News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

New books on Travel: ‘Mr and Mrs Dog’, ‘Laneways of Melbourne’ and ‘Amazing places cost nothing’ are three of this great mix of Travel books.

Overbooked : the exploding business of travel and tourism / Elizabeth Becker.
“Everyone needs a vacation, a time for carefree fun on a cruise, at a theme park, in a cultured city, or in nature. … What many do not realize is that with over a billion people now visiting foreign countries, travel and tourism have become an international force that seriously affects cultures, economies, and the environment. …Having spent more than 30 years as a correspondent for the Washington Post, New York Times, and other publications, Becker has seen tremendous change in foreign travel. In this timely and entertainingly personal report for serious travelers and policymakers, she features how tourism fares in France, Italy, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Dubai, Africa, China, and the U.S.–Roche, Rick Copyright 2010 BooklistFrom Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.” (Booklist)” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Amazing places cost nothing : the new golden age of authentic travel / Herbert Ypma.
“In a world where package tours and international brands make the leading destinations begin to look alike, the thrill of discovery is in danger of disappearing from travel. Written by travel expert Herbert Ypma, who has traveled the globe, this book will change the way we envision the perfect vacation. Some 300 photographs capture thirty hidden gems from around the world. Ranging from a dusty working cattle ranch in Arizona to Brazil’s best deserted beach to a secluded island paradise off the coast of the French Riviera, these locations offer priceless adventure and beauty-especially because they are relatively inexpensive to visit. Often the best part of the trip is getting there, and Ypma tells engaging stories about how he stumbled upon each place.” (Syndetics summary)

France’s best trips : 39 amazing road trips / this edition written and researched by Oliver Berry … [et. al.].
“39 drives ranging from 1 to 10 days, and 140 maps- Extended coverage of the best unmissable routes- Road trip essentials on driving in France and useful phrases.” (Syndetics summary)

65 things to do when you retire / edited by Mark Evan Chimsky.
“…this new collection features 65 lively essays on a wide variety of fun and unusual travel opportunities for retirees, including eco-travel (to Brazil’s wetlands or the barrier reef off Belize), volunteering abroad (going on archaeological digs or helping to make a difference in developing countries), wine tourism (from Colorado to Croatia), international house-sitting, and taking a retirement “gap year.” In 65 Things to Do When You Retire: Travel, intrepid travel writers and notable retirement experts reveal their own personal adventures and offer practical advice about how to have the time of your life, whether traveling with a group, a spouse or partner, or on your own.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Mörön to Mörön : two men, two bikes, one Mongolian misadventure / Tom Doig.
“In July 2010, Tom Doig and his best mate Tama Pugsley cycled 1487 kilometres across Northern Mongolia from a small town called Moron to an even smaller town, also called Moron. Why? Because it was there.” (Syndetics summary)

Laneways of Melbourne / [Kornelia Freeman & Ulo Pukk].
“Melbourne’s unique laneways are a wonderful place of excitement and discovery and a mecca for people who love to explore, socialise, shop and eat & drink. Laneways of Melbourne is a visually stunning guide book to over 200 laneways, alleys and small streets of Melbourne’s CBD. A fold-out map on the inside cover will guide you to laneways from Ulster Lane off Spring Street to Captains Walk in the Docklands and the captions on each page will inform of each laneway’s fascinating history and name origins.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Paris to the Pyrenees : a skeptic pilgrim walks the way of Saint James / David Downie ; photographs by Alison Harris.
“An eclectic author of cookbooks, novels, and tourist guides, Downie embarks here on the genre of travel writing. His journey, which he completed on foot between the titular locations, in general followed the hallowed Christian pilgrimage route to Spain, le Chemin de Saint Jacques. France being France, history accompanied Downie as much as his walking companion, his wife, Alison. Their conversations were sparked by route-side sights, such as a centuries-old chateau that counted as young, and became enmeshed with Downie’s interior reflections about his reasons for undertaking the journey….Taylor, Gilbert Copyright 2010 BooklistFrom Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.” (Booklist)” (adapted fron Syndetics summary)

Mr. and Mrs. Dog : our travels, trials, adventures, and epiphanies / Donald McCaig.
“Sheepdog trainer and novelist, poet, and essayist McCaig (Eminent Dogs) takes more than a few detours en route to describing his experiences in the World Trial, the “only truly international” competition for sheepdogs, and he may well lose readers along the way…. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved” (Publisher Weekly)” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Argentina : a woman’s guide to traveling in Argentina / [authors, Erica Arvizu, Page Buono ; edtor-in-chief, Kelly Lewis].
“A travel guide designed for women traveling alone in Argentina. “The wine, the tango, the steak – there are a million reasons to fall in love with Argentina. Whether you’re here to see the turquoise glaciers, the penguins, the forests, or the majestic mountains, we’ll help guide you through all the corners of this meat-loving paradise safely. This is the essential guidebook for women traveling through Argentina. Find safe places to stay, get important information on women’s health, learn how to blend in like a local and navigate Argentine cuisine like a pro”–P. [4] of cover.” (Syndetics summary)

Quiet Paris / Siobhan Wall.
“Paris is a beautiful city with astounding architecture and world-famous museums and restaurants. Because of its many attractions, however, it often feels as if there is nowhere to escape from the crowds. Siobhan Wall, author of Quiet Amsterdam and Quiet London, has sought out hidden, tranquil places so that Parisians can find some respite from their busy lives.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Africa : eye to eye with the unknown / Michael Bright ; foreword by David Attenborough.
“…This lavish and unmissable companion to the BBC One series reveals the undiscovered side of Africa’s five unique regions. Inspiring photography captures unprecedented wildlife behaviour, mesmerising new creatures and magical landscapes that will astound and captivate, and will challenge what you think you know about Africa. This is a spectacular journey through a vast and diverse continent in all its beautiful and unexpected abundance.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Everything green and fresh and wholesome is on the menu in this month’s selection of cook books.

