5 comments about Thinkers of the Jungle.

1. This is not your normal "cutesy" wildlife pictorial about our friends of the Indonesian and Malaysian forest, even though the pictures are fabulous. This unusual -- and absolutely essential -- portrait of orangutans even goes beyond zoology. Based on the experience of Dr. Willie Smits, it graphically presents cases of extreme maltreatment of our shaggy relatives, and explains what we can/should/must do. Hold on... this read could be a bumpy ride. But it is well worth it.



2. This book has 3 authors: Gerd Schuster, Willie Smits and Jay Ullal. However, it is not clear who wrote what part of the book. Jay Ullal is photographer (really splendid photographs!). I am not sure whether he wrote anything. The other two authors -together- wrote the text. At the end of the last chapter (confusingly, chapters are not numbered!) one reads: "Text: Willie Smits, edited by Gerd Schuster" and this is also indicated directly below the chapter title.
   The chapter before the last one is written by Willie Smits which is indicated at the end of the chapter, but not at the beginning of the chapter. The rest of the chapters do not indicate an author. Despite this, one encounters several times the word 'I'. One must guess who 'I' is. Unsurprisingly, people are confused.
   
   However, the most important thing about the book is that Smits has been and is very active in the protection of the orangutan. Nobody else in the world has done so much to protect orangutans. See especially the last chapter about the Samboja Lestari project!



3. I am in two minds about this book. On the one hand, it highlights the plight of the orangutans and the amazing work being carried out by the BOS foundation magnificently, and it very well written. The pictures are also terrific.
   
   On the other hand, I was left a bit uncomfortable by the authors obvious infatuation with Willie Smits. It is also obvious that Schuster's time in Indonesia has been sparse, as he seems to have very little understanding of the political and social complexities of that country. He implores other scientists to speak out about the government, and rubbishes other people's work, but doesn't seem to have any comprehension of the difficulties they may face in their tasks, or what the ramifications of his suggestions may be.
   
   All in all, it is a good book and is well worth buying, but you never forget that you are reading a book authred by someone who is not an expert in this field, and has never worked in a developing country.



4. This critical book reveals the important work of the Borneo Orangutans Survival (BOS) Foundation--the largest primate rescue project in the world. Gerd Schuster highlights the amazing achievements and discoveries made by its founder, the unique Dr Willie Smits. Both a celebration of the magnificent cousin of ours, the orangutan, and a stark warning of what will happen to them if we do not intervene, this book is essential reading for anyone who cares about wildlife and the state of the planet.



5. This is a well written and beautifully photographed book about the dwindling Orangutan population and what can be done to help them. It gives factual information about the Orangutan way of life, what happens to them when they are taken from their homes in South Asia and how their natural habitats are disappearing. A wonderful book which will awe and inspire you.

5 comments about The Tokyo Look Book: Stylish To Spectacular, Goth To Gyaru, Sidewalk To Catwalk.

1. As a total Japanophile, I really loved this book! The pictures are beautiful and its just a perfect example of why I love those Tokyo Fashionistas. Unlike North America, where we are slaves to what we think other people want to wear and try to "fit in", a lot of the young Japanese people on the streets where what they want and have no qualms about standing out and looking unique!
   
   The book shows and describes the different looks, and often which district the look is from or originated. The text is mostly narrative, but I would've preferred some more informational style text. Such as a list of what elements compose each style and/or how to recreate the look for yourself.



2. My current ringtone on my celly is a short clip of "Harajuku Girls" by Gwen Stefani - it's been on phone for over a year now. As someone who has spent a formidable amount of my life in Japan, I covet and collect anything remotely "cute" from or even inspired by Japan, ringtones included. So it's no wonder that I love this book. Published by Japan-based Kodansha International, The Tokyo Look Book (2007) is a motley collection of photographs and interviews of Japanese fashionistas and fashion designers. "Motley" is probably a huge understatement, given what Philomena Keet (the author/editor) calls the "fashion spectrum" that exists in Tokyo. The photographs of Japanese guys and gals make me smile knowing that those pictured often follow their own drum beats. Even in the most outrageous and incongruous outfits, the Japanese youth wear their clothes with confidence or paint their faces with layers of make-up without second-guessing why they do it. If anyone has ever wondered who these "Harajuku Girls" are that Gwen Stefani sings about, pick up a copy of this book. They are fantastic!



