Editorial Review

A picture tells a thousand stories, but the one it doesn't tell is how the shot was made. Barbara London and John Upton's Read more

Reviews (44)

Worth the price
An excellent book providing all of the basic knowledge anyone could want on the subject of photography. A bit expensive, but the quality of the pictures makes it worth the price of admission.

Am I the only one who found this jumbled and confusing?
Sure this book has EVERYTHING you need to know about photography and how to develop things, but these people know NOTHING about layout design.I just don't know where to look, where to read, and what to do next.If I didn't have an instructor, I wouldn't know what to do with my camera.It is very hard to find what you need in this book, much less go through a chapter.For people wanting to learn about photography, may I suggest the much cheaper book by National Geographic?It has much more clearly defined chapters though it does not have as much information overall (for example, no information about how to develop film).

Classic guide to film photography
This seminal photographic guidebook, now in its eighth edition, should be basic reading for anyone planning to pursue photography as a career or hobby. Although it deals primarily with film photography, I think you'll find that a thorough grounding in the fundamentals will help you become a better, well-rounded photographer in the digital realm, too.Many of the photographic concepts covered here have been continued into digital photography, whether through digital camera features or by means of "digital darkroom" image editors like Photoshop.Start here, and you'll never regret it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    2. Photo Essays    3. Photography    4. Techniques - General    5. Art / General    6. Photography & Photographs   

Reviews (1)

Great introduction to art
I just puchased the latest edition of Artforms which includes the CD-ROM with interactive explanations on elements of art. Artforms is a great introduction to art and art history for those who have always wanted to understand how to look at art and interpret it for themselves. Over half the book is dedicated to elements and principles of art and craftsmanship. I use this book in training my art museum volunteers so that they have a clear understanding of why some works of art have strong visual impact while others do not. I like how the book uses a mix of artwork from various time periods, media and cultures to explain the elements and principles. Far too many art/art history books become a history of painting, and Artforms represents a variety of art forms other than 2D. The history portion of the book is a gloss of art history, but good enough for someone just delving into art. The book is easy to read, relatively jargon-free and has a nice glossary at the end. I wish the CD had more information on it that you could use in a classroom setting, projecting it on an overhead, but that is my instructor point of view. For someone studying at home it is quite nice. To sum up, the book is so good I now own two editions and will continue to recommend it to people who want to understand how to look at art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Composition (Art)    4. General    5. History    6. Visual perception    7. Art / General    8. The Arts: General Issues   

Editorial Review

At the beginning of 2005, Frank Warren launched a new blog called PostSecret as an experiment in community art, inviting strangers to mail him anonymous postcards that made art out of their innermost secrets and then posting a selection of the cards every week on his blog. Within a year, his blog was one of the five most popular in the world, and his first book, Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - Private    3. Motivational & Inspirational    4. Popular Culture - General    5. Self-Help    6. Self-Help / Motivational   

Reviews (155)

Eye-opening and highly recommended!
To say that this book will reveal you a lot about the inner lives of people would be an underestimation. It goes even beyond that and allows you to connect with the others, to feel their happiness, sadness, triumph and depression. "Postsecret" gave me so many aha experiences that may compare only with the secrets which I learnt from the bestseller "scientfically guaranteed male multiple orgasms and ultimate sex". People have secrets for very good reasons and once you learn some of them you get an (unfair) advantage over the others. It is hard to predict what will be your reaction to the secrets revealed in this book but I am sure that it will leave a lasting impression in you just as every bold and highly valuable book does. "Postsecret" is one of the few books that may change your life and I highly recommend it.

Frank, You've Done Something Amazing.
My dad bought me this book because I made him go to the PostSecret Exhibit in Reading, Pa. He didn't know what it was going into and after seeing the exhibit and reading the book, he left in complete tears. This book is wonderful because it's like re-visiting the exibit over and over again. There is something very powerful about how reading other peoples secrets makes you realize how you are not alone. This is a book of humanity. So worth it.

