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   

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   

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   

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   

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   

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   

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   

Reviews (2)

A must read for new and old collectors
A unique and new look at the Art of Art Collecting.A full analysis of the sociological and esthetic mechanism that is the art world, as well candid advice and opinions from a selection of international art world figures.The book ultimately asks questions about the relationship between art collecting and art history, and challenges the traditional taboos and cliches surrounding art and money

Enter a whole new world!
A book for the rest of us!Adam Lindeman lays out the basics surrounding the world ofcontemporary art using a series of interviews with collectors, dealers, critics and curators. As the book explains, contemporary art is hugely popular all over the world and the internet and art fairs have changed the nature of the business. This book is a primer for those who have touched the edges of the contemporary art world and will likely prove interesting forthose who are already knowledgable.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Collecting    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    5. History - Contemporary (1945- )    6. Antiques & Collectables    7. The Arts: General Issues   

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

Reviews (4)

sent wrong book
they did not specify that it was the study guide instead of the actual book I needed.

Great book!
Beautiful book! The art pictures are great! I am learning alot!

A great start for beginner art enthusiasts
I went to a multimedia school where I took a class on the fundamentals of art & design. Understanding Art was the required text book. Little would I know that I would still be talking about Understanding Art and recommending it for years after that class! (Just don't let my teacher know that!)Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Criticism    4. History - General    5. Art / General    6. Philosophy    7. The Arts: General Issues   

Reviews (2)

The Ansel Adams of Color Photography!
Galen Rowell pioneered "participatory (wilderness) photography," in which the photographer becomes an active creative participant in fine-art image making. An accomplished outdoorsman and adventurer, his deep emotional connection to nature pervades virtually all of his photographs. Another signature characteristic is his vivid use of color during the "magic hour" (at sunrise and sunset); indeed, it is arguably true that Rowell was as much a "master of color" as Ansel Adams was a master of black & white. (It is fitting that he received the Ansel Adams Award for his contributions to the art of wilderness photography in 1984.) The life of this extraordinary artist was cut tragically short in 2002 when the plane carrying Rowell and his wife (Barbara Rowell, herself an accomplished photographer) crashed as they were both returning home from a Workshop in the Sierra Mountains.
Nice for Galen Rowell Fans
Coming around 4 years after the untimely death of Galen and his wife Barbara, this book does not disappoint those who enjoyed his photography. I certainly do and have for many years. This book contains a lot of photos (over 175) from early stuff to photos from his last expedition for Nat Geo. Divided into 7 main sections, you will see many of the most famous of his photos but what I like is that there are photos in there I was not familiar with. I have nearly all of his books so I like seeing stuff I have not seen before. For instance a few climbing photos of Ron Kauk and Lynn Hill, or one of 2 skiers descending the Ruth glacier in Alaska, or one from Lake Powell. Also nice are the little spot essays of some of the photos such as one by his daughter Nicole about the Lynx photo from Alaska. I'm not sure the printing of the book is of superior quality. Some of the colors seem off and a lot of grain shows up. That really is my only complaint. I am very happy to have this book, although I would rather see photos from his latest expeditions instead of a retrospective.This book is certainly worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    3. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    4. General    5. Individual Photographer    6. Nature photography    7. Outdoor photography    8. Photo Techniques    9. Photography    10. Art / General    11. The Arts: General Issues   

Editorial Review

This attractively packaged two-volume set attempts an almost impossible task: to present the art of the entire world, from vibrant cave paintings dating back 30,000 years to the creative trends of the late 20th century. Though the arts of Europe are the most thoroughly analyzed, respected scholars in several specialized fields cover other cultures with cogent essays. A more unusual feature is the space devoted to art created by women, such as the late-Renaissance painters Sofonisba Anguissola and Lavinia Fontana--the latter was invited in 1560 to be an official painter at the Spanish court. Relationships between the art of different cultures are emphasized and, while each section can stand alone, each is shown to fit meaningfully into the overall development of the world's artistic heritage. Beautiful images grace the production's 1,200 pages, not only well-known icons but a wealth of lesser-known gems are here, carefully chosen to demonstrate the points made in the text. There are many delightful surprises among the illustrations, many of which are in color, printed to high quality standards in Japan. For instance, line drawings explain technical details, from "Lost-wax Bronze-casting" to "Elements of the Skyscraper." A vast amount of information is presented, but it is very well organized and easy to access, and an extensive glossary answers many questions. Marilyn Stokstad's Read more

Reviews (10)

Art History (Study Guide)
I am very satisfied with the item, and it delived so quckly.

