Monthly Archives: March 2020

Art & Design, book review, Non-Fiction

DRAWING AND PAINTING BOTANICALS FOR ARTISTS – REVIEW

Leave a comment

Litercurious Book Review

TitleDrawing and Painting Botanicals for Artists:
How to Create Beautifully Detailed Plant and
Flower Illustrations
AuthorKaren Kluglein
PublisherRockport Publishers (June 16, 2020)
FormatPaperback
Pages144
LanguageEnglish
ISBN #ISBN-10: 1631598570
ISBN-13: 978-1631598579

AUTHOR

Karen Kluglein is the author of Drawing and Painting Botanicals for Artists. Select link above to read more about her.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE?

Drawing and Painting Botanicals for Artists is unashamedly directed to the botanical artist community and those who aspire to the profession.

SYNOPSIS

Context is everything and before beginning the review of Drawing and Painting Botanicals for Artists I thought that you may like to know a little of the historic beginnings and importance of botanical art.

Before the advent of mechanical means for capturing botanical subjects artists and illustrators were the sole source for capturing plant forms for posterity. The practice of Botanical Illustration can be traced back through history to approximately 70 AD. The Greek botanist Pedanius Dioscorides produced the first officially recognized book of plant species for medical purposes. It wasn’t until the 1800’s and the explosion of exploration that the botanical illustrator became a respected profession in the eyes of the public. Previously, it was the preserve of physicians, pharmacists, botanical scientists, and gardeners for identification, analysis, and classification plant species who were respected. However, it was during the these halcyon days of worldwide discovery that artists and illustrators began to make significant contributions to the scientific publications of the day. Together with improvements in the printing of illustrations, the art of botanical illustration was set to change the world.

Botanical Artists became famous with such illuminated names as:

PIERRE-JOSEPH REDOUTÉ (1766 – 1854)

MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN (1647 – 1717)

FRANZ AND FERDINAND BAUER (1750 and 1850)

MARIANNE NORTH (1830 – 1890)

ANNE PRATT (1806 – 1893)

ERNST HAECKEL (1834-1919)

Today photographs have replaced most illustrations in scientific journals. Botanical artists are still highly sought after and often editors of publications will engage a botanical artist to create a greater sense of importance in place of a mere photograph.

You may be one of many aspiring artists who find botanical illustration to be worthy of further study and you would do well to begin your art journey with, Drawing and Painting Botanicals for Artists.

Drawing and Painting Botanicals for artists, was produced by Karen Kluglein. She is a freelance painter and illustrator of significant talent and skill.

Kluglein has produced a concise yet inspirational work that is an essential prerequisite for anyone wishing to quickly enjoy the process of painting or drawing botanical subjects. The pages are full of both color and monochrome images, illustrations and photographs of Kluglein’s own handiwork. The chapters are well structured with a Key Terms section early-on to assist newcomers in getting to grips with the jargon. There are silverpoint illustrations that immediately caught my eye, as I very much enjoy that medium for certain subjects. Beginning with the mediums and supplies, the author quickly moves on to share the essential drawing techniques that can elevate your work considerably. You will learn the importance of values, tones and highlights in creating beautiful botanical illustrations. Kluglein, throughout the book heralds the primacy of proficiency in the fundamentals of drawing. Invaluable information sits comfortably next to spectacular color illustrations for an esthetically pleasing viewing experience. As the book progresses, there are step by step methods for producing your own homegrown botanical art. On page 53 you will find the suggested method to draw in the much maligned color pencil a Blackberry in six easy stages. A range of media are explored from gouache to acrylic paint and color pencils to watercolors. Each one with a brief nugget of advice to help keep you on track. Brushes, painting surfaces and painting such as washes, layering, lifting, graduations, and dry brush techniques are covered. There are suggested exercises for you to try out complete with examples of how it should look when you are complete.

She goes on to mention color mapping, natural hair brush types and sizes, painting surfaces, paper weights, surface texture as well as vellum. She explains how to attack overlaps, how to change a petal shape, fix spots, mottling, how to add texture-final details and how to finish.