Wild About Greens : 125 delectable vegan recipes for kale, collards, arugula, bok choy, and other leafy veggies everyone loves / by Nava Atlas ; photographs by Susan Voisin.
“Atlas (Vegan Express) successfully elevates leafy greens beyond the salad bowl with this collection of recipes that will appeal to vegans and meat-eaters alike. Though she excludes cabbages and common lettuces, Atlas introduces a host of other dynamic greens-from the “bold” arugula, to the now ubiquitous kale, to the “peppery” watercress-and includes plenty of tips for buying and preparation.” (Publisher Weekly)

The Art of Cooking with Vegetables / Alain Passard ; [translation by Alex Carlier].
“This is the English-language version of Passard’s 2010 Collages & Recettes. Chef and owner of the three-Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant L’Arpege, Passard illustrates these 48 sophisticated vegetable recipes-organized by month-with his own paper collages. The visual effect is whimsical, recalling children’s books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The quality of vegetables will matter here; Stand Up Asparagus, Globe Artichokes with Bay Leaves and Lime, and Yellow Beetroot Baked in a Dome of Coarse Salt all have five ingredients or fewer, and their simple preparations require attention to detail. VERDICT Readers who regard cooking as art will love this title.” (Library Journal)

Vegetables, Revised: The Most Authoritative Guide to Buying, Preparing, and Cooking, with More Than 300 Recipes
“This revised edition of Peterson’s 1996 classic vastly improves upon the original through the addition of color photographs that illustrate the vegetable varieties and step-by-step techniques. Peterson has reorganized the content into two sections: “Techniques for Preparing and Cooking Vegetables” and “The Vegetables: A to Z.” Library Journal

Vegan Pie in the Sky : 75 out-of-this-world recipes for pies, tarts, cobblers & more / Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero.
“Moskowitz and Romero, the reigning queens of vegan baking, offer a cookbook that elevates the latest dessert trend–pies and tarts–to delicious new heights.” (Syndetics summary)

Welcoming Kitchen : 200 delicious allergen & gluten-free vegan recipes / Kim Lutz with Megan Hart.
“Cooking for those with special food needs can make the pantry feel like an obstacle course, and for parents faced with cooking for a group of children with any number of unknown restrictions, the problem can feel almost paralyzing. Thankfully, Lutz and Hart (The Everything Organic Cooking for Baby & Toddler Book) have created this collection.” (Library Journal)

Veggiestan : a vegetable lover’s tour of the Middle East / Sally Butcher.
“Written in her trademark engaging and knowledgeable style, Sally Butcher takes a fresh look at many of the more exciting ingredients available on our high streets today as well as providing a host of delicious recipes made with more familiar fare.” (Books in Print)

Vegan Cooking for Carnivores : over 125 recipes so tasty you won’t miss the meat / Roberto Martin ; foreword by Portia de Rossi ; afterword by Ellen DeGeneres ; photographs by Quentin Bacon.
“Roberto Martin shares over 125 delicious vegan recipes that he hopes will make healthy vegan cooking accessible and easy for everyone.” (Books in Print)

Quick and Easy Vegan Slow Cooking : more than 150 tasty, nourishing recipes that practically make themselves / Carla Kelly.
“Finally, a cookbook of hassle-free meals for vegans – with more than 150 delicious recipes that both experienced cooks and slow-cooker newcomers can create and enjoy! For on-the-go vegans and others looking to eat healthy-Quick and Easy Vegan Slow Cooking is the answer. Utilizing easy-to-find, economical ingredients, Carla Kelly crafts practical main meals that readers will make and eat daily.” (Books in Print)

The Gardener & the Grill : the bounty of the garden meets the sizzle of the grill / Karen Adler & Judith Fertig.
“Known as the BBQ Queens, Adler and Fertig (coauthors, 25 Essentials: Techniques for Grilling Fish) are barbecue instructors and competitors. Their latest cookbook is full of creative ideas for grilling with garden-fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs ….This book does not illustrate the finer points of grilling, so readers will need some prior knowledge of equipment and technique. VERDICT A refreshing departure from meat-centric BBQ bibles.” (Library Journal)

Nobu’s Vegetarian Cookbook / Nobu Matsuhisa; photographs by Masashi Kuma.
“Nobu’s restaurants are known the world over for the quality of their ingredients and for the skill and originality with which the food is prepared and presented. Now, in this first cookbook by Nobu to focus on vegetable dishes, the master chef shares his expertise and deep knowledge of Japanese cuisine in sixty recipes that showcase vegetables in all their variety.” (Books in Print)

Herbivoracious : A Flavor Revolution with 150 Vibrant and Original Vegetarian Recipes
“After introductory notes on ingredients and equipment, Seattle blogger Natkin (herbivoracious.com) offers 150 vegetarian recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, mains, desserts, and more, noting vegan and gluten-free options. Natkin’s recipes abound with international influences, and he’s carefully adapted them for home cooks.” (Library Journal)

Terre à Terre : the vegetarian cookbook / Amanda Powley with Philip Taylor.
“The leader of the pack among vegetarian restaurants for more than 18 years, and lavishly garlanded with awards and praise, this is Terre a Terre’s first book, and what a book it is! More than 100 recipes from the repertoire that has made Terre a Terre the top vegetarian restaurant in Britain are accompanied by sumptuously taste-bud stimulating food photography by award-winning food photographer Lisa Barber.”(Syndetics summary)

The Sprouted Kitchen : a tastier take on whole foods / Sara Forte ; photography by Hugh Forte.
“Sara Forte showcases her tasty take on whole foods with 100 easy, produce-rich recipes that take advantage of whole grains, unsaturated fats, natural sugar alternatives, and bright, seasonal flavors”–Provided by publisher.

This month’s Recent Picks include books on various types of martial arts, poker, fishing, wrestling and golf.

Krav Maga for Beginners : a step-by-step guide to the world’s easiest-to-learn, most-effective fitness and fighting program / Darren Levine, John Whitman, Ryan Hoover ; photographs by Andy Mogg.
“In Israel, Krav Maga is the official system used to teach self-defense. The no-holds-barred techniques–including cardio, strength training, and fight moves are easy to learn, require a minimal amount of strength, and, most importantly, are designed to immobilize an attacker.” (Syndetics summary)

Kill Phil : the fast track to success in no limit hold ‘em poker tournaments / Blair Rodman, Lee Nelson and Steven Heston ; foreword by Phil Hellmuth.
“Thanks to television, the Internet, and the incredible popularity of the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, when Kill Phil was first published in 2006, tournament poker had become the richest sport in the world. The problem was that no-limit hold ‘em was dominated by a handful of experienced and skilled professional players. Kill Phil turned the tables on the pros by introducing a strategy that allowed even an absolute novice to compete against the best players in the world.” (Books in Print)

Everest 1953 : The Epic Story of the First Ascent / Mick Conefrey.
“Mick Conefrey tells the real story of Everest 1953, revealing that what has gone down in history as a supremely well-planned attempt was in fact beset by crises – both on and off the mountain. To succeed, team leader Colonel John Hunt and his team had to draw on unimaginable skill and determination, as well as sheer British ingenuity.” (Books in Print)

The Power Meter Handbook : a user’s guide for cyclists and triathletes / Joe Friel.
“IT’S TRUE: A power meter is the best training tool you can put on your bike.Even if you have been racing for years, a power meter can take you from the middle of the pack to the podium in one season. But having a power meter is one thing; knowing how to use it is another.The Power Meter Handbook will demystify the numbers, clarify the setup, and show you how to train with power in simple terms. Joe Friel’s power meter system will immediately improve your fitness, speed, and training.” (Books in Print)

Outdoors with Geoff / Geoff Thomas.
“‘When a fish plagues one’s dreams and fills every waking thought . . . it becomes more than just a fish. Geoff Thomas is synonymous with New Zealand’s outdoors and one of the most well-known fishermen in the country. For years we have watched his escapades on his popular TV show, Outdoors with Geoff – now some of his most exhilarating stories have been documented for you to savour and enjoy.” (Books in Print)

Superfly : The Jimmy Snuka Story / Jimmy Snuka with Jon Chattman.
“Focusing on the superstar who single-handedly influenced the development of sports entertainment, this autobiography highlights the legacy of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) icon Jimmy Snuka….. this record presents the ups and downs of a wrestler who grew to be a key figure in the expansion of the company and all professional wrestling”– Provided by publisher.

