1 comments about Cool Restaurants Milan (Cool Restaurants).

1. So dining in Milano is quite pricey eh? Very true in il centro (downtown). Milano is hub of the italian fashion world and the designers are even making their mark on the dining scene. Flip open this book and this is evident as the list includes Emporio Armani's Cafe, Just Cavalli's very trendy ristorante. Giorgio Armani's fusion ristorante Nobu. Entries that I agree with in this book are Gioia 69, Le Noir, Light & Noy. While not making the books list also D&G, Gucci, Trussardi to name a few , also have chic dining spots in Milano. Forgot to mention, this comes from me, an Italian travel specialist who continuously keeps an eye on the dining scene in all major Italian citti.

1 comments about Cutting Edge: Japanese Swords in the British Museum.

1. In a very few words, this book is informative to both the newcomer and the more advanced collector. The historical and technical information is authoratative and concise, but the best part of the book are the incredible photos of the blades. These are the best photos I have ever seen, you can actually see the hamons and hadas which are also described in the text. It is extremely difficult to take photos like these, and in many books you can see the blade but not the individual characteristics which actually give the beauty to the blade.

1 comments about Playing Chess With the Heart: Beatrice Wood at 100.

1. Absolutely stunning, glorious and sensual black and white photos of Beatrice Wood.
   
   B. Wood conveys in her photos that life can be lived with enthusiasm and zeal at 100 years old.
   
   She inspires me on every level as a woman.
   
   A small yet magnificent book.

4 comments about Picturing Men: A Century of Male Relationships in Everyday American Photography.

1. Since I came to this country almost forty years ago, I have always felt American males are the most isolated, and handicapped emotionally in the world. I don't classify this book as gay history, but it is a book on visual testaments of male emotions(affections?) when it was intact. This book will give you a smile you didn't know you had. I sincerly, and eagerly wish that we take few deep breaths, and take few backward steps to regain what we have lost not too long ago. LOVE. I thank you for this book.



2. I bought this for my best friend who's gay. I almost hesitated doing so, the men in these photographs leave a WHOLE lot to be desired. He likes it, though, because he has a few of these old postcards, and is a photography buff to boot. So, I supposed just based on that, if someone you know shares that interest, they may like it.



3. Writing in an erudite, scholarly manner Professor John Ibson has managed to present a substantive survey of the evolution of male gender perception in his PICTURING MEN: A Century of Male Relationships in Everyday American Photography. And for all its heavily researched scholarship, Ibson also has created a very tender elegy about the history of male intimacy, tracing the genuinely warm comraderie as depicted in extant studio and personal photographs rom the mid 19th Century to the gradual emergence of homophobia after World War II.

   This is a book that probably is best read twice: the first 'read' should be a slow thumbing through the pages of wonderfully tender and humorous photographs of men in pairs, in poses, in groups of pageant/pantomime, in dorm rooms, barracks, and in nature. The second read should be on of thoughtful attention paid to the written word, an experience which is never cloyingly sentimental, yet ever mindful of the sad fact that our society has created a ban on men expressing tenderness to other men. He wisely shows the tendency to use rough-housing and elaborate greeting techniques to convey the feelings now considered not only 'inappropriate' but worse - as in the 'Don't ask, don't tell' stance of the military. In the most sensitive chapter of this gentile book Ibson studies life in the military from the Civil War through World War II, pointing out both sides of the argument that war and its accompanying terror encourages men to bond, at least psychologically if not sexually. And in keeping with the tenor of the title "in Everyday American Photography" he references the manner in which Life Magazine - that pre-internet, pre-mass media resource which shouldered the burden of documenting for Americans how things were - shows the intensity of male relationships during WW II and its waning in the 1950s.

   Ibson is careful to remind us that his picture research comes from his own collection of photographs gathered from swap meets, antique stores, and auctions and that his own feelings are supported by such disparate sources as songs (especially "My Buddy"), memoirs of soldiers, studies of wars by such men as Stephen Ambrose, John Horne Burns, Norman Mailer, and Allen Drury, and movies. In other words, this book stands solidly as a statement about the sad loss of man's ability to accept intimacy, especially when it comes to his fellowman. A beautifully written, highly readable, very valuable book and treatise.




4. When my son first told me about this book, he had seen it briefly at a book signing. He told me that it was "a collection of old pictures of men together," and that it was not meant to be eroticism. He was right on both counts, but the book is so much more than that. It is a chronicle--historical documentation of a segment of our culture, a glimpse of part of who we were as a society that might have been lost had not John Ibson meticulously produced this work. Can you imagine that at one time in the not so distant past, men of all walks of life--cowboys, soldiers, athletes, businessmen--felt comfortable enough with each other to display their kinship openly? A hand laid firmly on a shoulder or knee, an arm draped around another man's neck--regardless of sexual orientation, these were demonstrations of genuine affection. I bought the book because I love black and white photography and for that I knew I would appreciate the book's significance. But there is far more there; John's commentary on the culture of our times is well-researched, insightful, and extremely well-written. For historians, sociologists, collectors and artists, this book is a must.

