5 comments about Cameos: Old & New, 3rd Edition.

1. When I first started collecting Cameos it was very confusing which ones were worth collecting. This book showed me what to look for and what to watch out for. Well worth the money!



2. The book is very thorough and spotting every important and relevant issue concerning old and newer cameos. Very easy to read and remember, giving all that's good to know about cameos. Recommended for anyone interested in knowing them - collectors, dealers, teachers...
   
   The only thing is that almost all of the photographs are in black & white, and in a rather poor quality. If the photos were in good quality color, this would have just made the book perfect. I, for one, would be happy to pay for the difference.



3. I liked the book. It could of had alot more information in it because there was a few things that I did not get answered...like I had hoped. But I guess you can't expect one book to give you all the information that a person seeks.



4. If you love cameos and collect them this is a wonderful little book for you. Tells you the history, the types, the reasons for certain styles, how to tell the age, how to tell the value, and all the necessary terminology for discussing them. Good illustrations are also a plus.



5. When most people think of cameos, they think of the standard woman's profile carved from shell and mounted as a brooch or necklace. But the art of the cameo encompasses far more than that. Historically, it dates back to the ancient world, and over the centuries many materials have been used in making these works of art. Although female heads are probably the most common subject, mythological figures, animals, portraits of individuals, and many other things have found their way onto cameos. The quality can range all the way from cheap mass-produced modern items to fine hand-crafted pieces worthy of any museum.
   
   Anna Miller's "Cameos" is a wonderful introduction to cameos. She covers the history of the form, the subjects normally found and what each one looks like--very useful in an age where few people know their mythology. She describes the different materials that have been used in making cameos--including lava from Mt. Vesuvius, shell, agate, onyx, plastic, and glass. There's an extensive section on how cameos are made and on the people who made (and make) them. One particularly useful discussion describes the differences between traditional hand-carved works and those made by modern ultrasonic machines (vital for any modern buyer). The author also gives information on how to evaluate quality and condition and on market value. The book is illustrated throughout with black and white pictures, and there is an extensive color section in the middle. One of the best things about this book is that the author is able to convey her appreciation of the art of cameos to the reader. "Cameos" is an essential reference for anyone who wants to acquire a knowledge and understanding of this art. Highly recommended.

1 comments about The Color of Life: Polychromy in Sculpture from Antiquity to the Present.

1. The Color of Life is a good surprise. An enjoyable and educational book that I find quite inspiring. Ancient and contemporary works of art with polychromy. The quality of the photography is excellent. But the most impressive aspect is the selection of unique sculpts.

5 comments about Pornogami: A Guide to the Ancient Art of Paper-Folding for Adults.

1. It's not the easiest for the novice origami person (i.e., me), but the folks I bought it for who are origami gurus found it hysterical and fun. My new bar trick is making a winky out of a dollar bill because of this book.



2. This book is a novelty and the concept is funny. However, I'm not impressed with the models.
   
   The diagrams are pictures of somebody showing the folds - so the book does not use the "normal" symbols.
   
   I think a beginner folder would have some problems with this book.



3. I am a complete & total beginner at origami, I found many of these hard or impossible to make.
   
   I also bought 'Naughty Origami' which generally has easier figures - I was able to make almost all of them after a couple of tries each, after doing them I was able to make a few of the figures from Pornogami.
   
   The figures in this book are generally more 'interesting'.
   
   The origami were very well received by men and women alike at an adults only party.



4. I bought 5 of these to give a birthday gifts. Everyone has loved them.



5. I gave it as a xmas gift and it made a few jaws drop and brought on lots of laughter . A+

4 comments about The Japanese Pottery Handbook.

1. I teach pottery and always have at least one Jananese student in my class. (Some times they speak very little English)
   This is the most basic pottery book. There are no color photos but what wonderful step by step instructional sketches, the sheer number of forms and different designs is truly Awesome.
   This book is written both in English and in Japanese. I can't tell you how much this book has help bridge the language barrier (I speak Zero Japanese).
   My students both Japanese and American love the book. Worth every penny.



2. This is an excellent book for the price! Simple and straight forward, it's a great learning tool and gives you some good basic info.



3. A very basic handbook if you are looking for pottery techniques, but invaluable for the English/ Japanese translations and terminology in hiragana, katakana and kanji for the Western potter who travels to Japan. Not many books around that gives one access to this terminology to enable one to discuss ceramics with the Japanese potter.The terminology regarding forms, descriptions, glazes, underglazes, etc are exellent, with helpfull maps on kiln sites and the different wares found in the different regions of Japan.



