No comments about Texas Guinan: Queen of the Night Clubs.

4 comments about Hollywood Costume Design by Travilla (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This item was purchased as a gift and as such I will never read it but it was a book that the recepient really wanted.



2. This is another well-designed, well-presented book from Schiffer, known for its volumes appealing to collectors of various types of memorabilia. (I also own _Harrison Fisher: Defining The American Beauty_ and Kristina Harris' _Victorian and Edwardian Fashion for Women_ from the same publisher, both high-quality paperbacks.) Travilla may not be as instantly recognizable a name as Edith Head, Adrian or Helen Rose in the field of movie costume design, but his costumes are very definitely ones the viewer will remember. That sexy white dress Marilyn Monroe wore in her most iconic scene, in "The Seven Year Itch"? That's a Travilla design, and his sketch for the outfit graces the dust jacket of the book. The book is full of artwork, much of it in full-page format; photographs, both color and black-and-white, and sketches of notable designs. Travilla's most famous (and, judging from his remarks, his favorite) client, was Marilyn Monroe, but he designed outfits for many other actresses - and a few actors - from the 1940's through the 1980's, starting with Ann Sheridan (whom he became so close to that he nicknamed her "Aunt Annie") and going on to Emma Samms. This book isn't cheap new or used, but take that as a sign of its quality and desirability and do make the investment if you're interested in this field!



3. This book is so well written! Very entertaining info on the man, the industry & the personalities. Tons & tons of great photos & sketches!



4. Travilla became a Hollywood star thanks in large part to his client Marilyn Monroe, gaining fame for his design of her costumes - but his art graced many familiar forms, and Hollywood Costume Design By Travilla provides an excellent display of his original sketches and creations. Monroe fans and Hollywood fans alike will relish this display, lavish with color reproductions of Travilla's art.

5 comments about Gowns by Adrian : The MGM Years 1928-1941.

1. The entire aim of fashion has changed so much since the days of Adrian. Nowadays, one dresses to shock. And one had better be young, because older people in these ridiculous frocks look like trailer trash. In fact, the aim of the young appears to be the look of total dissipation, ignorance, and rebellion. Not so in days gone by, when the desire was not to shock but to be beautiful, perfect, elegant, and "done up" -- anything but poor and wasted. This book is a gives us a picture of an ethos that was. We should all be grateful to have a reminder of it; we should all be disappointed at what eventually came after it.



2. this book has wonderful black and white pictures of costumes from 1920's to 1940's, which are worn by some of the most famous movie-stars of the time. it is also is very interesting just to read.i would totaly recomend it :-)



3. Love his outfits. I was surprised to see he did the costumes for "The Wizard of Oz". Love old Hollywood!



4. After a late night of TV-watching, I stumbled across Norma Shearer in "Strangers May Kiss." I could not believe this movie was made in 1931, her outfits were red-carpet ready for today. A quick search led me to discover the masterful designer behind it all: Gilbert Adrian. This book showcases with detail all his incredible work on costuming and creating visual direction for films. The pictures are a fantastic reference and the stories behind the scenes with movie stars are of interest. Any aspiring fashion designer would do well to add this book to their library.



5. The Book was everything I expected and more, the service above reproach, Excellent, not frequently apllied to most transactions this one certainly desrves it!!

3 comments about Acting Professionally: Raw Facts About Careers in Acting.

1. I personally didn't find it too useful because I think any average person already knows half of the information in that book. He didn't list any names of agents or photograghers, etc. in his book, but I guess there were good points. He was very honest and up front, telling the readers what to expect and what agents and producers are looking for in an actor/actress. He talked about the different types of actors, like screen actors, stage actors, and extras, but didn't go into a great detail about anything in particular. Overall, I'd say it's an okay beginning book, but I would actually recommmend Acting is Everything, 9th edition over Acting Professionally because it is much more thorough, helpful and informative.



2. Mr. Cohen has in no uncertain terms assembled a tome of infinite wisdom concerning the professional acting world. He does not jump up and down like a cheerleader yelling "you can DO it!" nor does he tell you to give up on the whole nasty business. What he does do is tell you the hard truth about the nasty business, how nasty it is, what's real, and what there is to give hope. The advice is clear and unambiguous, such that no one will have a problem knowing what is the right direction for them after reading. Every actor, aspiring and seasoned, should keep this book by his or her side and read it often.



3. It was truly inspiring and taught me alot about the wonderful world of acting.The auther truly captured my heart.

No comments about No and Bunraku.

3 comments about Abbott's Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks for Magicians.

1. If you are looking for a source of rope magic effects to peruse, looking to add some interesting minutes to your act, this is one of the first books you should buy...and at these prices, you can't go wrong. If you are a newbie-beginner in magic looking for easy tricks, this will start you off...and includes intermediate and advanced magic and methods for you to study. Even seasoned can find great stuff here.



2. This is an excellent book for anyone involved in magic; amateur or professional. It contains an incredible number of tricks, many of which are professional quality. For example, the first trick in the book is very simple, repeatable (yes, repeatable), can be viewed from any direction, and I have used it to fool professionals on several occasions. The tricks are broken into neat categories and cover enough ground so almost anyone can find something they like. The book often has several ways to do the same effect giving the reader a choice.

   Why only 4 stars? The illustrations are frequently not very good - an all-to-common problem with books on magic. The directions often leave something to be desired also. While I only found 1 trick I could not figure out (I have gone through over 1/2 of the book) it often took longer than was necessary because of imprecise directions. My example above took over half an hour to figure out, but is teachable from person to person in about 2 minutes. Also, many of the tricks are modifications of the same thing. Lastly, the fact that only a narrow area of magic is covered (and redundantly) may put off some readers.

   Please note that most of the detractions above are, in my opinion, not as significant as the overall quality. If I could, I would rate this 4 and 1/2 stars - not quite perfect but very good.




3. This book is a classic of magic. Anyone interested in doing magic with ropes must have this book. It's nearly 400 pages are packed full with just about everything a magician can do with a rope; penetrations, restorations, false knots, you name it. It's a small price to pay for this wealth of knowledge. -Diamond Jim Tyler

3 comments about The Business of Acting: Learn the Skills You Need to Build the Career You Want.

1. An actor friend of mine gave me a copy of this book as a going away present. I am moving from New York to L.A. to pursue a career in acting, in television, mostly. It was feeling a little overwhelmed about what I was getting myself into, but this book has helped me feel empowered about my decision. There is so much to having a career in this business that I never realy gave a thought to. I never learned in school the stuff that's in this book. I'm moving to L.A. in three days and I can't wait! This book has become my lucky charm. Thank you! :)



2. I have read a lot of books about acting, but this is the first book I have ever seen (and read) about the business of acting. I learned so much about the business that I did not know before. This book showed me how being a great actor is not enough to have a real career as an actor. I learned lots of new tactics about how to take charge and how to stay in charge of my career.

   I have worked three times since I bought this book! Thank you!




3. This book has become an invaluable tool. It was easy to read and answered all of my questions. It has taught me more than my 4 years in college. I highly recomend this book!

2 comments about Antonio Banderas.

1. Written with charm and humility (albeit ghosted in both cases) this biography gives a warts-and-all insight into the life of my wife's favourite swarthy heart-throb.



2. Antonio Banderas is my favorite actor, and this autobiography has everything, I'd give this more stars if I could. I remember reading it at a very hard time in my life, and Antonio was (still is) a big comfort to me. It talks about a man from when he saw his first play of "Hair" that made him want to be an actor, and how his family didn't approve, and the pain and rejection he went through. A man of who's struggles from the theatre to being discovered by director Pedro Almodevor in the movies in Spain. How he had to learn English, for his first American role "Mambo Kings," to the rest of the movies he made, and his relationship with Melanie Griffith. You'll learn somethings you didn't before, like Madonna was a big help to him getting recognized, because she had a crush on him in "Truth or dare," his outspokeness-which by the way, this book does have language. But best of all, you get to know Antonio, a real nice, kind, passionate, compassionett, humble, hearted man.

No comments about The Infinite Variety of Music.

2 comments about A Good-Natured Riot: The Birth of the Grand Ole Opry.

1. Using biographies of early stars, Charles Wolfe deftly weaves the history of one of the longest running radio programs. The result is a highly readable, entertaining, and educational survey of the Opry's first two decades. This period was dominated by string bands, such as those led by Dr. Humphrey Bate, Theron Hale, and the Brinkley Brothers. But individuals soon came to dominate the program. Chief among them the irrepressable Uncle Dave Macon and the man who would become the living embodiment of the Opry, Roy Acuff. Wolfe is equally adept at discussing both entertainers' personalities and the business of radio and programing. This book belongs in every Country music and radio lover's collection.



2. This book excels all that I have read about a fascinating subject! Contrary to most history books, you'll read this one until you finish it, I promise.