5 comments about ArtSpeak : A Guide to Contemporary Ideas, Movements, and Buzzwords, 1945 to the Present (Speak Series).

1. I recently completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and this book was very helpful as a reference for my art history classes!



2. I am a docent and at times a docent trainer, and this guide came in very handy when I was preparing for an exhibition on contemporary artists. It is well-written, to the point, and has extensive coverage for a little book!



3. I'm a BFA student at Virginia Tech heading to grad school and this is an excellent book to teach from, have as a reference, or just thumb through for fun. Simple and succinct while still thorough. It's really an invaluable thing to have for ready info at your fingertips. This book has been part of the curriculum here for Performance Art, Found Object Sculpture, and Installation classes, and everyone in the class universally approves and finds it helpful.



4. Perfect for writing critiques and analyses from all art movements. Great glossary of terms for a beginning art student looking up hard-to-understand words in text books.



5. A glossary of art terms. This book is a definite must for those writing analyses of art. It's also good for looking up those tricky terms in your text books. It is filled with artsy terms and illustrations. I used it in all my art history classes.

5 comments about Sacred Earth: Places of Peace and Power.

1. Clearly this is not another coffee table book. Even so, it could grace any coffee table, or bookshelf anywhere in the world. National Geographic photographer, Martin Gray, displays his lifework in this treatise, as he portrays his ongoing love affair with the earth in exquisite and stunningly expressive photography.
   
   The motivating factor behind these photographs has been threefold. The first was to "gather evidence showing that many pre-industrial cultures, recognized the earth as a sacred being, worthy of deep respect". The second was, to document, on film "the world's sacred architecture, the most sublime example of human artistic expression, before it is lost to the ravages of modernization". The third reason was "to study the miraculous phenomena reported at sacred sites around the world".
   
   To this effect, this volume contains pictures of many of the well-known sacred and religious shrines of the world. The first section deals with pictures of sites in Europe, taken by the author during a year's bicycle tour. Starting with Stonehenge and other megalithic monuments and other similarly mystical sites in the British Isles and Western Europe, he goes on to present photographs of holy shrines associated with the early era of Christianity. Some of these are major pilgrimage centers such as the Cathedral of Compostela, the Church of La Magdalena, and Avila in Spain, Mont St. Michel, Notre Dame, Our Lady of Lourdes in France and our lady of Fatima in Portugal. Thereafter, lesser known monuments in Continental Europe appear. The emphasis goes on to Grecian influences, there is a fine picture of Mount Olympus and the Parthenon among others.
   
   The second section takes up the Middle East and North Africa. Here the author proceeds eastwards, starting from remnants of Grecian and Christian ruins from Turkey to a beautiful cityscape of Jerusalem and other Jewish shrines. This is followed by rare pictures of the Kaaba in Mecca and Medina. The towering peaks of Mount Olympus as seen from Armenia are followed by remnants of Sufi shrines in Iran, after which appear the Pyramids, the Sphinx and other structures of Ancient Egypt. Other sacred Christian and Islamic sites from Ethiopia, Tunisia, Mali and Morocco are depicted. The pictures are accompanied by fascinating glimpses into the history and mythology of the people living in that region. One example of these nuggets of text, is about the Dogon tribes of Mali, who are believed to be of ancient Egyptian descent, and who surprised anthropologists by telling them secret Dogon myths about the star Sirius, having a companion star. This star, now called Sirius was photographed by modern astronomers only after 1970!
   
