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

Reviews (1)

Creative, engaging and edgy
This is a fascinating look into an aspect of Japanese culture I never knew existed.Joan Sinclair got incredible access -- access not only to the actual establishments, but access to the inner lives of some of these women and men whom she portrays with honesty and integrity.She has a fresh, exciting lens which comes through not without a revolutionary edge.This is an original.The intro by Farrer is also excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Cultural And Social Anthropology    3. Human Sexuality    4. Japan    5. Nightclubs    6. Pictorial works    7. Psychology    8. Sex customs    9. Sex-oriented businesses    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Art / Popular Culture    13. Erotic art    14. Photographs: collections    15. Pop Culture; sex; travel; Japan   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Catalogs    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - Private    5. Individual Artist    6. Individual Painters - 20th Century    7. Pinup art    8. Private collections    9. Special Subjects In Art    10. Subjects & Themes - Human Figure    11. United States    12. Art / Popular Culture   

Reviews (3)

A True Masterpiece
This exhaustive tome is all you will ever need to know all about Fairey's work to date. It's in a great format, the printing is superb, and many pieces of work / projects include insightful comments from a wide variety of sources as well as from Fairey himself. Really great reproductions of some epic work, loads of great site photographs, there's even some old camera-ready artwork here too. It's excellent value compared to other 'art' books that I know 'we' have already bought. Every designer / studio really ought to have this.

Buy it Now.
Great book for graphic artists, artists, or anyone interested in the psychology behind advertising. A must read.

This is a really great book - the real deal
Forget most of those other graphic art fools from this generation who have books out now, this guy is the real deal. Although his art has it's obvious roots in classic graphics of prior generations, Fairey takes his work seriously and takes it to another level. He seems to make perfect art when he communicates and presents his ideas and ideals to us. In this book, from his original "Manifesto" to it's last page is perfect evidence of this mans' artistic genius and sensibility. Just a really great book all around, NO WAY WILL YOU BE DISAPPOINTED, it's big, colorful, and put together WONDERFULLY.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Individual Artist    4. Popular Culture - General    5. Individual artists   

Reviews (26)

Graffiti World By Nicholas Ganz
I am really interested in graffiti of the world and have found it somewhat hard to find good books on the subject. Overall this is a good book with many full-color illustrations along with text giving credit to the artists. Since there are not that many graffiti books out there I believe this one is one of the best I've read yet. Although many of the pictures in this book are really good, they are basicly the same works that you can find images of online and through other resources. What I'm tring to say is that I wish there could have been some more never before seen illustrations, not the same old stuff I've seen a million times!

The best global outlook of Urban Art
Nicholas Ganz has done a great job at traveling the world tocapture in this book the state of street art everywhere. Taking the reader through it by continents (Americas, Europe, Rest of the World), the book takes you on an in-depth, visually-loaded trip that highlights the work of the best street artists around these days.
Great book a must have
I got this book last year the WHOLE thing is art down to the cover (I had framed). It shows many styles of art from walls to ships postboxes the list would go on .........anyway great fo the end table or for ideas ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Folk & Outsider Art    5. Graffiti    6. Graphic Arts - General    7. History - General    8. Mural painting and decoration    9. Popular Culture - Counter Culture    10. Popular Culture - General    11. Street art    12. Techniques - General    13. Art / Popular Culture   

Reviews (4)

Gotta Get It
For anyone who loves to collect, this book is a must-have. Not that you'll need the tips that the author includes for the novice, but this gem of a book is a collectible in its own right, presented in a hard plastic sleeve. Filled with whimsical photos of dozens of designs by today's most noted designers and architects, "Antiques of the Future" is irresistible and informative. As a student of contemporary material culture and the things that surround us, I got a huge kick viewing some of the best design of our time in this format. Makes a great gift for the person who has almost everything.

Love it
This book was a great addition to my library. I was surprised to see some of the objects that I own and love might be worth something someday, and to find out why. I have a few other "conversation piece" books on products, but most of them only talk about one type of design (like chairs) or are organized historically. I like that this book has a great variety of objects. The only bad thing is that now I want to own everything in the book!