Golf for Dummies / by Gary McCord ; adapted by Tony Smart.
“Written by golf guru McCord, CSB Sports golf commentator, this book takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the game of golf, taking the fear factor out of the game and breaking it down into easy-to-understand sections that make sense. Illustrations and photos throughout.” (Books in Print)

Swimming to Antarctica : tales of a long-distance swimmer / Lynne Cox.
“At age sixteen, legendary swimmer Lynne Cox reached her lifetime goal of setting a new world record for an English Channel swim. So she set her goals even higher: She became the first to swim the Strait of Magellan, narrowly escaped a shark attack off the Cape of Good Hope, and was cheered across the twenty-mile Cook Strait of New Zealand by dolphins. Her daring eventually led her to the thirty-eight-degree waters of the Bering Strait, which she crossed in her usual out-fit -just a swimsuit, cap, and goggles. She even swam a mile in the iceberg-choked seas of the Antarctic. With a poet’s eye for detail, Cox shares the beauty of her time in the water in this new classic of sports memoir, now illustrated with photos and maps throughout.” (Syndetics summary)

Muay Thai Unleashed : learn technique and strategy from Thailand’s warrior elite / Erich Krauss and Glen Cordoza, with Tana (Chun) Yingwitayakhun.
“Let elite Muay Thai warriors turn your body into an unbeatable weapon! Written by professional Muay Thai fighters and trainers, “Muay Thai Unleashed” shows you how to master this feared and dangerous martial art. Author and trainer Erich Krauss, along with Muay Thai pros Glen Cordoza and Tana (Chun) Yingwitayakhun, teach you the same body-punishing techniques that are used at the highest levels of Muay Thai competition. Whether you use these skills in the ring or on the street in self-defense, your opponents will regret the day you read this book. Unleash your potential with: * Kicks * Punches * Elbow strikes * Knee strikes * Clinching techniques * Defense and counters * An arsenal of combinations” (Syndetics summary)

New books on Windows 8, Excel 2013 and iOS 6 application development are among our choices this month.

Raspberry Pi user guide / Eben Upton and Gareth Halfacree.
“Make the most out of the world’s first truly compact computer It′s the size of a credit card, it can be charged like a smartphone, it runs on open-source Linux, and it holds the promise of bringing programming and playing to millions at low cost. And now you can learn how to use this amazing computer from its co-creator, Eben Upton, in Raspberry Pi User Guide. Cowritten with Gareth Halfacree, this guide gets you up and running on Raspberry Pi, whether you′re an educator, hacker, hobbyist, or kid. Learn how to connect your Pi to other hardware, install software, write basic programs, and set it up to run robots, multimedia centers, and more. …” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Visual Basic 2012 unleashed / Alessandro Del Sole.
“Fully updated for Windows 8 support, .NET 4.5, and Windows Phone development, this is the most comprehensive, practical reference to modern programming with Visual Basic 2012. Written by Visual Basic MVP Alessandro Del Sole, a long-time leader of the global VB community, this book illuminates the core of the VB language and demonstrates its effective use in many current programming scenarios. Del Sole covers both Visual Basic 2012 Professional Edition for professional developers and the Express Edition for hobbyists, novices, and students.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Big data : a revolution that will transform how we live, work and think / Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier.
“Since Aristotle, we have fought to understand the causes behind everything. But this is starting to changer. In the age of big data, we can crunch an incomprehensible amount of information, providing us with invaluable insights about the what rather than the why. …In this groundbreaking and fascinating book, two of the world’s most respected big data experts reveal the reality of a new world and outline clear and actionable steps that will equip the reader with the tools needed for this next phase of human evolution.” (Book jacket)

Windows 8 for dummies / by Andy Rathbone.
“The bestselling tech book of all time is now updated for Windows 8 Microsoft Windows, the operating system that runs nearly 90 percent of the world’s computers. Windows 8 will offer new interface updates, cloud-based services, and much more.” (Syndetics summary)

Teach yourself visually Excel 2013 / Paul McFedries.
“Are you a visual learner? do you prefer instructions that show you how to do something – and skip the long-winded instructions? If so, then this book is for you. Open it up and you’ll find clear, step-by-step screen shots that show you how to tackle more than 160 Excel 2013 tasks. Each task-based spread covers a single technique, sure to help you get up and running on Microsoft Excel 2013 in no time.” (Book jacket)

iOS 6 application development for dummies / by Neal Goldstein and Dave Wilson.
“You could be the one who creates the next super app – one that is universal, works for both the iPhone and iPad, and is a top seller. It’s a great goal, and the road starts here, with this energizing guide. Whether you’re a budding programming hobbyist or a serious developer looking to hit it big, the information in this book is what you need. Learn how to join Apple’s developer program, understand key differences between iPad and iPhone apps, download the latest SDK, create great user experiences, and build your very own app from the ground up. You’ll gain the valuable hands-on experience you need to take your development skills to the next level by walking through the development process step-by-step and creating two applications.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

The official Joomla! book / Jennifer Marriott, Elin Waring.
“If you’re new to Joomla!, you’ll learn how to quickly create usable, effective sites. If you’re an experienced Joomla! user, you’ll learn how to make your sites more flexible, feature-rich, visually attractive, and useful, taking full advantage of the features in Joomla! 3 and Joomla! 2.5.” (Book jacket)

iPhone 5 / Lynn Beighley.
“Concise steps and explanations let you get up and running in no time. Essential reference guide keeps you coming back again and again. Whether you’re new to the iPhone or just want to get up to speed on the latest features of the iPhone 5 and iOS 6, this book will teach you all you need to know, including how to make the most of Siri, Twitter and Facebook integration, iCloud content sharing, FaceTime, Passbook, and much more!” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Microsoft Word 2013 : step by step / Joan Lambert, Joyce Cox.
“This guide will teach you how to create impressive documents with Word 2013. Topics include using styles and themes; sharing, printing, and publishing documents; editing images from within Word; using SmartArt® diagrams and charts; creating references, footnotes, indexes, and tables of contents; collaborating with multiple people at the same time on the same document; and turning your ideas into blogs, Web pages, and more.” (Syndetics summary)

