5 comments about Century Girl: 100 Years in the Life of Doris Eaton Travis, Last Living Star of the Ziegfeld Follies.

1. This book is so unique, I would recommend it for anyone who loves the history of the stage or just unique perspectives and biographies.
   Not only is the story engaging, but each page is tasty eye candy.
   You will not be disappointed with Century Girl!



2. Loved everything about this book: the subject, the era, the layout, the photographs, the ephemera. This was an enjoyable read and I've purchased copies to give as gifts to friends that I know have an interest in this time period. My only caution is that the text is "handwritten" and sprawls across the pages. I found it charming, but others may find it difficult to read. All in all, a delightful glimpse into a life led in the glory of days long gone.



3. You must buy this sweet book if you adore the Ziegfeld Folies, fashion illustration, collage, lush photos of flappers, and want to know more about the last of the living burlesque dancers Doris Eaton Travis. This wonderful book makes a fab gift for collectors of nostalgia and vintage frocks. Features pages and pages of handpainted/tinted photos and whimsical creative collage spreads of 1920's photos.



4. Wow, this book is fantastic! Lauren Redniss put a lot of highly detailed work into this charming publication about the last Ziegfeld girl alive. Doris Eaton is a spunky little lady who, at the age of 104 has graciously opened the pages of her life during the days she was a Ziegfeld girl. The book is beautifully illustrated and colorful with lots of photographs and clippings follwing Doris' career as well as her siblings. Ms. Redniss did a marvelous job. I can't rave about it enough.



5. Century Girl: 100 Years in the Life of Doris Eaton Travis, Last Living Star of the Ziegfeld Follies is a new order of biography. Lauren Redniss uses hand-written text as an artistic element to guide the eye through the evocative images she has created using photo-collage and line drawings. The result is a visually stunning tour of the extraordinary life of Doris Eaton Travis
   
   The book chronicles the life of Norman, Oklahoma, resident and University of Oklahoma graduate Doris Eaton Travis. The book follows Travis and her siblings, once known as the Eatons of Broadway, from their lives as child actors, to their success in theater and early films, and ultimately to their sad and often tragic fates.
   
   Travis alone was able to leave show business behind. She had the strength to adapt herself when circumstances demanded; from dancer, to entrepreneur, to book-keeper on a horse ranch, to college graduate at 88 years old. She returned to the Broadway stage at the age of 94 and recieved an honorary doctorate at 100. Her's is a story of reinvention and ultimately of success.
   
   Lauren Redniss teaches at the Parson's School in New York City. Her work is often seen on the Op-Ed page of the New York Times, which nominated her for the Pulitzer Prize. She is currently writing a biography of Marie Curie, due out in the fall.
   
   This book is a work of art from cover to cover. Redniss knows her subject well and the story is told largely in Travis' own words. It is the author's unique, artistic approach that brings this fascinating story to life so vibrantly and with such immediacey.
   
   In one section of the book, for example, Redniss discusses Travis' sister Mary Eaton's beauty, and the eagerness with which men gave her expensive gifts. The text takes the reader to photographs of Eaton in a seductive pose layered over images of Eaton's name in lights on the marquis of the New Amsterdam Theater. These images flow into a still photo from Eaton's starring role in Glorifying the American Girl. As we read of Eaton's beauty, we see coming off the page a Broadway star at the height of her fame and a woman who epitomizes beauty in the early twentieth century....and we understand why men were so easily parted from their money.
   
   The artistic elements flow together seamlessly and carry the reader through this lovingly crafted biography. Redniss' incredible images allow the reader to experience the lives of Travis and her family in ways that text alone simply doesn't allow.
   
   This book would appeal to anyone interested in dance or theater history. It has appeal to the general reader as well. Doris Eaton Travis is an extraordinary human being. Her ability to overcome tragedy, to reinvent herself, and to constantly strive to learn is an inspiration to all. Lauren Redniss' extaordinary book is the perfect vehicle to bring her inspiring story to life.

No comments about Postmodern Ceramics.

No comments about Architecture and Sensuality: Andrew Bromberg of Aedas.

3 comments about Modern Japanese Ceramics: Pathways of Innovation & Tradition.

