5 comments about Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood.

1. I first saw the movie and I thought the graphic novel was going to be exactly the same. No, it is much much better! You cannot stop reading it. It goes much deeper into who Marjane was and what Iran meant for her in the different stages of her life. Don't lose the chance of reading such a great book.
   
   Recommended!!!



2. Marjane's memoir of her years in Tehran from ages six to fourteen is a page-turning history of the events she witnesses. Her upper class liberal parents (she is the great-granddaughter of Iran's last emperor) demonstrate against the Shah. They are bitterly disappointed when the new republic is overtaken by the fundamentalist Islamic revolution. Despite the imprisonment and execution of friends and family members, her parents remain in Iran. The war with Iraq brings yet more tragedies. The book ends with her parents sending the fourteen year old Marjane to school in Germany. The author's black and white illustrations enhance the text. Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return continues the story.



3. Satrapi's graphic novel is an inspiration to expressing oneself in a medium other than words. Her illustrations are telling; giving hints of expressions and fabulous drawings that echo woodblock prints. My book club had some trouble transitioning from words to both illustration and words but found the experience worthwhile. We compared Satrapi's experiences to "Reading Lolita in Tehran," and "Infidel." We discovered that the artwork indeed added to the story, and concluded that the "graphic novel" is a legitimate literary form.



4. This books begins my foray into graphic novels. The exact definition of a graphic novel is debatable, but Wikipedia defines it as "a type of comic book, usually with a lengthy and complex storyline similar to those of novels, and often aimed at mature audiences." Technically, this volume is a memoir, as it's the true story of author Marjane Satrapi's growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, told in comic-strip form. I figured, "Finally, a book that won't make me cry," but of course, I was wrong. Maybe I'm just a cry-baby.
   
   Though it took me only a couple of hours to complete, it was mesmerizing. I found it unabashedly forthright and ultimately heartbreaking. I appreciated Satrapi's illustrations which, in their broad-stroked black-and-white simplicity, were a stark, yet appropriate, departure from what most people recognize as that highly anatomical, Batmanesque comic-book style. I look forward to reading the sequel "Persepolis: The Story of a Return," and also highly recommend the Oscar-nominated full-length animated feature film of the same name.



5. In Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi uses the graphic novel format to share her life story with readers. Satrapi grew up in Iran during the years that the Shah lost power and the Fundamentalist Muslims became the government authority.
   
   Satrapi was raised in a modern family that valued education and modern life. Her parents were part of the revolution that forced the Shah from power. They were shocked, however, when the ultra-religous government that took over soon made the freedoms they were used to and expected illegal. No longer could women dress as they pleased; they were instead forced to wear the veil. No longer could the Iranian people travel freely; the borders were closed for over three years, and even when reopened, passports were almost impossible to obtain. No longer could one count on an education; the universities were closed for over two years.
   
   Darker items were to follow. There were 3000 political prisoners under the Shah, but there were 300,000 political prisoners under the new regime. Satrapi's family had both relatives and friends that were imprisoned, tortured and some were even executed. Then the government got involved in a war with Iraqi. Bombings were common, and over a million people were killed.
   
   Satrapi's use of the graphic format is a perfect match to the story of a young girl whose life changes so dramatically and who tries to make sense of the things happening around her with a child's understanding. Satrapi ended up being educated outside of Iran in her teen years and later, and chose a graphic artist's career. This book was a perfect match for her talent, and her memoir is chilling. To see freedoms taken away gradually is difficult, and when one looks up and sees where the normality markers have moved to, it is eye-opening. This book is recommended to all readers who care about world events, and those who enjoy memoirs.

5 comments about Living with Art.

1. The book I received was in better condition than I ever expected. Thank you so much!!



2. I ordered the 8th edition and got the 9th addition. I don't think this will be a problem for me but it may be for some people. It would be smart to deliver on what you advertise, especially in terms of college level books.



3. I have received the book and it appears to be in much better condition than I expected. Although the cover is a little bit old, the inside is clean and good :D and good price also. I saved over $100 tho'. Fast shipment also



4. This book came in a timely manner for my daughtes summer class. It was in very good condition. I t really met her needs and the price was the best. Thank You!



5. It's a textbook I had to have. I got for a tenth of what my school was selling it for.

5 comments about Ways of Seeing: Based on the BBC Television Series.

1. Book was in great condition, just as described. A very interesting book; still up-to-date concepts even though it was written forty years ago. Thank you!



2. I haven't finished the book yet, but it is great so far! The thoroughness on the ways of viewing art/ourselves/photos/etc is amazing. I have never read something this in depth on perspective and so thorough on every angle. I recommend this book to anyone so likes to view every angle of a situation.



3. What a farce! As a photography instructor, just a quick glance through this book shows me the author either did too many drugs in the 60s or was overdosed by 70's Soviet propaganda or both. It teaches nothing concerning "seeing" except seeing through anti-capitalistic eyes--the same system that provides for crazy art and fortunately keeps the good quality art floating to the top like cream on milk. I was amazed that after the first couple of incoherent chapters, the samples are almost entirely comprised of seductive naked women. I think the author would revel in the artistic freedom now available now on www.youporn.com. This book teaches nothing concerning seeing, art or aesthetics. My copy goes in the trash. Why do people praise this work. It reminds me of the writings of Timothy Leary, who was irrelevant then and always.



4. Philosopher Mario Bunge once told the story of a muslim physicist who affirmed, nonchalantly, that "Quantum Mechanics can be inferred from The Holy Coran -conveniently interpreted." Such is the way of interpretation: once you know where you want to get at, you can start anywhere.
   So does Mr Berger. Obedient to the article of faith that everything in the Western World during the last centuries has one way or the other to do with Capitalism, he set out to prove that Oil Painting and like manifestations are unconscious epiphenomenons of class struggle and property relations.
   To this end he doesn't bother to investigate the true motivation of painters and patrons. It would anyway be futile because he shares Freud's irrefutability that "Every man suffers from Oedipus complex. If it doesn't show it is surely being repressed." So for him this couple standing in their garden must necessarily be interested in property. How could it be otherwise? The same can be said about this cow: we are informed that it's not the representation of an animal but of a "piece of furniture with four legs". He quotes, and dismisses by an argument of "unconscious resistance", the position of another critic that only sees in the painting of the couple "enjoyment of nature." Of course both are unsubstantiated interpretations. What is untenable is playing down the rival as someone possessed by unconscious class prejudices.
   The author condemns the European exploitation of the rest of the world yet his vision remains profoundly eurocentric. He doesn't stop for a moment to think that cows, or people or myths or whatever the subject of the capitalistic paintings he interprets, have been pictured elsewhere for a long time. Is it that Capitalism already existed 4000 years ago to inspire the representation of Egyptian furniture-cows? Marx himself would be astonished.
   But the author's methods are not just questionable, they are also partly dishonest. The last chapter pretends to be a proof that Publicity as a whole is a contemporary form of that same Capitalistic Unconscious. Right now I'm watching a TV commercial trying to convince me that this gel cleaner is a better product for my kitchen and bathroom than the old abrasive type. How can the author fit this into his theory of Publicity as something that "makes me envious of myself in the future?" The trick lies in isolating very specific products, such as those related to beauty or fashion. Trying to sell a cream might be a questionable activity, but how else if not by promising beauty or the advantages of it? So it is not about "Publicity" in general. The selection bias is well smuggled and in any case, his chain of reasoning runs backwards.
   Well, maybe I'm also resisting, or acting as an unconscious agent of the Bourgeoisie. But I'm not alone: I've been told that Walt Disney did worse with Donald Duck.



