Best of
How-To

1981

Reader's Digest Back to Basics: How to Learn and Enjoy Traditional American Skills


Reader's Digest Association - 1981
    This how-to, user-friendly guide teaches self-sufficiency-covering all of life's essentials: shelter; alternative energy sources; growing and preserving food; home crafts; directions for making herbal remedies; and even home-grown entertainment.

All New Square Foot Gardening


Mel Bartholomew - 1981
    Sure, it's even simpler than it was before. Of course, you don't have to worry about fertilizer or poor soil ever again because you'll be growing above the ground. However, the best feature is that anyone, anywhere can enjoy a square foot garden - children, adults with limited mobility, and even complete novices can achieve spectacular results. But, let's get back to the ten improvements. You're going to love them: 1. New Location - Move your garden closer to your house by eliminating single-row gardening. Square foot gardens need just 20% of the space of a traditional garden.2. New Direction - Locate your garden on top of existing soil. Forget about pH soil tests, double-digging (who enjoys that?), or those never-ending soil improvements.3. New Soil - The new "Mel's Mix" is the perfect growing mix. We give you the recipe, and best of all, you can even buy the different types of compost needed.4. New Depth - You only need to prepare a SFG box to a depth of 6 inches! It's true - the majority of plants develop just fine when grown at this depth.5. No Fertilizer - The all new SFG does not need any fertilizer - ever! If you start with the perfect soil mix, then you don't need to add fertilizer.6. New Boxes - The new method uses bottomless boxes placed above ground. We show you how to build your own (with step-by-step photos).7. New Aisles - The ideal gardening aisle width is about three to four feet. That makes it even easier to kneel, work, and harvest.8. New Grids - Prominent and permanent grids added to your SFG box help you visualize your planting squares and properly space them for maximum harvest.9. New Seed-Saving Idea - The old-fashioned way advocates planting many seeds and then thinning the extras (that means pulling them up). The new method means planting a pinch - literally two or three seeds - per planting hole.10. Tabletop Gardens - The new boxes are so much smaller and lighter (only 6 inches of soil, remember?), you can add a plywood bottom to make them portable. Of course, that's not all. We've also included simple, easy-to-follow instructions using lots of photos and illustrations. You're going to love it!

The Royal Road to Card Magic


Jean Hugard - 1981
    With the help of this book, anyone can develop a versatile repertoire of first-rate card tricks. In fact, mastery of just the first chapter will enable you to perform a half-dozen astounding and entertaining sleights of hand. The authors, both noted authorities on magic, present complete, easy-to-understand explanations of shuffles, flourishes, the glide, the glimpse, false shuffles and cuts, the pass, the classic force, and many other techniques. These will enable card handlers to perform over 100 mind-boggling feats of card magic, including Thought Stealer, Gray's Spelling Trick, Do as I Do, Now You See It, Obliging Aces, Rapid Transit, Kangaroo Card, A Tipsy Trick, and dozens of others. Illustrated with more than 120 clear line cuts that make the explanations easy to follow, this exciting introduction to card conjuring will enable even beginners to develop professional-level skill and the ability to perform tricks guaranteed to astound family and friends.

Timing for Animation


John Halas - 1981
    This reissue includes a new foreword by John Lasseter, executive vice president of Pixar Animation Studios and director of 'Toy Story', 'Toy Story 2', 'A Bug's Life' and 'Monsters Inc.' He sets the wealth of information in this classic text in context with today's world of computer animation, showing how this is a must-have text if you want to succeed as a traditional drawn, or computer animator.Learn all the tips and tricks of the trade from the professionals. How should the drawings be arranged in relation to each other? How many are needed? How much space should be left between one group of drawings and the next? How long should each drawing, or group of drawings, remain on the screen to give the maximum dramatic effect? The art of timing is vital.Highly illustrated throughout, points made in the text are demonstrated with the help of numerous superb drawn examples. 'Timing for Animation' not only offers invaluable help to those who are learning the basis of animation techniques, but is also of great interest to anyone currently working in the field and is a vital source of reference for every animation studio.John Halas, known as the 'father of animation' and formerly of Halas and Batchelor Animation unit, produced over 2000 animations, including the legendary 'Animal Farm' and the award winning 'Dilemma'. He was also the founder and president of the ASIFA and former Chairman of the British Federation of Film Societies.Harold Whitaker is a professional animator and teacher. Many of his former students are now among some of the most outstanding animation artists of today.

