4 comments about Christo and Jeanne-Claude: On the Way to The Gates, Central Park, New York City (Metropolitan Museum of Art Series).

1. The Gates was too cool. As with all art, it is subjective. One person might consider junk, is anothers treasure. The Gates was a sight to see. We went on a trip to NY to see them. TOO COOL! The book is great.



2. The Central Park Gates Project will be remembered as the first great public art installation of the 21st century. Christo's gift to New York City was immersive, democratic and profoundly spiritual. If you want to understand the thought, passion and effort that went into this masterpiece, then this is the book for you.



3. What these men do is not art, it is junk. Real art is Picasso, Renoir, Rodin, Ansel Adams etc... Since this is not art,logically any book about "the gates" is a waste of money. Anybody who thinks that what this book shows is art should look up the word pretentious.



4. This book depicts a project began by the authors circa 1979.
   The presentation contains many full-color pictures i.e.
   The Wrapped Coast of Sydney, Australia. The Wrapped Coast is
   a spectacular presentation of a rock formation set in contrast
   to the sea and sky. The work has a presentation by Da Vinci
   in Milan and a panorama of umbrellas called the "Japan Gates".
   The volume is well worth the price for art and world culture
   enthusiasts.

3 comments about Italian Memorial Sculpture 1820-1940: A Legacy of Love.

1. Fred S. Licht and Robert W. Fichter -- both inspired me in the field of cemetery art beginning in Florence, Italy.
   
   Professor Licht was the first director of the Florida State University Florence Study Center and remained the director for over a decade. The program began in 1966 -- the year of The Flood. FSU students volunteered to assist the devastated city.
   
   Professor Licht is one of the very best professors I've ever had the pleasure to learn from.



2. Originally bought just for the pictures it might contain. The pictures of monuments throughout Italy were spectacular, and the commentary was fascinating. Altogether a beautiful book that anyone interested in funerary sculpture must own.



3. 
   It may come as a surprise to many that much of Italy's compelling art is found in its cemeteries. As it happens, during the 19th and 20th centuries some of the most acclaimed sculptors were commissioned by families, both Christian and Jewish, to create lasting memorials to their loved ones. Thus, in effect, breathtaking outdoor museums were born.
   
   Now, for the first time in the English language a comprehensive pictorial representation of these art works is found in "Italian Memorial Sculptures 1820-1940: A Legacy of Love". Robert W. Fichter has contributed a number of these luminous photos. He notes that he first became interested in the cemetery movement with a monument he found in the Porte Sante Cemetery located on a hill above Florence. The monument depicts a young couple, "a woman in a gown and a young man in his military uniform gazing at each other." The story is that the young man went to war, and did not return. Photos were used as a source for these images.
   
   Further Fichter notes that he saw "the cemeteries and the monuments themselves as cultural indexes of the lives and times of both the people who had produced the sculpture and those who had commissioned the work." From this initial vision came a collection of rare photographs for the benefit of lay people, photographers, artists, and historians.
   
   The second photographer to contribute to this volume is Robert Freidus who visited the Monumentale Cemetery while on a sightseeing trip to Milan. As he says as soon as he walked on the land he was captured by the amazing beauty he found.
   
   A scholarly text by Sandra Berresford who now teaches in Italy accompanies the 450 photographs. She deftly analyzes the cultural and historical background of the works. Of special interest, perhaps is an exploration of the iconography of angels. For travelers a guide to the cemeteries of northern and central Italy is included.
   
   We're sorry to note that some of the sculptures are now being razed by cemetery administrators, which is a great loss to the world and more specifically to the history of the funerary art tradition and the European cemetery movement.
   
   - Gail Cooke

3 comments about Chihuly Projects.

1. I bought this for my daughter who is a Chihuly fan. She thought it was excellent; good photos and words. Recommended.



2. This book is a fabulous deal. With about 75% of the book being full page color photographs of Chihuly's work, this volume really helped me discover who this artist is and what his work is all about. The reproductions are of the highest quality as is the art. The two essays opening the book are well written, allowing beginners and veterens of glass alike to pick up info about the artist, his technique, and his place in history. Notes from Chihuly and his team are provided to give a personal inside look at the art, which I found to be very interesting. Even if you don't know anything about glass, buy this as a coffee table book. I guarantee it will make you look culturally saavy and will be a great conversation starter. Best of all, if you'd rather look than read, this is definitely the volume for you. It's like taking a world tour of Chihuly's glass installations, art that is accessible and fun to view for all.



