David A. Hall one of today's foremost experts on Japanese combative culture combines hands-on experience in a wide variety of martial traditions with an academic & religious background to produce this landmark work. The Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts" is an exhaustive impeccably researched reference offering information about everything there is to know on the subject from adauchi (a vendetta) to zanshin (state of focused vigilance before during & after executing a technique or combative form). The volume opens with several sections to help make using the Encyclopedia as efficient & effective as possible: Abbreviations Quick Guide to Weapons & Systems Historical Eras guides to the Entries & Lineage Charts & A Note on the Japanese Language & Communication Style. The Encyclopedia itself which runs for more than 625 pages & contains around 4 000 entries arranged alphabetically with concise definitions covers all aspects the many different martial arts that have developed in Japan. Readers will find entries on hundreds of classical martial arts schools & over 50 detailed lineages of these schools; over 300 combative systems; the master martial artists (both ancient & modern); & the roles played by Buddhism Taoism Shintoism & Shugendo in shaping the spiritual & cultural lives of Japanese warriors. Following the main portion of the work are several Appendices (Traditional East Asian Numbering Systems & Ancient Period Military Organisation) as well as a Selected Bibliography; & character indexes (General Chinese English & Sanskrit) containing around 6 000 terms. With its vast wealth of information & practical user-friendly organisation " The Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts" is sure to become the essential reference for the beginning martial artist seeking an introduction to the basics as well as for the advanced student who wants a deeper understanding of the historical spiritual & combative origins of the many different disciplines & schools. in addition the book is perfect for scholars & researchers -who will appreciate the access to material previously unavailable in English- as well as for reference libraries & Asian studies & language departments." ...

An invaluable reference guide to the latest machine embroidery techniques materials & equipment all in handy A-Z format. Entries include correct tension settings digitized motifs enlarging patterns fabric sculpture gold thread hand embroidery machines interlaced machine stitches lace techniques multi-head machines overlockers reverse stitching smocking understitching whitework & many more. Embracing both free motion & computerised embroidery this book contains all you need to know to make the most of your machine. ...

Hailed as a rare combination of learning decent writing & knock-your-eyes-out photography by The Times & an ultimate in natural history books by the Irish Times when it was published in its first edition this encyclopedia has become the definitive reference work on mammals for the 21st century. It covers the behaviour diet distribution & evolution of every known living mammal in the world in clear accessible language & is illustrated throughout with spectacular photographs & original artwork including breathtaking photo-stories of momentous events such as how a cheetah learns to hunt an elephants early years & life in the pouch for a kangeroo. There are also feature articles on a range of fascinating topics among them: Why do primates have big brains? Why do lions roar? & what are the costs of motherhood for seals? Written by an international team of experts & edited by renowned zoologist Professor David Macdonald
- whose documentary Meerkats United was voted the best wildlife film of all time by BBC viewers
- this new edition has been comprehensively revised & updated to reflect the most recent developments in modern zoology. It offers authoritative coverage of each species & contains brand new photographs maps & illustrations as well as essays on special topics from conservation to the evolution of primates; from human culture to disease in the Tasmanian devil. An essential work for zoologists & natural historians this book is also a stunning point of reference for families & for anyone interested in the mammals of the world.

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Here for the first time in one volume are all the basic & revolutionary concepts on exercise training principles contest preparation diet & nutrition that have evolved into modern bodybuilding from the man who stands at the forefront of the sport. The Encyclopaedia of modern bodybuilding" will answer every question any dedicated bodybuilder of bodybuilding enthusiast could ever think to ask. It is an exhaustive reference & instructional manual covering every conceivable aspect of the sport." ...

