3 comments about Wedding Fashions, 1862-1912 : 380 Costume Designs from "La Mode Illustree".

1. The Victorians paid a lot of especial attention to wedding costumery, as Joanne Olian shows in her slim volume displaying the evolution of bridal and bridal-party fashion from 1860 to 1912 as seen in the fashion plates of the famous magazine "La Mode Illustree". The illustrations, all in B&W, are full-page and always accompanied by at least one paragraph of descriptive text taken from the original source material. This book should be owned in conjunction with Olian's other volume, "Victorian and Edwardian Fashions from La Mode Illustree", for a really comprehensive look at the topic of Victorian fashion. Also, anyone who is considering organizing a Victorian-themed wedding will definitely want to peruse this book for ideas!



2. Dover has a whole series of books devoted to reproductions of vintage fashions. "Wedding Fashions, 1860-1912: 380 Costume Designs from 'La Mode Illustree'" has not only reproductions of illustrations but also detailed descriptive captions. These are not just bridal gowns done in satin, taffeta, and lace, but also creations for bridal attendants, sisters of the bride, and so forth (the idea that the sister of the bride has to have a special dress was an interesting insight into Victorian society). These authentic Victorian fashions will be of interest to costume designers, cultural historians, and fashion enthusiasts. Companion volumes provide full-color fashion plates, contemporary photographs, and authentic fashion patterns.



3. delightful book with lots of pictures of victorian style wedding attire. useful for "dedicated to detail costumers' and for modern brides who want the victorian look for their weddings as well. plenty of detail pictures of shoes, corsets undergarments,headdresses etc. i would definitely recommend this book.

2 comments about Language of the Robe.

1. "...an Omaha girl was seen flitting among the tall prairie flowers, shifting her white blanket to suit her varying moods - now letting it float as she swept in ever-widening curves, or at the slightest sound, hiding her glossy head and laughing among its soft folds." ~The Omaha Tribe, Alice Fletcher
   
   Robert W. Kapoun documents the wide variety of trade blankets in this fascinating study of Native American culture. He describes the blanket as a poetic statement that is given a voice by the wearer. If you have ever wrapped a blanket around yourself for comfort or used a scarf as a fashion statement, then you begin to understand how a robe can create various moods and gives the wearer a sense of fashion.
   
   "These blankets are not merely being worn to provide warmth; they create a statement, if you will, which says, "These blankets are part of our culture." ~Robert W. Kapoun
   
   The writing in this book is especially poetic and while learning about the cultural significance of the blankets, you may also start to feel a deeper connection with nature. These blankets promote a sense of community and are used as gifts, to carry children, to display wealth and to protect from the elements.
   
   The designs on the robes make an interesting study when you see the charts for the terminology of the designs. Then this becomes art appreciation as you identify a dragonfly, a feather, clouds, lightning, turtles, teepees, rabbit ears, birds and leaves. The brightly colored blankets either have stripes or intricately woven patterns. This book identifies collectible blankets and also explores the historical significance.
   
   The way to find modern versions of these blankets here at Amazon is to apparently type in "Pendleton Woolen Mills." I tried just about everything else.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



2. Over three hundred photos beautifully spice a history and survey of pre-World War II Indian trade blankets, revealing not only examples from the five major manufacturers, but some surprises confronting the common myth of Native blanket-making. Collectors, textile artists and Native American history enthusiasts alike receive a thorough survey of these blankets, how they became a symbol of Native history, and how they were traded and constructed. From machinery purchases and business transactions within the manufacturing industry to how tribal customers directed the Indian trade blanket designs and manufacturing process, LANGUAGE OF THE ROBE is a fascinating, unusual history.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

1 comments about Full-Color Picture Sourcebook of Historic Ornament: All 120 Plates from "L'Ornement Polychrome," Series II.

1. When I first looked at this on the Amazon web site I was not sure about getting it because the pages you can see look to be designs from Egypt and I wanted more then that. I sent for it anyway and it has wonderful designs in full color plates from China, Japan, India, Russia, the Renaissance, Medieval jewelry designs and others. It has just a little bit (a few pages) of everything from ancient Egypt to 18th century France.It will be more then helpful in helping me decide what I like. I am sure this will be one of my most used books and as always I am happy with Dover for making it at a price I can afford.

