Complementarity in Biology: Quantization of Molecualr Motion

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Great read but could use more photos to illustrate concepts

The "other" five stars book on Geoarchaeology

Geoarchaeology: The Earth Science Approach to Archaeological Interpretation

Geoarchaeology: The Earth-Science Approach to Archaeological Interpretation, Second Edition
George (Rip) Rapp , and Christopher L. Hill
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Practical and Theoretical Geoarchaeology

Principles of Geoarchaeology: A North American Perspective

Environmental Archaeology: Principles and Practice

Statistics for Archaeologists: A Common Sense Approach (Interdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology)

Lithics: Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis (Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology)

ASIN: 0300109660

Book Description

An indispensable book for all professionals and students interested in the field of geoarchaeology, including those with limited earth-science experience, this new edition of Geoarchaeology builds on the success and innovation of the first edition and includes updates, new concepts and examples, an enhanced bibliography, and many new illustrations. The second edition begins by considering the history and theory of geoarchaeology. Rapp and Hill then move to discussions of soils and environmental interpretations; initial context and site formation; methods of discovery and spatial analyses; estimating time; paleoenvironments, landscapes, and the human past; identifying, analyzing, and sourcing raw materials; and construction, destruction, and conservation of sites and materials.
"[This book] covers a wide range of topics . . . with clarity and balance. . . . [The] chapters are all well written and have concise introductory discussions that are not too detailed and not too brief. . . . Beautifully produced."—Michael Waters, Geoarchaeology: An International Journal (on the first edition)

Customer Reviews:

Great read but could use more photos to illustrate concepts.......2007-04-24

This is a superb volume. It`s interesting to read, well organized, gives a broad overview of the field, and presents illustrations of how geologists are able to contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the human past.

The authors cover a broad range of subjects, including the development of the consiliance (Wilson would be proud) between archaeology and geology, that is between what might be seen as basically a "social science" and a so-called "hard science." They discuss some of the background of both disciplines, which really arose as official fields of endeavor in the 19th century, although both have significant roots in the 17th and 18th centuries. (Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century comes to mind as do Steno and Hutton).

The subject of petrology---igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic---and how it contributes to an understanding of the stratigraphy of a site is very informative. The particular character of the paleoenvironment that encouraged humans to occupy a site in the first place is also very illuminating. The authors also point out the contributions of paleoclimatology, palynology, zooarchaology, fluvial systems, and other types of earth history studies that help give the reader a clearer understanding of the pre-historic and ancient historic worlds.

What I found particularly interesting was their discussions of the effects of upstream erosive processes on various segments of rivers, since these are still actions in force today. The human effects on terrain become very obvious here. While the data were drawn mostly from the rivers in the United Kingdom, some material on German and French rivers and on the US Mississippi are also included. The effects of the earthquakes of 1812-1813 in New Madrid, Missouri on the Mississippi were especially amazing. (An interesting discussion of this particular event is found in When the Mississippi Ran Backwards : Empire, Intrigue, Murder, and the New Madrid Earthquakes.

Information on conservation of sites provides a much clearer understanding of the problems involved in preserving a site once it has been found and its material remains exhumed. They discuss water-logged material, bog material, and modern day environmental effects on site preservation. A description of the leaning tower of Pisa and its issues was especially illustrative, since it reveals the effects of substrate on ancient buildings. Their presentation of geological data on Maya temples and the karstic substrate on which they are built made more sense of their abandonment than many other theories. The effect of site choice without an adequate understanding the effects of substrate are particularly obvious in their mention of a modern building in Mexico which has sunk several feet because of the "built" land underlying it.

Like the book Alluvial Geoarchaeology: Floodplain Archaeology and Environmental Change (Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology), which I also read and reviewed, this one relies heavily on schematic illustrations to clarify concepts. While these put the basic ideas across, they do not really provide a very clear understanding of what the worker is likely to find in the field. Here too, I would suggest more photos of sites that illustrate what is being discussed, so that beginning geoarchaeologist or archaeologist has a better handle on what to expect. Seismic features, discontinuities, unconformitities, fining up and fining down, the different soil horizons and the types found in different climates need more than a diagram for the novice to really grasp some of these features as they are commonly seen in the field. I suspect a field trip with this in mind would be very useful.

