Product Description
"I think and hope I have changed the way we look at hats. They are no longer symbols of conformity but highly individual acts of rebellion. I am constantly challenging the perception of what a hat should be and what role it should play." --Philip TreacyNo one who loves hats will be able to resist the wonderful story of the Irishman who creates timeless headwear. Born in County Galway to a plentiful family made up of a baker father, seven brothers, and a sister, Philip Treacy was taught to hold a sewing needle by his tiny village's school teacher. With it, he has freed the hat from the dictums of fashions and trends, creating sculptures for the crown out of veils, feathers, artificial flowers, straw, and gauze, as well as shadows and illusion.
Essays by Paula Reed, Meredith Etherington-Smith.

6.75 x 9.5 in.
16 color, 43 b/w illustrations
English/Italian ... Read more

Product Description
Step-by-step, this ship modeler's manual explains how to build a 1/16th scale model of the American privateer schooner Prince de Neufchatel. One of a new class of large, fast, and seaworthy schooners that first made their appearance in the War of 1812, the ship had a short but notoriously successful career that earned a permanent place in U.S. history. Written by the world-renowned ship modeler Philip Reed, the book explains how to build two versions of the schooner: a waterline model and a full-hull display model. The author's selection of a relatively simple vessel will encourage even the less-experienced modeler to take on the challenge of a scratch-built hull. Beautifully illustrated throughout with hundreds of color photographs, the guide passes along a wealth of information that Reed has learned over the years to enable modelers of all skill levels to tackle all aspects of building a small fore-and-aft rigged vessel. Like his first book on sailing Men-of-War, this manual is certain to become a classic for ship modelers everywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Amazing book!
Phillip Reed will utterly amaze you with this book. As you thumb through the pages you will be impressed by the beauty and detail of his work.When you realize the scale he is working at your first impression is disbelief.This book is worth the price just to watch a Master at his craft. Excellent book.

A true master
This is another classic by Philip Reed, a true master miniature shipmodeler.The photos are captivating and the captions are a wealth of information to modellers and enthusiasts.This is a great companion to his previous book Modelling Sailing Men of War.

threebs
This would be a great book for solid hull modelers.Unfortunately I am a plank on bulk head and plank on frame modeler.It would be worth it's price to the right person.Even so, I was able to glean a few tidbits of knowledge that will serve me as I pursue my hobby.

An ideal addition
Making ship models has been a popular pastime as old as the history of sailing. "Period Ship Modelmaking: An Illustrated Masterclass" by award-winning and professional modelmaker Philip Reed is a beautifully illustrated and instructive introduction into building early to mid-19th century full masted sailing vessels. Of special note are the chapters dedicated to "The Masterclass" and "The Model Gallery". Enhanced with a chapter of "Materials and Tools" and a thematically appropriate bibliography of suggested reading, Informed and informative, "Period Ship Modelmaking" is an ideal addition to personal and community library instructional and informational reference collections for aspiring and practicing model ship builders and hobbyists.. ... Read more

Product Description
This unmatched volume on the art of static ship modeling is a step-by step guide to building the eighteenth century 74-gun ship-of-the-line Majestic. What makes the book truly unique is the use of over four hundred photographs that depict each stage of construction. During a fifteen-month building period, the author shot every aspect of the task and distilled those photographs into a sequence that takes the reader from the initial drawing of the plan to the final rigging and display. The carving of the hull and gunports, the fitting of the planking and wales, the building of stanchions and rails, the addition of the channels and the fitting of the chains and deadeyes, the carving of guns, capstans, cannon balls, bulkheads and masts and spars--these are a few of the phases depicted in pin-sharp photographs that can be easily followed by novice an expert alike. Though one scale and a single ship are used throughout, the techniques demonstrated can be applied to other vessels and at other scales. This book takes readers into the workshop of a professional and allows them to see first hand how the experts do it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Never seen anything better!
Modelling Sailing Men-of-war
Never seen anything better!
This book traces the progress of the construction of Majestic, 74, each step in the various stages is meticulously photographed in close-up, with the work actually in progress, and fingers or rulers giving a visual guide to scale.
The first chapters describe Mr.Reed's background, his workshop & tools and the reasons for his choice of scale and model.
Then the book takes us, in logical, but not necessarily chronological order, through the planning and construction process. Mr Reed favours a solid, excavated, then planked hull in preference to a built-up hull, as it was a commissioned project; this certainly saves time and effort, is more robust and looks more lifelike than the exposed interior of admiralty-style models.
In the text accompanying each photo (typically 4 per page), the author describes each process and gives hints and tips along the way. Some things I would do differently, but there are some interesting techniques used which I shall definitely adopt. The section on ship's boats is particularly helpful.
In the middle of the book are colour photos of the finished model, at anchor in a carved sea, surrounded by several bumboats - this looks so lifelike at first sight, one does a double-take! It is only the figures in the boats that give the game away - and they were not made by Mr.Reed!
I heartily recommend this to any amateur modeller, as a perfect teaching aid and inspiration to tackle bigger, more complex models.