2 comments about Kathe Kollwitz: Woman and Artist.

1. kearns' book is a very readable biography of an amazing artist, revealing Kollwitz's artistic development, her philosophy, even a glimpse into her emotional life. It is a fascinating story, especially the chance to see the struggle of women in the art world and life in post WWI and Nazi Germany.



2. This book tells the story of Kathe, the woman. It's remarkable & haunts you for years after. Several of her sketches are included as well, but more of her art is all that could make this book better!!

1 comments about Ornamental Borders, Scrolls and Cartouches in Historic Decorative Styles (Pictoral Archive).

1. I appreciate the work that went into this design book, however, the 1,950 illustrations are comprised of the same design in an array of sizes.
   
   There are plenty of tile, rosette, scrolls and borders designs to choose from and is a great book for inspiration.
   
   Even though I rated it two stars, I still would consider purchasing this book.

5 comments about Glamour, Interrupted: How I Became the Best-Dressed Patient in Hollywood.

1. Cojo's book has a magical charm (mojo) that is evident in his moving, inspirational, humorous and revealing book. The Hollywood gossiper from Montreal claims he is a "professional featherweight" but I disagree: he provides a knock-out punch in a light-hearted manner and in such a "fashion" that left me at times reeling in laughter and at other times, cringing in pain from his battle with PKD. As the Canadian author of a recently-published book ("My Favorite American") about a young, beautiful, and inspiring Pennsylvania woman (a non-Hollywood celebrity) who has waged a winning battle against PKD and other illnesses, it pleases me greatly that this terrible disease is finally getting the attention it deserves...with a little bit of help from two Canadians--me and Cojo.



2. I too have had a kidney transplant 2 years ago for a different reason. Cojo's book shows how everyone is different and that the words "Thank You" just don't seem to be enough for your donor(s)and your family.
   
   Good reading - some funny, some sad but all true feelings!



3. Although the subject was serious, Steven Cojokaru dealt with his potential life ending illness just as he does most of his star reviews - like so much fluff and stuff. He is a divia and that is what came through
   here, not all the sacrifices made by a dear friend and then his mother. The book was barely average in quality.



4. This book was incredible. I couldn't put it down. I could relate to his anger, depression, and finally happiness. He really made me open my eyes to the issues I have at hand. I recently had major back surgery, and I went through all the emotions he did. (all though my wasn't life threating) I do not normally read these kind of books, but a friend told me to read it, due the fact that I was in a deep depression myself. He really made great light of a bad situation. I would recommend this to book to everyone.(which I already have)
   
   Thank you Cojo you really made me feel that things can get better no matter what the situation.
   
   Y. Schuck
   Pennsylvania



5. I have enjoyed watching Cojo on TV for years. His sharp wit always makes me smile. Since as he says he can't do anything without a television camera recording, it was a natural for him to write this book. What impressed me most is the honesty and personal experiences he shares with the reader. Sometimes I felt too much humor took away from his incredible story, but in the end it all came together. I already have an organ donor sticker on my driver's license, but I hope this book inspires many to become donors. Great job Cojo!

5 comments about Les Petites Dames de Mode: An Adventure in Design.

1. This is a wonderful book. The photography shows every detail of the exquisite designs, which are breath-taking. The commentary is very interestsing and gives an insight into life in the 1800's according to the way women dressed. I would love to be able to wear any of the fabulous dresses shown.



2. This book by Mr. Burbidge is a feast for the eyes. The book features dozens of 29-inch fashion dolls wearing costumes from the 1850s to around 1914. Being oversized dolls, each costume can have incredible detail. Mr. Burbidge has labored to create accurate period detail in each dress. Each doll is shown in a full-page picture with period hairstyles and accessories. Each accompanying page includes a description of the outfit, small inset pictures of close details, an interesting quote from historical sources about the time period and usually some tidbit about where the author found the material for the gown. Frequently the author will explain things about high society of the era and how certain items would be viewed - for instance, whether a gown would be considered racy because of its color or how young ladies didn't wear expensive jewelry with a gown until after they were married.
   
   There are only 2 things that I found lacking about this book and they are really trivial items in my mind. The first is that the color of the full-page images is sometimes a bit "off". The dolls often feature very soft colors and the images have a warm tone that can wash them out. The inset detail shots usually have a better color representation.
   