   The next section begins with the well known Hindu sacred sites of the Indian subcontinent, starting with Pushkar in the West, the stone carved caves of Ajanta and Ellora, and Dwarka in Gujarat, to the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the Jain temple at Shatrunjaya, the banks of the river Ganga at Hardwar, Allahabad, and Varanasi, among others. A number of temple sites in Southern India also find mention, Tirupati, Rameshwaram and Arunachala are those that are most visited. The Buddhist shrines come next with Bodh Gaya in Gaya, Adam's Peak and Mihintala from Sri Lanka.These are followed by pictures of the Bagan Temple Complex, the Yangon and the Mahamani Temples in Myanmar. The landscape moves on to Buddhist shrines in Thailand, followed with a picture of Angkor Wat at sunrise after which there appear other imposing temple complexes in the jungles of Cambodia. Sacred monuments and sites of Bali come next, before proceeding to the mountain temple shrines of Wu Tai Shan and Putro Shan in Mainland China. Next in line are the mountain and temple sites of Nantai San and Fuji San in Japan. There is a last coverage in the section on continental Asia, of Tibet and Nepal; there are pictures of Mount Kailash, Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple from Lhasa and the Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu.
   
   From Australia, there are only pictures of the Ayres Rock from different angles.
   
   The section on South America starts with pictures of Moai shrines in Easter Island, Chile, moves on to Lake Titicaca, sundry temple complexes in Bolivia, Machu Pichu, Peru, the Basilica of El Cisne, Ecuador and San Augustin, Colombia.
   
   The last section in this book deals with North America. After the mountain complexes of Mount Popocatepetl and Mount Iztacchuatl in Mexico, the reader is led on to a beautiful picture of the Sun Pyramid, followed by Mount Alban, the Mitla Sanctuary and several other temple complexes associated with the Aztec and Mayan cultures. The Basilica of Nuestra, Mexico City and other churches follow before the entry to New Mexico in the United States, where the first picture is an aerial view of the Pueblo Bonito ruins, which are the ruins of the Anasazi community. This is followed by Shiprock Mountain and the White Sands in the same state. Thereafter, Devil's Town in Wyoming, the Red Rocks of Sedona make their appearance. Finally, the scene shifts to Mauna Kia in Hawaii and the Haleakula crater in Maui.
   
   Most of the above sites are very well known, but a few are not.Some of the pictures contain mysterious stone heads representing enigmatic mythological figures. There are also megalithic monument clusters and statues of various gods and goddesses. All major religions of the world are represented in this volume. Some sites have no overt religious connections, apart from being ostensible power points, where Nature is at her wildest best. The book is clearly a feast for the eye, and generates a deep respect and regard for our heritage as custodians of the earth. However, there is more to this book than just a travelogue of pictures taken over a lifetime.
   
   One of the major reasons why people travel is pilgrimage. Sacred sites, especially those containing relics of bygone saints are especially often visited by believers in search of miracles and healing. According to Martin Gray, and contrary to accepted beliefs, it is the topography of these sacred sites that carries an energy field, a 'field of influence extending in space and continuing in time', which characterizes their timeless vitality, rendering them as power points. The field could be produced by the earth's influences, the influence of celestial bodies, human intent, miracle working icons, ancient monasteries, places of Marian apparitions, whatever. It is the effect of this field that Martin Gray has attempted to capture on film through his photography. Therefore the medley of photographs have been taken from all possible angles at all possible hours of the day.When I see his pictures, it is as if history comes alive, as the monuments, stone structures and walls recount their tales of love, of lust, of power and passion to those who would stand by and listen.
   
   Complementing each picture is an accompanying text that provides fascinating glimpses of the history of the site and the myths associated with its' rise to prominence'. Interspersed with these nuggets of wisdom, the author recounts his own personal moments of epiphany while absorbed in this work. It is clear that the author has gone 'out on a limb' to procure the outstanding photographs in this exquisite collection.
   
   This compilation is truly a labour of love. It bears witness to Martin Gray's passion for Mother Earth and serves as a repository of Her memory of the collective history of the human race.
   
   I can't recommend it strongly enough.



2. I have a whole shelf of books on Sacred Places, but pride of place goes to Martin Gray's magnificent contribution to the appreciation of sacred sites. Martin's evocative photography inspires you and seems to evoke the subtle essence of the sites he has visited.
   Sacred Earth is a book to be savoured slowly. It teaches us how to love and cherish this planet. It really is an outstanding contribution to the study of sacred sites and the mysteries they hold for us all.



