5 comments about Taryn Simon: An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar.

1. This book creates its own space in a way only a few can do. Its images are (almost all) just right - including the right size. They aren't large but they invite intense observation and they look terrific.



2. This subject matter and the photos are interesting, but as a book it is lacking. The book is what I would call 'pretentious', in that there is alot of space wasted in the pages to make it look more 'arty'. Waste of paper is waht I call it. The photos are also too small for the available paper space. All in all, good intentions, but the publisher seems to have ruined it. Not recommended.



3. For people who are interested in photo art Simons Book ist a must have. Her intelligently chosen situations - the hidden and unfamiliar - remind me in their cool and calm way of being photographed the work of Edward Hopper. Simon absolutely knows how to catch the right moment and the right light. You get a view deeply below the surface of our modern civilisation.
   Beside of this, the book is of great heavy quality, it's worth its price.
   Well done, Taryn!



4. It's really amazing all the work and effort that was put into creating these images. I saw her show at The Whitney like the other reviewer, and i really enjoyed her work so i bought the book on amazon (I'm not trying to plug amazon, but it was a lot cheaper here than other places i looked) The photographs absolutely stand on their own, but the captions are extremely important to the images. The book is simple, as are the images, but it is definately unique and unfamiliar.



5. Having seen the small exhibition at the Whitney Museum devoted to this body of work (It's currently on view there until early June.), I strongly believe that this book confirms what many people - myself included - have thought of fellow Brunonian Taryn Simon's work ever since she made her spectacular debut with "The Innocents" a few years ago. "An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar" demonstrates that she has become one of our most important documentary photographers, stretching her artistic terrain to encompass much more than the fine environmental portraiture that she demonstrated so well in "The Innocents". Stylistically, Simon is indeed all over the map, but she still has made memorable color images which pay homage to work from the likes of Lewis Baltz, Richard Mishrach, Walker Evans and Richard Avedon to name but a few (I might add too that like most of these photographers, Simon works primarily with a large format camera, using availiable light only to photograph her subjects.). If there is a serious artistic criticism to be made of her latest body of work, then it's probably one related to her sequencing of images (It's a point that I've remembered vividly well from an intermediate photography course I had taken years before, which was taught by distinguished photographer Harold Jones, the founding director of both New York City's Light Gallery and the University of Arizona's Center for Creative Photography.) - though this may be more the fault of her editors than of Ms. Simon herself. If you're unfamiliar with Simon's memorable imagery, then "An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar" is a superb place to begin your artistic journey.

5 comments about Stories in Stone: The Complete Guide to Cemetery Symbolism.

1. This book is excellent for anyone interested in cemetery symbolism and/or genealogy. The photographs make it all the easier to understand. I highly recommend this book...it's one of the best of it's kind that I have found.



2. I found this a facinating book. It was ordered for one particular cemetery display but was found to contain some amazing monumnets. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cemetery or religious art.



3. Dead men may tell no tales, but the symbols on their tombstones do. This guidebook is geared for genealogists and cemetery fans. Several chapters on cemetery symbols include Flora, Fauna, Religious Symbols, Secret Societies, and Mortality Symbols. Other chapters are a guide to cemetery architecture, tomb types and a selection of unique tombs.
   
   The book is illustrated with numerous photographs and includes an alphabetical listing of acronyms and abbreviations of societies, clubs and organizations. A chapter on mortality symbols discusses everything from the skull and crossbones to the grim reaper. There are chapters on symbols of flora (plants), fauna (animals), and religions (Christian, Hebrew, Chinese and Japanese), including descriptions of different kinds of crosses. Angels, who seem to gather in cemeteries everywhere, get their own section called "Heavenly Messengers." I was especially impressed with the chapter devoted to secret societies and organizations such as the Masons/Freemasons, Woodmen of the World, Knights Templar, Knights of Columbus, Odd Fellows, Grand Army of the Republic, Shriners, and others. Each of these is illustrated with an example photograph.



4. Information is great but format leaves something to be desired. Book is odd size especially considering price and type is very small. Get out your magnifying glass for this one. Layout and type really take a lot away from the book.



5. Even aside from cemeteries and graveyards, the information alone on symbols, emblems and icons is immensely resourceful. These combination visuals appear elsewhere too, not just in stone- not just for the dead! Many symbols for older societies and secret organizations in our world are touched upon, and their origins explained. Just a wonderful book. -Best, I love the format- easy handling! -For every designers' bookshelf.

1 comments about Tropical Modern.

1. Beutiful Book!
   This is one of the few books that could be judged by its cover. It's 100% Tropical Modern. Good pictures, fair enough text. My only cons is not with the book but with the fact that despite that I love Modern Architecture it might not be the best approach for all tropical areas because of the accelerated deterioration and high-maintenance caused by the weather at this latitudes.

5 comments about Drawing and Designing with Confidence: A Step-by-Step Guide.

1. this book has nothing to show for designing principles at all it mostly or complety center itself with the graphical presentation of a theme, more usefull for a first year architectural student that hasnt yet started in the graphical expression portion of his academic pensum but for someone with more than a year of study has little or nothing to contribute.



