Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

I was just there
Our dive club just spend 2 1/2 weeks diving around Bali last September, and this was our best guide--especially useful for places we hadn't visited before, like Menjangan. Periplus really does it right. And BTW there's a Periplus bookstore in Ubud, where divers who also like the local culture tend to stay when they're done diving.

We also recommend the Periplus Indonesia dive book for other places that don't have books of their own, like Wakatobi, Raja Ampat, and Komodo.

Indonesia has arguably the best diving on Earth, and Bali is best place to start. It's a culturally cohesive society with a low crime rate, a sophisticated civilization, and a fondness for Americans (we tend to treat the locals in a more egalitarian fashion than Euros and Chinese do). The danger of terrorist attacks is nil except in Kuta where the Aussies go to party--and that's nowhere near any place we stay or go on the island. And Indonesia has been going great work on nabbing terrorists before they blow things up--as well as executing the masterminds of the Kuta bombing, which they just did.

You will probably want to bring your own gear, but, that said, I had a local beach guide field-repair a free-flowing Air II right on the beach, delaying my entry only by a few minutes.

One note of caution: the "beach" at Tulamben is quite rocky--no sand. Many of our group found entry and exit difficult, but Paradise Palm Bungalow's guide Made was a wonder at getting us in and out with our camera gear. That's a little tip I don't recall reading in the Periplus book, but it could make a big difference for your diving there.

The best dive guide ever
I know that this sounds like hyperbole, but this book is so far above and beyond any other dive guide I have used that I cannot resist. The maps are works of art and acurate, to boot.

After reading this book, my dives at the Liberty, the Tulamben drop off and Batu Kelebit seemed like visits with old friends.

As a terrific bonus, you can even dive these sites with Wally Siagian (+62 363 41869, persistantly) as I did.

Reads like a novel
Best dive guide I've read about any location. Get this one if going to Bali.

Best guide for everyone diving Bali
This is an outstanding and reliable resource on diving in Bali. The author writes with clarity. It is an enjoyable read even if you can get out there as often as you'd like. Worth reading!

Diving Bali : The Underwater Jewel of Southeast Asia (Peripl
I received my copy of Diving Bali : The Underwater Jewel of Southeast Asia (Periplus Action Guides)yesterday, and lost a good night's sleep reading it.My only regret in buying this book is that I didn't get it before going diving in Bali last summer.The pictures are outstanding and themaps are of a very high quality.I think I'll be cancelling my diving tripto the Philippines in July and returning to Bali instead! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Scuba Diving Explained
Book was in tip top shape; expensive at $75 but probably fair as it is out of print; arrived in a timely manner.

For advanced divers, more than a regular diver needs to know
This book explains scuba diving in much more detail than required by your average recreational diver.Too bad it is out of print.

Great addition to my dive library
Clearly and concisely written, covering physics as well as the basics in dive physiology.Excellent follow up the the basics taught in the open water classes.This book is a must read for all open water divers, after getting a few dives under your belt.

The authoritative book on scuba diving.
At 49, I finally began my dive certification classes and had many questions regarding the physiology and the effects of pressure on the body of moving in a liquid world.This book was an invaluable source of information and easy to read for the layperson without a medical background.From the early orgins of diving to modern scuba equipment, the medical aspects of pressure on your body, effects and prevention of squeezes, and information on decompression sickness is explained clearly and understandably for the reader.It also contains quizzes and interesting facts on diving.If you are a new diver or a seasoned one and if you can find this book, add it to your library.It is a wealth of information for the scuba diver.

A great book on the physiology of SCUBA diving.
This book explains in detail what is only given a cursory review in most open water SCUBA classes.It thoroughly explains the physics, physiology and medical aspects of SCUBA in a detailed, but easy to understand way that any open water diver can understand. ... Read more

Product Description
Bathed by the waters of two oceans, Thailand's varied diving environments are home to colorful coral reefs and an impressive diversity of marine life. Live-aboard ships explore the offshore islands with their beautiful white-sand beaches and lush vegetation, and go beyond the Thai border to newly pioneered dive sites in Myanmar. A rich culture and well-developed infrastructure make this the most popular diving region in Southeast Asia.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 76 sites
Full-color photos throughout
Easy-to-read maps of dive regions
Guide to marine life
Travel logistics and topside attractions
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Diving thailand
Good all round description of dive sites and resorts. All you need to plan your holiday. ... Read more

Product Description

The nutrient-rich waters off the Northern California coast support a kaleidoscope of colourful fish and invertebrates sheltered by dense kelp forests, underwater canyons, inshore pinnacle and offshore rocky reefs. Playful sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters are just a few of the other attractions that divers regularly enjoy. This book describes 46 of the best scuba and free-diving sites throughout Central and Northern California - including Monterey Bay, Carmel Bay, and the Big Sur, Sonoma and Mendocino coasts - with full-color photos throughout.