3. This book "Sacred Earth" by Martin Gray is exceptional, inspiring, informative & ever so beautiful. I admire Martin for his dedication to travel the planet and share his lovely photographs, research and writing. My Senior friend, who no longer gets out much, enjoys the travels to the sacred sites sitting in her chair, in the comfort of her home. What a wonderful service he is providing. May this book travel to many homes on the planet. I enjoy my travels as well. This awesome book is a joy! :)



4. This is a wonderful book, from the beautiful and often breathtaking photographs to the very interesting and insightful commentary. Martin takes you to places you might otherwise never see- a guide to the best of the world's sacred places. A must have for anyone interested in sacred places, or for anyone looking for a great view of the world we all call home!



5. Sacred Earth: Places of Peace and Power
   
   Martin, for years I have been following your work with admiration and gratitude and know what tremendous hurdles you had to overcome to stay true to your divine calling, spiritual cause, and life's passion: to explore the sacred sites of this magnificent earth and to present them to us as gracious gifts by way of your moving, awe-inspiring photography accompanied by your insightful, perceptive, and multifaceted narrations. Graham Hancock's foreword is as stimulating and thought-provoking as are his books and TV documentaries. Your new book has particular value for those of us who believe in, have knowledge of, or who experience the realms of finer vibrational energies - call them mystical, sublime, transcendental, or divine.... Your book captures these dimensions in a unique and fulfilling way conveying a profound sense of wellbeing to the reader. If we had more enlightened sages like you, humans would be able to enjoy paradise on Earth. But since spirit is working through you in such a powerful and beautiful way, you are giving us a taste of it now and are paving the way for that future experience. You fulfill the soul's longing to touch the inner source of being which inspires, invigorates, and delights us. And you do it ever so gracefully. You make us immensely happy and I continue to deeply appreciate your work.

5 comments about The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World.

1. I had read the book as part of a reading list assignment. Liked it so much, I decided to buy it as a gift for an old friend who is now enjoying it also.



2. The great libraries of history have endured such vicissitudes of fortune through the centuries - destruction by revolution, war and fire, dispersal through pilfering, confiscation, monastic decline, loss of patronage - & perhaps the unkindest cut of all, at one point the sale of its books by Oxford University to pay the librarian's wages. It is truly astonishing that so much has survived. This book is a celebration of 23 of these unique and beautiful cathedrals of knowledge in America and Europe.
   
   At a time when most of his subjects were illiterate, the Austrian Habsburg Charles VI created the Hofbibliothek in Vienna. He decreed that its doors be open to (almost) everyone; they could enter free of charge and as often as they wished, but there were a few exceptions: the library was off limits to "ignoramuses, servants, idlers, talkers and gawkers." Alas, the Hofbibliothek is no longer free and, like many libraries included in this book, it is now accessible only to a favoured few.
   
   Indeed, the closest most of us will ever get to the Hofbibliothek or the 22 other great libraries enshrined in its pages is through this book, and for this reason alone, it belongs in the book-lover's collection. There is a brief history of each library, but the real attraction is the spectacular colour photography, including several "gatefold" pages which open to provide wonderful panoramic views nearly 3 feet wide.
   
   Next to the awe-inspiring magnificence of Hofbibliothek, the white and gold Baroque splendour of the Benedictine Abbey Library of Admont in Austria rivals the gold and marble Rococco opulence of the Monastic Library of Wiblingen near Ulm Germany, although after secularisation the latter lost most of its vast book collection.
   
   Another Baroque wonder is The National Library of the Czech Republic in Prague, with its twisted wood columns and trompe-l'oeil frescoed ceiling which draws the eye upward "to confound the true already impressive scale of the hall". When I had the good fortune to visit nearly three decades ago, ironically, it was as a "gawker", on a bus tour of Eastern Bloc capitals. Whisked in and out, we were prohibited from taking photos; no postcards or souvenir booklets were available; memory faded. I am especially pleased to find this unique library included here.
   
