No comments about Performance Art in China.

No comments about Practical Ceramic Conservation.

1 comments about Gustave Baumann's Southwest.

1. This is a fabulous book that contains woodcuts and gouache paintings not previously seen in other Baumann books. The colors seem accurate and it is nicely designed with great front and back covers. I only wish it would have been printed larger (most of the woodcuts are reproduced at 6.5 inches tall). Baumann's woodcuts are generally quite small and it would have been great to see them at their actual size. Also it would have been nice if the author included dimensions. Despite these flaws the book is a must have for all enthusiasts of Baumann and the art of the woodcut.

No comments about Olafur Eliasson & David Adjaye: Your Black Horizon.

2 comments about Oyster Plates.

1. Although the 2 plates I have are not featured in the book, there are pages and pages of color pictures and information that are really informative. There is also a chapter or two on oyster "trivia". For the price, this book should be a hardback, but otherwise the content is relavent and beautifully laid out. I highly recommend it to anyone who is even thinking about starting a collection. I never dreamed there were so many exotic oyster plates from so many different places!



2. This book contains 150 pages of beautiful color photographs as well as an easy to use index section. It is an excellent source for identification of these very collectible plates, and even gives a rarity guide. Provides information on the manufacturers, as well. An invaluable guide to the oyster plate collector!!!!

1 comments about Brambly Hedge Collectors Book & Price Guide.

1. What is the greatest boondoggle/stumbling block to the run ofthe mill avid Brambly Hedge aficionado/collector?
   Hands down, ithas to be a lack of information.
   
   Whether you are speaking of pieces ever done, dates of release, or countries availabe, it's all here in Louise Irvine's outstanding work. The photographs are well worth the price of the book, but on top of those is the documenting of the very complex and phenomenal merchandizing tale which is so indicative of not only the tremendous enthusiasm which exists for Jill Barklem's world of characters/stories/artwork, but this day in age in which it is occurring....ie the tail end of the 20th century.
   
   In America, when it comes to obtaining Brambly Hedge merchandise, we are at a big disadvantage compared to most of the other markets, that is the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan. In those places when you ask after Brambly Hedge Items at a gift or china shop there is instant product recognition. Here you are more likely to get a response like: "That's those little bunnies, right?" Louise's book somewhat levels the playing field for us poor Yanks with previously unavailable information.
   
   Louise Irvine has taken on the daunting task of identifying and photo cataloguing every item of major significance related to the community of English mice, known as the Brambly Hedge. These critters first appeared on the literary scene in 1980, in the form of the first four books by authoress, Jill Barklem. Since the introduction of the Spring; Summer; Autumn; and Winter "Stories" there have been no fewer than 2 dozen companies from all over the world with lines of merchandise with everything from China plates, figures in china, resin, and pewter, to stationery and even cosmetics in which to feature the mice made famous in Ms. Barklem's extremely eloquent and exquistitely illustrated children's books.

   The Collector's Book has an introduction of the general story of Jill and how she came to write and illustrate her stories. The chapters are then listed in descending order of the most prolific of the Brambly Hedge Licensees....32 pages devoted to Royal Doulton, with pictures of everything ever available from them, followed by a 27 page chapter devoted to Border Fine Arts and Enesco, on down the list to a final chapter of "Useful addresses". Included with each book is a very helpful price guide insert.

   Thank you, Mrs. Barklem, for your creativity and magnificent artistry captured in your eight wonderfully illustrated children's books. Thank you Louise, for the dogged persuit needed to put this fantastically documented and illustrated volume out there for the the consuming Brambly Hedge public to 'devour', as I am sure that they will. Best of luck and fortune to you and the Publishers of this volume. From a devoted "Brambly Hedger", Jo Ann Travis, USA

3 comments about Stef de Klerk: Abafana (Zulu Boys).

1. Nubian gods in situtaions and poses that will appeal to the most salacious aspects of human sexuality. VERY HOT STUFF.



