4 comments about Egyptian Shabtis (Shire Egyptology).

1. Whether you're an aspiring collector or a reader with an penchant for ancient Egyptian funerary art, this book fills an inexpensive much desired niche making a superb preliminary introduction before investing in the CD Rom accompanied publication, Glenn Janes, Shabtis a Private View, or more comprehensive difficult to obtain out of print volumes such as Hans D. Schneider's, Shabtis; (or Flinders Petrie, Shabtis; Aubert, J.F, Egyptiennes, chaouabtis, ouchebtis; Luis Manuel de Araujo, Estatuetas Funerarias Egipcias da XXI Dinastia; Percy E Newberry, etc etc). All these volumes are more than worth their weight however what makes this book so very surprising is it's diminutive size. At only 64 pages it contains useful information that years after purchase, I admit I still refer to. The background text is basic yet comprehensive. The chronology of shabti features according to material (wood, stone, faience, pottery, clay, glass, copper/bronze), form (daily dress, overseer, back pillar), headdress (duplex wig, seshed headband), equipment (hoes, pick & hoe, bags front, bag at back, bag over shoulder, yoke with pots, brick mould), and symbol, with accompanying illustrations are invaluable in dating, both for new collectors wanting to discern tourist souvenirs from genuine antiquities or those expanding their shabti collection into a different dynastic period. Of particular interest also are the variants on the shabti spell in hieroglyphs.
   
   I'd give this book 4 stars when compared to the abovementioned publications however at 64 pages acknowledge it would be wholly unreasonable to compare a mammoth hi-tech lavishly illustrated volume with a condensed booklet and for it's size I'd be hard-pressed to conceive how any more information could be compressed into this small succinct Shire Publication without considerable loss to existing information or consistency. Yes there are better books out there and yes, this information is available elsewhere but not as a focused introduction, and not at this modest price. If you're intrigued by shabtis, worth noting is the Shire Publication by Paul T.Nicholson, Egyptian Faience & Glass, in this same series which makes an inexpensive, ideal complementary volume with regards the basic methods of manufacture.



2. Anyone considering buying shabtis needs to have some guidance due to the large amount of forgeries on the market. This book discusses materials and visual characteristics that can help place the dynastic period of the shabti. Unfortunately, this is far from a comprehensive book. It includes too many ilustrations, and too few actual pictures. I have seen many of the photos that the illustrations are drawn from so I can only assume reprint permission could not be obtained. This does hurt the overall quality of this book. This is however the best book I have read on the subject, so until there is a revision or a better book published, this is the shabti book to buy.



3. This short book provides much information about the Egyptian shabtis, figurines created to act for the deceased in the afterlife. The author explains their manufacture in wood, stone, Egyptian faience and other materials; he also traces their evolution from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic Period. Inscriptions and spells are briefly discussed. This is a very useful reference for students, Egyptologists and art historians.



4. This book is a short but very comprehensive presentation of Egyptian ushabtis, and contains much information not readily found elsewhere. It discusses the nature and uses of the ushabti, their evolution from their initial appearances through to the end of the Ptolemaic Period. Perhaps the most valuable section is a chart and discussion showing by dynasty the use of the various materials used in making ushabtis, the form of dress, the headdress and equipment held by the ushabti. While most of the available ushabtis are from the Late Period, the chart will help date those that are not. For example, wood was generally not used after the 20th dynasty, while the back pillar was not introduced until about the 22nd dynasty. The book contains a few photos, all of which are monochrome, and a number of sketches showing, for example, the different types of headdresses used for ushabtis. This book is highly recommended, particularly at its very modest price.

1 comments about Paper Mask Making.

1. I'm a high School teacher.I bought Michael Grater's book because it looked like even I could use it, and because it looked like I could use it for something. Just browsing it, I had to try it because all I needed was a piece of paper to start with and a pair of scissors. I couldn't stop. I brought it into a class in which we were studying Commedia dell arte. Even the more multiple-thumbed than I got started. And now with facsimile Commedia models to work from we're making/creating our own. And the kids LOVE it! I've rarely seen a more user friendly guide lead to such sophisticated porducts. It's brilliant!

No comments about Rodin: The Shape of Genius.

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 The Art of Polymer Clay: Designs and Techniques for Making Jewelry, Pottery, and Decorative Artwork.

1. The Art of Polymer Clay: Designs and Techniques for Creating Jewelry, Pottery, and Decorative Artwork (Updated Edition)
   
   I have learned so much from this book an I don't want to put it down. There isn't one wasted word and the photos are outstanding. If you have any interest at all in polymer clay, Donna Kato, is, if you don't already know, one of the best!!! Donna, thank you for this book. I can now take myself to another level of polymer clay work.
   
   Madeline Faiella



2. Without a doubt the meduim I use most and have the most fun with. This book has enabled me to get to a whole new level. Beautiful pictures, easy to follow directions and the finished products are nice enough to give as gifts. WELL worth the purchase.



3. This polymer clay book is an updated version of one Donna Kato did several years ago. This book is a wonderfully written and illustrated book about how to use polymer clay to make many things around your house. The steps are clearly explained with photos clearly showing each step. I wish all craft books were as well written and illustrated as this leading founder in the polymer clay industry is. 5 gold stars for Donna Kato!!!!



