No comments about Ai Weiwei: Works 2004-2007.

1 comments about The Book of Wood Carving.

1. Although the publishing date is stated as 1979, this is just a reprint of a book from 1942. While learning the basics of carving hasn't changed much in the more than half a century since this book's first publication, the patterns and designs in this book are somewhat dated. A book with more and more modern patterns and ideas would be a better choice.

No comments about Traditional Pottery of India (Ceramics).

1 comments about Bernini and the Excesses of Art.

1. When I started to read this book, I thought that I must have suffered some kind of stroke that had affected my ability to follow a thought. But the fault, dear Brutus, is with the horrible writing on a subject that should be fascinating. To say it is hard to follow the train of thought is an understatement, for there IS no train of thought. I got the impression this book was composed of sentences written on scraps of paper, thrown into a hat, pulled out and pasted on a page with no relation to anything. The illustrations are also disappointing. Don't get this book.

1 comments about Khajuraho (Monumental Legacy Series).

1. To the author's credit, her compact book (only 107 pages) in an ideal introduction to this important monument group built in central India from 900-1200AD. She covers a broad range of topics including the history of the monuments, their architectural components and addressing controversies inspired by their erotic content. The book has 13 illustrations, 2 maps and 29 photographs that clearly illustrate points raised in the text.
   
   Travelers should consider this book an essential item for a visit; it includes a short appendix at the end with details about restaurants, hotels, transportation, guides and museums at the site.
   
   For an in depth view of the topic, refer to the author's 1996 book "The Religious Imagery of Khajuraho" and her 1984 book "Erotic Sculpture of India: A Socio-Cultural Study."
   
   This volume is from the Oxford University Press "Monumental Legacy" series about World Heritage Sites in India. Other books in the series cover the Ellora caves, the 14th c. Vijayanagara cultural center of Hampi, the 13th c. Orissan sun temple of Konarak on the Bay of Bengal, Christian churches of Goa, Buddhist monuments of Sanchi, and more.
   
   Religious Imagery of Khajuraho
   
   Erotic Sculpture of India: A Socio-Cultural Study
   
   Khajuraho

2 comments about Crown Jewels of Europe.

1. This book surprized me with its concise text, but full of informations, not only regarding the jewels, but also with a short description of each kingdom it belong(ed) to, since centuries ago!
   Almost all pictures are coloured. It is a jewel in itself.



2. I absolutly love this book. It has many gorgeous pictures of the The Crown Jewels. It feature the Crown Jewels of: Great Brtian (Includes the Crown Jewels of Sctoland), Russia, Austria and the Holy Roman Empire, Bohemia, Italy, Spain and Portugal, Denmark, The Netherlands, Bavaria, Saxony, and Prussia, France, Sweden, Norway and last but not least Hungary. This book is definitly and joy to own. It's 144 pages packed with information.

No comments about Christo Prints and Objects, 1963-1987: A Catalogue Raisonne.

No comments about Sculpture of the Kamakura Period (Heibonsha Survey of Japanese Art Series Vol 11).

No comments about Duane Hanson: Sculptures of the American Dream.

1 comments about Magnetic Sculpture: It's Never The Same Thing Twice (Running Press Mini Kits).

1. I've got to say, this thing is cool. It'd make a great stocking stuffer for almost any age, from a 7-year old to a 25-year old (like me). I expected to find a junk toy, but then was so fascinated by the way that the magnets interacted --- before I knew it I had been playing with it for 30 minutes. It's tiny, just about two inches by an inch, but surprisingly curious to play around with. I like mine so much I bought two for my brothers :-)