Raspberry Pi : a practical guide to the revolutionary small computer : owner’s workshop manual / Gray Girling ; foreword by Eben and Liz Upton.
“The Haynes Raspberry Pi Manual is the perfect introduction to the affordable small computer. Printed in full color throughout, this manual is aimed at those switching on their Pi for the first time, guiding them through the full process of setup and configuration. The book then introduces various aspects of computing and programming …and provides a variety of recipes to demonstrate the acclaimed versatility of the Raspberry Pi’s hardware and software. With authorship from an expert close to the project and the trademark Haynes ‘how to’ approach, this is the manual everyone needs to get started with their Raspberry Pi, whether at home or in the classroom.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

New travel books. From Hong Kong to Iceland: and two books about survival.

A month by the sea : encounters in Gaza / Dervla Murphy.
“Bombed and cut-off from normal contact with the rest of the world, life in Gaza is beset with structural, medical and mental health problems, yet it is also bursting with political engagement and underwritten by an intense enjoyment of family life. During her month by the sea, Dervla Murphy develops an acute eye for the way in which isolation has shaped this society. Time and again she meets men who have returned to the Strip as an act of presence. Yet the mosque is often their only daily activity, as difficulties obtaining supplies mean few opportunities for creative work.” (Syndetics summary)

Into the abyss / Carol Shaben.
“Six people lost their lives in the plane crash. Four men found theirs. On a wintry October night in 1984, a Piper Navajo commuter plane bound for remote communities in northern Canada set off into thick cloud and freezing rain. One hour later, the plane smashed headlong into a high ridge of rugged forest. Of the ten people on board, only four – strangers from wildly different backgrounds – survived the crash: Erik, the young pilot who had never wanted to fly in such bad weather in the first place. Larry, a respected politician and family man. Scott, a rookie cop who, against regulations, had unshackled the prisoner he was escorting to face charges. And Paul: a criminal, and the only one to escape the crash uninjured. The only one capable of keeping the other three alive – should he choose to.”…–www.booktopia.com.au” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

The last place you’d look for a wallaby : my obsessive quest to seek out alien species / Glen Chilton.
“”Chilton visits Ireland to witness how rhododendrons, an ornamental plant that escaped a private garden, now threaten to choke out the last of the great oak forests of the United Kingdom. He escapes blood-thirsty midges and a murderous Hungarian architect while visiting a colony of forgotten Scottish wallabies; finds out how termites, brought in on packing crates after the Second World War, contributed to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans; dives with endangered sea turtles in North Queensland; and dodges crocodiles and machine guns in the eucalyptus forests of Ethiopia…..”–Publisher’s description.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Snowing in Bali / Kathryn Bonella.
“Snowing in Bali is the story of the drug trafficking and dealing scene that’s made Bali one of the world’s most important destinations in the global distribution of narcotics. With its central location to the Asia Pacific market, its thriving tourist industry to act as cover for importation, and a culture of corruption that can easily help law enforcement turn a blind eye, Bali has long been a paradise for traffickers as well as for holiday-makers…..” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Hidden cities : travels to the secret corners of the world’s great metropolises : a memoir of urban exploration / Moses Gates.
“”Urban exploration with Gates makes for wildly entertaining reading. Whereas most travel authors highlight the museums, fashionable streets, and restaurants of the great cities of the world, Gate’s passion lies elsewhere. He revels in surmounting contrived barriers, whether in New York, Paris, or Ukraine. “We live our whole lives as prisoners of artificial boundaries-boundaries put in place not by mountains, rivers, or walls but by people and institutions who tell us that they’re there.” Gates chronicles his exploits exploring subway tunnels in New York and Stockholm; climbing the Lateran Obelisk sewers in Rome; ringing a bell on the top of Norte Dame; and traipsing through abandoned buildings in Brazil.” …(Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved” (Publisher Weekly)” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Alone on the ice : the greatest survival story in the history of exploration / David Roberts.
“”Douglas Mawson is not as well known as Amundsen, Scott, or Shakleton, but as this intense and thrilling epic shows, he deserves a place on the pedestal next to these other great explorers of the Antarctic. Trained as a geologist, the Australian-born Mawson launched an expedition to a largely unexplored region of Antarctica in 1912. The effort soon turned into a grim struggle of endurance and survival against an unforgiving environment. ….–Freeman, Jay Copyright 2010 BooklistFrom Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.” (Booklist)” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

An illustrated journey : inspiration from the private art journals of traveling artists, illustrators and designers / Danny Gregory.
“Travel + Sketching = Inspiration. When we travel, we don’t want to follow the same itinerary as everyone who’s come before us. We want to feel like explorers, adventurers in undiscovered territory. And that’s exactly what sketching can bring to the travel experience. An Illustrated Journey captures the world through the eyes of 40 talented artists, illustrators and designers. You’ll experience the wonder of seeing familiar sights through a fresh lens but, more important, you’ll be inspired to set pen to paper and capture your own vistas. ….” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Italy’s best trips : 38 amazing road trips / this edition written and researched by Paula Hardy, Duncan Garwood & Robert Landon.
“38 routes lasting from a few days to two weeks, and 128 maps- Covers classic routes like the Amalfi Coast and intriguing back-road itineraries- Essential tips, advice and useful phrases for driving in Italy.” (Syndetics summary)

The rough guide to Iceland / written and researched by David Leffman and James Proctor.
“The Rough Guide to Iceland is the ultimate travel guide to this fascinating island and its capital Reykjavik, with clear maps and detailed coverage of all the best attractions. Discover Iceland’s highlights with inspiring photography and information on everything from hiking, soaking in natural hot springs and whale watching, to indulging in Reykjavík’s lively nightlife and superb seafood.” (Syndetics summary)

Pocket Hong Kong : top sights, local life, made easy / Piera Chen.
“Best of Hong Kong. We’ve found the best walks, food, art, shopping, views, nightlife and more. Maps for every neighbourhood. Walking tours and day planners. Packed with expert travel tips.” (Syndetics summary)

This month’s recent picks for Fitness & Sports are listed below.

