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Rating:  Summary: Too many errors to give it 5-stars. Review: This book has two main parts: One on coastwise navigation and a second on celestial navigation. I bought the book for it's celestial navigation section (about ten chapters) and that's the only part I've read and can review. The teaching method of the authors is excellent. They offer "pre-tests" or thought provoking questions prior to introducing new material, which help to confront and correct mistaken preconceptions. The subject is presented clearly and concisely with excellent diagrams, although the use of color would help. Scenarios are reviewed to firm-up the theory and generate new insights. Chapters end with "post-tests" or exercises to give you a chance to bring it all together. My initial enthusiasm for the material and methods soon faded as I discovered error after error in many chapters. They ranged from mathematical errors to referencing the wrong figure to not including the necessary table or chart excerpt needed to complete an exercise. Many of the errors are harmless and can easily be detected while a few are hidden and may lead the beginner astray. Because of this, I could not recommend it as a sole source of learning celestial navigation. Correct the errors and misprints and I raise my rating to 4-stars. Add multicolor diagrams and I'd give it 5-stars.
Rating:  Summary: Too many errors to give it 5-stars. Review: This book has two main parts: One on coastwise navigation and a second on celestial navigation. I bought the book for it's celestial navigation section (about ten chapters) and that's the only part I've read and can review. The teaching method of the authors is excellent. They offer "pre-tests" or thought provoking questions prior to introducing new material, which help to confront and correct mistaken preconceptions. The subject is presented clearly and concisely with excellent diagrams, although the use of color would help. Scenarios are reviewed to firm-up the theory and generate new insights. Chapters end with "post-tests" or exercises to give you a chance to bring it all together. My initial enthusiasm for the material and methods soon faded as I discovered error after error in many chapters. They ranged from mathematical errors to referencing the wrong figure to not including the necessary table or chart excerpt needed to complete an exercise. Many of the errors are harmless and can easily be detected while a few are hidden and may lead the beginner astray. Because of this, I could not recommend it as a sole source of learning celestial navigation. Correct the errors and misprints and I raise my rating to 4-stars. Add multicolor diagrams and I'd give it 5-stars.
Rating:  Summary: Finally, a navigation book that challenges you Review: While probably not the best first navigation text, for the semi experienced boater, Learn to Navigate gets down to the nitty-gritty of the subject. The numerous examples and practice problems at the beginning and end of each chapter challenge the student and reinforces learning.
Rating:  Summary: Finally, a navigation book that challenges you Review: While probably not the best first navigation text, for the semi experienced boater, Learn to Navigate gets down to the nitty-gritty of the subject. The numerous examples and practice problems at the beginning and end of each chapter challenge the student and reinforces learning.
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