3. i love japanese street style! this book gives so many different pictures of fashionable people on the streets of tokyo. it gives a little bit of background information about the culture and background, but if you want to get a more in-depth background and information on japanese styles and and designers and shops, i recommend Style Deficit Disorder by Tiffany Godoy.



4. Since I'm an author, and my novels often feature both Asian Americans and Asians who have moved to the US from overseas, I was very interested in this book as a research tool. I was not disappointed.
   
   This book is rich with pictures showing the different fashion styles prevalent in Tokyo. For someone who only visited Tokyo a couple times with family (and who didn't meet anyone my age), this was an eye-opener.
   
   I like the fact that there are often several photos showing examples of each particular style, rather than just one photo to show each style. It helped me get a better feel for the trends of the "look" rather than just one person's ensemble.
   
   The book shows the entire breadth of styles, from conservative to garish. I liked the hair and makeup showcased on the people photographed, as well.
   
   The fact that the people were all from off the street gave the book an air of greater credibility, since they didn't arrange a photo shoot with models. I felt like I was getting a slice of Tokyo life and culture.
   
   For me, this was an excellent research tool.



5. I've never been to Japan, and I read books all the time about how people in Japan love the global luxury brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dior). But seeing the cover of this book suggested that something else is going on with young people in Tokyo.
   
   Philomena Keet focuses on Shibuya (cool youth fashion), visually avant garde styles, street-defined ensembles, high fashion in a global taste sense, and what the well-dressed man wears to work. The last two seemed somewhat like what I expected, the first three were not.
   
   Each section is a nice combination of explaining the cultural roots behind the way of dressing, focuses on some designers, describes some celebrities defined by the style, and talks about the social implications. These aspects were welcome because I wouldn't have appreciated the logic behind the various looks without that background.
   
   The book has four big weaknesses:
   
   1. The analysis of what's covered is pretty superficial.
   
   2. The photography isn't as good as you usually see in a style-oriented book. I suspect that's because these are often virtually candid shots rather than fashion shots.
   
   3. The layout of the book isn't very appealing. There is an attempt to pick up the Tokyo look style, but I didn't think it worked.
   
   4. The type faces and backgrounds make the text difficult to read.
   
   Net-net, I found the book contained more than enough of interest to keep me reading through the book. I also felt I have a better sense of the role fashion plays for younger people in Japan. To me, the biggest aha was realizing that Western-style clothing is so relatively new to Japanese culture that young people feel a greater freedom to move away from traditional style concepts . . . even when the mixtures of clothes and styles are extremely eclectic.

5 comments about Lost Chicago.

1. This superb collection shows now-gone buildings and architectural treasures of our beloved city's past. These remarkable black-and-white photos show famous vanished bridges, churches, buildings and arenas, including the Colesium (nominating site of four Presidents). The City's downtown and surrounding areas were rebuildt after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, in the largest building boom in U.S. history. Wood gave way to brick, steel, and concrete - the fire led to strict building codes - and many structures rose as the city expanded from 320,000 people in 1871 to 3.4 million by 1930. Readers learn about our city's history, plus the valuable contributions from world-famous architects and planners like Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Miles Van De Roh, Mortimer Adler, and Daniel Burham. Today, many call Chicago the nation's architectural marvel - yet we also lost many famous structures as this superb book shows.
   
   I'd have liked more photos of rail structures (Chicago was and probably remains the world's railroad capital), but it's a minor flaw. This is a superb book about a great city and its architectural past.



2. The well written story and photos of Chicago are great. It was amazing the number of outstanding architectural building that were built and torn down in such a short number of years.
   Having grown up in Chicagoland during the 40' & 50's, I found myself depressed to see such destruction - only to be replaced by glass and aluminum boxes. Even efforts to save the outstanding and much beloved main lobby at the Chicago and Northwestern station failed in the name of the almighty dollar!