Well Written, Helpful and Effectively Illustrated
I found "Modelling Sailing Men-of-War: An Illustrated Step-by- Step Manual" by Philip Reed to be well worth the price of the book. Following the builder/author through the modelling of the 74 gun ship HMS MAJESTIC in both text and photographs provided me with several techniques which I have already implemented.

The book includes a brief description of the ship and her history, an introduction, a description of the author's workshop and the building of the model with copious photographs that are well captioned. The captions not only describe the activity in the photograph but include many building suggestions and techniques.

I not only enjoyed reading the book but will certainly use it as a valued resource in future miniature shipbuilding projects.

A Wonderful Addition to a Ship Modelling Library
Philip Reed has long been known for his superb miniature models, He hasfinally published a step-by-step manual of his modelling techniques,recorded during the building of Majestic, a 74-gun ship-of-the-line. WhileMr. Reed builds to smaller scales than many modelers (typically 1/92 scale)the techniques he uses would be suitable for any scale. The book iscomposed of 385 black and white photos with brief captions that cover theconstruction of Majestic from hull to rigging complete with realisticallyfurled sails. Also included are eight color photos of the completed model.Mr. Reed's photographic skills are superb and one cannot help but marvel atthe model as depicted on the front and rear covers. Ship modelers ingeneral and admirers of superb miniaturist Donald McNarry in particular,will surely want a copy of this book for their library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Don't pay full price
It's 48 B&W non-glossy pages of gamer humor--basically, a John Kovalic comic book in hardbound.It's funny, but it's not worth more than $10.Most of the humor comes in the tables specifying random dungeon sounds, random flavors, colors, etc.

Note the item description: 48 pages.
An amusing read for the experienced player or DM, with some sage advice and odd items to toss into a campaign.Some, if not all, of these items appear in the card game Munchkin, in the first 3 sets (Munchkin, Munchkin Unnatural Axe, Munchkin 3: Clerical Errors).

Warning: to be used, must be accompanied by the associated Munchkin d20 Players Handbk (D20 Generic System) and Munchkin d20 Monster Manual (D20 Generic System), which are difficult to find, with information that may well be gleaned from the card game, as well.I dunno - I haven't found them, but I'm not so much looking, either.

Solid, well-written, brief, and apparently fairly profitable.Caveat emptor, and like that. ... Read more

Product Description
Billy Budd, based on Herman Melville's nautical allegory, is one of Britten's most challenging operas. This comprehensive guide considers the work from both literary and musical viewpoints. Melville's novella is discussed, as is the interpretation given to the novella by the librettists E. M. Forster and Eric Crozier. A detailed synopsis guides the reader through the musical and dramatic action of the opera and in a chapter devoted to the music, Britten's distinctive technique of tonal symbolism is analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of his musical response to the dramatic suggestions of Melville's story. The most important critical writings on Billy Budd are represented by an expanded version of Donald Mitchell's 1979 notebook on the opera. A final chapter charts the opera's stage history and fluctuating critical reception. ... Read more

Product Description
The fifth volume of the annotated selected letters of Benjamin Britten - edited by Philip Reed and Mervyn Cooke - covers the years 1958-65, during which he wrote two major operatic works, A Midsummer Night's Dream and the ground-breaking Curlew River, and his pacifist choral masterpiece, War Requiem. Other significant compositions from the period include the orchestral song-cycle Nocturne, the first of the cello pieces for Rostropovich, and settings of poems by Blake and Pushkin. Correspondents include friends, fellow artists and collaborators such as William Plomer (librettist of Curlew River), Edith Sitwell, E. M. Forster, Christopher Isherwood, Robert Graves, the Earl of Harewood, Yehudi Menuhin, Mstislav Rostropovich, Galina Vishnevskaya, Dmitri Shostakovich, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Barbara Hepworth and Duncan Grant, as well as Britten's partner and principal interpreter, Peter Pears. The volume charts the peak of Britten's position as one of the leading figures of the international musical establishment as composer, conductor and pianist, and his continuing involvement with the Aldeburgh Festival and the English Opera Group. The deterioration in Britten's relationship with Boosey & Hawkes, his publishers since the mid-1930s, is closely documented, as is the founding, at the composer's instigation, of the new publishing house of Faber Music in 1964. Central to the period is the composer's warm friendship with musicians from the Soviet Union, and Britten and Pears's visits to Moscow, Leningrad and Armenia are charted in detail. ... Read more

Product Description
The world needs heroes; but more importantly, your game needs super-heroes right now! Instant Superheroes provides a selection of super-hero archetypes for Mutants & Masterminds, each with detailed information on how to modify, customize and play these new heroes in the game. With Instant Superheroes, character creation has never been easier: all you need to do is pick an archetype and make a few simple modifications and you're ready to play. If you're looking for inspiration, this has it, with plenty of options for creating the hero you want to play. Gamemasters can use Instant Superheroes for both immediate supporting cast characters and ready-made villains, making it an indispensable resource for any Mutants & Masterminds game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A fantastic resource
My copy of this book has seen plenty of wear and tear.It's useful for a number of reasons.First, it's a great way for new players to get right into the game without having to deal with M&M's character generation system, which can be extremely daunting to newbies.Second, it's useful for experienced players looking to model a certain power set.Third, it's a handy resource for a GM pressed for time, since the book could easily have the alternate title "Instant Supervillains."Any of the archetypes in here can be used to quickly assemble threats to the PCs.Finally, if you're the type who makes homebrew settings, this book contains plenty of character artwork and builds with which to populate your world.

As a side note, there are 30 Power Level 6 archetypes in the back that can be used for sidekicks, teen heroes and street level heroes.Another nice feature.

Great Resource
Wow, what a time saver.Not only are there a great many examples of popular Marvel and DC characters with the serial numbers filed off, but there is even a PL 6 version of all the main templates (not variations) so you can use them as minions or for a street-level game.

Plus, all kinds of animals are statted up for shape-shifters, and each entry has some cool advice on tactics unique to each type of hero.

It is a little pricey, but I recommend it based on the time it can save a busy GM.

Good for Masterminds in a Hurry
Like the name says, this book contains ready-made characters for use in the Mutants & Masterminds superhero role-playing game. Like the examples from the Player's Handbook, character descriptions start with base archetypes, but also include a couple of variations on each archetype and suggestions for additional modifications to make characters even more unique.

The book's archetypes (and variations) are: Agent (Fixer, Imposter), Amphibian (Atlantean, Sea Deity), Android (Golem, Robot), Battlesuit (Cryosuit, Mystic Garment), Costumed Detective (Conspiracy Theorist, Dark Avenger), Cyborg (Braincase, Cybertrooper), Demon (Dhampir, Revenant), Duplicator (Duality, Spirit Caller), Elemental (Air, Earth, Fire, Water) Energy Controller (Magnetism Master, Pyrokineticist), Fortunate Hero (Black Cat, Good Luck Charm, Hex), Gadgeteer (Disabled Genius, Mystic Artisan), Jungle Lord (Barbarian, Beast Man), Living Weapon (Physical Booster, Nano-Augment), Martial Artist (Iron Palm, Wandering Monk), Martian (Alien Star Captain, Star Child), Mimic (Animal Mimic, Nemesis, Power Thief), Mystic (Illusionist, Witch) Paragon (Eternal Champion,Perfect Specimen), Powerhouse (Bulk, High Gravity, Titan), Psionic (Psychic, Psychic Investigator), Ring Bearer (Galactic Cataphract, Guardian of Light), Sentient Plant (Plant Spirit, Wood Beast), Shapeshifter (Elastic Hero, Size Changer), Speedster (Teleporter, Time Controller), Super-Soldier (Futuristic Law Enforcer, Soldier of Fortune), Swashbuckler (Mystic Knight, Samurai), Totem (Amoeba, Bear, Eagle, Insect, Leopard, Lizard, Monkey, Raven, Serpent, Shark, Spider, and Wolf), Tracer (Gumshoe, Supernatural Scholar), Wealthy Thrill-seeker (Affluent Dilettante, Patron), Weapon Master (Archer, Mystic Warrior), and Weather Controller (Temperature Controller, Wind Controller).

Reasons to buy: to add supporting characters to your M&M game without taking a lot of time; to find villains for one-shot adventures on the fly; to gain ideas about character archetypes not covered in other M&M books.