• You'll get specific information on:
  
• Dive site depth range and conditions
• Common and hazardous marine life
• Diving services, campgrounds & state parks
• Equipment and safety, plus expert advice on underwater photography
• 10 easy-to-read maps

Customer Reviews (3)

Snorkeling Guide?This has nothing to do with Snorkeling
I bought this book and the Diving and Snorkeling Guide to the Cayman Islands sight unseen.Ususaly Lonely Planet has great books but not this time.This is a dive guide, not a snorkeling guide.Putting Snorkeling into the title is a blatent attempt to sell more books.There is almost no info about where to snorkel in Monterey or Northern California.Instead, the info is just about diving.Info about diving a site that is in 75 feet (etc..) of water has nothing to do with being able to snorkel it.

Good general reference, locals and tourists.
This is a great overview of the most popular Monterey/Carmel dives, with accurate dive information/directions and good guidance regarding levels of expertise.I've sent this to "warm-water-only" diver friends and made a few converts -- it's not shy about the cold water (easily dealt with by proper gear), but shows off the majesty of kelp beds and the delights of diving with seals, sea lions and sea otters to advantage.

More experienced buddies who thought they knew it all about particular dives have been skeptical watching me (a relative novice) pull this out of my bag, but after review commented that it's an excellent resource for dive planning (e.g., depths, navigation, surge, what to look for).For a tourist to the area wanting to get in a bit of diving, a great resource to supplement a local guide.For us locals, a nice addition to word-of-mouth, an end to playing "guess the species," and a great resource when arguing about where to dive next time .

A great resource for diving in Monterey/North Coast
I regularly dive the monterey area and I was looking for more information about the area, and the north coast. This book was great! Beautiful pictures and great information. The book works very well for deciding on a place to dive, and is a great reference for finding new dive sites. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Stellar guide for a stellar locale
The authors have done their homework to write this dive book.I love diving Indonesia and rate it #1 in the world, as do they.Great for topside as well as underwater sites to explore.Very complete dive book.Buy Diving the World, too, by the same authors.You won't be disappointed.

A great Valentines Present.
My wife bought me this for a Valentine present. It is one of the best gifts I have received in a long time. Great information through the authors eyes. If you are a SE Asia diver this book is a must have, before you plan your dives through the area.

Definately not meant for a backpacker.............
Great book, lots of colorful pictures, and a good general breifing of local dive sites and conditions. However the authors could have done a much better job when it comes to giving recommendations on accomadation, and describing the practical info and costs of the areas. There rating system considers budget accomadation under $75 dollars a night. They also do not describe how much it costs per dive, or provide the info on how to get from one area to another. Long term travellers like myself will enjoy this book, but will definately need a second reference for planning a budget trip! ... Read more

Product Description
Hawaii offers underwater adventures for all, from snorkelers to divers, from the novice to the expert. Whether you're diving through wrecks or observing tropical marine life, this guide will take you to the best sites around the five dive regions - Oahu, the Big Island, Maui County, Kauai & Niihau, and Midway Islands.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 67 sites.
Full-color photos throughout.
Maps of dive regions.
Guide to marine life.
Travel logistics and topside attractions.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great for divers
This book covers ALL the islands for diving and snorkeling. It would be perfect if you were going to be diving a lot there. It gave thorough information for many areas. We found that asking locals for great spots worked out better. The book did give us a great starting point and some info about parking and the beaches at locals.

Good general Hawaii dive guide
Since Hawaii has a number of islands, each with a ton of dive sites, this book only has general and somewhat limited information for specific areas.I would have preferred a Diving & Snorkeling MAUI guide, but as far as I know Lonely Planet doesn't make one.The Diving & Snorkeling Hawaii book would be fine if it was a bit longer (this one is pretty short), but then it would be a pain to pack. ... Read more

Product Description

Renowned diver/photographer Carl Roessler escorts you on an around-the-world trip with poetic and magical images of legendary reefs in Thailand, the Maldives, the Red Sea, Papua New Guinea, the Coral Sea, Baja California, the Galapagos, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, and many more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Lovely photography. Good coffee table book
This is a book of beautiful photography, with interesting text to supplement it. There is nothing in the book about the Florida Keys, however the book makes a stellar "coffee table book". The photos andsummaries are from divesites all over the world, including the Caribbean,California, Hawaii, Galapagos, Polynesia, Australia, Asia, the Red Sea, andmany others.

