No comments about Op Art and Visual Illusions CD-ROM and Book (CD Rom & Book).

2 comments about Masterpieces of Women's Costume of the 18th and 19th Centuries.

1. This is a slightly altered reproduction of a book originally published in 1959. Aline Bernstein, who among other things was a theatrical costume designer, produced the material in 1930 with the aid of a Rockefeller Grant. All are based on actual costumes.
   
   Bernstein has presented drawings of 31 dresses and 3 Regency spencer jackets. There are small, but clear color reproductions, four to each approximately 9" x 12" plate, on eight plates in the center of the book. In addition, there is a full page sized black-and-white reproduction of each costume.
   
   The strength of this book is that each fashion is accompanied by a drawing of a contemporary hair style, shoes, and the undergarments, including corsets, petticoats, etc., which would often have to be pulled from different reference sources. Many are also accompanied by a drawing of the pattern for the main item. The patterns are not scaled to different sizes.
   
   A useful reference book, especially given the price.



2. I found this to be a worthwhile purchase for an individual interested in the details of women's clothing from these periods. I am using this book to get ideas for creating authentic reproductions of Victorian clothing.

1 comments about Logo 6 (Graphis Logo Design).

1. There are so many design books, but the Graphis series always asure you the best work quality.

3 comments about Microsoft Publisher 2000 for Dummies.

1. It was of some help, but I thought it would show me step by step how to do a publication. You have to leave one chapter and go to another to get all the directions to set up your publication. Not quite written as simply as they say. I guess I'm a little dumber than your regular dummie!



2. The book was listed as 'Good Condition' and arrived in a very short time in what I can only describe as 'Excellent Condition' I am very pleased with the book, delivery, and service.



3. Overall, I found this book jam packed with a little bit of info on every topic necessary but I felt like it spent more time DESCRIBING the features and EXPLAINING WHY they were important instead of giving HANDS-ON INSTRUCTIONS. The book called "Quick Course in Microsoft Publisher 2000" by Joyce Cox and Christina Dudley (ISBN: 1582780072) was more helpful for me. I acknowledge that each person has a different style of learning. If you need specific hands-on instruction, go with Quick Course. If you need to understand the big picture first, go with the Dummies book. Good luck!

5 comments about C++ For Game Programmers (Game Development Series).

1. As other reviewers have said this book isn't really a game programming book. It's title really ought to be "C++ programming for high performance applications". That said it is a wonderful book! I highly recommend it as a well written, easy to read intermediate/advanced C++ book.



2. While focusing on game development challenges, this book provides excellent advice on designing c++ applications. The author demonstrates possible implementations comparing their strengths/tradeoffs and gives very useful advice on solving common problems in game architecture.
   The book is not code intensive (all examples are available in the CD-ROM), and should be useful to any intermediate c++ programmer, especially the ones planning to develop games.



3. First off, the guy who said this book has nothing to do with game programming is wrong. He was obviously expecting a "read this book and make a Doom clone in 4 hours" book. There is no book like that, and this book did not advertise that.
   Like the title of my review suggests, there is more to game programming than graphics. This book teaches no graphics; it does, however, teach you to use graphics wisely. Also, it doesn't teach C++ from the beginning - you are expected to know C++ before reading this book. What this book does is teach you to use C++ effectively in game programming.
   Overall, this is a good read for anyone interested in making high quality games.



4. This is indeed a good book. It gives you almost every important tips you ever need to know. After reading this book, if you're able to catch/grasp what the author is trying to convey, I'm sure that you'll have a few level-ups in your C++ skills.
   
   Although it stated for Game Programmers in the title, the tips and tricks can be applied to other application programming using C++ too.
   
   However, if you are looking for design patterns, this is not the book. It doesn't touch anything about design pattern as this is totally out of the scope.
   
   Also, if you are newbie in C++, perhaps you would like to read other C++ book first.



5. Going through the contents and skimming through, I'm not sure how this book in any way relates to game programming. It could be a great C++ book, but that's not what the title is about. Some of the things it is suggesting break established paradigms of game developement. It *may* help Windows based game programmers, but it sure doesn't cover any of the myriad of issue sin using C++ on a console such as the PS2, GameCube, etc....
   
