Desk Ref Paperback – May 1, 2010

Encyclopedic, extensive, deep, thorough... pretty much sum up this expanded version of the "Pocket Ref" I have used for years. If you're looking for an excellent offline reference that doesn't take up your whole bookshelf (if you even still have a bookshelf), this is a good place to start.Pros* Extensive listings across a broad range of disciplines (see 'Other thoughts' for some sample topics)* High-quality cover* Offers a table of contents and an index* 1,224 pages of tables, lists and a few photos and diagrams* The index alone is 42 pages long (though see cons)Cons* Currently unavailable as an e-book, which would have been far preferable for keyword searching* I would have preferred a still-larger index. Some index entries are not cross-listed with alternative but common terminology; for instance, "Stockpile Volume and Weight" doesn't have a index entry for "Angle of Repose", a common concern in the raw materials industry and a term used on that page. I don't need a concordance, but a bit deeper coverage here would have been nice* Some tables do not have information that was official and available as of this printing (2011); for instance, the periodic table of elements is current as of 2004 (and thus misses Dubnium [Db 105] and heavier) -- though to the authors' credit, elements at least up through Copernicum [Cn 112] are listed in a nearby tableOther thoughtsThis enormous storehouse of information seems best suited for librophiles and offline reference. A few random topics, to indicate the depth of coverage:Wire classes and insulationBox nails and bradsCar rental toll-free numbers, worldwideFirst aidRight triangle formulasWorldwide phone area codes and country codesGold, silver and diamond classificationCapacities of large tanks and cylindersApparent dipKnots (with photos)Water discharge through 100 feet of hoseJust... on and on. It's pretty amazing.

This is a great collection of information of a wide variety. I would think it would be most useful to engineers, but there is plenty that others may also find useful.A quick flip through the book showed me endless numbers concerning metal screws, nuts, bolts, wire, sheet metal, and other stuff related to industry, mechanics, engineering, and so on. The adhesive powers of different glues; equations for calculating surface area and other interesting stuff.I was interested in the section on Morse code, the Beaufort wind scale, Braille, American Sign Language letters, first aid, and the so-called 'ten-codes' used by many police departments.It seems to me that no one in the world would find it *all* interesting; but it also seems that there's something in there for everyone.

I had the small book "Pocket Ref" that I relied on a lot but this one has so much more! I imagine it will be dog eared and worn in a short time!

Not the most accurate or relevant information, but beats having nothing. Very good if internet or power goes out. Otherwise, search engines will give you a more diverse selection of information. One of my “prepping” books.

Good shelf presence, if you can let it alone long enough to put it on the shelf. I was not expecting the breadth of knowledge contained in this book. I spend most of my time in front of a computer, and have alot of mileage with Google. I like physical books, and there is something about having the data in front of you. There are some things Im sure Ill still look up online, but I will be making it a point to use this as often as possible.

Seller provided a mint condition book with nothing observably wrong with it. The print inside and out were great as well. I got this because it is now a companion to the Pocket Ref I have owned for quite sometime. Get both sizes. If you get the softback invest in clear laminating paper and protect it right away.

The DIYers guide to the universe - If you have a question, the answer is in here... problem is when you open it to find a particular answer to something, how easy it is to get distracted by all of the information herein that you never knew that you needed to know! Love this book.

Perfect as advertised