New Releases by Evelyn Foster

Remote Lighthouses explores the fascinating history of isolated lighthouses and the lives of the keepers who bravely manned them. These maritime structures, often located in treacherous and remote locations, played a vital role in navigation and maritime safety. The book delves into the evolution of lighthouse technology, from early beacons to automated systems, highlighting the ingenuity required to conquer the challenges of remote operation. Discover how these lighthouses represent humanity''s enduring struggle to conquer the sea and provide safe passage for maritime trade, while also examining the unique communities that formed around these lonely outposts. The book presents a blend of historical narrative and travelogue, providing detailed accounts of life at key lighthouses around the world, such as Eddystone Lighthouse and Fastnet Rock Lighthouse. It examines lighthouse construction, technology, and purpose, progressing to detailed accounts of life at several key lighthouses around the world. Individual chapters focus on specific locations, each illustrating different aspects of lighthouse life and the geographical challenges faced. Finally, the book culminates by examining the automation of lighthouses and the legacy of the keepers, analyzing the impact of these changes on maritime culture and the preservation of these historic sites.

Dutch Cycling Culture explores why cycling is so integral to daily life and national identity in the Netherlands. It examines how the Dutch have achieved near-ubiquitous bicycle usage, far beyond just recreation, by focusing on the historical development of cycling infrastructure and its impact on social equity. The book reveals that the Dutch modal transport share differs significantly from other developed nations due to deliberate policy choices that prioritize cycling over car-centric development. The book uniquely intertwines quantitative data with qualitative insights, providing a nuanced understanding of how policy, infrastructure, and culture interact. It progresses from introducing core concepts of urban cycling and sustainable transport to examining specific case studies and cultural narratives. Dutch Cycling Culture demonstrates that the widespread adoption of cycling is not accidental, but rather a result of sustained investment and cultural embrace, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand and potentially replicate this model elsewhere.

Nairobi Beat explores the intriguing duality of Nairobi, Kenya, a city simultaneously renowned for the Nairobi National Parkâu0080u0099s captivating wildlife and its dynamic role as an African political hub. The book delves into how urban development and wildlife conservation efforts intersect, shaping the city''s unique cultural landscape. Nairobiâu0080u0099s position as both a sanctuary for nature and a crucible of political change reveals the interconnectedness that defines modern Africa. The book argues that Nairobi''s identity is forged from the tension between wildlife preservation, urban expansion, and political influence. For example, the book highlights how the city grapples with balancing infrastructure development and the preservation of vital wildlife corridors. Beginning with Nairobi''s colonial origins and its emergence as Kenya''s capital, the book progresses thematically, examining wildlife conservation, cultural dynamics, and the city''s impact on regional diplomacy. Through historical archives, interviews, and scientific studies, Nairobi Beat adopts a narrative non-fiction approach, blending factual information with compelling storytelling. Readers gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Nairobi, understanding how sustainable urban development and effective governance can be applied in other rapidly growing African cities.

""Cape Town Spirit"" explores the captivating yet complex narrative of Cape Town, South Africa. It examines the cityâu0080u0099s spirit through the lens of its colonial history, the resilience of its indigenous heritage, and the ever-present Table Mountain. One intriguing aspect highlighted is how the city''s urban planning was significantly influenced by apartheid policies, leading to lasting segregation. The book also suggests that Table Mountain, beyond being a geographical landmark, has been a silent witness to centuries of social and political change in the region. The book progresses through three distinct phases: the early colonial period and its impact on the Khoisan people, the apartheid era with its discriminatory laws and resistance movements, and post-apartheid Cape Town focusing on reconciliation and social justice. By integrating historical analysis with contemporary social issues, the book provides a unique perspective on how the legacy of colonialism continues to shape Cape Town''s identity. It connects to broader studies of urban planning and environmental history, offering valuable insights for travelers, students, and anyone interested in South African history.

""Basic Shelter Building"" is a practical guide teaching you how to construct emergency shelters using natural materials and basic hand tools, a vital skill for wilderness survival. It emphasizes understanding material selection, structural design, and environmental considerations to protect yourself from the elements. For example, knowing which wood provides the best insulation or how drainage patterns affect shelter placement are key insights. The book progresses from core concepts like site selection to detailed instructions for building various shelters such as lean-tos and debris huts, using clear illustrations and diagrams. What sets this book apart is its focus on practical application and adaptability. It stresses the underlying principles that allow you to adjust your techniques based on the environment and available resources, ensuring you can build a life-saving shelter with minimal resources.

""Survival Kit Assembly"" offers a practical guide to building customized survival kits for various environments, emphasizing that preparedness isn''t about the quantity, but the quality and strategic selection of gear. The book focuses on three core principles: effective equipment, diligent maintenance, and efficient weight management, highlighting the significance of each in emergency situations. Readers will learn how to choose items tailored to specific hazards, ensuring they have the right tools for shelter, water, fire, first aid, navigation, and self-defense. The book uniquely emphasizes weight optimization, encouraging readers to critically evaluate each item''s necessity. It provides a step-by-step assembly process, starting with analyzing potential emergency scenarios and ending with practical guidance on packing, organizing, and maintaining the kit. Drawing on field-testing research, the book offers evidence-based strategies for selecting high-quality, lightweight, and durable items. Chapters progress methodically, providing readers with a framework to adapt their kits to different environments, seasons, and personal needs.

Emergency Fire Making teaches essential wilderness survival skills, focusing on creating fire with minimal tools. The book details the crucial role of fire for warmth, signaling, and psychological comfort in emergency situations. Readers will discover how indigenous cultures developed unique fire-making methods and learn about the fire triangle, emphasizing the need for oxygen, heat, and fuel. This guide progresses logically, first exploring friction-based techniques like the bow drill and hand drill, supported by clear visuals. It then delves into identifying and preparing natural tinders and kindling from diverse environments. Finally, it presents fire lay construction, teaching how to build efficient and safe fires suited to different weather conditions. By mastering these techniques, readers gain self-reliance and preparedness, transforming what might be a daunting survival scenario into a manageable challenge.

GPS Backup Knowledge offers essential strategies for navigating when technology fails, highlighting the importance of traditional skills like map reading and compass navigation. GPS systems are susceptible to signal loss and battery failure, making reliance on them risky, especially in emergencies. The book emphasizes a blended approach, combining digital convenience with analog reliability. It also shows how understanding coordinate systems, such as latitude/longitude and UTM, provides redundancy and a deeper understanding of spatial relationships. This book uniquely focuses on practical application, providing step-by-step instructions and real-world scenarios. For example, understanding contour lines on a map is like reading the wrinkles on a face, revealing the terrain''s shape. The book progresses from fundamental map reading to coordinate systems and practical exercises, showcasing the value of preparedness. GPS Backup Knowledge equips readers with the skills to confidently navigate, plan safer trips, and contribute to search and rescue efforts. The book draws from cartographic resources and emergency preparedness guidelines, reinforcing concepts with diagrams. Ultimately, it champions a balanced path, embracing technology while maintaining fundamental navigation abilities.

Basic Desert Survival is a comprehensive guide teaching essential survival skills for navigating arid regions. It emphasizes preparedness, knowledge, and utilizing proven survival techniques. Would you know how to find water, build a shelter, or manage your body temperature when stranded? This book addresses these core needs, as dehydration and heat stroke are significant dangers. The book progresses logically, starting with basic principles and advancing to more complex skills. It draws upon ancestral knowledge and modern science, integrating techniques for water acquisition, shelter construction, and heat management. For example, the book explains how to build effective sun shelters using readily available materials. It emphasizes resourcefulness, enabling readers to adapt survival techniques to their specific circumstances, making it a unique and valuable resource. Basic Desert Survival provides practical, field-tested techniques that prioritize clarity and accuracy. The book''s approach involves a combination of experimental data, case studies, and expert testimonials. Whether you''re an adventure traveler, outdoor enthusiast, or survivalist, this book equips you with the knowledge to thrive in even the most hostile desert environments.

Emergency Signal Methods offers crucial knowledge for anyone venturing into remote areas, focusing on how to create effective distress signals. It emphasizes that signaling isn''t just luck, but a science-based skill involving signal patterns, material selection, and strategic positioning, all within international search and rescue standards. For example, understanding how weather impacts signal visibility can dramatically improve your chances of being seen. This book uniquely combines practical, hands-on advice with scientific principles, distinguishing it from general survival guides. It begins by establishing the core principles of visual and auditory signaling, detailing the evolution of SAR practices and the technological advancements that influence search methodologies. One key insight involves understanding the ""Rule of Threes"" and the universal distress signal. The book progresses systematically. It starts with the essentials of distress signaling, moves to material selection (like using fire, smoke, or signal mirrors), and then emphasizes strategic positioning based on terrain and weather. Case studies of successful and unsuccessful rescues are included to reinforce learning, making it an invaluable resource for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists.