No comments about Developing a Dynamic Drama Ministry.

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.

No comments about Return to Vilna: In the Art of Samuel Bak.

2 comments about Angels.

1. This book is one in a series of lovely books illustrated by Sulamith Wulfing. It measures just 4'X6" and contains 25 illustrations with accompanying quotes from famous writers such as Shakespeare, William Blake, John Milton, Robert Herrick, and the Bible. The excerpts don't always seem to go with the illustrations but the text is not the reason you would buy this book anyway. Sulamith Wulfing's intricate and delicate work in this book features many enchanting angels. Each one is unique and filled with a serene and peaceful quality. I feel that the price that is being asked for these books is a bit steep considering the small size of the books, the limited amount of text and the rather poor way the pictures were printed on the page. Most of them have uneven sized white showing at the top and bottom of the picture. However, the artwork is the purpose of the book and it does not disappoint in any way. It is divine and if you love Wulfing's work I suggest that you will truly love this little book of angels.



2. Wulfing, Gibran, Rilke; these are names of individuals who have danced in the garden of the lord.These are the names of people who have gazed at the reflections in the eyes of the Gods. These three artists are people who have the ability to lift us out of our lives and place us in the worlds next to our heart. Sulamuth wulfing has been a part of my Life since the sixties. Her work has never failed to brighten my life, raise my spirit and show me the joy that there is in living. This work is an inspiration. It brings life and love and truth into a visual form which can be shared by all. It allows hope into the heart of madness and it encourages love and spirtuality to flourish in the everyday world. I would encourage anyone , interested in the works of such people as Rumi, Gibran and Rilke to take this book and hold it cloise to their heart.

5 comments about Addicted to mediocrity: 20th century Christians and the arts.

1. While this book is simply states and placed in question answer format, it gives the impression of being written for a bible study class. Art and The Bible by Francis Schaeffer is much better oriented towards offering advice on what Christian art is and how it applies to Christians in today's times.
   
   This book talks about how Christianity and art have fallen away from each other and how we can get back on track. Again, an excellent Bible study read and talk book, but not much of a "for-fun" read.



2. Few people who have reviewed this book are apparently aware of Mr. Schaeffer's own artistic work in the years following the release of this book. This book was published in 1982. Three years later, Frank Schaeffer began directing feature films. Go and watch one of these films (all directed by Frank Schaeffer):
   
   Baby on Board (1992). Slapstick comedy starring Judge Reinhold and Carol Kane.
   Rebel Storm (1990). Futuristic action film starring Zach Galligan and June Chadwick.
   Headhunter (1989). Occult horror film starring John Fatooh, June Chadwick, and Steve Kanaly.
   Wired to Kill (1986). Post-apocalyptic action film starring Devin Hoelscher, and with Merritt Butrick.
   
   While it's true that Schaeffer's film work was consistent with one of his ideals (none of these is labeled or promoted as a "christian" film), with regard to artistic excellence they all fall completely flat. Not a single one received even an average review. All are considered some of the worst of the medium, and the low points in the careers of those who acted in them. Don't take my word for it. Watch any one of them yourself. You'll likely find yourself scratching your head over the dichotomy between what Schaeffer says in his book about how Christians (or anyone) should approach the arts and what he actually did in the years following the release of his book.
   
   Unfortunately for Schaeffer, it completely undermines his credibility on the subject, and sheds a harsh light on the book and what was apparently behind it; the desire to lash out, embarrass and humiliate evangelicals. Who can argue the truth behind his main points? No thinking person can. It has been the elephant in the room for years in the evangelical world. A widely read book on the topic was badly needed (still is).
   
   Christ made it clear that his followers are called to speak the truth boldly, which Schaeffer clearly did here. But he also calls his followers to walk in humility. It's sad that Schaeffer didn't approach this book (or those that followed) with that attitude. It would have blunted the apparent hypocrisy of his later artistic efforts.



3. A little too much filler for me. His dad, Francis Schaeffer, has a similar smaller book on the same topic that is better.



4. This book fits well with other similar books as a welcome addition to my growing library of books on art and Christianity.



