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Best Middle East Travel Guides

Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies
Completely redesigned for today's generation of cooks and food enthusiasts, the 25th Anniversary Edition of Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies by Najmieh Batmanglij provides a treasure trove of recipes, along with an immersive cultural experience for those seeking to understand this ancient and timeless cuisine. ABOUT THE BOOK'S TITLE Food of Life, the title of the book, comes from the Persian words nush-e jan, literally "food of life"--a traditional wish in Iran that a dish will be enjoyed. The full-color Food of Life 25. th. Anniversary Edition contains 50% more pages than its 2009 predecessor and special added features: *New Recipes adapted from Sixteenth-Century Persian cookbooks. *Added vegetarian section for most recipes. *Comprehensive dictionary of all ingredients. *A glance at a few thousand years of the history of Persian Cooking. *Master recipes with photos illustrating the steps. One of the most exciting cookbooks I've seen in a while …I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in Iran's glorious food culture. "This summer's most coveted tome...the saffron-scented pages of which are guaranteed to create luscious new sense memories--and inspire future dinner invitations." "Divine cookbook...stunningly beautiful..." --Alice Waters. "I love Persian Food....Exceptional cookbook, full, heavy, and good."
Reviews
"What an incredible cookbook--one of the best on any cuisine I have ever used (and I have a lot of cookbooks). I am so happy I bought this cookbook--it's heads and tails above most cookbooks I've ever bought."
"Although she gives the authentic ingredients -- for example barberries -- she also suggests a substitution if you can't get them readily. I tried one of the versions using my rice cooker and I must say that it cut down on the preparation time substantially and produced a version that was good enough to serve to anyone -- with the possible exception of your picky Iranian mother-in-law, should you have one. They are not. Most of them are actually quite easy but what makes them so wonderful is the use of spices, herbs, yogurt and souring ingredients to make mouth watering dishes out of very simple and not very expensive ingredients."
"It's big, has colorful pictures and easy to read instructions, and also lists alternative ingredients and methods of preparation."
"This book is so great in that it also includes poetry, stories and cultural celebrations explained."
"This is such a neat book!"
"I can not say enough good things about this book!"
"There's no other word that can describe this book other than awesome."
"I gave my daughter the 1st edition that I had for over 33 years."
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Rose Then and Now Bible Map Atlas with Biblical Backgrounds and Culture
This atlas focuses on people not regions -- and how the geography affected their lives and decisions. This best-selling Bible atlas was authored by Dr. Paul H. Wright, president of Jerusalem University College (Institute of Holy Land Studies). Over the years Dr. Wright has led thousands of university students and adults on field studies throughout Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Egypt and the Sinai, many to out-of-the-way places not normally seen by students of the Bible. Know how David's clever understanding of geography and politics led to his marriage with Ahinoam of Jezreel. Discover why Naomi, in the Book of Ruth, couldn't just move back to Bethlehem after her husband's death and use his land again. Find out why Moses and the Children of Israel took the long southern trek from Egypt to the Promised Land, rather than the direct route. This atlas gives you incredible insights into your favorite Bible stories. "In this integration of biography, history and geography, Paul Wright applies his considerable knowledge of the land to the life and times of people in both the Old and New Testaments. Beyond the expected features of any atlas clear, visually compelling maps, timelines, and site photos Wright s work displays a number of key strengths that flow from the unique combination of his educational background and his years of living in the land. Second, the work with its deep academic underpinnings in the modern study of history and culture, also displays a remarkably adept handling of the theological significance of the land in general and the setting of particular stories, as well as the literary use of geographical features in the various narratives of both the Old and New Testaments. This is a book that I would highly recommend for anyone looking for help understanding the role of the physical setting of the Bible, the cultural milieu across the centuries it covers, and the unique literary usage of place in the narratives of the both the Old and New Testament.
Reviews
"We absolutely love this book by Rose!"
"The only reason I gave it four stars, instead of five, is just the feeling that it could have been even better -- but I couldn't tell you exactly how."
"My husband, a Pastor, received this as a gift from me for Christmas after retiring an old B&W Bible atlas."
"This book is educational and instructive."
"Own a LARGE collection of Rose Publishing books and fast-glance pamphlets - all have excellent photos, clear writing and organization - have also bought many duplicates to give as gifts."
"Very good, but we expected more map overlays."
"One of my favorite books."
"It helps to better understand time lines and ancient biblical history."
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DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Jerusalem, Israel, Petra & Sinai
DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Jerusalem, Israel, Petra & Sinai will lead you straight to the best attractions the region has to offer. Experience this beautiful and sacred part of the world, from the green hills and sun-drenched coast of Galilee to the holy sites of Jerusalem's Old City, and from the dramatic desert of Wadi Rum to the vibrant reefs of Dahab. With hundreds of full-color photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and custom maps that illuminate every page, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Jerusalem, Israel, Petra & Sinai truly shows you what others only tell you. "Known… for its four-color maps, photos and illustrations, the [DK] Eyewitness Guides are extremely user-friendly for travelers who want their information delivered in a concise, visual way."
Reviews
"This is particularly nice as it's secular/non-denominational (so many other guides for this area were not)."
"Keep it at my bedside so I can review all the places I went to."
"Great guide book."
"It was very helpful on my pilgrimage to the Holy Land this year."
"Everything I needed and hoped for!"
"love the maps and historical information."
"I always like Eyewitness guides."
"Product as promised."
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Best Persian Gulf Travel Guides

Lonely Planet Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula (Travel Guide)
Explore ancient souqs in labyrinthine alleyways; dine in the world's tallest building; and feel the allure of Arabia's desert dunes; all with your trusted travel companion. Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - culture, history, religion, art, literature, music, dance, architecture, politics, cuisine Over 70 maps Covers Bahrain, Manama, Kuwait, Kuwait City, Oman, Muscat, Dhofar, Qatar, Doha, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Gharbia and more.
Reviews
"kindle version not convenient, especially for the maps."
"Very helpful, used it on my trip to UAE and Oman..."
"Also, since the country's tourist infrastructure is significantly underdeveloped it would have been nice to have recommendations for local travel companies/guides that are reliable."
"Good book."
"Missing essential information, incorrect (probably not up to date) information."
"Everything in it is completely generic -- advice like "different countries have different visa rules, so you should research them before you travel." You'd think that at least the Oman and UAE sections would have something in them, being the main part of the title, but there is absolutely no content in them that is not completely generic -- basically just computer generated web content copied off of a clickbait site."
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Best General Middle East Travel Guides

Joon: Persian Cooking Made Simple
In Joon, master chef Najmieh Batmanglij distills one of the world's oldest and most influential cuisines to capture its unique flavors in recipes adapted to suit our busy lives. For Joon she has simplified 75 of her favorite dishes and shows how, with the right ingredients and a few basic tools and techniques, authentic Persian food can easily be prepared at home. You'll discover delicious side dishes, from cooling, yogurt-based salads and tasty dips and spreads, to more sustaining platters of grains, beans and fresh herbs; tasty kukus --frittata-style omelets filled with vegetables and herbs; spice-infused fish; mouth-watering meatballs and kababs served on flat breads with tangy sauces; every kind of rice--including the incomparable polow topped with various sweet and sour braises; not to mention, delightfully aromatic cakes and cookies to round off meals or enjoy as a snack in between. Najmieh came to America in the 1960s to study at university and would cook Persian food with fresh local produce using recipes sent by her mother in letters. Later, when Najmieh returned to Iran with her master's degree in education in hand, her mother welcomed her into the kitchen and started to work with her. At the end of 1979, as the Iranian Revolution took a more fundamentalist turn, Najmieh and her husband fled to France, where their first son Zal was born.
Reviews
"A couple of the recipes are really weird to me, for someone who has grown up with Persian food."
"Fantastic recipes."
"The best Persian Cooking reference I have ever seen."
"Great quality hardcover book with excellent visualization!"
"Great book!"
"2 orders of this book one for my wife and another for my daughter and both love the contents ."
"Ordered, arrived on time, great recipes and photos :)."
"another wonderful book from Najmieh!"
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Best Iran Travel Guides

Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies
Completely redesigned for today's generation of cooks and food enthusiasts, the 25th Anniversary Edition of Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies by Najmieh Batmanglij provides a treasure trove of recipes, along with an immersive cultural experience for those seeking to understand this ancient and timeless cuisine. ABOUT THE BOOK'S TITLE Food of Life, the title of the book, comes from the Persian words nush-e jan, literally "food of life"--a traditional wish in Iran that a dish will be enjoyed. The full-color Food of Life 25. th. Anniversary Edition contains 50% more pages than its 2009 predecessor and special added features: *New Recipes adapted from Sixteenth-Century Persian cookbooks. *Added vegetarian section for most recipes. *Comprehensive dictionary of all ingredients. *A glance at a few thousand years of the history of Persian Cooking. *Master recipes with photos illustrating the steps. One of the most exciting cookbooks I've seen in a while …I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in Iran's glorious food culture. "This summer's most coveted tome...the saffron-scented pages of which are guaranteed to create luscious new sense memories--and inspire future dinner invitations." "Divine cookbook...stunningly beautiful..." --Alice Waters. "I love Persian Food....Exceptional cookbook, full, heavy, and good."
Reviews
"Although she gives the authentic ingredients -- for example barberries -- she also suggests a substitution if you can't get them readily. I tried one of the versions using my rice cooker and I must say that it cut down on the preparation time substantially and produced a version that was good enough to serve to anyone -- with the possible exception of your picky Iranian mother-in-law, should you have one. They are not. Most of them are actually quite easy but what makes them so wonderful is the use of spices, herbs, yogurt and souring ingredients to make mouth watering dishes out of very simple and not very expensive ingredients."
"It's big, has colorful pictures and easy to read instructions, and also lists alternative ingredients and methods of preparation."
"This book is so great in that it also includes poetry, stories and cultural celebrations explained."
"This is such a neat book!"
"I can not say enough good things about this book!"
"There's no other word that can describe this book other than awesome."
"I gave my daughter the 1st edition that I had for over 33 years."
"The book also contains lovely stories about Persian customs, and we have giggled over the Mulla jokes that round out jokes told by Persians anywhere in the world."
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Best Iraq Travel Guides

Rolling Blackouts: Dispatches from Turkey, Syria, and Iraq
Cartoonist Sarah Glidden accompanies her two friends―reporters and founders of a journalism non-profit―as they research potential stories on the effects of the Iraq War on the Middle East and, specifically, the war’s refugees. "Sarah Glidden’s remarkable Rolling Blackouts adds a new twist to the [graphic journalism] form. Glidden accompanies a team of journalists through Syria and Iraq and her muted watercolours record not only the lives of people in war zones but the way the media interacts with them. "Glidden does a brilliant job in chronicling a two-month journey with journalist friends through Turkey, Syria, and Iraq to report stories about the impact of the Iraq War on Middle Eastern inhabitants...The power of Glidden’s narrative is in how it asks fundamental questions about what journalism is, what kinds of stories it tells, and what purpose these stories serve.
Reviews
"Ordered for my son for his summer reading prior to 11th grade."
"Read for a book club, and so glad I did."
"This book is an absolute delight."
"Frankly, I had doubts about Sarah Glidden’s decision to use “comic panels” to tell the intriguing story of her visit to Turkey, Syria, and Iraq with her two journalist friends and a friend of theirs who just happened to have seen military action in Iraq as an American soldier. Sarah Stuteville and Alex Stonehall, along with Jessica Partnow, created what Stuteville calls a “multimedia journalism collective” to cover the stories that the established news organizations never seemed to have time for, stories they never covered. The collective’s first venture was a six-month trip through Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan, India, Israel, Palestine, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan where they covered almost thirty stories of their own choosing, stories that were often picked up by “news sites, magazines, and public radio stations.” Now, Sarah and Alex are embarking on a two-month venture into Turkey, Syria, and Iraq to speak with some of the people most affected by the Iraq War, those almost countless refugees forced to flee their homes because of the fighting."
"They spent several weeks talking to displaced Iraqis and other individuals and trying to think of ways to pitch stories to news organizations back home. They work on two main stories - one about Dan, an Iraqi veteran who is returning to the region for the first time and wants to talk to Iraqis who lived through the war, and one about Sam, an Iraqi refugee who found his way to Seattle with his family, somehow ended up in the 9/11 Commission report, and was deported back to Iraq. It's no secret that news organizations have significantly reduced their foreign staff, and that reporting has suffered as a result. There are very few reporters abroad with long-term contacts, and so they cannot report on longer-term, slower burn stories. She shows us an Iraq that suffered through war but still has culture, friendship, delicious food, and beauty. It was very illuminating, and I highly recommend seeking it out if you enjoy Joe Sacco's work or Brooke Gladstone's The Influencing Machine."
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Best Israel Travel Guides