I would recommend this book to any beginning earth history, archeology, or basic geology class, certainly as a reading list entry. Brown's book is a more depthy discussion specifically of fluvial systems and is a little more difficult to stick to, but since many sites, especially prehistoric sites, are buried by river deposition and revealed by aggradation, an understanding of the behavior of rivers and their effect on archaeological sites and materials is especially useful. I would suggest that the two books be read together. Certainly they reinforce and augment one another.

A great read, but it could have used more photos.

The "other" five stars book on Geoarchaeology.......2006-10-20

I have previously reviewed the book "Practical and Theoretical Geoarchaeology" by Goldberg and Macphail and I've given it 5 stars. This one is anoother five-stars book on geoarchaeology, especially since this second edition has been considerably expanded by about 80 pages.

The two books are both excelent, but they possess diferent strenghts: Goldberg&Macphail's book relies heavily on landscapes, sediments, soils, stratigraphy, soil chemistry and especially soil micromorphology; it also is excelent due to coverage of field and laboratory methods.

Although this focus is excelent (the book covers these topics extensively) it lets out a lot of other topics; for example, environmental studies in a archaeological context are left out (the authors consider it a separate field of study done by a separate team), and so are Archaeometric studies which the authors also consider to be out of the field of Geoarchaeology (they dedicate a chapter to some archaeometric studies, but the coverage is not only incomplete but the information is also very sparse).

On the other hand, Rapp's book, although beying relatively brief in coverage of the multiple topics does cover everything that the geosciences can contribute to Archaeology, from the same topics covered by Goldberg&Macphail's book, to environmental studies and Archaeometry (like, for example, provenance studies involving trace-element patterns and stable isotopes, etc). Rapp's book is by far the most complete in terms of coverage (especially this second edition) but it is also the most brief and succint; Goldberg&Macphail's book does not cover all the ground Rapp's book covers and leaves a lot out, but on the other side it its coverage of the featured topics is much more comprehensive.

All in all, two execelent books in Geoarchaeology that deserve to be each in the 5 stars pantheon; nevertheless you should be aware of the different strenghts of each one when you make your choice. If you're like me, you'll buy both.

Geoarchaeology: The Earth Science Approach to Archaeological Interpretation.......2006-03-20

Excellent guide to geoarchaeological interpretation and processes. A must have for beginners and practisioners of archaeology.

An Introduction to Optical Dating: The Dating of Quaternary Sediments by the Use of Photon-stimulated Luminescence

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broken date of stons

An Introduction to Optical Dating: The Dating of Quaternary Sediments by the Use of Photon-stimulated Luminescence
M. J. Aitken
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0198540922

Book Description

Optical dating is a rapidly developing technique, used primarily in the dating of sediments deposited in the last 500,000 or more years. As such increasing numbers of Quaternary geologists, physical geographers, archaeologists, and anthropologists are now relying on the results produced. Written by one of the foremost experts on optical dating, this book aims to bring together in a coherent whole the various strands of research that are ongoing in the area. It gives beginners an introduction to the technique as well as acting as a valuable source of up to date references. The text is divided into three parts; main text, technical notes and appendices. In this way the main text is accessible by those researchers with a limited knowledge of physics, with the technical notes providing depth of understanding for those who require it. The first part of the book is concerned with basic notions and an introduction to the standard techniques, as well as several illustrative case histories. It goes on to then discuss the limitations of the technique and factors affecting reliability.

Customer Reviews:

broken date of stons.......2000-05-03

I want to rewiew the methods suitable for dating the cracks,broken stons and rate of sedimentation from a moumtain. Also the suitable techniques.

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Spatial Technology and Archaeology
David Wheatley , and Mark Gillings
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0415246393

Book Description

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and related spatial technologies have a new and powerful role to play in archaeological interpretation. Beginning with a conceptual approach to the representation of space adopted by GIS, this book examines spatial databases; the acquisition and compilation of data; the analytical compilation of data; the analytical functionality of GIS; and the creation and utilization of critical foundation data layers such as the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The ways in which GIS can most usefully facilitate archaeological analysis and interpretation are then explored particularly as a tool for the management of archaeological resources. Formal analysis of archaeological material, and the use of trend surface, contouring and interpolation procedures are considered along with predictive modeling analysis of visibility and intervisibility. Finally there is a discussion of leading-edge issues, including three-dimensional GIS, object-oriented GIS, the relationship between GIS and 'Virtual Reality' technologies, and the integration of GIS with distributed systems and the Internet. The approach is light, and technical detail is kept to a minimum, recognizing that most readers are simply interested in using GIS effectively. The text is carefully illustrated with worked case-studies using archaeological data. Spatial Technology and Archaeology provides a single reference source for archaeologists, students, professionals, and academics in archaeology as well as those in anthropology and related disciplines.

