this Indian area. Murals are beautifully rendered and their history captured through notes based on the authorÕs personal observations and research. Subhashini Aryon and R.K. Datta GuptaÕs Crafts Of Hemachal Pradesh (46-X, $65.00) is another very specific regional art guide: this providing insights on the variety of folk art styles peculiar to the Hemachal Pradesh of India. Rural art and classical influence combine in an excellent, in-depth coverage packed with fine large color plates of selected art pieces reflecting the unique art forms of these peoples. Prabhas SenÕs Crafts Of West Bengal (45-1, $65.00) covers the crafts of the West Indian state of Bengal, including some fine, sophisticated crafts and traditional embroidery and jewelry styles as well as reviews of classical instruments and others. DonÕt miss the fine insights of these India guides: they pack in detailed regional information not to be found in more general Indian coverages. Inside Looking Out Sharyn R. Udall Texas Tech University Press 0-89672-336-4 $29.00 American painter Gina Knee is an unacclaimed artist who spent five decades showing her works alongside more famous individuals, and remaining outside of the art worldÕs mainstream movements. Her life and work is charted in an art history which considers her artistic evolution and the subject of her paintings. All photos are in black and white, leaving the hunger for a color catalogue. Contemporary Porcelain Peter Lane Chilton 0-8019-8635-4 $39.95 Porcelain is prized for its vivid whiteness; but those creating it have been well aware of its quirky qualities. Lane provides a strong history and celebration of porcelain in the last two decades of the 20th century, examining technical achievements and working practices common to cermacists who work with porcelain. Numerous black and white and color photos of porcelain explore its many qualities and artistry. North Light Books Bride M. WhelanÕs Color Harmony 2 (1-56496-066-8, $15.95) is a winner: it provides designers and decorators with a tool for arranging effective color schemes for any project, using hues and shades to provide over a thousand color combinations in single to three-color schemes. Color photos provide the impact and foundation for a title which serves as a guide to color matching and design planning. Mike ZenderÕs Getting Unlimited Impact With Limited Color (568-X, $27.99) informs professionals on how to use and choose colors for maximum project impact. Techniques emphasize creating the illusion that more colors have been used than are really available: ink changes, tints, and other discussions include cost comparisons between choices for effective planning. Vincent Bernard Denvir Running Press 1-56138-407-0 $22.50 What drove artist Van Gogh to produce his masterpieces, and what lead to his lonely life and eventual suicide? DenvirÕs title is written at a level young adults will appreciate; but the interest will reach into adult audiences with this fine, complete collection of the artistÕs self-portraits and accompanying reflections, provided in color and in chronological order. The Sitwells Sarah Bradford, et.al. Antique Collectors Club, Dist. 1-85514-140-X $49.50 Enjoy a beautiful catalog of an exhibition at LondonÕs National Portrait Gallery which profiles the paintings and illustrations which influenced LondonÕs artistic circles during the 1920s and 30s. The Sitwell siblings, joined by an interest in the arts, provided unconventional avenues for revealing unusual artists. Designer Interiors Charles Morris Mount PBC International 0-86636-346-7 $29.95 Enjoy a fine mix of interior design styles and approaches in a volume which exposes apartments, homes, and both interior and a few exterior makeovers which excel in well-done results. This contains an extensive selection of interiors with accompanying comments on design challenges and successes. MIT Press George Nelson was one of this countryÕs foremost industrial designers of modern times, producing classic modernist compositions and structures. Nelson was also uncommercial and unconventional: deadly attributes in the competitive design world. Stanley Abercrombie outlines NelsonÕs contributions in George Nelson (0-262-01142-5, $55.00), the first comprehensive study of his works and life. Numerous black and white and color illustrations accompany a fine, in-depth survey. Meredith L. ClausenÕs Pietro Belluschi (03220-1, $60.00) deserves ongoing attention as a fine portrait of a modern American architect who developed the Portland Art Museum and many other fine contemporary structures across and country. Enjoy the excellent color plates, graphics and illustrations which accompany this catalogue of his works. Rizzoli Pair Jeanine