   The second is that the reader should not expect accurate period undergarments on the dolls. The crinolines and petticoats are fairly accurate, but there are no corsets shown.
   
   All in all, the book is beautiful and informative. If you didn't know better, you would almost think the images were of full-size mannequins dressed in real period costumes. And the accompanying text is suitable for anyone, even if they have no knowledge of the eras shown.



3. If you're into miniatures, or just fabulous seamestry, you will love this book and this man's work with textiles, and fashion of a romantic era like none you've seen. These are fashions we will never see again in our society, (thank goodness - can't imagine wearing this stuff). But at the same time, I love to see how elegant and fabulous ladies looked in these garments. This man was responsible for making some of the most fabulous wedding gowns in our country for over a decade and now has preserved for us a fashion era that won't be brought back in it's entirety ever again. A must see for those that are into preserving a culture and miniatures.



4. This book is a total delight for fans of couture, especially La Belle Epoch. Nothing will compare to seeing the exquisite Les Petites Dames in person, but this book comes close! I was fortunate enough to acquire some of these pictures when they were marketed in small groups, so I was thrilled to find that Mr. Burbidge had since expanded the collection and subsequently published it in its entirety (also the book goes into more detail). Just loved it!!



5. I found this book very useful as a source for inspiration. Good quality pictures of very Victorian looking dresses. It is not a "how to" book, but if you have some experience in sewing, there you can find good ideas how it all must look then finished.

1 comments about 24 Circus Display Fonts CD-ROM and Book (CD Rom & Book).

1. Circus fonts have always been fun to use and a number of these are unique. Dan Solo had a huge collection of great old and new type faces. You'll find 24 of them here. The fonts are in both Windows True Type and Macintosh formats. The pages have the complete alphabets and a character chart. Be sure to notice the "extra characters" that are offered in some fonts.

5 comments about A Book of Books.

1. This is a great book and very interesting for everyone, not just artistic photographers. I love it! The only thing that was disappointing was that the label on the back of the book put on by Amazon was incredibly sticky and very hard to remove. I nearly damaged the book trying to get it off so be careful. Rubbing alcohol and a dull scraper of some kind works pretty good.



2. For anyone who appreciates the beauty of books or black and white photography, this is an absolute must have. It is beautiful. Highly recommended.



3. When I first saw this book in a book store last December, and began looking through the pages, my eyes welled up with tears at the sheer poetry of the images. It was as if doors opened into other levels of awareness. When I put the book down, I realized that I had been looking at it for over an hour, and that's when I knew I simply needed to own it. Since then, the detail and depth of the images have provided a refuge from the news in the world today. There is still beauty and peace. Thank you, Abe Morell.



4. Everything Abelardo Morell does is gorgeous but what makes him such a genius is the mudane things he works with. The only photographer I can compare him to is Josef Sudek.

   Let's be honest. Anybody can go to a beautiful place like Yosemite or Big Sur, take a view camera and wait for nice light. Instant Ansel Adams; you can't miss unless you kick the tripod.

   But how many people can make a heartbreakingly beautiful photograph from a crumpled ball of paper or some peeling paint? Get this book of books and you'll see what I mean.




5. Some of the photographs in Abelardo Morell's A Book of Books are of great books: A Tale of Two Cities, A Farewell to Arms, Alice in Wonderland. And in placing these photographs together in this wonder-filled volume, Morell has created a great book of his own. For like all great books, this one makes you see the familiar in new ways; offers layers upon layers of meaning; and pushes you to make connections among objects and ideas that sometimes appear to have little, if anything, in common. At the same time, it is a glorious book to look at, to sink into, again and again. If you love books, you'll love this one.

1 comments about Bizarre & Ornamental Alphabets (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. Although the content of this book overlaps other collections by Carol Belanger Grafton, it displays a wide variety of motifs and typography from the Renaissance to the Victorian era. Professionals may be dismayed that some of the more ornate alphabets are incomplete, and that for unexplained reasons, the letter "j" hardly ever shows up. A beautiful and intricate alphabet of letters designed to look like building blueprints is only complete for the letter "A". The end of the book is filled with other alphabets which are banal compared to what the cover seems to offer. Still, like most books compiled by Grafton, this one offers a wide and useful choice of good quality intricate line drawings. If this info were available on CD, like other Dover publications, it would make life that much easier.