5. Sure, it was written in the 1970's, sure it's full of Marxist theory, sure it's over-confident in its theorizing. But so what? This is a great book! I use it in my high school Theory of Knowledge class and in Art History too. The kids "get" Berger's ideas (outdated though they've been called) and it's always a great discussion starter!

2 comments about World of Art, A (6th Edition).

1. It took over a week to get the book, by the time i received it my class was nearly over. I will not order from this person again.



2. I am very satisfied with the service we receved, the prompt delivery and the great product. Thanks!!!!

5 comments about Graphic Design: The New Basics.

1. Buying used books makes sense. This book arrived in a timely manner and in good condition at a fraction of the cost.



2. I was very disappointed in this book. Given the title, I expected more cohesive guidelines and analysis on assembling the "New Basics" into my designs. To me, it was primarily a showcase of work done by the authors' students, some of which I enjoyed, but I didn't find it very helpful or insightful. In fact, I returned it for a refund.
   
   Also, I found some of the type so small as to be unreadable, which for experienced designers, I found surprising. Not high on my list, obviously. I expect a title and/or subtitle to deliver on its implied promise. Perhaps I totally misunderstood the intent of the book, but I expected something that would weave these so-called new basics into a whole, provide direction, and help me produce better designs. Maybe that happens over the course of time in class, but I didn't see that happening in the book.
   
   If you're looking for guidance and direction, I don't think this is the book for you. It wasn't for me.



3. This is an excellent text book for beginning design and art students. Easy to read with strong examples this book fills a need in the arts community.



4. It came fast and on time through standard shipping. It was exactly in the condition I ordered it in and was carefully packaged so that no damage occurred during shipping. Thank you so much!! I really prefer buying from Amazon than private sellers.



5. This book is very helpful. It has a lot to offer to beginning students or just someone trying on their own. Its not so organized as a text book would be which keeps it fresh and fun to still look at. But it definitely has a lot to offer.

5 comments about Gardner's Art through the Ages: The Western Perspective, Volume I (with Art Study & Timeline Printed Access Card).

1. Received this product quickly and in excellent condition. Very reasonalby priced. Will definitely use them again!



2. the book was exactly as it was described. shipping was descent. I'm pleased with my purchase!



3. This is an expensive book, but it explains once you open it. It's an Art History book and the sectioning of time periods is on par. The pages are nice and glossy and colors vibrant!



4. The text is well-written, holding the reader's attention--assuming that s/he is interested in learning about the history of art!
   The artworks chosen for reproduction with the text are plentiful, sharp, and are all in color.
   The only drawback in my particular copy is that due to a production error at the printers, a few pages were bound waaay out of sequence!



5. I received the book within days and have been using it for my art course.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5 comments about Short Guide to Writing About Art, A (10th Edition) (The Short Guide).

1. this book is great--list steps on how to express art using sophisticated words--the best in town!



2. They send my book in a timely manner and were great about everything. I got my book within the 1st week i ordered it. Thanks and order from them!



3. This book was recommended by my professor for an Art History course. It is a wonderful book with excellent guidance and examples for any writing. As a science major I was unfamiliar with humanities/history particulars, when it comes to writing. This book was destined for a dusty spot on the book shelf once I finished the course. I happily discovered this is a good resource for all writing. I recommend it as a good addition to your resource library.



4. I originally purchased this book as a guide to writing for my critical essays in art history classes. I have found it to be so helpful. It includes the kind of information that you don't even think about until you actually need to utilize them..so grateful it was available to me. The explanations and provided examples are very clear. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve in their writing style.



5. This is a wonderful book for people like me who write research papers and wonder if they are on the right track. Easy to read and extremely useful in giving tips and guidance. Must have book.

5 comments about Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking.

1. 
   The book was in excellent condition.
   Thank you for the prompt response.



2. This little book is going to make you think. It also going to encourage you not to be so hard yourself for not already being the master of your craft! It is too deep to sit and read all at once, but a chapter now and then keeps your head in the game and processing thoughts that might be opening your artistic side to more and better adventures.