BasingerÕs American Cinema (0-8478-1814-4, $50.00) with a fine PBS series and you have a strong impact indeed: a book/tv show combination which explores the birth and evolution of American film. The movies have evolved from a classic format to contemporary technology-enhanced film: Basinger traces this proce ss, including over 300 illustrations from leading film archives in the process, and adding interviews with actors and filmmakers. Geri DePaoli and Wendy McDaris edit Elvis + Marilyn: 2 X Immortal (1840-3, $25.00), the first title to examine the phenomenon of Elvis and Marilyn in the visual arts. Over a hundred works of art inspired by the two appear in pages which trace their cultural and artistic impact. Appreciate Frank Lloyd WrightÕs writings in Volume 4 of a series: Frank Lloyd Wright: Collected Writings (0-8478-1803-9, $60.00) edited by Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer. Fe w may realize Wright was a productive and influential writer: this continues the assessment of his written works, focussing on World War II writings and observations of the architect on changing times. The Health Shelf Fight Fat & Win Elaine Moquette-Magee Chronimed Publishing 13911 Ridgedale Dr. Minnetonka, MN 55305 1-56561-047-4 $9.95 This revised edition adds to a step-by-step program for cutting the fat and cholesterol in everything eaten. More than just another cookbook (even though recipes are included), this provides new details reflecting the latest research, including lists of kid-tested supermarket products, and outlines menus and strategies for fighting fat. Health Care Choices for TodayÕs Consumer Marc S. Miller, Editor Living Planet Press 2940 Newark St. NW Washington, DC 20008 1-879326-23-X $14.95 Confused by the modern health care system? This wide-ranging title surveys everything from HMOs and insurance options to payment plans for both personal and company coverage. Including tips for retirees and those needing special plans for dental, long-term care or mental health benefits, this provides numerous, clear facts. Prostate Cancer Don Kaltenbach & Tim Richards Seneca House Press 0-9640088-1-5 $16.95 No other book on the topic explains alternative treatments to prostatectomy, the more common option for those diagnosed with prostate cancer; and no other describes the tests, stages, statistics and long-term options as this title. The result is an excellent coverage. Living Without Depression & Manic Depression Mary Ellen Copeland, M.S. New Harbinger 1-879237-74-1 $14.95 Those affected with depressive and manic depressive disorders can live fairly normal lives with proper treatment: this title provides self-help tips to supplement treatment programs, providing encouragement for self-advocacy and including recommendations for support and self-help therapy. From minimizing negative influences from the past to using peer counseling effectively, this provides a workbook packed with tips. The Foot & Ankle Sourcebook M. David Tremaine & Elias Awad Lowell House 1-56565-150-2 $26.00 One of the leading ankle and foot authorities writes on common problems affecting feet and ankles; from bunions and corns to flat feet and sports injuries. This surveys the range of problems, preventative treatments, orthopedic inserts, and other health solutions to foot ailments, providing an uncommon range of disorders and treatments ranging from self-help to surgery. The Computer Shelf McGraw-Hill Harley Hahn and Rick StoutÕs second edition of 1995 Internet Yellow Pages (0-07-882098-7, $29.95) updates listings of hundreds of ca tegories and items, from users and newsletters to subjects and organizations. From earthquake information and emergency services to games and car questions, this provides a handy topic-oriented reference for any who would browse the Internet at speed. HahnÕs Unix Unbound (882050-2, $27.95) is also a winner, teaching beginners to use UNIX and providing a strong review of the basics. From accessing the on-line Unix manual to sending and receiving mail and displaying files, this makes for a stronger introduction to Unix than most. How Computer Graphics Work Jeff Prosise Ziff Davis 1-056276-242-7 $24.95 Excellent graphics and simple explanations always make the computer book exceptional: such is the case with ProsiseÕs explanation of how computers draw images and shapes. One would anticipate a highly technical, potentially confusing discourse: not so with his approach, which uses colorful images to highlight the basics. AP Professional 525 B Street #1900 San Diego, CA 92101-4495 Two excellent computer titles are recommended for users who want detailed information packaged in a graphically-enhanced format. Robert Aston and Joyce Schwarz edit Multimedia (0-12-065625-6, $39.95), covering multimedia techn ologies and advancements in both entertainment and communications. Various applications of multimedia are surveyed in a study which probes the many applications of the multimedia environment. Ed Tittel and Margaret RobbinsÕ Internet Access Essentials (691393-5, $24.95) provides keys to accessing and using the Internet. From specific protocol information and instructions on various hook-up sequences to understanding etiquette and resources available, this provides all the basics in relatively simple language. Ventana Press Three fine references expand the Ventana computer library shelf, providing fine and explicit tips and tricks for even the most savvy Macintosh user. Kay Yarborough NelsonÕs Voodoo Mac (1-56604-177-5, $24.95) is recommended for interme diate users, has been updated for System 7.5, and includes a reference companion disc packed with shortcut utilities. The tips and tricks are candid, advanced assessments of the Mac systemÕs pros and cons. The second edition of Tim LichtyÕs Official America Online For Macintosh (127-9, $27.95) includes software updated for Version 2.5 and includes road maps and guidelines to America OnlineÕs capabilities. AOL subscribers receive chapters covering everything from the basics of uploading and downloading files to understanding the unique ŌroomÕ environment of AOL. LichtyÕs America OnlineÕs Internet (175-9, $24.95) differs in its beginner-level introduction and graphic approach to entering and using the Internet. Mac users will find it the simplest to access. Coriolis Group Books Two fine guides to the information superhighway are recommended as basic picks for beginners as well as advanced users: both provide different views on the benefits to be gained from the Internet. Nicholas BaranÕs Inside The Information Superhighway Revolution (1-883577-10-1, $19.95) surveys business and entertainment applicati ons of the Internet, examining global networks and how they affect social and political trends. From issues of who will control Internet proceedings to how the information highway will change our daily lives, this provides a wide-ranging review. America Online users will delight in Luanne OÕLoughlinÕs Free Stuff From America Online (17-9, $19.99), which tells how to locate freebies ranging from legal advice and personal finance information to cooking tips and details on books. This provides a virtual treasure trove of information available, without the hassle of having to spend hours on-line to locate it yourself. MIS Press Looking for a basic guide to the UNIX operating system? Two standard references by Kevin Reichard offer clear and fine definitions for beginners. Unix: The Basics (1-55828-362-5 $24.95) teaches the concepts and tools which help make the system accessible to newcomers. Basics include proper log-on procedures, simple commands, and reviews of the common tricks and stumbling blocks of the system. Unix Shareware And Freeware (382-X $24.95) outlines the popular modern freeware which can be used with the system. Plenty of programs are poorly documented: Reichard outlines these plus better recommendations and tips for using the Internet to access new products. Both are clear, well-written titles lending to beginners. Multimedia Multimedia Technology from A-Z Patrick Dillon & David Leonard Oryx Press 0-89774-892-1 $19.95 This A-Z dictionary of terms charts the emerging vocabulary of multimedia: a language which has incorporated the terms of various technologies and which often proves confusing to newcomers. The purpose here is to serve as a communications bridge between various disciplines; and to educate professionals about multimedia applications and use. The approach works well. Microsoft Bookshelf Ō94 Microsoft Home Publishing No ISBN CD-ROM $99.00 Seven best-selling reference titles enjoy video, sound, and animation enhancement through the CD-ROM on-line access format, greatly enhancing their usefulness and lending to browsing. The usual 386+ advanced computer is required: users find the fast browsing capabilities of Bookshelf lend to exceptional access of the American Heritage Dictionary, RogetÕs Thesaurus, the Columbia Dictionary of Quotations, HammondÕs World Atlas, The PeopleÕs Chronology and the World Almanac and Book of Facts for 1994. The Writer's Reference Shelf ŌTurning Life Into Fiction Robin Hemley Story Press 1-884910-00-9 $17.99 Life is packed with ideas for good stories: but how do experiences translate into solid plots? This is a fun, intriguing examination of how fiction is created, considering elements of style, honesty, and how all blend into novel and short story writing attempts. The Self-Publishing Manual Dan Poynter Para Publishing 