No comments about Cannabible Deluxe.

No comments about Magic Lantern DVD Guides: Great Photos with Your Digital SLR.

5 comments about DogTown: The Legend of the Z-Boys.

1. If you love creative non-fiction, you'll love this book. Even if you have no emotional attachment to skateboarding, even if you hate skateboarding. The photographs could do all the talking, but once you read the words of CR Stecyk, you'll be a skateboard enthusiast even if you've never seen a half-pipe.
   
   Journalist Stecyk and photographer Friedman grew up in the creative 1970s California coast atmosphere in which their friends pioneer skateboarders, the Z-boys, reinvented their sport. They lived amongst them, they were them. They utelized their artistic talents to chronicle the birth of the Santa Monica surf-skate culture, and their exploits are compiled in this book, a tangible, more-comprehensive version of Peralta's documentary "Dogtown and Z-boys." See the film, get the book, you'll be hooked.



2. I'm not into skating but my 17 year old nephew Stephen is. He is hard to shop for and when I saw this book I knew it was for him. Let me tell you it was a HUGE hit on Christmas morning! The pictures are great and anything that gets kids interested in reading these days gets my vote.



3. If you were around when Dogtown was the thing, or are just interested in this era of skateboarding, don't miss out on this book! It's got tons of great photos, and of course, the original articles that were in "Skateboarder" magazine. This book is very well constructed; hard-bound glossy pages, all for less than half the price of an old Skateboarder issue on e-bay. Totally worth the money!



4. This book is just as most of the reviews have said. Fantastic pictures and stories of the original DOGTOWN Z-BOYS in their heyday. I don't understand how the previous reviewer can say it was "not what she expected" ? THE STORIES AND PROFILES IN THIS BOOK ARE WHAT MADE THE Z-BOYS! It's all about the Z-Boys and the cult that surrounded them, and no one else, so she is mistaken when she says it's not about the Z-Boys, she just must not have taken the time to actually look at the book. It is the ultimate resource on the Z-Boys. There was never anything as important as these stories and pictures to "The Legend" that showed the world what these guys did, who they were, and where they came from. And C.R. Stecyks's words go far beyond what you would expect! Top notch story telling and social commentary. The Glen E. Friedman photos alone, in the second half of the book, are worth it's price. All the photography is so colorful, literally and figuratively. This is true 1970's Southern California Americana at it's best. A must for ANY Z-Boys, Skateboarding, or 70's Pop-cuture fan.



5. When I bought this book I expected a biography-type book, like the story of the Z-Boys. That's not really what this is. It's just a collection of articles written about skateboarding during their time. It also has some interviews with Stacy Peralta, Tony Alva, and Jay, but the book is mostly about skateboarding during this time, not really about the Z-boys.
   
   It does have a really good amount of photos of them though. So, if you are a skateboarder, this would be a good book, but for a fan of the Z-Boys, this might just be a disapointment.

5 comments about Digital Sports Photography : Take Winning Shots Every Time.

1. Don't buy this book.
   I did and am VERY disappointed. The photos are very uninspiring in general, and very little useful knowledge.
   
   Instead get "Sport and Action". A much better book.



2. This excellent book very clearly targets "enthusiast," part-time, and semi-pro photographers taking photos of sports. It's clearly not intended or marketed for the pro, who will know most of what's here, or for the beginner, for whom there's more information than they need. But, for the weekend warrior sports photographer, parent, or person intent on learning and practicing digital photography using sports as subject matter, it's perfect.
   
   The best things about this book are that it is a) filled with sports info from a wide variety of sports photographers each specialized in their own area; b) it is very readable and conversational; and c) written by a photographer who knowledgeably shares his experiences and techniques and doesn't talk-down to readers.
   
   I got a lot out of the general sections of this book, and from the sports-specific sections that interest me and relate to what I shoot (mostly bicycling). It made some photography concepts really clear in a way that I had not found in other books I've read on photography.
   
   It was an enjoyable and informative read and continues to be a valuable reference for me.



3. If you're brand new to shooting sports or photography in general, then this isn't a bad book. It covers alot of the basics acrss different sports that if you'r not familar is a decent introduction. However, if you've ever been on a sideline shooting as I have for the last few years - you'll learn very little new that will make you're pictures better. I learned more in a 20 minute conversation with a real sports journalist than I did reading the book. My recommendation is to rent this one from the library or buy it used if you have to have it. My copy is now for sale on ebay.



4. 20pp on what a great int'l fencing photographer he is, followed by fluff, then a rehash of some digital darkroom basics. Absolutely a disappointment; publisher's marketing group pulled one on us with this title.
   
   (BTW, great work in the photos; sounds like a good guy)



5. I am a semi-pro photographer and found this book to be very helpful in my growing career. I shoot tennis, soccer, and football primarily, as well as some alternative indoor sports like martial arts, and the techniques presented significantly improved the results of my images.
   
   I especially liked how the author used multiple pro sports photographers -- each specialized in the different sports -- to share their techniques and approaches, yet he maintained a consistent discussion and methodology throughout the book. It really helped that there was so much pro talent talking about how they shoot each sport -- all the other sports books I have seen have been one photographer writing about how to shoot every sport. This book was way more honest and realistic.
   
   Great book!

5 comments about Photocraft: Cool Things to Do with the Pictures You Love.

1. Great inspirational book. I have been taking pictures since I bought it. Haven't tried any of the projects in the book, but have came up with my own and now know so much more about things like photo paper, adhesives, etc. I do plan to try a project soon!



2. Many of the projects are pretty advanced, but there are some great ideas, and I always appreciate craft books that have sections on materials and step-by step instructions.



3. This book has some GREAT ideas for using those stored photographs! We've already gone through several boxes and made a really cool lampshade; a collage; and jewelry! The book has creative gift ideas, which will be cherished by the recipient. Fun projects for the whole family!



4. Photocraft features fresh, inventive ways to display your photographs. I was inundated with photo storage boxes and was seeking a creative way to display cherished images when a friend gave me this book. Most of the projects are relatively simple and are accompanied with easy to follow instructions. I needed a quick fix wall treatment in my entranceway and borrowed an idea from page 100: using old CD cases, I created my own rotating photo gallery (FYI: I found that poster tabs keep the light weight plastic in place).
   
   I've found this book to be an invaluable resource for both displaying photos and making personalized gifts.



5. What a wonderful addition to my burgeoning craft-book library! This book is visually engaging and can serve as a creative inspiration to novice crafters and seasoned ones alike. 'Photocraft' engages the imagination while providing practical instruction as to how to manipulate all types of images artisically. A great find!

1 comments about A Maysles Scrapbook: Photographs/Cinemagraphs/Documents.

1. Albert Maysles is an undisputed master of documentary film and this book is a beautiful tribute to his work. As importantly, it serves as a reminder of his incredible ability to recognize and capture rare moments of raw humanity. The book features photographs, documents and cinemagraphs (a new word for me that apparently means film stills) arranged in rough chronological order to tell the story of his artistic life through his own images.
   
   The photographs are an absolute revelation. While it is well known that he and his brother David amassed a body of work that rivals that of any filmmaker or filmmaking team in all of cinema history, it has been relatively unseen until now how well his art translates into still imagery. Each photo hints at some untold story and shows the same intimacy with the subjects that the Maysles brothers were known for in their films. Additionally the photos are an incredible record of a life that took him to all corners of the earth. From his motorcycle trips across Eastern Europe and Russia in the fifties to intimate moments with his children, everything is captured here through his unique eye.
   
   The book has sections on many of the Maysles brothers' films (both the famous works like Grey Gardens and their lesser known fare like their documentary about Communist Cuba). Fans of the films , and film history in general, will be thrilled with all of the rare, previously unpublished and candid images of the subjects of the films. The Rolling Stones, the Beales, Truman Capote, Muhammad Ali and the four Bible salesman from "Salesman" all make appearances in photos and beautifully restored cinemagraphs.
   
   The documents are also treasures. Production notes, hand written letters from the subjects of the films and from Maysles's contemporaries provide historical insight and an intriguing window into the filmmaking process.
   
   For fans of the Maysles brothers, this book is indispensable. Beautiful subject matter, beautiful restorations, and a beautiful book design. I would also think that film buffs of all kinds would revel in its details and images. Lastly, it's fascinating to me as a history buff. It's undeniable that Albert Maysles filmed and photographed some the last century's most important figures - JFK, Ali, Capote, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Fidel Castro, etc. And this book, more than any I've seen, captures a distinctly human side to all of those larger than life luminaries.
   
   One last thing: the informal "scrapbook"-style layout of the book suits the candid, documentary style of Albert Maysles more than a formal coffee-table art book ever could. Great decision on the editors' part. And I forgot to mention the wonderful intro from Marty Scorcese!
   
   All in all, a great contribution to my book collection.

5 comments about Smokestack Lightning: Adventures In The Heart Of Barbecue Country.

1. I was in the process of setting out on a bar b que tour and had solicited the names/locations of restaurants from the Motorcycle Tourers Forum. One of the forum members recommended the book.
   
   The book was an entertaining read. I did get a couple of ideas of places to visit. Not sure what I expected from the book, so I'm not disappointed but it was not a definative list of bar b que joints.



2. LOVED IT! I purchased the book for research purposes and couldn't put it down. What a marvelous education about the history, evolution and pure love of barbecue! The pictures are excellent and Lolis Eric Elie really made the stories come to life, as if I was traveling along with him. It certainly sparked a new-found interest in barbecue for me and I couldn't wait to read more. Check out Cornbread Nation II - another brilliant book edited by Lolis.



3. I bought this book after reading John Thorne's comnments on it in his excellent book "Serious Pig".
   
   Barbecue means something very different in Australia so the draw of a book on great American BBQ was a seller and yet this book is so much more than a book about food - its a travelogue, bursting with characters, stories and some superb photographic work which illustrates what is obviously a labor of love for the author - its a fascinating and superb read if you enjoy reading about food and the people who make it, its well worth the purchase price and you will enjoy the ride.
   
   This is a book that makes you want to eat BBQ, it makes you want to see the places hes talking about and meet the people, he does a superb job of evoking an image in your mind which draws you in and entertains and its a superb travelogue to boot that makes you want to eat where he's eaten and seen where hes seen.
   
   Not its not a cookbook, and he's a purist who disdains the chain cleanliness of mass produced BBQ shacks preferring the old fashioned traditional methods but you could argue thats the whole point of setting out to find the best BBQ - its going to be subjective and thats alright - its a hell of a read and a great ride to boot.



4. First off, if you are buying this book expecting a cookbook, don't. Buy it because it is a hell of an entertaining read instead. The book itself is one man's story of traveling the backroads of the US searching for and eating a lot of good barbecue. It is also his opinion of what makes good barbecue - some folks take exception to what his opinions are. This is almost always the way with barbecue. As with religion and politics, an almost certain way to start an argument at a party is do discuss what makes "good barbecue" with others who have their own opinions. If you cannot handle reading another man's opinions, don't bother with this book. For me it proved to be interesting if not educational, and I certainly don't agree with all or even many of his opinions.
   
   Also, as others have said, he often mimics the speech of locals when quoting them. "Under it" becomes "Un'er it" etc. I don't personally see this as making fun of them or ridiculing them at all. To the contrary, I feel it is done to give the audience a little insight into what it was like to interact with these folks. Many of the quotes in question would have seemed downright bizarre if written in proper English rather than dialect. Again, if you can't stand to read quotes that include semi-gibberish because you find it offensive, this book may not be for you. I found it entertaining.
   
   This book was OOP for several years. Personally I'm glad to see that it's available again. In my opinion it's one of the best of its breed.



5. I have not finished reading the book yet but thus far the author is doing a very thorough and detailed accounting of the origin of barbeque, various styles and some places with good barbeque.
   The author seems to be a little harsh on those that do not barbeque in the most primative and rustic way. A well run place like 'Corky's' in Memphis, which I've been to, is downrated as being too slick. Too clean and organized. He prefers shacks where the meat is cooked for 12 hours in a pit and served in a place with just the basics. I prefer the comfort and good food and service of a Corky's style restaurant.
   All in all it is well written and contains a lot of good information.

5 comments about Jonas Bendiksen: Satellites.

1. As the title for this review states, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The quality of photography is outstanding and the black border presentation is quite effective. I also found the commentary illuminating, albeit a bit on the short side. But I must say that the subject matter is just fascinating. I have always been fascinated by the USSR/former USSR and Bendiksen's photographs do an outstanding job of conveying the quality of life that exists in those countries. That region has undergone some huge and traumatic changes in a very short period of time and this book captures the raw essence of those changes.



2. This book gives a very illustrated insight into the fringe of the former USSR. Extremely interesting to read and the photographs are amazing, very atmospheric.
   The images of the crash zone for the Russian space program are my favorite, they're like weird movie-sets.
   
   Michiel



3. I've never written an Amazon review, but after finding this book, I want to say how much I loved it! Jonas Bendiksen takes a remarkable concept: the former Soviet Republics as "orbiting satellites held together by the gravity of Moscow" and through his photographs exposes the complexities of obscure regions in which he spent years traveling. It is beautifully documented with a lyrical eye. It is also a book that deserves many visits because the images evoke layers of emotions. The photographer is obviously passionate about revealing a collective truth that lies among the ruins of the former Soviet Union.



4. Everithing makes you think you'll find a lot of photographs of satellites inside this book: the title, the cover and the description... but there are only 3 nice photos at all.



5. That Bendiksen's space shot metaphor for the rise and fall of the outskirts or the former Soviet Union is particularly apt is made clear by the images in the book. It begins with the industrial black market wasteland of Transdniester, and finishes on the debris strewn plains of Kasakstan waiting for space junk to fall so that it can be scavenged for precious metals. None of now independent places that he traveled to in creating this collection of images have prospered in the wake of the fall of the USSR, and the overwhelming picture is of people living in the concrete ruins of the soviet state. Images of ruins and people that are beset by the ravages of time, weather and war, but refuse to collapse completely into rubble.

2 comments about Paris Changing: Revisiting Eugene Atget's Paris.

1. What Berenice Abbott et al did for New York, Atget and Raushenberg have done for Paris.



2. Last summer I saw the Atget exhibit at the Bibliotheque Nationale, which was a marvelous passage through a lost time. This book matches some of those absorbing old photos with photos of the same location taken today. I think it's a fascinating book and I can lose myself in the nuances while comparing the photos. This pasttime may not be to everyone's taste, but I highly recommend the book to thoughtful people who enjoy looking at things.

3 comments about Sublime Spaces and Visionary Worlds: Built Environments of Vernacular Artists.

1. Over the last year there was an extensive display of "outsider" art at the Kohler Art museum in Sheboygan Wisconsin. I was fortunate enough to be there when the exhibit was on and went back three times to take in all the details of the exhibit. A subset of the larger show is still on display.
   
   I have also gone to several of the art locations in Wisconsin to experience the artworks first hand. This book goes a long way to capturing these artists and their work.
   
   Outsider art [if that is the correct term] is art created by common folks rather than professional or semi-professional artists [if that makes sense]. Their art is unusual, rustic in some senses and folkish. This book catalogues some of the more interesting artists and their work.
   
   The locations stretch from Fred Smith's concrete garden in Phillips Wisconsin to Nek Chad's vast works in India. The types of art range from Nick Engelbert and Fred Smith's concrete statues to sequined houses to Emery Blagdon's strange wire and wood "healing machines" to the huge Evertron of Dr Evermore in Sauk County Wisconsin.
   
   Look any of these people up on the web and you will begin to get the idea as a thorough review and description would result in a review as long as the book.
   
   The book is very well done and of excellent quality. It is a book that you can spend hours reading and perusing.



2. If you are - do NOT miss planning a drive to or a drive by some of the sites described in this comprehensive collection. The authors have extensive experience and firsthand knowledge of these artists' exuberant installations and come by their enthusiasm from a deep empathy and masterful understanding of these self-taught, self-driven artists. Bring your camera. Bring your notebook - you WILL be inspired. If you're not going to this neck of the woods any time soon - not to worry, this book will give you an excellent and in-depth overview of Raw Art, Art Brut and whatever else you want to call these projects made by mostly hobbyist retired farmers and other non-artsy fartsy folk artists scattered throughout the nooks and crannies of the subject area. Prepare to be wowed by the sheer force of will of these often times whimsical visionaries. That they called into being representations of their often time hidden passions and inspirations until they had some time on their hands is what this is all about. That they accomplished more artistically in their sunset years than many trained artists do in a lifetime is cause for celebration. This is book is just that - a celebration of raw inspired vision as it manifests on the landscape - in between barns and villages here and there. Sort of artistic cheese curds - a little uncultured, but tasty nonetheless. Uniquely Wisconsoian. Inexplicable - but carefully documented here.



3. This is essentially a catalogue of the permanent collection at the Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. We had the good fortune to visit and see the collection and decided, after leaving, to buy the book. The book is beautiful and the photographs and essays are excellent. They should make anyone who sees the book want to go visit the museum to experience the exhibits.