Ok bad title, however it also fits; what I am looking for is some recommendations for reading; land survey, personal improvement, knowledge expanding or simply interesting reads. I'm not looking for action adventure, Cussler fills that niche nicely; I enjoy reading and am at a point that I would like to do more than simply be entertained by books, however other than the occasional biography or true story type (read a good book on Shackleton) I haven't
really ventured far, in a literary sense.
A little odd, but I figure most of you are more learned and older than I, and while I am an opinionated a hole I could learn something from you nice folks. Thanks!
Start with Daniel Boorstein's "Discoverers" and then read the rest of his books.
There's an almost endless number of really good books, and many previously recommended on this board I found excellent reads. Here's my favorites, more or less in order, (your mileage my vary):
Be careful with this first one:
The Urantia Book
(If that puts you off, don't get discouraged);
Carlos Castenedas series of books;
J.R.R. Tolkien's series, including The Hobbit and the Silmarillion;
Benjamin Franklin's writings;
Thomas Jefferson's writings;
"Green Mansions" (W.H. Hudson);
"The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" contains much beautiful prose and portrays what a magical relationship a person can create with dogs through discipline and proper training, but the ending is about the worst I could imagine, in more than one way.
"The Dark Side of The Coin" (Powers);
"Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" (Perkins);
Happy Reading!
Wow,some interesting recommendations, I've bought two so far and will look for the others as I finish reading; my goal is to distinguish myself above the 'typical' survey tech, to which I think I am doing well, and will do better with the reading list....now if only I could fix this a hole problem!:-P
After some brief reading, I realize Marcus Aurelius had quite the interesting interactions with people of his time, it also is making me realize I need to win the lottery so I can afford to study more!
Thank you again for these recommendations!
Endurance by Shackelton was certainly a good start.
Surveying Measurements by Ben Buckner was a great suggestion. I had the privilege of teaching continuing education courses at OSU with Ben. The book is on my desk right now.
Great Surveys of the American West by Bartlett is a great read.
The Great Arc by John Keay is a fascinating read.
But no one can answer for making you a better person than yourself. That responsibility resides with you alone. But look around for a cheap e-reader. Many classic works are available online at no cost, including surveying texts and histories.
Start with something to stimulate you intellect:
I've gotten away from reading large books. I'm into snippets of information and smaller books. This fits my goal of being well rounded.
I can read 50 pages on almost anything. Make it over 200 pages and it's torture to finish.
I have no compulsion to read Beowulf and the complete works of Longfellow. Read something that you would feel comfortable discussing with friends or co-workers.
I've always kept a copy of Thoreau's Walden close at hand.
Strunk & White's Elements of Style for improving your writing.
Thomas Sowell's Basic Economics for, well, basic economics.
Andrew Tobias's The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need for investment advice.
Paul Johnson's A History of the American People for the American experience.
As for Surveying, you can't do better than Brown's Boundary Control and Evidence and Procedures, but stick to the 1st or 2nd editions of each.
I like philosophy myself. Proverbs from the Bible is a good start.
"Gödel, Escher Bach" is good. I call it "mental masturbation".
Lao Tsu "Tao Te Ching"
Anything from Bruce Lee is good.
Surveying wise: "Measuring America" by Andro Lenklatter is a great read with some fantastic history of surveying.
I love my National Geographic magazines. I read them all front to back at last twice every month.
Happy reading.
I just finished reading Dark Sun: The Making of the Hydrogen Bomb by Richard Rhodes, a sequel to The Making of the Atomic Bomb. Both were excellent reads, notable for both the history of atomic physics as well as the geopolitical ramifications of atomic bomb development. It's a fascinating subject that continues to drive global politics.
> what I am looking for is some recommendations for reading; land survey, personal improvement, knowledge expanding or simply interesting reads.
Okay, blow off all that high-toned stuff and start with Henry Miller's "Tropic of Cancer". After that, you'll know how to proceed.
Hoffman's Reports
Reports of Land Cases determined in US District Court for the Northern District of California: 1853-1858, by Ogden Hoffman, District Judge.
"These Reports of Land Cases contain the decisions of Judge Ogden Hoffman on appeals from the Board of Land Commissioners, and upon other proceedings in 110 cases concerning the legality of the most important Spanish and Mexican land grants in California."
Great for the casual, from time-to-time read.
Moby Dick ...by Herman Melville
The Road Less Traveled...by M. Scott Peck
Has anyone heard from BigE?
He didn't get banned, did he?:-$
52 days since his last post seems like along time for him, I hope he's alright....
Radar
Court opinions can be entertaining reading. Justices are people too and some are better writers and storytellers than others.
Boundaries and Landmarks, by A.C. Mulford is a classic as relevant today as it was in 1912.
More guns less crime
Dr. Jon Lott.
if money is an issue, don't forget http://www.gutenberg.org/ and www.archive.org
