No comments about Majolica: American & European Wares.

No comments about The Irish: A Treasury of Art and Literature.

5 comments about Kells, Book Of.

1. The Book of Kells is one of the great masterpieces of early illuminated manuscripts. This book involved special colour photography of the manscript of all the major illustrative carpet pages - and a good sample of some of the "ordinary" illuminated script pages.
   
   The images are reproduced at very close to the original size of the manuscript - which makes the detail in the carpet pages all that more astonishing when you realise how fine they really are. True minature work on a large scale.
   
   The back of the book also includes close ups of illuminated page details which is very handy. If you can't afford to buy one of the full manuscript reproductions (and most of us can't) then this is probably the next best thing. The original 1970s edition of this book is published in hardcover with a slipcase making it that much more durable and attractive.



2. One must actually see large color plates or the Book of Kells itself to know what all reviewers are talking about, when they, like myself, call this book "the most beautiful book in the world." It is really incredible, a most fascinating and comprehensive piece of work from an ancient period of time. And has life changed so very much since then? Reading this book with many descriptive illustrations, one might know.

   To really understand the incredible drawings, also purchase the newly released video "The Book of Kells - The Work of Angels?" which tells what the illustrations were about and how they were created... many of the designs date from the Celtic gold work that was done at the time, and there are many interesting stories about life in the abbey, political intrigues, and other goings-on during this period of time.

   This has been a favorite gift of mine to give to many people, who have seen the book in person in Ireland, but never really knew what it meant, until they saw the tape. The two go hand-in-hand together, and are worth any price.

   There is also a new CD out with Kells images as well, which may well be worth purchasing ...

   The original 1974 large edition book in a fabric slip case is the one I saved up all year for when I was a very poor college student, and started my life-long love of calligraphy.

   This book is well worth any price, when Inspiration is your need or your calling.




3. Though it is now out of print, this book has over 100 color prints from the Book of Kells and is one defininitely looking for. The essays raise some interesting points, though not the most current points of dispute among scholars. The book would be wonderful for students, copyists, or anyone interested in a beautiful presentation of information on the most ornate of insular manuscripts.



4. A beautifully illustrated book, finely detailed, a wonderful source of inspiration for those interested in illuminated manuscripts and Celtic decorative art. Author Henry's years of research are evident: she knows her subject well. A lovely study of this original c. 9th century manuscript, often described as "the most beautiful book in the world."



5. An absolutely incredible facsimile of the Book of Kells (BoK). An essential for those who study Celtic Illumination. Pages are (very close to) original color and size and the detail shown is wonderful. Also the author's commentary is very good. I can't rave enough about this book, well worth the money.

No comments about Master of Death: The Lifeless Art of Pierre Remiet, Illuminator.

No comments about Marvelous Mosaics for Home & Garden.

4 comments about Hand-Formed Ceramics: Creating Form and Surface.

1. I bought this book with the hope of learning something new. Although I did not read it from cover to cover, what I did read was too basic to be worth the money. Much of what is in the book could be learned at a beginning ceramics class in a park district class in one or two sessions. In fact, for the price, a park district class or other beginning ceramics class would be much more inspiring.



2. I purchased this book for a ceramics class. I am happy that I did. I found the book easy to read and very informative. The class I am taking is an independent study and the book is my inspiration. I am working through the various techniques in the book. The pictures are inspirational and the words give you enough information to to actually make the piece as the artist did in the book.



3. I actually haven't read this book, but I have learned a lot of what is in it from Richard Zakin himself. I am taking a ceramics class right now and he is my professor. I'm having a blast working with clay and the glazes that he makes himself. I would reccomend this book without even reading it!



4. Zakin does an excellent job with this book. He is thorough and quite knowledgeable. The book is worth the $ just to view the hundreds of examples by various artists worldwide. Not only does he give you the technical information on clays, glazes and firing - you get the tecbniques of many potters. It would cost hundreds of dollars to participate in the workshops required to learn these techniques. If you are a visual learner and are a hobbyist or teachinng professional this book is worth the money.

1 comments about Yves Klein.

1. Wonderful display of Klein's work and great indepth content. A must buy for a fan of Yves Klein!

No comments about Tile Artist's Bible.

No comments about Inigo Manglano-Ovalle: The Krefeld Suite.

No comments about The Hastings Hours: The Book of Hours of William, Lord Hastings.