4. This informative and delightful book is a must for any potter. With charming and clear illustrations the authors provide information on tools, workshops, forming, decorations, kilns, etc. Even common problems are illustrated! Towards the end of the book, drawings of various forms will prove a valuable resource to many a potter. This book has become a constant reference in my own studio. Please note that two languages are used in the book, Japanese and English, accenting the visual delight of this well designed book.

3 comments about Lettercarving in Wood: A Practical Course.

1. It has been almost 90 days since the order was placed and now the current shipment date is in February.



2. Another excellent book from Chris Pye, all you need to know to start letter carving.
   Written in Pye's usual thorough and detailed style, it helps you with selecting tools, how to hold your workpiece, shows different letter styles, both incised and raised lettering etc...



3. This is a very good beginners book... I just started wood carving and my technique wasn't very good. After following the tips and tricks that you learn from reading this well laid out book the letter's I am carving are much stronger and the shapes more fluid. I highly recommend this book.

2 comments about Carving Facial Expressions.

1. I hope someday, I can carve wood like this guy!! He's amazing!! Clearly, the best book on learning facial expressions. A+++. Starting w/a diagram of the facial muscles, & how each one works, down to the different kinds of facial expressions doing all sorts of faces. This book is a MUST for any wood carvers, beginners or pros alike.



2. This is a good book for helping one carve facial expressions however it has a very limited number of examples and expressions to offer. The book is worth it for someone who is very much interested in carving, but for more information on facial expression try Artist's Complete Guide to Facial Expression.

5 comments about In Search of Pipe Dreams.

1. I'm sure I'm in the majority; those of us who enjoy smoking a pipe, but could never imagine spending $1000 on one (or more than a few hundred for me). This book mainly discusses those extremely expensive pieces, but in the authors defense, he claims to smoke them, so whatever floats his boat. There is also really good political commentary, discussion on pipe mechanics, and the book is nicely written and easy to read. If you want something nice to read about how the rich people enjoy their pipe tobacco, this is your book. If you resent the uber wealthy contingent of pipe smokers, this book might cause fits of rage for you. I'm a tolerant guy, I enjoyed it.



2. In Search of Pipe Dreams Great Book! Very interesting reading-all I ever wanted to know about pipes-"How To's & Why.



3. This is for me definitely one of the best books on pipes ever written. Very informative, yet written in an easy and catching style that really keeps you reading and reading and reading... without stopping. Lots of useful and very interesting information. If only Mr.Newcombe would write a sequel... Highly recomended for all pipe and tobacco lovers and other interested audience... One of my definite favourites among pipe books!



4. I really enjoyed reading this book. Not only does it have a lot of good information about pipes and pipe carvers, it also deals with the companies that prodce pipes. The author also tells about his travels all over the world in the pursuit of his greatest passion..pipe smoking.



5. Great reading. A pipe adventure book where the author details his expeditions throughout Europe with the pipemakers themselves. A little too much emphasis on how the author's pipe must be modified to enjoy, but we each must enjoy our pipes however we feel. Too bad the pictures aren't in color to see the detail of these high end pipes.

5 comments about Theory and Practice of Goldsmithing (Jewelry Crafts).

1. This isn't a project book and the information is astounding. The technical theory is intriguing, which helps to explain much of why some things happen. This book is a must for all jewellers if they are serious about metalcraft. This book is best book on metalsmithing that I have - I wish I had bought it earlier.



2. THEORY AND PRACTICE OF GOLDSMITHING first saw print in East Germany in 1961, becoming a major resource of jewelers, sculptors and others working in metals: this is the first English language edition, and any metalworker will quickly find it indispensable. From silversmithing to chainmaking and setting stones, techniques, melt diagrams, specifications, and heated metal effects are surveyed in very technical chapters appropriate for practicing goldsmiths and advanced students. You won't find these advanced discussions easily elsewhere, so any college-level library or studio reference collection needs to add THEORY AND PRACTICE OF GOLDSMITHING to their list of foundation references.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. This book is unparalleled in its information about precious metals. I would almost trade all my other metal books for this one alone. Well worth the cost and indispensable to a Goldsmith. If you want to work in metal, from iron to platinum, you need this book. Very technical but the information is invaluable and can be applied to any metal medium. My copy has some duplicate pages in the 50-60 range, but nothing was left out. That is my only complaint and I am sure it was just a binding error that may be in only my book as none of the others I have seen do.



4. The depth and amount of information in this book is staggering. The translation is great it doesn't seem stilted as a lot of translations do. It was edited by Tim Mcreigth of "the complete metalsmith" fame and was translated and published by his company. It gives way more information on the reason of why and how techniques work than any other book I have seen. In some ways it is the prefect companion to "the complete metal smith" it has a lot of the same information as it and a lot more depth. My only caveat is it can be a little dry and some times overly technical. but still it is a great work.



5. The Brepohl's book surely is the best book about the theory of the jewelry's affair's that I know, but isn't a project book. Is a textbook well written, with a very good english translation (the original is in german).The theory of metalurgy, that is lacking in the others books on the field, is update and well presented.In the end of some chapters there are few examples of student work, but their level is very high, and isn't showed all details of how to get it. If you want to know why and not only how, you must have this book.

5 comments about We Beat the Street: How a Friendship Led to Success.

1. We Beat the Streets by three doctors, Sampson, George, and Rameck, is a nonfiction book. This story is about three friends that go to a medical school and they wanted to be different doctors. I learned that people should hang out with the people who want to bring you higher to a higher grade. I like this book becouse it has a lot of adventure and mystery.Other will like it because it has magnificent stories that will make you want to read more. -by Kevon Pierrot



2. This book is an excellent read aloud book for teachers of young African American males. It encourages and helps them realize that no matter how badly one's life begins, it doesn't have to stay that way. It's a great discussion starter to help young people voice their concerns in a format that normally would not be available to them.



3. Chris Cummings
   
   
   We Beat the Streets
   
   This book "We Beat the Streets" can show people, it doesn't matter were you come from. You can always become something even if you live in the ghetto.
   
   This Book is about three doctors, George Jenkins, Sampson Davis and Rameck Hunt, and all three of them come from a New Jersey city, Newark. All three of them fulfill there dream and go to college. In the book there are incidents from the lives of all three doctors about them living in the bad areas of Newark when they were kids. They did some bad things at first in there lives but then they realized later on in there life that the street life won't pay off in the end. As the reader reads this book they will follow Sampson, Rameck and George as there journey from first grade through medical school. See them achieve there goals. In this book "We Beat the Streets" it shows tragedy of street life and how still living in bad communities you can always achieve your goals.
   
   The content of "We Beat the Street" was edited really good for such young readers, making it a want to read book for this age level. The style of this book was simple but also attractive which will catch reader's eyes. Also the message was to the reader is excellent. It puts a warning to readers and also it's a inspiration, and encourages higher education, especially for those who doubt their ability to achieve there education goals. "We Beat The Streets" was one of the best books I have ever read on a subject like this. I extremely recommend this book to readers.



4. In this work three African American doctors tell the story of how they used their brains, loyalty, and few good chances to escape their tough urban neighborhood, go to college and medical school, and become doctors. The book is targeted for an adolescent audience, although there is an adult version, called "The Pact" available. At the end of each chapter, the doctors give some advice to young people who want to achieve more than those around them expect.
   
   Quote: "Young people need positive role models and guidance in their lives. There is no underestimating a positive figure in a child's life."
   
   I picked this book up because it is the only one recommended by more than one of my ninth graders. I enjoyed the anecdotes about the childhood and teenage years of the young men, but mostly I appreciated their frank discussion of the challenges their lives presented, the choices they needed to make, and the belief of many in their neighborhood that they would never get out. I think young people would enjoy the work even more than I did, since the authors were careful to target students.



5. I, for one, am not a fan of inspirational stories. I honestly thought that this is one of the most stupid books I ever read. I had to read this for summer reading and I really did not enjoy it. At all. Yay, so three boys from the ghetto became doctors. Incredible. Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. Don't waste your time. It's stupid.

2 comments about Wildlife Carving in Relief: Carving and Patterns.

1. I love this book. It has a beautiful gallery of pictures and instructions to help the crafter improve their craft. The projects in the book are animals and scenery, but with a little imagination you will be able to learn and transfer the skill to any art form.



2. Lora Irish puts forth in amazing detail relief carving using hand tools. The book is well worth the purchase price for the artwork alone, her teaching is masterful.