2 comments about Kachinas Spirit Beings of the Hopi.

1. If you are a serious collector of Hopi katsinam (kachina dolls) or are seeking accurate illustrations of the nearly 400 katsinam, I would highly recommend this outstanding book as a companion to Barton Wright's foundational work (Kachinas: A Hopi Artist's Documentary). Neil David has been called the "Norman Rockwell of Native America" and rightfully so. His illustrations are some of the best and showing both front and back views of each katsina is much appreciated. Most of the 79 katsinam contained in this book are not in Wright's book and several are extremely rare and seldom, if ever, seen or carved. Start with Wright's book and then add this one. You can't go wrong with either!



2. This is the most comprehensive book on the Kachina to date. This book is the only one where the illustrator has depicted not only the front of the figure, but also the back and this makes this book a must to own for anyone who studies the Kachina or who is an artist and wants to be completely accurate in the depiction of the figure. The figures are historically and spiritually exact and are certainly meant as a tribute to the figure as a revered being.Truly a fine publication and well worth the cost.

5 comments about The Image of Christ.

1. "You know how much I go to church."
   
   "'How little' you mean. Still, you must know that, as craftsmanship, paintings and sculpture of the Crucifixion are usually atrocious-and the painted, realistic ones often used in churches are the worst of all...the blood looks like catsup and that ex-carpenter is usually portrayed as if he were a pansy...which He certainly was not if there is any truth in the four Gospels at all. He was a hearty man, probably muscular and of rugged health. Buy despite the almost uniformly poor portrayal in representations of the Crucifixion, a poor one is about as effective as a good one for most people. They don't see the defects; what they see is a symbol which inspires their deepest emotions; it recalls to them the Agony and Sacrifice of God."
   
   Robert A. Hienlein-"Stranger in a Strange Land"



2. The focus of this book is the Collection in Trafalgar Square but is not exclusive to it. It contains works of art that either picture a representation of Christ or allude to Him. I found my reading to be a delightful and awe-inspiring theological journey. Each chapter deals with a different aspect of how Christ is perceived. Several authors have compiled brief descriptions of the works that explain their significance and meaning. The book traces it course through predominately Catholic art. This may have been done mostly out of necesity because the plethera of art from the 13th to 20th centuries is largely by Catholics. However, it would have been nice to see some more Protestant imagery to complete the respesentation of Christ in art.



3. I have noticed that Christian Art books have been growing in popularity. Many of these are cheap opportunities to jump on a commercial bandwagon in an attempt to make a quick buck. This book is the REAL THING. It is outstanding. The pictures are large and sharp. The articles are informative and written well. This book values its subject and covers a wide spectrum of Christ centered art. I found this book both thoughtful and moving.



4. This book is equivalently the catalog of an art exhibit at the National Gallery London from February to May, 2000 on how Christ has been portrayed in art from a fourth century Good Shepherd statue to Stanley Spencer's 1926 Resurrection, Cookham. The magnificently illustrated 79 items in the show are supplemented with photographs of 52 additional pieces of art that develop the theology out of which each set of images arose. It is a thing of beauty and pleasure, useful for prayer and theology, and the sort of thing needed in today. Too many postmodern art students have lost contact with the Christian symbols of the western world and are unaware of the depths of their own cultural heritage. This book will be very informative for them and even for the already theologically educated.



5. The Image of Christ provides an overview of the heritage of Christian art, from paintings and prints to sculptures from the early Christian era to modern times, examining the purposes for each and exploring their meaning to viewers. Depictions of Christ via symbol and image are examined in a treatise recommended for art libraries and religious holdings alike.

1 comments about Treasury of Bible Illustrations: Old and New Testaments (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. Schnorr Von Carolsfeld's Bible in picture form has been the standard teaching Bible for German children of the past 130 years. These most Raphaelite compositions are perfect in their drawing, design and storytelling. Each of Von Carolsfeld's compositions have the paradoxical qualities of balance and spontaniety, of grace and strength and of monumentality and minute attention to detail. So, it is about time that the art world's great publishing friend, Dover Books, makes these somewhat forgotten illustrations easily and widely available with this handsome edition. Thank You, Dover!

