No comments about Lake Tahoe: A Fragile Beauty.

5 comments about The Sea/Day by Day.

1. There are terrific photographs of the sea, boats, the seashore and all things maritime. We love it! It's a perfect coffee table book for a summer house by the ocean. The photos were taken by someone who obviously loves the sea and is great for people who share that feeling. The only issue is that the editor (I guess) chose to leave descriptions of the photographs (and even page numbers) off of the pages- possibly for aesthetic reasons. The index, located in the back of the book, is helpful to identify where each of the photos was taken, but paging back and forth is a little difficult.



2. Wow, substantial is an understatement - 195 photographs (most of them 22x14 +) and 16 panoramic foldouts. Aside from the calm, the charming and the rapturous faces of the sea that you can normally imagine, could the sea be like the desert, hot lava, an impressionist's oil painting, fields of grain, bubbling rocks and sand paper...? Find out in this book of photography. I always thought photographs are comparatively realistic. But Philip Plisson's skills conjured up powerful imagery from reality to fantasy, from abstract to molecularly concrete. It is a feast to the eye and possibly shocks to the senses.



3. This huge (more than a square foot), heavy book of photographs is made panoramic by the numerous horizontal double foldouts that appear every few pages of the book. Frankly, I haven't read the text, and don't know whether I will--I bought this book for the pictures, which mean everything.
   
   Were I to magically change anything, the photographs devoted to showing ships in the making or the deck of an aircraft carrier, would be eliminated and replaced by visages of the sea itself; there are few of these throwaway photos, and I would have liked to have seen something else. That said, I can offer no other criticism of this extraordinary book. Though I bought a slightly different version (not "Day by Day," and different photograph on the cover), it is the same book, a real bargain when bought used.



4. This opening phrase from Walt Whitman's epic poem 'A Song for all Seas, All Ships' best describes this visually stunning photographic essay of the many manifestations of the sea, that mighty body of water that reigns the planet and as such reigns the hearts and imaginations of poets, painter, writers, and dreamers alike. Philip Plisson is highly regarded as a marine photographer and has here selected some of the finest of his works that explore the massive body of water, of history, of romance, of treacherous vagaries, and of man's humble intervention with oceans around the world.
   
   In rich color these photographs are most expressive when they deal solely with the body of water itself, the myriad surfaces of calm, tranquility, storm and rage and the eruptions of violence against rocks and cliffs and ships. Thankfully there are no written words to distract from the images, though there are notes in the postlude that describe the various areas of origin of the photographs.
   
   This is a book for lovers of the sea. In scale of the book's size as well as the content of visual imagination this is a mighty work. Or as Whitman phrased it 'Sail forth - steer for the deep waters only, Reckless, O soul, exploring...' Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, March 06



5. My husband saw this in a coffee shop one day and so I bought it for his birthday. THe pictures are absolutely beautiful and exquistitly done. Each picture has a caption to describe each scene. Would highly recommend to any water lover!

No comments about Dream Homes Pacific Northwest: An Exclusive Showcase of the Finest Architects, Designers & Builders in Oregon & Washington (Dream Homes).

No comments about Owls 2009 (Calendar).

No comments about Greece and the Greek Islands (Small Panorama).

4 comments about Saddle Up, Colorado.

1. I have purchased other trail books for colorado, but Sherry's book is by far the best! I can plan for a local day ride, or plan for a weekend get away (including trails, lodging, etc.) Can't wait for Book Number 2!



2. Yee Haw! Saddle up Colorado is here! Finally, a book for trail riders that gives comprehensive, usable and easy to read detail and does not take a lot of time to figure out what, where and how to find the trail of your desire! Sherry Snead ropes in the finite details of trails, location, parking, places to stay and distances to landmarks. A must read for every rider interested in hitting Colorado Trails with their horse!
   Saddle Up, Colorado



3. This book is remarkable & beautiful, in it's presentation and detail, on how to access the trails of Colorado. You need not look any further for a trails book if you love to trail ride and spend time with your horse. This book gives you all the information you will need for lodging, camping, horse hotels, trail maps and overall trail descriptions with beautiful color photos.
   Whether you are a horseman, hiker, biker or anybody who enjoys the great outdoors will love this book. This trails book is state wide, so if you want to go for 1 day or 1 week this book has it all and you will never run out of trails to ride, bike or hike.