1-56860-003-8 $19.95 Follow the authorÕs step-by-step advice on how to produce a commercially-successful book, get it into print quickly and easily, and learn the basics of book distribution through this fine guide. You have to do it all yourself, of course: but thatÕs the purpose of a guide which tells how to not only break into print; but how to exploit the special strengths of self-publishing. Legal Workshop for WritersÕ Greek to Me Inc. 445 C. East Cheyenne Mtn. Bld. #328 Colorado Springs, CO 80906 $149.95/set of four; $49.95 Individually Four excellent guides for would-be professional writers cover the basics of turning a writing career into a business. DonÕt set up until youÕve watched these keys to success: Business & Tax Issues relies in practicing attorney Deborah BuellÕs expertise in interpreting IRS rulings regarding business deductions and ventures; Buell explores the world of contracts in Contracts as it applies to writing; Libel & Invasion Of Privacy reveals the circumstances which can endanger writersÕ efforts; and Copyright Infringement & Fair Use surveys when and how much of someone elseÕs work is subject to protection. All present clear explanations of potentially confusing issues commonly encountered by writers. Business & Finance Competing For The Future Gary Hamel & C.K. Prahalad Harvard Business School Press 1995 $24.95 Your company has restructured and reengineered its changes; now whatÕs ahead for its future? Understanding the new competitive climate of world markets is the next order of business, and the authors provide keys to understanding which will make it possible for medium-size companies to maintain the momentum of successful change. This provides a dynamic blueprint for absorbing change, from understanding breakthrough strategies to gaining momentum and maintaining control of company transition processes. Chapters outline changing forces in world politics and standards and make some important suggestions for retaining competitive status in the marketplace. How to Save a Million Dollars Scott Humphrey Screen Communications Inc. P.O. Box 17162 Hattiesburg, MS 39404 0-9643964-1-6 $19.95 The price tag is high for a standard-size paperback, but information within is still quite conducive to building a personal fortune, which may justify the price for many. From taking an inventory of finances to developing a debt-free plan, this provides a key to obtaining personal wealth and freedom without depending on others. Self-Counsel Press Couples thinking of business partnerships will do well to read Annette OÕShea-Roche & Sieglinde MalmbergÕs Partners At Home And At Work (0-88908-521-8, $8.95) first: it outlines many of the common challenges of going into business together; from handling clients and meeting the ongoing demands of business and personal life to defining roles and responsibilities. As important as start-up business plans, this title documents many emotional hurdles as well. Create the perfect business team through Self-CounselÕs business package Finding, Hiring, And Keeping The Right People (765-2, $31.95), a blend of two fine hiring guide books and two tapes expanding on the hiring and employee concepts presented in the written words. This goes beyond simple hiring to tell how to build an effective and powerful business team which encourages productive activity and creative thinking. Bottom Line Basics Robert J. Low Oasis Press/PSI Research 1-55571-330-0 $19.95 From understanding the role of a controller and CPA in a small business to assuring a strong cash flow situation, this provides the basics linking accountant and nonaccountant experience. This packs in formulas and considerations on using them, includes advice on user-friendly computer programs, and assumes little prior financial business savvy. Making Money With Classified Ads Melvin Powers Wilshire Book Company 12015 Sherman Road N. Hollywood, CA 91605 0-87980-435-1 $20.00 Mail order consultant Powers probes the power of the classified; from locating a money-making project and wording an ad to forming a strong business through an equally-strong ad which includes assessment of the competition. There are no easy answers in this business; but effective market research is the first step; and Powers provides the basics. Executive Guide to Asia-Pacific Communications David L. James Kodansha International 1-56836-040-1 $16.00 Looking to expand your business into Asia? Then donÕt miss this guide on making the right connections: decades of experience by the author contributes to cultural insights and business suggestions backed by his experience as an international business consultant. Also providing the foundation here is a survey of over four hundred executives on Asia-Pacific