2. This is art. These are incredible pictures of black african males in their context. The complement of the African scenery with their luscious bodies made me discover an entire new perspective on african male nude.
   If you love art and photography this is your book. If you love black males, this is for you.



3. In his book, "Abafana", Stef de Klerk has created the perfect blend of artistry and erotica by coupling his physically attractive models with the lush land and seascapes of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

   The photographs are well-composed and the colors are faithfully reproduced by the printer who beautifully captures the interaction of the setting sun and the warm skin of the chosen model(s).

   The attractive young men of the Xhosa tribe are featured with and without various props, at all times in good taste and proud of their heritage.

   I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the physical beauty of the nude black male and encourage you to add it to your own personal library.

5 comments about Erotica Universalis: From Pompeii to Picasso (Taschen 25).

1. Anyone who is familiar with and looking for the larger approx. 6" x 5" x 2" tome (like I was) and is not aware that a smaller abridged version exists, is going to be sorely disappointed! Even though the Amazon description says "756 pages, 719 illustrations" IT DOES NOT CONTAIN NEARLY THAT!! That is the description of the derivative material that appears in the back of this TINY (32 pages, 4" x 3 1/4" x 1/4") booklet! It would seem that since there is no traditional frontspiece with publisher's info for this booklet, and careless listings allow this derivative bibliography to stand for what this book has- and that is INACCURATE. It is charming as a small "amusement", but use caution before ordering to make sure you are getting what you are seeking.



2. This book has fantastic erotic sketches and paintings. The history of the artwork is interesting if brief. Highly recommend.



3. I was tricked by Indoobestsellers. Indoobestsellers sent me worthless advertising booklett 10-15 pages, the size of the postcard instead of the real book that has about 760 pages of illustrations. Please make sure what you are going to get before you order this title, avoid being taken for a few dollars and waisted time. Booklett I received is just advertisement of the real book and should be send free of charge. I was taken but having sense of humor I have to admitt that billing and delivery was very fast.



4. I thougt the book was the big one, the pictures show an index and it indexes more than 700 pages. But the one I received was shorter than my hand, and only contains a few pics from the big book.
   
   There should be some warning that this is not the hardcover book. That's why I'm disappointed.



5. I found this book at Barnes and Noble a few years back. I was amazed at how far back much of the artwork was dated. Many of the great masters of the arts have produced works that only so few in the world have seen. It's a shame that people censor stuff like this. If you find a copy somewhere anywhere buy it!!! You can learn much about mans sexuality by looking at the art found in this book.

1 comments about The Bedford Hours (Medieval Manuscripts in the British Libr Series).

1. Like most of Janet Backhouse's work, this is an excellent, concise study of a particular manuscript in the collection of the British Library.

   This particular manuscript is a 15th c. book of hours, commissioned from a Parisian workshop by John, Duke of Bedford.

   The text reads easily. Ms. Backhouse covers a short history of the Duke, to place the book in context, and follows with a modestly comprehensive study of the book as an art object.

   The book contains around 60 plates, some in black and white, some in color. There are about as many full page illustrations as there are text pages, so the book makes a very suitable visual reference for book artists wanting to illuminate in the style of the Bedford Master.

   All in all, a very nice, short study of a justifiably famous medieval manuscript.

1 comments about Dictionary of Glass: Materials and Techniques.

1. Do not be misled by the title. This is more a detailed encyclopedia of glass than a simple dictionary, with many in depth articles covering the history, art and technology of glass working.

   All forms of glass craft are represented, including blowing, lamp work, stained glass, etching and engraving. Raw materials, chemicals, tools and techniques for industrial and artistic uses are described.

   Styles & important historical pieces are also covered. The book is well illustrated with b/w photos & diagrams. Two sections of color plates showcase some beautiful & unusual artistic pieces in a wide variety of techniques.

   Lists of periodicals, suppliers, societies, schools and museums provide a great source for further information. This is a complete and essential reference for anyone interested in glass.