CONCLUSION

Karen Kluglein has put together an excellent reference book for aspiring botanical artists. She provides tips-and-tricks for all types of media, art surfaces, supplies, errors, and techniques. She has created a wonderful book that will add to any home or office.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Karen Kluglein, NetGalley, and Rockport Publishers for affording me the opportunity to review Drawing and Painting Botanicals for Artists: How to create Beautifully Detailed Plant and Flower Illustrations.

book review, History, Non-Fiction, World War 2

Retribution – REVIEW

Leave a comment

Litercurious Book Review

TitleRetribution: The Soviet Reconquest of
Central Ukraine, 1943
AuthorPrit Buttar
PublisherOsprey Publishing; 1 edition (October 31, 2019)
FormatPaperback, Kindle, Hardcover, Audiobook
Pages480
Language:English
ASINB07RD6YNZT

AUTHOR

Prit Buttard is a British general practitioner and writer. He has written multiple history genre books covering WWI and WWII. He even authored a couple of novels. He did a five-year stint in the British Army as a surgeon and medical officer. He had an outstanding career and recently moved with his family to Scotland in 2017. You can find out more about Prit Buttard here and here.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE?

This book will appeal to anyone who enjoys the history of epic war-time battles. WWII history enthusiasts will find the information contained within its pages invaluable.

SYNOPSIS

Retribution: The Soviet Reconquest of Central Ukraine, 1943 tells the story of the Ukrainian front during WWII. Through exhaustive research, personal accounts, and eyewitness interviews Prit Buttard brings the epic conflict to life. The reader gets an account of the myriad of detriments effecting both sides. The Germans were better trained soldiers but lacked supply’s, replacement personnel, ammunition, they were unsuited to the environment, and much more. The Soviets were not well trained but had an inexhaustible amount replacement personnel, resupply, and factories that were beyond the reach of the German forces. They were also well suited to the environment. The German Army was also constantly being undermined by Hitler trying to micro-manage the conflict without possessing any concrete knowledge of what exactly was transpiring on the front. The Soviets didn’t experience the limitations that Hitler did as they were right there managing the battles as they went.

Prit describes the battles from the major confrontations to the grittier hand-to-hand personal battles. He gives an account of the Ukrainian people that were caught behind the German lines and the suffering they endured both during the conflict and as the Germans retreated. He does an excellent job of portraying the human conflict from all sides during this dreadful time in history.

Although the information was captivating, the book was a little disjointed due the different timelines between chapters. The reference material was also lacking in usable maps for the reader to follow along.

 CONCLUSION

Prit Buttar does a great job of bringing this epic conflict into view. Even though the maps were somewhat useless, the story is one that needed to be told. This conflict tied up German forces, resources and time allowing Allied forces to win on other fronts. The loss of life on both sides is astronomical. The Soviets, through sheer manpower, overwhelmed the Germans and their limited supplies to force their retreat. Overall, an excellent read!

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Prit Buttar, NetGalley, and Osprey Publishing for affording me the opportunity to review Retribution: The Soviet Reconquest of Central Ukraine, 1943.

book review, History, Non-Fiction

WILLIAMS’ GANG – REVIEW

Leave a comment

Litercurious Book Review

TitleWilliams’ Gang: A Notorious Slave Trader and
His Cargo of Black Convicts
AuthorJeff Forret
PublisherCambridge University Press (January 16, 2020)
FormatKindle, Hardcover
Pages479
LanguageEnglish
ISBN # 1108493033

AUTHOR

Discover the Prof. Jeff Forret, the author of Williams’ Gang on his page here.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE

Forret’s manuscript is an invaluable tool for those wishing to understand and appreciate the mechanisms of the slave trade.

SYNOPSIS

Jeff Forret’s work is an extensive and comprehensive examination of the slave trade from the perspective of William H. Williams. 

Williams hailed from Washington DC (District of Columbia), Virginia where he engaged in the flesh trade in a private home known as the Yellow House. The property, surrounded by a twelve-foot wall patrolled by men and ferocious dogs, was more of a human warehouse/sales lot for his chattels than a home. The slaves (men, women, and children) were kept in the basement of the two-story house and then sold at auction in the yard. If selling abducted human beings wasn’t bad enough, he engaged in the kidnapping free “men” or former freed slaves and selling them into servitude. 

The now famous Solomon Northup, a free man of New York, was just one of the people the Williams Gang thrust into bondage. You may recognize his name as he was the writer of in Twelve Years a Slave where he recounted his life experiences as a free man and a slave. 

Forret goes onto chronicle the range of legal wrangles and the events surrounding Williams’  purchase of 27 convicts in 1840 for transport and sale outside of the United States. After illegally transporting the convicts to New Orleans, Louisiana he became entangled in legal proceedings lasting decades; well past the abolishment of slavery by the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  

Based on a plethora of reference material, Forret describes the attitudes, economies, and politics of the time surrounding the slave trade.  