business practices, which rounds out JamesÕ experiences. Career Press Women concerned with money management and small business finance will welcome two important guides covering the basics. Diane Pearl and Ellie Williams ClintonÕs Smart WomanÕs Guide To Spending, Saving And Managing Money (1-56414-136-5, $11.95) is especially recommended for young adults and newcomers to the world of personal finance: chapters on managing budgets, purchasing a car or home, and saving for the future. Vickie L. MontgomeryÕs Smart WomanÕs Guide To Starting A Business (129-2, $14.95) covers the basics about startup, operations, and the influences upon business failure and success. From developing a business plan to locating seed money and ideas, this is packed with important basic concepts for any whoÕve not attempted self-employment. Franchise Opportunities Handbook U.S. Dept. of Commerce Bernan Publishers 4611-F Assembly Drive Lanham, MD 20706 0-89059-033-8 $21.00 This is more than your usual manual on how to start or acquire a franchise business: it provides a checklist for evaluation, from short-term to long-range forecasting, and lists virtually hundreds of different franchise company opportunities across the country; from grocers and specialty foods to lodging operations. Start Your Own Business for $1,000 Or Less Will Davis Upstart 0-936894-70-9 $17.95 Plenty of small business guides address the specifics of start-up; but few focus entirely on raising capital, or starting with a minimum of money. This provides strategies for a slow start-up; from working from home and operating without quitting a current job to slowly growing a hobby into a business. An excellent, realistic guide providing a conservative approach to starting out. Power on the Job Michael Yates South End Press 0-89608-497-3 $16.00 A number of historical cases are profiled in this examination of the evolution of American labor laws. While this does outline the legal rights of workers, its value lies in creating a unified history of the process of obtaining reforms and rights. The result is a title which is particularly recommended for high school students studying labor relations. David Gumpert Inc. Publishing 38 Commercial Wharf Boston MA 02110 These stand above competitors because they go beyond explanations to provide the concrete examples Ōfrom lifeÕ which are so essential to a thorough understanding of basic principles. A Successful Business Plan (1-880394-10-3 $15.95), for example, includes actual plans from Pizza Hut, Celestial Seasonings and Ben and JerryÕs as it considers marketing strategies, company and product identity, and financial plans. A Successful Marketing Plan (11-1 $15.95) tells how to target markets, compete successfully, and join marketing to business plans for optimum success. Chapters on analyzing the market and making key decisions provide some strong basics. Re-Creating Teams During Transition Paul J. Jerome Richard Chang Associates 41 Corporate Park #230 Irvine, CA 92714 1-883553-58-X $12.95 Organizations anticipating reorganization or new growth periods should consult this title to gain direction on how to best incorporate change into a company: it provides a tested Ōroad mapÕ for making company-wide transitions, from mapping the pros and cons of transition to using worksheets to plan out change. Mathematics BarronÕs Three important math titles from Barron's offer refresher courses and outlines in basic math applications; and while students will be the most likely users of the books, adults seeking basic applications-oriented essentials should keep these permanently on hand as well. Peter EisenÕs Accounting (0-8120-1917-2 $11.95) appears in its third edi tion to supplement both classroom advice and business use: it covers everything from recording business transactions to keeping records using different systems. Payroll and inventory applications are included in the review of basic principles. An even more basic refresher course is provided in Edward Williams and Robert AtkinsÕ Essential Math (1337-9 $11.95), which excels in using retail and wholesale real-life applications to illustrate basic math. From applying discounts to working with metric systems, this is an excellent, important key to math which goes far beyond rote memorization of formulas. Barbara Lee BleauÕs Forgotten Calculus (194105 $12.95) provides a text-workbook which can be used either as a supplement to a calculus course or for business applications in the real world. Many an adult who finds a need for calculus applications will find this essential: itÕs packed with formulas, insights, and ŌwarningsÕ which cover common problems and their solutions. The History Shelf ItÕs Tea Time, Again Barry Asmus & Don