1 comments about The Language of Sculpture, With 155 Illustrations.

1. This probably is a great textbook, at least it certainly reads like one. I was more interested in getting inspired about sculpture and this was too stilted toward very abstract sculpture for my taste.

3 comments about 128 Compound Scroll Saw Patterns: Original "2-in-1" Designs for 3D Animals and People.

1. The book is Ok, with real good pictures and patterns but I prefer the Compound Cutting book by Diane Thompson. These patterns are actually 2 items when they are cut out. Turn one side and you have one thing and turn to the other side and you have something else. The idea is good but the plain 'ole compound cutting looks much better in my opinion.



2. The book arrived in great condition. The designs are as advertised and
   easy to use.



3. I have been scroll sawing for about 10 years and always looking for new books and patterns. The patterns in this book are easier than I generally use. For a beginner scroll sawer this would be a good starting book. For advanced scrollers most of the patterns are too simple. There are all new patterns and designs that I have not seen before and I will use the patterns. I hope author does more patterns in this style.

4 comments about Pens from the Wood Lathe: Step-By-Step Instructions for the Wood Turner.

1. Great book to get me started turning pens. A lot of good info and pictures. Covers all the basics well.



2. I picked this book up on the recommendation of a friend. I've advanced to the stage where I'm getting pretty good at making dowels on an expensive lathe, and was feeling like I needed to find something that made me feel more productive. If I've got it figured right, my first pen will cost me about $4,000. After that, hopefully, economy of scale should set in (I hope). If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm pretty good in a wood shop, but an absolute newbie at turning.
   
   I think my friend was being kind. Dick Sing assumes you have some familiarity with small gouges, skews and scrapers, which I do, and does little or no explanation of the turning part of pen making. He focuses on the intricacies of the equipment that is peculiar to pen making (mandrels, drilling jigs, etc.). Truth is, basic pen making is not a challenging occupation, and Dick Sing offers lots of pictures and straightforward text. This could have been called Pen Making for Dummies. In other words, anyone who can make a dowel on a lathe should be able to follow this book. Even me.
   
   What is missing, though, is and real focus on creative pen making. But this I mean grooves, beads, and chatter work sort of things that can turn a pen into something other than a useful dowel. He does play around a bit with materials and an interesting desk pen, but for the most part this book is about kit making and not about custom pen making. Even so, it is a terse, but very useful, introduction.



3. 64 pages, full color, 9 gallery pages. Step by step pictures with detailed text on how to make pens/pencils on the lathe. This book was a must for making my first pen, and a great reference as I have progressed. Pens include: Standard twist (and pencil), Dome-top, Rollerball and Fountain, Cigar pen, Flat-top click pen, Flat-top twist pen, and desk pen.



4. A very clear and concise presentation of what is required for making excellent writing instuments. Great color photos of all materials and instructions of each step in the selection of woods, and hardware, how to drill, match and assemble the components. The number of ways to varie the appearance of the instruments. He does not go into the discusion of lathes. He concentrates making pens and pencils and the variations that can be created. I have his other book, "UNIQUE & UNUSUAL PENS from the wood lathe" and I refer to them quite ofen for new ideas. I also refer to "TURNING PENS AND DESK ACCESSORIES" by Mike Cripps which I also use

No comments about Richard Serra: Rolled and Forged.

5 comments about Quick & Easy Gifts in Polymer Clay.

1. I love this book! It's the best of all of Lisa's books. She uses foil a lot in her projects, and the effect is gorgeous and glittery. There are also a variety of projects to decorate your home, jewelry, and even your car. At the end of each chapter is a section of tips from Lisa and other polymer clay artists. These little tips really help a lot.



2. If you like to create boring items like, a clay covered pen, or fork and spoon, a clay framed license plate cover, this is the book for you!
   Not only are the items dumb and boring, but she expects you to run out and buy all the extra products just to make one. Nice of her huh?



3. I really love the funky and sophisticated projects offerred in this book. Lisa's classy fashion style is really what makes this book special. I recommend all of her books to my students but this one is just filled front to back with really cool and stylish projects. Another nice touch was the gallery filled with several variations on most projects. It really is amazing how just a color scheme change can make over a project.
   
   Kudos Lisa!!!