The kind of book that reminds you what it's like to be human
I love this book.I love this project.I've been a fan of the website for awhile, and am glad many of the postcards have been published in book form.This is the type of art project that reminds you of the pain and beauty in humanity.You're also glad that there are other people out there in the world going through some of the same things that you are.Amazing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Art Media (Specific Aspects)    3. Art therapy    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - Private    5. General    6. Motivational & Inspirational    7. Personal Guidance    8. Popular Culture - General    9. Postcards    10. Secrets    11. Self-Help    12. Self-Help / Motivational   

Subjects:  1. Expeditions & Discoveries    2. Photo Essays    3. Photoessays & Documentaries    4. Photography    5. Subjects & Themes - Erotica    6. Subjects & Themes - Nudes    7. Erotic art    8. Photographs: portraits   

Reviews (10)

Great
This is a really great book. So many details and so many examples and references. Covers every single century from the Caves paintings to the Modern Picasso. I really loved it.

Gardner's Art Through the Ages (with ArtStudy Student CD-ROM and InfoTrac) (Gardner's Art Through the Ages)
This is an excellent text for studying art history or just learning about how art has evolved through the ages.

Excellent art history intro text
I'm not an art major but I thought it'd be cool to take an art history course for a humanities requirement in college and I'm very happy I decided to take it.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. General    4. History    5. History - General    6. Art / General    7. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Editorial Review

Scott McCloud's Read more

Reviews (8)

Amazing

Great book for establishing your comics
Scott Mccloud's Making Comics resembles a constitution for those want to establish their comics either as a hobby or as a carrier. It goes through so many details regarding creating your panels, establishing scenes, storytelling, characters designs and feelings, drawing styles, and the list goes on. Simply, the book gives you a guideline for establishing a living world in papers. What makes "Making Comics" unique is that it can teach you how to be a comic artist even if you're not good enough in drawing. The book illustrates the fundamentals of drawings comics and let you be creative for starting your own comic book. All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book, and it will help me a lot for my comics' drawings.

Disagree with review below--this is a remarkable book!
The previous reviewer accuses Scott McCloud of lacking the authority to write a guide to making comics. But McCloud's book is based on clear demonstration, not on authority.
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Subjects:  1. Cartooning    2. Comic books, strips, etc.    3. Comics & Cartoons    4. Comics & Graphic Novels    5. Drawing Of Specific Subjects    6. Educational    7. Fiction - General    8. Fine Arts    9. History & Criticism    10. History: World    11. Humor    12. Technique    13. Techniques - Cartooning    14. Comic book & cartoon art    15. Comics & Graphic Novels / Comics & Cartoons   

Reviews (7)

Outstanding
Outstanding 3-volume set that will soon become a cornerstone of any creative library. A great source to find inspiration and the handsome set adds a touch of class to your bookshelf. You can't beat Amazon's price, either. Highly recommended.

Great Book + Case is Not a Problem
Agreed, the book is extremely comprehensive.The case, though not particularly attractive, should pop open by pulling on the corner.Unless I was lucky...

incredible review
This is a must have for anyone interested in design.The reader is treated to the very best in design, design that works, looks great and is innovative.Starting in the 1600's, the work takes the reader on a journey of design. It limits itself to 999 objects and not one is a miss. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    4. Design    5. Design - Decorative    6. Design - Furniture    7. Design - General    8. 20th century    9. 21st century    10. Art / Design / General    11. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    12. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (31)

Some Instructions Inadequate
I purchased this book as my figure has changed and I needed to re-do my basic slopers.The pattern design books I currently have did not cover trousers so I was delighted to finda new book that was apparently so comprehensive.
Finally !Best value for my dollar
I received this book yesterday and read the first 100 pages.I've sewn all my life and consider myself an advanced seamstress.I've sewn and made my own patterns for childrens' heirloom, business suits, and now enjoy making (jazz) dance costumes.I'm the one in line at the fabric store buying ten patterns, just to combine different details and features in different sizes, especially if sewing for a group.I probably own hundreds of patterns and almost that many books.For me, this book will pay for itself many times over.It isn't a sewing "how to" book and it wouldn't be the first book for a beginner.The reader should be familiar or use other reference books for actual garment construction techniques.I've bought other, less expensive sewing books to learn pattern manipulation and fitting techniques.I put off the purchase of this book, being put off by its price.But, finally!This book is so inspiring and liberating. In just the first 100 pages, I've gotten through the basic patternmaking and dart manipulation.I think I may never have to buy another pattern again !This is definitely a must have for the serious sewing enthusiast.