4. I love anything Donna Kato does. She is so knowledgeable about Polymer Clay and how to use it. I am amazed at how great this book is as a reference and an inspiration. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves Polymer Clay.



5. This book,in my opinion, is one of Donna's best. It has all the basics for beginners without the unnecessary "this is clay" boredom. After what I believe to be HONEST reviews of the top clays on the market today, she has READABLE instructions for many techniques. And if that is not enough, her projects are user /reader friendly. Her projects are nice, not like so many books with their "way out" ideas. If you are a beginner...This is the book to get you started. If you are intermediate, this is the book with new & fun lessons. If you are advanced, this is a good reference book and teaching manual. This is now my #1 reference book.
   Life is too short not to have fun!

5 comments about Essential Origami: How To Build Dozens of Models from Just 10 Easy Bases.

1. Very good diagrams. Projects range from very easy to more advanced, following a logical progression.
   Appears to be out of print.
   For beginners, I recommend Hediaki Sakata's _Origami_.(Please note that Amazon has an incorrect subtitle on Sakata's book).



2. I bought this book when I was about 11 years old. I am now 20, and still use it. All the base folds are relevant for alot of the more advanced models that I fold. I will never get rid of this book, and it should be in every origami lover's library!



3. This is one of the best beginners books there is. Models are grouped into chapters covering the different origami models with a range of easy pieces which will give the beginner plenty of practice with basic folds and techniques. The finished results are attractive and in some cases downright exciting - the Steve Biddle Father Christmas is one of my favourite models. I also like the Kawahata pteranodon.
   
   The book progresses towards more advanced work which is nevertheless produced in the characteristic clear style of the books by Steve and Megumi Biddle. They use standard diagrammatic language so that once you have learned from this book you will be able to pick up most other origami books and work from them.
   
   In addition, once you have made all the models in the book you will be an intermediate level folder and ready for more advanced challenges!
   
   I recommend this book which will make a great gift, but be sure to provide some paper with it as it does not include a pack of origami paper the way some beginners books do.



4. This is the perfect starting origami book it has wonderful digrams and most the models are pretty simple even the dragon shown on the cover is pretty simple, although there are a few harder models. The one downside to this book is there aren't very many origanal models although the ones that do exist are very cool. people just starting origami haven't seen that many models so what i just said isn't a problem for them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn the art of origami



5. I bought this book to broaden the range of things that I could fold (knowing just 2 or 3 origami before reading this). It has exceeded my expectations. Not only did I quickly learn new things that I could fold, I also learned a broad range of fundamental patterns for origami, plus I found detailed instructions on complex models.

   There are a variety of simple hat, box, flower, and animal models that you learn from the very start, but the patterns range up to much more complex models, like a wonderful Santa Claus origami that I've folded several times to add to Christmas presents. That one still takes me about half an hour to fold, but I'm working on it. This book covers many origami that can be made from a fairly broad set of basic folds, so you can go a long way with just this book.

   The instructions are generally very clear with words and pictures for everything you need to do. The models do build on one another, however, and later in the book there are often back-references to previous pieces (which may themselves refer to earlier pieces). You should not expect to jump immediately to the most complex origami (unless you have significant prior experience, I guess).

   I was prepared to buy a couple of books, if necessary, to learn a variety of interesting things to fold, but having purchased this one, I have not felt the need to buy another so far. I highly recommend this book.

No comments about Olafur Eliasson (Contemporary Artists).

1 comments about New Land Marks : Public Art, Community, and the Meaning of Place.

1. New*Land*Marks: Public Art, Community, and the Meaning of Place, edited by Penny Balkin Bach, is the book version of an exhibition of models and proposals for an ambitions public art project in Philadelphia, undertaken by the Fairmount Park Art Association. In a way, the show and book are virtual public art: the photographs, texts, and models are a vision of what could happen, not only in this project but in the larger area of community-based public art. Sixteen artists provide visions of the city, communities within it, and the interaction of art, the public, and public space. The book itself is beautifully designed: with innovative site photographs and innovative presentation of the texts and models proposed for each site. This book breaks new ground in the field of public art.

3 comments about Paper Magic: Pop-Up Paper Craft.

1. The projects in this book are amazingly stunning and for the most part simple.



2. Positively fabulous book on paper craft. The arcitectural designs are somewhat more advanced, but the butterfly is probably the easiest and more effective for the beginner.



3. I am 13 and I love this book. I have spent over 40 hours with these designs. I love models and making things and this book is perfect. I took it with me when I went to my grandad's funeral and spent a lot of time making these pop-ups. They would be neat framed or somehow displayed. Buy this book for your kids.

1 comments about Metal: Forming, Forging, and Soldering Techniques.

1. The Title is(Metal Forming, Forging, and Soldering Techniques)
   There is entirely too much of the book on tools and how to use them. I already know how to use the tools but I do need more info. on forming metal. I can get a free Sears tool catalog and have tools. I do not feel that it was worth the $12.95+ shipping. I was looking for the "techniques" on how to do the bending, forming, etc. It did not meet my need or expectations.