5 comments about Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior.

1. Temple Grandin, PhD, has done something extraordinary: combined her experiences as an animal scientist and an autistic person to give us new insights into the amazing inner world of animals. In her irresistably fun, anecdotal style, Grandin describes the most recent research on the senses, the brain, and emotions, ultimately explaining our own feelings and actions as well as those of animals. Entertainment Weekly says it best: "At once hilarious, fascinating, and just plain weird, Animals is one of those rare books that elicit a `wow' on almost every page."
   
   Doni Tamblyn is author of Laugh and Learn: 95 Ways to Use Humor for More Effective Teaching and Training and The Big Book of Humorous Training Games (Big Book of Business Games Series)



2. Fantastic read! Have recommended to everyone since devouring this book! After hearing Grandin deliver a very interesting lecture at my university I decided to buy her book and check it out. I couldn't put it down! The book is not only an asset to anyone wanting to work with animals but also gives great insight into one's own mind and actions. I bought 2 other copies for friends in animal training and handling the same week! It should be a requirement for anyone working hands on with animals because her methods make sense, are simple to execute, and really do work. From the position of someone who has worked with wild, captive, and domestic animals, I feel Grandin's knowledge will greatly enhance the success of my career.
   
   Even if you have no intention of working with animals personally, this book is fun, light-hearted, and plainly explained in lay-man's terms. Grandin not only made her book scientifically accurate, but fresh and enjoyable. No wonder it's on the National Best Sellers List! Once you've read her book, you can't help but try to see more detail in everyday life. Though I don't have kids myself, the understanding of early brain development in how a child thinks and visualizes the world as described by Grandin (especially one with autism) also seems very useful for parents and teachers.



3. For those who don't have the time to commune with animals, "Animals in Translation" provides plenty of helpful insights. Though, when she's not writing books, Temple Grandin is a superstar in the world of slaughterhouse design, so while reading I couldn't keep lines from Monty Python's "Architects Sketch" from nagging my conscience.



4. Temple Grandin is fascinating. She is clearly brilliant, and clearly very different from everyone else.
   
   Grandin purports to understand animal behavior well because her own autistic thought processes are similar in some ways to the thought processes of various animals. Through a range of examples and anecdotes, Grandin makes very good arguments for her interpretations of animals' motives for various behaviors.
   
   Grandin has improved conditions for farm animals by creating pragmatic strategies for farming, based on observation and insight.
   
   I finished the book convinced that she is brilliant and has done a great deal of good. I waver on what role her autism plays in her effectiveness. I understand her argument, but it could be that she's been effective because she's so smart, so creative, such a keen observer and loves animals so much.
   
   As a sidelight, I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy Richard Feynman's memoirs. Again, informal writing by a brilliant scientist with tremendous observational skill.



5. This book, as well as Temple Grandin's earlier books, provide an incredible wealth of information and insight. It should be required reading for all educators! Extraordinarily valuable.

5 comments about Cat Vs. Cat: Keeping Peace When You Have More Than One Cat.

1. I had 2 cats that were slowly learning to hate each other so I bought this boo. Actually worked! Gave me ideas I never would of thought of and give it high praise!



2. This book is very informative and will be useful for any home with more than one cat. Most of the recommendations would only be followed by the most devoted humans, but your consideration of this book probably means you're one of them! If nothing else, this book will help you understand why your cats feel the way they do in various situations. Excellent and very quick read. I strongly recommend it to all cat parents.



3. If you have more than one cat, you must own this book. Useful tips and suggestions for maintaining peace in a multi-cat household, that I haven't found online or anywhere else. Even better knowledge and advice than some of our vets have given us!



4. A lot of wonderful information. Would recommend to anyone trying to incorporate a new "member" to the family.



5. Holy cow. In the midst of a dark depression this summer, I rescued a stray also having a rough time; his old lady mommy died and he was thin and mangy and no one wanted him. He is seven and my current cats are 6 and 4. I figured it would work out fine. We've been miserable ever since. The new kitty, Annakin Skywalker, lives his life in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety. He spits, growls and marks. He quivers at the site of my alpha, Doug, and I have spent over 2500 bucks in vet bills, furniture, capret steamers, cleaners, and whatnot. I bought this book, and I'm halfway through it. As the author said, I tossed out the lids on my litter boxes, put some of my clothes where Anni-Sky hides, bought a cat tree all yesterday. I woke up to a peaceful house this morning. Anni-Skye was on my sweater in his corner. Doug was in my bed. And my other guy, Jack, was in the cat tree. There was no mess, no growling and no grief for the first time in months. Anni-Sky even looks different; he is holding his fur out bigger and his pupils look friendlier. Holy cow.
   