1. Having already had an interest in Japanese pottery, when I moved to Fukuoka in Kyushu last year, I realized that Kyushu pottery was not just the famous Arita/Imari ware or even Karatsu-yaki. I looked in vain for a book which would give me some background on the many types of pottery in Kyushu that boasted a history of hundreds of years. I wanted something published fairly recently, knowing that there were talented young potters carrying on the work of generations. Naturally I thought I would find it among Japanese language publications, but no, I found it in this one. I rely on it. In addition to the history of the various types of pottery, it contains pictures of representative pieces and even directions to the kilns/pottery towns toward the back. I wish it also had directions by car in some cases, but I understand why that might difficult. Now if only we could add descriptions of hot springs near the pottery towns, it would be a dream come true!



2. I tend to agree with the reveiw above....The title is misleading,it is not a book about modern Japanese ceramics. Most of the photos are of works done in the 1800's, but there are some interesting examples of more contemporary works in the final chapters, and those were indeed very interesting. But I was not displeased with this book,in fact, it was quite the reverse. I have very little knowledge of Japanese techniques, I tend to work in underglazes and North American technical ways of firing, so, a chance to see a completley different perspective on ceramics from a Japanese cultural point of veiw is a great thing for me.
   Its a great little book, loaded with photos, technical info, and the works in the final chapters has me interested in purchasing another book on real contemporary Asia ceramics...Amazon has such a one,I think I may order it today, in fact!
   One the whole, it's great value for the money, I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about Japanese approaches to this art form.



3. First, the good -- this book contains lots of beautiful pictures of Japanese pottery from the 1990's and early 21st century. For that alone, it may be worth purchasing this book. Now the not-so-good -- if you are expecting to see cutting edge, modern ceramics from Japan, this is not the book for you. The text focuses largely on the history of Japaneses pottery and makes only a slight attempt to review the work of contemporary potters. The illustrations of pottery, while visually appealing, also fall largely (although not exclusively) into the category of traditional forms and firing methods. Although I am always happy to look at traditional Japanese pottery, I found little in this book that could provide inspiration for my own more modern work.

1 comments about 50 Mosaic Murals: Projects and Step-by-Step Techniques for Decorating Kitchens, Living Areas, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, and Nurseries.

1. Nice book, it touch me how to make the murals, show me the Projects step-by-step, colors variation, come with Panel Transfer Grid, it will help me very of my work.
   Its worthwhile shipping to me, in Brazil'this book.

4 comments about Kinky Couture.

1. The photography is brilliantly done in this book. The author herself appears as her own model in many shots and certainly models quite well. Although the work is far from genius artistry it is very well done and a lot of fun. Great high gloss, high impact visuals. You can't go wrong here. Every picture or almost is a winner.



2. With the exception of a few images (including the one on the cover) this book is much more focused on the couture than the kinky. The latex-clad models look bored rather than aroused, and the artist's interest in clown suits is one I do not share.
   
   I was also surprised to see photographs of men in this collection, since both the reviews and the product description indicated that the models were female. Furthermore, the men she chose were not attractive, and instead of being nude or erotically dressed, they just had on some wild latex gimp suit. Just not my thing.



3. More than just a photography book, this is an atmospheric fantasy ride through the imagination of an exciting new artist. As mentioned in the introduction, Emma Delves-Broughton draws much of her inspiration from the grand 18th Century columned architecture of her aristocratic hometown of Bath, England, and is further enthused by the splendid backdrops of stately gardens, follies, and castles there. She mixes all of this together along with her fascination for fetish clothing, props, and subject matter, and plasters it onto each page with an extraordinary and breathtaking range of photographic techniques. If anything, she is an amazingly talented photographer.

   Both color and black & white images are featured here, and most works are saturated with a sultry, glamorous mood which absolutely enhances the sense of uncensored fantasy going on here. Across 108 pages we are treated to a visual smorgasbord of gorgeous models, impeccably made up, strapped and bound and propped-up for our mouth-watering pleasure. This is a marvelous first book for Ms. Delves-Broughton and she's definitely an artist to watch and perhaps .. expect even greater things from.




4. More than just a photography book, this is an atmospheric fantasy ride through the imagination of an exciting new artist. As mentioned in the introduction, Emma Delves-Broughton draws much of her inspiration from the grand 18th Century columned architecture of her aristocratic hometown of Bath, England, and is further enthused by the splendid backdrops of stately gardens, follies, and castles there. She mixes all of this together along with her fascination for fetish clothing, props, and subject matter, and plasters it onto each page with an extraordinary and breathtaking range of photographic techniques. If anything, she is an amazingly talented photographer.
   
