5 comments about Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict: A History with Documents.

1. I have not finished the book yet. Yet, I felt encouraged to answer Mr ML/NJ and throw some comments on his review. I would like to start by saying that finally we see a book that depcits the truth. A book that does not call the owners of the lands terorrists. A book that understands how it might feel to live in a peice of land for 1,400 years, then by a Belford declaration, you are expelled. We have always read many books that were completely biased towards the Israeli side. There has always been the double standard, not only in politics, but even in book pages and what is supposed to be free speach. Now, I am happy to see that the sitiuation is changing. I would really recommend the book for whoever wants to hear the OTHER side of the story.



2. I assure you that this book is nowhere near as dry as Smith's lectures, and I also assure you that he is extremely (almost insanely) knowledgable on this topic. His lectures are unbiased and I find it hilarious that a lot of reviewers said that this book was biased against Israel. After reading this textbook, I think that only biased people would say that this book is biased (against their own side, of course) because Smith isn't afraid to point the finger at all sides. He clearly shows that the road to peace (or the lack thereof) is a two-way street.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get into the nitty gritty of this topic (details are PLENTY in this text), as long as you're willing to consider that America (as well as others) hasn't exactly been an angel in the past.



3. The Arab-Israeli conflict is one that touches on so many painful emotions and biases that no book will be deemed fair or unbiased by all concerned. However, Smith's book does a very good job of attempting to be as close to unbiased as possible. It is often used as a textbook in upper-level modern Middle East history courses for just that reason. It is good choice for someone who is new to the subject (other than the inescapable news coverage) and really wants to understand some of the issues invovled throughout the history of the conflict.
   
   One of the strongest things about Smith's book is the inclusion of a number of primary sources. Other than disputing the translations, no one can deny that primary sources are as close to an honest look at history as we can get. Documents are included from many sides of the issues involved and no side comes out either squeekly clean nor as pure evil.
   
   Another strength I found, to differ with another reviewers opinion, is that the book starts quite far back in the history of the conflict. As the mythologizing of the roots of Israel as a nation has been worked into the official stance of all sides, each for their own purposes, understanding what happened at the beginning is of utmost importance if you really want to grasp the subject. This is a good book that does it's best with a difficult subject and goes into some depth in addition to excellent primary source material.



4. Like some other reviewers, I too bought this book for a college course and I too find it overly biased toward the Arab point of view. The author has the right to draw his own conclusions, but like any non-fiction book, readers must use their own judgement to evaluate those conclusions carefully. I don't know if there is an author without bias on this topic due to its sensitivity.
   
   It is also horribly dry in my opinion. I know it's supposed to be, but certain sections just drag on and on, it seems, uneccessarily.
   
   Read critically, not literally. If you have a choice (i.e. don't have to buy this particular book for a course or something) choose a more balanced author, if you can find one.



5. The book is a fairly concise and accurate overview of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It covers ancient Jewish history, the beginnings of Zionism, the emergence of Israel, the Arab Wars and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Most of the coverage is well researched and documented.
   
   The closing chapters of the book are undoubtedly biased towards the Palestinian account. One example is the coverage of the Barak-Arafat-Clinton negotiations in 2000. Smith portrays Barak as a man whose intentions were not to conduct honest negotiations but rather "carefully calculated, intended to appear more amenable to the United States." Smith writes that "there was never an Israeli offer." Further, Smith asserts that Barak was manipulating the media in order to force them to present a positive account of Israeli negotiations. Arafat's refusal to make any counter offer, or contribute to the negotiations -- as asserted by President Clinton and the U.S. chief negotiater -- are not mentioned. Smith also does not fault Palestinian terrorism -- the systematic, often daily suicide bombings experienced by Israel -- for turning Israeli public opinion against further peace talks. According to Smith, the blame lies solely on Sharon and his visit to the Temple Mount and Palestinian frustration.
   