Designs by Sharon
This book was used during a 12 week class I attended for Patternmaking.It is very thorough and is an excellent reference for just about any type of pattern one could desire to make.I learned a great deal using the book as a reference guide while I studied the various fundamental components to patternmaking.However, it can be a little intimidating if used as a self-study text.This issue could have been solved if there had been an answer section for the various exercises that accompanied each chapter.Many of the students in our class felt it was a text designed for those enrolled in a formal college level class, i.e., it oftened assumed reader knowledge beyond that expected of a lay person. (Everyone in our class was required to be at the advanced level of sewing experience.)Some of the exercises were made more difficult because the technique to design a sample pattern was in a later chapter, not having been covered in the one just studied.Overall,though,it is a good reference and certainly belongs in the personal library of any serious home sewer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Decorating - General    3. Design - General    4. Dressmaking    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Fashion    7. General    8. Pattern design    9. Art / Design / General    10. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    11. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Reviews (2)

good transaction
Smooth transaction, book in great condition,very pleased and would do business with again.

Well done!
The book was exactly what it said it was -- brand new.It arrived on time.I would definitely order from the seller again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. General    4. Art / General    5. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Editorial Review

In this fanciful volume, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, founder of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (O.M.A.), both analyzes and celebrates New York City. By suggesting the city as the site for an infinite variety of human activities and events--both real and imagined--the essence of the metropolitan lifestyle, its "culture of congestion" and its architecture are revealed in a brilliant new light. "Manhattan," Koolhaas writes, "is the 20th century's Rosetta stone . . . occupied by architectural mutations (Central Park, the Skyscraper), utopian fragments (Rockefeller Center, the U.N. Building), and irrational phenomena (Radio City Music Hall)." Filled with fascinating facts, as well as photographs, postcards, maps, watercolors, and drawings, the vibrancy of Koolhaas's poignant exploration of Gotham equals the heady, frenetic energy of the city itself. Anyone who loves New York will want to own this book. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Eating oysters with boxing gloves, naked, on the nth floor.
The quote written above is excerpted from Delirious New York. It is a perfect example of the lyrical quality of the writing prevalent throughout this amazing book. Delirious New York is not an objective chronological listing of New York's development, but a collection of manifestos and stories with opinionated perspectives about a city founded on the idea that maximum congestion is a desirable factor. It is informative, funny (the midget firefighters of Coney Island had me laughing aloud for a solid minute or two), twisted, and inspiring.
best koolhaas ever, man
koolhaas is a bit over-the-top for me, but this I think is is best work. it's worth checking out if only for the story of coney island. once you get past blisteringly pretentious phrases like "coney island is a fetal manhattan", you'll find it gloriously entertaining as both a narrative and theoretical work.

the culture of congestion
This is by far Koolhaas's most accessible work, as it is rooted so clearly in detail from the city's past. Further, the book is simply brilliant. His take on urban history is to Jane Jacobs what Socrates is to common sense. New York is a special case of modernism that sprang from a special constellation of poltiical and technological forces that collectively create a cultural "big-bang" at the turn of the century. Read it. Blow your mind. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American architecture    2. Architecture    3. Buildings    4. Criticism    5. New York    6. New York (N.Y.)    7. New York (State)    8. New York - Local History    9. Planning    10. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    11. Social History    12. U.S. Architecture - General    13. Art / Subjects & Themes / General    14. Local history    15. USA   

Reviews (5)

Comming from an art school dropout
Most graffiti artists are of the same school of thought, that being; advertisements are everywhere - Shepard Fairey the OBEY guy, everywhere you look there’s someone visually shoving something down your throat and usually they want money for it.So why is it illegal to put some of your own art up just as much as they do?This is true and valid opinion for someone to have, but not when its coming from a guy who just sprayed his tag name on the side of the highway in 8 foot indiscernible lettering - that is what gives graffiti a bad name.In my opinion it should be against the law to sign your name on a train or a building - no matter how big it is or how many colors you used or how fast you had to run when the watchmen saw.It just misses the point of having a public exchange of ideas.
Art Crime Extraordinaire!
No artist comes close to the emotional impact he makes in this work. Brilliant-Brilliant-Brilliant.
one of my favorite artists
Banksy is an amazing artist, a lot of conceptual as well as visually appealing works. I knew that he is like a god father of stencil graffiti, but i never thought good he is with installations.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    4. Criticism    5. Exhibition Catalogs    6. Popular Culture - Counter Culture    7. Popular Culture - General    8. Art / General    9. Individual artists    10. Painting & paintings    11. Social Science / Popular Culture   

