3 comments about Life: America the Beautiful: A Photographic Journey, Coast to Coast-and Beyond (Life (Life Books)).

1. Love the book. I purchased two of them to give as gifts this Christmas.



2. This was a gift given to an uncle who loves to travel, and it was oohed and ahhed over by everyone.



3. This book was purchased for a friend who is in the early to mid stages of Alzheimers. He and his wife sit and look at the pictures and remember when they say the places photographed. It is an exercise for his brain and a delight for her to be able to share it with him.

No comments about Stuart, Vol. 5.

5 comments about National Geographic: The Photographs (NG Collectors Series).

1. "The Photographs" provides an inside look at National Geographic's (NG) award-winning photographs, the facts behind them, and the inside stories of those who took them. Three themes are depicted (using five chapters): Wildlife on Land and Underwater, Cultures Around the World, and Science.
   
   The front cover is a 1984 photo of "the Afghan girl" - taken at a refugee camp in Pakistan, while the back cover is the same person 17 years later (incredible that she was found again), with children of her own and obviously worn from the hard years in between. However, she still has those haunting eyes that made the original photograph so famous.
   
   Readers are also given a short history of NG's use of new photography equipment as it became available - eg. replacing bulky b&w cameras having large tripods, grainy color, etc.
   
   The book takes readers through exploring China before WWII, behind the scenes with John Paul II, into Australia to depict aborigines, the first published photo of a snow leopard, white wolves in Canada hunting musk ox calves, the Titanic, etc. around the world.
   
   Unfortunately, the photos of U.S. culture are rather mundane and not nearly as impactful as the rest of the book.
   
   Overall, however, there is a lot of good dialogue and photography.



2. It's a collection of National Geographic photos that were printed in previous issues. It is what you expect, fantastic. Interesting narrative laced throughout the book as well, about the history of the organization and its photojournalists. It may be hard to locate but well worth the money. Add it to your cart.



3. Pagina tras pagina, una experiencia, te hacer sentir, un gran libro, un trabajo sublime que uno amante de la fotografia no puede dejar pasar.
   Lo recomiendo con lagrimas de felicidad



4. The strength of the photographs in National Geographic is that they are often gorgeously-shot and expertly composed by professionals who clearly know their craft. Their weakness is that their perfection sometimes masks a banality of subject matter and narrative, often sinking them beyond the level of illustration. "National Geographic: the Photographs" embodies both aspects of the magazine's photography.
   
   While more than a few photos barely rise above the snapshot level, most are thoughtfully (if a bit too artfully) composed, though a few are absolutely standouts. Steve McCurry's haunting 1984 shot of Sharbat Gula, the green-eyed Afghan refugee girl, is the classic example. The girl's haunted expression speaks volumes about the hardships she has experienced. The photo graces the book's cover, while her updated portrait, shot 18 years later, adorns the back. Now a wife and mother, the same hauntedness appears in Gula's eyes, now encased in a face grown older and wearier. Another standout -- an overhead shot of camels traversing the wastes of Djibouti -- is disconcerting until one recognizes the camera's vantage point. The straightforward grace of some photos belies the difficulty with which they were taken. It takes only a second to flip past an underwater picture of an approaching hippo; but the photograph cannot capture the hours of patience and luck it took to take it.
   
   "National Geographic: The Photographs" includes the expected pictures of wildlife, nature and human cultures from around the globe as well as several topical spreads -- Spain, sleep, and the Titanic. The book's large format helps many photos communicate the grandeur of their natural subjects. When the subject and composition coincide, the photographs are strikingly beautiful.



5. How can we best describe the National Geographic's publication, The Photographs? Creative, aesthetic, unnatural perspectives, abstract, ultra realistic, surreal, vibrant, and the list of adjectives is endless! However, I guess what best sums up this book is that it constitutes one of the most important and impressive contributions to photojournalism.

   It is in reality an excellent survey or synthesis of photo images that permits readers to follow the evolution of photography dating back one hundred years until today. In fact, as mentioned in the book, although the techniques may differ, some of the earliest photos still compare favourably with those of today.

   This is quite evident when you view the 1902 photo shot by photographer George Shiras lll entitled Loon Lake, Ontario, Canada. Here we notice a lynx sitting proudly along the banks of the lake and unfazed by the photographer's lantern that detects the glow of its eyes. However, as indicated, the lynx was alarmed by the flash photography. As an added detail, the reader is apprised of the fact that Shiras pioneered nighttime close-ups of wildlife and the use of remote-control devices. It is noteworthy to mention that scattered throughout the book are these very interesting tidbits pertaining to the history and science of photography.

   Fast forward to the cover and back of the book where we immediately are exposed to the renowned photographer Steve McCurry's spellbinding images of the young Afghan girl with the penetrating eyes taken in a refugee camp in Pakistan in 1984 when she was 17 years and rediscovered in Afghanistan in 2002.