2. Mike Lin is considered the master by many on this topic. I refer back to his work many times. I would consider purchasing a supplementary "how-to" book (e.g. Grant Reid's Landscape Graphics) which describes process in a little more detail.
   
   Enjoy.



3. If you are buying this book because it is required text for his talk, do yourself a BIG service and get your refund, immediately. He promises to deliver how to teach you graphics in 7 or 12 days, depending on location, and he WILL NOT deliver! He takes your money, teaches, perhaps, what equates to two days of real teaching and continously tells you how privileged you are to learn these things from him. The remaining time is spent on his non-stop blathering about non-related ideas like his philosophy, websites (like myspace,etc), his house, etc., etc. I never knew any one person could talk SO much about nothing. He opens with 3 hours of lecture about not complaining about anything (by that I can only assume he has had many unhappy people in his past workshops). If you complain about his content, he threatens not to teach you anything. He calls that being a negative person. He wastes your valuable time and your hard earned money. BE FOREWARNED!



4. You have to put in some time but this book gives you all the tools you need to draw well. I can already see my progress after a few hours. Highly recommend this book.



5. The book has alot of great art work and teaches some inetersting points but unless you already an acomplished artist, this book will bore you,over whlem you, and mabe even discourage you.
   
   I didn't feel the confidence the books title said it would give. Mabe I will reread it when I have the confidence in my art work to understand what the book is talking about.
   
   Its not that its a bad book, its just filled with alot of bla bla bla and not enough instruction-

5 comments about Tiki Modern.

1. We have several tiki books and this one is fantastic. Very good quality. Lots of information and wonderful pictures. We have some of the author's other books and they are equally good.



2. This book is absolutely AMAZING! The pictures are wonderful...colorful, big and vivid. There's pictures on EVERY PAGE...serious material here! Descriptions and the wonderful little tid-bits are executed nicely. Nothing was done as an 'afterthought'. There are even a few vintage items I was going to bid on at one time mentioned in this book...now I seriously regret it because of their rarity!!
   
   If you're a tiki fan, new to tiki or just love art and Polynesian influenced pieces, this is a book you must buy. Pick it up..because once you do, you won't want to put it back down.



3. More beautiful images of a (sadly) bygone era, accompanied by well researched captions in multiple languages.
   
   With that said...the main purpose of this book was to highlight a particular type of trashy looking furniture made by the Witco Company.
   
   The Witco style can be extremely tacky looking to the point where I laughed out loud many times at how trailer trashy it was. Think: matching orange shag rug. This went far beyond the kitschy coolness of the tiki era. It's nauseating.
   
   Witco's look was so repetitive it would be a bore except it was like a car wreck, you kept turning the page to see what other ridiculous item one could make out a dark stained log of wood and a chainsaw. It's like the guy who discovered he could make things with popsicle sticks and never stopped. Eventually he had a popsicle car.
   
   The cover of the book, is a piece of art. The linen fabric of the hardback is tasteful and is enjoyable to hold. There is still enough non-Witco stuff here to keep the reader satisfied with the book.
   
   All in all it was clearly a labor of love, and for that and most of the book, I give it an encouraging 5 star recommendation. Thank you Sven - waiting for your next project.



4. I haven't seen a more engaging and easy to read book on Tiki than 'Tiki Modern'. It is full of vintage photographs that help readers integate the worlds of modern and primitive art. This book leaves you wanting more on the subject of Tiki while wondering "Where can I get a piece of Tiki to add to my home or personal art collection?"



5. This book is large, this book is loaded, and this book is awesome! It is a steal at this price and it is loaded with TONS of cool retro color tiki pics. Also, did I mention there is some nude (topless) vintage tiki PIN-UP babes in this book too? It is perfect for lonely Friday nights in your tiki bar bachelor pad. Oops, did I just say that? Anyways, what more could you possibly want from a tiki book! I can't say enough good things about this book other than it must have been a true labor of love by the author and I wish there were more books out there like this one! Anyone that would criticize or knock a book like this is either not into tiki, has their nose out of joint because they too are "another-modern-tiki-artist-come-lately" with an over inflated sense of importance and ego, and were not mentioned in this book, or they have had one too many Mai-Tai's with their crack cocaine and have fried their brain. This book is a freakin' tiki bible man, pure and simple.

2 comments about Pacific Modern.

1. It is a great collection of modern architecture, it is wonderful to see such examples throught the world. Since I know the author personally, I love to see how his second book is even better than the first.



2. We purchased this book as a reference for clients building new homes. We are based in Australia and have seen these photos before...our clients hadn't so it was still very useful. Clear and with floorplans shows how space and light work well.

4 comments about Japan Style: Architecture+Interiors+Design.

1. Like one of the other reviewers, I own quite a few books on Japanese houses and architecture. This is an outstanding example, with very beautiful high quality photography and printing, as well as a great selection of houses I have not seen before. Most are traditional, but a few are modern. I am glad I bought this book.



