The most comprehensive field guide to the natural wonders of the Range of Light! In this groundbreaking and meticulously field-tested guide; the rich variety of Sierra life--trees; wildflowers; ferns; fungi; lichens; fish; reptiles; amphibians; birds; mammals; and insects--comes alive. Easy-to-use features include: - Intuitive organization; color tabs; and simple keys - Similar-looking species side by side - Over 2;800 full-color illustrations - Range maps of species that are otherwise difficult to distinguish - Index of common and scientific names - Lightweight and compact--ideal for backpacking Impressively detailed and comprehensive; the guide includes: - More than 1;700 species - Descriptions of behavior; adaptations; and interactions between species - Species and topics not found in most guides; including aquatic life; spiders and webs; plankton; plant galls; bark beetle galleries; animal tracks and evidence; seasonal star charts; weather patterns; and cloud formations Published in conjunction with the California Academy of Sciences.
#89210 in Books Knight; James R. 2009-10-21 2009-10-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .31 x 6.00l; .60 #File Name: 159629745X160 pages
Review
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful. The Worst Civil War Battle You've Never Heard OfBy jiffyThe Battle of Franklin; Tennessee; has been called "the worst Civil War battle you've never heard of;" but hopefully more people have become aware of it in recent years. If they haven't; they should. I find it one of the most fascinating and tragic battles of the entire war. It involved a frontal assault; larger than the famous one by Pickett at Gettysburg; on a strongly established Union position and resulted in brutal hand-to-hand fighting and huge numbers of casualties which decimated the Army of Tennessee. The Confederate losses included six generals. This book is an excellent depiction of the battle. It is brief--110 pages of text and 48 more pages of epilogue and appendices--but the author makes the most of every word. He makes the strategy and action very clear and he makes the reader understand and feel the horror and devastation of the battle. The book includes many photographs of the people and places involved and several maps. For those unfamiliar with the Battle of Franklin; this is the perfect book to begin your studies. For those who have read many works on the subject; this one should not be missed. I can't recommend it highly enough.32 of 32 people found the following review helpful. Savage battle; befittting bookBy Dennis K. TaylorExcellent treatment of this little known battle. While Sherman was beginning his "March to the Sea"; Hood was in a race to Nashville where Thomas was vulnerable due to lack of troop concentration. Schofield was rushing to reenforce Nashville with Hood on his heels. The preliminary battle of Spring hill was fought setting the stage for the following day's savage battle in the little town of Franklin; Tennessee. This battle basically destroyed the CSA Army of Tennessee as a viable military entity.Knight; who lives in Franklin; does a masterful job of combining tactical information; geographical issues; and most importantly the profound effect of commander personalities on the outcome. He also presents the human side of this battle making this a readable; interesting; and worthwhile experience for anyone interested in the Civil War or warfare and the human spirit in general.The battle of Franklin also is marked by severe losses in the confederate general officer corps including Major General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne; probably the best division commander in any army of the CSA. Cleburne was cut down leading his division in a charge against the center of the Union defenses. Cleburne always led his men from the front.Also helpful is the inclusion of readable maps; relevant photographs; and the Union and CSA Orders of Battle.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Very interestingBy Jeff WilsonThis book gave a less critical view on Hood than most other accounts I have read. This is not to say it does not criticize him; but every other book I have read on the subject is very; very critical of Hood. Only person who I have ever heard not criticize Hood at all was the tour guideI had on a visit to Franklin a few years back; who intimated that Hood followed the only course open to him at the time.