   Smith's discussion of the Intifada speaks in terms of Israeli attacks and Palestinian "armed response." In fact, Israel had been initially very reserved in its replies to suicide bombings. Israeli interests do not lie in a military occupation of the Palestinian territories, unless necessary to alleviate security risk.
   
   Admittedly, I have an opinion about whose fault the failure of the Camp David II was. It is acceptable for the author to take an opposite view. However, in a book that claims to be a non-biased textbook for college use, the topic should be presented with acknowledgement of differing opinions. Especially, when the book presents an account that is largely a contrast to the established narrative (a narrative that there is no reason to believe is inaccurate).
   
   My rating is still positive because the book is a valuable resource in its coverage of earlier time periods. However, this book should be used with other materials for balance.

5 comments about Building Design Portfolios: Innovative Concepts for Presenting Your Work (Design Field Guide).

1. Porque me gustaría que esté en español.
   Los datos que deberian incluir los diseñadores sobre su vida me parecio muy interesante. Algunos de nosotros nos cuesta escribir que es lo que quieren saber y deben saber de nosotros.
   Porque no todo es diseño sino que se tiene que seguir un protocolo, que es importantísimo.



2. I think this is a great book for those looking for ideas on making a new portfolio. Especially students about to graduate (like me). I got the idea for my portfolio from this book. It shows a ton of awesome examples in there and it is really inspiring.



3. es un buen libro sin enbargo esperaba mas de el....esperaba procedimientos en composicion y diseño y no una extensa galeria de fotos ..de los cuales muchos portafolios son muy poco practicos y casi ridiculos..lo que hizo el autor es recopilar ejemplos y presentarlos...
   
   esperaba de que hablara mas de materiales y de criterios dirigidos mas a la arquitectura, asi como formatos mas comunes, tamaños, etc...sin embargo aun se se le puede sacar algun provecho pues muestra algunod buenos ejemplos de portafolios.
   
   me hubiera gustado que relacionaran donde adquirir por medio de web..algunos cases y portfolios...



4. This is the information I've been needing to assemble a portfolio that will shine. I think it should be require reading for anyone in Graphic Design who is trying to sell themselves through their portfolio.



5. This is a great book - I have found it to be very informative and the author is quite thorough. Gorgeous images and I am really happy with the purchase.
   
   I just wish someone would write a book such as this relative to the Asia Pacific market!
   
   Definitely worth a look as it is really well presented.

5 comments about Alberto Vargas: Works from the Max Vargas Collection.

1. Great pictures from his best work!
   If you are a fan of Pin Ups, this is the Classic!!!!
   Foreword by Hugh Heffner who published a lot of Vargas Work in his Magazin.
   Worth every penny!



2. Vargas inspired many people to do pin up art, his early work of the long torso's were great, I love his work



3. Perhaps my expectations were too high based on the many 5 star reviews. The book is beautifully done and anyone who appreciates Vargas will be pleased with the presentation of his work. But, it seemed to me that it was a much abbreviated representation of his best work. This collection lacks most of his previously published works; these being illustrations in the estate. However, what I think the book needs the most is editing. The pictures are in chronological order, but few offer any biographical information other than the title. On a practical note, the book is very large: 10.25"X13.25" which is over sized even for a collection of illustrations.



4. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and reading about Alberto Vargas, his work, his relationships with his publisher(s) and his wife. The man was an amazing talent. The size of these illustrations were incredible, sorry to see a seam going down the middle ... If I could I'd take them out and hang them in poster frames!
   
   I wish there were even more drawings to enjoy.



5. The Max Vargas Collection is an excellent collection of his finest commercial works. The illistrations and the commentary offers excellent backgroung on his life and body of work. The only thing I found wanting was the large collection of Vargas art that invariably made it onto the noses of many warbirds in WW2 and Korea. There's little refernece to this.

2 comments about Trees and Leaves CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art).