   The Vatican Library might be mistaken for a grand reception hall; gold leaf papal insignia, and biblical-themed frescoes framed by ornate moldings cover its panelled walls and vaulted ceilings - and not a book in sight. All of its books are hidden behind securely locked doors. The Vatican Library is, however, open to authorized researchers and its catalogue of 1.6 million printed works is fully computerized.
   
   The somewhat austere National Palace Library in Mafra, Portugal was modeled after the Hofbibliothek in Vienna, but the money ran out before completion and the Franciscans who took it over in 1792, in keeping with their vow of poverty, declined to gild the woodwork, whitewashing it instead. This has faded to a peaceful but elegant cream, against which the coloured titles of the leather book bindings stand out.
   
   A relative new-comer at barely a century old is the John Ryland Library in Manchester, England, commissioned by the widow of a rich industrialist to commemorate her husband's memory. It was designed to resemble the interior of a Gothic cathedral complete with soaring arches, carved oak panelling and stained glass windows but also was equipped with electricity, air conditioning and millions of dollars worth of rare books.
   
   Less ostentatious, perhaps, but still beautiful and certainly more democratic are University Libraries at Oxford, Cambridge and Dublin and truly public libraries in New York City and Washington, D.C.
   
   If your appetite has been whetted by "The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World" you may want to look for more in-depth treatments. For the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, just such a book exists, the lavishly illustrated "Treasures of the Library of Congress" by Charles Goodrum, Abrams, 1980, 318 pages. It contains views of the interiors and chapters on the building of the Library of Congress and its book collection, but the emphasis is on many other artefacts housed there - its vast collection of music scores, sound recordings, films, Orientalia, prints and historic photographs. "Treasures..." is long out of print, but used copies can be found.
   
   Addendum (December 30, 2007): The World's Most Beautiful Libraries was published in 2003. In 2004 the exquisite Rococo interior of the Duchess Anna Amalia Library in Weimar, another of the libraries featured in the book, was gutted by fire and many of its 100,000 books and manuscripts destroyed. A heroic fund-raising project ensued and the library was restored and reopened in October 2007. Three books documenting these events have been published in Germany (in German text). They are:"Die Bibliothek brennt: Ein Bericht aus Weimar" (about the fire); "Es nimmt der Augenblick, was Jahre: Vom Wiederaufbau der Buchersammlung der Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek" (discusses the losses, book restoration & reacquisition) and "Die Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek: Nach dem Brand in neuem Glanz" (describing the building restoration.) This third volume may be appreciated even by the non-German reader because of its plentiful and beautiful illustrations.



3. This is a marvelous book to whoever loves books.
   
   It presents many important historic libraries in the world; each library is presented in informative and sober texts and with accompanying photos. These photos try to capture the overall look of the library (even if this is rather difficult) and several interesting details, sometimes including secondary rooms. The texts focus on the history of the library in question, but also give some information about contents.
   
   There is only a minor quibble, and it cannot be taken too seriously: the authors had to chose and that led them to ignore many marvelous libraries. If there is one I particularly lack, it would be the Real Biblioteca da Universidade de Coimbra (Royal Library of Coimbra University, one of the oldest European Universities). It has been stated to be 'the most beautiful library in the world', and I cannot but agree.
   
   But this is probably a question of personal taste. As it is, the book is wonderful and useful.



4. Great pictures and text depict some of the most beautiful libraries in the world! Gives me encouragement and inspiration for my humble library at home!



5. Book camme immediately - and was brand new, and in beautiful condition. Thank you so much

5 comments about Digital Video Production Cookbook: 100 Professional Techniques for Independent and Amateur Filmmakers (Cookbooks (O'Reilly)).

1. Not bad, but I have read better. It does have a lot of good pictures of the effects they are teaching and all in all this book is not bad, there are just so many others that I feel are better. Check out The "DV Rebel Guide" by Stu something or other or "101 Digital Video hacks", both I feel are better than this.
   Enjoy!



