5 comments about Air Guitar.

1. For the most part, art critism is pretty dry, boring stuff. In Hickey's hands, it's much more lively. The writing is pretty crisp and engaging. Hickey uses all sorts of literary devices to get his points across- some with more success than others. Overall, it's the kind of book you enjoy to read. Rare in this genre.
   
   The basic "marketplace" angle he takes on the quality of art is pretty edgey. The art world is pretty dominated by those with intense socialist leanings, so his point of view is a nice contrast. He manages to inform us without being too snotty about it.



2. "Air Guitar" is Hickey's characterization of critical writing, it's direct relationship to its subject(s) being of approximately equal import as a person playing air guitar in his living room is to a rock concert. In the words of Vladimir Horowitz, the concert pianist, it is "the words without the music." That being said, it's damned interesting, all the same, especially when approached this way. Hickey's favorite technique is to take two seemingly disparate things and to discuss the way in which they inform each other, all the while examining the net effect on his life as your basic, educated, ambitious Joe trying to fill the "great gap of time" between birth and death with a mind boggling array of interesting experiences. In this way, they're more 'think pieces' than academic essays. I'll admit, there were moments when my brain hurt; but most of the time, I was enjoying his company and his facility for mental gymnastics -- and the obvious pleasure he took in it personally. I heard of this book on a radio interview (Fresh Air? Diane Rehm Show?) and bought it specifically so that I could have my own personal copy of "My Weimar" -- a spectacular, 'where am I in the grand sceme of things now' type touchstone. Reading the whole book as a part of a recent essay jag, I found it all equally challenging, equally enjoyable.



3. Ignore all of the negative press--decide for yourself and read the book (contrary to the opinions of some reviewers, this book is not hard to read). Yes, Dave frequently uses the word "quotidian" (Oh noooo!!!) and the cover may be too much if you have bad "good" taste. And at times, having to learn a new word is required (Is that a bad thing?). I think Hickey would say, that what all of the reviewers on this page are involved in, is exactly what he is arguing for--democratic discussion of the art that does or does not move you.



4. OK, granted, this is this first thing I've read by Dave Hickey, so I may not be giving his overall legacy a fair review. I know he's been around for awhile and has made numerous contributions to many top-notch magazines and journals. This book was recommended to me by a guy in a Williamsburg bookshop, and despite the pretentious accusation of 'genius' slapped on the front cover, I glanced through the book (spotting some obviously great writing) and bought it on the spot.
   I was really taken by his unabashed, intimate style for several chapters of the book, until he began his defenses of art dealing and art criticism and his pompous attacks on 'spectators' versus 'participants' (are critics participants?) in his version of the art world. Sorry Dave, this doesn't wash and you know it --- simply announcing that 'Art is not a commodity' simplifies a huge can of worms best dealt with by Debord or even Hakim Bey, not by an art dealer aspiring to belong to this community, rather than getting dirty in the spectating and profiteering himself. When I hit the end of a couple of these verbose defenses of his history of 'dirty occupations', I was left thinking, 'Is it that important you were an art dealer?', or 'Who really cares that you're an art critic?'.
   I simply want to be regaled with tales of Sigfried and Roy, or stomp in the boots of Hank Williams, or read Dave's ridiculous opinions on Chet Baker and, most importantly, laugh (or even smile out loud). This is where he is at his best, and consequently where the book shines. It is great writing, indeed, but too bad Dave feels it's necessary to namedrop and pontificate to purge himself from the sea of soulless art critics. Just do what you do best, and write!



5. I'm ready- couldn't wait. Finished a book by Leo Marks who was codemaker for SOE during wwii which was very interesting and surprisingly compelling- even when he described the basics of codes and betrayals. But it tired me out in alot of ways. So Hickey seemed a good way to go: clear and noncant according to reputation. Plus I read an interview Hickey gave to a colorado newspaper where he was spot on even if his stevedoreness was a little droll coming from a man obvious bored with small pieties. Started it last night and I'm already wavering. My initial enthusiasm is slightly dampened by his repeated use of the word "quotidian" and his p'haps too obvious placement of himself as heavy meta dude who hangs with grass in Mexico and in the next breath is able for instance claim that Norman Rockwell is, in fact, a great democratic artist with impressive technical skills. He claims too that every artist he knows admires Rockwell. I always thought it was schlock- I could be wrong- (I think Rockwell leads to Tarantino) but what worries me is that Hickey seems willing to take a perverse position for the pleasure of taking a perverse position. Well that's OK but he isn't Panofsky. He's acrobatic and synthetic- but afterwards like any dance by Arthur Murray you wonder what you have experienced and when.
   The book cover is terrible, almost the worst I have ever seen which again suggests a willful postmodern banality offered w/o irony which is the hippest position possible. Says Sean Puffy Combs, Puff Daddy, P Daddy, P Diddy: "its all good." He's a genius too.

