5 comments about The Art of Warhammer.

1. This book collects the best of the best from over 20 years of art relating to the grim medieval/Dark Ages world of Games Workshop's gaming blockbuster "Warhammer". (I should mention that for fans of their equally successful futuristic version of the game, Warhammer 40,000, there exists a separate tome entitled "The Art of Warhammer 40,000".)
   
   I have been waiting YEARS for Games Workshop to do something like this! To tell you the truth I don't even play Warhammer, but it was this amazing art which graced the covers of their rule books and gaming-piece boxes, etc. which first grabbed my attention and got me interested in reading the novels and learning more about their universe.
   
   For someone like me who always loved Tolkien (yes, since way, waaay before those movies) and always wished he could find more set in the same kind of universe full of evil Orcs, stalwart Dwarves and noble Elves and Men, this was exactly what I had been looking for.
   
   Having spent many years digging up some of the old Warhammer rule books just to be able to appreciate the fantastic art contained therein, I can tell you that contained in this one single volume is about the best 80% of all the art that they ever produced (so far!).
   
   When I first got the book and flipped through it, at first I was a little disappointed to see that about 1/5 of the works here are in black and white. But checking back with some of the originals, I now realize that these particular works were originally created in black and white, and this was not just some sort of chintzy cost-saving cutting of corners. In fact this is a wonderful high-quality book with most of the works being highly detailed full-colour paintings, all printed on the highest quality stock.
   
   This has been an excellent purchase and I feel it was worth every last penny. I am happy to give this book my highest possible recommendation, and would recommend it not only to Warhammer fans but also fans of Tolkien, players of fantasy games like Warcraft and Dungeons and Dragons, and lovers of fantasy art in general.
   
   And for those of you who buy this book and find yourself wanting even MORE, I would also recommend the book "The Art of Clint Langely", one of Warhammer's finest artists.
   
   Games Workshop, keep the great art and novels coming, and I really hope you'll make a Volume 2 for this book someday. I love it!
   
   (And how about some 6" or 7"-scale action figures of these fabulous characters too? I love the character designs, but those tiny little gaming pieces of yours are just too small for me.)



2. A good "historical" review of the art of the Warhammer Fantasy battle universe for the last 2o+ years. I found myself recognizing the art and enjoying the book. Recommended for the Warhammer buff only though. Detailed art related to the gaming genre.



3. The talented minds over at Games Workshop have always delivered on atmosphere.
   
   The art included in this book delivers a tremendous sense of the vast conflict for the 'World of Warhammer' (pun intended). Anyone who enjoys the games and/or novels of GW will enjoy this collection of art. Most of these pictures have been seen before, separately, but arranging them together like this creates an impression of dark fantasy usually reserved for only the wildest of imaginations.
   
   Buy this book if you enjoy viewing awe-inspiring paintings and immensely detailed drawings of grim warriors and inhuman beasts gorging themselves on the feast of war that is Warhammer!!



4. Warhammer is perhaps best known as a fantasy-themed miniatures game, and The Art of Warhammer represents visions associated with Warhammer-related projects. While I have never played the game (and, indeed, experience playing Warhammer is not at all necessary to appreciate this book), I was impressed by the artwork contained herein. Within the 220+ pages you will find a world similar to an Arthurian-style realm, but twisted and decidedly dark. Here are war-ravaged landscapes, chivalrous knights, sinister villains, revolting undead, stalwart dwarves, conniving goblins and more - all tinged with a sort of sinister patina of madness.
   
   The closest work I can liken it to are the paintings of noted fantasy artist Brom - but while even the fiercest of Brom's figures seem composed and at rest - in a sort of serene state - the art of Warhammer contained within this book seems to be filled with a frenetic energy - as though the world it depicts is but a few steps away from a descent into barbarism. While a fairly realistic medieval influence is pervasive in the art, elements of the early renaissance, as well as a fleeting steampunk mentality, also show up. While I cannot speak for fans of the game itself, lovers of fantasy art will no doubt find in this volume an intriguing, apocalyptic vision of a fantasy world on the edge. Recommended.



5. Following up on last year's The Art of Warhammer 40,000, The Black Library now gives of the logical sequel, The Art of Warhammer. This hardcover collector's edition contains 224 pages by some of the most noted Warhammer artists. The art in this book has been culled from a number of sources including game supplements, rulebooks illustrations, book covers, etc...Warhammer fans are some of the most fervent fans there are, taking particular pride in not only the substance of the Warhammer world but also the style. The visuals are as important to Warhammer fans as anything which is why they spend countless hours meticulously painting miniatures. The graphics are what helped make Warhammer as popular as it is today with gaming items, books, miniatures, computer & video games, and more.
   
   The roll call of artists includes the great John Blanche, David Gallagher, Adrian Smith, Karl Kopinski, Geoff Taylor, Alex Boyd, and Paul Dainton. Each piece in the book give the name of the painting, the artist's name, the original source, and the year.
   
   I really love Taylor's "Dragonslayer" from the William King Novel of the same name showing a huge red dragon breathing fire onto an airship above snow-covered mountains. I also love the impossibly armored Engra Deathsword by Adrian Smith, about as intimidating of a figure as you'd ever care to see. Taylor's Chaos Knights are also quite stunning.
   
   Most of the book is in full color but there are some black and white illustrations as well, notably the Blanche pieces which are utterly dazzling in their incredible detail. Blanche's Citadel of Chaos has so much going on in it that you could spend hours gazing at it and continue to find new things you missed. Another standout piece is Paul Dainton's Tomb Kings, a two-page spread of skeletal warriors, some on skeletal mounts and chariots, marching forward into battle.
   
   Games Workshop always puts out great looking books and this one is no different. The hardcover book is printed on heavy, coated stock with dustjacket. A gorgeous package!
   
   Reviewed by Tim Janson

5 comments about Interpreting Our Heritage.

1. When one need to study and learn the basics, this is the original guidebook on guiding! The text is almost quaint (written in the 50's) as are the pictures, but there are still nuggets worth mining.
   
   I found myself highlighting the "do"s and "don't"s that are now features in other fields such as marketing and customer service. There aren't many reference books on the subject of interpretation, so this is a good place to start.



2. This book is a nice BASIC introduction for those who know nothing about what interpretation is in relation to a museum. I found it very dry and outdated. The author tries to spice it up a bit with humor and examples of national parks but all in all, i would not recommend it.



3. Interpretation is the art of making what is presented meaningful to the audience. This book is useful for anyone who wants to get others interested in a subject, whether it is for a presentation, an art exhibit, or the local park's visitor center. If an exhibit, lecture, presentation, or tour does or does not get you interested in the topic, this book will explain most of the reasons why. This is all sound wisdom, offered in the context of museums and national parks. It's easy to read and engaging, employing the principles within.

   I. Talk about what is being desplayed/described to the personality or experience of the visitor.
   II. Interpretation is revelation based on information.
   III. Interpretation is an art.
   IV. The goal is provocation, not instruction.
   V. Try to present the whole instead of the part.
   VI. Don't just dumb it down for kids.
   Tilden elaborates on these beautifully, with nice examples.

   After reading this book not only do I know how to improve upon my own interpretation, but I can critique other interpretation and at least know when to appreciate a good display when I see one. Just remember that there are more than 6 principles. Use this book to start thinking about interpretation as a skill and an art, instead of the bible of interpretation.

   Interpretation for the 21st Century: Fifteen Guiding Principles for Interpreting Nature and Culture is an updated version recommended to me but I haven't read it yet.




4. Ok, so in parts you can definitely tell this book was written in the 50's. However most of it is still extremely valid, and extremely useful. I would not hesitate to reccomend it, a very good read for interpreters or interpreters in training.



5. It's a decent, reasonable somewhat giddy book on interpreting the natural world. It is also practically required that National Park Service ranger's follow Tilden's principles for interpretation. So if you ever want to be a National Park Service Ranger, it'd be great to have this under your belt!

5 comments about BibliOdyssey: Amazing Archival Images from the Internet.

1. I bought this book sight unseen, after becoming hooked on the Bibliodessey site. I was very disappointed in the rather dull, uninteresting pieces that were chosen. Very few were of the 'wow' nature that the site often displays. A few were interesting, and I am always interested in illustrative art from any age, so I'm glad to have seen the ones chosen. But I'm very sorry I spent my money, and plan to just stick with daily perusing the site instead.



2. 
   I've been a faithful fan of PK's intriguing website BibliOdyssey for a number of years so I was delighted to learn a selection of his wonderful treasures would be published in book form. The book now has a special place in my art library - that is, when I can keep it on the shelf. I've lent it to friends and family a half dozen times and being reluctant to pull it away from someone who is enjoying it, I've replaced my original copy a few times now.
   
   BibliOdyssey carries on in the fine tradition of a "cabinet of curiosities" or a "Kunstkammer" - a wondrous collection of arts and curiosities. It includes images of obscure drawings, diagrams, prints, maps, broadsides, and illustrations carefully culled from dusty corners of the world's libraries, museums, and archives. Turning each page is like pulling open a new cabinet drawer, each filled with a display to entice curiosity, amusement, wonder, or awe.
   
   The collection gives us a glimpse of the science, medicine, learning, and industry of yesterday, as well as window into the imagination, amusements and pop-culture of the past - from the sublime and the fantastic to the quirky and ribald. There are anthropomorphic vegetables, maps, and serpents; bestiaries of fantastic or fearful creatures; ingenious medical and scientific devices; amusing cartoons and caricatures; and much, much more. Each entry is accompanied by PK's thoughtful and well-written explanatory text, which feeds you just enough but leaves you wanting more. And for those who want more, each entry offers a website to the source to whet your need for further explorations.
   
   The book is also a sensory delight - it's a finely crafted book that feels good in the hand. The matte cover is de-embossed with sample imagery; the pages within are of quality paper and the coloration of the ancient texts handled artfully. Kudos to author and publisher alike for a job well done - and to the original artists, philosophers, inventors, and dreamers as well, who would no doubt be delighted to know that their work lives on. I hope there will be a follow-on collection at some later date!



3. The images are amazing, whether you see them in their original setting, on BibliOdyssey, or in this great book.
   
   I've loved to explore the stacks of great libraries ever since I was assigned a carrell at the UW many years ago. It wasn't just the books that enchanted me. It was the ads in bound periodicals, the maps in atlases, and the photographs and drawings in books. Good relations with librarians have given me similar access in a number of libraries around the world, most notably in London, New York and Washington -- and even here in Franklin Lakes.
   
   Several years ago the New York Public Library started the NYPL Digital Gallery which "provides access to over 600,000 images digitized from primary sources and printed rarities in the collections of The New York Public Library, including illuminated manuscripts, historical maps, vintage posters, rare prints and photographs, illustrated books, printed ephemera, and more." I've explored those images, and many more collections of images from other libraries, with great pleasure.
   
   I've also enjoyed websites of those who download images that strike their fancy and post them on their websites. Some of my favorites include "Luminous Lint" (photography), "strange maps" (maps), "Futility Closet" (Miscellany), and " BibliOdyssey ".
   
   PK, the webmaster writes: "You can expect everything from astronomy to zoology and from Art Nouveau to the Renaissance...I like to think that the trajectory of the book aims somewhere roughly between our internet users' penchant for a concentrated package of beguiling ephemera and as an introductory overview of the cultural wealth accessible from web archives for Luddites."
   
   Fair enough. And fair enough that it's odd to think of images being converted from paper to electronics and then back again to paper. The printing and paper are high quality, and the reproductions seem true to the online images. Their larger size in the book makes them even more impressive.
   
   One point is clear, though, PK has generally chosen images with a dark quality -- the falling man in the three piece suit on the cover speaks for the collection. I might have chosen an entirely different set from the stacks. Nonetheless, this book is a suggestive and informing journey through the treasures contained in the world's great libraries.



4. this book is fun...could use a little more description of each link or site to make it more useful



5. This book is such a beautiful visual journey. I received it for Christmas and have not had enough time to sit down and read it cover to cover yet. Though the time I have spent perusing the book is all the encouragement I need to make the time. PK's commentary is both informative and accessible throughout. The author's love and passion for this work shines through, and makes it a captivating book.

No comments about Curiosity and Enlightenment: Collectors and Collections from the Sixteenth to Nineteenth Century.

5 comments about Living the Artist's Life.

1. As an artist and former gallery owner, I recognised much in the candid and heart-rending story of Paul's rise in the art world. The good news is that this book has a happy ending, and the message of the book is that it is possible to make a career in the art world if you persevere. And grow some thick skin.
   
   I'm sure other artists will feel that this book was written for them, as I did. Paul's frankness regarding depression, rejection and despondance will sound familiar to a lot of artists. He offers no-nonsense advice on handling these all too common factors in the process of creation - like the friend who tells you to get up, dust yourself off and get back on the horse every time you fall off.
   
   
   Paul also offers sound advice on approaching galleries - which worked for me recently - and outlines basic contracts and agreements. He discusses some of the other business aspects of selling art which I think will be helpful and enlightening to both artists and gallery owners - such as insurance, promotion, and sales etc. He also gives examples of prices - very helpful information which most people are unwilling to talk about.
   
   I suspect I'll be reading this book again in a month, a year, and five years time. We all need a bit of practical advice in this difficult career (whether you choose it or it chooses you) and I highly recommend this book to any creative person, or spouse of creative person to help them understand the craziness that is the artists life.



2. Wonderful book for not only artists but everyone who loves art.
   It was my number 1 book of the year!



3. Mr. Dorrell offers a personable, inspirational guide to personal success as an artist, using a self-deprecating, humorous, and sincere memoir of his own journey as an art dealer and writer. This book was insightful and truly conveyed the author's love for his work and his artistic clients, as well as his desire to assist aspiring artists.



4. Paul's book is written with style and humor. This career we've chosen is not an easy one, and this book gives practical advice and "insider information" about how to deal with critics, rejection and snobbery. He doesn't dwell on the negative, but gives inspiration and great advice on how to be succesful as an artist.



5. I wish I had found this book when I was a student; it's profound in its basic approach. I now have a modest reputation as a painter, however, the preamble suggested in the book was not suggested when I was younger. This should be a must-read for every art student and made available in every library. I was particularly interested in the discussions of depression, perseverance, and marketing one's work with dignity. I thought I would never read another "how-to" book, but this work changed my mind.

1 comments about Lonely Planet London Encounter (Lonely Planet Encounter London) (Best Of).

1. Completamente util si uno se va de viaje a londres y quiere aprovechar los dias al maximo,
   Los precios no estan del todo actualizados

5 comments about Lethal Elegance.

1. THIS BOOK IS A MUST HAVE,IF YOU LOVE THE JAPANESE SWORD AND THE SAMURAI.TONS OF BEAUTIFUL PICTURES ALL IN COLOR.TSUBA AND FITTINGS.



2. Being relativelly new to the subject of Japanese swords and fittings I was quite impresse by two things:
   - Quality of the pictures
   - Description of the items
   I think this is worht having for anyone that trully appreciates the japanese swordmanship and art itself.



3. Very amazing photos, and quality information on each photo and sword. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.



4. This review is a joint effort with Laerte E. Ottaiano
   The book is very good . It has a few annoying errors. I give example of two of them: On page 171 there is a tsuba described as "Design of Egret and Crab" . However the Crab is not there . It is on the back of the Tsuba and is relatively ugly in our opinion . On page 193 there is a tsuba described as "Design of deer and the moon". Again the moon can not be seem. It is on the back of the tsuba and is very,very, beautifull. You can check what we told in the book by Ogawa Morihiro on the Boston Collection. The great thing of this book is that it presents a new way to way to apreciate Tsubas.Kinko( as oposed to steel , sukashi tsubas) were underrated in the USA and Canada. Only steel tsubas were considered old and of true use by Samurai.As this book teaches us this is not so. Kinko Tsubas were used by Samurai and Sukashi Steel ( or Iron ) Tsubas are not usualy so old . This came as a great relief for us . We always thought that Kinko tsubas were works of art. It is a grest relieve to find this in this book



5. On top on anything else, this book has the best pictures of japanese sword fittings that I've had the chance to see so far. There are many good close-ups that show well the work done by the craftmen.
   Earle goes through explaining the evolution of sword fittings by presenting the influence of History upon the samurai, and their needs.
   He also exposes techniques, although not in depth - it is not the purpose of this book - and materials used in the making of the tsuba and other fittings.
   I believe he succeeds in bringing the reader to understand the how and the why behind those very impressive works of art.
   The works chosen - among the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston; probably the greatest collection of japanese swords and sword fittings outside Japan - are just plain divine. The pictures were all taken using digital technology, and -as a photographer - I must say it is above anything I'd have expected from any technology and any subject. A must have for any japanese art/craft/design/sword lover.

2 comments about Noble Hounds and Dear Companions: The Royal Photograph Collection.

1. Loved the pictures and explanations of all the family members and their dogs. Very interesting book. I enjoyed finding out about the varioues nobility and how they saw dogs, how important dogs were to some of them. Loved the beautiful pics too.



2. I have long been an admirer of the British Monarchy, for over. I remember skipping school to watch Princess Anne get married. (The first time in the early 70s)
   
   I've known they were animal lovers but this book just shows you how much they cared for their furry friends. I am a dog lover to the max, and this book was just so fascinating.

No comments about Petite Pattern Book - Pop & Modern (Bnn Pattern Book Series).

5 comments about John Singer Sargent: The Later Portraits.

1. first, i'm a painter myself, and a huge fan of sargent's work. in this book, however, the image quality isn't bad, and the color is close to accurate, but some of the luminoscity in color and contrast are lost. most of the images appear washed out and dull. the portrait on page 577 is a HORRIBLE photo. the art institute of chicago owns this painting, and having been a student there, i've spent hours studying this piece in person. the color os horribly grayed out in the photo, a lot of detail is lost, the painting appears to be a mess of paint rather than precisely carved out shapes (which is what made sargent so excellent). this is a landscape, but it doesn't seem to be painted outside in the photo! this is one of sargents greatest pieces, in my opinion, and the photo of the painting was completely butchered.
   
   most other photos aren't this bad, but you must keep in mind that most of the paintings in this book are printed only half or a quarter of the page. everything just appears so shrunken, you can't observe the detail.
   
   that being said, if you are a huge fan of sargent, an art historian, or for any other reason you want at your hand every single piece he's done, this would be a necessary addition. it's not a complete waste of money, i just don't think it is worth more than $25 or so. though, it IS the only book like this published thus far.
   
   also, upon my first flip-through of the book, once i got to the last page, i realized my last page tore from the cover & the binding is exposed. i ordered this book brand new from amazon, so even though i can easily re-glue the binding together, it makes me feel the quality of this book is actually very low and cheap.
   
   unfortunately, i spent an additional $100 on the other two volumes to this collection, and they have yet to arrive. hopefully they won't be as disappointing as this one.



2. I can't say enough about this entire series of books. It is the most comprehensive Sargent collection in the world, and a must for any Sargent fans. Every single volume is filled to the brim with his work and details about his life and his artwork. It also does not skimp on quality--the whole thing is printed in color (which was a relief, because I can't stand b/w printing of colored material--it's a crime in my opinion).



3. true masters in Western Art history. His use of color in his paintings is unrivalled. I like how he treats his subjects in his paintings. He truly showed their humanity and beauty in a realistic light unlike most painters of his time who employ flattery in their paintings to please their patrons.
   
   This book is well worth a look and a pleasure to behold!



4. If art alone can teach the next generation of artists by the virtue of it's beauty and technical precision, Mr. Sargent's work is a master course all students must enroll. He divides the canvas into two distinct color families of light and dark and assigns them both temperatures he adheres to throughout the painting process. His colors fall within five distinct values which in it's simplicity empowers his brush with emotional impact second to none. Each reproduction whether it is in color or tone speaks to a new generation the great truths once understood by art teachers and taught in schools across America. Now, only a few understand these principles and even less master them to the level of Mr. Sargent, Anders Zorn and Franz Hal.
   
   This book is worth it's weight in gold as a resource to teach and inspire not only for students but professionals alike. Let Mr. Sargent bring you back to a day when art was produced by a master's hand and had the precision of technical achievement alongside artistic beauty. Let each brush stroke teach you about modeling form and creating emotional impact that will inspire you to new heights and astonish the next generation.



5. This is the third in an amazing series of books. The photos of this mans work are just beautiful. All three of these books in this series are consistantly good. I am a huge fan of Singer Sargents work, but even if you don't know much about him you won't be able to help but admire this singular talent. John Singer Sargent was an American treasure and I am so grateful that someone created such a wonderful tribute to his work, I highly recommend all three, they are each special in their own singular way, much like the man himself.