   IN ONE DAY!!! This author knows her stuff!

5 comments about Good Owners, Great Dogs.

1. This is a good book if you need information about your dog, and things that you need to improve on! Its worth the money!



2. I read this book over 15 years ago before I brought my dog home. The advice was invaluable...I raised a happy, healthy, and emotionally secure Westie who lived to be almost 15 years old. I referred to the book and revisited chapters throughout Murphy's life, and ultimately found Brian's advice about the inevitable very comforting.



3. Recommended by out Vet for help in training our new pup. So far, so good.



4. Great information, sound advise. To use the words of the author, Brian Kilcommons "Instead of going out of your mind, get into his". This books is a must read for every dog owner.



5. This book covers a very wide range of topics. I just bought a puppy and this book has really helped me with housetraining, training, and just general puppy issues. The author's approach is to-the-point, gentle, and effective.

5 comments about IT'S ME OR THE DOG: HOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT PET.

1. This book helped me train a new dog in our home. I recommend it to anyone looking to train a dog or get to know dogs better in general.



2. This is a must book for all dog owners. Great information for understanding and loving you dog. She also goes over nutrition and training.



3. This is an excellent book, both for the insight into "dog thinking" that every dog owner should know and for its concise, no-nonsense instructions on every aspect of caring for and training your dog. The book is well laid-out, easy to read, to-the-point--it's prepared to solve most if not all of your concerns for training your dog.
   
   This is simply--a great book. If you are planning to own a dog, currently have puppy woes, or simply want the best start in life for your dog, buy this book. It absolutely does not disappoint and does something extremely rare for many books today--it actually delivers on its title's promise.



4. I purchased this book after watching her show "It's Me Or The Dog" on TV and loving her training and behavioral techniques. I also purchased the KISS Guide for Puppies and compared to the Stillwell book it is not that good. She does a great job of explaining dog behavior, how to communicate with your dog, and how to properly train your dog. I'll be getting my puppy in a few weeks and can't wait to put her methods and ideas into practice.



5. This book is excellent for anyone thinking about bringing a dog into their home or who has a dog that needs some work. She gives very detailed examples and suggestions of how to work with your dog that are very easy to follow and really work! She offers suggestions about most common dog problems in an easy to read format. Would highly reccomend this book to anyone with a dog that is looking for a way to spend some quality time with their companion where everyone can learn new tricks!

5 comments about Beekeeping for Dummies.

1. there is no right way to keep bees you just get them and try
   to keep them.if you are a beginner. YOU must have this book if you need to
   find something fast no problem its in here.everybody keeps bees different
   even me iv'e been around beekeeping all my life heard alot of different
   ways.but if you follow mr Howland's book YOU will have NO problems keeping
   bees.even me i'll forget something and before i can remeber it i've found
   it in his book.thanks mr Blackiston p.s. he has a good web site too.stan



2. This book gives the basics and gives enough information for the reader to be able to start his own backyard colony of bees. It is hard to beat this book for the basics of bee keeping.



3. There is a lot of useful advice and information including tips that every "beginner" should know about beekeeping. Details including pictures; regarding bee diseases, equipment needed and proper procedures were all very helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering beekeeping as well as for those who are researching the apiary field.



4. This is a very good and easy to read book and I believe you will learn a lot and enjoy reading it!



5. After you get started you'll soon realize that there is a lot of information not in this book, so I think you'll naturally go out to seek for more knowledge, I know I did! For getting people interested and well informed this is a fantastic resource! Couple this will a membership in a local bee club and a saving account for more books, videos, and magazine subscription and your well on your way in wonderful world of beekeeping!

5 comments about Creature.