1 comments about Microstock Photography: How to Make Money from Your Digital Images.

1. As a stock photographer myself, I've wanted to find more about microstock photography, but there is little information online and I had never seen a book on the subject before this one. Consequently I read Douglas Freer's book with excitement and enthusuasm. I was not disappointed. This book is a gem. It is written in an easy read but informative style and is lavishly but relevantly illustrated. It's a grandiose claim to say that you will find all the information you need to become a successful microstock photographer within its pages, yet I can honestly say that I don't see what else could have been added. The book covers everything from equipment and subject matter to the microstocks themselves and how to submit your images in a way that gives you the best chances of acceptance. Thank you Douglas for such a well written, fun and enlightening read.

3 comments about Introduction To Lapidary (Jewelry Crafts).

1. This book is great for beginners. It contains a lot of good information covering a wide range of lapidary subjects; such as faceting, cabbing and tumbling. It also covers most of the equipment you would need and gives advice an purchasing the equipment.



2. Oh my goodness! Such a great resource for information on all aspects of lapidary and jewelry design! This is a must-have reference!



3. Introduction to Lapidary by Pansy D. Kraus is a 'breath of fresh air'. Kraus provides a general introduction to Lapidary as a hobby and the many different techniques that can be applied to gems (Agates), precious (Diamonds) and semi-precious stones (Sapphires). Kraus includes many pictures and photos together with an easy to read common sense approach to Lapidary and the equipment.

   Each section provides information on equipment, methods, materials, and techniques for producing that perfect work of art !

   Key sections include; a brief history of lapidary, rock tumbling (polishing rough shaped stones), cabochons (polished curved stones - eg: Agates), lapping gemstones (flat polished stones), gem sphere and bead making, inlay/mosaics, gem carving (eg: Jade), and faceting (eg: Polishing Sapphire and Topaz).

   Kraus has also included a section on general technical data that is essential for any one interested in Lapidary. Tables and charts are provided on; gem and material properties, conversion tables, critical angles and key speeds for cutting and polishing stones.

   An additional section is also provided with useful references and magazines.

   Lapidary for Beginners is an essential for anyone interested in starting this interesting and fascinating hobby. A good place to start for beginners which will give you a great reference as you pursue the different kinds of lapidary.

5 comments about Photo Idea Index.

1. I own many of Jim Krause books. I've always enjoyed how he gives you examples on how to make a project better. This book was great. He gives lots of examples of photography, and how you can make a picture better. He doesn't say how you should do each photo but rather he shows how you might do it. As the photographer you need to figure a scene out and what work best. Krause shows you what might work best with this book. He also gives lots of tips on how to use photo editing programs(such as photoshop) to make your photos better or stand out. If you're a learning photographer this book will help to jump start your mind.



2. This book is very inspiring, and has a lot of great Ideas. I was kind of in a slump and this book helped get me out of it. Many excellent shots. Even people w/o SLR's could really get inspired from it.



3. This book doesn't try to teach you everything there is to know on photography. But then again, do you really need to know everything? That's the real power of this book -- Inspiring and motivating you to get off your butt and start doing stuff. Any stuff, your way. You don't need fancy equipment. You don't need to be a technical guru. Just read this book and start exploring and enjoying photography.
   
   I love the practicality of it -- from the physical feel of the book in your hands, to the readily-usable information inside. It's nice to keep around -- browse through it and kick-start your creativity.
   
   It pushed my photos to the next level -- I grew accustomed getting appreciation for them from various people. It's a book you can still enjoy even after many reads. One of my most prized books.



4. Great book for inspiring ideas. Love the "field guide" layout. Makes for quick reference. A must for every amateur photographer's library.



5. When you have reached, or think that you have reached what you feel is the zenith of your photographic skills, read this book and discover a whole new world of seeing and painting with light.

5 comments about The Confused Photographer's Guide to Photographic Exposure and the Simplified Zone System.

1. I really like this book. It consists of exercises & a bit of theory, the book is filled with learning examples to understand exposure. A brilliant idea & well worth the money.



2. This is succinct and straight to the point. I have been looking for something like this for years. If a highly trained 76 year old idiot like me understands the methodology and make it work , anyone can. Cannot praise it highly enough.



3. I am a rank amateur just entering the world of photography and have struggles with trying to understand the concepts of exposure .....Well I have read ton's of books and articles but NOW is the first time that I have understood all of it. The book is amazing . It is written for the novice and for that I am grateful. but there is plenty in here for the experience photographer as well. I can't recommend this book highly enough. If you are serious about getting better shots this is definitely a book you need to read.