Very informative with beautiful photography
This book does an excellent job of describing the marine life found in numerous diving locations throughout the world.Mr. Roessler is very informative and descriptive, as well as being very honest and objectiveabout the pros and cons of dive travel to these locations.I will use thisbook in planning future dive trips since his description of places I havealready dived was extremely consistent with my personal experience andobservations.His photography is superb and my non-diving friends reallyenjoyed looking through the book as well.A 'must have' for divers andanyone who appreciates great photography! ... Read more

Product Description
This edition to the successful Ragged Mountain Press Woman's Guides will introduce the rapidly-growing sport of scuba diving, the fastest growing segment of which is women. Sport diving, or scuba (an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus), is more than a summer activity; for many people. It is a prime motivator for traveling to exotic destinations. Diving appeals to all ages and levels of fitness, and its allure has much to do with its social aspect: one always dives with a buddy, with groups of other divers, and at least in the beginning stages, accompanied by a dive instructor or divemaster. Claire Walter, a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)-certified advanced diver, addresses women's issues in everything from getting started and diving basics to advanced diving. As with other titles in the series, she weaves women's voices into the narrative to provide a range of assuring experiences. Among topics covered are overcoming one's fears, choosing the right instructor, equipment,your first dive, and expanding your horizons. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

wish it were more 'woman' specific
The book covers diving areas well for beginner's.There is some specific guidance for women regarding equipment but more in depth coverage in this area would have been helpful.The weight of the tank can be a large issue for middle aged women who are not in the best shape.

However, the book does hit on some good points for women.

Answers Beginner's Questions
At the beginning, Scuba diving is full of mysteries. The equipment, thephysiology, the underwater world all seem complicated. This book sorts outwhat beginners need to know--especially women who approach new sportsdifferently than men. I'd recommend this for any woman starting to dive. ... Read more

Product Description
Cozumel is home to crystalline waters and colorful reefs, and boasts some of the best diving in the world. From Palancar Reef to the botanical wonderland of Tormentos, this book offers inspiration and advice to divers and snorkelers of all levels.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 21 sites.
Full-color photos throughout.
Easy-to-read maps of dive regions.
Guide to marine life.
Island dive operations and topside attractions.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

good pre-dive resource
purchased before a drive trip to Cozumel.worth the time to review options before travel.

great for divers but.....
Good information for divers, but, any snorkeling information was an after thought at best. Island information andCozumel travel tips were accurate.

Found most of the sites I dived in this book!
I took this with me this past May to Cozumel, where I went diving. I was happy to be able to read and hi-light the pluses and minuses of the water conditions there. I always order these Lonely Planet books months BEFORE my trip, not only to see if it is really where I want to go, but also as my guide when I am there!

They contain, JUST ENOUGH INFORMATION, without overkill. Nice colorful photos, and the end section always makes you educated on the dangers in the ocean as well! ... Read more

Product Description
Scuba bunnies
Long to see
What’s beneath
The deep blue sea

After bath time, scuba bunnies kiss their mamas and off they go on an imaginary undersea voyage. They dive for treasure, ride the waves, and leap with dolphins, until it’s time to backstroke home in bunny buddy pairs, to mamas waiting onshore with towels and warm hugs.

With infectious rhyme and enchanting illustrations, here’s a bath-to-bedtime adventure that’s sure to become a favorite. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Absolutely precious!
This picture book makes a great gift for any toddler (I actually bought it as a baby gift for a newborn) but, particularly if the baby's parents are scuba divers, themselves. They will appreciate the depth of research made in producing the book and the play on words, such as scuba bunnies (ie; scuba buddies.) Based on the details of the story, it is evident that the author knows about the sport of scuba diving, yet the story is written in simple, uncomplicated, sweetly rhyming words; appropriate for young children. It engages upon an active bunny fantasy under the sea, supported by adorable illustrations and colorful, underwater spectacles. Since I gave it as a gift, I am seriously considering buying another copy for myself (and I'm a "50-something" scuba diver who has been enjoying the sport for over 20 years!) It is a precious little book and now I wish to explore the other "bunnies" series books. ... Read more

Product Description

On a foggy July evening in 1956, the Italian cruise liner Andrea Doria, bound for New York, was struck broadside by another vessel. In eleven hours, she would sink nearly 250 feet to the murky Atlantic Ocean floor. Thanks to a daring rescue operation, only 51 of more than 1,700 people died in the tragedy. But the Andrea Doria is still taking lives.

