Alabama Guide Books

Robert Gamble outlines in detail the primary architectural currents
and styles that have surfaced in Alabama over the years and defined the
state's built landscape. The structures and styles, all well-illustrated,
range from folk houses and early settlement buildings to railway terminals,
churches, libraries, municipal and university buildings, palatial private
mansions, and modest homes. Structures from every period and every major
stylistic era--Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Romanesque
and Mission Revival, and the Richardsonian--are documented meticulously,
along with examples of early--Modern buildings, including Alabama's only
Frank Lloyd Wright structure and skyscrapers from the Chicago school.

More than 200 photographs, supplemented by
sketches, plans, and etchings, provide the general reader and the design
professional with images of Alabama architecture in all its variety and
range. Many illustrations offer rare views of buildings long since demolished.
A substantial glossary of architectural terms and a thorough bibliography
enhance this standard sure to be welcomed anew by any lover of old buildings,
whether weekend rambler or serious student.

Robert S. Gamble is State Architectural Historian for the Alabama
Historical Commission and the author, with Chip Cooper and Harry Knopke,
of Silent in the Land. In 1989 Gamble was awarded the prestigious
Antoinette Forrester Downing Award by the Society of Architectural Historians
for excellence in a published survey of historic buildings.

Butterflies of Alabama is a full-color, richly illustrated guide to the 84 known species of “true” butterflies (Papilionoidea) found within the state’s borders. For more than 14 years, the authors have made a close study of these showy, winged stars of the insect world, pursuing them in a great variety of habitats, rearing them, and photographing their remarkable life cycle stages—egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalid or “cocoon”), and adult.

Each species account is accompanied by color photographs of live subjects in their natural habitats. Close-ups reveal fascinating details of camouflage, mimicry, coloration, and warning devices. The engaging text explains the highly evolved relationships between butterflies and the plants upon which they depend as well as the specialized adaptations that enable their survival within specific environmental niches. Included are range maps, flight times, caterpillar host plants, adult nectar sources, and identification tips—abundant information to tantalize budding as well as experienced butterfly watchers. In addition, pertinent conservation issues are addressed and appendices provide an annotated checklist of the state’s butterflies, a list of accidentals and strays, information on butterfly organizations, and recommended further reading.

With its non-technical language, simple format, and beautiful images, Butterflies of Alabama is accessible and appealing to anyone who appreciates Alabama’s amazing natural wealth.

This book offers advice on everything from starting your garden from seed, to planning your garden with helpful space saving techniques.  Make this guide a must-have resource for anyone interested in growing vegetables, no matter what their space requirements. Helpful charts will outline when to plant and when to harvest cool and warm season vegetables.