Watch out for $30 version (only a study guide)
The $30 version is too good to be true.Although it would appear that you are ordering an "attractively packaged two-volume set," you are actually ordering a study guide for what I am sure is an attractively packaged two-volume set.

A Masterpiece...
Marilyn Stokstad has put together a real masterpiece of art history with her book, Art History. In collaboration with Bradford Collins, and with contributed chapters from Stephen Addiss, Chu-tsing Li, Marylin Rhie and Christopher Roy, this large volume published by noted art publishers Henry N. Abrams, Inc. is deserving of pride of place on any art bookshelf. Read more

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

Editorial Review

Heralded as the "best book on the dope decade" by the Read more

Reviews (381)

This is one heck of a fun book!
Thompson's classic novel shows that quest literature (in this case the quest for the American Dream) is not at all dead. This is tale is wonderfully crafted and will entertain until the last page.
Sometimes you just have to give it another chance
I have read this book about a dozen times, and I won't lie, the first few times were hard. I wasn't sure if I even understood this book, let alone liked it. My husband was a big fan, and convinced me to give the book another shot one day- and am I happy he did. I got it. It is funny, sad, crazy and weird. It's a journey that I am happy I took, and will take again. It is one of those book that each and every time you read it you will take away something new and fresh. Great read. Try it, you will like it.

hilarious!
If you are looking for a good laugh and are not offended by drugs, lewd behavior, and hooliganism, then I would highly recommend this book.90% of the story takes place while the two main characters are doped up on various drugs or combinations of them, and the consequences are hilarious.I laughed most of the way through.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Journalism    5. Journalists    6. Literary    7. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    8. Popular Culture - General    9. Thompson, Hunter S    10. United States    11. United States - 20th Century/60s    12. American English    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Modern fiction    15. True Stories   

Subjects:  1. Architectural & Industrial    2. Architecture    3. City planning    4. History - General    5. New York    6. New York (State)    7. Planning    8. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    9. U.S. Architecture - General    10. Urban renewal    11. Architecture / Planning   

Reviews (1)

Simplicity complicated
The goal of the book is extremely worthwhile: to promote simplicity.It tries to do so in a small book, about 100 pages in small sized pages.Unfortunately it fails, it does not use it own lessons and presents a complicated description of "Simplicity".In order to simplify, it (ab)uses acronyms that do not elicit the thoughts that are intended. For instance, take SHE (Simplify, Hide, Embody).Using the word SHE is hard to turn your mind to "Simplify, Hide, Embody".Then there is BRAIN (Basics, Repeat, Avoid, Inspire, Never) and SLIP (Sort, Label, Integrate, Prioritize). Simple? To present the ideas, Maeda uses a random collection of recollections, of anecdotes, of circumstantial evidence, organized around ten laws, to illustrate the points it wants to make.As you read,you can find another anecdote from your own life, another experience that can contradict his conclusion.Not all is negative, there are some gems that make the reading worthwhile.For instance, law 10, or "the one": "Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful".Imagine if presentations in meetings, conversations or written reports were to keep this law, how more productive our lives would be. This is my simplified review!
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Design - Product    4. General    5. Graphic Arts - General    6. Industrial Design - Product    7. Systems engineering    8. Art / Design / Product    9. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    10. Technical design   

Reviews (12)

What a great resource!
From its unique plastic-encased cover to the excellent illustrations, this is a priceless resource. It's an entire bookshelf of reference books condensed into one book. I've been in printing for a long time, and I still picked up new information from this book. I'm going to add it to the list of "can't-do-without" resources that I recommend to training clients.

I for one am impressed.
As a freelance graphic and layout designer, I find myself asking why I didn't buy this book sooner (like while I was in college). The book covers many areas in depth that may not have sunk in while in school.
Indispensable!!
This book is a treasure! I've started flagging certain areas I know I'll refer to often (abbreviations of states AND countries), but even being able to quickly find an envelope size instead of tracking down my ancient e-gauge and a #10 envelope was great. If you buy nothing else, be sure to get this book if you are a graphic designer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Graphic Arts - General    4. Graphic design (Typography)    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Packaging    7. Printing    8. Shippers' guides    9. Graphic design