3. This book is best described by the words color and form.Many collectors of glass have discovered Chihuly and his freedom of color and form but not many can travel to see his installations all over the world. This book is so well done it satisfies the eye with the color and forms but the full size of the works of Dale Chihuly are only realized in person,so let it suffice to enjoy the best book on Dale Chihuly and his works.This is excellent photography of Art Glass at its finest.

No comments about The Handyman's Book: Essential Woodworking Tools and Techniques.

1 comments about Carving 20 Realistic Game and Song Birds: Complete Patterns and Instructions (The Woodcarver's Favorite Pattern series).

1. This book, plus the three others in this series, are a super find for anyone doing bird carving. They include background info on each bird, instructions and most importantly, a pattern showing the side view, the top view and front view. Tips on making feet, how to texture and burn your bird are covered and suggestions for mounting are included. I am in a weekly woodcarving club and I have seen the owl, hummingbird and the robin carved from patterns in this book and they looked really good. I carved a pair of chickadees that I am very proud of. This book shows only bird patterns, Lehman's other books cover other birds, plus a few animals. You really need to get all of his books for yourself--and to make yourself popular with other carvers. My only complaint, and it is just a minor one, is that I wish that information on painting the completed projects had been included.

2 comments about Intarsia: Artistry in Wood: 12 Projects for Every Occasion.

1. This is an excellent pattern book for getting started in Intarsia. The book contains 12 projects varying from wildlife to Christmas to a puppy in a basket. Each project gets a little more challanging. All projects include a color picture of the finished project and full size plans to make the project, along with narration about the projects special features and 'Helpful Tips' to make the project easier to complete.

   The first project includes 12 pages of narration and 41 color photos explaining and showing the different techniques of intarsia. Just follow along, step by step, and before you know it, you have a complete Brown Pelican you can be proud to display. The second project, Puppy in a Basket, has 16 pages of narration and 58 color photos to guide your way to a beautiful completed project. The last ten projects do not go into as much detail, only a few paragraphs and the completed finished color photo. However, many of the techniques discussed in the first two projects carry over to almost ALL intarsia projects.

   A great beginner book for Intarsia, some nice simple Intarsia plans and a few challanging ones for the more experienced sawyer. A must for every scroll sawyer collection.




2. The authers begin by helping you through a project step by step. I followed along with them and my first project was a beautiful Brown Pelican. Their Instructions included wood selection and pattern use. You are then incouraged to go solo and hone your skills. The degree of difficulty of the patterns range from basic to an intermediate level. I encourage anyone with a scroll saw to begin with this book and getting into the fasinating hobby of intarsia. In no time they will be creating items of beauty to be proud of.

3 comments about The Collector's Encyclopedia of Brush-McCoy Pottery: Updated Values.

1. I will agree right away that this book has some nice photography and it is not likely that the average collector will ever see some of the pottery listed in this book. Also I want to tear my hair out at times distinguishing between Nelson McCoy pottery and Bush McCoy pottery. Some of the pieces listed were apparently either made by both or they were borrowing heavily from each other. For instance I have always thought that the Princess Line from the mid-60's was a Nelson McCoy line (Page 144). So it would definitely suggest that a novice might also want to pick up Sanfords'Guide to McCoy Pottery. Just to note, the use of the name Brush Mccoy ended in the late 20's so anything made after that should be either Brush or Mccoy, not the combined name.
   
   (I also have to admit that I have a distinct fondness for the Princess Line. It is still reasonable and fits nicely with both a mid century modern decor or a more traditional decor. Plus, it is still reasonably priced.)
   
   The price guide is a separate leaflet, but as was noted elsewhere it is very outdated. The price of the older items have soared, and even the more common planters are attracting interest because of the increased interest in mid 20th century design.
   
   Finally, I have a complaint about the presentation of information in the book. One of the main reasons to buy a guide such as this is the identification of unmarked pieces. A great deal of the early Brush pottery was unmarked. A good way to identify unmarked pottery is by looking at the bottom of the pot. The way the pottery is finished can give good hints about maker and age. Good photographs of the bottom of some of these pieces would be very helpful in identification.