   It seems like another C++ book. Any thoughts on this?

No comments about Trade Fair Design Annual 2006 / 2007 / Messedeisgn Jahrbuch 2006 / 2007: International (Trade Fair Design Annual: International).

4 comments about John Townsend: Newport Cabinetmaker (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications).

1. This was originally written for the Washington Woodworkers Guild Newsletter, Sept 2007
   This lavishly photographed book is a summary of all the currently known and likely works by John Townsend and his shop in Newport in the late 18th century. It is the catalogue associated with the 2005 exhibit of John Townsend's works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2005.
   This is not a woodworking book per se. The first portion of the book details the history of Newport, with an emphasis on how it turned into a great cabinetmaking city. The extended family Townsend is then documented, and the links to the Goddards, the other great "name" of Newport cabinetmaking is explained. John Townsend's life is then described in as much detail as is currently available, with some speculation on why and how his furniture is distinguishable from the other major makers in the town. The bulk of the book is photographs of every piece currently known or believed to have been produced by him and his shop, organized by type, and with descriptions differentiating the pieces.
   There is some description of technique: 10 pages of the more than 200 in the book are in the section "Observations on John Townsend's Cabinetwork". Most of the book is about the time and place that these masterpieces were created in, and the pieces themselves. As a furniture design, construction, and appreciation aid though the book has major strengths. These include 110 pages of large high quality photos and descriptions of 47 major pieces, including many very similar pieces made over decades. Being able to see the effects of subtle changes in proportion and decoration, and of different wood grains on otherwise similar pieces, is worth the price of the book by itself. There are also many photos of the undersides/backs of pieces, which provide additional understanding of how structural issues in the pieces were managed.
   For documentation on technical specifics, more detailed references are required. This book contains no plans, and no exploded drawings. There are references to other sources in this book, though most are of historical rather than a technical nature. This book is appropriate as inspiration, for some technical details, and for the very high quality images that could be used to help make reproductions.



2. Thanks to DuPont, American Federal Furniture is now much appreciated, and is some of the most expensive period furniture in the world. It's hard to fathom, that not long ago this type of furniture was not coveted at all, it was thought too austere and understated, the wealthy in the ninetenth century and early twentieth century wanted all things French, thankfully they finally came to their sences and now this style is considered one of the most beautiful. John Townsend was a master of the style, along with John and Thomas Seymour and Duncan Phyfe. This book does a wonderful job of highlighting his best work and the text is highly informative and the writing scholarly. If you have any appreciation for great craftsmanship or just love American Federal Furniture, then I have no doubt you will love this book.



3. This book mirrors the wonderful exhibit of John Townsend's work that was on display at the Metropolitan Museum, and for people like me who make reproductions of Colonial and Early American furniture, it is a source of ideas, inspiration, and goals.
   
   It's also a source for humility. Seeing the work that this man produced without the help of table saws, routers and the other tools of the 21st century is humbling.
   
   The book is definitely worth every penny for those who love the furniture of the period, who enjoy knowing the history behind a particular piece, or who just enjoy seeing objects that are beautifully built with matchless craftsmanship and care.



4. The gulf between appreciation and understanding is immense and while anyone can look upon a John Townsend highboy and see that it is beautiful, understanding the world in which it was built (which was without electric tools), the builder and the technological aspect of cabinetry makes these fine pieces of furniture all the more awe-inspiring. John Townsend, who was a shining star in the rather large furniture industry in New England of which Newport might be considered the capital, is all the more interesting because his pieces and his life have been documented. This work that was produced by the Metropolitan Museum of art is fascinating even if you aren't a connoisseur of fine furniture. It is brilliant, well written and most importantly full of beautiful color photographs of all of the known John Townsend works along with several other masterpieces of 18th century New England furniture.
   
   I don't know whether its best to call this work an art book, a collector's reference or a history book but it serves well in all capacity. As an art book it does an extremely great job of describing in word and image the qualities of a master cabinetmaker. Being a master cabinetmaker was (is) a talent and a skill not unlike being a great painter. The difference is the medium but similarly unique styles are developed skills are honed and a great deal of personality is brought about in each work. As a collectors reference this book shows what makes Newport furniture and furniture of New England unique and also gives a great catalogue of the work that is currently in existence. Finally as a historical account the book does good justice to describing Newport's furniture industry and what made New England the place where Furniture making would reach its American zenith in the mid 18th century.
   
   I am happy to own this book and know that it will be often viewed and re-read. If you are a fan of colonial America or fascinated by early American Furniture you need this book. While it may appear expensive it is an excellent reference a great book for the coffee table or to be gently placed on your Chippendale lowboy.
   
   Ted Murena

5 comments about Prince of Egypt.

1. Usually, I am a bit weary of animated films that come to the big screen, but the graceful and original animation caught my eye from Dreamworks' first animated feature.
   With voice talents including Michelle Pfeiffer, Val Kilmer, Danny Glover, Martin Short, Steve Martin, Sandra Bullock, & several others, it's easy to see why this film has attracted many audiences. Though I'm not usually a fan of biblical stories, Dreamworks created it in a way that was relatable to everyone. Still, they could have gone with fewer songs...
   This book is one of the greatest buys I've ever made. With the exception of The Lion King, the brilliant animation is captured throughout the book with great storyboards, conceptual art, and vast background paintings that are truly a treat to marvel at.
   This is one of the rare books that I am genuinely proud to include in my library. Even if you're not a fan of the movie, this book contains great pieces of inspirational works that will make you wish you were an animator.



2. 
   I read the book Prince of Egypt and I liked it. This is a book that you can learn from and go on a adventure. This book will show you how powerful God is. From this book you will find out that it is not a good idea to mess with god in a wrong way. Like the Pharaoh, he tried to go against of what god told him to do and his son ended up dyeing. Also Moses he was a stubborn Prince of Egypt and it is amazing how God changed him. Moses was born from a slave family and the Pharaoh sent his soldiers to kill all the new born. Moses mom sent Moses down a river hoping the river would take him to a safe place where Moses can live and grow up. Pharaoh's wife saw the baby and took him as her own and raised him as a Prince of Egypt. When Moses grows up he finds out that his real mom is a slave. Moses runs away from Egypt and lives in a desert for 40 years. During those 40 years God changed Moses and sends him back to Egypt to get his people out of slavery. Then Moses had to go and face his own brother and it is not a pretty site.



3. I'd have to agree with the above review from jg109@hotmail.com that this book doesn't show too much of the preliminary EARLY artwork. Unfortunately, that's because what you see in the book IS the Early artwork. And the lack of exploration shows on screen in a bland presentation of a great idea. I prefer the book to the cartoon, because I can take it in short doses.



4. The Prince of Egypt is the first animated film in history to SUCCESSFULLY integrate both traditional cell animation and computer generated images. A breathtaking film, with a scope rarely seen in films today, much less ANIMATED films. The Dreamworks team is a formidible new force in animation - they treat animation as an art form and as a storytelling medium. Not as a summer PRODUCT, like the Disney team. Disney could only hope to produce something this good.



5. Disappointing movie, disappointing book. The Dreamworks animation team shouldn't quit their day jobs.

1 comments about The Big Book of Designs for Letterheads and Websites.

1. I like this book better then American Corporate Identity 2002. I think it offers more - it is not only bigger but seams to be more diverse, which I suppose contradicts a bit to the title.

   It has an index over clients and design firms at the end, other then that the whole book is full of designs.
   Looking at the inside I think it offers more complete graphic solutions, it has very little text about the design; just who has done it and for whom (therefor I rate it 4 out of 5, instead of 5, some would want to know more about the thoughts behind the design, see more of the whole).

   Other then that I think it is a great book that you as a designer could use not only for your own inspiration but for the customer as well, to get some ideas about what their competitors are showing and so on. Since it shows a lot of different designs for both print and web it works as a good reference when you want to make sure you are not creating a design for a company that is allready in use by another, as well.

No comments about One Hundred at 360 Degrees: Graphic Design's New Global Generation.