One Step Beyond : how an ordinary man took on the ultimate running challenge and won / Malcolm Law.
“In November 2009, Mal set out to run New Zealand’s seven mainland ‘Great Walks’ in seven days (the equivalent of running nine mountain marathons) … what followed is an uplifting story of determination, courage, camaraderie, out-and-out hard yakka, and ultimately, triumph. We share the endorphin-fuelled ecstasy and the agony of doubts, fears, blood, sweat and tears that became Mal’s life for nine months”–Back cover.

Super Scratch Programming Adventure! : learn to program by making cool games! / the LEAD Project.
“Scratch is the wildly popular educational programming language used by millions of first-time learners in classrooms, libraries, and homes worldwide. By dragging together colorful blocks of code, kids quickly learn computer programming concepts and make cool games and animations. In Super Scratch Programming Adventure!, kids learn programming fundamentals as they make their very own playable video games. They’ll create projects inspired by classic arcade games that can be programmed (and played!) in an afternoon. The book’s patient, step-by-step explanations of the code and fun programming challenges will have kids creating their own games in no time.This full-color comic book makes programming concepts like flow control, subroutines, and data types effortless to absorb. Packed with ideas for games that kids will be proud to show off, Super Scratch Programming Adventure! is the perfect first step for the budding programmer”– Provided by publisher.

Joy of the Mountains : a climber’s life : John Harrison (1932-1966) / [John Wilson].
“No death in the mountains in the middle years of the 20th century affected the New Zealand climbing community more than the loss of John Harrison in the Mount Rolleston tragedy of June 1966. John was one of the most admired climbers of his generation. His loss was felt keenly not only because of his achievements as a mountaineer, in New Zealand and and overseas, but also because his character and personality endeared him to people of all walks of life…. This book describes not only his life and climbing career, but also sets his life and career in the broader context of the history of New Zealand mountaineering. More broadly still, it makes a contribution to our understanding of New Zealand’s social history in the middle years of the 20th century. – Publisher information

Top 10 of everything rugby / Gregor Paul.
“A journey through history of international rugby, ranking the best and worst of the game in lists that cover everything from best captains, great rivalries and acts of heroism to wasted talents, scary psychos and darkest scandals”–Back cover.

The Ordinary Acrobat : a journey into the wondrous world of the circus, past and present / Duncan Wall.
“Wall had the great fortune of realizing the archetypal childhood dream of running away to join the circus when he secured a Fulbright fellowship to do just that….Wall chronicles his year of discovery of the history and future of the circus as well as the dramatic personalities and grueling physical training in this behind-the-scenes look at the evolving art of the circus.–Bush, Vanessa Copyright 2010 BooklistFrom Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.” (Booklist)

The White Spider : the story of the north face of the Eiger / Heinrich Harrer ; translated from the German by Hugh Merrick ; with additional chapters by Heinrich Harrer and Kurt Maix ; with an introduction by Joe Simpson.
“The White Spider provides the classic statement of the weired and frequently misunderstood psychology of the modern rock-climber. Despite the grimness of much of what he is doing, Harrer communicates the irresistible joy of climbing.” (Book Jacket)

The Pocket Guide to Dice & Dice Games / Keith Souter ; illustrations by Laura Matine.
“This pocket guide spans the history of dice, offers clear explanations of popular dice games, and includes guidance on winning, dice control, and how to avoid being tricked bu loaded or “crooked” dice.” (Book Jacket)

The Greatest Tennis Matches of all Time / by Steve Flink ; [foreword by Chris Evert].
“To see tennis through the eyes of Steve Flink is to wander through a wonderland…. Steve captures the essence of tennis matches in graphic detail. There is no one more passionate or caring about his subject. In this absorbing book, I can relive matches that I have calls on television. Thanks for the memories, Steve.” Cliff Drysdale (EPS commentator – Book Jacket)

The Power Meter Handbook : a user’s guide for cyclists and triathletes / Joe Friel.
“The Power Meter Handbook will demystify the numbers, clarify the setup, and show you how to train with power in simple terms. Joe Friel’s power meter system will immediately improve your fitness, speed and training.” Back cover

Kill Phil : The Fast Track to Success in No Limit Hold ‘em Poker Tournaments / Blair Rodman, Lee Nelson and Steven Heston ; foreword by Phil Hellmuth.
“Thanks to television, the Internet, and the incredible popularity of the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, when Kill Phil was first published in 2006, tournament poker had become the richest sport in the world. The problem was that no-limit hold ‘em was dominated by a handful of experienced and skilled professional players. Kill Phil turned the tables on the pros by introducing a strategy that allowed even an absolute novice to compete against the best players in the world.” (Books in Print)

New non-fic Recent Picks. Solar that really works. And two books about imprisonment, together with climate change, cities, civilisation and LEGO Technic (unofficial)

Solar that really works / by Collyn Rivers.
“This virtually all-new third edition explains, in clear English, every detail of designing and installing solar in cabins, camper trailers, caravans and motor homes. It complements the companion book Solar Success – that does the same for homes and properties of all sizes (including grid-connect)”. (Book jacket)

Earthmasters : Playing God with the climate / Hamilton, Clive.
“What if there were a magic bullet to fix our ailing planet? What if it meant seizing control of Earth’s climate? Clive Hamilton investigates the huge risks of reaching for desperate measures to save the planet, explains the science accessibly and uncovers the worrying motives of those promoting them.” (Syndetics summary)

The meaning of freedom / Angela Y. Davis ; foreword by Robin D. G. Kelley.
“Davis, a political progressive icon of the 1960s, tackles the concept and application of freedom in the context of the twenty-first century. She focuses on the growth of the prison industry nationally and internationally, reflecting on forces of capitalism that undercut human freedom. Challenging the reader to conceive of a world without prisons, Davis champions a concept of prison abolition. Hers is not a utopian perspective but one based on historical analysis of how prisons evolved as an alternative to punishment by death and as a continuation of post-slavery racial control. …This book is a collection of Davis’ lectures from 1994 through 2009, interweaving themes of freedom and bias based on race, gender, and sexual orientation. Davis is at her best linking these perceptively separate segments into a broader concept of freedom across all the lines that separate us.–Ford, Vernon Copyright 2010 BooklistFrom Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.” (Booklist)” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

The end of power : from boardrooms to battlefields and churches to states, why being in charge isn’t what it used to be / Moisés Naím.
“Over the past few years, grassroots movements have redirected global conversations about power and rights, though the status quo in many cases has proved more resistant to change. Nevertheless, Naim (Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy) contends that traditional forms of power are being transformed and shifted onto new shoulders. Having served as editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy and the executive director of the World Bank, Naim knows better than most what power on a global scale looks like. He first guides readers through an understanding of “How Power Got Big,” before demonstrating the myriad ways in which the dominance of hierarchical organizations is eroding. Technological developments have empowered individuals to group together for the betterment of society, but they have also enabled extremists to wreak havoc with very few resources. …. Agent: Rafe Sagalyn, Sagalyn Literary. (Mar. 5) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved” (Publisher Weekly)” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