4. Lisa has knocked another one out of the ball park. I can't believe how great these projects are while being so easy. I expected them to be simplistic, but I am pleased with the level of sophistication in the projects even though they're easy to make. I've already made several from the book and Lisa's trademark style of simple, clear instructions, along with lots of great pictures is making it hard for me to make time to do anything else since buying it. Lisa's first book got me started and all of the tips she includes has made it easy for me to become a seasoned clayer. I loved her second book as much as the first and was hopeful her latest offering would do the same. It exceeded my expectations. I can't wait for the next one and her DVD. Lisa, you have a fan for life!
   
   Davita Does Clay



5. I bought this book for my husband (who is new to polymer clay) and me (I've been "claying" for years). It has lots of great tips. The directions are easy to understand and the pictures are excellent.

3 comments about Top Cats: The Life And Times of the New York Public Library Lions.

1. Wonderfully informative little volume with comprehensive history of the NYC Lions, their controversial early days and total adoption into New Yorkers' hearts. Great photos and hilarious cartoons are included. When I leave it flat on a bookcase or table, it gets inevitable comments from guests who enjoy it as much as I do. Recommended for any cat love or bibliophile in general.



2. this little book is so wonderful. i wasn't expecting the volume
   of material, the wonderful facts and photograghs. seeing is believing...
   buy this book. it's worth the money and then some.



3. Book is beautifully conceived and designed, a rich treat for anyone who lives in New York or has ever lived there.

1 comments about The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry (Jewelry Crafts).

1. This book is not the complete encyclopedia of Navajo jewelry, but it's not meant to be. It is an excellent overview of the genre, with beautiful photographs of both very traditional Navajo jewelry as well as modern Navajo artists. For someone who wants an idea of what to look for and what is available, this is a brilliant resource. Ms. Bassman's narrative is informative and useful.
   I would recommend this book to any interested in Native American jewelry, but probably not for the advanced collector.

No comments about Sterling Ruby: MOCA Focus.

4 comments about Maskmaking.

1. I initially bought this book to help me teach maskmaking at a summer camp for children. Instead of sitting on the bookshelf at school, however, this book has been living in my art studio!

   Sivin's lovely book describes and illustrates maskmaking techniques that involve plaster, clay, paper, papier-mache, wire, fabric and many other materials. Her instructions are easy to follow, and she suggests a range of materials that are quite available and practical. Furthermore, the illustrations are very inspirational. She has chosen pictures of masks made by children, adults and professional artists. Some of them are funny, some are beautiful, ethereal or cute, and many are downright creepy.

   There is also a short history of world masks in the first chapter. Although it is not terribly detailed (and doesn't touch at all on the masks of Australia or Oceania), it gives the reader a little background before jumping into instruction.

   In the month that I have owned this book, I have tried a number of Sivin's techniques--and have had uncontrollable urges to be CONSTANTLY making masks.




2. This is by far one of the best books available on the art of maskmaking. It provides inspiration and clear instructions on technique for the beginners, as well as very useful references for the professional maskmaker. This book always accompanies me when I am given courses on the subject of masks.



3. This is a wonderful book that can teach anyone how to easily make beautiful masks. It is especially nice for teachers & parents for exploring maskmaking with children of all ages because of sections featuring easily made masks.

   The book starts out with a brief history of masks as art. A vast array of techniques are shown using a variety of easily found materials. These may include balloons, clay, plaster, papier-mâché, wire, buckram, & celastic.

   Each maskmaking method includes a complete materials list & is demonstrated with b/w photos and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. At the back there is a great chapter on creatively fishing the masks & then protecting them.

   Example masks in b/w & a small color gallery in the middle are nice bonuses. This is great book for anyone wanting to create unique masks.




4. I consider this one of the better books on Maskmaking techniques. It has easy to follow directions in a variety of modeling methods. Well illustrated, it makes what could have been a dry lifeless book into something that is accessable to all levels of Maskmaking experience

4 comments about Christianity and Classical Culture: The Metamorphosis of Natural Theology in the Christian Encounter with Hellenism (Gifford Lectures Series).

1. I know that Jaroslav Pelikan gives intellectual peak experiences to some people, but the fact is that he bores me terribly. There is no doubt in my mind that the man is a first-rate erudite who has read thousands of books, but he is a very bad writer, with no style at all. His prose is impeccable but the way he tells you things is dry, dry, dry. Never a note of playfulness, never an interesting anecdote. It's simply unbearable, or only bearable for monks who want to do penance.
   