Rose Then and Now Bible Map Atlas with Biblical Backgrounds and Culture
This atlas focuses on people not regions -- and how the geography affected their lives and decisions. This best-selling Bible atlas was authored by Dr. Paul H. Wright, president of Jerusalem University College (Institute of Holy Land Studies). Over the years Dr. Wright has led thousands of university students and adults on field studies throughout Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Egypt and the Sinai, many to out-of-the-way places not normally seen by students of the Bible. Know how David's clever understanding of geography and politics led to his marriage with Ahinoam of Jezreel. Discover why Naomi, in the Book of Ruth, couldn't just move back to Bethlehem after her husband's death and use his land again. Find out why Moses and the Children of Israel took the long southern trek from Egypt to the Promised Land, rather than the direct route. This atlas gives you incredible insights into your favorite Bible stories. "In this integration of biography, history and geography, Paul Wright applies his considerable knowledge of the land to the life and times of people in both the Old and New Testaments. Beyond the expected features of any atlas clear, visually compelling maps, timelines, and site photos Wright s work displays a number of key strengths that flow from the unique combination of his educational background and his years of living in the land. Second, the work with its deep academic underpinnings in the modern study of history and culture, also displays a remarkably adept handling of the theological significance of the land in general and the setting of particular stories, as well as the literary use of geographical features in the various narratives of both the Old and New Testaments. This is a book that I would highly recommend for anyone looking for help understanding the role of the physical setting of the Bible, the cultural milieu across the centuries it covers, and the unique literary usage of place in the narratives of the both the Old and New Testament.
Reviews
"We absolutely love this book by Rose!"
"The only reason I gave it four stars, instead of five, is just the feeling that it could have been even better -- but I couldn't tell you exactly how."
"My husband, a Pastor, received this as a gift from me for Christmas after retiring an old B&W Bible atlas."
"This book is educational and instructive."
"Own a LARGE collection of Rose Publishing books and fast-glance pamphlets - all have excellent photos, clear writing and organization - have also bought many duplicates to give as gifts."
"Very good, but we expected more map overlays."
"One of my favorite books."
"It helps to better understand time lines and ancient biblical history."
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Best Jordan Travel Guides

Moab [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
Both maps include detailed trail charts describing the mountain biking and jeep trails that are the main draw of the Moab area. Map 500 :: Moab North Map 501 :: Moab South. Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of National Geographic, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world.
Reviews
"In Moab they have some really cool and detailed maps of each of the mountain biking areas."
"Great maps but haven't been updated in about 3-4 years based on lack of newer MTB trails...Navajo rocks, etc."
"great bundle needed for Moab."
"Map is not as detailed with lesser known spots but still worth having if you're travelling in that area."
"Moab south and Moab north are a must to have if you are going to hit the back country in Moab."
"I love maps!"
"Good plastic weatherproof map of the area."
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Best Lebanon Travel Guides