Reviews (5)

Wonderful !!!
Not only the content is insightful, but the design of this book is just wonderful. It is a good source of international drawing's world and a good coffee table book. Get it now!

poor quality images
I am disappointed with the quality of the images.They are the quality of an ink jet printer set at draft quality.Most of the images are so faded it is difficult to see at all.I have returned this book, which is something I do once every 1000 books I order, and it is the first art book I have ever returned in my life.

obsessed drafter
Beautifully bound and a pleasure to hold...what a book is all about vs the digital stuff.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Fine Arts (Specific Aspects)    4. History - General    5. History Of Fine Arts    6. Techniques - Drawing    7. Art / Drawing    8. Drawing & drawings    9. History of art & design styles: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (9)

Hyper-glorified and shallow
If you're tempted to buy this hugely expensive book (for an over-sized, unwieldy paperback printed on medium-quality paper), think again.
excellent primer on design
We used this as a textbook in an "interdisciplinary approach" course at a photography school.The organization of the book and the illustrations are excellent.Much of the information seemed familiar to us all, but we found the book to be an excellent reminder and good focus for discussion.It helped us with our critiquing of each others' work in a variety of media (sculpture, drawing, painting, collage, photography and writing).

An absolute classic for anyone working in the visual arts.
Back in college, two decades ago, one of my art professors required this book for every single one of his classes. He even offered to personally repay students who could not afford to keep their copy, if they promised not to sell it back to the bookstore. He told us that the best thing we could do for our careers in art was to keep this book. He was right. I've had my 2nd edition copy for twenty years, and no other book I've seen discusses visual theory so simply, logically and completely. The text is clear and straightforward and the examples are perfect, but it is Lauer's ability to organize a very complex subject into very specific, clearly-understood categories that makes this book remarkable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Design    4. Design - General    5. Architectural structure & design    6. Art / General   

Reviews (1)

The best coffee table book ever !!!
Recently I have found myself drawn to graphics of all kinds. Being a huge fan of Tashen books and seeing this book on their website I decided to order it. Now at $200.00 this was quite a big purchase but this book is incredible. The color plates are beautiful and the information about the designs is very complete as well as interesting. This is a huge book! I think it must weigh in the neighborhood of 10 lbs. It is not a book to take to the beach for alittle read. However, it is a book to get inspired by and it will inspire you no matter what your art medium is. This is a book that I will tresure for years to come and I am sure if you decide to invest in this book you will not be disapointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Design - Decorative    5. General    6. Reference    7. Art styles not limited by date   

Editorial Review

Scottish artist Andy Goldsworthy uses a seemingly infinite array of purely natural materials, from snow and ice to leaves, stone, and twigs in the creation of his one-of-a-kind sculptures. Unlike such artists as Christo and Michael Hiezer, whose works leave definite marks on the landscape, Goldsworthy's approach is to interrupt, shape, or in some other way temporarily alter or work with nature to produce his fragile, mutable pieces. To create "Broken Icicle," for example, Goldsworthy was only able to work on the sculpture in the early morning, when temperatures were below freezing. As with most of his works, ultimately, the materials used to create this piece returned to their natural state, leaving no trace of the artwork's existence save for the stunning photos in this book. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Renew your sense of wonder
Andy Goldworthy clearly has an astonishing way of interpreting the world around him. I've grown so weary of photography books filled to capacity with picture postcard scenic overlooks and color-saturated closeups of bees on flower petals. Goldworthy embeds himself in the natural world; all the while remaining in touch with his surroundings, he visually articulates a wonderfully unique re-interpretation that is at once both fresh and startling. As a visual arts educator, I find this book to be a superb exemplar and asset for introducing students to ways of creatively thinking outside the box. For me personally, I can go back time and again to re-examine Goldworthy's concepts, designs, and images and always find something new to admire. Beautifully reproduced, bound and printed, one word sums this book up: Wow.

fantastic resume of the all quality of Goldsworthy
A fantastic review of the large capacities of a great built in nature. We havet not the time to be anoyed reading this book. So impressed that I buy another one to offer to someone special.