4. Great idea and very well done! This is a beautiful, comprehensive, and intelligent guide book that features about 100 of the best trail rides in Colorado. With clear and concise details about degree of difficulty, elevation, dogs, whether or not shoes are recommended, fees, directions, maps, best season to go, and color photos, this book will make a great gift for all the people on my list who have horses and love to take them on trails. The photos are so great that I can picture myself there, especially the ones of places in Colorado I have already been. I love this book!

5 comments about The Last Day of Summer: Photographs by Jock Sturges.

1. Jock Sturges will probably stand as one of the great photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries....someday. His work with the friends and strangers who populate summer beaches and cottages where clothing is optional, year after year, testifies to his respect for his subjects and his affirming humanity. In current American culture, where hypersexuality is the marketing tool of choice, and merchants exploit every normal insecurity about appearance to sell endless crap to yearning multitudes, Sturges's pictures show us how beautiful we are, in all our shapes, sizes and ages, in nothing but the skin we are born with.
   
   As a photographer, I am amazed at Sturges's ability to convince people to simply offer themselves up to his visual instincts. He returns to the same venues again and again, and becomes part of the places himself, rather than an intruder, and the people in his photographs see the work that results. Seeing themselves as he sees them, they appear to trust him completely. He steals no souls, but rather, affirms the conviction that we have souls in the first place. When asked to suggest a present for my own 16 year old daughter, a young woman with endless interests and curiosity, including photography, I could think of no better work to show her at this point in her life.



2. This is what children, young people growing up, and parents with children look like: people in bathing suits, jeans, everyday attire, as well as nude. There are photographs on the beach, in a tree, on a tricycle (one of the best as a photographic design, in my opinion), in hammocks, standing...a whole range of locales and postures.
   
   While it astounds me that anyone could think this wonderful collection is child pornography, I *can* see the concern. There's no doubt in my mind that a genuine pedophile would be attracted to this, and for all the most unfortunate reasons. Still, this is an accurate and sensitive representation of something that seems almost vanished from the world--the innocence of people comfortable with themselves, their bodies, and with each other. Alas, this is our loss.
   
   This collection of touching, humorous, and occasionally beautiful photographs is our gain.



3. If you are after pictures for the sexual excitement, look somewhere else. Yes there are naked women and men, young women and men, and even boys and girls of adolescent age, but you'd have to have a pretty sick mind to find them sexually exciting.
   
   Rather on the contrary this are works of art with some of the best printing you'll see in your life (I'd love to see the originals, as I suspect as good as the book edition is, it still doesn't make it justice), with that simple beauty and simple "laiser faire" that is simply breathtaking.



4. Mr. Sturges first photography book, it shows the style his fans all know and love but as a first effort has a less polished feel to it. I was surprised to see some pictures taken in Rhode Island, the later books seem to consist of France, California and Oregon with no East Coast U.S.
   As always with Mr. Sturges books the subject matter is mostly nude but there are several clothed photos here as well, more than will be found in later books. The style is all well done,(many very nice images), the book is certainly worth owning but doesn't seem quite the quality of the books from "Radiant Identities" onward.



5. A superb example of natural people doing what comes naturally captured in a wholesome way. Through Jock Sturges' images, we see what we see around us every day - families growing older. His nudes are prime examples of beauty - of which Jock captures with a particular reverence. The subjects represent whole body acceptance - something our society lacks today. The book is well done, and the images crisp and of excellent tone.

1 comments about Hawaii: A Pictorial Celebration.

1. We have this book on our coffee table and everyone always comments on how beautiful it is. The photos are amazing- bright and clear, and take you back to vacation days in Hawaii...aaaah. And I've learned a lot about Hawaii from the history and commentary alongside the photos- Hawaiian history is really fascinating.

5 comments about The Hidden Gardens of Kyoto.