2. Beautifully illustrated with tons of large pictures of houses and gardens on every page with notes on each one. Very tastefully put together. Great style which epicts beautiful Japanese living in a more contemporary way. An excellent book for anyone wanting ideas on how to decorate their home or garden in the typical Japanese or Asian style. Also makes a wonderful coffee table book. Very pleased that I bought this.



3. Among our collection of a dozen or more illustrated books about Japanese architecture and design, this is by far the best. The exquisite photographs are accompanied by a thorough yet interesting explanation of the various traditional styles found in Japanese architecture.
   Although the emphasis is upon traditional homes, the volume also includes examples of the adaptation of these styles to elegant homes in Japan today. Be forewarned, however, many of the homes illustrated, both very old and modern, are far more spacious than middle-class Japanese are able to enjoy, even those living in rural Japan.
   When our present home, blending Japanese and Craftsman influences, is finished, we will give this book to our architects and contractor as tokens of our appreciation.
   (By the way, this reviewer lived in Japan for ten years.)



4. Beautiful photos of great interiors. Mostly traditional Japanese homes as they are currently lived in. Features homes with collections of traditional Japanese crafts. Also, some modern homes designed with Japanese aesthetic. I would also recommend the book "Japanese Style".

5 comments about Rooms to Inspire: Decorating With America's Best Designers.

1. This should be retitled "Rooms to Expire" - the looks presented therein will date faster than your milk carton in the fridge. Lotsa pretentious photos and vapid dialogue. I bought this a while ago and I honestly can't remember anything in it. . . a precursor to the longevity of these "fashionable" interiors perhaps? Someone please channel Billy Baldwin. . . . .
   Stylemaven



2. I bought this book expecting to get some ideas on how to decorate my modest house. I love magazines like Country Living and Country Home where their decorating ideas are practical and easy to replicate. This book is best suited for someone who has a lot of cash to throw around. Too rich for my blood!! It would be nice to be able to preview a few random pages of the books before purchasing. That would be most helpful for decorating books as you cannot always go by the cover. If you have similar tastes to mine, check out all books published by Country Living and Better Homes and Gardens.



3. Have seen most of the spaces in magazines. If you like shabby chic, this is the book for you.



4. This book is a feast for the eyes. I purchased it initially because I love Kelly Wearstler's decorating and it features one of her homes, but the whole book is amazing & full of wonderful interior decorators, from traditional with a twist to modern & minimalist. A great addition to any coffee table collection.



5. The title of Annie Kelly's new book is spot-on -- the rooms featured here truly are inspirational. Although many of the interiors have been published previously in magazines or books, the images here offer a fresh perspective.
   
   For example, 12 pages are devoted to Kelly Wearstler's Hillcrest estate. The pictures show a slightly different view than what was published in Wearstler's second book, Domicilium Decoratus, and Annie Kelly provides detailed analysis of the residence.
   
   Other designers included in Rooms to Inspire, but not mentioned in the publisher's description, are Miles Redd, Lynn von Kersting, Suzanne Rheinstein and Steven Gambrel. For me, one of the most inspirational homes featured is the author's -- Annie Kelly is a decorator and design journalist.

3 comments about Farrow & Ball: The Art of Color.

1. I was waiting for this book for some time and had high hopes because I know that Farrow and Ball make great paint. The book was a disappointment however, because the quality of the pictures was poor and the text rather boring. I had somehow expect it to be better. I also think many of the homes pictured were rather dated looking and not as interesting as some of the new rooms we see in other publications.



2. I love this book! I received it as a gift for the holidays and I instantly fell in love. The Brooklyn mansion is a gorgeous masterpiece!



3. Great photographs and fabulous ideas for the home - the quality of paints from Farrow & Ball is known worldwide.

4 comments about Plan Graphics for the Landscape Designer (2nd Edition).

1. This is a must have book for a beginner landscape design student and an excellent review for a more advanced student. It provides a step-by-step discussion of the design process with plenty of illustrations and examples.



2. This book should definitely be on the shelf of anyone who designs landscapes unless you have already mastered all there is to know about plan graphics. The first edition of this book was very good, but the second edition is even better. The only reason I gave it a raing of four stars rather than five is that it contains only a very brief section about color rendering, a topic that deserves much more attention than Bertauski gives it. But it's still a great book even with that imperfection.



3. We used this book in Landscape Design at my college. It is an essential tool for the basics of plan graphics and design layout. It focuses on keeping the design clean and professional. I STRONGLY recommend this book to any first year Landscape Design student, or any professional who needs a good reference tool.



4. This book doesnt' fail in maintain its focus on very practical aproach of the subject. It adopts a direct and easy to follow language and tips: Doesn't pretend to be artificially academic, intends strongly to help the beginners on their careers as the veterans too. Would be obvious that all books dealing with the same subject should present top quality on editorial design, but in many cases it's not true. This book, instead, cares a lot about its graphic presentation. The 2nd edition shows even better layout and more useful photos and drawings than those already great found on the previous edition. Covering decently the computer aplications on landscape renderings, it counts 264 pages: almost double comparing to the competing books and it's clearly cheaper, available at a fair price. My favourite in Landscape rendering field.