3. I purchased this book for a photography class. I found that I could relate what the authors said to my job(teaching) as well as to my art. A wonderful book for anyone who has been away from practicing art for a while as well as those who are actively involved in making art. It will give you lots to think about. Art students in college may also appreciate this book...



4. I am a practicing painter who found Art and Fear while wandering through a bookstore one day. Reading it has changed my life. there are so many things that i've felt in the fuzzy recesses of my mind that are solidified inside this book. Yes, the number one reason people do not chose to dedicate their lives to making art is fear. Once it is acknowledged, it's easier to fight it. I would recommend this book to any struggling artist at any time in their life.



5. Found this book very hard to comprehend, way over my head, could have been written in simpler terms.

5 comments about Exploring Art: A Global, Thematic Approach (with ArtExperience Online Printed Access Card).

1. When purchasing the book it indicated that the CD-Rom and InfoTrac was included in the sale. The receipt that was recevied with the book also indicates the CD-Rom and InfoTrac were included. However, both were not inlcuded.



2. I had to have this book for my Art Apreciation class. Very interesting book.



3. I was thoroughly pleased that this product arrived soooo quickly and in such good condition. This purchase was a pleasant one and I would do business with again.



4. I rec'd this textbook in a timely fashion, right in time for my online course. The book was required so I was happy to see it! And it is an excellent textbook to go along with the course.



5. it's brand new and i got it cheaper than in my school bookstore.
   It came fast too.

5 comments about Art in Theory 1900 - 2000: An Anthology of Changing Ideas.

1. the price was less then expected and the shipping was faster. all in all good job amazon!



2. The subtitle to this book is "An Anthology of Changing Ideas", which is remarkably accurate. The excerpts in this book run the ideological spectrum from Winston Churchill to Adolf Hitler, and everyone in-between. The assembly of so many artists, politicians, philosophers, and theorists in one place has had a profound impact on my understanding of particular artworks, and my relationship to art in general. It's an intimidating book, but somehow this diverse group of thinkers is organized in a way that could be read straight through. Personally, I find it to be an invaluable tool for research and artistic growth.



3. my college library had the "feminist art theory" volume from this same series, and i LOVED that book to death.
   since i liked that book so much, i thought it would be a good investment to cash in a recent gift certificate on this hefty volume.
   i wish that i had gone for the feminist art volume-- it's much more relevant for anyone who is interested in art as political expression... that topic is really not addressed in this anthology.
   it's probably still good as a reference if you're going to be writing a lot of papers for standard survey courses covering this time period, though.



4. Had I read the reviews about this book, I wouldn't have bought it.
   I had to though, for my "Art: Language and Theory" class, in my second year of Graphic Design major. I was shocked with it at first, it's almost 1300 pages, with not a single image in it! It looked extremely dull. But the thing is, I found it extremely useful, and enjoyable to read at times too. It covers art theories in the 20th century, and has texts written by artists, philosophers, polticians and much more.
   I now refer to it with every paper I write, every presentation I make and so on. There are also letters and notes in the book by artists such as Cezanne and Matisse, which are delightful to read. I use a dictionary sometimes, but not always, though I agree, the language is hard to comprehend at first glance.
   I don't think any art student or teacher could do without this book, I used it as a beginners guide while studying art, and I won't stop using it. Don't be put off when you first get this book, you'll learn to value and appreciate it with little time.



5. I used this book for a graduate theory class and ended up reading pretty much all of it. The book provides an excellent overview of the major movements during the past 100 years but also misses out on a lot of the most current trends. I believe there were less than 3 articles dated after 1999. The writings seem to be obscure at times, with the editors trying to draw distant similarites between varying fields. Most of the passages used overly pretentious language, so keep a dictionary nearby. This book is not a beginner guide and it helps to have some knowledge of art history as well as a little world history. A better or easier read would have to be "Theories and Documents of Contemporary Art"...