   In all of these instances we see the superb focusing of the lens on the subject matter and the reflection of someone or something. It is an encouragement of some sort of reaction or level of contemplation. Moreover, the creation of a great photograph lies in the photographer's ability to use the full range of options at his or her disposal. It is these essential ingredients that are continuously prevalent in the multitude of impressive images contained in the five sections of the book dealing with such topics as science, astrology, archaeology, wildlife, underwater, and cultures.

   What enhances the value of this spectacular book is the many captions, articles, essays and descriptions that have been contributed by the editor Leah Bendavid-Val and her many National Geographic assistants. Without these contributory writings the book would not have been able to effectively aid the reader in appreciating the moving and penetrating characteristics of the photographs, as well as following the evolution of the history of photography.

   Norm Goldman Editor of Bookpleasures.com

No comments about 365 Days in Italy Calendar 2009 (Picture-A-Day Wall Calendars).

5 comments about Numismatic Photography.

1. Mark Goodman has created a wonderful book on coin photography. Concise and easy enough for an amateur like myself to learn from.
   
   If you sell coins on the internet, or just want amazing pics of your prized coins and medals, it is a no-brainer to buy this book!



2. I'm very new to numismatic photography, but I'm very interested in creating the best quality images of my collection possible.
   
   This book presents a good overview of the tools (camera, copystand, lights, post-editing software) and techniques for doing this.
   
   It is a short and easy read for the novice, and more advanced photographers should appreciate the extra sections written to go a level deeper into each topic.
   
   Imaging coins of various compositions (copper, proof silver, gold, etc) are discussed in detail. Raw and slabbed coins are also addressed throughout, and the many sample photos thoughtfully include the camera, aperture, and shutter settings.
   
   Thanks to the advice presented here, you don't need to spend a fortune on creating good images. But with some small tool upgrates and some hints and tricks as presented by Mark Goodman, virtually anyone can make great photos!



3. The author, Mark Goodman, has put together a nice systematic presentation of the material. For example, Mark has broken down high, medium and low contrast coins into chapters. In each of the chapters, Mark selected representative examples of coins that fall into the relevant contrast category. Photos of each coin are presented with changes in lighting. The photos are compared and contrasted.
   
   I have bought multiple copies of this book (as gifts) and have recommended this book to collectors of material other than numismatics as the principles in this book are universal.
   
   Excellent book. Quick read. Immediate results. Nice reference material.



4. I've known Mark Goodman for a couple of years through an online forum for coins. His tips along the years have made my coin photography much better. He graciously provided PDF documents that were quite helpful along the way. I am counting on this book to really put me over the top and into a different class of coin imaging.
   
   The book is well laid out and covers everything you need to become a top-notch coin photographer. It has beginner sections right along advanced sections, so this book is for anyone who owns a camera and wants to image coins.
   
   I have yet to make it through the whole book... There is a lot of information to absorb. But my images are already improving and my skills were adequate before. Soon, they will be much more than adequate due to Mr. Goodman's instruction.
   
   Thanks, Mark!



5. OUTSTANDING. Beyond doubt, this book is an indespensible addition to numismatic literature. In the Internet Age, coin photography is more important than ever. The body of work, hobby wide, will improve dramatically as hobbyists improve their skills - thanks to this book.

5 comments about Walking the Bible: A Photographic Journey.

1. Absolutely fascinating! Well written, easy to follow and understand! Mr. Feiler is a wonderful story teller and makes the history of the Bible and it's locations come to life! Highly recommended!



2. Book was very interesting and useful in explaining the culture diffrences in the region.



3. I purchased this book last year as a Christmas gift for my grandmother. The photos are lovely and the accompanying text proved just right for a non-reader - interesting captions and short readable paragraphs, nothing lengthy. She was very happy with it and later said it was "beautiful and interesting to read and look through". Several of us enjoyed looking through it on Christmas day, and we were all impressed with it overall.



4. We bought this book for my father-in-law. My husband was skeptical because he wasn't sure he would have the time to read a book. My 8-year-old daughter looked through the whole book before we wrapped it, exclaming on just about every page, "Oh, this is so beautiful!" and then said, "This will be okay for Grandad, it's mostly pictures." He did seem to like it on Christmas Day



5. This book is a great companion to Walking the Bible book or CD set

5 comments about A Short Course in Nikon D80 Photography book/ebook.

1. This is an excellent resource book. Easy to follow, easy to reference, and I love the spiral binding.



2. I found the book very easy to use, and with the CD it help a great deal to me understanding the Nikon D80



3. Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only)
   
   I love the camera but the user's guide is just not readable. The ShortCourse is much better; good value!
   
