No comments about Grids: Creative Solutions for Graphic Design.

5 comments about Jeans: A Cultural History of an American Icon.

1. I was torn between a 4 and a 5 rating. What is good is great, but I think a few things should have been added.
   
   I'd give it a couple of stars just for the loving detail of having printed it blue on white. It is a very interesting history. It is all the more informative because Sullivan gives alternate versions of various stories, instead of simply selecting the one he prefers. In addition, he mentions that he is slightly skeptical of some "official stories" without actually calling the source a liar. He has obviously spoken with or researched a large number of people involved in the industry. There is a lot of detail about various companies, although Levis gets the most space (as is appropriate.) Sullivan begins with forerunners of jeans, different fabrics, and traces the shift in usage from working people, to youthful rebellion to deisgner jeans.
   
   There is one thing missing in this history, in my opinion, and I admit that this is a self-serving pet peeve. Having been born in 1953, I am tired of having the baby boomers all characterized the the oldest members of the set. The Baby Boom lasted until 1968 - some of the youngest "boomers" are the children of the oldest. I can just imagine what people younger than myself think. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, when I was wearing jeans, the sense of rebellion had pretty much died out. Oh, the rebellious still wore jeans, wearing jeans wasn't necessarily a sign of being rebellious. I'm sure there are exceptions, but the adults of most of my peers accepted jeans as the costume of the young without much protest, even though most of them didn't wear jeans. That battle was fought and won by the slightly older. The issue was less blue jeans per se than the issue of formality in dress. We couldn't wear jeans to high school, but women also couldn't wear any type of pants, including a split skirt or culottes. I don't think that jeans were quite the sex symbols that they became with designer jeans. They were rather androgynous and partly symbolic of sexual equality. Some people wore them as an alternative to gendered clothing. If you're not sure what that meant, try reading Susan Brownmiller's Feminity. I'm not saying that wearers necessarily succeeded in avoiding cultural norms of looking sexy, just that it was sometimes their intent.
   
   My other problems are with some of the details. Sullivan doesn't clearly define a lot of terms. While I appreciate his explanation of denim/jean/dungaree and how they came to be confused, a little more detail would have been nice. When Sullivan says that denim differed from jean in being a tougher twill, does he mean that denim was a twill and jean was not, or does he mean that both were twills but denim was tougher. I think he should have defined more of his fashion terms: there weren't so many that it would have been burdensome. I imagine that a lot of people think that "calico" applies only to fabrics with small figured prints, in which case the description of "dungaree" must have been a surprise. And what is a a "broken twill" or the various leg styles? One, which was called a something like a "Dickie-leg" (its not in the index), is completely unfamiliar to me.
   
   Another odd thing about jeans, which I don't think Sullivan touched on, is that they are a "neutral" color. People will wear blue jeans with colors that they wouldn't combine with a pair of slacks that were the same color.
   
   The index is good, but as illustrated above, could have been a bit more detailed.
   
   A few complaints, but overall a very good read and a useful book on popular culture.



2. Being a 3rd generation garmento, I found this book very interesting. Denim has gone from being a blue-collar item
   to having full-fledged fashion status and dominating the contemporary market. Sullivan's book chronicles this transition
   in a smooth, intelligible way. This book explores American culture as much as it does denim.
   
   And to the person who contested the Brigham Young quote, your comment was not exactly a "review",
   which is what this section is designed for. Furthermore, I would be interested to know your basis in challenging
   this quote as you offered no source for your statement.



3. James Sullivan covers the history of jeans from the creation of denim to the Levi's I'm wearing today. The book is well researched; full of great information and things I never knew about the jeans industry. It brought clarity to much of what went on in the late 70's and early 80's when designer jeans came about. A fun look at America's cultural history. Really a great read.



4. Regardless of what denomination Brigham Young was when he did or didn't call jeans 'fornication pants', jeans ARE sexy and--as everyone knows--sex sells. Sullivan does a great job of tracing the arc of this most iconic piece of American clothing from simple work gear to high fashion (and big business) must-have. A stylish and functional bit of Americana, much like jeans themselves; I love the blue type and design. My only complaint is that "Jeans" doesn't come with a soundtrack, but then again I guess we each have our own.



5. Brigham Young wasn't a Mormon until April 14th, 1832. In 1830, he was a Methodist.
   
   So, it should read, "Brigham Young, Methodist Preacher, called them fornication pants."
   
   But, he never said it as a Methodist either.

4 comments about Plan Graphics, 5th Edition.

