Firefly Books Ltd.

Close-up photography in nature, rev. ed.

Focusing a 35 mm SLR rather than a digital camera, the Sante Fe-based nature columnist for Popular Photography & Imaging and author of numerous guides on nature photography presents the terms, equipment, field techniques, resources, and approaches to capturing the essence of flora and fauna in "Nature's studio." This is a revision of the 1998 Sierra Club Books edition. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

The real wood bible; the complete illustrated guide to choosing and using 100 decorative woods.

Using full-color photographs and details about such factors as workability and availability, Gibbs provides clear and extensive guidance on making the best choice of woods from 100 different wood types. The woods are presented in an alphabetical, directory format. Gibbs explains the pros and cons of working with each wood type and delineates its key characteristics and uses. He also provides background information about buying and storing lumber and about the environmental concerns of using wood. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

State houses; America's 50 state capitol buildings.

Thrane, with color photographs by Patterson, presents 50 state capitol buildings and their design history, architecture, materials, artwork, and the politics surrounding their construction, chronologically by completion date, from Maryland, the first, to Alabama, the last. The color photos feature exterior and interior shots, furniture, sculptures, House of Representatives rooms, rotundas, staircases, libraries, and domes. The volume measures 11x11 inches. Distributed by Firefly Books. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)