CONCLUSION

An excellent primer for anyone wishing to gain a greater knowledge of the workings of the United States Slave Trade during the 1800’s. The attitudes, politics, and economics of the era are eyeopening and intriguing. Williams’ Gang: A Notorious Slave Trader and His Cargo of Black Convicts is an excellent look into the history of human bondage in the United States.

As I read the book, I found similarities to the style of writing in a work called Stolen, written by Richard Bell. You can find my review for Stolen here on Litercurious.

Further reading about Williams’ Gang can be found here.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank Jeff Forret, NetGalley, and Cambridge University Press for affording me the opportunity to review Williams’ Gang: A Notorious Slave Trader and His Cargo of Black Convicts.

book review, Non-Fiction

WALKING TO SAMARKAND – REVIEW

Leave a comment

Litercurious Book Review

TitleWalking To Samarkand: The Great Silk Road
from Persia to Central Asia
AuthorBernard Ollivier, (Translator Dan Golembeski)
PublisherSkyhorse (April 14, 2020)
FormatKindle, Hardcover
Pages312
LanguageEnglish
ISBN # 10/131510746897 / 978-1510746893

“Life’s caravan is hastening on its way;
Brood not on troubles of the coming day,
But fill the wine-cup, ere sweet night be gone,
And snatch a pleasant moment, while you may.“

Quatrains of Omar Khayyam (tr. Whinfield, 1883). Vol. 1, Quatrain 137

AUTHOR

Bernard Ollivier is a French Author who has become the inspiration for a generation. Once he retired he decided that rather than embrace leisurely afternoons in one locations he preferred the adventure of travel primarily by self perambulation. 7,456 miles later we have the benefit of his experiences, his reflections, and his opinions gleaned on his journeys, in a range exquisitely written travelogues.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE

All of those with an adventurous heart.

SYNOPSIS

With the aid of Dan Golembeski, the translator of Walking To Samarkand, Ollivier has managed to cram his personal account into a seemingly impossible 312 pages.

Ollivier whisks us away with him from Bazaar to Bukhara across oceanic desert through multiple borders, and caravansaries (old world Bed and Breakfast, B&B’s). Our journey transports us to the magnificence of Samarkand in all its rare beauty. Along the way he introduces us to a host of characters including; the Robber-Cop, the pilgrims on the road to Mash-had, the Turkmens of Tehran and a myriad of other fascinating strangers.

We accompany Ollivier though our minds eye. We see and fell through his senses. We experience the sounds, the sights and the sensations through his exquisite descriptions. We feel as the heat rises and the competing demands of balancing hydration against the weight of carrying the priceless water press heavily on his mind. There is even a fleeting chance of a romantic liaison.

After Ollivier’s enormous effort the city of bright water and colorful people is finally in sight, and what a sight she is. For a millennia, Samarkand was the apple in many a tyrant’s eye. From the Khanates of Burkkara and Kniva to the Achaemenid Kings they all shared a thirst for her water resources. Samarkand is the very definition of an oasis in the desert. She has stood on the Great Silk Road from the beginning. Today however, Samarkand stands on the Great Cotton Road. White Gold, as cotton is referred to, has replaced the spices and other valuables. The road has had many names in the past; including the Golden Road during the time of the Achaemenid Kings. Who knows what it will called in the future. What we can say is that whatever the road is called, Samarkand will almost certainly remain a jewel of the desert.

CONCLUSION

It was a joy, a pleasure and an honor to have accompanied Bernard Ollivier on his journey, all be it vicariously though the pages of his manuscript. The phrase that ‘travel broadens the mind‘ holds true. Ollivier includes a plethora of information about the culture, the language, and the people of the region. I am amazed he managed to consolidate all of his observations so succinctly. I can still sense the bustling Grand Bazaar, the heat of the day, and the sight of the once great Bibi-Khanym Mosque (now a UNESCO site).

If you have one adventurous bone in your body then you will love this journal. I heartily recommend Walking To Samarkand.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Bernard Ollivier, NetGalley, and Skyhorse for affording me the opportunity to review Walking To Samarkand.

I would like to make a special acknowledgment to Dan Golembeski for the exceptional job of translating Walking To Samarkand.