   Both color and black & white images are featured here, and most works are saturated with a sultry, glamorous mood which absolutely enhances the sense of uncensored fantasy going on here. Across 108 pages we are treated to a visual smorgasbord of gorgeous models, impeccably made up, strapped and bound and propped-up for our mouth-watering pleasure. This is a marvelous first book for Ms. Delves-Broughton and she's definitely an artist to watch and perhaps .. expect even greater things from.

2 comments about The Ceramic Process: A Manual and Source of Inspiration for Ceramic Art and Design.

1. This is not about the book, but about Amazon. Initially, the book arrived printed upside down in the binding and
   with it cut badly with the tops of the pages missing. Following an email, Amazon reversed the charges and sent a new book which arrived in good condition. I would give Amazon high marks for addressing this problem.
   The book itself is excellent.



2. Phenomenal book. It covers the entire ceramic process from the constituents of the clay to drying, firing and glazing or decorating. The descriptions border on the scientific but are written in such a way that you can pick the book up to read for leasure.
   
   Within its pages you will find how to mix a clay for a specific purpose, how to support huge statues and keep small tiles straight. How to fire bisquit and how to glaze (in detail and with recepies, but this is not a glaze book) or decorate. Whether you want to cast 10 thee pots or make a lifesize sculpture of an giraffe you will find hints and tips on how to do it. Everything you need to take your ceramics over the edge.
   
   The artworks that illustrate the book and are used as examples might not be to everyones taste (they come from a school for experimental ceramics afterall) but they fit the explanations perfectly.
   
   If you are serious about your ceramics and want to buy one book that explains the process without specialising on only one type of application (tiles, pots, sculpture) look no further!
   
   If you are new to pottery of sculpture the contents might be a bit daunting.

3 comments about Mike Kelley.

1. This was one of the first and best monographs of this most important of West Coast artists who is now enjoying a slight rennaissance. For years this was the only book available on Mike Kelley, other than thin catalogues of european shows. Luckily, with the advent of more writing on Kelley, we have come to find that indeed it was and is the best introduction to his work. We are introduced to Kelley's work via tons of lovely color photos, b & w personal photos of kelleys, lengthy interviews, and essays. Nothing is to hard to understand and the psychological subtexts of his work easily filters into the writing without confusion. His earliest collegiate work recieves just as good attention as his later sonic youth-era works, although I would have appreciated more discussion of his side project the influential noise band Destroy All Monsters. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the west coast art scene, and should probably be recquired reading for anyone taking a class on the subject.



2. I have nothing but praise for Phaidon's publications. Each of their artist's books contain great documentations of the artwork, plus detailed writings by the artist and critics. If you are going to read a description of an artist's work, who better to explain it to you than the artist. This is especially true with Mike Kelley. He is well known for the writings he does for each of his works and he pulls no punches in his delivery.



3. Mike Kelley's excellent catalog from Phaidon may be the most definitive work to date concerning the merging of Elite and Popular culture. Kelley's use of his own astute observations about the world in which we live to "debunk belief systems" and deflate popular pretentions is nothing short of revelatory. His pathetic stance in sculpture, drawing, performance, sound, and banner-making constitute total war on austerity. All modes of his work are well-documented here with color photography of installations and descriptions and criticism by some of the best in their fields.

No comments about The Human Form in Mosaic.

2 comments about The Ceramic Surface.

1. This beautiful book is a welcome addition to my collection. Its very simple format of one image per page and brief written description of the work, often by the artist, makes it an inspiring and yet relaxing book to flick through with your feet up on the couch. As far as technical information goes, this is more of a starting point - leading you to research further the surface finishes and techniques that most appeal to you.



2. There is no doubt about it: this is a beautiful book. The paper, binding, print, photography is all first-rate. But I was disappointed, nonetheless. The book is basically a collection of pieces by many different ceramic artists, with equally different surface treatments. In essence: a coffee-table book. Not that I mind that so much, but I have to limit myself to the pictures - because I can hardly stand the "Artist's Statements" that accompany each photo (I can't stand being told what to think, and I heartily agree with Jean Cocteau: "An artist cannot speak about his art any more than a plant can discuss horticulture.") If you like that kind of thing, then this might be just the book for you.
   
   One thing I did appreciate was the short paragraph on how the piece was made, but these frequently appear to be simply obfuscations and filler text, and I can't help wonder if these artists aren't more than a little insecure.