Geoarchaeology in Action: Studies in Soil Micromorphology and Landscape Evolution

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Geoarchaeology in Action: Studies in Soil Micromorphology and Landscape Evolution
Charles French
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0415273099

Book Description

The book sets out the essential features of geoarchaeological practice and geomorphological processes, and is deliberately aimed at the archaeologist as practitioner.

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Geological Methods for Archaeology
Norman Herz , and Ervan G. Garrison
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0195090241

Book Description

This book discusses the application of geological methods and theory to archaeology. Written as a survey text covering appropriate methods and techniques taken from geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and geochronology, it shows the student the practicality and importance of each technique's use in solving archaeological problems. Specific techniques are illustrated by practical results obtained from the authors' use on archaeological digs. With an international geographical scope, the book draws on sites from both hemispheres, including the Franchthi Cave in Greece, St. Catherines Island in the U.S., the Roman site of Drand in France, and Monte Verde, Chile. The authors also address applications in less traditional areas such as underwater, historical, industrial, and conservation archaeology.

The Archaeology of Geological Catastrophes (Geological Society Special Publication, No. 171)

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This book is worth every penny

The Archaeology of Geological Catastrophes (Geological Society Special Publication, No. 171)

Manufacturer: Geological Society Of London
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Product Description

Archaeology is playing an increasingly important role by unravelling the details of geological catastrophes during the past few millennia. The collection of papers that make up this volume address established and innovative archaeological methods and techniques, and their application to examining the impacts of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.There are case studies from around the world including Europe, Africa, South East Asia, Central and North America. There is also a strong focus on the Minoan eruption of Santorini and the AD eruption of Vesuvius. Readership: Academic researchers and educators in Archaeology, Palaeoseismology and Volcanology. Postgraduates in the aforementioned fields. Contents: Creation and destruction of travertine monumental stone by earthquake faulting at Hierapolis, Turkey Uses of volcanic products in antiquity The Advent of Archaeoseismology in the Mediterranean A critical reappraisal of classical and archaeological evidence for Archaic-Classical earthquakes in the Atalanti region, Central Mainland Greece Aims and methods in Territorial Archaeology: possible clues to a strong IV century AD earthquake in the Straits of Messina (Southern Italy Santorini (Greece) before the Minoan Eruption: a reconstruction of the ring-island, natural resources and clay deposits from the Akrotiri Excavation The eruption of the Santorini Volcano and its effect on Minoan Crete Late Minoan I B marine ware, the marineenvironment of the Aegean, and the Bronze Age eruption of the Thera Volcano Ground-Penetrating Radar mapping of Minoan volcanic deposits and the Late Bronze Age paleotopography, Thera, Greece Precursory phenomena and destructive events related to the Late Bronze Age Minoan (Thera, Greece) and 79AD (Vesuvius, Italy) Plinian eruptions. Inferences from the stratigraphy in the archaeological areas A GIS for the archaeological area of Pompeii Apulian Bronze Age pottery as a long distance indicator of the Avellino Pumice Eruption (Vesuvius, Italy) Human response to Etna Volcano during the classical period The Johnston-Lavis Collection: a unique record of Italian volcanism The Archaeology of a Plinian Eruption of the Popocatépetl Volcano Timing of the prehistoric eruption of Xitle Volcano and the abandonment of Cuicuilco Pyramid, Southern Valley of Mexico Volcanic disasters and cultural discontinuities in Holocene Time in West New Britain, Papua New Guinea Tephrochronology of the Brooks River Archaeological District, Katmai National park and Preserve, Alaska: What can and cannot be done with Tephra deposits Endemic stress, farming communities and the influence of Icelandic volcanic eruptions in the Scottish Highlands Comparison and cross-checking of historic, archaeological and geological evidence for the location and type of historical and sub-historical eruptions of multiple-vent oceanic island volcanoes A fire spitting volcano in our dear Germany: documentary evidence for a low-intensity volcanic eruption of the Gleichberg in 1783? Volcanic soils: their nature and significance for archaeology The use of volcanicalstic material in Roman hydraulic concretes: a brief review Olmec stone sculpture: selection criteria for basalt Seismic and volcano hazards affecting the vulnerability of the Sanaa area of Yemen Archaeological, geomorphological and geological evidence for a major earthquake at Sagalassos (SW Turkey) around the middle of the seventh century Fault pattern of Nisyros Island volcano (Aegean Sea, Greece): structural, coastal and archaeological evidence The geological origins of the Oracle at Delphi, Greece