Considered the Mt. Everest of diving, the Andrea Doria is the ultimate deepwater wreck challenge. Over the years, a small but fanatical group of extreme scuba divers have investigated the Andrea Doria, pushing themselves to the very limits of human endurance to explore her -- and not all have returned. Diver Kevin McMurray takes you inside this elite club with a hard, honest look at those who go deeper, farther, and closer to the edge than others would ever dream.

Deep Descent is the riveting true story of the human spirit overcoming human frailty and of fearsome, mortal risks traded for a hard-core adrenaline rush. Chronicling these adventures in his page-turning narrative and in dozens of dramatic photos, McMurray draws us deeper into the cold heart of the unforgiving sea, giving us a powerful vision of a place to which few will ever have the skills -- or the courage -- to go. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (48)

Disturbing and fascinating
Along with what I consider it's sister book, "Shadow Divers", Deep Descent is a engrossing, riveting, and ultimately terrific book about diving the wreck of the Italian Luxury liner Andrea Doria. The book profiles the liners demise, and also the demise of some eight people who had died to that point (2001) diving her wreck. I for one cannot fathom a more horrible way to die than being lost in an underwater maze, panicked and running out of air. It's a scenario that repeats itself all too often in these two books. We learn about the men who had their lives ended in pursuit of their dreams: To dive the Mt Everest of scuba. An utterly fascinating read, which helps the reader understand why these men suffered the same fate.
Along with many pictures, the writing is very good, albeit a bit technical for the non scuba diver but, easy enough to get around. What makes otherwise intelligent and sane men dive 230ft below the North Atlantic to grab a souvenir when any mistake can be fatal is a mystery to me, but it makes a great read. Highly recommended.

Extreme Scuba Diving
The Andrea Doria was a cruise ship built by the Italians and sunk after a collision with another ship off the coast of New Jersey in 1956. The story wasn't quite as tragic as the Titantic, but diving to the wreck of the Andoria was possible, albeit very dangerous, for scuba divers.

This book has all of the elements of a really great read - photos of the people, the souveniers brought up, tales of the deaths of 12 divers who risked it all to see the submerged "Mt. Everest of the Sea". The author tells of how divers get "china fever" the irrational desire for souveniers from the wreck.

There is another non fiction book out there - Shadow Divers that is similar to this book. Some of the main characters are in both stories. I found that to be more entertaining. I think Deep Descent, written by a journalist, is more of a chronological list of what happened, while Shadow Divers captured your interest more from a people side of the story. I also did not like how much the author inserted himself into the story - I found it too self-serving.

This is a good book, but not a great one. Certainly eye-opening as to underwater exploration, especially in the 1990's when it was even more dangerous than it is now.

Well told tale of danger and death in deep wreck diving
McMurray writes an excellent narrative taking the reader through the deep, dark and dangerous world of deep wreck diving in the North Atlantic.Although his book focuses upon the SS Andrea Doria, and the diving fatalities over the years, he also spends a lot of time dipping in and out of other accidents on deep wrecks, and the various personalities of the North Atlantic wreck diving community.

The books starts with a very well told recounting of the death of John Ormsby, an extremely skilled diver who met a sad and early end as a result of "china fever".The narrative is then slightly choppy when the author cuts to the sinking of the Doria and then the early days, but soon returns to the more recent diving history and the chapters are both engrossing and much more smoothly blended into one another.

Overall, an excellent read, although one which is clearly much more of interest to divers.The book certainly leaves one with a very keen sense of the dangers which attend upon deep wreck diving.

This book is both about the Doria and the previous generation of Long Island Dive Boats
The wreck of the Italian liner Andrea Doria is considered by many to be the ultimate wreck dive. It has claimed numerous divers and has been a big part of Long Island diving history as the Long Island dive boats are amongst its most frequent visitors. This 250 foot deep wreck is beyond the range of most divers but this book still provides a facinating insight into the lore of local diving.