1. Looks Just like what's on the web site!
   Great references to actualy trees.
   Thank You!



2. I got a copy of this book/CD to have images for our wedding invitations and envelopes. I was more interested in leaves than trees and I think the book is stronger on trees, but there are many nice examples of both. The CD provides images in many formats and sizes (for print vs. web applications) and it worked out great. As usual Dover is pretty much the only company with anything like this and it's reasonably priced.

2 comments about Information Design Workbook: Graphic approaches, solutions, and inspiration plus 20 case studies.

1. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R19WB24ZB8YXSL Infographic artists or graphic designers who create designs to communicate ideas to people should like this book.
   
   The summary on the preface accurately describes this book and I'll quote it here.
   
   This book:
   - Leads you through the mindset and kind of thinking that support good information design.
   - Gives you an overview of the type of processes and tools you can use to create effective information design.
   - Shows real-world examples of successful products
   - Presents interviews with some of the premier practitioners working in the field today.
   
   
   
   This book talks about high level concepts to give an overview to information design. The first four chapters explains the need for effective design and provides lots of examples where they are used, and how helpful they are. Some examples include direct mail, litigation graphics, etc. Interviewees relates on what works and what doesn't through their own experience.
   
   There are several tools include to help designers. They include personas and scenario simulation, research and testing and even mundane stuff like using plain language. Of course not all might relate to everyone. I'm a newspaper artist and I don't do testing for every graphic that I produce. But they do give results for tests conducted, which can be applied to different fields.
   
   One chapter is devoted to design principles with examples from all medium.
   
   The last five chapters are the case studies. Each touches on a different medium and each comes with 6 real life success stories. That's 30 set of experience from the industry you can learn from.
   
   I'll like to conclude that this book practices what it preaches. The information on the pages is laid out nicely and easy to absorb.
   
   Here's the table of contents:
   Preface - Approaching information design from a user-centric point of view
   1. About information design. What is it? Who is doing it? Why is it important?
   2. Process: Discovery. A step-by-step look at the research and discovery process
   3. Process: Prototypes and Testing. How user research and testing help to ensure successful design
   4. Design Toolkit: Visual devices to help communicate information
   5. Printed Matter Case Studies. Magazines, packaging and corporate communications
   6. Information Graphics Case Studies. Maps, charts, and diagrams
   7. Interactive Case Studies. Websites and other screen-based projects
   8. Enviromental Case Studies. Wayfinding and exhibits
   9. Experimental Case Studies. Information design that pushes the envelope.



2. Kim Baer knows what she is talking about. Her vast and varied client list makes her the de facto expert in the ID field. I have had the pleasure of working directly with her co-author Jill Vacarra, and the two of them make a dynamic team - exceptionally well able to explain and illustrate the concepts they are chronicling - both for the professional and the student of graphic design. BRAVO!

4 comments about Structura: The Art of Sparth.

1. If you are interested in concept art, this compact book is like a master's class in how to represent ideas with freshness, clarity, and good design. I keep it next to my computer at work for inspiration, and if you are a concept artist you should too.



2. Sparth is one of the greatest concept artists, and this is a great book of his work.



3. I've been a huge fan of Sparth's work for years and have awaited the arrival of this book for almost as long. Sparth's work is warm and highly creative and his influence over a generation of digital fantasy artists is only beginning to be seen as his style is frequently imitated. It's certainly a great book and a must-own, especially for a concept art book at this price.
   
   My only disappointment is is the format size (which is why I still give this 5 stars, as I don't think this is the fault of the artist). These works deserve a much larger format than the medium/smallish 9 x 9 inches. Also, and this probably has more to do with who owns the image licenses than anything, there is a bit of "sameness", a slight lack of variety, about some of the work that's not apparent when viewing his website.
   
   Still, a great book by any standard and an essential addition to any fantasy/sci-fi/art lover's book collection.



4. Sparth brings a humanity to concept art and design. At this price, everyone interested in Movie and Games production should have this densely creative book in their library. The french designers are poignantly different from american designers, a gap which I appreciate and honor.
   