Saha: A Chef's Journey Through Lebanon and Syria [Middle Eastern Cookbook, 150 Recipes]
Stretching from neighboring Iran throughout the Mediterranean to North Africa, the roots of Greg's culinary history are here in the land of his forbears, and together with writing partner Lucy Malouf, he embarks on a month-long culinary journey. Heartwarming stories and recipes from the people Greg and Lucy meet on their journey are teamed with evocative images and Greg's own unique take on history. Greg, the chef, infuses the piquant classical flavors and age-old methods with new styling (Parmesan-Crumbed Quail), and sometimes vice-versa (Caesar salad with air-dried beef, Swiss Chard Risotto with Lobster), but he also presents many classics straight up, from Bedouin spinach and Lentil Soup to Lamb Shawarma and Crunchy Sesame Pistachio Cookies.
Reviews
"I've looked at the bookstore for other books on Lebanon food and there are only three that I could find."
"I've ordered the book for a Christmas present."
"Buy this book for your reference library if you are at all interested in a book with beautiful pictures, fantastic stories but most importantly yummy recipes."
"She was verbally wishing I enjoy her meals.. an amazing book - Amazing cultural notes, wonderfully delicious recipes just beg to be cooked."
"To recommend this book to whoever ask me about middle eastern food recipes."
"Bought as gifts and all recipients love it."
"Greg's treatment of the traditional recipes and variations on these recipes is well balanced."
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Best Saudi Arabia Travel Guides

God Of The Mountain: True Story Behind The Discoveries Of Real Mt Sinai
God of the Mountain: The True Story Behind the Discoveries at the Real Mt. Penny Caldwell became an avid desert explorer when she moved with her family to Saudi Arabia in January of 1988.
Reviews
"Will challenge you to search the scriptures, to laugh, and to cry for several reasons."
"Extremely important info in this book...unfortunately more will scoff at it or just ignore."
"I am excited to learn that Penny is planning to return for more investigating in the future."
"A must read for every believer, this is soooo amazing what Jim and Penny Caldwell found out about the TRUE location of Mount Sinai, Could not put the book down, and am re-reading again, so much information to take in."
"havent finished book read bob Cornukes book on subject got too many books to finish but this one definitely will take top priority."
"Fascinating story--now looking forward to what mountain and what artifacts. and inscriptions were found in their quest."
"Thanks to Jim and Penny Caldwell for sharing their adventure with the rest of us."
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Best Syria Travel Guides

Saha: A Chef's Journey Through Lebanon and Syria [Middle Eastern Cookbook, 150 Recipes]
Stretching from neighboring Iran throughout the Mediterranean to North Africa, the roots of Greg's culinary history are here in the land of his forbears, and together with writing partner Lucy Malouf, he embarks on a month-long culinary journey. Heartwarming stories and recipes from the people Greg and Lucy meet on their journey are teamed with evocative images and Greg's own unique take on history. Greg, the chef, infuses the piquant classical flavors and age-old methods with new styling (Parmesan-Crumbed Quail), and sometimes vice-versa (Caesar salad with air-dried beef, Swiss Chard Risotto with Lobster), but he also presents many classics straight up, from Bedouin spinach and Lentil Soup to Lamb Shawarma and Crunchy Sesame Pistachio Cookies.
Reviews
"I've looked at the bookstore for other books on Lebanon food and there are only three that I could find."
"I've ordered the book for a Christmas present."
"Buy this book for your reference library if you are at all interested in a book with beautiful pictures, fantastic stories but most importantly yummy recipes."
"She was verbally wishing I enjoy her meals.. an amazing book - Amazing cultural notes, wonderfully delicious recipes just beg to be cooked."
"To recommend this book to whoever ask me about middle eastern food recipes."
"Bought as gifts and all recipients love it."
"Greg's treatment of the traditional recipes and variations on these recipes is well balanced."
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Best Yemen Travel Guides