5 comments about Trek: David Carson, Recent Werk.

1. I think, its one of those books which are useless and less informative... yes it has unique visual appeal but thats not new now, since the age of photoshop all desktop artists are experimenting Design, Type and Photography...So thats what you will find in this book, after every 2 months i try to open it and try to make any sense of this huge,heavy dumb book...but invain. I think its better to buy his previous books rather than buying TREK or TRAP.
   Its Sick!



2. This book got me real excited, before i'd even received it. I waited for it to come from the US to the UK so I could buy it at a price I could afford, and today it came. What a big, beautiful, inspiring book. I'm already a Carson fan, but this book is superb, it's got the lot. I've had and sold all of his earlier books, and figured that this one would make a good replacement for it. I underestimated it's value and content. This book is ten times better than all his other books rolled into one. It's got all the best bits, then some. It's up to date, it's full colour, it's a MASSIVE visual experience. Now I'm a painter, and occasionally a photographer, but I used to be a graphic designer. This book inspires me now. It makes we want to go paint, to go shoot photos, to make collage.
   
   Get it, now, while you can, you couldn't possibly regret it. It's an awesome bargain...



3. Trek is a journey of David Carsons later works....proving that he has an eye for great 'instant' photographic images..the digital age..again a 'tool' in this techno age we live in...yet, Carson has the ability to place the image within a graphic context...making the work appear carefree and accidental..the volume of work and time, cocooned in this portable library is overwhelming..the dedication involved, along with the editing process are themselves masterpieces..take a look if you step outside the 'norm'...



4. What else can you say to this book when you see 400 pages plus of David Carson recent works? This book is one of a kind design book that will answer all your design influence. This book is marveleous and superbly done and when the first time i open this book, the first thing that came out of my mouth is "Oh! My God!". For those who missed Ray Gun a lot, then Trek will answer all your misery of missing Ray Gun.
   
   If you a designer that love Pop Art and Fonts very much, then this book is the right answer. For me, this book is the dictionary of design influence and idea. Don't buy this book if you not a designer because you won't like it.
   
   From the first time i opened this book, i've been using this book as my guide book of all my design since then. Truly, David Carson is my idol!



5. what i enjoy about carson's work, and what this book represents, is a lot of inspiration that can be applied anywhere. i've always felt carson works from a foundation of ideas that root the work, but then a certain immediateness, a looseness, that allows the work to feel fresh and contemporary. thank you, david, for another great book.

5 comments about They All Fall Down: Richard Nickel's Struggle to Save America's Architecture.

1. This book works on so many levels. Despite the rather dry-sounding title, it tells the story like a thriller novel. I found myself constantly trying to get to the next page to find out what happens next?? The book starts off with the frantic 2 week search for Nickel's body in the rubble of the old Stock Exchange building in 1972. Demolition is stopped while the building teeters on the verge of collapse in the heart of Chicago's business district. The book then flashes back and traces Nickel's career and his odyssey to save what he could of Sullivan's masterpieces as building after building after building was intentionally destroyed in the name of "progress". Along the way, the author weaves in tales of the history of some of the buildings, paints us pictures of the city and the politics of the time, and includes key characters such as Richard J. Daley, Frank Lloyd Wright, Leon Despres, Tim Samuelson, and others. There are tales of payoffs, double-dealing, and night time raids on old buildings. The book is meticulously researched, provides numerous quotes from Nickel's letters, other personal interviews, documents, and photos, none of which are extra baggage, but instead bring the story to life in a most touching way. The real heartbreaker of the book is that so little has changed since Nickel's death. Today, over 30 years later, nearly every week in Chicago, buildings designated as Chicago landmarks are torn down, or irreversibly altered, as Chicago continues to have exceptionally weak preservation ordinances. A building that would be considered the pride of a community in any other town, is ripped to shreds here without a second thought, if there is money to be made on the deal. If you are interested in Chicago architecture, the history of the preservation movement, Louis Sullivan, or Richard Nickel, this book is an essential.