No comments about Seeing Beyond the Word: Visual Arts and the Calvinist Tradition.

No comments about Face to Face: Portaits of the Divine in Early Christianity.

5 comments about Alchemy & Mysticism (Klotz).

1. I'm an artist and have a large collection of reference books.
   This is one of them,lots of good quality images.
   Terrific value.



2. A thick book of many pictures all very fascinating and informative. Great for a study group or bconversation starter.



3. This book is full of hard to find alchemical art.
   
   If you try to understand the book you will most likely get lost in the alchemical labyrinth, but you will not regret it.



4. This book is a most excellent read for anyone who has an understanding of Spiritual Alchemy. It is fully illustrated with rare material which is extremely informative. This is a must for anyone who is interested in Spiritual Alchemy. This is so far the very best material on the subject I have seen.



5. If you love the esoteric symbolism and art associated with alchemy then you are going to love this book. It is beautifully presented with a nice glossy finish to the pages and the colours are excellently reproduced.
   
   There are brief bits of text that accompany the drawings/paintings and even though they are brief they can be quite illuminating.
   
   This book has had pride of place in my collection and I have dipped into it on many occassions. It can be almost meditative looking at these painings and drawings and can broaden your spiritual understanding.
   
   It is a fine collection of alchemical and mystical paintings and drawings and it is unlikely that you will find such a beautifully presented and exhaustively comprehensive collection anywhere else.

4 comments about Madonna in Art.

1. Fantastic hard-cover book with work by artists all over the world. Some of the stuff is really beautifully done - you've gotta have this!



2. I am a librarian. Over the decades, I have had many art books pass through my hands. The compilation of fine artists by the author is glorious! The author's rigorous research in finding the artists whom he chose to be included within, certainly substantial.
   In particular, the artist Susan Victor of murrrbeast.com, is
   included in this book. It is about time that someone recognized her exceeding works. I would highly recommend this book -- especially to those in academia; the field of commercial art;
   and anyone who simply loves art.



3. I bought a book in 1984 called "Marilyn In Art". I always loved to every now and then flip through it because it was so much fun to see the different ways these artists drew or painted (etc) the same subject. I happen to be a longtime Marilyn fan.
   From what I understand, the author (compiler) of this book, Mem Mehmet, is friends with the author of the twenty year old Marilyn book, Roger G. Taylor (who also did an "Elvis In Art"). I had the paperback version of the Marilyn book, but was lucky enough to get the hardcover version of "Madonna In Art". I am also a Madonna fan (not as much as a Marilyn fan, but...), this book is a MUST for any fan of Madonna! Fantastic, fun renditions of Madonna in every style imaginable, which also makes it great for any artist or art lover. Along with each piece of art is a quote from Madonna herself or a celebrity or author, etc. about some aspect of the superstar which is fun to read. Unlike my paperback "Marilyn In Art" book, the hardback version of this is of the highest quality. Beneath the attactive book cover, the name is embossed in silver metallic ink (which is used throughout the book). Would make a wonderful gift for Madonna fans, artists, art lovers!!! I'd scoop up the hardcover before it's only available in paperback!



4. I've never been a fan of Madonna's music, but have admired her willingness to constantly re-invent herself. This new art book shows how others in the art world have viewed Madonna throughout her career. There are sketches, water colors, oils, and works from many other mediums with the artist's unique view on who (or in some cases, what) Madonna is.
   
   If you love art, or love Madonna, this is the book for you. And it makes a perfect gift as well!

4 comments about Discoveries: Coptic Egypt: Christians of the Nile (Discoveries (Abrams)).

1. I found this a facinating little book, well written, colourful and quirky in spots. The illustrations are excellent, if a little small and well integrated with the text. I particularly enjoyed the coverage of textiles and manuscripts. Besides covering the history and archeology of the ancient Copts, the coverage of current dogma and liturgy and the problems experienced by the Copts in modern Egypt gives the book an unusually rounded feel.