2. I read through the book which was very informative, form ohh so thats how and TV never really was the same after. I have also tested out good part of it and got good resuslts. I would recommend it highly



3. There are a view techniques described in this book that might come in handy someday, but the descriptions are not particularly thorough. The bottom line: this will make a good coffee table book but don't expect to learn too much.



4. I was looking for a video book that shows methods of filming ideas. Just searching I ended up with very complex cinephotographer books that contained tons of detail but too complex for casual person like myself. Just happended to stumbled across this book and was really surprised at the clear writing style and easy to understand images. For making a simple film project with no budget I thought this was the perfect book.
   
   If you are looking to improve your video skills or making a large student project, I would highly recommend this book. For the film student or professional these tips might be already covered in school. Many of the project require nothing special, just a standard video camera and basic editing software. This is a nice change from other books that almost require Adobe After Effects to produce a good special effect.
   
   Overall I really enjoyed this book and will keep this in my video bag to spark any ideas I might need during filming.



5. very practical way of showing how to do multimedia effects at minimal or no cost. Good illustrations & straight to the point. very clear bullet points under the photos, No boring bulcky paragraphs.
   
   I recomment this book, it's Excellent.

No comments about Magic Lantern Guides: SONY DSLR A300/A350 (Magic Lantern Guides).

3 comments about Johnny Depp Photo Album.

1. The photos were fantastic! The written material was very interesting and the fact that Johnny's own words were included made the material much more interesting and memorable. I truly enjoy having this book and look forward to adding more Johnny Depp books, DVD's , etc. to my collection.



2. Bought this for my sister who is the HUGE Depp fan. She loved it!



3. Book is very enlightening on Johnny Depps career. Shows how he has broadened his career as an actor. Photos were great. Looking forward to more of his movies and acting career.

4 comments about Ghostly Ruins: America's Forgotten Architecture.

1. This book is full of interesting places which we all wish we could visit. The photograhy in this book is classic black and white. With the perfect amount of information not to make it boring. I love this book.



2. Author Skrdla presents his unique vision of the world of abandoned buildings across the USA. Lavishly illustrated in compelling black and white images, the book opens your eyes to the beauty and sadness of the deserted cast-offs of our "throw-away" age.
   
   The book is organized in a series of types of building, from residential to industrial. Skrdla has an ironic and tight writing style which clearly expresses his love for these often dramatic examples of man's ego and confidence. He also makes the reader take stock of the increasingly homogenized, sterile, and industrially functional buildings our society is willing to accept. He makes the stong point that we are losing the pride in civic architecture which is the foundation of lasting meaning and beauty.



3. A very impressive photo documentary of buildings and places that have been left to uncertainty, the elements, or destroyed. The brief histories given for each place makes for some interesting reading. The photographs are magnificent, I wish I could step into them and see all the photographer saw at the time the places were photographed. It is sad to think some of these places will be left alone to fall apart or destroyed. This book really brings to mind how precious and unique these places are.



4. A fantastic and haunting look at some once grand and beautiful buildings. An excellent commentary with history, that creates a mood thick with the cobwebs of time. The best I have seen that deals with the wealth of archietectural gems we have lost over the years. After reading, one is so much more aware of the crumbling buildings that surround us all over the nation, and maybe will be moved to save future ruins from total destruction.

5 comments about To Have & To Hold: Magical Wedding Bouquets.

1. When looking for something fresh and new for my wedding flowers, I sifted through dozens of books that showed the same old arrangements and nothing new or creative. I own another of Stark and Adler's books, and was pleased to see they had written a wedding flower book. I was over the moon after ordering the book. The designs are simply beautiful! The flower choices are artistic, simple and help a bride to choose the right flowers for the growing season in which her wedding takes place. I carried this book to my florist and we recreated several of the arrangements for my bridal bouquets and table arrangements. Everyone was impressed with the floral arrangements and the vibrant color choices. This is the one book you need, if you are looking for a fresh, vibrant and artistic look for your wedding.