Antiques of the Future
As a collector, I find this book timely and interesting.It's good to know what I should be collecting now for future value. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Collecting    5. Popular Culture    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Reference - General    8. Antiques & Collectables    9. Antiques & Collectibles / General    10. Collectibles; pop culture   

Reviews (7)

Nice Packaging, not much substance
Even without text, this book would've earned 4 stars, just for the impressiveness of Gogos' work. Within this book are large, crystal-clear repros of his most famous monster cover paintings, as well as samples of his illustration work.
THE JOY OF BEING A MONSTER KID!
If you were fortunate to have been born between 1950 and 1970 or so, you're lucky to be a part of a wonderful fraternity.Like me, you are a "monster kid".Monster Kids are the generation that grew up with Shock Theater and campy horror movie hosts, old Aurora model kits, classic Universal horror films on 8MM, and...a fantastic magazine called Famous Monsters of Filmland.Famous Monsters was edited by legendary collector and Sci-Fi sage Forrest Ackerman and one of the great attractions throughout the years were the magnificent magazine covers painted by Basil Gogos.From Vanguard Productions comes "The Famous Monster Movie Art of Basil Gogos."Basil Gogos has rightfully been called, "The World's Most Famous Monster Artist."His bold, expresionistic use of color is what caught the eye of little ghouls like myself and my friends.Edited by Kerry Gammill and J. David Spurlock and with an introduction by Rob Zombie, the book provides a dazzling display of Gogos' art not only from Famous Monsters, but from many other magazines, books, and films.
GORGEOUS RETROSPECTIVE FOR GOGOS & FAMOUS MONSTERS FANS!
For any old school FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND collector (and I mean the true ORIGINAL ~Forry Ackerman~ helmed FM *ahem*ahem*), this is like recieving a Holy Grail from those issues. I have both the Deluxe LE 600 copy signed, slipcased hardcover as well as this softcover ordered from Amazon.
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Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Cinema/Film: Book    3. Film & Video - General    4. General    5. Horror Films    6. Performance Art    7. Performing Arts    8. Popular Culture - General    9. Sociology    10. Comic book & cartoon art    11. Individual artists   

Reviews (19)

Stunning and beautiful
This book is absolutely beautiful. When I ordered it I had no idea what exactly I would be getting when it arrived; I'm pleased to say though that it was worth every penny. The book in itself is all very glossy and high quality paper, and even the text pages are decorative. I found this book to be over all very visually appealing as well as very interesting and informative as it peers into the history of the art as well as Dita's life and opinions. It's really a bit half and half, written like a documentary but also filled with very intimate and warm stories of this fantastic woman`s life.
Lavish, Beautiful and Witty Like Dita
This book cannot disappoint: lots of stunning photos with tips and anecdotes about stripping, seduction, corsetry, fetish dressing, hair and makeup, and show business. This woman is fascinating. If you're an admirer you'd be nuts not buy it.

Fall in love....
Hints, history, and humor make Dita's book a very charming read. She also shares a bit of her life story, making for an all the more interesting experience. The photos are gorgeous; true art. I highly recommend this book for all fans of burlesque, fetish, and/or Dita Von Teese. If you aren't an admirer of Dita's already, you certainly will be after flipping thru this lovely and informative trove. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1972-    2. Biography    3. Burlesque (Theater)    4. General    5. Love / Sex / Marriage    6. Performing Arts    7. Performing Arts (Specific Aspects)    8. Performing Arts/Dance    9. Sexual Instruction    10. Striptease    11. Stripteasers    12. United States    13. Von Teese, Dita,    14. Art / Popular Culture    15. Biography: general   

Reviews (4)

Herriman's line
There are precious few draughtsmen that can put line to paper in all of low/high art than he. he is a master. Take a look at "Archie and Mahitabel"; authored by the great Don Marquise.It simply does't get any better than his exquisite line

FINE ART? YOU !!! DECIDE
The mere act of arguing that comic art qualifies as "fine art" somehow legitimizes such nonproductive and ultimately meaningless distinctions. Yet this catalogue's obvious purpose is to somehow elevate, by force of such argument, the reputations of comic strip and comic book artists. As the early twentieth century cultural critic, Gilbert Seldes, stated in his review of George Herriman's Krazy Kat:
THE COMICS AS "ART" ... IT'S ABOUT TIME THEY'RE ACCLAIMED!
I grew up with "Sunday funnies," as we called them way back then.It was a form of pleasure for the whole family to pass the comics back and forth, with Dad getting first reading, of course. At times I grow nostalgic for the "good old days," but I noticed it more when my kids were growing up. After church, when I sat down to read the "funnies," they were already out the door--to soccer, football, and other sporting events--either as participants or observers.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. American - General    3. Art    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Cartoonists    6. Comic books, strips, etc.    7. Commercial - Illustration    8. Exhibitions    9. History    10. Popular Culture - General    11. United States    12. Art / Popular Culture    13. Comic book & cartoon art    14. History of art & design styles: from c 1900 -    15. USA   

