5 comments about Improvisation Starters.

1. As a high school theater arts teacher, this is one of my best resource books. This is the book I grab when we've completed our lesson and there is only 5 to 15 minute left to class. Grab a couple of volunteer actors and give them a conflict from this book and they're off. The scenes provide the basic elements of improv and acting. This is not a book on how to learn improv. However, it is a great book that provides good setups necessary for good acting and improv scenes.



2. This book has a HUGE variety of improvisation starters which not only provide a scenario, but also provide the actors with an objective toward which to work. This has really helped my students focus their work and stay on track with their improvisations. The only thing that would make this book better is if there were some scenes set up for more than two actors, which would make it more useful for larger group/class sizes (it takes an awfully long time to get through a class full of students two at a time!), but some of the two person scenes can be adjusted to allow for four actors instead, so I would not rule out this book simply for that reason. This is a great resource for anyone teaching improvisation!



3. Philip Bernardi's "Improvisation Starters" is a fantastic collection of scenes, moments, and games that will provide an excellent foundation for improvisational work, rehearsal, and performance. A must have for actors, teachers, and improvisors.



4. If you're thinking of buying this book in preparation for comedy improv classes, you're off track. You'll learn in the first weeks of your class that you discover what your scene's about as it unfolds, not a second before. That's what's funny about comedy improv, watching players discover in the moment what the scene's about. And the game is usually something little, something accidental, like everyone's wearing too much jewelry on the job. That's it.
   
   You and your partner figure out as you go what the game is in the scene based on the information you uncover, step by step.
   
   I keep cringing when I think about kids buying this book because instead of learning to explore character, activity, emotion, dialogue and stage picture as a way to build a throughline from scratch, they're being handed pre-packaged "plots" which burden the player with required attitudes and, saps the life and comedy right out of everything.
   
   The only way these scenarios may work is if you teach the kids to take the opposite point of view to what's expected. "It's 3AM and you were expected home from your prom three hours ago. That's my boy!"



5. This wasn't very useful to me. It contains merely lists of possible conflicts and conversations one might base an improvisation around. The ideas arn't particularly imaginative and are nothing I or my students couldn't come up with ourselves.

5 comments about Antiques Roadshow Primer : The Introductory Guide to Antiques and Collectibles from the Most-Watched Series on PBS.

1. You have seen the program. Now read the book. Reading this book gives you a better insight as to what an antique is and what to look for. The program is ok but you can not take it with you or unless you own the video you can not go back on a point.
   There is a small color section. But for the most part the pictures for the descriptions are black and white. There is a section on "Art Glass" however not enough detail to tell the difference between amberina and cobalt.
   The title includes collectibles also. And the different furniture styles. I could not find anything on "Lebus" furniture.
   
   All in all this is the place to start. Before looking for price guides you need to know what you are looking at. However you will need to branch out from here. There is an extensive index and lots of photos. There is a list of Auction houses, appraisal organizations, and Antiques Road Show appraisers.



2. If you love the Antiques Road show you will love this book! It's packed with Beautiful full color pictures of the antiques that made the show such a hit, and the stories that go with them.
   
   There's even profiles of all the antique dealers that have been in the show since the beginning.



3. Really a fun read, on a very unique show. Frankly, what I love most about the show is when somebody thinks they have something so valuable and it's fake, they are so smug, then shocked, it's priceless to watch them recoil. They should get this book and they might learn how to spot a fake. Honestly, those two weird twins on the show freak me out, they are so bizarre looking, but those two ecentric fops really know american antique furniture and their expertise is honed in this book. But seriously, if you enjoy the roadshow or just want to know more about antiques then I do recommend this book



4. Antiques Roadshow is an enigma. It is at the same time one of the most informative shows on television and one of the most misleading. This book is quite similar. The information presented to help identify styles is very good overall, although there are some serious shortcomings in certain sections. However, this book also includes the ubiquitous "Find" featured on the show which gives the reader an unrealistic expectation of the value of what they may own.

   Also featured in the book are sections on items which are "out." In many of those sections I found items which sell quite well in our local market as well as online. It seemed that the decision to call something "out" was made solely on price issues. Invariably in this work the items which bring sums over $1000 were mentioned while hot collectibles & antiques that can be had between $50-$500 were either left out or barely touched upon in the text.

   I use this book as a reference for styles, periods, and such, but I do not trust their market research any more in print than I do on TV. ....and I'm a professional appraiser.




5. You have seen the program. Now read the book. Reading this book gives you a better insight as to what an antique is and what to look for. The program is ok but you can not take it with you or unless you own the video you can not go back on a point.

   There is a small color section. But for the most part the pictures for the descriptions are black and white. There is a section on "Art Glass" however not enough detail to tell the difference between amberina and cobalt.

   The tittle includes collectibles also. And the different furniture styles. I could not find anything on "Lebus" furniture.

