2 comments about Sombra.

1. i saw this book in a store and fell in love with the subtle beauty of these photographs. being a photographer myself, i loved seeing the antique printing processes Mr. Afanador used creating images that seem to be made 100 years ago, but with a modern edge. Sombra, means "shadow", and i love his play with that, making dark, shadowy images. i love dancer bodies and this book is an homage to the grace and line of them. i also enjoyed seeing male nude photography of thinner, and in a way more feminine men, which is a wonderful contrast to his other book, Torero, which i went on a mad chase and finally found one that i could afford. those photographs are much different, more traditional and masculine, but still with a feminine touch, but i think they are both wonderful companions to one another. Mr. Afanador is a master at what he does, especially in showcasing the androginy of the male form, in both books. so if you are a fan of male beauty, in all its shapes, this is an excellent edition to your collection.



2. After his first book of photos, Torero, this one is a real letdown. Compared to the natural drama of those earlier photos, the present group seem contrived and merely melodramatic. And instead of the super-real textures--textures that you wanted to reach out and touch--he has tried some new printing or over-painting techniques that are not very effective--almost every photo and/or model is solarized or daubed or spatter-painted or metallicized or whatever. And the poses and subjects are repetitive and uninspired. I guess that an artist can't follow the same path for his entire career, but this seems more like a backward step than an advance.

No comments about Mason's Vista Ironstone (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

No comments about Christopher Williams.

1 comments about Felix Gonzalez-Torres.

1. this is not a picture book but a book that discuss about felix ideas and thoughts. beautifully presented. small format. 6" x 8".

4 comments about A Guide to Czech & Slovak (Art) Glass.

1. This is the most useful guide to shopping for contemporary Czech and Slovak glass in its countries of origin. I have recommended it to all of my glass club members. Amazon.com, get more copies!!!!!



2. Having purchased glass from several of the factories mentioned in the book, I must attest that the information displayed is quite accurate. I will be using this referance book to guide me to other factories of interest. The great thing about the book is the detail about finding some of these factories. I only wish that I would have had it available on my first trip.



3. This is probably the best book I've seen on contemporary Czech glass. It explains all the triumphs and pitfalls the Czechs have experienced over the last century, and the exquisite glass they've produced nonetheless. It also gives valuable insights on contemporary Czech studio glass. A very valuable work.



4. This is a beautifully illustrated book which provides a complete tour of the most important glass producers in the Czech and Slovak Republics. Besides well written narratives about glass, its history and production techniques, the book provides important descriptions of the major artists with full colour pictures of some of their works. It is concise but well thought-out and is an important guide for the collector, the tourist, and anyone fascinated with beautiful glass. It is clearly the work of someone who loves and understands glass and who has taken great effort to share her passions. If you are interested in glass and are planning a trip to the region, it should be as important as any tour guide!

1 comments about Berlin Gay Mates.

1. Is it just me, or is this not the most eye-popping visually stunning photography filled with German hotness ever produced?? My boyfriend and I love this book!!! We keep looking at the creative sets and props almost as much as we look at the boys! (Excellent cross section of men as well, so there's a little something for everyone). It really showed the bright side of gay berlin instead of its seedy underbelly...not that I'm not a fan of that either :P Interestingly enough, when flipping through the book, we saw photos of a bartender we met on a previous trip to Berlin who introduced us to a fun afterhours (Thanks Basti!)

2 comments about Porcelain Repair and Restoration.

1. A very good and complete book covering everything for the restorer of ceramics. Would've given 4 and a half stars if possible. The half a star off is because I still had unanswered questions after reading the book and because there is some professional mumbo jumbo in there I don't understand.
   
   But on the whole, just a good book.



2. Good book, but doesn't have information about non-toxic restoration products. Healthy repair products are a serious concern. You can find the non-toxic products at www.antqrx.com or call (515) 832-2437.

2 comments about Aqua.

1. Seeing the cover, I expected that the photos inside would be just as or more erotic. I am also disappointed that the photos are in black and white.



2. The old jingle quoted above has gained new pertinence with Fred Goudon's marvelous new collection of photographs of men in their element. Though those who enjoy books on the male physique will find plenty to satisfy here, the real beauty of this book is the thematic manner in which Goudon approaches his concept of the play of water on man and the play of men in the water. With thoughts of our aqueous beginnings in the womb au natural, these well-composed photographs include water as in sea and river and water as in hose and shower. And the spectrum is quite amazing.
   
   Goudon places (or finds!) his physically perfect male models both alone and with partners. His camera is able to define the presence of water on skin as though it were liquid mercury. Whether dousing their bodies with fountains of water or posed languidly in the ripples of sun and water instigated by the model, these are magnificent specimens in states of both innocence and arousal. There may be nothing new to Goudon's technique, but he certainly has captured some fine moments that should satisfy a very large audience! Grady Harp, December 05

1 comments about Royal Doulton Bunnykins: A Charlton Standard Catalogue, Third Edition (Charlton Standard Catalogue).

1. I use this book to evaluate the value of my personal large collection of Royal Doulton Bunnykins. I then keep a record of my collection and its worth for my family.

No comments about Ken Matsuzaki: Burning Tradition.