   The work shown in this volume is mostly painted environments and vehicles. A couple pages of charcoal sketches and some plein-air digital work. It also has a good amount of robots and characters.

5 comments about The Best of Business Card Design 6 (The Best of Business Card Design).

1. This is a fun compilation that has lots of inspirational ideas... whether its logos, business card shapes and papers, color combos, etc. It was published in 2004 but in 2008, I do not find it to be outdated.



2. There are some nice business cards and some pretty average cards in here. This book is a good resource to have for business cards.



3. OK. Let's get one thing straight from the beginning.
   Many of the most creative elements ended up for self use.
   So does that make this volume a practical how-to for real client projects?
   Yes, I think so. We must push the edge of design to remain rut-free and boring.
   So, buy this volume. Be challenged to go beyond the edge of your level of design. Just remember to have a few lesser aggressive designs in your back pocket if clients take a deep breath and say "Well that's interesting".



4. I found this book very useful. It gave great examples of wonderfully designed business cards and letterheads. Great inspirational tool.



5. The stunning collection of cards displayed in this book are inspiring. Just one element in a card can influence the rest of my design and get me on a roll. This book is full of classy, eye popping designs to edgy, out the box designs. It is a sure fire fit for any designer.

5 comments about AP Art History w/CD-ROM (REA)-The Best Test Prep for (Test Preps).

1. I thought this book was very informative. I had a problem with the fact that they did not have pictures for 2oth century art. You had to look that up yourself. It is kind of a pain using the DVD. Id rather have all reference photos in the book. The cover leads you to bel;ieve you can take a timed test on the DVD. The DVD only carries photos of certain art in the book and some slides for the sample test.



2. This book was very beneficial for preparing for the AP. It had most of the images that were seen on the actual test and did a good job of only giving you necessary information. This book was a very good tool for my preparation but I would recommend getting another book as well (maybe the Mona Lisa) because this book is a little sparse and you can only use it when you have a computer to see the images. But it's still definitely worth it.



3. With a teacher who doesn't quite know how to teach, I really needed a GREAT review book for the exam. This book covers key artworks from each period (but only a few, not enough to overwhelm), how periods and artworks influenced each other (which is an important part of the exam), and gives you a great feel for each period- something invaluable that can usually only be gained through intense study.
   I have yet to take my AP Exam, but I got a 5 on a midterm modeled after it, using real previous questions from exams. The information in this book paralleled the midterm so perfectly, it was unreal. (Specific questions about the Amarna style from Ancient Egypt, who discovered various ancient artifacts, and how the centrally-planned structure was taken from San Vitale... All these were in the exam book and on my midterm!)
   In addition, this book was a delight to read, and it was all written in easy-to-understand language that did not exhaust me quickly.
   I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone taking the course!!!!



4. I decided, in 11th grade, to take the AP Art History exam because I felt that the subject would be relevant to my future career as an architect. Our school does not offer a course in art history, so I had to study independently. This book provides more than sufficient material--due to an extremely tight schedule, I spent about 4-5 days reading through the book once and received a 5 on the exam with virtually no prior knowledge of art history apart from what I had memorized from the book. I would say that if you can memorize about 60% of the book, you'll do well. (Don't procrastinate as I did, though. I couldn't walk straight by the end of that AP week.)
   
   After the exam, I went back to the book and re-read it so the information would be retained longer. During summer, I went to an architecture program and my knowledge from reading this book helped me immensely. Since then, my interest in art history has expanded and I've explored the subject much more thoroughly.
   
   I took the exam at the school where the first author teaches (taught?) and met some of the (many) students. He is apparently very well-versed in both the exam and the subject.
   
   Obviously, if you love art history, there are better texts (Gardner, Stokstad, etc.) with colorful illustrations and interesting facts. If you are new to the subject and simply want to pass the test or to learn the basics of this awesome subject, this book is easier.