Animal & Pet Care, book review, Non-Fiction

HOW TO SPEAK CAT – Review

Leave a comment

Litercurious Book Review

TitleHow to Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding
Cat Language
AuthorAline Alexander Newman & Gary Weitzman, D.V.M.
PublisherHarper Collins
FormatLibrary Binding, Paperback
Pages176
LanguageEnglish
ISBN #10/13 ASIN#ISBN-10: 9781426318634
ISBN-13: 978-1426318634
ASIN: 1426318634

AUTHOR

Aline Alexander Newman and Gary Weitzman, D.V.M. are the authors of How to Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language. Click on their names to find out more about them and their publications.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE

How to Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language is appropriate for those of any age. The target audience is children and young adults.

SYNOPSIS

The structure of the book guides the reader through the essentials about felines from a veterinarian perspective and includes a quiz as a memory aid. As cats utilize both vocal and physical communication, the authors have provided a comprehensive yet brief breakdown of cat body language. Having owned a cat myself, I am only too aware of the importance of understanding the occult clues of feline behavior. What is abundantly clear, is that cats have a myriad of means to communicate their feelings, emotions and intentions. How to Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language will aid those who fail to pick up on many of the felines nuances and assist them in better addressing their pets concerns. Most importantly, following some of the advice herein contained will avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and ultimately be less stressful for the cat and owner.

Included within the book is a chapter on anti-social or dissonant behaviors is a brief breakdown of issues that can cause problems for both owner and cat. In this chapter biting, spraying and bullying are discussed along with a spectrum of other troublesome activities of some wild cats. Other chapters cover the playful side of your cat or kitten and some advice on how to recognize fear, aggression and frustrations .

The publication is resplendent with a gallery of full color high-quality photographs. The summation is elegant and includes some myth busting, fun ideas for you, your cat, and a fun quiz. There is a list of resources, an index and credits.

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, I had fun reading How to Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language and it is my opinion that you will also. I read so many intense scientific manuals on a weekly basis, that this publication was a complete breath of fresh air. It is bright, brilliant and informative as well as being amazingly illustrated throughout with colorful photographs. It is a great buy for your home library or as a gift for anyone who loves cats. I strongly recommend this publication to you.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Aline Alexander Newman and Gary Weitzman, NetGalley, and Harper Collins for affording me the opportunity to review How to Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language.

book review, History, Non-Fiction, Politics

THE DAILY THOMAS PAINE – REVIEW

Leave a comment

Litercurious Book Review

TitleThe Daily Thomas Paine: A Year of
Common-Sense Quotes
AuthorThomas Paine (Author) (Author Editor Edward G. Gray)
PublisherUniversity of Chicago Press
FormatPaperback
Pages176
LanguageEnglish
ISBN #9780226653518

AUTHOR / EDITOR

The eponymous Thomas Paine was the Enlightenment era Philosopher, Political activist, and some say Revolutionary. During his 72 years on earth, he made a lasting impression in the field of political science and philosophy. You can find out more about this extraordinary thinker here. Editor Edward G. Gray Professor of history at Florida State University.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE

Those unfamiliar with the importance of Paine as a philosopher will benefit most from this brief introduction of the man through his published thoughts.

SYNOPSIS

The Daily Thomas Paine could be described as a conspectus or a brief compendium of the learned man’s published thoughts. The main work is proceeded by a comprehensive Forward that acts as context to the broader work. Structured as a standard calendar year beginning on January 1st, there are quotes on each page in bite sized nuggets of wisdom ending on 31 December. The manuscript culminates with a brief Index of Sources.

CONCLUSION

I don’t prefer this method of reductionism, and it provides neither a sense of the philosopher nor an adequate take on his concepts and perspectives. There are little gems of wisdom sprinkled throughout the text but they are too few and too brief. I never felt that this volume was a satisfactory salute to Thomas Paine’s great acumen or his humanity. I wish I could say that The Daily Thomas Paine would have made a primer for those who wish to gain some insight into the man, but I’m unable to do so. I found this book to be something of a disappointment and a wasted opportunity. You may hold a different view, but you will only know if you read it for yourself.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank Thomas Paine, NetGalley, and University of Chicago Press for affording me the opportunity to review The Daily Thomas Paine.