Great Book
Another great book about a great shipwreck.Well written however gets a little repetitive if you have read other Doria books. ... Read more

Product Description
Jesse Hamilton loves deeply; she loves her husband Tommy, their simple life on the island and their successful dive resort. She wants nothing more than to ride out their lives in this tranquil existence. Seth Warren loves nothing, his heart damaged and scarred years ago. And he wants it all; women, wealth and a life free of commitments and complications. When their lives collide, mysteries of the past force the pair on a quest in search of ancient treasure, self-forgiveness and the opportunity for a second chance. Will she be able to protect herself from becoming another victim in his wake? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Heaven"s Edge
This is the best of two story's that she has written. Treasure was my first and it was very good. This book is great!

Great scuba escape novel
If you love scuba diving or traveling to the tropics mixed with adventure and romance, then this is a perfect read for you. Jesse's world is turned upside down when she gets approached by a corporate negotiator that wants to buy her little dive resort in Roatan, Honduras. The story has vivid underwater scenes, a search for ancient artifacts and a feel of the tropics. As I read, I wished I could hang out at the bar in the clubhouse with the characters. I really enjoyed immersing myself in the imagery, a pacifier until my next dive trip. ... Read more

Product Description
Scuba diving--there's a lot more to worry about than sharks! "I can't breathe!!!" Ian Hill spends his Florida summers helping his uncle run a dive shop. But just when he thinks it's going to be another boring summer hehind the counter, Ian hears that a recent storm has uncovered a pirate shipwreck hidden for years on the ocean floor. Soon Ian's slow summer at the scuba shop turns into a diver's nightmare. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Extreme!
Ian thinks he is just taking a summer job at his Uncle Gord's scuba shop, but little does he know.....His life is about to be in jeopardy! His scuba gear mouth piece gets ripped away from his face.What happened? Whatwent wrong? Was his equipment tampered with?Does his uncle know anythingabout it?Find out the answers to these questions by reading the book. ... Read more

Product Description
This guide includes tried-and-tested sites, as well as some that are off the beaten track. Each site has been selected because of consistently good visibility, variety of underwater flora and fauna, proximity to the shore and ease of access for divers. Details include bottom terrain and currents. ... Read more

Product Description
This book will prepare divers for virtually every emergency. With descriptions of real-life situations and physical conditions that can cause diving problems, Scuba Life Saving goes beyond the basics of scuba safety to detail lifesaving contingencies. Al Pierce, a NAUI and PADI instructor, gives explicit instructions on methods of self-rescue as well as methods for rescuing others. In addition, Scuba Life Saving includes numerous illustrations of diving "dos" and "dont's" and summaries reinforcing the most important concepts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book!
This book was recommended reading for my Divemaster (YMCA). The text contains valuable information and should be on the shelf of any well-informed diver. Some of the procedures within are either not safe or not advised with modern SCUBA but I still gained some valuable insight. This was a good companion to my SLAM manual and I would still recommend this as a good read for the class. I caution anyone, however, from using some of the procedures that are no longer used with modern scuba! ... Read more

Product Description
Solo Diving begins with an examination of the strengths and weaknesses of buddy system, and explains why some divers choose to dive alone. This volume then addresses what it takes to become a self-sufficient diver, which includes a section on self-evaluation. Diving physiology and the importance of fitness are stressed, and there is an excellent section of dive management guidelines which include dive planning rules, air management, air consumption, thermal protection, ascents and cold water/arduous dive considerations. Included is a discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of the various emergency breathing systems available, and how they affect self-rescue. The final section has comments of well known divers about solo diving. Contains information for all levels of divers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Why you might want to solo dive, NOT how to solo dive
Little more than an editorial on why to solo dive
Very useful information on how.

It was okay, but lacking
The book was okay for an intro on the idea of diving solo. I was looking for more of a technical book based on experiences of the author. There wasn't much instruction on correct technique, systems that work vs. systems that are not as reliable, how to best set up your gear(by this I mean placement of tools, knives, lights, back up air sources), and other tips to help someone avoid possible catastrophic failure.

The book was written much more in the "idea" of diving solo. It was a book on the philosophy of self reliance (which is fine, but not what I thought it would be) underwater. The ideas presented in this book are good whether diving with a group or diving alone.

Insight
"Solo Diving" provides insight and some good advice from the author and a number of experienced solo divers.This is not a certification type book.It definitely has great points on the flaws of buddy diving.It also lays out differences, pros, and cons of redundant air systems and gives a few guidelines to adopt for safe solo diving.Pick it up to read on your next planned deco dive.

Solo diving
If you are a tech diver, then you probably dive alone most of the time. If you have been through a tech diving class, then you have the skills to dive solo. This book is about the reasons that you can be a solo diver. If you expect an instruction book, then you aren't ready for solo diving, attitude or equipment wise.