2. I'm marrying in November and went to the library to look up books on wedding flowers; this one came out to be my favorite so far. Although some of the advice is a little too frou-frou for my tastes (if you want Spring flowers in December, then have at it!), the bouquets and flowers are gorgeous. I actually read the captions for the photos more than anything else.
   
   The book is quite inspiring with several flower types that you never thought to use, plus interesting wrapping of the stems.
   
   My biggest cheer is for the size and quality of the photos. You can search online all you like for beautiful bouquets, and most of the time you get pixelated crap with colors that don't match the flowers at all.



3. I bought this book for my sister who is getting married soon. She loved the book! It has given her great ideas and pictures for her to express to her florist what she wants. Most of the bouquets are unique and the wrappings around the flowers are a wide variety and have great ideas. I would recommend the book.



4. Es una estupenda referencia sobre las ideas que buscan las personas cuando de solicitar ramos para boda se refieren... incluso algunas quinceañeras lo han tomando como referencia para escoger el ramo que llevarán a la iglesia.



5. this book is as good as anything i have seen on this subject[and probably better than most]

5 comments about ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography: Sixth Edition.

1. If Your the type of photographer who just wants to shoot nice photos this book may not be for you. But if your trying to start a business as a photographer you may want to strap yourself in. I find that ASMP Professional Business Practices in photography: Sixth Edition is the perfect book to get photographers started in addition to lerning how to run a photo Business in the real world. Some of the contents reenforced what I already knew while other contents helped me with some of my weak points. ASMP Professional Business Practices in photography covers a large specturem of different types of photography and I will no doubt refer to the book in the future.
   Sometimes young adults will tell me that they want to become photographers and I just tell them to major in business and minor photography, But if you missed that boat this book is the next best thing.



2. This book is filled with important information that will help prepare any photographer looking to run their own business. It is a must read since it familiarizes you with the standard forms, and ways of conducting relationships with your clients.



3. Every photographer wanting to become pro should get this book! :) For a photography book....it lacks nice pretty pictures. It's mainly just plain text, but good info.



4. Amongst professional photographers it's almost an axiom that they knew little about the business end of photography when they started taking pictures for a living. This book aims at remedying that condition. It has chapters on assignment and stock photography; pricing and estimating; negotiating fees and agreements; rights and value; formalizing agreements; copyright; electronic technology, business and marketing strategies; book publishing; and professional services. Unfortunately, like a camel, which is a horse built by a committee, this book varies widely in its usefulness for the business of photography. Among other reasons, this is because the chapters, and sometimes parts of chapters, are written by different authors, so that the work is not integrated and some important business areas are omitted.
   
   The first two chapters which deal generally with the nature of stock photography versus assignment photography are quite good and will be helpful to anyone making the transition from one type to another.
   
   Some chapters are first rate. The chapter on pricing and estimating takes an economic approach rather then asking, "what are my competitors charging?" It asks the question what price does the photographer need to establish in order to support himself and his business. Unfortunately, the book is not blunt enough to say that, if you don't expect to get the resulting price, you shouldn't be in the market.
   
   At the other end of the scale is the chapter on marketing. Apparently six different authors each contributed their own uncoordinated efforts. There's some good advice here, but my litmus test was whether the book contained some discussion of how a fine arts photographer finds and approaches galleries. There wasn't much help here.
   
   One area that many photographers encounter trouble with is keeping the books and paying income taxes. Unfortunately there were no references to these subjects. Even if all the book did were refer to a basic text or software, like Quicken or Quick Books and Turbo Tax, which were readily available at the time of publication, it would have been helpful.
   
   This book is a useful guide for the professional photographer to keep on his shelf for a quick answer to many questions he may encounter in business. But for detailed answers, professional photographers will require more help in running their business.



5. For anyone in the business or especially getting into it, this is a must have book. Very valuable!

No comments about Martin Parr: Parrworld.