1. I couldn't wait to get this book. I caught an episode of Ellen when he came and spoke of his work. It sounded unbelievable. I agree after seeing it that the photography and technique are fantastic. But I also agree with the folks who commented about blank pages. They have their place BUT... along with 2 pages for a tiny bee I was less than impressed by the grasshopper stuck in the page fold. Although it was a beautiful closeup enlargement it was difficult to appreciate it positioned as it was. The coffee table is mandatory because you cannot sit with this 6 pound book in your lap and enjoy it. It needs to be spread out completely in order to find some of the animals. I'm glad I got it, had a few good looks through it, and even happier I sold it and got my money back. Talk a friend into buying it and look at it at their house, you'll be happy you did.



2. This is a very inspiring book for me. However, as much as I can appreciate a good layout, I guess would favor more detail over white space.



3. This book is beautiful. Everyone who looks at it is wowed with the turn of every page. I recommend this to anyone interested in photography or animals. It's absolutely amazing.



4. The best coffee table book for people ages 2 to 102.
   We love the minimalism and great cropping.



5. THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT ONE OF THE MOST ENCHANTING BOOKS OF PHOTOGRAPHY I HAVE EVER SEEN - IT WAS GIVEN TO ME AS A GIFT AND I IMMEDIATELY ORDERED 2 TO GIVE TO OTHERS.

5 comments about The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs.

1. I have to begin by saying that when I first started reading the book I was very put off by a writing style that initially came across as a bit choppy, curt, rude and precociously academic... then suddenly, light began to shine and Jean Donaldson began tossing one brilliant idea, suggestion/method after another. - - My guess is that the book probably came about as a result of cutting and pasting previous writings of hers together... writings geared towards various audiences and appropriate to various situations... however, after this was done, the writings were simply never edited so they'd represent a cohesive whole... As a result, I have to agree with other critics that the book really needs to be edited and organized... still, I give it a 5 star rating... Why? Because as I said, it challenges you to think differently... and many of the pages are gushing with ideas and suggestions for problems facing all dogs... Whether or not you agree with everything, the book gets you thinking - - its not just a rehash of old dog training cliches (as many books are.)
   
   As for Jean Donaldson's basic approach- - basically its text book behaviorism, but with a compassionate twist. The central premise is that people expect their dogs to think and behave in the Walt Disney mold... and fail to take into account that dog's brains are the size of lemons... and further, wired different than people... in particular, dogs are masters at reading their environment... but don't have the abstract and logical thinking abilities of humans. In failing to recognize this, we often expect unreasonable things of dogs... and even worse, punish - - even summarily execute them for this. (Jean Donaldson specifically uses the word "execute" as opposed to euthanize in the case of many dogs who are put to sleep for aggressive behavior, when they were simply being dogs and their humans simply failed to socialize them.) -- - She uses this argument to poignantly argue the importance of socialization and repeatedly says, "Dogs are animals and animals bite..." Dogs who are not properly socialized bite not because they're abnormal... but simply because they were never trained to adapt to a human environment where biting, no matter how tempered can be considered a capital offense..... hence the dog remained dogs... ergo biting when seeing strange humans engage in behavior that any canine would have seen threatening. (Donaldson points out that in the wildnerness "fear of the novel" would have been understanding, as no adult dog would be able to live long enough to pass on its genes if it was programmed to simply walk up to explore anything new and novel. Dogs survive by running away from things that spook them... or making the thing that's spooking them run away... either/or...)
   
   The book covers a wide variety of behaviors which most humans find extremely annoying (barking, chewing and urinating) but Donaldson assures us are NORMAL, however, can be dealt with through proper socialization (and if the window is missed) conditioning. - - Methods typically involve exposure to situations, and reward for desired behavior... no alpha rolls, no choke collars, and no alpha wolf lead or be eaten/hang 'em by the choke collar babble... just time and patience... and a clicker and some treats.
   
   All in all, like some other reviewers, I think it needs rewriting... but that said, there's so much in it, I'd say its worth every buck and then some whether or not you agree with each and every one of her theories or suggestions. To sum it up: this book definitely belongs in your library if you're serious about dog training or behavior...



2. I liked the book but it really seems more like a text book. I think it could be simplified to turn it in to an easier read.



3. REQUIRED K9 READING and the FIRST BOOK you should thoroughly review on you canine companions. If you are in contact with, have or plan to get a dog, PLEASE, please read this book. You, your dog, and the world will be a better, happier, and safer place. End of Story.