1. Plans are the most basic and the most important drawings in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design and planning. They are used in schematic, design development and construction phases of projects. When properly drafted, they can convey the most information to the clients and governing agencies and project team members.
   
   "I have long believed the design process is like a journey along a braided path. The path is marked by crossroads, difficult terrain, and barriers that are hard to negotiate. At times, the journey may seem impossible to complete because workable solutions to overcome obstacles are hard to conceive, and even harder to implement. At other times, the path is an enjoyable stroll through a process of research and discovery, conceptualization of solutions, and the documentation of ideas..." David A. Davis and Theodore D. Walker wrote.
   
   They continued to discuss various aspects of plan graphics, including plan graphics and the creative process (setting up your drawings, text and hand lettering, etc), color graphics, site analysis, conceptual design, construction documents, and finished rendering, sections and elevations. "Plan Graphics" is a compilation of good sample drawings for different design phases provided by nearly 50 professional firms. It is not a step-by-step drawing instruction book.
   
   "Plan Graphics" has 224 pages, including 48 pages of full-color graphics gallery and many black-and-white sample drawings. It is a great collection of sample drawings for architects, landscape architects, and urban planners.



2. The book had excellent graphics, but was all pictures. Didn't learn enough for my purppose, Showed proper presentation procedures. For that, it's great



3. I was expecting a book which showed you how to draw beautiful plans and explain the techniques used to produce these drawings. Instead this book hardly touched upon the techniques. This book is nothing more than a collection of copied architectural drawings bound together for display.



4. I teach Visual Communications at a College of Architecture and find that the 5th edition is a book that is an absolute necessity for anyone planning a future in architecture or landscape architecture. The selection of work represents a great variety of graphic communication techniques for the student and professional to review. The work is slanted to site issues, but can only help to reinforce the integration of site and structure. Not only does it present a variety of techniques, but also a collection of ideas that the student can learn from. It is also a great resource for the practicing professional. I use both this book and Color Drawing by Doyle in my course and find they make an excellent pair.

   William Allen, Professor of Architecture, RLA

5 comments about Bad Girls Of Pulp Fiction: With Stiletto Charm Attached (Miniature Editions).

1. nice details and design, good content for people who enjoy pin-up / vintage ( I'm not an expert on those topics so please do not go by my review if you are looking for rare vintage stuff etc ), I bought this item to be able to complete a $100 shopping amount to classify for free shipping , so I quickly look at the book description, when I got the package I realized I bought a miniature , it is the smallest book on my house ..



2. I bought it as a gag gift, so I got what I ordered. I am married to "Bad Girl" Olga Khanukova, the young lady who modeled for the cover of Pulp Graffiti Volume I. I bought this book as a gag gift for her, but I guess the joke is on me. My magnifying glass is larger than this book. I still plan to give it to Olga, and I still think she will get a kick out of it. Maybe I'll buy a very small coffee table to set it on and we can laugh even harder.
   
   I wish the book were larger, then it would have real value. Anyone else will probably feel cheated if they buy this book for its literary value. It would be nice if it were more clearly labeled by an on line bookseller, but I don't see that as a reason to give the author a bad review.



3. If you read the fine print...you will find that this tiny little book is way overpriced unless it sells for a dollar. That's what the sticker price of the one sent to me said the purchase price was. But silly me, didn't read the small print, and paid way too much for it. A "cute" little book, but a mere token of the value expressed by the seller. Will probably relist it soon on ebay.



4. This nice little book fits in the palm of your hand. It's interesting, but more of a novelty item than anything else.



5. This is one of those tiny little books you usually see at the counter of the book store. For being so small it has a lot in it. Basically, what you get is the covers of old pulp magazines. It's not heavy reading. ;)

2 comments about Graphic Design on the Desktop: A Guide for the Non-Designer, 2nd Edition.

1. I just went through the book, the most important part i liked is its language which is very welcoming for a beginner. I know lots of graphic softwares very well, but unware of some basic designing fundamentals. This book showed me the way. Though the samples in the book is few and not very interesting but has lots of basic information written in compact form so that a beginner can refer back any time. The book is broken down into basic topics a designer should know and its related subtopics. I liked its exercises at end of each chapter. May not be interesting to a person who is already a professional, but its a very handy book for anybody who want to become a designer with limited knowledge about it. I think one should go through it before trying out very hi-end designing books.



2. This book was required reading for a publication class taughtby Toor. In general, the book is extremely simple, even simplistic,and gives the reader only a cursory glance at desktop publishing, suggesting many obvious cliches and "tried and true" design solutions rather than training the reader's visual sense. Some of the design examples are crude and amateurish. Ironically, the book is poorly designed as well, making liberal use of overused default graphics software "effects" and muddy, low-resolution graphics. Very disappointing... I would suggest this book only to non-designers who do want to really learn anything about design, but are only looking for some easy answers.

5 comments about Airbrush: The Complete Studio Handbook (Practical Art Books).

1. This book is great for beginers and good for someone a little further along. It gives you most airbrush tricks that you'l need to paint whatever you want to paint.



2. I hate to gush but this is, imho, the single best book on airbrushing that I've seen. It covers technique from beginner to advanced. The instructions are straight forward. I suppose they could seem boring if you're an advanced artist. Since I learn from even a rehash of what I already new, I wasn't bored.
   
   Unlike other reviewers, I wasn't disappointed because it doesn't cover painting motorcycles or helmets. The title is fairly straightforward and a good clue to what the book covers. If you're only interested in painting motorcycles, try How to Custom Paint Graphics here on Amazon.
   
   If on the other hand, you see an airbrush as another tool in expressing yourself through art, get this book. Vero is a master at solidifying visualization. He introduced the use of shields and the book contains a template for his design for one of the most versatile shields around.
   
   When you aren't using it for reference, I recommend putting it on the coffee table. People who drop by my apartment are instantly drawn to the cover which features an illustration of Vero's "Study of a Girl". Instant conversation starter!
   
   Rado Vero is recognized as one of the greatest illustrators who ever lived. Reading his thoughts on airbrush and different ways to create are as invaluable as reading Da Vinci's ideas on creating perspective. It didn't bother me that it was first printed in 1983. Nothing in this book has been outmoded. In fact, many of his ideas, such as use of shields, are now the standard in art schools. I expect it to be equally as valid in 2083.
   
   I have bought multiple copies of this book and given them to friends who are just getting into airbrushing. I expect that I will buy quite a few more before it's over.



3. ... this is the one.
   
   Covers the mechanical stuff more briefly than many, and has a nice section on fixing problems, including straightening a bent needle. Gets briskly on to the =use= of the thing, and runs a series of exercises to help you get the hang of techniques, including learning how to draw freehand. This guy is not hung up on anal-compulsive frisket cutting, but recommends a "universal mask" you can make out of a styrene or metal sheet that will do for a lot of work.



4. Excellent book however as the title states relates mainly to studio applications and technical details. Not really applicable to air brush enthusiasts wanting to style cars or helmets etc.



5. Service was great and the book was awesome. Answered every question I had and taught me things I never thought of.

5 comments about Authentic Victorian Fashion Patterns: A Complete Lady's Wardrobe.

1. The book apparently is a copy of original books used by dressmakers in Victorian times. I was actually looking for patterns to scan and enlarge for doll cloths making.
   The diagrams and measurements were confussing but I was able to get some ideas and was able to use doll patterns I had and adjust them to the configurations in the book. Wasn't an easy matter however.
   As a pleasent book to view and reflect on the fashions of that day and for ideas it was very nice. As an actual workable book for dressmaking I found it confussing and I've sewn for over 50 years.
   Still in all, worth the price for the lovely designs.



2. The buyer should know that a large majority of the patterns have blouses in the leg of mutton style. Since this was not what I was looking for I had to send it back. However the patterns did seem to be historically accurate.



3. Have you ever wondered how they made those lovely turn-of-the-century gowns? This book tells you how they did it! A reprint of a 1905 Butterick sewing book, it is intended for readers who aready know how to sew, as no beginning techniques are included. Full of vintage photographs and detailed instructions, this book gives step by step procedures for many tailoring techniques which we rarely see on anything but designer wear. These techniques can be applied by any seamstress to produce a more fitted and tailored look to their fashions. Definately worth owning for any costumer or fashion designer looking for a more romantic and tailored look in their fashions.



4. This book contains sewing patterns drawn from the same issues of the magazine _The Voice of Fashion_ as Dover's earlier collection _59 Authentic Turn-of-the-Century Fashion Patterns_. Both books contain patterns for the 1890s. This book focuses more on women's patterns; the other book contains many children's. I collect original issues of _The Voice of Fashion_. This magazine was published from 1886 to 1909. Every issue mirrors the season's changing styles. I am glad to see an anthology that makes the 1890s patterns more widely available. One note for seamstresses enlarging the patterns--the measurements on them are not inches, or metric. They are for a patent drafting system that is not included with either book.



5. A must have book for anyone interested in Late Victorian clothing. The introductions gives a basic review of drafting methods, with careful reading and patience (lots of it!) the patterns are easily drafted to modern measurements. You can't beat the price for the number of patterns you get.

3 comments about Japanese Comickers 2.

1. I was maybe expecting more in-depth or explicit explanation of the process the artists used. It's not really as bad as I might be portraying it but I was hoping for more.
   
   Certainly a good selection of artists and methods. It's still neat to see the process from start to finish.



2. Having seen the first Comikers book released for the US, I have to say this book has a much better layout. You're not going to get extremely specific tips in these books but you will see their method of madness in some steps. I also found the selection of chosen artists in this second volume much better than the first one. Shigeki Maeshima has become one of my favorite artists since I've seen his work on Dragonfly in the Robot Comic Anthology.
   
   It's a great coffee table book in some aspects since the variety of artwork isn't typical anime illustrations and many of these artists actually idolize American Artists and incorporate it into their style.
   
   A nice little tip to other illustrators or artists that want to do this for a living, please take special note of what tools these artists use in this book. They're not worried about the most up to date version of Painter, Photoshop or other trade name program. Many of them are versions behind and it just goes to show that it's more about the artist and not their tools.



3. First a run-down of the artist's who are featured in this book-
   
   Shigeki Maeshima, Tatsuyuki Tanaka, Waka Miyama, Lily Hoshino, Jeong Juno, Hyung-Tae Kim, Kuroboshi Kouhaku, Haccan, Kaouru Yukifuna, Shukei, Chen Shu-Fen & Pin-Fan, and Noa.
   
   Ok that's it. Buy the book. The features and printing are EXCELLENT and to purchase a book of this quality directly from Japan (not including shipping) would cost at least $55.00.
   
   The price point on this can't be beat.
   
   Pick up Volume one also, if you don't already have it.

5 comments about Real World Color Management (Real World).

1. Published almost 4 years ago, this book is already pretty outdated.
   
   Good for the basic principles, but the things that were future concepts like multiple ink-sets and pigmented+dye inks couldn't be explained because they weren't really around yet.
   
   Technology moves so fast, it's hard to make books that keep up.



2. A very nice technical written book for the lay person to understand, lots of charts and internet addresses to do more rechearch.was a fun book to work with.



3. This is the definitive resource on color management for professional creative communities.
   
   Color management is a complex subject akin to rocket science and brain surgery. When you need to know particular details at a level of depth rarely covered elsewhere, this is the place to go. This is your last stop before dipping into color science textbooks.
   
   Despite the high level of information and the wealth of detail covered the text is actually lucid. This is no small feat.
   
   Better graphics would make this an even better book.
   
   Need to know why to specific a white point of D65 when profiling your monitor? This book will explain it. Need to know how to build and edit a printer profile? This book is for you. Need to know how gamma relates to a color space? This is the book. You get the idea.
   
   Also included is an essential sections of the science behind visual perception.
   
   But wait, there's more. The book also covers how color management works within various applications from Adobe Photoshop to Quark Express.
   
   This is an essential reference book for anyone working with digital media.
   
   See other books I recommend here: http://astore.amazon.com/johnpaulcapon-20



4. I received my order very quickly, there weren't any problems with the package, and the book is exactly what I was looking for.



5. This book must be studied for all who have a color workflow. Designers, photographers and print managers must know what's going on once color's become numbers. It's amazingly easy to read and understand. I'd put it first on my book shelf!!!

5 comments about The Left Bank Look: Easy Parisian-Chic Projects for Your Home and Clothes.

1. This book is about adding a personal touch to your belongings, Parisian style! The projects are cute and simple. A lot of the projects consist of photo transfering pictures onto a plain fabric, also stenciling and adding patches to things you already own. I would definitely try to make most of items in this book except for the shoes. I thought that the shoe makeovers looked ridiculous. At only 64 pages, I felt the book could have been much longer. I would love for the author to come out with a sequel with more cute designs!



2. Not a huge amount of crafts but some great ideas to get you started to revamp your wardrobe and home settings



3. The cover on this book is great but the inside was a let down, expected more



4. This book is a joke - I returned it to the store today...
   There is not one single project that you haven't seen a hundred times elsewhere. About half of the instructions tell you to take your image to a copy shop where they can transfer it to a t-shirt, curtain, pillowcase, etc...
   Everything looks very nice, though, the photographer did a terrific job!



5. it is cute but the projects are not that practical--i'm not sure i'll use it at all and not even sure i'll keep the book.