Great and very educational book
Book is very full of usefull information in detail. It's packed with expirience, but it doesen't push it's attitude on anyone, more it provides rich information from many sources wich just enriches your knowledge and fills the gaps so to say. It's every page is worth reading. It's most recomendable for beginers and intermediate expirienced divers.
It not only rises some questions about stereotypes, but answers all of them with much detailed data. It's packed with advices and expirience tricks, but all described are followed and reviewed with exact technical or scientific or statistical data regarding the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
Exotic challenges for adventurous divers

Both inspiring and instructional, Diving with Sharks is for competent divers who desire more challenging adventures--perhaps diving with the menacing great whites or exploring ships that had succumbed to the sea. Included are specialized techniques for each dive and human drama stories that add zest to an already extraordinary collection of adventures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Superbly illustrated diving book on sharks, wrecks, caves
The cover with its big "Diving with Sharks" title and the prominent picture of a great white shark suggests that this is a book about sharks, and it is, but that is not all it is. The smaller print says "and Other Adventure Dives," and then at the bottom, "includes practical advice for experienced divers." In fact, only about half of the editorial part of this excellent book is about sharks. The other half is about all sorts of other cool sea creatures and adventures like wreck diving, caverns, caves and places with strong currents. So be aware of that if all you seek is shark information.

The book's author, Jack Jackson, is one of the world's great adventurers. Though he started out as an industrial chemist, his soon directed his sights on traveling, mountaineering, writing and lecturing all over the globe. He made over 20 expeditions in the Sahara Desert, and over 160 treks and journeys into deserts, mountains, rainforests and seas around the world, and that includes places far, far off the beaten track.

The picture shown on his website is that of a grizzled graybeard, precisely what you'd expect a seasoned explorer to look like. Yet, despite his vast experience with things and places most of us can only dream of, Jackson never lectures or pontificates, nor is he excessively obsessed with arcane minutiae of whatever he sets his sights on. He is an eminently practical man who always sees the big picture, and one who truly knows how to present his adventures in large-format, compelling books with superb photography, many illustrations, sidebars, and whatever else it takes to really convey both the essence and the depth of a topic. When I first got into Scuba, his "Complete Diving Manual" was instrumental in giving me a good foundation and understanding of all aspects of diving. You wouldn't necessarily expect that from a world traveling explorer who also wrote on non-diving related adventures such as "The Asian Highway" and a book on choosing, using and maintaining go-anywhere 4-wheel-drive vehicles.

"Diving with Sharks" is divided into six sections. The first, and largest, is on sharks. Here, Jackson describes sharks, diving with sharks both in steel cages and among them, different kinds of sharks, and different locations. He covers Blue and Mako Sharks, Great Whites, Hammerheads, Raggedtooth Sharks and adds a section on shark feeding sites as well as aquarium shark dives for those who'd rather approach those magnificent creatures in the safety of a confined space. The large 8-1/2 x 11 format of the book and the heavy, glossy stock are used to the max with numerous excellent color photos. On each large two-page spread, you not only get to read Jackson's informative, firsthand descriptions, but you can also see exactly what it's like.

A smaller section entitled "Diving with Gentle Giants" covers Whale Sharks and Basking Sharks, and this wouldn't be a Jack Jackson book if the section did not include a superb illustration that shows the relative size of all those sharks and whale sharks, with a human diver and a Blue Whale providing perspective. Next comes a colorful, informative and again superbly illustrated pot-pourri on all sorts of sea creatures, from Dolphins to Mantas and other rays, turtles, jellifish, potato cod and even sea snakes.

Now Jackson moves on to diving in different kinds of environments. First underwater adventures in strong currents in places like Palau, Cozumel, Cocos Island, and the Philippines. Then it's on to wreck diving, with descriptions of a good dozen major wrecks and wreck sites around the world. In typical Jackson fashion, this includes sidebars on diving with scuba pioneer Hans Hass and an overview of extended range/technical diving. A final section is on closed overhead environments and this one, again, covers everything from generic information on cavern and cave diving to equipment to the description of half a dozen of the world's great overhead dives -- again accompanied by fantastic photography and extras like a superbly rendered cross section illustration of the Wookey Hole sump/cave system in England.

"Multimedia" glossies are often lightweight coffee table books with lots of pictures and little substance. Jackson never falls into that trap. He and his publishers are masters in using words, pictures, typefaces, photographs, illustrations and related graphics to make topics come to life and turn mere reading into a spell-binding experience.

-- C. H. Blickenstorfer ... Read more