Bibliography

How do I Evaluate Books?

In cases like these, I might want to buy a book. How to determine its value. Its value to me.

I skim through each book; I read the preface and the introduction, and note the publication and printing date.

For “wildflowers” books I see recognize a few plants in my yard – dandelion and Pineappleweed – and I will pick a sample of each flower and see how well it matches the narrative. In particular, if I can understand each feature of the narrative (with the help of a glossary) then I reason that the book will probably be a good aid in the future.

For “trees” books I resolve to bring in samples from the tall pine/fir/spruce tree across the road, and samples from my aspen and maple trees and repeat the exercise as for wildflowers.

That is, I compare my results of identification against what I or my neighbour knows about the tree. If there is a close match, I decide that this book is suited for me.

That does not guarantee that the books will help me identify every plant, but it suggests that each book speaks a language that I can understand.

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