   Chaz



4. This publication has great content.
   Unfortuantly,The black-and-white only pages of it are truly sad. How can one look at a black and white image of the color spectrum and learn? How can one learn about photography with only copied B/W images? the CD is great, I would sugest selling only the CD and using the paper for somethinbg else. It's as if someone just skimmped on the publication cost. I would pay much more for a color version.



5. Thought it was very helpful and informative. didn't like that it was black and white print. For a great color experience I had to sit in front of the computer to watch the CD, which presents great examples of concepts. Wish they would make the book in color print too.

5 comments about The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World.

1. This coffee table book should amaze book lovers and give a physical reaction to library lovers. The pictures--and the paper of the pages--are very high quality technically. The book includes a number of foldouts where the picture spans three page size spaces. And the libraries are amazing. I have looked at this book over and over, and for a long time took up valuable 'real estate' on my desk having this book open to one or other libraries. Some of the pictures are jaw-dropping and make one feel like they were setting their feet in the room right then...or traveling back in time one or two hundred years to hear chairs scraping or footfalls.
   
   The drawback to the book includes a) the libraries are all in the Western world (Russia is perhaps the only exception), which is perhaps not an issue except that the title is the Most Beautiful Libraries in the World. I have to imagine there are South American (all the beautiful wood in the continent can't have avoided going to bookshelves); Asian and other geographic libraries outside of Europe and the US; b) the libraries seem chosen for a mix of reasons, and one of which seems to be the statuary and art in the library itself. While the pictures are breathtaking, some library denizens might be interested in these factors playing less of a role; and c) the elegant text seems to meander into some 'interesting facts' about each library but most of the comments are historical or art-historical, without the interesting information about collection sizes, who uses the library today, what role does it play in the culture, etc.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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!

4 comments about The National Parks of America.

1. looking for a book of national parks for a friend in france. she is curious what it looks like in america and always wanted to tour some of america's nat'l parks. great book for what i was looking for. fabulous color photos.



2. 
   We have always enjoyed visiting the National Parks and this book gives us a few we were not aware of and we plan to visit them one day in the future. It is beautiful to look through and the pictures are wonderful. Ruby Freeman



3. I had this gem under the Christmas tree for my husband. It is such a beautiful book that we keep looking at it together, remembering the beautiful National Parks that we have been to and the ones we plan on visiting in the future. All the photograghs are beautifully shot, and the information provided is enjoyable to read. The best National Park book I have ever seen!



4. Great Photos with good description of each National Park of America - what do you need more ?

   I'm from Portugal and I like USA, except the politicians... both the portuguese and american ones !

5 comments about Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.

1. This book is not what you think! Great photo's, great stories, but come on, not a SINGLE photo or info on the original and FAR better known US based Hells Angels. The entire book cover to cover is ONLY UK BASED ANGELS!. No disrespect to them and if you are from the UK, the book is great. But to those in the US who want to see pictures of the legends and hear about the dozens of stories of the original Angels, this book is a major letdown. NOTHING on the cover of the book nor in the book description mention the fact the book is 100% UK based Hells Angels. That, in my opinion was done on purpose because they know the book will not sell anywhere near as well. I assure you, when the vast majority of people WORLDWIDE hear the name "Hells Angels", they are thinking of the original California and the Legendary New York City chapters and the dozens of stories that go with them, NOT London, Wolverhampton, etc (Again, no disrespect). Great photo's, great text, but overall dissapointed.



2. If you want to look at pictures of bikers, and their families, many just like olan mills portrait style, then buy this book. Not much narrative. Forward by Sonny.



3. A very interresting book, or I better say whitness of who aree these persons (ie all different), and what's their kind of life as Hells Angels, as the author took his time to know some of them, and be known by them.
   
   The photographs are stunning and very important to help the reader understanding what this club is and is not.
   
   Buy it, put it on a wishlist, but find a way to have it ! It's not the kind of book you read only once: You'll be back in it from times to time...
   
   Laurent



4. Since I own the hardcover of this book, I knew what to expect. I was not disappointed like some others were. I really really liked the new photos that are in this version of the book. I love the images and the insight into the bigger world of the HAMC, that it is a worldwide organization and that, like anything imported from anywhere, there is a local spin put on it by each culture. Here in the states we think everything is about us. American Idol is not an American show, we've just put our spin on it. I think the publishers (an English company) wanted to get the book to cross the pond by making the title so broad. They should have called it, "Riding With The Hells Angels in Wankerland" or something like that. Any other ideas? It's still a great visual glimpse into a world I missed out on growing up.



5. Photographer Andrew Shaylor was given unique access to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and sought to provide an excellent representation of the group: available in paper for the first time is a set of images captured at their important events, worldwide. The Hells Angels Club is a huge part of California culture in addition to being worldwide, so this color-photo-packed representation is a top pick for any California general-interest lending library strong in California alternative culture.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch