Wattles Book Recommendation

I have both and would recommend getting the two books.

I have Gurdon Wattle's book; a true classic.

Wattles is one of the best. I recommend adding both.

> Writing Legal Descriptions
> Gurdon Wattles

If you have to choose one, choose the original.

> I am looking at adding one of Wattle's books on descriptions to my library. I am looking at Larry's website, and he has two books available.
>
> Land Survey Descriptions
> William Wattles
> paperback, 144 pages with illustrations
>
> Writing Legal Descriptions
> Gurdon Wattles
> hardcover, 267 pages with illustrations, samples, and sample forms
>
> The difference in price is not much at all, but I don't really need both, at least I don't think I do. I would just like a reference book to refer to every once in a while.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Jimmy

The William Wattles book is more of a workbook that builds upon the Gurdon Wattles book. IF you have to choose (big if) go with the Gurdon version first. You can always get the workbook later.

Larry P

Thanks everyone. Looks like I will be purchasing the original.

Larry,

I created an wishlist one your website last night. I was playing bachelor last night, as the wife and daughters were out.

Time to do some self study, at a relaxed pace. I've got several items in there that I've got to work into the budget.

Thanks again everyone. This place is great!

Jimmy

OK i'm/ confused. I thought the original was "Land Description " by William C Wattles. Later was a revision with additions by Gurdon Wattles. I thought "Writing Legal Descriptions" by Gurdon Wattles came after William Wattles book. I have a red paperback of William Wattles book, a later green book with edits by Gurdon W., and a yellow hardback called Writing Legal Descriptions by Gurdon Wattles.

I liked the William Wattles book OK but found it hard to read. I like the yellow Gurdon Wattles book to have more information and is much easier to read. I recommend it as well, but did not think it was the "original". What am I missing, Larry?

> OK i'm/ confused. I thought the original was "Land Description " by William C Wattles. Later was a revision with additions by Gurdon Wattles. I thought "Writing Legal Descriptions" by Gurdon Wattles came after William Wattles book. I have a red paperback of William Wattles book, a later green book with edits by Gurdon W., and a yellow hardback called Writing Legal Descriptions by Gurdon Wattles.
>
> I liked the William Wattles book OK but found it hard to read. I like the yellow Gurdon Wattles book to have more information and is much easier to read. I recommend it as well, but did not think it was the "original". What am I missing, Larry?

I am on the road and was going from memory. The original that I mentioned above is indeed the yellow book and the supplemental version is the green book. I will be back to the office from the Missouri Convention on Tuesday. Will make sure Jimmy gets the right one. Haven't talked to him in awhile, might make a good opportunity to get him on the phone and catch up with things.

Larry P

You do need both, and they should have been early additions to your library.

Okay....not to belabour the point so much as to clarify. (I understand Larry is on the road, and was operating from memory)

First, I agree that the book "Writing Legal Descriptions" is the best to buy in my opinion.

But, it is not what I would call "the original".

First was a book, "Land Survey Descriptions" by William C. Wattles (Gurdon's father I presume) from 1956 (I think), It was a red paperback.

The tenth edition of this book has edits by Gurdon Wattles, and was published in 1974. It is a tannish color I believe.

The latest book from 1979 by Gurdon Wattles, is "Writing Legal Descriptions" It is the yellow hardback book referred to. It is more detailed and well written. I keep it on my work bookshelp and use it all the time for reference.

For whatever reason I have a hard time reading the older 'Land Survey Descriptions' books.

Finally, Larry sells a "GW's Workshop Exercise Book", which is what I am assuming is what was being referred to as a workbook.

> Okay....not to belabour the point so much as to clarify. (I understand Larry is on the road, and was operating from memory)
>
> First, I agree that the book "Writing Legal Descriptions" is the best to buy in my opinion.
>
> But, it is not what I would call "the original".
>
> First was a book, "Land Survey Descriptions" by William C. Wattles (Gurdon's father I presume) from 1956 (I think), It was a red paperback.
>
> The tenth edition of this book has edits by Gurdon Wattles, and was published in 1974. It is a tannish color I believe.
>
> The latest book from 1979 by Gurdon Wattles, is "Writing Legal Descriptions" It is the yellow hardback book referred to. It is more detailed and well written. I keep it on my work bookshelp and use it all the time for reference.
>
> For whatever reason I have a hard time reading the older 'Land Survey Descriptions' books.
>
> Finally, Larry sells a "GW's Workshop Exercise Book", which is what I am assuming is what was being referred to as a workbook.

The yellow hardback that has been a best seller for several decades.

Writing Legal Descriptions

The workbook.

G. W.'s Workbook

Thanks Tom for helping me make things clear.

Larry P