   Although I was deeply interested in the subject and am accustomed to reading big books (I have read Robert Eisenman's huge volume on James, the Brother of Jesus), I couldn't go beyond the third chapter...
   
   Note that the scope of this book is very limited: pagan natural theology and Christian Cappadocian natural theology. This is NOT a book on the encounter of Paganism and Christianity in general. This renders the whole discussion terribly technical, and for me, terribly boring.
   
   Conclusion: for very patient specialists only.



2. Pelikan seeks to show, with great erudition, that the Cappadocians were able to synthesize Hellenic concepts, not all theological in origin, to meet the needs of their baptism of Greek thought into that of a more or less unified Christian vision. Emphasis is placed upon their use of apophatic theology (talking of God by saying what God is not- negation).
   
   Really a useful book to dispel the myths that the theology of the Church, especially the Greek tradition, is, a al Harnak, a big squabble over an iota or a bunch of clap trap that disguises the gospel. Each culture appropriates the Gospel in a manner that makes it intelligible. Of course there will be some loose ends and need of trimming, but Pelikan expertly demonstrates the genius of these theologians in their synthetic abilities.
   
   My other reviews of theological books may be of interest to you in this regard.
   
   Enjoy!



3. as a person who in his heart of hearts hopes to one day be a Byzantine Catholic monk, i found this book to be both rich in information, and inspiring.
   pelikan has long been my favorite historian of Christian theology. one of the great things about his work is his familiarity with the original texts: he is absolutely saturated in the writings of the fathers, and he can weave citations from their various works into his study in a manner similar to the way the old school fathers weave Scripture into their arguments.
   i never new what the cappadocians were as far as natural theologians. before i read this book, they were my heroes as Christians; now they are my heroes as intellectuals as well. he compares the effect that the cappadocians had on the east with the effect that augustine had on the west; as a Catholic, i'm half jealous :-)
   to me, the cappadocians serve as a model for just how good Christian theology can get. their writings are saturated in beauty; their theology is absolutely Trinitarian. they met their world head on and analyzed it in light of what Christianity could give. they combined an uncommon ability to both stand for the Orthodox and Catholic faith and to be vibrant and bold in their theology.
   a bonus is pelikan's portraying macrina, the sister of basil and gregory of nyssa, as 'the fourth cappadocian' and a source of much that was great in her brothers.
   i highly recommend this book. often, Christianity is accused of being 'paganized' from its encounter with hellenism. pelikan's study shows perhaps quite a different picutre: the Christianization of hellenism. at any rate, this wonderful book shows Christian theology at its best. i highly recommend it.



4. This is truly a gem in the field of Cappadocian studies.

   Contents include: PART ONE: Natural Theology as Apologetics 1)Classical Culture and Christian Theology 2)Natural Theology as Apologetics 3)The Language of Negation 4)God and the Ways of Knowing 5)The Many and the One 6)THe Universe as Cosmos 7)Space, Time, and Deity 8)The Image of God 9)The Source of All Good 10)From Tyche to Telos

   PART TWO: Natural Theology as Presupposition 11)Christian Theology and Classical Culture 12)Natural Theology as Presupposition 13)The Lexicon of Transcendence 14)Faith as the Fulfillment of Reason 15)The One and the Three 16)Cosmos as Contingent Creation 17)The Economy of Salvation 18)The Metamorphosis of Human Nature 19)The Worship Offered by Rational Creatures 20)The Life of the Aeon to Come

   Glossary of Greek Technical Terms From Sources Ancient and Modern

   Biblography

   Index

   Other books of interest may include: The Works of Ss. Basil the Great, Gregory Nyssa, Gregory Nazianzus. These may be found in many series. "Clement's use of Aristotle" by Elizabeth Clark; "The Theology of the Early Greek Philosophers" by Jaeger; Meijering's "Othodoxy and Platonism in Athanasius: Synthesis or Antithesis?"; Lossky's "Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church" and "In the Image and Likeness of God"; Stead's "Philosophy in Christian Antiquity"; "The Hellenic-Christian Philosophical Tradition" by Cavarnos; Georges Florovsky's "Aspects of Church History" and The Eastern Fathers of the Fourth Century"; "The Cappadocians" by Anthony Meredith; "The Fathers Speak" ed. Georges Barrios. Enjoy!