3. First of all...Mr. Lowe obviously has a deep rooted love for our wonderful city of Chicago. Most importantly...he is ensuring future generations and historians the ability to reference so many facts. This simply said...is an incredible work of love and a dedicated effort.
   Thank You Mr. Lowe...my children's children will know what an important part that Chicago has played as our nation grew and prospered.
   
   L. Curt Erler Author of "Southside Kid"



4. Stunning photos of a beautiful city. This book is truly a step back to a time when buildings were built to withstand centuries, although tragically these examples did not. Chicago has some of the most impressive examples of architecture in the country and this book is a powerful archive of not only what the city was, but what it is today. I wish there was a similar book on the buildings of Detroit, many of which are sadly slipping into oblivion.



5. 
   
   There is much to enjoy here even if one does not have a special interest in architecture. As a lifelong Chicagoan, I especially liked the photo of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church (p. 79) which occurs in the formerly Polish neighborhood that I grew up in. I also enjoyed the old maps of the Chicago area from the 1600's.

No comments about The Dawn of the Color Photograph: Albert Kahn's Archives of the Planet.

3 comments about The Beginner's Guide to Pinhole Photography.

1. This book is a delight. Proper balance between technical acuracy and enjoyable reading. Highly recommended for first time adventures into pinhole photography. True beginners might appreciate a bit more detail in the construction of the three camera types but exploration is part of the fun. I should think the book highly suitable for younger readers especially. My daughter-in-law who is the photographer of the family managed a wonderful array of spectacular pictures using this book as a guide. Since I handicrafted her wooden pinhole camera, I also am pleased with the fact the the thing worked and that her pictures were so beautiful.



2. This is a wonderful introductory text to the world of pinhole photography; Mr. Shull is very clear, and provides easy to follow instructions and diagrams for creating simple pinhole cameras and printing the resultant images. His instructions are well-laid enough for even a photographic novice to use this books as a teaching text, for example for children, as a good science project for understanding light and/or basic photography.

   He keeps it simple enough that experienced pinholers will want to look elsewhere for detailed technical information or designs to push the edges of pinhole practice, but this is also the book's strength as a beginner's guide. Strongly recommended.




3. Jim Shull's second book is an expanded version of the first, 'The Hole Thing', which inspired me to pursue pinhole photography. The new version includes more information and fotografs. Just as the first book, it differentiates between photography and fotografy.

   In his folksy, non-technical style, Jim Shull explains the ins and outs of pinhole fotografy. Where technical information must be given, he does so in a very accessible manner. His guide contains essential information enabling beginners to construct and use pinhole cameras. It also shows the minimal equipment needed to process your on pictures and guides you through each step on how to do it.

   Many teachers will find Jim's guide an excellent reference.

   Thanks Jim! Excellent book!

No comments about Visual Literacy: Writing about Art.

5 comments about The Park Loop Road.

1. I bought this book before going to Acadia Natl Park. It was incredibly helpful. Our exploration of the Park Loop Road was more interesting because of all the helpful info in this book. Loved the pictures. Very representative of the actual places.



2. I can't wait to get there in late Summer '06!
   This book is great for anyone planning on visiting Acadia National Park.
   If the park is only half as beautiful as the pictures in the publication, I can't wait!
   I've already planned several routes to run and ride (bicycles) while we are there.
   Thanks!



3. All of the books written by Robert Thayer convey the true beauty of Acadia National Park. Robert is an outstanding photographer/ author and is an inspiration for my own work. I have seen many slides of Roberts work and I am always impressed. I give this book my highest recommendation for any person interested in learning about Acadia, nature, wildlife, and especially photography. He also has 3 other books available on Amazon.com of an equal caliber.



4. After throughly reading this book through 3 times I have come to the conclusion it is a wonderful book full of useful information. The pictures alone are beautifuly taken giving reason enough to purchase this book. Also Mr Thayer is an excellent chemistry teacher and I hope after reviewing this comment he will raise our grades



5. An excellent overall introduction to Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. Good overview of geology and natural and cultural history. Provides up-to-date information on roads and hiking trails. A wonderful guide or souvenir of the Acadian experience.