A history of future cities / Daniel Brook.
“As different as the origins of St. Petersburg, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Dubai are, they share a characteristic as historical outposts of Western trade, architecture, and culture. …. If these four cities have looked outward as nodes of international commerce, at their backs in their hinterlands were always social forces and political movements with the potential to throttle the capitalist festivities. Within general narratives of when this happened the Communist revolutions in Russia and China; socialist economics in India; Brook expresses a visual sense of each city’s major streets and landmark buildings, describing and interpreting them through their builders’ ambitions for the future, be it a grand train station in colonial Bombay or the world’s tallest building in Dubai….Taylor, Gilbert Copyright 2010 BooklistFrom Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.” (Booklist)” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

The measure of civilization : how social development decides the fate of nations / Ian Morris.
“Stanford University classicist and historian Morris follows up Why the West Rules-for Now with a sophisticated volume designed to add quantitative muscle to his earlier arguments. A big-history theorist working in a vein similar to Niall Ferguson or Jared Diamond, Morris measures societies’ historical “abilities to get things done in the world.” …In the 21st century, he foresees a shift in global power and wealth from West to East, much as it shifted from East to West in the 19th. Morris argues from a materialist view to frame social development, minimizing the achievements of European civilization. His graphic display of energy use, for example, illustrates why the Industrial Revolution in Europe reshaped the economic world as no event did before it, though Morris seems more interested in Song China’s early metallurgy. …Agent: Sandra Dijkstra, Dijkstra Literary Agency. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved” (Publisher Weekly)” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

The unofficial LEGO Technic builder’s guide / Pawel “Sariel” Kmieć.
“The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder’s Guideis filled with building tips for creating strong yet elegant machines and mechanisms with the Technic system. Author Pawel “Sairel” Kmiec will teach you the foundations of LEGO Technic building, from simple machines to advanced mechanics, even explaining how to create realistic to-scale models. Sariel, a world-renowned LEGO Technic expert, offers unique insight into mechanical principles like torque, power translation, and gear ratios, all using Technic bricks.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

A time to betray : the astonishing double life of a CIA agent inside the Revolutionary Guards of Iran / Reza Kahlili.
“This true spy thriller reveals the inner workings of the notorious Revolutionary Guards of Iran, as witnessed by an Iranian man inside their ranks who spied for the American government. It is a human story, a chronicle of family and friendships torn apart by a terror-mongering regime, and how the adult choices of three childhood mates during the Islamic Republic yielded divisive and tragic fates. And it is the courageous account of one man’s decades-long commitment to lead a double life informing on the beloved country of his birth, a place that once offered the promise of freedom and enlightenment–but is instead ruled by murderous violence and spirit-crushing oppression.–From publisher description”.

Contrasts in punishment : an explanation of Anglophone excess and Nordic exceptionalism / John Pratt and Anna Eriksson.
“…The book argues that the penal differences that currently exist between these two clusters of societies emanate from their early nineteenth century social arrangements. The Anglophone societies were dominated by exclusionary value systems in contrast to the more inclusionary values of the Nordic. The development of their penal programmes over this two hundred year period, including the much earlier demise of the death penalty in the Nordic countries and significant differences between the respective prison rates and prison conditions of the two clusters, reflects the continuing influence of these values. Indeed, in the early 21stcentury these differences have become even more pronounced….” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Heavens on Earth : how to create mass prosperity / J. P. Floru.
“Heavens on Earth offers both a manifesto for creating prosperity and a fascinating tale of global growth. It takes a sweeping view of traditions across the world and across the centuries, introducing us to the remarkable individuals who made it all happen…” (Book jacket)

This month the New Zealand Collection features history of Antarctica and also some great new and revised New Zealand history. This includes an item that focuses on teaching history to secondary school students. The last book is a study of issues faced by whānau in Māori education.

A history of Antarctica / Stephen Martin.
“This revised and expanded book – first published in 1996 – traces the patterns of human activity in Antarctica, from the southern journeys of the 16th century to the modern expeditions of adventurers and tourists. Using material from diaries, letters, and fresh research, the book illuminates the main themes of Antarctic history with the personal stories and images of the men and women who explored, worked, and lived in this frozen and remote continent. The book examines such topics as the early Polynesian explorers, the amazing diversity of flora and fauna, the detailed geological features, etc. A History of Antarctica is about the people of Antarctica – those who have chosen to endure the risks and enjoy the rewards of conquering the world’s most forbidding land.”(Syndetics summary)

Surveying the Antarctic : the New Zealand Geological Survey Antarctic Expedition 1957-1958 / Eugene Brian Fitzgerald.
“This volume is the story of the first New Zealand Official Government Expedition to Antarctica. It is based on the diary, notes and memory of the author, together with the letters and accounts written by other members of the expedition.” (Syndetics summary)

Images from Albertland : Harold Marsh, 1876-1948 / Paul Campbell.
“William Harold Marsh, farmer, father and adventurous photographer captured a time of enchantment, when life was lived at a slower place, governed by a different set of values and priorities and ambitions. One of the first generation of those immigrants who sailed around the world to settle in Albertland, 70,000 coastal acres on the Kaipara Harbour, in Northland, New Zealand, he has left a legacy of those times, a window into the past for those yet to come.” (Syndetics summary)

The Heaphy Track / Chris Petyt.
“Heaphy he never actually followed the whole route. He along with Thomas Brunner and Kehu, their Maori guide, travelled down the coast in 1846 from the north and only traversed the coastal section of the track from the Heaphy River to the Kohaihai River. The first Europeans to traverse the route are only recorded as “Aldridge and his mate”. Following the discovery of gold in the Aorere Valley in late 1865, the route of the Heaphy Track was used by gold miners to traverse between the Aorere Goldfield and those that were subsequently discovered on the West Coast. Author Chris Petyt has dug deep and wide to assemble this first comprehensive account of the human history of the Heaphy Track. Today, the Heaphy is one of New Zealand’s premier walking tracks and the longest of the multi-day tracks designated by the Department of Conservation as Great Walks. Those contemplating a trip over the track will also find it useful as the final chapter is a guide to walking the track.” (Syndetics summary)

Turning points : events that changed the course of New Zealand history / Paul Moon.
“Historian Paul Moon has chosen 20 events that have shaped the course of New Zealand history over the years. The events are described and illustrated with photographs drawn from the archives, and Moon outlines how New Zealand history has changed as a result”–Publisher’s information.