4. I bought this book primarily for my 17 year old son who knows nothing about exposure. It is probably not bad for a rank beginner, but the whole thing could have easily been condensed and thoroughly discussed in 30-40 pages. I fear my fairly intelligent son will be just about as bored as I was even though he doesn't understand exposure and I've been taking pictures for 40+ years.



5. The Confused Photographer's Guide to Photographic Exposure and the Simplified Zone System
   
   I am a beginner to the world of photography.The reason for me to buy this book was the difficulty with getting a correct exposure to suit different lighting conditions and objects.
   After reading this book now I am able to get a correct exposure and make it quickly.
   
   This is the best book I read which is intended for beginners as well.Book provides a lot of details in a very easy to understand format.Ample graphics are used and the Author gradually takes the reader from very basic exposure techniques to more advanced ways.Further he provides some quick steps as well.

5 comments about Taryn Simon: An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar.

1. it wasn't as i expected, small pictures, as unique as they were very few were visually stunning.



2. This book creates its own space in a way only a few can do. Its images are (almost all) just right - including the right size. They aren't large but they invite intense observation and they look terrific.



3. This subject matter and the photos are interesting, but as a book it is lacking. The book is what I would call 'pretentious', in that there is alot of space wasted in the pages to make it look more 'arty'. Waste of paper is waht I call it. The photos are also too small for the available paper space. All in all, good intentions, but the publisher seems to have ruined it. Not recommended.



4. For people who are interested in photo art Simons Book ist a must have. Her intelligently chosen situations - the hidden and unfamiliar - remind me in their cool and calm way of being photographed the work of Edward Hopper. Simon absolutely knows how to catch the right moment and the right light. You get a view deeply below the surface of our modern civilisation.
   Beside of this, the book is of great heavy quality, it's worth its price.
   Well done, Taryn!



5. It's really amazing all the work and effort that was put into creating these images. I saw her show at The Whitney like the other reviewer, and i really enjoyed her work so i bought the book on amazon (I'm not trying to plug amazon, but it was a lot cheaper here than other places i looked) The photographs absolutely stand on their own, but the captions are extremely important to the images. The book is simple, as are the images, but it is definately unique and unfamiliar.

5 comments about Iceland: Land of the Sagas.

1. This is an absolutely gorgeous book...the photographs inspire one to call Icelandic Air and make a reservation asap! Iceland, a placenot to be missed!



2. Awesome photographs and well written, you will want to visit this wonderful landscape.



3. I recently visited Iceland for a a couple days enroute from Europe to the US and found myself enchanted by the country and its people. Returning home, I immediately wanted to purchase a book that would give me a better understanding of the culture, the land, and the history. This book has it all, and has filled me with interesting facts and stories, not to mention the beautiful visuals the photographs give. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in or loves Iceland.



4. Well, I must admit a slight "prejudice" regarding this book. I bought it because I've already read all the other books by Jon Krakauer (and loved every one a bunch!). But, this book is quite different from any other that Krakauer has been involved in. Right on the front cover it says "Photographs by Jon Krakauer Text by David Roberts" so I guess I shouldn't really have been all that surprised by the "difference." In fact, I have no choice but to believe that virtually everything that Jon Krakauer lays his hands on turns to gold somehow (this book is no different in this regard), since he absolutely has to be a severely super-experienced pro explorer, mountain climber, skier, paddler, writer and now, photographer, as well, judging from all he's written. If anything, he "under" emphasizes the feelings and emotions, at least, for those of us who've had at least a small taste of the miseries, dangers and pitfalls-- weather can play a big role-- that befall nearly every person who does these things. At some point, if your heart is in it at all, you'll get the crap scared out of you big time, unless you are completely out of your mind, either due to drugs, insanity or whatever. Krakauer is amazing at writing about all of this and more, but you'll find none of that in this book, at least none written by Krakauer. Nonetheless, as I said, Krakauer does anything and everything to perfection and with class, and in this book the text by David Roberts is nothing to boo-hoo at all. He is the equal of Krakauer in his own writing style and he tells great stories which are parts of the endless "sagas" that go on for centuries there, part of ordinary everyday life and culture for an Icelander, but a strange curiosity for foreigners from afar. Krakauer deferred to Roberts here most likely for a couple reasons; because he thought Roberts knew more and could write easier and with better results regarding Iceland, and he probably wanted to focus on developing yet another great natural talent of his own, photography, especially in such a surreal and amazingly different place that most peoples of the world aren't very familiar with. I'm guessing here, but the end results are superb. I know there are the little issues of content and various criticisms about whether they covered Iceland in a "balanced" and "informative" way, or whether the photos really represent the "true Iceland" that you'd see and experience should you take a "normal" vacation there (if there is such a thing). But those types of travel info books can be gotten by buying the title "Iceland" from any number of companies like Frommers or Fodors to many lesser known and more colorfully illustrated travel books that may or may not have as current of info as these well-known ones. I'm sure this is NOT the genre that Roberts and Krakauer had in mind when doing this book. Their book should be in that genre, too, but is very much more than that and I can definitely recommend it for anyone interested in Iceland, whether you have been there, are going there soon or maybe never will go there, but just want to know about the place. This title must be on your Iceland (or Jon Krakauer or David Roberts) list, whether short or long!