Customer Reviews:

This book is worth every penny.......2001-03-08

This is the most comprehensive review of the recent work in this fascinating new field. The two dozen articles are well written and represent strong research. This is a must for anyone interested in hazards or archaeology.

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Engineer Geology Ancient V4 Works
Marinos
Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 9061918553

Exercises in Geoarchaeology: A Laboratory Manual

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Exercises in Geoarchaeology: A Laboratory Manual
Paul Goldberg , and Richard Macphail
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Frameworks for Dating Fossil Man
Kenneth Oakley
Manufacturer: Aldine Transaction
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Geoarchaeology: Exploration, Environments, Resources (Geological Society Special Publication, No. 165) (Geological Society Special Publication, No. 165)

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Geoarchaeology: Exploration, Environments, Resources (Geological Society Special Publication, No. 165) (Geological Society Special Publication, No. 165)

Manufacturer: Geological Society of London
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Geology and archaeology have a long history of fruitful collaboration stretching back to the early 19th century. Geoarchaeology - the application of the geosciences to solve research problems in archaeology - has now emerged as a recognized sub-discipline of archaeology, especially in the United States. Traditionally, the methods used include geomorphology, sedimentology, pedology and stratigraphy, reflecting the fact that most archaeological evidence is recovered from the sedimentary environment. As reflected in the sub-title, this volume embraces a broader definition, including geophysics and geochemistry.Geophysical techniques, both terrestrial and remote, are now used routinely to locate and horizontally map buried features of archaeological interest. New developments include the use of georadar and other methods of giving vertical information. Geochemistry has long been used to give information about the exploitation, trade and exchange of mineral resources and finished products such as metals and pottery. Refinements, such as the use of isotopic measurements to define not only exploitation but also production techniques, are increasingly being applied. Perhaps most significantly of all, geoarchaeology can contribute to an understanding of the dynamic relationship between human society and the environment in that most significant (if brief) period of geological time - that in which human activity has dramatically modified the natural world. The papers presented here exemplify the many and varied ways in which geology and archaeology can combine to the mutual benefit of both.

Principle Authors: A. M. Pollard, University of Bradford, UK. R. W. Vernon, University of Bradford, UK. R. E. Murdie, Keele University, UK. R. J. Cuss, British Geological Survey, UK. A. G. Latham, Liverpool University, UK. R. Tipping, University of Stirling, UK. V. R. Thorndycraft, University of Exeter, UK. T. P. Young, Cardiff, UK. C. E. Lazareth, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. A. R. Millard, University of Durham, UK. P. Budd, University of Bradford, UK. G. R. Thomas, University of Wales, UK. V. V. Zaykov, Urals Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia.

Book Description

Authored by a team of acknowledged experts, this book presents a multidisciplinary view of the state of the art in the field of actuators. The goal of the book is to provide a comprehensive overview of the properties, applications, and potential applications of traditional and unconventional actuators, together with their corresponding power electronics. Special attention is paid to the objective assessment of competing actuator principles. The book is written primarily for designers and engineers in research and development, but will also be valuable as a textbook for students of automation engineering, mechatronics and adaptronics.

