New book

[John H]

Just ordered mine.

http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/bookstore.asp?FO=1159966&DI=626598

[tracy]

Looks interesting, look forward to a book review from you!

[woodbodger]

Is that £30 because that brings on my allergy.

[Stephen1]

Just ordered my copy. Ralph Harmer, Gary Kerr and Richard Thompson are all very well regarded within the woodland ecology community - I've learned a lot from Richard Thompson in particular.

I hear what you're saying Woodbodger £30 is £30 - but actually that's relatively cheap for a book like this, and without accusing you of ignorance I think it's a case of "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance".

Particularly from my conservation directed perspective I can easily spend a lot of time working, in an attempt to acheive some aim, where the latest research might suggest I should have approached it in a different way. Hours of effort can be wasted, or poorly directed. Even if I value my time at only £8 an hour this book would be paid for in a mornings work- With access to the most recent research on woodland ecolgy, and the conservation techniques that would suggest, I can work much more efficiently to acheive my goals (or appreciate when they are inappropriate or unfeasible) and very quickly gain those hours spent "earning" the book back - and from then on I'm getting more for every hour of my effort for free!

For example a few years ago I spent a lot of time and effort working in an area of beech after finding a few trees with "beech bark disease". When I found out just how much individual variation there was between individual trees in terms of susceptibility and resistance to the "disease" I realised (with my aims for the wood) there was absolutely no need for me to do anything. Weeks and weeks of work saved by reading one paper.

Compared to any machinery you can buy I believe well researched books offer much more, in terms of time saved and efficient working choices, for every pound spent. That said though there are very few books out there that I'd recommend - and the converse of all I've said is that poor information can be a massive millstone around your neck...

I haven't read the book yet but given the authors I bet £30 is a bargain.

[woodbodger]

Yes that was a bit tongue in cheek and I do appreciate your erudite comment however all things have to be balanced against having a wide range of interests and shallow pockets. Perhaps you would be kind enough to give an appraisal of the book when you get it?

[John H]

For me a book is not as exciting as a new tool or machine, but then you can not take a tractor to bed.

Having said that, my wife gets fed up when every evening I can be found reading back issues of a glossy magazine....The Forestry Journal of course.

John

[James M]

I've had two books published and just finished working as a technical editor on another. Pricing is based on predicted units sold. I'll pay £70 for a techncial book in my professional area, but the publishers might only expect to sell 1000 copies at most over a ten year period so it's priced accordingly. After a year or so 2nd hand copies turn up on ebay, amazon etc so it drives the price down. That's why novels are £3.99 but start at hardback for £14.99, it's race to cover publishing costs before the book ends its natural life which isn't long unless it's a classic.

£30 for a book won't be due to anyone trying to fleece you, it's just they won't expect to sell that many copies. When you read it just hope it is techncial/specialist enough to justify the price tag!

[John H]

It arrived this morning, looks good. I think it will become essential reading for anyone interested in woodland. I will have to wait till this evening to have a proper look.

John