Editorial Review

Alan Fletcher's Read more

Reviews (32)

Endless supply of inspiration
Whenever I need to reset my thinking about a particular problem, this is the book I reach for. It is essentially an entire book of prompts to get your mind moving again. I find it an irreplaceable source of inspiration for new ideas.
A Unique Look at Art
The Art of Looking Sideways is fascinating.A Potpourri of different treasures, from written words to visual art.After buying a copy used, I was so impressed that I bought seven more new copies, one for each of my adult kids.I'm sorry I can't describe the book in more detail, but each page is a different detail.If you want a wealth of ... well, just a wealth--I recommend this book.

A right hemisphere brain stimulant, an excellent book
The Art of Looking Sideways [Alan Fletcher] is inspirational, intelligent, invigorating, and stimulating. This book is a collage of witty text, images, metaphors, idioms, paradoxes, and humor.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Design    4. Design - General    5. Graphic Arts - General    6. Individual Artist    7. Popular Culture - General    8. Reference    9. Visual communication    10. Art / Design / General    11. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    12. Graphic design   

Reviews (18)

Praise For Lono!
Once again HST delves deep into the dark side of the human mind. Whether it's fishing for drugs in an airplane toilet or running over stray dogs in a drunken stupor, Hunter takes his reader on a wild ride through mysterious Hawaii. If you want to take a trip without the airfare (or the acid) crack open this oversized volume and enjoy.

Amazing visual collectors item
This book is so big that it won't fit on my flippin' book shelf, and the reason for that is because of Ralph Steadman's full size color pictures throughout. As a matter of fact, there's more to the pictures than to the actual writings of the good doctor. It's an interesting read, all in all, but the book itself is only 200 some odd pages and a little less than half of these pages are dedicated to Ralphs artwork. The actual read only takes about an hour, and during the read, one can't help but think that there is whole chapters missing from the text. Anyways, I consider this an essential "collectors item" from the king of Gonzo, but not quite essential reading. Just because of the unique book design and layout (and artwork) it is a real treasure to own, but it is not the "Fear and Loathing in Hawaii", as some have called it. It is worth the money (36$)and if you find one cheaper (not hardcover) I would not buy it. This is an essential hardcover buy, and if it was reduced to anything less than it is, I would have been disappointed.

great release
this is a fantastic release of one of HST's least known works. not as crazy as fear and loathing in las vegas or as well written as the rum diaries, but still a fine read. ralph steadman's artwork infull color and at the large size they are printed in for this book are simply amazing ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    4. Individual Artist    5. Popular Culture - General    6. Hawaii    7. Travel writing   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Commercial - Illustration - Sci-Fi & Fantasy    4. History - Contemporary (1945- )    5. Popular Culture - General    6. Art / Popular Culture    7. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (2)

Too lovely for words...
...but I'll try anyway! WHERE?
Visioanire is finally making its strong comeback in their couture magazine publication. Where? is in the same league alongside Visionaire 18 and Visionaire 24 which have cemented themsevles as the cream of allvisioanires, the must have magazines to make your coffee table totallyeccentric. The whole process of getting to the natural leather travel guideby Hermes is unreal. First is a black box with Visonaire 32 on it theninside this is a Hermes Box which then holds inside it a Hermes Bag whichholds the leather guide within it. Then inside the leather guide is 50postacards depicting the magical imaginative location of Where? made fromthe likes of photographers Martio Testino, Peter Lindburgh, Bruce Weber,illustrator Mats Gustafson, art director Fabien Baron, artist Nan Goldin,Wolfgang Tillmans, Oliver Wasow, Jeff Burton, Lauren Greenfield, filmmakerPedro Almodovar, fashion designer Hussein Chalayan, musician Micheal Stipeand many more. Alongside the 50 postacrds is also a Hermes Pencil. Abrilliant publication at last. This will definitely sell out in being onlylimited to 3300 copies world wide. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Fashion    3. Media Studies - Print Media    4. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    5. Popular Culture - General    6. Fashion design   

