Educating myself

["Kenton Brede" ktbrede]

First, is there any other way to search the group archives, other than
through  yahoo?  I'm not having much luck with yahoo's group search.

Second, I know this has probably been asked before, but as I mentioned, I
didn't find much using search.

What are some good books to read, to begin understanding the concepts,
technique and hardware used with nature recording?  Here are two books I'm
thinking about buying:

"Practical Recording Techniques," (Fifth Edition) by Bruce Bartlett

"The New Stereo Soundbook," (Third Edition) By Ron Streicher and F. Alton
Everest

Are those good choices?  Any other recommendations?

Thanks,
Kent