1. this is a book about not so common visited places, although tere are also some very "touristic" places. the pictures are nice to good, it gives a good overview about Kyoto. I was a little disapointed that the Nanzenji temple is not commented. but if you are fond of Japanese gardens it is a good picture book that give you ideas.



2. Great picture book, but there isn't much in the way of detailed commentary. Would have enjoyed this book a lot more if there had been some focus on exactly what was highlighted in the photo.



3. After visiting Kyoto , i think this book gives us many opportunities to appreciate so many details of the wonderful and chaming japanes gardens of the ancient Japan capital.
   And the pictures overall taken in fall period are much better,in my opinion, to the spring pictures



4. This a beautiful collection of large-sized well composed photographs of the different type of gardens found throughout Kyoto. They are accompanied with brief text on their design principles and historical background. Might proof useful as inspiration and reference for anyone writing and/or illustrating a story set in Feudal Japan like Samurai-Ninja stories. It might also be a nice surprise present to Anime/Manga fans by adding another dimension to their collections.



5. This book provides an excellent inside look at kyoto's historical gardens, though without much of the context in which they exist (e.g. surrounding city, houses). The photography is fantastic as it realistically shows the reader both the intricate details & broad strokes that make up these complex settings. Keep in mind, it is a serious piece of work and the descriptions are somewhat short and/or dry (but maybe that's the point).

5 comments about The Doors of San Miguel De Allende.

1. There is no doubt that this book contains fine photography of a very interesting subject. I just wish, however, I paid more attention to the product description: Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches. This is not a coffee table book, and each photograph is 4.25 x 6.5 inches. So don't expect a book of the dimension that usually does justice to these types of photos. Let's just say that I wish I had a much larger format with which to enjoy the author's work.
   
   That said and out of the way, the author/photographer hits the mark exactly with a very intriguing facet of Old Mexico and the charming colonial city of San Miguel de Allende. Cities like this have an ancient patina to them, something that only history and time can impart. Like most art, you either get it or you don't, and this author gets it.
   
   The book isn't a metaphor to life inside the city, it is exactly what the title states - a collection of beautifully photographed handcrafted doors. But there is more; even if you have not made the journey to Old Mexico, you begin to know it by the faces of these doors. Much like human faces, there is embedded in each a perspective of a life lived and served, and serving, such that the reader/observer begins to wonder about the depths of the soul of each residence.
   
   I have been to San Miguel de Allende on one of several motorcyle journeys through Mexico. It is a land of enchantment, wonderful history, lively tradtions, excellent food, and most of all, a rich culture and some of the most vibrant, friendly people in all the world. They literally open their hearts - and doors - to all who travel and visit with humility and respect.
   
   This book deserves a larger footprint to display the author's work. But since it does not, I hope it serves as a teaser to those who have never been to San Miguel, or Guanajuato, or Zacatecas and the like - to go and see, and open, doors both literally and figuratively to a world so close yet so far away. Viva Old Mexico!



2. but if not, you'll be bored senseless.



3. This book was purchased as a gift for me. I am a subscriber to International Living, and San Miguel is a long-time favorite of theirs.
   
   I mentioned this, and the way the city had piqued my interest, to a family member. She then promptly went online and ordered this book for me.
   
   It is for this reason that I issue the following warning: the title should be taken LITERALLY, not figuratively.
   
   It could be read either way, but this book is NOT about opening the metaphorical doors to life in San Miguel. You will not look in these pages and then find the metaphorical doors to San Miguel thrown open to your understanding and appreciation. You will not learn about expat or local life in this historical city. And you will not find yourself frequently referring back here as you plan your trip or your move.
   
   What you WILL find, seriously, is heaps about the actual physical doorways on buildings in San Miguel.
   
   If you WANT the world's premiere photo-essay collection about the doorways in San Miguel, then this is a five-star tome all the way. Look all you want, you won't find better. If you want info about the city and culture of this red-hot expat community, look elsewhere.



4. If you are looking for rustic colonial or American Southwest doors then this book is a must buy. - jim



5. If you are looking for information about San Miguel, this book does NOT provide it! Very little written...too many door photos!