No comments about Careers for Culture Lovers & Other Artsy Types, 3rd ed. (Careers for You Series).

No comments about Egypt: Land of the Pharaohs, Fifth Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guide).

No comments about The Genius of Rome 1592-1623.

1 comments about Objects of Design: The Museum of Modern Art.

1. MoMA canonized modern design as it did 20th-century art, and this anthology of pictures and expert texts highlights a collection of 3,708 objects that range in size from microchips to a helicopter. About a tenth of those are illustrated in nine thematic sections. Many are icons, but there are a few surprises, especially among recent acquisitions, where the inventive use of materials supplants functional beauty. Paola Antonelli, MoMA Curator of Architecture and Design, describes the collection as presenting a history of ideas and realizing a part of Alfred Barr's dream of a unity of the arts. She explains how the old selection criteria of truth and beauty have changed while retaining some of their old authority. It's comforting to know that relativism does not yet extend to firearms, making MoMA's collection a gun-free zone. (Michael Webb is the book reviewer for LA Architect magazine.)

5 comments about 100 Posters, 134 Squirrels: A Decade of Hot Dogs, Large Mammals, and Independent Rock: The Handcrafted Art of Jay Ryan (Punk Planet Books).

1. I constantly turn to 100 Posters, 134 Squirrels for inspiration. The work is astounding, with enough wit and cheek to make you take a second look. I had never heard of Ryan before this book was published, but 100 Posters made me an instant fan. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates great illustration and cuddly (yet somewhat twisted) furry mammals.



2. In a landscape where the bravado and bluster of busty cartoon pin-ups was the norm, Jay Ryan's work seems downright radical in its understated, yet evocative approach. Jay's talents somehow make me want to see a concert and buy a Caldecott Medal winner in equal measure. A+



3. The first collection of poster artist Jay Ryan is both a biography and an art celebration: it gathers his works from rock clubs to galleries and arrives not alone but supplemented by essays from other involved in the music, design and poster worlds. Full-color reproductions of his works supplement these insights to create an excellent catalog of screenprint poster genius: a must for any collecting underground poster art.



4. This book is absolutely essential for all fans of illustration, poster art, and contemporary design. One of the best books you will find on an american poster artist, the layout is top-notch with original drawings for some of Jay's posters next to the finished pieces. Having watched Jay make his work for Ten years, it is great to see such a powerful survey packed into such a beautiful book.



5. Maybe Narducy of Evanston is kidding, but just to clarify for the kids in New York, Los Angeles, and Berlin--this IS the Jay Ryan based in Chicago, dude. And this book of his posters should grace the collection of any art student or indie music fan...
   
   ps. it would be great if Amazon would fix the typo in the title--it's "Decade," not "Secade."

1 comments about Manny Farber: About Face.

1. For fans of the great Manny Farber (and I count myself among them), you will love this book - his paintings are extraordinary, and reflect in many ways his pre-painter life as one of this country's greatest film critics. You won't be sorry if you purchase this book.

No comments about Richard Serra: Torqued Ellipses.

No comments about American Prints from Hopper to Pollock.

1 comments about Bill Blass: An American Designer.

1. Wonderful overview of this prolific designer's work. Love especially the interior shots. A wonderful tribute.

2 comments about Worlds of Thomas Jefferson At Monticello.

1. 
   What a book! If you are planning on visiting Monticello or learning about Thomas Jefferson, you must have this book! This is like having Thomas Jefferson's accounting book with you. Many, if not all of Jefferson's personal effects are cataloged in this book!



2. If you are interested in Thomas Jefferson or Monticello, this is a terrific book. Over 150 of Jefferson's personal possessions are photographed and documented with detailed explanations and provenance of the items. Covered are varied objects such as works of art, china, portraits, scientific instruments, natural history specimens, and personal objects. This book really illustrates how varied Jefferson's interests were. A very fascinating book!