Heavy Weather Sailing


Peter Bruce - 1981
    Mystic Seaport's bookstore has acquired a number of copies in excellent condition, and they are available from this catalog or from the bookstore as long as they last. This analysis of storms at sea and the behavior of yachts in them is both scientific and journalistic, including not only weather and wave-behavior data but accounts of storm experience and strategy from seasoned offshore sailors, not the least of them Adlard Coles himself. Typical storms in a number of locales are documented, and included is the 1979 Fastnet storm in four of the book's eleven appendixes.

The House Plant Expert


D.G. Hessayon - 1981
    Over a million copies have been sold in the U.S., and nearly 14 million worldwide. According to one reviewer - "after the Bible, the best-selling reference book of all time."In a basketful of countries it has taught people to choose and care for their indoor plants. Its style of dealing with each plant with drawings, photographs and no-nonsense text has become a legend in the publishing world. If you have house plants (and who doesn't?) you need this book.

The Woodwright's Shop: A Practical Guide to Traditional Woodcraft


Roy Underhill - 1981
    Combining historical background, folklore, alternative technololgy, and humor, he provides both a source of general information and a detailed introduction to traditional woodworking. Beginning with a guide to trees and tools, The Woodwright's Shop includes chapters on gluts and mauls, shaving horses, rakes, chairs, weaving wood, hay forks, dough bowls, lathes, blacksmithing, dovetails, panel-frame construction, log houses, and timber-frame construction. More than 330 photographs illustrate the text.For more than twenty-five years, Roy Underhill has taught the techniques of traditional hand-tool woodworking. In five books and on his popular, long-running PBS series, The Woodwright's Shop, America's leading authority on old-time woodcraft has inspired millions to take up chisel and plane. Designed for both woodworking novices and for more seasoned woodworkers looking for enjoyable projects, the books feature step-by-step instructions, complete with easy-to-follow photographs and measured drawings. Roy Underhill is the former master housewright at Colonial Williamsburg. He created The Woodwright's Shop, one of the first television programs devoted to woodworking, in 1979. The series is produced by the University of North Carolina Center for Public Television and has aired nationally since 1981. Roy is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds a master's degree from Duke University. He lives in Williamsburg, Virginia.The Woodwright's ShopA Practical Guide to Traditional WoodcraftFeatures a guide to trees and tools as well as chapters on gluts and mauls, shaving horses, chairs, lathes, blacksmithing, log houses, and more.The Woodwright's CompanionExploring Traditional WoodcraftIncludes chapters on helves and handles, saws, the search for the whetstone quarry, hurdles, whimmy diddles, planes, window sashes, and pit sawing.The Woodwright's WorkbookFurther Explorations in Traditional WoodcraftWith step-by-step instructions for tool chests, workbenches, lathes, and historical reproductions of items for the home. Roy also explores building barns, boats, and even colonial fortresses.The Woodwright's Eclectic WorkshopPopular projects include the Adirondack chair, tavern table, folding ladder, rocking horse, lathe, and kayak, all illustrated with photographs and measured drawings. The Woodwright's ApprenticeTwenty Favorite Projects from The Woodwright's ShopBegins with directions for building a workbench, then builds new skills--from frame construction to dovetailing, turning, steam-bending, and carving--with each successive project.

Whole Foods for the Whole Family: La Leche League International Cookbook


Roberta Bishop Johnson - 1981
    Broad in scope, thorough in detail, this nutrition-conscious cookbook is a treasury of flavorful, authentic recipes and menus, complete with protein and calorie counts, serving suggestions, and friendly tips on how to make each meal a family favorite.