   All in all this is the place to start. Before looking for price guides you need to know what you are looking at. However you will need to branch out from here. There is an extensive index and lots of photos. There is a list of Auction houses, appraisal organizations, and Antiques Road Show appraisers.

4 comments about Fashions and Costumes from Godey's Lady's Book: Including 8 Plates in Full Color.

1. Great book for finding out what they really wore for dressy occasions during the Civil War Era and just prior. Afterwards they did not have the money or the material to do this, but it is lovely to see what they did before the war. Reenacter's who do not wish to spend a lot of money on a gown from the wrong era need to see what is correct before some dressmaker puts them into whatever pattern that SHE likes to make! RESEARCH is the key.



2. This book is beautiful. It is a very helpful reference and it is just fun to look at. It was also great to have the description of each of the outfits. This book is much more detailed than the "80 Godey's Full-Color Fashion Plates (1838-1880)" by JoAnne Olian, but then I liked all the full -colored as well.



3. This is an excellent reference guide for Lady Civil War Reenactors who want to create beautiful day dresses and ball gowns. The book has detailed descriptions of each dress. A true Godey's dress was for the lady of wealth, however many women of average means subscribed to Godey's to get ideas for the dresses they wore. Each page will give you an idea of colors, styles and types of fabrics used. This book is a must along with "Who Wore What" for a true insight into women's fashions of the 1860's



4. A delightful book to page through. Lots of black & white line drawings and several color plates. This must have been where Scarlett O'Hara got her inspirations!

1 comments about Savage Pistols.

1. Undoubtedly the most thorough, historically accurate, and overall highest quality book about the world of Savage that I've seen. The focus is on Savage pistols but there is much, much more. The quality of the four color pictures is awesome. The size of the pages (8 1/2 x 11) allows enough space for excellant quality full size photographs. The Brower collection of Savage pistols is simply unmatched. Bailey has given us a wonderful fact filled learning tool to pass on to future generations.
   Top quality, bargain price. Nothing else comes close. JW

5 comments about Pocket Guide to Depression Glass & More: 1920s - 1960s, Identification and Values (Pocket Guide to Depression Glass & More).

1. The authors have written extensively about Depression glass collecting and some of the hardcovers are quite specific and weighty. Collectors and libraries seeking more affordable, toteable and general values and identification guides will find the 16th updated edition of Pocket Guide to Depression Glass & More 1920s-1960s an excellent pick. It pairs an organization by maker with color photos of typical glassware lines, and the latest prices arranged by glassware color. Perfect for a flea-market tote.



2. I recently started collecting depression glass. At the time, I realized how much I didn't know! This book has been my constant companion. The material is clearly presented. The photography is fantastic. The price guide along with the description of each piece of EVERY collection is invaluable. I have become a better educated consumer and glass collector since I keep this within reach. Highly recommend!!



3. This is a wonderful guide to depression glass.Each page is devoted to one pattern and lists the different colors,pieces in the collection and the estimated values.It is a small,pocket book size but has 190 pages!So there is A LOT of information packed in this smaller package!!!A wealth of info and beautiful color photographs.Also,there is a section at the back about reproductions on certain patterns.VERY in depth!A must for collectors!



4. The pictures are outstanding. This is an easy to use reference guide with over 150 patterns, all alphabetized for quick and easy referance.



5. Excellent...great photos and complete listings of pieces in many patterns. Also light and easy to carry...I take it to auctions with me...very helpful. I would recommend it to anyone interested in depression glass.

5 comments about Ancient Angkor (River Book Guides).

1. Buying this terrific Angkor temple guide book does not mean you shouldn't hire a licensed Khmer guide (not to be confused with a driver, who are not allowed to take tourists inside the temples) because the guides are schooled in the history of the temples, are fluent in a particular foreign language, able to advise on shopping, touring the countryside, cultural tours, but can take you to see temples when the light is best, the crowds the smallest & then explain what you are seeing. Buy this book, figure out what temples you want to see, read the history section & the sections on the temples you're going to see. Once you return, reread the sections on the temples you've seen, as it will give you a greater enjoyment of the incredible artistry & majesty of Ancient Angkor. This book does not replace a licensed guide, it enhances the experience. I also recommend Dawn Rooney's book because she writes about remote temples that are not in this book & in more detail, but I found her floor plans confusing.



2. Claude Jacques is an expert on Angkor, and has studied its history for 30 years. Photographer Michael Freeman has been taking pictures of Angkor for over 15 years. Together Ancient Angkor is the product of a partnership that has yielded over 350 color illustrations, and a well-written guide to the ruins of Angkor.
   
   Included are detailed plans and descriptions,[even of lesser known temples not found in other guides]. The book is well thought-out -with suggestions of various itineraries, and information on hotels and other items pertaining to travel . This serves not only as a great tourist guide for travellers planning a trip to the ancient ruins but also a great book for armchair travellers with lush color illustrations and meticulous descriptions.



3. This book will guide you step by step (literally) through the magnificant temples of Angkor. And even if you weren't planning to go, you will want to for sure, after viewing Michael Freeman's superb photographs and reading Claude Jacques' expert commentary.

   No matter where you wander on the very large site of Angkor, Freeman and Jacques are right alongside you, suggesting places to look and explaining what you are looking at. There are maps and temple plans, a glossary, and an index. For visitors with limited time, the suggested itineraries (from one to seven days' length) will let you make the most of your visit.

   The book is especially helpful for photographers. Freeman, who has photographed professionaly at Angkor for over a decade, describes the best vantage points and subjects, suggests the best time of day to shoot, and provides itineraries that take you to each location just when the light is best.

   The book is well designed and contains many helpful features. For example, a cross-referenced list of architectural features and mythological scenes makes it easy to locate temples that contain whatever the visitor is most interested in seeing.

   In short, carrying this book with you is like having an expert photographer and historian as personal guides during your visit to Angkor. You probably won't even need to engage an actual guide, unless you want to pick up a bit of local color; everything you need is right there in the book.




4. This book is a fantastic combination of pictures and facts for people wanting to visit the Angkor temples. The pictures stir the imagination and the text provides the facts to go with the pictures.

   In fact I recently used this book as my guide while visiting Angkor. It provides a section for each of the most-visited temples and will also give you information on suggested time to put aside for each visit and the best time to go. In fact, my guide at Angkor said this was the best guide book he had seen, and I saw other people using this same book to guide themselves around the temples like I did.

   This book provides suggested itineries to the temples and the best times to visist for photography. whether you can actually manage to combine the two is debatable on a short visit. The books main downfall is not its content, but its weight which is quite heavy because of the good quality paper used.

   The climate (extremely hot and humid - air conditioning is a worthwhile investment) can make visiting these monuments as trial at times, but they are worth the effort. All the buildings are unique, covered in exquiste carvings (which books can only hint at) and original. Some are still partly swallowed by the jungle. Straight out of indiana Jones.

   Get this book, let your imagination wander and visit these amazing ruins if you can before too many other tourists turn up - for they are a world wonder not to be missed. And don't forget your camera - these are places begging to be photographed.




5. A lovingly prepared compilation of superb color photographs, maps, history and scholarly explanations of the major world monument that is Angkor Wat. The authors thoughtfully include suggested itineraries ( ranging from one to six days ), sites ranked by interest, peak times and locations for photographing and even helpful suggestions for accomodations. A must for planning a visit to Angkor Wat or for preserving memories.

1 comments about Restoring Antique Tools.

1. I found this book very helpful in restoring old planes. The author keeps it pretty simple.

3 comments about Collecting Antique Bird Decoys and Duck Calls: An Identification and Price Guide.

1. This is one book that I never received, even after they charged my credit card, they would not respond to my emails, offer a refund, or even send me a replacement for the "one lost in the mail."



2. A very well-researched book, this is definately one for the collector. This book's true value lies in its value guides and background information, making for facinating reading. Unfortunately, the photography is only average, and mostly black and white (there is a middle section of 63 colored pages).



3. This is a great book. I've collected decoys for several years and I own the previous edition of Collecting Antique Bird Decoys and Duck Calls which is now some 10 years old. No disrespect, but the new edition by Russ Lewis far surpasses the old book. Not only will you find thousands of photos but Lewis, an avid collector himself, provides loads of information on traditonal carvers, factory birds, regional influences throughout North America and much more. The depth and breadth of the work is impressive. Lewis is a university professor, and you can tell that he is an educator at heart. It also helps that he has a soul of a collector. If you collect decoys, bird calls, or simply enjoy the outdoors you'll love this book. I'll bet my Red-breasted Merganser decoy on it.

2 comments about Eighteenth-Century French Fashions in Full Color.

1. A lovely collection of 64 period fashion plates from Galerie des Modes. The plates cover the years from 1778-1787 and give a good representation of French high fashion in the years leading up to the French Revolution. The plates include court gowns, undress gowns, stays, day ensembles, riding habits, children's frocks and more. Complete with translated descriptions of each outfit and a decent glossary of terms.
   
   Drool-worthy does not begin to describe in the goodies contained within. This lovely and inexpensive resource is a must for anyone interested in late century fashions. Get one for research and one to take apart and frame for your sewing room walls.



2. Stella Blum has selected plates of 18th century fashion from the Metropolitan Museum's collection and reproduced them here in full colour.

   You certinally don't get all the plates produced in the 18th century but what you get is a helpful and representitive selection. This is one of the few books where you can see actual colour plates all reproduced in a sequence like this.

   If you have any interest in 18th french fashion this book is both [inexpensive] and invaluable.

1 comments about Power and Glory: Court Arts of China's Ming Dynasty.

1. An informative exhibition catalog which is marvelously illustrated. A must for anyone interested in Chinese art as it stands by itself... more than an exhibition catalog.