Billings AmeriPress 3420 East Shea Blvd., Suite 235 Phoenix, AZ 85028 0-9640421-2-6 $12.95 Appreciate a history lesson which focuses on today, analyzing parallels between events of the past and modern lessons and experiences, and considering the basics of what freedom means in todayÕs American society. From social and economic transformative processes in the U.S. to modern applications of history, this is filled with unusual insights which make it recommendable to high school as well as adult readers of American history. Cities Then and Now Jim Antoniou Macmillan Reference 0-02-502401-9 $27.50 Fourteen of the worldÕ great major cities are selected for study in a title which illustrates their past images and present changes. Each city features a major site and each presentation includes a highlight of a key turning point in the cityÕs image, with vivid overlapping maps illuminating major change. Housing & Real Estate The Home OwnerÕs Kit Robert de Heer Dearborn Financial 0-7931-1087-4 $17.95 From buying a first home to planning retirement, this packs in the basics of insurance, safety, maintenance, and pest control for homeowners. ItÕs one of the more general books on home ownership on the market and strives to touch many bases, building a foundation of basic knowledge upon which to maintain oneÕs purchase. Taunton Press Two new do-it-yourself plumbing guides by Peter Hemp provide specifics based on the authorÕs 20 years of plumbing experience. Plumbing A House (0-942391-40-3, $29.95) shows the best ways to design and plumb a house, including both new construction and rehabs in his instructions. All the tips are based on code and all include instructions on solving common problems and working with various plumbing tools. Installing & Repairing Plumbing Fixtures (075-9, $19.95) covers parts, materials, and the basics of repairing or replacing fixtures ranging from garbage disposals to tubs and toilet tanks. Beginners will appreciate many black and white photos illustrating the jobs. Buying & Selling Real Estate By Owner Everett L. Gracey American Literary Press 8019 Belair Road, Suite 10 Baltimore, MD 21236 1-56167-189-4 $9.95 Buying & Selling Real Estate By Owner will grace the pamphlet collections of many a library, providing a fine review of the process of buying and selling real estate for those who would do without an agentÕs advice. The Straw Bale House Athena S. Steen, et.al. Chelsea Green Publishing 0-930031-71-7 $30.00 Using plastered straw bales as building materials for a home may not sound stable or long-lasting, but these can be used for a variety of purposes from adjacent buildings to entire houses, can be used with relatively little experience, and have many attributes; from super-insulation to cheap construction. Applications are more useful for the Southwest region but ideas may transfer to other U.S. locales. The bookÕs price tag seems high for a paperback, but this goes in great detail on a subject which is fairly understated in most construction or homeownerÕs guides. Your Health & Your House Nina Anderson & Albert Benoist Keats Publishing 0-87983-630-X $16.95 How can homeowners diagnose their homes for environmental problems? Anderson and Benoist, environmental and building consultants, discuss seventy symptoms and pollutants which can aggravate health conditions, telling how to reduce or eliminate them and how to test for lead, radon, and carpet hazards. A House for Michael John S.M. Hamilton Project Studio Press P.O. Box 15297 Phoenix, AZ 85060-5297 0-9641713-3-3 $12.95 Architect HamiltonÕs custom home involved fulfilling his dream to have a sustainable ranch despite his recovery from a construction accident. The focus here is not so much on HamiltonÕs recovery process as it is on his passion to build a special dream house in a barely accessible, remote area. Betterway Books Home woodworkers and any who regularly cut with saws, knives, or sharp tools will find Don GearyÕs How To Sharpen Every Blade In Your Woodshop (1-55870-342-X, $17.99) to be an important guide. The focus is on obtaining razor-sharp results from a variety of blades; from chisels and knives to router bits and boring tools: instruments not normally given much concern in more general woodworking guides. Tips are explicit and practical for beginners. Kent LesterÕs Being Your Own Remodeling Contractor (337-3, $18.99) imparts all the basics about remodeling; from deciding on buying a fixer-upper to staying in code during a remodeling job. This goes beyond the usual guide to working with or replacing contractors to tell how to inspect a home, judge workmanship, and develop budget plans. Science & Technology The Universe Explained Colin A. Ronin Henry Holt 0-8050-3488-9 $35.00 Enjoy