The Morrow Guide to Knots: For Sailing, Fishing, Camping, Climbing


Mario Bigon - 1981
    Each photo captures the way you see the knot as you make it. And when two or more ropes are involved, they are color coded to help you clearly tell them apart.Filled with more than 600 photographs, this convenient, compact guide also includes a section on decorative knots, a cross-reference list of the many applications of knots, and a detailed glossary.

Fast Cakes


Mary Berry - 1981
    There are tray bakes, no-bake cakes, tea breads, scones, biscuits as well as such delights as praline meringue and mocha gateau.

From the Neck Up: An Illustrated Guide to Hatmaking


Denise Dreher - 1981
    

Woodwright's Workbook: Further Explorations in Traditional Woodcraft


Roy Underhill - 1981
    Creator of the popular PBS series The Woodwright's Shop, Roy has inspired millions--from professional craftsman to armchair woodworker--with his talent, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Roy returns here with his third book. The Woodwright's Workbook features step-by-step instructions for a selection of projects from his television series. All projects are illustrated with photographs and measured drawings. Included here are plans for tool chests, workbenches, lathes, and historical reproductions of items for the home: a six-board chest, rustic chairs with cattail seats, a churn for the kitchen, and the Rittenhouse hygrometer. Roy also explores building barns, forges, boats, and even colonial fortresses. A wonderful feature of this book is Roy's own translation of the humorous fifteenth-century poem The Debate of the Carpenter's Tools. He also provides a fascinating and useful 'field guide' to American tool marks that shows how to identify the specific tool used by the marks it left. Whether Roy is an old friend or a new acquaintance, let him be your guide to the world of traditional woodworking.

Woodwright's Companion: Exploring Traditional Woodcraft


Roy Underhill - 1981
    This volume features chapters on helves and handles, saws, the search for the whetstone quarry, crow chasers and turkey calls, hurdles, whimmy diddles, snaplines and marking gauges, candle stands, planes, window sash, riven shingles, and pit sawing. The final chapter offers a glimpse of traditional woodworking techniques still used by the Colonial Williamsburg housewrights. More than 260 photographs complement the text.

Fern Finder: A Guide to Native Ferns of Central and Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada


Barbara Hallowell - 1981
    Midwest and Northeast, and eastern Canada. Like other plant guides in the "Finders" series, "Fern Finder" is a dichotomous key, which leads the user step-by-step through a series of choices to the species being identified. Heavily illustrated with line drawings.

Carpentry and Building Construction


John L. Feirer - 1981
    It will also be helpful to those in apprenticeship training and to do-it-yourselfers who wish to undertake building or remodeling projects.

The Complete Book of Pastry: Sweet & Savory


Bernard Clayton Jr. - 1981
    An extensive collection of international pastry recipes, with complete instructions for various appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and drawings to illustrate pastry shapes and techniques.

Garfield: Complete Cat Book


Shep Steneman - 1981
    Garfield, the cat with an ego as big as his appetite (and proud of it!), wants you to pump up your self-image and start acting like the superior person you are!In The Me Book, Garfield covers all aspects of superiority, from basic self-confidence to world domination, including tips on how to:-- Accept the admiration of others-- Whip a flabby ego into shape-- Dress to impress-- Claw your way up the corporate ladder-- Condescend to just about everybodyThese and other invaluable tips will soon have you saying like Garfield, "I've gotta be me, I'm too good to be anyone else!"From the Trade Paperback edition.

The Darkroom Handbook


Michael Langford - 1981
    It covers the basic function of each piece of equipment, processing and specific instructions on how to achieve successful results.

Instant Word Power


Norman Lewis - 1981
    Now, vocabulary-building expert Norman Lewis opens a wonderful new world to you--the world of word power. Here is a proven and entertaining program packed with exercises, quizzes, hints, and reviews that will help you strengthen not only your vocabulary but your spelling, pronunciation, and grammar skills as well. And every lesson you complete will boose you one step further in your climb to success.With the aid of easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction, you will learn the Latin and Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes that unlock the meanings of thousands of words; master spelling, pronunciation, and grammar skills; convey your ideas more clearly and convincingly; become a confident speaker, comfortable in both social and business situations; and never be embarrassed by using a word incorrectly. All it takes is a little practice, a little patience, and Instant Word Power.

A Modern Approach to Classical Guitar, Book 1


Charles Duncan - 1981
    A Modern Approach to Classical Guitar is designed for anyone just learning to play guitar. Written by one of the premier classical guitarists of our time and based on years of teaching students of all ages, this revised edition includes many new pieces and an in-depth introduction to two-part music (thumb-and-fingers technique) the heart of the classical style! Book 1 includes: rest stroke and free stroke, how to read music, playing in open position, sharps and flats, basic notes and dotted notes, time signatures (4/4, 3/4, 2/4), melody with bass accompaniment, solos and duets, and more!

Keep It Simple


Marian Burros - 1981
    Wings

Modern Bridge Conventions


William S. Root - 1981
    A glossary, which also serves as an index, lists more than 250 popular conventions, treatments, and systems. "Every bridge enthusiast should have it on his bookshelf."--Alfred Sheinwold, Los Angeles Times Syndicate.

Sea Kayaking: A Manual for Long-Distance Touring, Updated and Expanded


John Dowd - 1981
    Though certainly of interest and useful to the beginner, this reference is especially useful to the experienced paddler who needs specifics rather than generali

How to Hold a Crocodile


Firefly Books - 1981
    This book is jammed full of simple instructions for many situations in life. Need to roast an ox? Repel cavalry? Tie a bow tie? All instructions are here, clear, concise, and fully illustrated. This remarkable reference book explains how to Build a log cabin, Catch a cockroach, Magnetize a walnut, Play the castanets, Ride a dolphin, Drill for oil, Meet the Pope, Find a blind spot, or Become a saint. Hard-earned experience spanning many cultures and centuries leads to creative advice and counsel. Want to prevent a nail from splitting wood? Simply wipe the nail on soap before hammering.The off-beat retro artwork and text is fun and engaging. How to Hold a Crocodile is an amazing collection of information, advice, tips, and instructions guaranteed to entertain and satisfy anyone's curiosity.

The Simple Solution to Rubik's Cube


James G. Nourse - 1981
    Unlike other solutions, this solution is both easy to follow and is deliberately presented without reference to the colors on the faces of the cube. (Take a closer look, all cubes are not colored alike!) Try it with just a few hints or with the quick and complete, step-by-step solution which follows. Amaze your friends! master that infernal cube once and for all!

Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy


Peter B. Cotton - 1981
    The authors of this new edition, the leading endoscopists in the UK, aim to provide the newcomer to this field--or the practitioner requiring an update--with all the practical advice they need. In discussing the procedures themselves, the authors begin at the top of the gut and end at the bottom, digressing into the bile and pancreatic ducts along the way. As one reviewer has commented, the discussions throughout the text are characterized by the same 'clarity of expression, perception of other endoscopists' difficulties and depth of their vast experience that is so evident when [the authors] are lecturing or teaching.'

How to Build a Flying Saucer: And Other Proposals in Speculative Engineering


T.B. Pawlicki - 1981
    

Problem Solving Strategies For Writing


Linda Flower - 1981
    Flower's familiar cognitive approach is complemented in this edition by the new attention to the social factors that influence writers.

Handmade homes: The natural way to build houses


Art Boericke - 1981
    In the age of manufactured, prefab, and modular everything, this book is a throwback - and yet, a refreshing look at everything about inspirational handmade homes.

The Woodwright's Shop: Exploring Traditional Woodcraft


Roy Underhill - 1981
    Bibliography, indexes. Lavishly illustrated with b&w photos. Combined edition with The Woodwright's Shop published together with The Woodwright's Companion. The only dates given are the original copyright dates of 1981 and 1983; this is an undated later reprint edition.

Designing, Building, and Testing Your Own Speaker System with Projects


David B. Weems - 1981
    Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.