The story of a treaty / Claudia Orange.
“The Treaty of Waitangi is a central document in New Zealand history. This lively account tells the story of the Treaty from its signing in 1840 through the debates and struggles of the nineteenth century to the gathering political momentum of recent decades. The second edition of this popular book brings the story up to the present”–Back cover.

Greater Māori Auckland / David Simmons ; including the Māori place names of Auckland, collected by George Graham.
“Traditional tales of the Auckland isthmus and wider region. The author extends his original Maori Auckland (1987), to include the broad regions north and south.” (Syndetics summary)

History matters : teaching and learning history in New Zealand secondary schools in the 21st century / Michael Harcourt and Mark Sheehan, editors.
“History Matters reflects the dynamic nature of teaching and learning history in New Zealand secondary classrooms. It demonstrates not only the wealth of enthusiasm and expertise within the history teaching community,but also a commitment by teachers to developing a research literature on historical thinking that is `for teachers and by teachers¿. The book bridges the gap between theory and practice among history teachers and contributes to the sorts of questions that teachers are currently addressing as they seek to improve our understanding of what it means to teach history in New Zealand in the second decade of the 21st century.” (Syndetics summary)

Kia puāwaitia ngā tumanako : critical issues for whānau in Māori education / Jessica Hutchings … [et al.].
“This report presents the findings of a kaupapa Maori research project called Critical Issues for Whanau in Maori Education. We asked a variety of whanau the question: What sorts of educational research would be of benefit to your children and whanau in education? The aim was to use the whanau responses to refine a Maori-led and whanau-informed research agenda for Te Wahanga. Whanau are integral to the educational wellbeing of Maori students. Yet little educational research has been done with an explicit whanau focus. This research aimed to help fill the gap. We used the kaupapa Maori approach of whanaungatanga and the method of korero a-whanau to work directly with whanau in ways that upheld their integrity and authority. Korero a-whanau ensures the voices and day to day experiences of whanau in education are heard. It acknowledges their diverse priorities and aspirations. Three overarching themes connected the many issues raised by whanau. These are Nga Moemoea (whanau aspirations), Rangatiratanga (whanau autonomy and authority) and Te Reo Rangatira (learning and maintenance of reo Maori)” (Syndetics summary)

The selection of new books on popular music this month are all rock legends’ biographies. They include a much-missed Whitney Houston, John Lennon and Marc Bolan. Have a browse!!

Remembering Whitney : my story of love, loss, and the night the music stopped / Cissy Houston with Lisa Dickey ; with a foreword by Dionne Warwick.
“”The world lost one of the most beautiful voices and an extraordinarily beautiful and charitable woman,” says Houston of daughter Whitney’s death in February 2012. Cissy offers a forthright account of her daughter’s life and death.” (Library Journal)

50 licks : myths and stories from half a century of the Rolling Stones / Pete Fornatale with Bernard M. Corbett and Peter Thomas Fornatale.
“Fornatale, the noted disc jockey, radio host, and musical historian who died in 2012, opened the first program of his brand-new radio show in 1969 with a Rolling Stones song. By then the Stones were worldwide superstars, but, as Fornatale recounts in this profusely illustrated oral history of the band, there were some rocky times in the early days. Then back-to-back singles of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction and Get Off of My Cloud catapulted them into international stardom. That was 47 years ago. The book features interviews with not only the Stones but also fellow musicians, film directors, music-industry execs, journalists, and does a good job of covering the band’s half-century history in broad strokes, giving us a nice look at the Stones as musicians, celebrities, and young men growing to maturity in the public eye.” (adapted from Booklist)

Mötley Crüe : the dirt / [Tommy Lee ... et al. ; with Neil Strauss].
“In the beginning there was the Motley House, crawling with cockroaches and rats, beer cans piled on the porch so high they threatened to spill into the house every time you opened the door. “That place gave birth to Motley Crue,” the band recalls in The Dirt: The Autobiography of Motley Crue. Crue members Tommy Lee, Mick Mars, Vince Neil and Nikki Sixx also team up with New York Times music writer Neil Strauss to tell the story of their band’s rise to phenomenal success.” (adapted from Publisher Weekly)

Untouchable : the strange life and tragic death of Michael Jackson / Randall Sullivan.
“Dogged by scandal for over fifteen years and undone by his own tendency to trust the wrong people, Michael Jackson had become untouchable in many quarters, a fact that wounded him deeply. Now, drawing on unprecedented access to friends, enemies, employees, and associates of Jackson, Randall Sullivan delivers an intimate, unflinching, and deeply human portrait of a man who was never quite understood by the media, his fans, or even those closest to him. Traces the story of Michael Jackson’s life from his famous childhood through his final four years, drawing on interviews with his friends, enemies, and other associates to cover his international travels, business acumen, and parenting decisions”.(Syndetics summary)

Prince / Matt Thorne.
“Legendarily reticent, perverse and misleading, Prince is one of the few remaining 80s superstars who still, perhaps, remains unexplained. Now a firm fixture in the pop canon, where such classics as “Purple Rain”, “Sign o’ the Times” and “Parade” regularly feature in Best Ever Album polls, Prince is still, as he ever was, an enigma. Matt Thorne’s “Prince”, through years of research and interviews with ex-Revolution members such as Wendy and Lisa, is an account of a pop maverick whose experiments with rock, funk, techno and jazz revolutionized pop. With reference to every song, released and unreleased, over 35 years of recording, Prince will stand for years to come as the go-to book on the Great Man”.(Syndetics summary)

Joni : the creative odyssey of Joni Mitchell / Katherine Monk.
“Biographies of Joni Mitchell are attempted every few years, but the definitive one will have to wait until the singer-songwriter tells her own story. In the meantime, Monk’s is the closest thing to essential reading. She describes her book as a “rambling adventure into the creative soul,” and it follows Mitchell’s path to popular and critical success as well as her self-imposed exile from that success, while frankly addressing the highs and lows of her career and personal life. One intriguing aspect of the book is Monk’s pursuit of a kind of Mitchell-approved reading list (because of her subject’s own interest in philosophy). Monk uses Martin Heidegger, Joseph Campbell, and especially Friedrich Nietzsche to tell Mitchell’s story and shape the narrative of her creative odyssey.” (adapted from Library Journal)

Days that I’ll remember : spending time with John Lennon and Yoko Ono / Jonathan Cott.
“A contributing editor to Rolling Stone since its inception, Jonathan Cott met myriad musicians, but few-if any-made as deep an impression on him as John Lennon. Cott’s many discussions and interviews (including one conducted just three days before Lennon’s assassination, reproduced here in its entirety) reveal the two rhapsodically rapping about the meaning of “Strawberry Fields,” dealing with fame, Yoko’s alleged role in the breakup of the Beatles (”I think that each of the Beatles was too strong and tough an individual to have been influenced by me in any way” is her response), and the impact of psychologist Arthur Janov’s primal therapy treatment on the duo’s relationship and work together. Cott does a solid job of creating intimacy between Lennon and the reader, something fans of the much-missed musician will likely relish.” (adapted from Publisher Weekly)

Ride a white swan : the lives and death of Marc Bolan / Lesley-Ann Jones.
“From mod folk artist to flower power pixie elfin to the king of glam rockers, Marc Bolan was the ultimate chameleon. His far reaching musical and stylistic influence is more relevant today than ever with hits such as ‘Ride A White Swan’, ‘Children Of The Revolution’, ‘Get It On’ and ‘Hot Love’ as fresh and exhilarating as when first released. At last, in the 35th anniversary year of his tragic death, Marc Bolan represents the definite biography. Here rock biographer, Lesley-Ann Jones, paints a meticulous portrait of the T-Rex front man. From his childhood growing up in Hackney to his untimely death at the age of 29, Bolan’s life was one of relentless experimentation and metamorphoses.”(adapted from amazon.co.uk summary)

New travel stories. Love with a chance of drowning.

Love with a chance of drowning : a memoir / Torre DeRoche.
“Love can make a person do crazy things… A city girl with a morbid fear of deep water, Torre DeRoche is not someone you would ordinarily find adrift in the middle of the stormy Pacific aboard a leaky sailboat – total crew of two – struggling to keep an old boat, a new relationship and her floundering sanity afloat. But when she meets Ivan, a handsome Argentinean man with a humble sailboat and a dream to set off exploring the world, Torre has to face a hard decision: watch the man she’s in love with sail away forever, or head off on the watery journey with him. Suddenly the choice seems simple. She gives up her sophisticated city life, faces her fear of water (and tendency towards seasickness) and joins her lover on a year-long voyage across the Pacific.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Jungleland : a mysterious lost city, a WWII spy, and a true story of deadly adventure / Christopher S. Stewart.
“”… Stewart’s chronicle relates his 2008 odyssey to Honduras. He sought a place of rumored existence called the White City, with which he became obsessed upon learning that, in 1940, colorful adventurer Theodore Morde announced its discovery, though he kept proprietarily circumspect about its exact location. Morde then became an OSS agent but never returned to Honduras. With the assistance of Morde’s journal, an experienced American archaeologist, and local Honduran guides, Stewart sallied forth for the tropical forest where lurked the White City. ….–Taylor, Gilbert Copyright 2010 BooklistFrom Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.” (Booklist) (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Bearback : the world overland / Pat Garrod.
“‘Inspired’, ‘enthralling’ and ’stylish’ are just some of the words used to describe the first edition of Bearback. Now in paperback, Pat Garrod’s remarkable story is set to be discovered by even more travellers.. Imagine jacking it all in, packing your life into a 41-litre pannier and riding into the sunset. Bearback is the story of two GPs who did just that, downing stethoscopes to take off on their motorcycle, The Bear, to see the world. Across the deserts of Africa, over the mountains of the Andes, deep into the jungles of Indochina, and beyond the Arctic Circle; 100,000 miles through six continents and 64 countries. A circumnavigation of epic proportion and entirely unsupported, it was to become one of the longest journeys ever undertaken by a couple on one motorcycle, a journey destined to change their lives forever.” (Syndetics summary)

Farewell, Fred Voodoo : a letter from Haiti / Amy Wilentz.
“Describes the author’s long and painful relationship with Haiti before and after the 2010 earthquake, tracing the country’s turbulent history and its status as a symbol of human rights activism and social transformation.” (Syndetics summary)

The golden shore : California’s love affair with the sea / David Helvarg.
“”In this ambitious work, journalist and conservationist Helvarg (Saved by the Sea) successfully relates the myriad ways in which Californians engage with their beloved Pacific. …Unsurprisingly, Helvarg starts with surfing, specifically the Mavericks big-wave contest at Half Moon Bay. He covers California’s Native population from the earliest arrivals to a recent victory requiring the removal of dams on the Klamath River to return it and its fishing to a more natural state. Environmental issues appear throughout, though Helvarg also devotes entire chapters to shipping. …In two late chapters Helvarg describes a coastal drive from Mexico to Oregon, and then concludes with thoughts on how Californians will face ongoing environmental trials, such as a projected sea level rise of three feet or more. 12 b&w photos. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyons Literary Agency. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved” (Publisher Weekly)” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

New travel guides

Korea / this edition written and researched by Simon Richmond, Timothy N Hornyak, Shawn Low.Korea
“”The Korean Peninsula is a true travel gem: the South, a high-tech nation with a reverence for tradition and the ways of old Asia; the North, a challenging, geopolitical enigma.”Simon Richmond, Lonely Planet Writer .” (Amazon.co.uk.)

Back roads Ireland / contributors, Donna Daily … [et. al].
“Unearth the real soul of this magical region with all the practical information you could need, from road conditions and length of drive to parking information and opening hours. Twenty-five themed drives, each lasting one to seven days, reveal breathtaking views, hidden gems and authentic local experiences that can only be discovered by road. Each tour is bursting with insider knowledge and loaded with ideas for varied activities from walks to days on the beach and children’s attractions, to wine and cycling trips.” (Amazon.co.uk)

Top 10 Cancun and the Yucatan / Nick Rider.
“DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 Cancun & the Yucatan will lead you straight to the very best this region has to offer. Whether you’re looking for the things not to miss at the Top 10 sights, or want to find the best nightspots, this guide is the perfect pocket-sized companion. The guide is divided by area with restaurant reviews for each, as well as recommendations for hotels, bars, and places to shop. You’ll find the insider knowledge every visitor needs to explore every corner effortlessly with DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 Cancun & the Yucatan and its free pull-out map.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

36 hours USA & Canada : Midwest and Great Lakes / edited by Barbara Ireland.
“”The New York Times has been offering up dream weekends with practical itineraries in its popular weekly ‘36 Hours’ column since 2002. The many expert contributors, experienced travelers, and accomplished writers all have brought careful research, insider’s knowledge, and a sense of fun to hundreds of cities and destinations, always with an eye to getting the most out of a short trip.”–Amazon.com.” (Syndetics summary)

36 hours USA & Canada : West Coast / edited by Barbara Ireland.
“”The New York Times has been offering up dream weekends with practical itineraries in its popular weekly ‘36 Hours’ column since 2002. The many expert contributors, experienced travelers, and accomplished writers all have brought careful research, insider’s knowledge, and a sense of fun to hundreds of cities and destinations, always with an eye to getting the most out of a short trip.”–Amazon.com.” (Syndetics summary)