a basic overview of the planets, universe, and galaxies in a expansive title which uses a fine visual and graphics approach to detailing solar system and universe evolution. Fine cross-referencing places potentially complex astronomical theory in the hands of even beginners, inviting a wider audience than students to understand the origins of the universe. Whatever Happened to Eureka? Nick Downes Rutgers University Press 0-8135-2146-7 $10.95 Cartoonist Downes provides a fine selection of over a hundred cartoons capturing circumstances of technological development, environmental insights, and human nature. Enjoy zany cartoons which donÕt quite come to Gary LarsonÕs style; but which draw close. Vital Dust Christian de Duve Basic Books 0-465-09044-3 $25.00 Nobel biochemist de DuveÕs discussion of life on earth takes a bimolecular approach in considering the chemistry and process of interactions which have led to life on the planet; but this doesnÕt mean that readers need have degrees in biochemistry in order to appreciate his title. Here seven ages are outlined which correspond to increasing levels of chemical complexity in lifeÕs evolution, making for an exciting approach. The Superpower Space Race Robert Reeves Plenum 0-306-44768-1 $28.95 The late fifties proved a pivotal beginning to the space race between the superpowers when the Soviet Union launched the first satellite into orbit. This charts the social, political and economic funding of the space race in each nation, providing a history of space exploration in the process. Readers will find this a delightful survey. Gardening The Garden in Flower John Kelly Sterling 0-7153-0076-8 $24.95 Use this bookÕs monthly format to identify plants which can provide color in a given month; the end result producing year-round blooms. Suggestions for planting groups and color schemes accompany photos and charts to help gardeners develop a plan suitable for a given area. Organic Gardening Almanac Llewellyn 0-87542-914-9 $5.95 Organic Gardening Almanac is a fine compendium of age-old methods for home gardening joined with tested organic techniques. Enjoy clear insights on gardening seasons, astronomy, and some unusual organic insights. Fruit Trees for the Home Gardner Allan A. Swenson Lyons & Burford 1-55821-308-2 $12.95 Fruit Trees for the Home Gardner tells how to plan and plant a home harvest to obtain the best results. This includes many facets not covered in a more casual identification guide; from espalier to common tree problems and their remedies. Pruning, fertilizer and care pointers illustrate a good basic guide. Succulents Maurizio Sajeva & Mariangela Costanzo Timber Press 0-88192-289-7 $39.95 Succulents are one of the largest plant groups in the world; yet too often they are lumped together with cacti and general houseplants. This represents the first single work to detail a range of genera. Over 1,000 color photos accompany descriptions of almost 200 genera. As an identification key, this proves particularly useful. International Studies France Colin Jones Cambridge University Press 0-521-43294-4 $39.95 If only one title on France were to be chosen for a general library collection, it should be this: chapters provide a strong introduction and historical survey of French politics and social life; from pre-Roman to modern times. Add a peppering of fine-quality color photos and illustrations and you have an involving, educational volume reaching high school ages on up. ChinaÕs Republican Revolution Eto Shinkichi and Harold Schiffrin Columbia University Press 0-86008-513-9 $59.50 ChinaÕs Republican Revolution will especially appeal to college-level collections with special interest in Chinese history. Readers in Chinese studies shouldnÕt overlook the power of a collection like this which studies ChinaÕs 1911 Revolution in detail, considering its influence on politics up to modern times. Essays were presented in a conference and reflect the contributions of scholars around the world. Beasts of Suburbia Sarah Ferber, et.al., Eds. ISBS Books, Dist. 0-522-84549-5 $24.95 ItÕll take a specialized audience with an interest in overseas suburban cultural patterns to appreciate this in-depth analysis of the suburban specter in Australia. Rich stories about suburban values and discrimination are revealed in an in-depth analysis of the Australian suburban phenomenon. The Poetry Shelf Atomic Ghost John Bradley, Editor Coffee House Press 1-56689-027-6 $15.95 Over 100 poets participate in a strong collection of reflections on the nuclear age, providing personal views of atomic politics and human costs. From Adrienne Rich to William Dickey plus a host of lesser-known but equally-talented poets, Atomic Ghost is rich in imagery and assertiveness. Alfred Knopf Two fine Koch collections are recommended for both newcomers to his works and prior fans: together they present a powerful dialogue of the past, present and future of KochÕs worlds. On The Great Atlantic Rainway (0-679-43418-6 $25.00) gathers his top works from 1950-88, including selections from his book-length narrative poems to supplement fine shorter works. One Train (43417-8, $20.00) gathers theme poems from the years of his works, presenting fresh and original visions of poetic freestyle. The Cookbook Corner The TribeCA Cookbook Mary Cleaver, et.al. 10 Speed Press 0-89815-634-3 $25.95 A Manhattan neighborhoodÕs culinary interests forms the foundation for over twenty seasonal menus designed by the chefs of twelve eating establishments in the area. These are original creations: experienced cooks who donÕt mind prep time and who want original menus from appetizers to desserts will relish these unusual delights. WinetasterÕs Secrets Andrew Sharp Warwick Publishing 1-895629-36-5 $14.95 Taste can be a barrier to enjoying fine wine if wine lovers are given information based on the tastes of ŌexpertsÕ rather than personal preference. Sharp imparts the basics of how experts determine and evaluate wine quality, with chapters covering both technical aspects of wine production and aging and the art of distinguishing the fine wine from the ordinary. Eat Like a Horse and Lose Weight Barbara Richter Airplane Books 701 Fairway Dr. Glenview, IL 60025 0-9641715-3-8 $11.95 Be fat free by choosing real foods without substitutes, using food from ordinary supermarkets, and preparing meals from recipes which can be made in minutes. This information isnÕt imparted with the dull routine of your usual diet guide: one Zeb, a horse with an attitude, confronts his bad eating habits and embarks on a journey to learn to love low-fat cooking. Drawings add a whimsical touch while recipes are inviting. Eat Like a Horse and Lose Weight is both fun to read and practical to apply. The Reference Shelf The Guinness Book of Records 1995 Facts on File 0-8160-2646-7 $23.95 This new, 34th edition of a classic presents about 15,000 records documenting Guinness achievements and records set during 1994; but this goes far beyond a listing of statistics. Color and black and white photos and intriguing illustrations are packed into the Guinness listings, providing a virtual wealth of eye-catching details accessible to leisure readers. Nutrition Facts Desk Reference Dr. Art Ulene Avery 0-89529-623-3 $17.95 Where is a single volume which provides the nutritional details needed for assessing the value of foods? This desk reference provides over 40,000 entries for a range of foods; from vegetables to brand name products. Each is rated for its nutritional content, assessing vitamin and mineral contents and basing figures on the latest research. Statistical Abstract Of The United States 1994 Reference Press 1995 $24.95 With almost a thousand pages of reference information, this represents a bargain and saves 35% off the GPO price, making it quite affordable for library purchasers. Enjoy a strong volume packed with facts and figures, packaged in a fine hardcover quality edition, and divided by subject to make for quick and easy student reference to everything from national defense and prison regulation to fuel regulation. The wide-ranging reference applicability and value of this handbook canÕt be beat. Rand McNally RandÕs new reference atlases are winners and make highly recommended picks for discriminating audiences looking for high-quality, long-lasting volumes. Dr. John PernettaÕs Atlas Of The Oceans (0-528-83706-6, $29.95) provides a fine selection of articles and atlas illustrations of the worldÕs oceans, using photos, maps, charts and essays to describe the physics, chemistry and natural history of oceans. Patrick MooreÕs Atlas Of The Universe (83704-4, $29.95) performs a similar function for astronomy, presenting seven divided sections which methodically examine the stars and the structure and movements of planets, comets, and interstellar systems. Three general world atlases update information and provide important references for all ages. Cosmopolitan World Atlas (83674-9, $70.00) has been the best-selling atlas in the country for over forty years: this latest edition provides a new section on ŌThe Real WorldÕ exploring new geographic distribution statistics, in addition to updating maps and references. the 25th edition of The New International Atlas (83693-5, $150.00) is an even weightier production recommended for specialty libraries and those who buy such a comprehensive atlas reference only occasionally. This will last years, with its geographic and political refere