5. During my 11th grade highschool year I took the Art History AP test WITHOUT ever taking an Art History course. My only review materials were the "Annotated Mona Lisa" (also a great book) and REA's Art History. One of the best study guides I have EVER used for any AP test, REA covers the material rationally and in depth. I owe my preparedness for the Art History exam to REA (I got a 5!).
   If you had to choose between a 10 pound Art encyclopedia and REA's guide in order to prepare for your test, choose REA!

4 comments about Painting with Pastels: Easy Techniques to Master the Medium.

1. This is a terrific book for those moving to or starting with pastels.
   I'd highly recommend this as a solid reference.
   
   That being said there is an issue with the printing quality.
   The is printed in China (go figures) and it shows. On almost every single image, except perhaps the cover, there is a distinct bronzing problem with the colors.
   Depending on how it's held in the light you can see the edges around various parts of the image light up in reflection. These are not the quality reproductions of images you'd see with a lot of other books by different publishers. The quality is sub-par.
   
   This same issue occurs in certain pigmented inkjet printers when using glossy paper. The micro-encapsulation of the ink particles reflects certain type of light to produce this effect and is always an issue when making high quality prints on this type of paper.
   
   As I said earlier, the information in the book and Ms. Price's explanations are wonderful but perhaps they should have it printed in a country where quality control is taken seriously.
   
   It's a shame that such nice images has to have this effect.



2. I have begun dabbling in pastels after working with acrylics for many years. My work just didn't seem to go the way I wanted, so I explored the various books out there and purchased several of what I thought would be great beginner books and also for those of us with some artistic background. I have to say "Painting with Pastels" by Maggie Price is my favorite! She covers all the necessary bits (types of pastels, papers, workspaces, choosing subject matter, composition, strokes, color (in many different ways - paper, underpainting, application), use w/watercolor), blending....and so much more. I also loved the sections where discussion, with appropriate figures to compliment the written work, on using either photos, slides, still life, landscape, and models, as your subject when using pastels. I now feel confident in my own work and know I can now expand into producing works of art that even I can be happy with and hopefully someday become an expert, well at least adequate, artist using pastels as my medium.



3. Maggie's book covers many of the techniques for which this veteran artist is famous. The section on painting with light alone, makes this book an invaluable addition to any artist's library. Her writing style is clear and accesible whidh makes following along with the lessons simple. The examples of works in progress that Maggie provides walk you through each exercise effortlessly.
   If I were attempting to paint in pastels for the first time - or, if like me, you would like to kick your pastel painting up a notch, BUY THIS BOOK. You will be delighted!



4. I'm just getting started with pastels and fell in love with this medium. Prior to this I have done oils for years, and teach in other mediums as well. I buy reference books all the time in the areas that interest me. PAINTING WITH PASTELS by Maggie Price is the best of those I have purchased. It seemed to be written just for me! It is VERY informative; the examples are marvelous! Landscapes are my favorites and there is a strong unit on them. I have a student who likes to do portraits and there is good advice for this too. However, if you are looking for guidance on painting animals there isn't any. But the important things like values, composition, focal points, lots of stuff on colors including layering colors, and much more is in this book. Thank you, Maggie Price!

5 comments about Graphics Alive.

1. content and images - fantastic! LOVE IT! love it! everything i expected and MORE!
   
   book condition - 7/10 probably damaged abit from postage and handling. but its whats inside that counts =)



2. The book was far from what I was expecting, I felt a little bit mislead in the description...that being said, it was a wonderful book!



3. Really cool and well printed piece. Amazing content, will be very helpful to inspire my work.



4. I bought this for my husband and he loves it. It cost $40 at another store we saw it in and this is by far the best price.



5. I wish I had bought this at amazon. It caught my eye at Urban Outfitters and I ended up paying $40+. The book delves into design outside of the usual formalities of print. Instead what you get to see is top designers making use of their techniques in other ways such as ipod skin designs to completely remodeling hotel rooms. I like this book because it stirs up inspiration for ideas completely outside the box.