2. Richard Nickels was a strange fellow, and I don't know if most people would be comfortable in his company. He desperately wanted to save what he considered to be Chicago's architectural landmarks, but in the end grew terribly disconsolate, finding few allies in Mayor Daley or others within the city's power structure. He managed to save many bits and pieces before the wrecker's ball arrived, some of which went to Southern Illinois University, but tons of which ended up in landfills after his death. Do you need this book? If it sickens you to see a beautiful old building torn down, then yes. If you read "Lost Chicago" and were amazed at the priceless treasures we've squandered, then yes. If you think the now burgeoning architectural salvage industry is a good thing, then yes. Nickels fought to save buildings, but when that failed, he saved everything he could. The book doesn't claim he was a pioneer or innovator in that regard, but then I haven't heard of anyone else who dedicated their life to the field. The Trading Room from the Stock Exchange Building - where Nickel's died - survives in the Art Institute of Chicago today only because of his efforts. We almost certainly owe him a far greater debt than the book has claimed, since he helped to publicize the threat to our architectural heritage and started building a consensus towards preservation and salvage. The book will amaze and annoy you. You'll learn much more about Nickels' personal life than you would want to know. You'll wish he had finished some of the writing projects he started. And you'll wonder how much more he might have accomplished if he had lived a bit longer. It's a book that makes you think, and one you won't soon forget. - tjm



3. I ate this book up! Nickel's photgraphs are outstanding, and his dedication to salvaging historical buildings is heroic. The historic preservation movement owes an enormous debt to this man.



4. I ate this book up! Nickel's photgraphs are outstanding, and his dedication to salvaging historical buildings is heroic. The historic preservation movement owes an enormous debt to this man.



5. The story of Richard Nickel, who loved buildings of Adler & Sullivan fame. A wonderfully well-written book. I saw it in the library, and to my own amazement, could not put it down when I got home. Even if you know little about archetecture, you will love this book for it's story, the life and love of Nickel. Who I call with slight tongue-in-cheek a nerd.

No comments about Magnum.

5 comments about Masters of Light: Conversations with Contemporary Cinematographers.

1. Trough conversations held with fifteen of the most accomplished contemporary cinematographers , the authors explore the working world of the person who controls the visual look and style of a film. In the past two decades a whole new generation of cinematographers has emerged on the international film scene. Often using spare and original lighting and camera techniques that would have horrified oldtime Hollywood, directors of photography have made a public mark on the film-making process that was all but unthinkable in earlier years. No other volume of in-depth conversations with generation of cinematographers is available to students and moviegoers. These interviews are rich in practical detail as well as stimulating discussions of aesthetic issues. Thus, reading this book is like taking a class from fifteen top cameramen. Taken together, the conversation in this book reveal the remarkable range of creativity and dedication demanded of the visual artist in feature filmmaking today.



2. I like hearing anyone discuss cameras and techniques except sheep. It seems the newer generation(now old) of cinematographers say exactly what their peers say. 1)Hollywood bad 2)minimalism good 3)Thank God for faster film/ available light 4)newer lenses are too sharp? 5)My lower region fell asleep
   6) that's not an entirely bad thing.



3. The best book I have ever read in terms of intimately understanding the art and passion of the Cinematographer. All the interviews are great but the interview of Conrad Hall, ASC shines brighter now that he has passed on.
   Must have.



4. This book almost made me cry. Although I'm more involved with directing itself than DoP functions it made me really want to get deeply involved in photography.

   It gives an inside overview by the absolute pros in the matter wisely interviewed about the highlights in their careers, their careers as DoPs, their relationships with the directors and the technical secrets of well-known films and blockbusters.

   A must for everybody involved in film or filmlovers!!




5. Each chapter is an exciting, revealing conversation with a well known, talented Director of Photography. A great first hand way to learn why the films you love look the way they do.

No comments about Mystique's Totally Nude Sirens 2009 Wall Calendar.

5 comments about The Best of Digital Wedding Photography.

1. I'm very disappointed I'm buying books because I like to learn,If you want a a really good book on digital photography, try Scott Kelby's Digital Photography book.



2. The digital age has arrived and Bill Hurter depicts why it is also the golden age of photography. Digital photography offers an unlimited ceiling of opportunity for both photographers and their clients, especially in the feild of wedding photography. In this book you will acquire the knowledge to exploit these opportunities to produce premium images. The format transitions nicely from the preparation stages to equipment, techniques, workflow, color perfection, photoshop strategies and digital albums. The words of dozens of accomplished professionals illustrate from cover to cover and their insight help exemplify the author's quest.



3. I didn't come away learning much about weddings; however, the images are inspiring. Maybe you should buy this book combining with Glen Johnson's who has more practical tips and suggestions.



4. Since I am new to wedding photography, I was looking for a how to, trick of the trades, how to enhance my shooting skill kind of book. I did not find much of info in this book that I need. There are many very nice photographs in the book but little of explanation on how the the photographs were taken, etc.
   
   I guess I need to look for another wedding photography book.



5. Most of the information seems to be filler. A lot of info in this book is in your manual that came with your camera. Some very nice photographs which were taken by various photographer but not as much as I was looking for in the way of how to!! As improvement from where I am. I gave the book one star but wish I had bumped it up to 2 or 3. I can always learn something from any book. I just didn't personally gain as much as I would have liked from this one. If a person learns one two or three or more very good pointers from a book it may be worth the cost. We all work hard for what we get paid and I just like to get the most for the bucks I spend. That just didn't seem to be the case with this book.