5. For anyone into the wild and all pure nature of Iceland, this is a good but advanced start. Try taking Njall's Saga at one hand and this very good-quality pictured book at the other and flip through the pages as you learn more about the Saga, the characters and the actual places where all these wild yet quite Icelandic bravery epic stories took place.This book is also great for anyone who would want to pursue a deeper understanding of the life during 1000 - when Christianity was adopted in Iceland. Again in this book you will get to read parts from various sagas, see turf homes and get a taste of pure Iceland. Enjoy it.

5 comments about The Underwater Photographer, Third Edition: Digital and Traditional Techniques.

1. The book has beautiful illustrations and is easy reading. Underwater photography is covered in detail. Plenty of how to information. The book is worth reading twice and using for reference.



2. I have some experience with underwater photography, but am completely new to DSLR's. This is a fantastic book that provides not just the basics, but advanced techniques to improve your underwater photography. Step by step, broken down into manageable chapters, tips and settings to start out with, this inspiring book has it all. After reading this, I can't wait to get in the water!



3. this book did nothing for me, because amazon have never given me the chance to read it as it has taken 5 weeks to deliver it, tip from me, dont ask for a review untill you have actually delivered the goods.sorry amazon, my new name for you is"amazed-its-gone" because you dont seemed to be able to deliver the service in the right order!!!
   happy new year!! only because i live in hope that i might get my book by then.



4. The couple of poor reviews notwithstanding, this is the best focused reference on digital underwater photography I have seen so far. It is composed of bite-sized chunks of information that covers different aspects of the problem. I like the references to different techniques, lighting, burn-out, and all the other little tips that take a long time to figure out on your own. It also has great advice like how to set your camera if you are swimming around with nothing particular in mind to photograph. About the only thing I think is missing is better coverage of shooting with the ubiquitous compact cameras. That's the only reason I gave it a four. The compact photographer still has a lot to get from this book, but an awful lot is designed for the SLR shooter. Still, I recommend this book to my underwater photo students.



5. This is a great book - highly recommended by many divers. I am more than happy to recommend this book to other divers who have a decent understanding of photography and are looking to expand their knowledge of u/w photography.

5 comments about Core Memory: A Visual Survey of Vintage Computers.

1. It's absolutely wonderful to see these pioneering machines - many of which no longer exist in working form - commemorated in this way. The photography is superb, the range of machines covered is broad, the print quality is excellent.
   
   But I find myself wanting more. More photographs of each machine, and more information. Or at very least pointers to easily obtained information - the few references given are obscure and impossibel to access outside of a large, US, academic library.
   
   A great gift book - especially for those newbies who think that the first computer was called the IBM PC, or the Apple ][.



2. This book is a wonderful trip back in time for those of us old enough to have lived through most of the computer age. I saw front panels and innards of computers I had programmed years ago that were almost forgotten.
   
   If you're an old timer, this book will bring on waves of nostalgia. If you are younger, you'll get a look at how computers were made back when the parts were still big enough to see.
   
   Highly recommended!



3. I was hoping for more of a home computing persepctive, circa the 80s. This is more commercial and we don't see the apple or c64 til the end of the book. However, the photography is superb, though it comes off as being a bit nerd fetishist.



4. This book is a stunningly beautiful work of art. With well-composed shots of decades' worth of computers, it's a joy to look at.
   
   However, the book is not anything like a comprehensive computer history. Each computer covered has just a short description, enough to give it some context. Nor are the pictures of each computer comprehensive; clearly, they've been chosen for their artistic value, not to give an overall view of the machine.
   
   I will admit that the pictures were still enough to take me down memory lane, even if for me that starts with the Apple ][ and TRS-80. But, I didn't learn anything about those computers that I didn't already know.
   
   So, as long as you're willing to approach this as an art photography book, I highly recommend it. If you're looking for a history of computing, this isn't it.



5. This is a great gift for the geek on your Christmas list. I'm and old computer scientist, and this book made it's round in the office among a number of engineering crew. (I know I'm an old computer geek when the second computer I programmed made page 2.
   
   Pictures are nicely done, great conversation piece... for geeks.

No comments about David Busch's Quick Snap Guide To Lighting.