4. the title says it.
   
   this is not a training book, but a psychology book - one that helps you get inside your dog's head to know HOW and WHY our best friends do what they do. it will allow you & your dog to get along much better, and you'll both be happier that way! plus, a thorough read by anyone with at least a marginal level of intelligence may even allow you to forgo structured obedience classes.
   
   i have read and re-read this many times over the years, and it is the one dog-related book that i always buy for new dog owners as a gift.



5. While not a step-by-step "how to train your dog" book, thus the word "understanding" in the title, the material covered here gives the handler/trainer/owner tools for understanding the behavior of dogs and the rules of operant conditioning. This allows one to use their own creativity and intelligence in working with their individual personality and their dog's invdividual personality. Cookie cutter "how to" books can't possibly cover all complex behavior issues and contingencies in a dog's environment. Neither can this book but it teaches you what to look for in your dog's innate behavior and how it reacts to its environment.
   
   I would suggest that the 'lay' person start with the chapter labeled 'It's All Chew Toys To Them.' If you read nothing more than this chapter, you would have great insight into understanding how to communicate with your dog and your money would be well spent. Most likely you'll be inspired to read other chapters.
   
   If this material is too in-depth, a prerequisite reading would be 'Don't Shoot the Dog' by Karen Pryor.
   
   Thank you for educating yourself about man's best friend!

5 comments about My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective, and Easy Puppy Training (Book & 60min DVD).

1. Hiroki is the epitome of this book. She so smart! You can any dog really with this book. Hiro knows sit and down within a week! It's a must-have in training. I tell everybody about it. She's very well behaved compared to most dogs her age. People are amazed how much she's learned in such a short period of time.



2. I bought this book a few days after our family brought home a new puppy. I wish I'd bought it a few days BEFORE we got her! I read most of it the first day I bought it and the rest the second day. I started using the tips immediately, and really helped us so much. I had a dog when I was growing up, but haven't raised my own puppy. (I am a mom to two young children, but parenting humans is different!) Some of the puppy training tips are things I just never would have thought of on my own or heard about even from others. As I read the book, I kept thinking, "This is great!" It gives you the tools you need to teach the behaviors you want. This, I can tell, will be my go-to puppy training book for the next two years or so. Basically, it gives you some background chapters to let you know how your dog thinks and why you need to be his/her leader. Then it gives you specific training exercises to do with your dog, starting with beginning level and building from there. It also has chapters on problem areas, house training, etc. It is GREAT! I have read one of the Cesar Millan books, too, and it is useful, but not as practical. This is not just theory and advice, it is actual puppy training lessons for you to use all day every day. It even has photos to illustrate how to do them, which is more necessary than you would think. (Plus, there's the video.) It is really step by step. Would write a more thorough reveiw if I didn't have to go parent kids. Buy this if you have a puppy or are planning to get one!!!!



3. I started by reading a good portion of the book, which I found very helpful and informative (the occasional glaring scientific error, as mentioned by another reviewer, notwithstanding). The text raised my expectations for the video - I looked forward to a practical demonstration of the many training "games" that are listed, categorized, and described in the book.
   
   What I found on the video is that those demonstrations *are* forthcoming, if you're patient. But it's kind of like one of those mandatory time-share seminars - you're held captive for a LOT of advertising. That adorable puppy on the cover of the book? Instead of that cute red scarf, he's got a bandanna bearing the all-over imprint of the sponsoring brand of puppy food. So does his collar, his leash, and the big bag of food in the background of nearly every scene. Frequent references are made to how necessary high quality food (gee, we wonder which one) is necessary for the brain development that will make your puppy especially brilliant and trainable. Thinly veiled commercial breaks are frequent, both for the food and for a flea-treatment product (same congolomerate?). The names of these products are never spoken, but the conspicuously-labeled packaging is everywhere. Overall, it made me feel as if these folks assume me to be a whole lot less smart than a puppy.
   
   I still like the book, and I'll probably make it through the whole DVD for the sake of the training demonstrations. But I kind of feel as if the food manufacturer should have offered this set for free with your first purchase of puppy-chow.
   
   Being a naturally contrary sort, I was inspired by all of this to look for a more objective source of food-quality information for my puppy. If you do a web search for "dog food analysis," you'll find a very informative site that helps to clarify food quality issues. And, sad to say, the much-endorsed brand doesn't exactly leave the competition in the dust (to say the least), so now I feel less guilty about being too stubborn to buy it after being subjected to this sales pitch.
   
   I really do like the book though; you can be sure I wouldn't have put aside my annoyance to give it 4 stars, otherwise! It has a lot of helpful insights about how puppies think, where our communications with them often break down, and how to work *with* your puppy to ingrain habits and responses that will be constructive for all concerned.



4. This book gives great insight into the mind of a K-9. It's a great training aid as well as a good read.



5. I think this is a fantastic little book. It makes training fun and easy. The DVD is a great addition so that you can see the techniques in a hands on manner, although at times the DVD seems a bit like a commercial for IAMs, who is the sponsor. In addition, there is a very active community online at the authors' website, so that you can get real life help with your problems or questions about implementing the material.

5 comments about Enslaved by Ducks.

1. The first third of the book, I laughed out loud several times. A very engaging writer. I love animals, but am not much on birds. So about halfway through the book, I pretty much had my fill of our feathered friends.



2. I didn't care much for this book. After a few chapters of reading about the many pets this man had in his house it got very boring. I gave up on it.



3. Heard about Bob Tarte's latest book, "Fowl Weather" during an NPR review. When I checked it out at Amazon, I came across the rave reviews for "Enslaved by Duck" and decided to get both. I started with "Enslaved by Ducks" because I couldn't resist the title and it didn't disappoint. Bob and his wife are two people that you enjoy spending time with. You only wish your friends were as funny and warm-hearted as these two. I have to confess that I feel the story did sag a bit toward the end and became somewhat repetitious, but you're free to stop any time you want and don't have to slog toward the credits like I did. Am looking forward to reading "Fowl Weather".



4. Definite reading material for anyone who's loved and adopted an animal. I can't wait to read the author's second book.



5. I loved this book! It made me laugh many times over and made me cry, too. I even learned some things about animals!
   The book spans 10 years of the author's (Bob's) life-events related to animals. Each chapter is devoted to a certain animal, or an animal event. It's fun to see Bob's changing attitude towards animals. He starts out as a begrudging pet owner (though it's quite obvious that deep down he adores his rabbit!), and ends up gloating about his numerous pets to innocent bystanders at pet marts. While there is always a tad of the begrudging-act in Bob, it's so transparent that it's quite easy to tell how enamored he is by his pets. He gives a very honest telling of this, too, poking fun of himself quite often (almost always) throughout the book, and repeats numerous times how much his wife, Linda, handled most of the really hard stuff when it came to caretaking.
   It took me a few chapters to really get into the book, but once you learn who Bob is, and understand his writing wit and humor, the book is excellent! Even the acknowledgements are hilarious! I felt that I really knew Bob and Linda, and frankly their pets, too! There are great descriptions of the animals, their characters, and expressions! I can actually vouch for his description of rehabbing baby birds - and if the rest of his stories are as accurate as that, then it must be a very honest book! And I could completely sympathize with many of his emotions.
   So long as you don't mind a few (very few) cuss words, or a few insights in the animal "facts of life," or the fact that (at least, as I surmise) the Tartes' are vegetarians and make a couple of references to the carnivorous folk of the world, then I highly recommend this book!
   We also get a glimpse into Bob's visits to his psychologist and his dealings with Zoloft - but somehow he manages to always tie it back in with his animals.
   I'd be the last person to say that a cat doesn't have a soul, or that a dog can't love you, but I'd probably be lying if I didn't say that I was hesitant to believe such things about birds. Bob's totally changed my mind. I love the ending of the title chapter and the book itself - I think those are the two places where we really see what animals mean to Bob, and how much they can impact our lives.
   I highly recommend reading this book - and I highly suggest you read it with your pet nearby!:D

5 comments about All Creatures Great and Small.

1. Mr. James Herriot is an uncommon writer, possessed of extraordinary skill and a mastery of the English language. When speaking of works of fiction, he is my favorite writer. His ability to choose perfectly appropriate and descriptive words, phrases, and metaphors to verbally illustrate unique characteristics, landscapes, feelings, and situations still has me mesmerized.
   
   "All Creatures Great and Small" is autobiographical in that Mr. Herriot is the central character of the book, though James Herriot is the pen name of the real author, Jim Wight. However, since the work is defined as a novel, then one may assume that Mr. Herriot took certain liberties in relating many of the tales he unfolds. Mr. Herriot is a veterinary surgeon, and much of his novel specifically involves dealing with particular cases of sick livestock and ailing house pets. One should not quickly conclude, however, that this story is merely about the ramblings of a country animal doctor who at times finds himself in interesting situations, as some reviewers would suggest.
   
   Instead, my feeling is that Mr. Herriot utilized his visits to multiple and varied farms and residences in the British countryside to highlight the individual conditions, attitudes, and distinctive persons he discovered at each location. The book becomes absolutely delightful and poignant, for instance, when Mr. Herriot kindly sits at an aging woman's bedside and tenderly comforts her with his voiced belief that her devoted, loving dogs and cats are indeed possessed of souls and that she need not fear that they will again be her companions in the afterlife.
   
   And I do not believe I have laughed out loud so frequently while reading one book. Some of my personal favorites are when his brakes go out on his car and he must navigate a steep and winding descent to the bottom of a low valley, where his next veterinary visit is scheduled, and when he finds himself on his first date with the woman he is destined to marry and the only respectable dress suit he owns is several years out of fashion and far too tight-fitting, which is partly why he becomes far too nervous and a bout of awkward conversation and actions follow. Additionally, much might be said here about the quirky relationship Mr. Herriot has with his unpredictable and explosive yet perfectly harmless and generous employer, a Mr. Siegfried Farnon, and Siegfried's younger brother, Tristan. Farnon's demanding attitude regarding his veterinary business affairs, especially in the face of Tristan's irresponsibility in mishandling assignments and responsibilities, is often the basis for much of the hilarity in the book.
   
   In speaking of his relationships with those to whom he is closest on a personal level and the frequently visited owners of his animal patients, Mr. Herriot has an especially profound gift when it comes to praising the best characteristics that are found in the human race. He speaks with eloquent fondness when describing the beautiful traits he sees in his lovely Helen, his soon-to-be wife. And when he stumbles upon a man or woman who he feels is in ownership of certain admirable exceptionality, such as industry or thrift or honesty or discipline or gentleness, his written accolades of such persons is heartwarming and deeply inspiring.
   
   Thus I would say that this book has everything. It touches upon the topics of death, faith, humor, love, devotion, stewardship, human strengths and frailties, prosperity and poverty, work and idleness, occupation, and the list goes on. Given that these interesting topics are handled so capably by Mr. Herriot's writing talent, I doubt that any sensitive reader would find this book to be anything but delightful and praiseworthy.



2. One of the best books I've read in my life. A must read. Very well written. Makes you want to write like him.
   
   I remember seeing my high school biology teacher reading this book at her desk while she had some time to herself, while we did our thing with dissections, etc. It seemed that she couldn't get her hands off this book. And I'd wonder what the book was about. Something about creatures. Maybe it was about GOD and church and religion.
   
   Now that I've had a chance to read this book, twenty years later, I can say that it is a wonderful book! You don't want this book to end. And now I understand why my biology teacher was so hooked on it.
   
   This is a nonfictional book about an English veterinarian writing about his funny and sometimes dramatic profession. From how he started, to his everyday events in a small town (away from the big city such as London) to how he meets his future wife, and his gradual establishment of his veterinary life. This book is filled with funny moments that makes you pause with a smile on your face. And has its poignant moments that makes you realize its wonderful writing.
   
   This book gives you a glimpse of what the veterinary world is like on his side, on the countryside of life, with real people and real stories, and of course, with real animals. Animals and people and veterinary work that you will come to love.



3. I can't add much more than the previous reviews. How many books on Amazon have a 5 star rating with 100+ reviews? Missed this one during school and read all three of Herriot's books in my 40's. Truly lovely, wise, and transporting. I will make sure my children don't wait as long as I did to discover these classics.



4. Wonderful and inspiring stories of a country vet are humorously written but also deliver a good amount of practical veterinary insight. It's nice to read from the point of view of a kind-hearted yet practical country animal lover.



5. I bought this edition as a gift for a graduating vet student (every vet needs a copy in his or her office). The book is a classic, and the hardcover is suitable for gifting.