Hi guys and girls,
Stefan did not "write" the manual, but collected texts from other people (mainly via internet). Stefan asked every author for permission (quite a tedious task, I can imagine...)
I like the idea of writing a "freediving bible". One should, however, check the literature that's already there. Otherwise the text could turn out as a bad copy of much better originals...
I just had a look at my freediving book shelf and those are the books, that I would consider very worth reading (in the order of "worthiness"):
1. Corso di Apnea, Umberto Pelizzari and Stefano Tovaglieri
This is the best "overall" freediving book. I miss only: a chapter on monofins, another on packing and perhaps a little more details on freediving physiology. (Unfortunately written in Italian. Maybe an English edition will follow).
2. Homo Delphinus - the Dolphin within Man, Jacques Mayol
You won't learn anything new on freediving technique, but the history is covered quite well.
3. L'Apnée-Glisse en Monopalme, Francis Fèvre
Best book on dynamic apnea with monofin. (Unfortunately written in French).
4. La Plongée en Apnée, Jacques H. Corriol
Only book I know that deals exclusivly with freediving physiology. The book was published in 1996 and is thus already a bit outdated in some aspects. (Unfortunately written in French).
5. Guida all'immersione in apnea, Stefano Makula
Published 1987, therefore not up-to-date. (Unfortunately written in Italian).
And of course one should include Eric Fattah to publish a few preliminary pages of his "freediving encyclopedia"
Cheers
Uli