Reviews (2)

SJ tats are classic
I love this book! It is so nice to see a collection of historic tattoo stencils from such an important figure in American tattoo history!

a must for any tattoo fan
This wonderful book not only includes the images of Sailor Jerry's celluloid stencils but also an overview of Sailor Jerry himself and the process and growth that the tattoo industry sustained under his keen eye.The stencil images are priceless and a true must for any true tattoo enthusiast or Sailor Jerry fan.As a bonus, the pages are perferated for easy tracing or even framing.A wonderful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Beauty & Grooming - General    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Fashion & Grooming    5. General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Popular Culture - General    8. Body art & tattooing   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (1)

A look into the world of modern fashion design
This book is absolutely fabulous, there's no other way to say it. Whether you're looking for a gift for someone who simply loves fashion, or are someone who loves fabric and the art of fabric manipulation (which is generaly called clothing), this tome is an excellent resource for information on up-and-coming fashion and designers. As a textiles & apparel major I find this book to be a great source of inspiration, but the layout, the wealth of large beautiful photos, and the artistic design of the book itself would make it a great coffee table book. The book is also a great bargain on Amazon, I have seen it for sale in several stores for upwards of $90. If I could give it more than five stars I would! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Commercial - Fashion Design    4. Design - Textile & Costume    5. Fashion    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Art / Fashion    8. Fashion design    9. Individual designers   

Editorial Review

Though he is chiefly viewed as a monumental pop-art icon, Andy Warhol was truly a man of many talents. But his component parts don't necessarily match up. He made paintings, prints, sculptures, installations, performances; he produced one of the greatest rock bands of all time, the Velvet Underground; he directed films and wrote a novel as well as a philosophical text. But over and above this massive pile of work is a man who was unpredictable, enigmatic, and impenetrable: ultimately, he would have others think, almost inhuman.Read more

Reviews (1)

Imagery + Surrealism = Pop Realism
After reading this book, I reckon that Andy Warhol was a man of unpredictable genius. Imbedded in his images is the poetic appeal and the simultaneous pop and avante-garde timelessness of his art. He made theserious and the comic blend well. He balanced the beau monde and theclassless. His colour choices evoked and exposed the hidden images withinhis works, and they simply slither in mind once you stare at them. Unlikesome new generation artists or wannabees who only splash their canvasseswith colours, sometimes of uncompromising combinations, every artwork ofWarhol is alive, moving and his concept comprehensive. Here is a pop artistwho is wildly prolific! As a freelance writer and editor doing articles ondesign and who works within the pop culture, I'd say his works are morethan simply decoratives. They speak with you and are nothing less thanenthralling. I feel terrific owning a copy! This is a treasureable read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1928-1987    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Drawing    5. Exhibition Catalogs    6. Exhibitions    7. Individual Artist    8. Popular Culture    9. Warhol, Andy,   

Reviews (1)

Bill's doxy

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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. General    4. Individual Artist    5. Popular Culture - General    6. Photographs: portraits   

Reviews (32)

Lives up to the title
This book is such a great collection of tiki decor and knick-knacks that you don't even need to read the captions to enjoy it.My wife and I want to turn one of our rooms into a tiki bar.We thought we would need to do a lot of looking to get a good idea of what real post-war tiki bars were like.Well, look no further.This book has it all.If you type in "tiki" in an Internet search engine, it wouldn't come up with this many ideas.This book reviews everything from the blue prints to the big tiki restaurants down to the coasters underneath the amazing assortment of tiki mugs. The title could not have been more appropriate.This is the definitive book of tiki.Have great fun looking through the book.Depending on your age, it might make you nostalgic for those lost days.

Jimbo
If you have the slightest interest in the subject, you have to have this book. it is an amazing piece of work, and a visual feast. It is one book I pick up again and again, and always notice something new. Buy it.

Sven Kirsten defines an era!
Truly a wonder of nature this Book of Tiki.Chances are, you might so your parents or grandparents in the pictures, from the days before you considered them old.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    3. Popular Culture - General    4. Cultural studies    5. USA