Animal & Pet Care, book review, Non-Fiction

THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CATS – REVIEW

Leave a comment

Litercurious Book Review

TitleThe Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cats: A Visual
Directory of Cat Breeds, Plus Practical Information
on Breeding, Training, and Care
AuthorAngela Rixon ARPS
PublisherChartwell Books; Illustrated edition (June 9, 2020)
FormatHardcover
Pages256
LanguageEnglish
ISBN # 10/130785838295 / 978-0785838296

AUTHOR

Angela Rixon ARPS is President of the Cat Association of Great Britain. She is an ex-show judge, and cat breeder. She is a prolific author with more than 30 publications on cats, horses and canines.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE

Principally, the target audience is the world of cat lovers, but anyone who loves animals will appreciate the beauty of this encyclopedia.

SYNOPSIS

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cats is the essential guide for every feline fanatic. Resplendent with full color images across the 256 page conspectus. This encyclopedic knowledge of cats is packed with practical information, advice and original ideas for the serious ailurophile.

Whilst it is not an all-embracing examination of every cat breed it is comprehensive enough to satisfy the serious cat lover. The publication covers a brief history of the cat, body types, behaviors, breeding, showing and care.

Even though I do not own a cat, I found the book to be extremely interesting. It offered me a unique insight into the life of cats through the eyes of a devoted professional cat breeder. In addition to the plethora of photographs, there are multiple color illustrations, anatomical drawings and plates. Additionally included within the pages are charts, maps, and a table of feline diseases.

CONCLUSION

You have to see The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cats to believe just how aesthetically pleasing this manual is. It has been a while since I had so much fun reading a reference work. I can highly recommend this text for the exceptional quality of the visuals and the invaluable information contained within.

In my opinion The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cats is a wonderful reference work for anyone who owns cat.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank Angela Rixon, NetGalley, and Chartwell Books for affording me the opportunity to review The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cats.

book review, History, Non-Fiction

ENDURANCE – REVIEW

Leave a comment

Litercurious Book Review

TitleEndurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage
AuthorAlfred Lansing
PublisherBasic Books 2007
FormatPaperback, Kindle, Hardcover, Audiobook
Pages304
Language:English
ISBN # 10 / 139780753809877 / 978-0753809877

AUTHOR

Alfred Lansing majored in journalism, served in the U.S. Navy, worked as a newspaper editor and later became a freelance writer. Find out more about Alfred here.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE

Anyone who loves: adventure, human struggle, epic survival, suspense, history, extreme seamanship, and great leadership will absolutely love this book.

SYNOPSIS

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage is a true story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. The information within the book was taken from the diaries of the expedition members, interviews conducted with the surviving members, and letters.

In 1915, Sir Shackleton attempted to cross the Antarctic overland from west to east. What followed was an epic struggle to survive in sub-zero temperatures, without food and minimal shelter. After his ship “Endurance” got mired in the ice and then later crushed, he and his men were forced to survive on the ice.

The story is of men fighting against nature to survive eighteen months on a drifting ice flow. Starvation, scurvy, frostbite, and illness are just a few of the hardships these men had to suffer through. These men spent endless nights in the freezing rain and snow waiting for spring to come; always hungry, always cold, always freezing, always wondering if they would live through it all.

As the months passed by and situation became more dire, Sir Shackleton kept the men going through sheer determination and leadership. This story is not just of survival but the struggle of Sir Shackleton and his dedication to his men. He is a man that is not easily equaled. His personal fortitude, expertise, and charisma kept the party alive as much as anything else.

Sir Shackleton’s heroism and self-sacrifice is why he decided to attempt a crossing of the South Atlantic Ocean in a lifeboat to reach help for his men. Crossing the South Atlantic in a ship is dangerous, but an 800-mile journey by lifeboat is almost suicidal. The human struggle against the elements of the South Atlantic is another epic chapter in this story.

 CONCLUSION

This book is one of the best books I’ve read. The story is well written and I enjoyed every minute of it. The suspense flows right through the book from beginning to end. The reader constantly wants to continue to the next chapter just to see how these men continue to survive. The tale is epic in the extreme. I most heartily recommend this book.

book review, fantasy, Fiction, Romance

TEN FINGERS TOUCHING – REVIEW

Leave a comment

Litercurious Book Review

TitleTen Fingers Touching
AuthorEllen A. Roth MFA
PublisherGetting to the Point, Inc.; First edition (April 12, 2015)
Pages110
LanguageEnglish
ASIN #B00W1XABD0

AUTHOR

Ellen A. Roth MFA is the author of Ten Fingers Touching. You can find out all about her here

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE? 

Anyone who enjoys a heartwarming tale sprinkled with love and adventure in equal measure set against the fight between good and evil.

SYNOPSIS

Ten Fingers Touching is a well crafted and sculpted story written by a consummate professional in the person of Ellen A. Roth.

Roth has managed to combine a romance within the epic struggle between the honorable and the malevolent, skillfully woven with a surprising conclusion.

Whilst a brief tale, the story has something for everyone; ethical dilemmas, copious moments of adventure, love interest, and plenty of mystery.

One cannot comment on Roth’s exquisite manuscript without mention of the simply magnificent illustrations produced by John Blumen. Obviously, John completely understood what was required artistically to further enhance a most beautiful fairy-tale. Collectively they make a stunning combination and a spectacular book.

Whilst the story is concise at 110 pages in length it left me wanting to read more. I sincerely hope that Roth follows up with a second offering in the near future. I for one, will be in the queue to purchase a copy.   

CONCLUSION

Ten Fingers Touching was a joy to discover. It left me with a warm fuzzy feeling that is frequently lacking in many of today’s tales. I enjoyed following the well crafted characters and frankly, I never wanted the tale to conclude. It was engaging throughout and left me wanting more.

A beautifully crafted love story in the midst of adversity with a twist in its tale.

Ten Fingers Touching is a steal at the price right now on Amazon. It is flying off the shelves. I strongly recommend snatching up your copy while they’re still available. It would make an ideal gift for anyone over 10 years old.

Biography, book review, History, Non-Fiction

DANGEROUS SHALLOWS -REVIEW

Leave a comment

Litercurious Book Review

TitleDangerous Shallows: In Search of The
Ghost Ships of Cape Cod
AuthorEric Takakjian & Randall Peffer
PublisherLyons Press (January 24, 2020)
FormatPaperback, Kindle
Pages272
Language:English
ISBN # 10 / 131493042300 / 978-1493042302

AUTHORS

Find out more about Eric Takakjian on his linkedin page here. He can be found on Boston Sea Rovers here. Finally you can find some information on Eric at Doug Grad Literary Agency, Inc. here.

You can find some information on Randall at Doug Grad Literary Agency, Inc. here. Randall Peffer gives a 90 second video biography here.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE

This book is for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a sailor, a diver, a history buff, an adventurer, or you just like a good thriller; this book has it all.

SYNOPSIS

Dangerous Shallows: In Search of The Ghost Ships of Cape Cod is a superbly written book that grips the reader from the very onset. Eric Takakjian takes the reader from the earliest of times in relation to diving techniques to modern mixed gasses. He intersperses his experiences with spellbinding tales of sunken ships and the events that led up to their tragic fates.

Eric explains in terms that are easy to understand all of the intricacies of diving and especially deep diving. He guides us through the uses of mixed gas to get to exceptionally deep wrecks and the troubles associated with each dive. He brings into view the price of miscalculation and bad circumstance and the lethal effects associated with deep diving. Intermixed is his own journey as a USCG crewman through his marriage and operating his own dive company while looking for those “virgin” wrecks.

Dangerous Shallows covers a myriad of different vessels and reasons for their current predicaments. The wrecks that Eric explores cover centuries of accidents, war, and depression. He takes the time to relate to the reader exactly what he sees and feels as he dives the wrecks. While swimming over the wrecks, he takes the reader back in time and makes the reader feel as if they are there for each vessel’s demise. The reader can feel the panic, the elation, the fear, or the determination of the people associated with each vessel.

Included within the book are the stories of his own trials and tribulations. He talks about the hardships keeping “virgin” wreck locations secret and the betrayal of “friends” who want to use his work for their own gains. He explains the research he, his wife, and friends undertake to locate and find each lost vessel. Eric describes the dangers each particular dive has; from currents, to sharks, to visibility issues, to the “bends.”

The author interfuses pictures and illustrations throughout the book. The color and black and white photos enhance the readers perceptions of the boats and the wrecks. Some of the photos are historic as are the schematics.

CONCLUSION

This book is thrilling, mysterious, and intriguing. Even if you don’t know much about diving and especially deep diving, this book easily explains the terms and conditions. The stories of the individual wrecks are told in vivid detail.  The reader can easily feel as if they are right there with him on this journey of discovery. I heartily recommend this book for everyone.

AKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Eric Takakjian and Randall Peffer, NetGalley, and Lyons Press for affording me the opportunity to review Dangerous Shallows: In Search of the Ghost Ships of Cape Cod.