Adaptronics and Smart Structures: Basics, Materials, Design, and Applications

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Adaptronics and Smart Structures: Basics, Materials, Design, and Applications

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3540614842

Book Description

Adaptronics is the term encompassing technical fields that have become known internationally under the names "smart materials", "intelligent structures", and "smart structures". Adaptronics contributes to the optimisation of systems and products. It bridges the gap between material and system or product, and incorporates the search for multi-functional materials and elements and their integration in systems or structures. The authors of this book have taken on the task of displaying the current state of the art in this fascinating field. The system components, actuators, sensors and controllers, technical fundamentals, materials, design rules and practical solutions are all described. Selected sample applications are also presented and current development trends are demonstrated.

LITERATURE Hardware/Software.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included) : An article from: Rubber World

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LITERATURE Hardware/Software.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included) : An article from: Rubber World

Manufacturer: Lippincott & Peto, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Rubber World, published by Lippincott & Peto, Inc. on December 22, 1999. The length of the article is 505 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: LITERATURE Hardware/Software.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Publication: Rubber World (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 22, 1999
Publisher: Lippincott & Peto, Inc.
Volume: 221 Issue: 7 Page: 24

Article Type: Brief Article, Statistical Data Included

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Rediscovered Treasure

Thank Heavens for Rue Morgue Press

The Black Shrouds (Rue Morgue Vintage Mystery)
Constance Little , and Gwenyth Little
Manufacturer: Rue Morgue Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Black Coat: A Murder Mystery Comedy (Rue Morgue Vintage Mystery)

ASIN: 0915230526

Customer Reviews:

Rediscovered Treasure.......2003-10-02

A big kiss and hug to the people at Rue Morgue Press for rereleasing the wonderful and unique mysteries of Gwenyth and Constance Little. As a librarian I love to share authors with my patrons and I've been ordering all the Little titles as they are published and telling everyone about them. Reading them is such a pleasure!

Thank Heavens for Rue Morgue Press.......2002-12-06

The "Little" Books are a delight and this is a particularly good one. It is filled with wacky characters, a feisty heroine, an obliging handsome man, and the obligitory mystery. All the ingredients for a vintage "Little" book! The books have been out of print for many, many years. It is wonderful that the Rue Morgue Press is republishing them one by one. One could only wish they would print one a month. If you like your mysteries with a great deal of humor, THE BLACK SHROUDS is a book for you.

The Orchid Shroud (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)

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Super characters in a well-told tale
"Blood Is My Right!"

The Orchid Shroud (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)
Michelle Wan
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1400079535
Release Date: 2007-08-14

Book Description

Interior decorator Mara Dunn and orchidologist Julian Wood team up again to solve two murders in Michelle Wan’s charming new botanical mystery.

Mara is renovating the manor house of the wealthy Christophe de Bonfond when she discovers the body of a murdered infant. The body, concealed for more than a century, brings to light unexpected and critical information on an elusive Lady's Slipper orchid that Julian avidly seeks. Christophe hires genealogist Jean-Claude Fournier to exonerate his ancestors, only to have the expert unleash even more terrifying suspicions. When violent death strikes in the present day, Mara and Julian begin an investigation of their own that leads them to uncover a trail of murder spanning many decades.

Customer Reviews:

Super characters in a well-told tale.......2007-08-29

Mara, Julian and their friends return in Wan's sequel to Deadly Slipper.

Mara, a Canadian who has been living in the Dordogne region for the past 19 years, is an interior decorator. Julian is a landscaper who also studies and collects orchids. They first met in Deadly Slipper and are now in a relationship (although it's going through a rocky patch).

Mara is overseeing renovations for Christophe de Bonfond's manor. When the workers tear down a wall, they discover a body. The murdered infant was wrapped in a blue shawl. Mara wants to know who would do such a horrific thing. Julian becomes interested in the mystery because the baby's shawl is embroidered with an orchid. He realizes that this is the elusive Slipper Orchid he tried to find in Deadly Slipper. If he can find out who made the baby's shawl, perhaps he'll discover where the Slipper Orchid was grown. Interviews with jealous cousins, diary entries and flashbacks to the past reveal that the de Bonfond family has a few skeletons in their closets. Will the baby's identity be revealed?

There is also something savage hunting in the valley. A hunter's body, mutilated chickens and slaughtered lambs have been discovered. Is it a pack of wolves, a feral dog, or, as some whisper, the return of a werewolf?

I really enjoyed the pacing and plot of this book. Wan has created some great quirky characters, and she has a good ear for dialogue. Her dry sense of humor made me laugh, "Pierre shouted to no one in particular, revealing a wet, purple expanse of gums that Julian, despite his dislike of the man, found momentarily fascinating." (p.76).

This book is also a treat for the senses, whether I was reading about the picturesque surroundings or the meals that the characters enjoy. This does not distract from the main mystery, it helped build the tension. I knew that the characters were enjoying normal moments not realizing that soon something bad was going to happen.

Whether you want to solve the mystery or just sit back and enjoy a well-written story,

The Orchid Shroud is highly recommended!

Armchair Interviews says: Strange things are happening in southwestern France.

"Blood Is My Right!".......2006-09-04

French Canadian interior designer Mara Dunn and orchidologist Julian Wood are back in another complex and multifaceted mystery that involves mysterious orchids, legendary werewolves, and feuding branches of an ancient French aristocratic family. Author Michelle Wan once again immerses the reader in bucolic landscape of the Dordogne region of France, its quaint villages, serene farms and flourishing wineries.

While employed to renovate the upper floor of Chistophe de Bonford's Aurillac Manor, Mara and her workmen stumble upon a human baby, preserved for a hundred years by the cold, airless environment of wall and swaddled in a covering of faded blue silk. Its arms are outside the covering and crossed upon its [...], clutching a rosary as if suspended in prayer.

Chistophe de Bonford is appalled at the discovery, mainly because he is about to publish a glorious family history. With a dead baby turning up to be explained, the scandal is no doubt going to rock Chistophe's world and severely tarnish the reputation of his ancient, aristocratic family.

Nicknamed named "Baby Blue," Mara - with the help of Julian is determined to unravel the mystery of who the child actually is. Most strange is that the baby seemed to have been smothered with unnecessary violence. But the biggest surprise is that an image of Julian's elusive Lady Slipper orchid; a flower of the most sinister beauty, the orchid that Bedie, Mara's sister had photographed before she was killed, has been intricately woven into the baby's silk covering.

The discovery astounds Julian, proving yet again that the orchid at one time grew in the surrounding area. Enthused by the discovery, the two amateur sleuths start to unravel the mystery of the baffling orchid and the arcane flesh of the de Bonfords. As the clues gradually disentangle, Mara and Julian discover the brittle bones of old money that embody this house, and learn of the stiffened sinews of class and privilege date back centuries.

In an effort to lean more, Mara turns to historian-genealogist Jean-Claude Fournier who helped Chistophe with the research for his book. But Jean-Claude is also not all that he seems, and when he turns up murdered, the poor Mara becomes the prime suspect. Things become even more frenetic when a sanglier-baiter is killed and half eaten by some kind of wild animal. Perhaps it was a dog, or a wolf or as some would have it, a loup-garou, a legendary werewolf that has reportedly lived in the valley for centuries.

Again, Wan has meticulously researched her novel, not just the complex discipline of orchidology, but also the science of lycanthropy, a rare disease in which individuals exhibit the bizarre behaviour of werewolves. Although, at times the novel is a bit too heavily plotted, the story is always engaging and the tension is effectively maintained throughout. And the descriptions of the beautiful and varied landscape of southwestern France are always a delight.

Mara ultimately finds herself framed for Jean-Claude's murder, Chistophe goes into hiding, and then there are the rumors of the return of the Sigoulane Beast, the legendary werewolf that allegedly terrorized the area during the 1700's and 1800's. Julian and Mara are certain all the nefarious doings are all somehow linked to the de Bonford family; with their history mired in extra-marital affairs, incest and sordid family secrets stretching all the way back to the 1770's, where "all legends have their roots in the reality of a people." Mike Leonard September 06.

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Black Shroud Over Baghdad
Harold McGowan
Manufacturer: Metaprobe Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SRJFVA

Product Description

Strange dustjacket art with a photopictorial view of Baghdad, with crudely hand drawn-in flames and airplanes with "Iran" printed on the sides flying overhead. FICTION.

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THE BLACK SHROUDS
Constance and Gwenyth Little
Manufacturer: Doubleday Doran Crime Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NZDMBQ

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The Black Shrouds
Constance & Gwenyth Little
Manufacturer: Triangle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LE3RNW

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Black Shrouds 1ST Edition
Constance Little
Manufacturer: DOUBLEDAY DORAN & CO INC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PZYMAY