Motoring with Mohammed: Journeys to Yemen and the Red Sea
With a host of extraordinary characters from his guide, Mohammed, ever on the lookout for one more sheep to squeeze into the back seat of his car, to madcap expatriates and Eritrean gun runners- and with landscapes that include cities of dreamlike architectural splendor, endless sand dunes, and terrifying mountain passes, Hansen reveals the indelible allure of a land steeped in custom, conflicts old and new, and uncommon beauty.
Reviews
"- from Wikipedia. Peripatetic scribblers wander to such obvious destinations as Italy, France, Greece, China, India, Australia, the Amazon, or Alaska, then write a book to tell the rest of us vegetables all about it. The first takes place in 1978 when, after a 7-year period of wandering in other backwaters, the author is shipwrecked in the yacht "Clea", on which he was part of a five-person crew, on the uninhabited North Yemen island of Uqban. The book's second part - thirteen chapters - takes place during a ten-week period a decade later when Hansen returns to North Yemen to retrieve his cached journals. Whether he's tiptoeing across a precarious slope in the interior mountains, or witnessing the execution of a murderer, or participating in a communal qat chew, or sweating in a bathhouse, or feasting on stewed sheep's heads, Eric has a talent for observing the details that enrich the subsequent tale: "There is a trick to cracking open the skulls. As the eighteenth and last chapter reveals, the author made the fortuitous acquaintance of the Yemeni ambassador to the United States at a Washington, D.C. photo exhibit of his nation's architecture eight months after the former returned to America sans journals. Thus, five months after that, Eric, shovel in hand, is sloshing through the Yemeni surf to a "fishing boat that smelled of rancid shark oil and pureed dates", which, Allah willing, can convey him and an agent of the National Security Police across the sea to Uqban."
"I never gave much thought to or knew much about Yemen but, thanks to Hansen, I have a new and positive view of it."
"This would have been given 5 stars except for the authors penchant for getting a bit wordy in describing events scenes to the point of boredom."
"What happens when you get shipwrecked on a beautiful island but leave seven years worth of precious journals hidden in the sand when you are suddenly rescued?"
"This is the best of Eric Hansen's books, no mean feat considering that his writing is always top of the line."
"oh, what a read!"
"Delivery was immediate and the book basically as described - together, clean of underlining and tired."
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Best Bone Cancer

The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook: Third Home Edition
This comprehensive medical resource, The Merck Manual - - Third Home Edition , extensively covers health care for newborns, the elderly, and everyone in between. An editorial board of 207 medical experts contributes to this comprehensive overview of medical practice today, with a special focus on geriatric medicine (including a chapter devoted to enhancing the quality of end-of-life care for patient, care-giver, friends and family).
Reviews
"A much better book for doing a kind of "self-triage" to determine if it's a good idea to go to a doctor is the "Merck Manual Go-To Home Guide for Symptoms". This book is so readable, I think it would be possible, given sufficient years of reading time, to read it all through, or at least skim over the pages to get an overview of health issues for future reference. The copyright page iv is confusing on this point, but when you read the following page v, it's clear that the 1st edition was 1997, 2nd edition was 2003, and this 3rd edition is 2009."
"Although it is aimed at a non-technical audience, it provides good details on medical conditions."
"Merck's Home Health Handbook is written in everyday easy-to-understand language and provides information on health care for children and adults."
"Every home should have a copy."
"the product was perfect and the fit was right thanks always kinda late responding but ill always order from you.....thanks."
"The Merck Manual covers everyone, from infants to the elderly."
"The "every day common home" will most definitely benefit from having this book in their home!"
"The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook: Third Edition is a very useful home handbook."
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