This is a colourful history of one of the world's most popular musical styles. This heavily illustrated guide to reggae is a colourful herbally endowed & sunsplashed history of one of the world's most popular musical styles. Reggae was born in 1960s Jamaica a potent mix of such indigenous genres as ska & rocksteady plus R&B jazz & traditional African rhythms. Before long it had conquered the globe influencing musicians from Britain to Brazil. The Encyclopedia of Reggae" focuses on the music's golden age from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s heyday of dancehall & features more than 500 images including rare album art & ephemera. Written by one of the foremost experts on the subject this amazing resource profiles more than 200 key performers impresarios & producers from reggae's history." ...

This is a treasury of sewing & fabric craft techniques & projects compiled by the undisputed queen of crafts Martha Stewart. It comes complete with a CD-ROM containing all the patterns & templates for each sewing pattern. It features full step-by-step instructions for every sewing technique catering for everyone from first-time dabblers to the more adventurous sewers. Over 150 projects are fully explained & beautifully shot providing practical detail & inspirational ideas. It also

Includes:: a detailed UK sources & buyers guide & a full rundown of the essential tools & materials necessary to make this a lasting reference. Contents include: Introduction; Basic Techniques; Sewing; Applique; Embroidery; Quilting & Patchwork; Dyeing; Printing; Projects A
- Z; Animals; Aprons; Bags; Bath Linens; Bed Linens; Bibs; Blankets; Books; Clothing; Coasters; Cozies; Curtains; Decorative Pillows; Dolls; Flowers; Handkerchiefs; Nursery; Organizers; Pets; Pincushions; Pot Holders; Quilts & Patchwork; Shades; Slippers; Table Linens; Upholstery; Wall Decor; Tools & materials; CD Patterns & Templates; Suppliers; Index.


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This book is an up-to-date account of the world's most primitive & feared predators. It covers their evolution their powerful bodies & amazing senses & how they swim hunt feed breed hibernate migrate & survive in the aquatic environment. It is fully illustrated with stunning images made possible by the latest advances in underwater photography as well as cutaway diagrams maps & charts. There are also detailed profiles of a wide range of shark species including the great white tiger shark thresher megamouth & the greatest fish on the planet the whale shark. ...

This is a detailed chronological guide to the development of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle from the first prototype to the final model of the 20th century. Explore the extensive guide to model names which

Includes:: the year of manufacture & engine type. It features over 600 glorious photographs of the Harley-Davidson model including the classic police bike which made their name & the latest Sportster range. This illustrated encyclopedia traces the enthralling history of Bill Harley & the Davidson brothers & the development of a motorcycle that came to personify America. So successful was it that it led to the formation of a company that has earned a special place in the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. Building on the Founders original idea of producing reliable & sturdy bikes Harley-Davidson came to the ultimate decision of giving its customers what they really wanted. The result as everyone knows are bikes of mythic status imbued with a mysterious quality of their own & generating a passion in enthusiasts amounting to a love affair. From the classics to the latest Springer Softail this book describes each model in extraordinary detail with over 600 glorious photographs & will be of interest to all motorcycle enthusiasts & Harley Davidson fans.

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* The Encyclopedia of the Unexplained is a comprehensive guide to the mysterious & strange whether natural or unnatural. Even with todays hi-tech science many events & ancient mysteries such as crop circles ghosts the Holy Grail & the Nazca Lines remain unexplained with many theories stirring the imagination. Some famous enigmas such as The Bermuda Triangle have now been explained by science but still hold an allure of mystery. The Encyclopedia of the Unexplained will also uncover some of our ancient superstitions & symbols from why black cats are lucky to how Feng Shui is supposed to change life for the better. ...

Whether you are an experienced jewellery-maker looking to move up to the next level or a complete beginner The Encyclopedia of Wire Jewellery Making Techniques" is an invaluable resource. Using this book you can: learn how to manipulate wire to create elegant structural designs for earrings rings pendants necklaces tiaras & brooches with clear illustrated instructions; combine wire with beads & stones through threading & wrapping for an intricately embellished look; have fun experimenting with different types of wire from precious metal to electrical & recycled wires; & progress from basic wire-working skills to more advanced techniques such as making linked jump-ring chains simple soldering & using chemicals to alter the wire finish." ...