He is so smart
Modern artists are often attacked because on the basis of "I could have thought of that."And true, you might say that about any given page in this book.Yet it's unbelievable that one man thought of all of them.Look at the photos in this book, and you'll see art everywhere the next time you walk outside.I could cover a wall with every page that is worth framing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1900-1999 (20th century)    2. 1956-    3. Art    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Art, Modern    6. Catalogs    7. Goldsworthy, Andy,    8. Individual Artist    9. Individual Sculptors And Their Work    10. Nature (Aesthetics)    11. Art / History / American    12. Goldsworthy, Andy    13. Individual artists   

Reviews (4)

Art was Boring.
Until I got this book for Fine art appreciation, I didnt think much about art. Now I cant hardly put it down, which is good considering that I have to read the whole thing for class. I cant think of a better way to present the material.

very pleased
I was under stress to get this book asap for my summer semester class, I explained this to the seller and she ups'd to me and took on the expense herself. EXTREMELY GENEROUS!!! definately a great seller my highest recommendations

Next Best Thing
If Jantzen's view of art history seems lifeless and distant, Henry Sayre has something to say to you. It's the best survey I've seen in terms of making art accessible and demonstrating a continuing tradition. The CD-ROM is an excellent bonus, especially for readers who have never seen an artist at work. Ever wonder how a print is made? There's a demonstration. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. General    4. History - General    5. Art / General    6. The Arts: General Issues   

Reviews (9)

Great Textbook!
I just started my summer class a few weeks ago, and I definitely agree with the instructor that it's a truly great textbook! It's not as pricey as I initially thought it was going to be and it has a ton of art information. The CD and timeline are kind of useless, but I would still use them to study for exams or quizzes. If you want to learn about art in SOOO many ways, get this book because it's a treat!

chosen paintings shown several times
I got this book for a class, and besides just using it for tests, I haven't opened it much. Most of the paintings in the first few chapters are also the same paintings in the last few chapters, though, and I thought it would have more variations. However, the info in each section is concise, easy to read, and the whole book is a great introduction for the beginner to the study of art.

Great Book for the begining Artist or Art lover
I found it to be detailed enough to learn about art without boring me. It was actually for a class I'm taking by found I read more chapters than required because it was a great overview on many diffent subjects from art to architecture ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. General    4. Reference    5. Art / General    6. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - Private    3. Motivational & Inspirational    4. Popular Culture - General    5. Self-Help    6. Self-Help / Motivational   

Reviews (4)

Class
we just got these books for my art history class, and this thing is amazing. color photots, detailed information, and interactive site. yeah, its nice
Gardner's Art Through the Ages, Volume I
this book is perfect for the class I am taking. aj

Brief Opinion
The newest edition of this book has some great qualities about it, namely the interactive cd to be utilized as a study aid (the flash card section was beneficial to me), the variety of objects chosen to represent the period/culture have improved, in my opinion, from the other editions as the book has updated archaeological finds. The only disappointing feature I found was in the text itself. The "extra" information boxes including explination of ancient religions and preservation techniques were facinating, but the bulk of text I found to dance around the point. It kept trying to be politically correct, such as changing Venus of Willendorf to Woman of Willendorf. Granted this new take is supposed to account for counter arguments against the purposes of certain objects, but I found that in the attempt to be objective there was a loss of passion for the object and culture itself. I also found that the terminology the book chose to define within the text was unneccessary (vocabulary such as hypostyle hall needs to be defined, not vocab such as carbon dating). However, overall the book holds to the tradition of the series by displaying stunning visual images (all objects are in colour no less!)and the information presented is rather informative, even if the style of writing is "too correct" in some places. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. General    4. History    5. History - General    6. Subjects & Themes - General    7. Art / General    8. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles