3 comments about Pontiac Fiero, 1984-1988 (Haynes Manuals).

1. This book is a disaster. The author seems to cover only what is easily explainable and leaves the rest to the reader to figure out. The supplement for the 1988 models is weak at best. Buy the Chilton manual. It is by no means perfect, but it is better than this.



2. As our Fieros are all getting rather old, I appreciate having as much information as possible. While not perfect,I prefer this book to the Chilton manual as it contains photos and instructions from an actual repair. The Chilton book mostly bases its information on the Pontiac shop manuals. Over the years (I have owned Fieros since 1984) I have used both this book and Chilton, as neither one has all the information required. So the best solution may be to get both books....



3. While the Chilton is okay, this book is much better as it has better pictures.

5 comments about War under Heaven: Pontiac, the Indian Nations, and the British Empire.

1. I am going to offer a rave review, (admittedly of a favorite period), and want to disclaim the need for a disclaimer --- I do not know the author or have any connection to his University or publisher.

   Gregory Dowd can hardly be accused of writing inaccessible history only to other historians on an obscure topic. The linkages in British Colonial Indian policy between the end of the French and Indian War and the Revolution are interesting in their own right. This account covers all perspectives, dealing with French attitudes; Pontiac's turbulent, adroit yet ultimately unpopular leadership; and above all the cultural and emotional influences at work in the era. Not merely about Pontiac's War, this work is aptly subtitled: Pontiac, The Indian Nations and the British Empire.

   Of particular import is Dowd's sophisticated analysis of British policy paralleled with a sober yet, when appropriate, complimentary account of the methods of the Indian Nations. Dowd provides new insight in his focus on the issue of status and dignity as a motivating factor in Pontiac's War -- without ever collapsing into easy platitudes on the plight of Native Americans. Wholistic in the best sense of the word, the impact of Indian religion and its interaction with Christianity is also assessed.

   Expert, well written, well researched, non-polemic; War Under Heaven, also offers seamless assessments of the work of other historians.

   The fact that Dowd accomplishes so much in just 275 pages of text is a testament to good writing and the tightness of the text. Just as accessible to newcomer as to student of the era.




2. Gregory Dowd's "War Under Heaven" is a decent scholarly analysis of the Indian conflict popularly known as Pontiac's War, that bloody uprising against the British along the Eastern frontier in the years immediately after the end of the French and Indian War. Pontiac's War was a result of many factors following France's defeat in the contest for North America, most of which surrounded the uncertainy of the Indians future in an empire now controlled by the British, who unlike the French before them, did not generally look upon the Indians with favor. The result of this uncertainy of status and spirituality led to an especially sanguinary confrontation between the Indians and their British neighbors, or as the Indians saw them, overlords.

   Dowd questions the traditionally accepted causes of the war, especially the conclusions of authors like Francis Parkman and Howard Peckham, which placed the ultimate causes of the war at the feet of General Jeffery Amherst and his anti-Indian policies of witholding presents and weapons from the tribes, materials that they had not only come to expect as a matter of course, but were now wholely dependent on for their survival. Dowd attempts to draw a connection to the role of the Delaware Prophet Neolin and his influence on Pontiac and the other western tribes as they struggled to maintain their lifestyle in the face of a an uncertain future. The author maintains that the question of Indian status and prestige lie at the root of the conflict as the Indians tried to keep the balance between themselves and the British which they had always enjoyed with their previous allies, the French. He also attempts to enhance the role played by the spiritual aspect of the war, showing that Pontiac and his followers were greatly influenced by the teachings of the Delaware Prophet and his message of a return to native technologies and lifeways and a rejection of white influence. This is definately not a military history of the war so much as an analaysis of the causes and outcomes of Pontiac's War and the way Indian-white relations evolved over the course of the years 1760-1765.

   While the book is well written and researched, I had some serious reservations with some of the conclusions Dowd draws. For one thing, Dowd seriously downplays the significance of Henry Bouquet's success at the Battle of Bushy Run, claiming it was more a draw than the important victory most historians make it out to be. He also downplays the importance of Bouquets expedition into the Ohio Country in 1764, a march that is usually credited with having ended the war and eliciting proclamations of peace from the Ohio tribes. Here Dowd implies that far from cowing the tribes, Bouquet forms a shaky peace with the yet hostile native enemies whom he knows he can not best in open combat.

   The biggest problem, however, lies with his almost revisionist treatment of Colonel John Bradstreet's expedition to Detroit which took place simultaneously with Bouquet's march. Historians from Francis Parkmen to Fred Anderson have characterized Bradstreet's expedition as an unqualified disaster. Bradstreet disobeyed his orders from Gage to attack the Shawnee and Delaware villages along the Scioto and attempted to create his own ill-conceived peace accord with the Ohio tribes in a clear affront to his nemesis William Johnson. Bradstreet is generally remembered by history as being the conqueror of Fort Frontenac during the late war with France, but here he proves himself to be an ambitious yet incompetent bungler who's greatest affront comes at Detroit when, enraged at Pontiac's absence from a peace council Bradstreet has called with the disaffected tribes, the colonel proceeds to tomahawk to bits a peace belt Pontiac has sent in his stead, an act that one historian has compared to a diplomat spitting on a proposed peace treaty. Bradstreet also unwisely sends poor Captain Thomas Morris on a fool's errand up the Maumee and Washbash Rivers, into the lion's den so to speak, in an attempt to bring Pontiac to the peace table. Along the way Morris is beaten and nearly burned at the stake by hostile Indians, only to escape to Detroit in failure, angering a deluded Bradstreet by presenting undeniable evidence that the peace he believes he has forged is a total fraud. Bradstreet then leaves Detroit in disgust, is angered further by the Indians failure to show up with prisoners at Sandusky as promised, and then proceeds to abandon half his force on his return to Niagara after many of his bateauxs are foolishly sunk in a storm on Lake Erie when he fails to take the necessary precautions to protect his men and equipment. Dowd, however, portrays Bradstreet as an unsung hero, a man maligned by his superiors who are angered by his mission's lack of bloodshed and chastisement. Whether or not this is an accurate view of Bradstreet is questionable, but Dowd seems to support much of the rest of his arguements soundly.




3. this fast read is good for understanding the "benign neglect" policy of the British government during the pre-AmerRev period.Traditional interpretatins of the
   Proclamation of 1763(which restricted white european settlement west of the Appalachians) blame poor land hungry European settlers for the violation of the treaty and make the British government appear as mediators. Dowd asks the "big question",that is,with all that land and resources and human greed,would the British actually believe the Proclamation Line would mean anything to anyone except the Indian nations in the disputed territories?The answer is no, the Proclamation Line of 1763 was intended as a stalling tactic until the British government could figure out a way to gobble the land west of the Appalachians,legally or at least with little actual cost.White squatters forced the Indians out however before the British government could get their,"greasy paws" on it. Pontiacs'War as i interpret Dowd, is a sideshow, though interesting and tragic to the coming of the American Revolution.After reading the book I was reminded of a warning that an American Indian gave to fellow Americans at a convention,he said,"You Americans better keep a close watch on your immigration policy,cause us Indians sure didn't"!!!!!



4. Uncolored by prevailing thought, Dowd's impression of Col. Bradstreet is more objective than most.
   For instance, most historians have unfortunately taken Sir Wm. Johnson's "Remarks on the Conduct of Col. John Bradsteet" letter to Gen. Gage as sound criticism, which it is not. The enraged Johnson permitted his personal dislike and his resentment for Bradstreet (his usurping of his powers to make treaties)to overwhelm him. It caused him to make rash assumptions and exaggerations. As an example, careful examination of "Bradstreet's Disaster", utilizing only Maj. Wilkins' joural and Mantee's "Late War in America", reveals that virtually every accusation of Johnson's regarding that event is false or exaggerated. It has colored historians' opinions of Bradstreet in a major way ever since.
   
   Gregory Dowd is to be congratulated for his seeing beyond the historically tainted impressions.



5. The book was well written and I found Dowd's argument convincing. His narration is clear, though there are times when it could have been shortened.
   
   The complaint... Dowd does a decent job explaining the British Navy as an advantage at Fort Detroit. It is possible, and probable that many of the people on the ships were not trained sailors that the royal navy is accustomed to. However, the British certainly knew how to handle their ships. In fact, I would suggest that Pontiac had little to no chance at Fort Detroit. Now, here is the complaint. Where Dowd does a good job showing how the greatest navy in the world would be too much for Pontiac to handle; he fails to point out the reality of England's army. The English had probably the worst land army in Europe at the time. During the 7 years war it was Prussia who kept England ahead in Europe. English armies were battered by France in America. The English enforced discipline, but their army was not elite. For obvious reasons, the royal navy was of more importance. Why is this a complaint? Well, Dowd appears to give Pontiac's warriors a good deal of credit, and rightfully so, but Indian warriors armed with European weapons placed them theoretically on the same "playing field" as the English. The English army was horrible, and Dowd should have pointed this out. The army was not as well trained as the French or Prussians. This is seen as certain captains, commanders, etc. are seen creating their own rules. What I am suggesting is, the weakness of the British army contributed more to Pontiac's success than it is shown.
   
   
   Complaint aside, the book is definitely worth buying. If you are a history student (European or US) I would suggest it--particularly if you plan to focus on colonial history.
   
   
   Another good book from this period is "Subjects unto the Same King: Indians, English, and the contest for authority in colonial New England" by Jenny Hale Pulsipher

3 comments about Chevrolet Camaro Pontiac Firebird: 1993 thru 2002 (Haynes Repair Manual).

1. This book is helpful if you already know what you need to fix and where it's located. It was very helpful in showing how to remove the door panels to get at the power window motor. Unfortunately, when it came to find where the relay for the motor was located, I needed to get a Chilton's manual. You're better off with Chilton's if you need the detail.



2. I drive a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 '96 which (currently) needs a transmission service, replaced distributor etc. This called for a good technical manual. Haynes Manuals are among the best. It's easy to follow with just enough info to get the job done! It really helped me out.



3. This book is almost exactly the same as the Chiltons manual, just a lot cheaper. Same pictures, same author, same text, in the same order. The Chiltons is bigger, although that mostly has to do with more blank space. There may be a few minor differences, but there is no reason to own both that I can see.
   
   It's still not very detailed. In some instances it will show photographs of the 93-97 version while explaining the 98-02 version. Sometimes it tells you what size tool you need, sometimes it doesn't.
   
   It's still a useful reference guide for the home mechanic.

2 comments about GM Bonneville/Eighty-Eight/LeSabre 1986-1999: Covers all U.S. and Canadian models of Pontiac Bonneville, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, LSS and Buick LeSabre (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manual).

1. This is for those die hard do-it-yourselfers who have a desire to save money and feel like becoming one with their automobile. There is nothing quite like waking up knowing you have to change the timing chain. Fresh breeze, the smell of coffee and grease. What more could you ask for. This book will guide you step by step even though you have to provide your own creative language after you smash your knuckles once or twice while removing the cover bolts. But hey look at it this way your wife is happy her car is running perfect and you are headed to the golf course for an afternoon of relaxation. I would say this book is the way to go.



2. Tickled pink with this particular manual.This one's paid for itself many times over.Very descriptive and helpful,and I have not found many things lacking.Being an ex-mechanic who hates to pay 55$/hr at the shop unless needed,this is a good one for even the novice.

2 comments about Pontiac Firebird V8, 1970-1981 (Haynes Manuals).

1. This is a great book to read for the real Firebird addict. I couldn't get enough of this book. If your in love with the Firebird, then buy this book.



2. Terrible, as far as manuals
   
   I own a 1979 trans am, well over 100,000 of these were produced that year alone. this manual has a few, maybe 3 or 4 things that I could use to work on my car. There was no engine harness diagram drawing. Most, if not all of the pictures are for a second gen Camaro.
   My advise is to save your money, pick one up at a yard sale, but don't pay more than 2 bucks for it.

2 comments about Original Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am 1967-2002: The Restorer's Guide (Original Series).

1. The ''Original Series" rarely fails to please, but this book is a disappointment. The photo quality is generally excellent; the books greatest failing is trying to cover too many years in one volume, with the result that lovers of the 1st and 2nd generation 'birds will be left wanting. The volume devoted to the Camaro, for example covers only '67-'69; surely the Firebird deserves a similar treatment, or at least volumes separating the 69-81 models from the 82-2002 models. First and foremost, a book like this is for daydreaming and drooling( like Playboy for car nuts); frankly, the later models are common enough sights that thay hardly inspire the lust that the early models do. (My lack of expertise prevents me from commenting on the accuracy of the text as a restorers guide; it may be fine for that purpose.)



2. This book was the same as all the other Firebird/Trans Am books with pictures of completed cars. To me, a restoration book gets into detail of removing parts, what problem areas to look for and good advice with detailed photographs. Can someone put one of those together?

1 comments about General Motors Chevrolet Cavalier & Pontiac Sunfire: 1995 thru 2004 (Haynes Repair Manual).

1. If you own one of these cars and want to do work on it yourself this is a must have manual. It has step by step instructions and illustrations. Very useful for things you have never done before even the more complex repairs. Helps save lots of money by doing your own repairs.

2 comments about Original Pontiac GTO: The Restorer's Guide 1964-1972 (Original Series).

1. I found this book to be an excellent source of information for any GTO enthusiast. It has a great combination of numerical facts and figures, little known facts and restoration information, and plenty of photos of GTO's from the common driven restored cars right up to the rarest nut and bolt restored examples. It does a good job of pointing out some of the differences in correct original restorations and driver quality restorations. I have a number of GTO books, and this one has the best balance of just about all of them, and it covers all years thoroughly. If you are doing a full restoration on a car, this book will not give you the extensive detail of the GTO Restoration Guide, but it does contain a lot of great information that you won't find in some of the other GTO books available, and it's presented in a very polished format.



2. Great book. Nice overview and history of each year. Refreshing to see a book with NEW photos of the great GTO!

5 comments about How to Build Max Performance Pontiac V8s (S-A Design).

1. I was very familiar with Jim hand from various articles he has written that can be found on various Pontiac websites. This book stands out compared to other car books that it gives you practicle info on Pontiac engines and known combinations. The only critique I could give it, it is really more about "street" performance than MAX performance. But that was OK by me.



2. Hello ,
   
   Het is een goed boek maar er kan soms wel wat beter uitgelegd worden de mensen die dit boek kopen kennen er niets of niet veel van en dan is het wel soms niet duidelijk .
   
   Maar voor de rest is het een heel goed boek en zeker aan te raden als je met deze super v8's wilt werken .
   
   Grtz Steven



3. Jim Hand, perhaps the nicest member of the nicest family in the Pontiac community, finally puts his five decades of experience in the printed word.
   Jim, a successful Pontiac racer for decades, is famous for dispensing free advice over the Internet and by telephone to anyone who asks. Now we who love the Pontiac V-8 can cease harassing him by e-mail and telephone and read his years of accumulated wisdom for a lousy twelve bucks!
   Those of us who refuse to countenance the "corporate" world are all the better for his work.
   Thanks to Big Jim.



4. This was one of the best buys that I've made. Lists all the secrets for building a high performing pontiac motor.
   Machining tips, how to port your heads for maximum flow, recommended combinations.
   Full of diagrams and explanations.



5. I'm still reading this book but what i have read so far has been very good.I build pontiac engine before but this book have told me couple of things i didn't know.I would recommend this book to any pontiac lover who wants to build their own engines.

4 comments about General Motors: Chevrolet Malibu (1997 thru 2003) Oldsmobile Alero (1999 thru 2003) Oldsmobile Cutlass (1997-2000) Pontiac Grand Am (1999 thru 2003) (Haynes Manuals).

1. I rec'd this item very fast. It will help me maintain my car on my own. Thanks for the speedy service.



2. I've always been an avid user of the Haynes and Chilton's manuals; I purchased this one at Amazon because none of my local parts stores carried the manual for my car (a 2003 Chevy Malibu).
   
   If you're familiar with the Haynes/Chilton's books, then you will not be disappointed. The terminology is advanced, so if you know nothing about cars and are hoping for a basic-language, easy-read instruction manual, this won't help. However, if you're familiar with cars (which I would hope you are, if you're attempting to repair one yourself), this book is exactly what you need to get the job done.



3. This book is a typical Haynes manual. If you do repair on your own vehicles, then you have probably used one at some point in time. They do a great job of covering 99% of the repair jobs you might encounter. There is also a part that covers troubleshooting of problems and a small section that explains a little bit about the options. After market products, of course, aren't covered in these nor is this a book for the total novice. It does assume some knowledge about the way a car works and an understanding of basic mechanical procedures. But definitely a must for anyone that wants to do any kind of work on a vehicle on your own. These books are a bargain for the information that they have in them.



4. The repair manual on the Pontiac Grand Am helped me to repair the car. I could not have done the repair with out the manual.