5. If you're a Christian involved in the arts, you MUST read this.
   Even though the book was written back in 1981, Franky's comments about contemporary evangelicalism indulging themselves in propagandizing, sloganeering bad art with the label "Christian" slapped on it is more relevant that ever.
   
   Franky attacks the false notion that if you're a Christian and you are an artist that any art you do MUST have an overt, and obvious "Christian" theme to it. Creativity in and of itself is Godly, and good and Evangelicals need not slap a cheap propagandizing slogan on it to justify it.
   
   Likewise, Franky tears down the false assumption that some actions in the Christian life are "spiritual," (ie . reading your Bible and praying) while others are "non-spiritual" (ie playing with your kids.) All of the Christian life is spiritual.
   
   I can't recommend this book enough!

3 comments about I'll Be Home for Christmas (Lighted Path Collection®).

1. I have purchased Thomas Kinkade books numerous times and I am very pleased everytime I do. I usually give the books as gifts and I always receive compliments. Thomas Kinkade is a favorite painter of mine. His paintings and inspirational sayings always help to calm a person when having a stressfull day.



2. The book has beautiful illustrations and very touching and inspirational messages, quotes, etc. on each page. It was given to me as a gift and I love it! It will be something I treasure through my life.



3. Anyone not aware of Thomas Kinkade's artwork hasn't been paying attention in stores for the last five years or so. With his old-fashioned images of a romantic yesteryear that probably never existed, Kinkade has become America's most-published artist. In "I'll Be Home for Christmas," he specializes in snowy landscapes, glowing cottages with smoke coming from rock chimneys and horse-drawn sleighs bringing visitors for Yule festivities. Text for the book comes from seasonal writings by Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, Washington Irving, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Kenneth Grahame, Isaac Watts and, of course, the Gospel of Luke. The artwork is the most notable feature: Large scenes are mixed with close-up details that reveal Kinkade's brushstrokes. People familiar with Kinkade's work know that he hides little letter 'N's throughout his paintings (the number that appears under his signature indicates how many are in that particular painting) in honor of his wife, Nanette. The printing in "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is so good that they are visible on almost every page. This isn't a thick book, nor heavy Christmas reading, but it certainly sheds some beautiful light on the spirit of the season.

No comments about Readers Theatre Comes to Church.

1 comments about Saints and Their Symbols: Recognizing Saints in Art and in Popular Images.

1. Under the heading of the major section, "Historical Survey or Historical Atlas of the Saints," over 150 saints are included in rough chronological order, beginning with the parents of the Virgin Mary and ending with Theresa Benedicta of the Cross, who died in a German concentration camp in 1942. Along with key biographical facts, entries for each of the numerous saints discuss symbols, settings, poses, clothing, and objects commonly included in paintings or other artistic representations of the respective saint and why these details are associated with him or her. With each entry is a work of art in which the saint is pictured. The large-size, glossy-paged reference has the quality of a coffee-table art book. But its primary purpose is helping reader identify saints in works of art mostly from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, but from other eras as well. The well-thought-out reference is useful in different ways. One can go through the "Historical Survey" in order or randomly to learn about the saints as they have been represented in works of art throughout history and look at the related works of art. The Index, on the other hand, lists the many details found in works of art on saints so that one can find a particular saint from details in a particular work--which one might have seen in a museum or public square in Italy, for example. And there's a third approach to coming to understand and appreciate the the portrayals of saints that have been a large part of Western and Near Eastern visual art in past centuries: The "Dictionary of Saints with Their Attributes" is a visual, alphabetical cataloguing of the saints in typical poses with typical garb and holding or alongside typical symbols or objects. The black-and-white illustrations of the Dictionary can be compared to an image one might have seen or recalled; and then one is directed to the written entry to learn about the saint and the work of art where one saw the image. For its comprehensiveness, attractiveness, and usefulness as a reference, this work is patently a leading work in its field. The authors are involved in different Italian cultural, art, and religious institutions.

No comments about Saints: National Gallery Pocket Guide (National Gallery London Publications).

No comments about Siena, City of the Virgin: Illustrated.