5 comments about Above Los Angeles, Revised Edition.

1. This book is a must have for all those who love L.A. natural and urban landscapes, but can't be there all the time to enjoy that. As the city has gigantic proportions, of course that not everything can be covered in the book, but at least what I consider to be the most attractive spots in the area is there. The paper is high-quality and the photographs are crystal-clear and well produced. Worth the money.



2. 'Above Los Angeles', another in Robert Cameron's birds eye views of major cities is, to me, surprisingly superior to his similar volume on his hometown of San Francisco. Since I much prefer SF to LA, I expected LA to be far less photogenic, but it comes of rather well overall. This may be due to the fact that so many of the LA landscapes familiar to us from TV mentions, but unseen for most of us, leaves us facinated to finally see, for example, Venice Beach close-up or the Hollywood Bowl, or Century City.
   
   This is still not quite as good as the similar volume for Chicago ore even less good than the volume on London, or even as good as a competitor's work on Boston, but it is good, nonetheless, if only because it confirms my notion that LA is a sprawl with no center. The 'downtown' pic looks like a non-descript snap of outer Queens and not similar to Manhatten's financial district or midtown, to which it is comparable in function. Even the shorelines look more interesting than the similar scenes from the SF book.
   
   An excellent souvenoir!



3. I just love these books by Cameron, he is just the most amazing talent. This book really captures L.A. and this is a city that begs to be photographed from the air because of all the wonderful buildings hidden behind huge fences and lush landscape. This is without question one of his best books, it really is a joy to look through. I have the older edition, but have seen the newer book and it only adds a few new pictures of buildings built since the book was first published in the early 90's; such as the Getty. I was expecting more new pictures, since the publisher makes big deal about it being revised, I even thought I might buy it if it was that different, but there are like five new pictures out of about 160 original and like I said before they where not even taken by Cameron. These pictures are well done, but are not by Cameron himself, he is alas over 90 and retired. Either printing is a five star book I assure you. I highly recommend all of his books they are all wonderful in their own way, but this truly is one of his best works.



4. Robert Cameron presents a place and its' character in this "above" book (as well as in the other ones). Some people fly over the Los Angeles area, gagging and shaking their heads. Mammoth highways, concrete, smog, track housing, and monster burbs. These qualities do exist. But Cameron's photos also allow you to see the different personalities and idiosyncrasies of the many communities that make up what we call Los Angeles, from the Southbay beaches to the hills. (Where LA begins and ends we're not always sure). The area of Los Angeles (like other places) is different from other major metropolitan American areas for a variety of reasons. For one, most of the topography is flat, and it's a coastal desert paved with transplants with ambition and liking for the sun. These pictures allow the City of Angels to be more intriguing and have more of its' personality exude itself, as the reader gets a closer look at it through these pictures.

   Mental pictures.

   Yes, there are those who state Los Angeles County is an area with few landmarks. First you've got have a good disposition to this place, and second you've got to get close. Cameron's shots provide plenty of pockets of beauty and character, and plenty of quintessential "LA" landmarks. One must close enough to observe and experience them. "Above Los Angeles" lets us. Photos that highlight the interesting and beautiful icons of this city's architecture and natural character.

   Another book for LA-philes and those interested in its' history and growth is: "LA Lost & Found: An Architectural History of Los Angeles (California Architecture and Architects, No 21)." by Sam Hall Kaplan, and Julius Shulman (Photographer).




5. Los Angeles is a wonderful city so full of interesting things. This book has it all. All the areas are greatly photographed and look clear. LA's smog problem seems to be subsiding as the photos show clear days (most of them) and LA is only getting better. Every part of the city is showned. If you like photos from the air, you'll like this book. Also, the Library tower is shown (this is the first building to get blown up in the movie "Independence Day") in several photos. The older printings of this book didn't have them in it. I highly recommend this book.

No comments about Castles of Colorado: Scandals, Hauntings, and Tales of the Past.

1 comments about Conformation (Threshold Picture Guides, No 19).

1. Lots of pictures and drawings to explain even to the youngest child or the most confused adult. The entire series is well done. Recommended.