2. This is a cute little book that is crammed with info and pictures. It is an excellent book to start one on serious study of Christianity in Egypt and the history of Christianity in general.



3. good start for those who want to know more about copts and christianity in egypt



4. This book covers the history of the christians of Egypt (the Copts). It is written by an expert on this subject. It covers the history up to the current events. it is easy to read. Loaded with photoes of very high quality. The facts are well presented with even handed opinions and fairness. It is valuable book for any one who has interest in history of Christianity,and Middle East history. The reader does not need to have any background knowledge about the topic because the book progress very smoothly through the history with solid explanation of all events. Highly recommended.

3 comments about Damned: An Illustrated History of the Devil.

1. It owns up to its title, An Illustrated History of the Devil. The text is sparce and not that great, but there are oodles of images. Lots of old stand bys in terms of images of the devil, but some different, more rare images, worth having, but a little light on new or unusual works.



2. I FOUND THE PICTURES TO BE QUITE GOOD. SADLY, THE TEXT WAS SPARSE AND IN THE CASE OF THE MOVIES, I WONDER IF THE AUTHOR HAS SEEN THE MOVIES HE TALKS ABOUT. FOR INSTANCE: HE STATES THAT "...DR. PRETORIUS TEACHES FRANKENSTEIN HOW TO PRODUCE A FEMALE VERSION OF HIMSELF IN ORDER TO OVERCOME HIS CRUSHING LONELINESS." FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER ARE TWO DIFFERENT CHARACTERS. THE BRIDE WAS CREATED BY DR. FRANKENSTEIN, NOT BY THE MONSTER. HE MAKES IT SOUND LIKE LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT FOR THE BRIDE AND THE MONSTER. THIS MAY BE TRUE FROM THE MONSTER'S PERSPECTIVE, BUT THE BRIDE TAKES AN ALMOST IMMEDIATE DISLIKE TO THE MONSTER.
   
   HE ALSO DESCRIBES THE FREDDIE KRUGER'S INCARNATION AS "...DECAYED LIKE A HUMAN CADAVER..." FREDDIE IS SCARRED BY THE BURNS HE RECEIVED IN THE FIRST MOVIE. HE IS NOT DECAYED.
   
   HASN'T THE AUTHOR ACTUALLY SEEN THESE MOVIES? OR IS HE BASING HIS SUMMATIONS ON THE POSTERS AND STILLS HE SEES? HE SHOULD STICK TO THE PAINTINGS AND AREAS OF HIS EXPERTISE. WHEN HE GETS SOME THINGS WRONG, THEN ALL THE REST OF HIS SUMMATIONS BECOME SUSPECT.
   
   MY RATING IS BASED ON THE PICTURES, NOT THE TEXT.



3. Ah, the Devil. I've always been intrigued by the guy. From a brief foray into the Church of Satan in high school to a more academic interest in college, I've long been interested in the way religion and society attempt to explain the darker side of human existence. So I was rather delighted to receive this book as (irony alert) a Christmas present.
   
   I was not disappointed. This is one gorgeous tome. The illustrations are striking and the commentary insightful and illuminating (if a bit brief). In particular, the section on medieval depictions of Satan is stunning...there is a creatively unsettling streak to those images which has yet to be matched. I do think the book fizzles out towards the end, as it enters modernity, but perhaps this is simply because us modern enlightened people have little use for devils and demons anymore. At any rate, pictures of the devil as a medium for advertising just don't compare to paintings of a triumphant King of Hell torturing the wicked.
   Lastly, I had hoped that perhaps this book would take a little time to look at how non-Christian cultures have viewed the Devil or similar beings (like the Talmudic Lilith or the Arabic Shaitan). Even without that hope fulfilled, this is still a worthy and enlightening read. If you've got any sympathy for the devil, you'd do well to check this out.

No comments about Her Face: Images of the Virgin Mary in Art.