The Coelura by Anne McCaffrey

The Coelura by Anne McCaffrey - 165 pages

Lady Caissa's father has arranged a possible match for her.  However, she finds that match offensive and sets off in her speedster to get over the sting of the proposal.  It's during that trip that she discovers the elusive coelura are not extinct as previously thought.  She must find a way to save the beautiful creatures from those determined to use them up . . . including her father.

This was probably the first Anne McCaffrey book that I read.  I had completely forgotten about it until I ran across is again and decided to re-read it.  I remembered it being much longer and more detailed in its story.  I also remembered the main character as being much more involved in the actual saving of the coelura.  Instead it is mainly done by the man she meets and falls for.  Still, it was an enjoyable read.

Lewis & Clark Tailor Made, Trail Worn: Army Life, Clothing, & Weapons of the Corps of Discovery

Lewis & Clark Tailor Made, Trail Worn: Army Life, Clothing, & Weapons of the Corps of Discovery by Robert J. Moore, Jr. Illustrated by Michael Haynes 288 pages published 2003

The Lewis and Clark expedition is one of the great adventures in American history. What they did and how they did it is still an amazement. This book explores their clothing, their weapons and equipment, as well as their living conditions in the 1803 military. A great deal of research has gone into this book, as can be seen in the bibliography. Many of the articles used are still in existence. 

This book is not only a good read, but a lot of fun to thumb through and enjoy the illustrations. If I close my eyes, I can almost smell the camp fire smoke.

The Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott

The Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott - 287 pages

The Daring Ladies of Lowell is a novel that addresses the harsh working conditions of early American cotton mills (in this case, the first at Lowell, Massachusetts 1832-1834) and the friendships formed among the girls who worked there.  The story is followed mostly through Alice Barrow.  She befriends Lovey Cornell, whom is later murdered, and becomes Lovey's advocate for justice.  Additionally, she begins to petition for safer working conditions in the mill. Taken together, these two quests form the majority of the storyline.  Throughout, her friendship with the boss' son helps to pave the way for some reforms.

This novel was a fast-paced read and historically accurate.  In all, Alcott has scored another win and it's even better than her debut with The Dressmaker.

Mountainman Crafts and Skills- David Montgomery

Mountainman Crafts and Skills- David Montgomery, 1992      239 pages

This book is filled with lots of information that would be useful to hobbyists, survivalists, family campers and even doomsday preppers.

This book provides patterns and step-by-step instructions for making: leather, head gear, clothing, footwear, knives from kits or from old saws. The book shows how to: do decorative bead work, make a fire without matches, how to construct wooden boxes, create or improvise shelter, prepare foods, all with common or easily obtained tools and materials that can generally be found locally.

This is not a comprehensive book, nor is it the last word on any of the topics mentioned. But this book is a good start for anyone wishing to know more about alternate technologies.