2. This is a well organized reference to Bush-McCoy. It contains a history of Bush-McCoy; this added knowledge adds to the fun of collecting and allow you to sound more like you know what you are doing. Then there are pages on the different "marks" of the pottery. There is a dated value guide. But I find it easer to do my own comparing. The big plus is the color pictures that show what is available. For those discriminate people that do not just buy anything that says Bush-McCoy there is an index. It is also fun to see you Bush-McCoy pieces in the book.



3. This book is a must for collectors of Brush-McCoy pottery. The pictures are beautiful and the information offered is just great. A large number of different pieces of Brush-McCoy pottery are shown but this book does not show every piece of pottery made by Brush-McCoy. I was very pleased with this book.

1 comments about Chinese Seals: Carving Authority and Creating History (Arts of China).

1. This small book provides a good overview for the beginner in the field of Chinese Seals, in a field where there is nigh on nothing available to the English reader.
   The chapters are succinct and well written. Each chapter is also well illustrated in terms of seal imprints as well as typical seal designs.
   One of the more difficult areas for the non-Chinese speaking/reading collector is that of identifying the era from which one's seals come from - this book will not assist in that task but provides a pleasant and helpful introduction to an area many may well be tempted to delve into.

5 comments about Artists At Work: Polymer Clay Comes of Age.

1. Lovely book of polymer clay art objects, very inspirtional to try new things--not a "how to" book, but viewing other artist's work! Great transaction, speedy shipping, would recommend seller! Thanks!



2. I have no need for a picture book. I am looking only for tutorial types of books, at this time. I want to learn and understand how to do this beautiful art form. It had nothing to help someone that is trying to learn. There were 4 things in the entire book that even caught my eye. Good for others that enjoy just seeing the works of other people, I guess. I totally loved the work by Laura Liska Oakes, hope she has another book showing us how to do some of her beautiful pieces!



3. After first purchasing a dud, I was skeptical that this book was all the reviews said it was. I was wrong! This book was exactly what I, as an experienced artist new to polymer clay, was looking for. I will wear this one out looking at the ideas and techniques.



4. This is an absolutely incredible book packed with unique artworkby over 50 different & highly talented artists. As an intermediatepolymer clay artist I look to this book when I need new ideas & inspiration.

   Background information is given on each artist including education, technique & style. One or more the artists' best works are then displayed with basic information on the how the artwork was created.

   Contact information for all the artists in located in the back along with a small dictionary & a list of reference books the artists' use. Several of the artists also answer questions about their working techniques.

   Some on my favorite pieces are a chess set, a mosaic sunflower, a mushroom fairie & a millefiori trade rattle made out of a gourd. I also enjoyed the numerous pieces of jewelry including butterfly, fan & African animal pins.




5. For any reader of Nan Roche's "The New Clay," this new book, "Artists At Work: Polymer Clay Comes of Age", is a refreshing addition to communicate the beauty, imagination, and intricacy of the polmer clay medium. Having personally seen the works of the the authors as well as contributing artists, this book demonstrates the limitless ways this medium allows artistic expression, from whimisical to serious. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in seeing the best of polymer clay artists "performing" today. Laura Darlington Washington, D.C. ldarlington@comsysinc.com

3 comments about The Jewels of Queen Elizabeth II: Her Personal Collection.

1. If you love royal jewels like me then you need to get this book... the pictures are fabulous. There is not a whole lot of text and explanation about all the pieces you view in the book but there is enough for you to get a general history of most of the pieces. I highly recommend this book!!!!!



2. "Amazing" is the only word to describe the impressive array of jewels in Her Majesty's collection. Tiaras, bracelets, earrings... all delicately made and intricate in their structure. Whether they are gifts from other heads of state, inheritance, or personal presents from her parents, the Queen's jewels will take your breath away.
   
   Now when you see pictures of the Queen and her female relations - whether on television or in magazines - you'll be able to name the tiara, place the bracelet, identify the earrings, and swoon over the plate-sized gems pinned to dresses. Brilliant!
   
   © 2005 www.mandysroyalty.org



3. A well written guide to QE II's elaborate collection of precious stones. Comes complete with her family tree as a reference, which you may find handy to refer to as the author traces back how most of the pieces came to the Queen through her ancestors. Many pictures, however, there are almost as many of Queen Mary as there are of Queen Elizabeth II! I especially liked the way it was discussed how some older pieces have been taken apart, reset, and reconfigured to make them do duty in the 20th and 21st centuries. A very well researched book that any royal watcher will enjoy. I would love to see the author devote a publication to the jewelry (real and paste) of the late Princess of Wales.