A bit pricey for its 96 pages, this collection of character descriptions is well organized and an efficient time-saver, but not essential to play the game.

... Read more

Product Description
The tale of an eager golf disciple and Mike Austin, the sport’s most legendary long-driver and keeper of the secret to the perfect golf swing

"Can you teach an ordinary golfer like me to drive the ball 300 yards?" With this question Philip Reed’s search for the greatest golf swing begins, and so does his unanticipated journey through the triumphs, rumors, boasts, and heartaches in the life of ninety-one-year-old golf legend Mike Austin.As a middle-aged journalist striving to learn the simple task of driving a golf ball for distance, Reed discovers the complex soul of the man who has driven it farther and better than anyone else—and did it in his own inimitable way.

When Reed met Mike Austin, he already knew that the elder man held the record for the longest drive ever—recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records—an awesome 515-yard shot during the 1974 U.S. National Seniors Open.But what Reed didn’t know was that his enrollment in the Mike Austin school of golf would offer him a degree in history, Austin-style—turning pro at age eighteen; winning wagers on miraculous trick shots and earning the nickname of the "golfing bandit"; sharing a Hollywood apartment with Errol Flynn; giving secret golf lessons to Howard Hughes; matching shots against Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, and Chandler Harper; and training today’s long-drive champions, such as the mighty Mike Dunaway.

In this book, Reed chronicles his tutelage under the cantankerous Austin as his drives get longer and longer while his understanding of Austin’s prodigious legend grows.More than a revealing tale of golfing secrets, this is a story about a great man in the twilight of life handing down a legacy of extraordinary stories, hard-earned lessons, and tough love.In the end, one man’s search for the greatest golf swing leads him to a treasured friendship and the secrets of living life to the fullest. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

have yet to receive this book
I ordered this book over a month ago and still have not received it.I called amazon and was told I would have to call the book company.At this time I would like to cancel the order and get a refund on this book.

In search of the greatest golf swing
Interesting and entertaining, not a golf instruction book but encourages one to investigate the brief verbal description of Austin's wrist cock and take away.

Great Character
Mike Austin was a very close friend and an absolute character. The author caught the real essence of Mike. I enjoyed the book very much.

Big Al

A very entertaining page turner
This book was given to me as a gift and what a wonderful gift it was.After starting, I couldn't put the book down.Reed does a fantastic job of describing the larger than life Mike Austin and the other characters he met along the way.I really wish I could have seen Mike play!Next year, my golfing friends will be receiving a copy for Christmas!

Terrific Value
Philip Reed's "In Search of the Greatest Golf Swing" reveals his elevating but daunting experience as a student, friend, and biographer of the amazing Mike Austin. Mr. Reed's humbling yet successful quest to learn the keys to super-human drives endured the gauntlet of Mike Austin's piercing, super-energized, indomitable personality. At the age of 64, over 33 years ago during competition, Mr. Austin achieved the still-standing Guinness Book of World Records standard of 515 yards for longest recorded drive. Curiously, until now, Mike Austin was largely ignored in conventional golf history though knowledgeable insiders believe he was a half-century or more ahead in power-golf technique. Philip Reed's documentary has filled a significant gap in our golfing lore. For the dedicated golfer who seeks an honest inside-the-ropes story, "In Search of the Greatest Golf Swing" is a terrific value. ... Read more

Product Description
An illustrated collection of over 70 traditional verses. ... Read more

Product Description
This second of two volumes of the letters and diaries of Benjamin Britten is supplemented by the editors' detailed commentary and extensive contemporary documentation. The aim is to present a portrait not only of the composer but of an age. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Superb Biography in Letters and Notes
This is volume II of the biography Britten asked Mitchell to write, asking him to "Tell the truth about me and Peter."So it is the story of a gay marriage before being gay was even legal, let alone honoured in any way. In this volume, Britten advances his career in America, receiving commissions from (among others) the one-handed pianist Wittgenstein and the Japanese Imperial Government (on the eve of WW II!)Pears begins to study seriously, as he will continue to do into his fifties, to keep building his voice to meet the demands of Britten's compositions. They face the complications of their status as conscientious objectors and vacillate about returning to England. Early in this American journey, Britten and Pears fell in love and made a committment that lasted until Britten's death.The exchange of letters between them is so intimate the reader feels invasive, until reminded that Pears, who has been ill-served by certain biographers, wanted them published so the true nature of their loving relationship would be made known. At length, inspired by an article by E.M. Forster, they returned home where Britten wrote Peter Grimes and so began to revitalise English opera. This volume includes the founding of the English Opera Group and the Aldeburgh Festival. It is dedicated to Elizabeth Mayer, their patron in America, who gave them a home and family and invaluable support in this doubt-filled time. ... Read more

Product Description
This first of two volumes of the letters and diaries of Benjamin Britten is supplemented by the editors' detailed commentary and extensive contemporary documentation. The aim is to present a portrait not only of the composer but of an age. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fascinating Autobiographical Biography
Donald Mitchell was Britten's preferred biographer, who on viewing the archive of Britten's correspondence decided to let Britten speak in his own voice, with Mitchell contributing extensive annotations which amount to a combination biography/autobiography, a fascinating insight into the great 20th century composer.We see Britten the musical prodigy, follow his studies through his diaries, see his stresses with teachers and colleagues, his early successes and early confrontations with death.We see Britten the very tough businessman(from an early age), Britten the dazzled compatriot of Auden and Isherwood at the beginning of the documentary film movement, Britten the pacifist suffering through the Spanish Civil War, Britten the bewildered gay man, hoping to lead a decent life but not yet fallen securely into the arms of Peter Pears.This volume ends with Britten and Pears departing for America in the wake of Auden and Isherwood, WW II close at hand, looking to create careers in the new world.This series is my recommended biography over everything written about Britten. Superb. ... Read more

Product Description
Ponga Boy is the story of a young Mexican boy s journey from small town fisherman to college soccer megastar. Pichu Castillian, alias Ponga Boy, grew up in an impoverished fishing village at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. Pichu is the heart and soul of the dock, a local legend who works the bait fishing boats, or pongas, with his father, and amazes locals and tourists alike with his feats of athleticism. One day he attracts the attention of two American collegiate soccer coaches. After witnessing Pichu s abilities, they offer him the opportunity of a lifetime a tryout with the University of San Francisco soccer team and a full scholarship. Pichu embarks on a journey that goes beyond soccer as he enters a world that challenges everything he s ever known and leads him to confront who he is and what he really wants in life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Ponga Boy
Ponga Boy, the story of a young up-and-coming soccer star from the little fishing village of Los Barilles, Mexico, comes at an appropriate time for middle readers who are interested in soccer. This is the book that could pull reluctant male readers into reading. Pitchu helps his father on their ponga (bait fishing boat), and on his spare time, he plays soccer with his town team. Although the boys play with homemade uniforms on a cement field,Pichu stands out for his gravity-defying moves. In one memorable game, a vacationing American soccer scout sees Pichu in action and offers him a scholarship to play soccer for the University of San Francisco. In America, Pichu faces many conflicts: prejudice, jealousy, and culture shock. Still, there are many Latino role models that help him along the way. Ultimately, Pichu must make a difficult choice and choose between his own opportunity and the opportunities of his family.

Ponga Boy is a moving tale of an extraordinary young man and his love of soccer and family.

A hot new soccer fiction work
"Ponga Boy: The Greatest Soccer Story Ever Told" is a hot new soccer fiction work about a talented Mexican futbol player named Pichu who is discovered juggling a soccer boll (while living in a Baja fishing village) by American soccer talent scouts. Pichu then follows a complicated path to athletic stardom and makes some very difficult personal choices . Pichu becomes Ponga Boy because of his fantastic ability to "dance" on the "pongas" or "pangas" which are bait fishing boats in the Sea of Cortez. "Ponga Boy" is already heralded for its sensitive treatment of the bicultural challenges faced by an individual such as Pichu. The appeal of "Ponga Boy" to a wide audience of soccer and futbol fans, Latinos, and young people with big dreams everywhere is certain. What makes "Ponga Boy" special is its integrity; it provides penetrating exploration of the issues of giving up one's cultural identity for fame, fortune and glory vs. living the life you were born to love. "Ponga Boy" will deliver its message to a wide audience and the world will be enriched because of it.

Ponga Boy
PONGA BOY is the tale of Pichu, a young boy from a small fishing town in Mexico, who gets the chance to receive a college education because of his great soccer skills. It is the story of making choices, living with those choices, deciding what is best for oneself and living one's dream. Pichu learns what it is like to live far from home in a different country; a different culture and different people. Can his love for the game of soccer be strong enough to overcome the obstacles? This YA book shows the reader how choices can change our lives and it is also conveys the international enjoyment of soccer. ... Read more

Product Description
New approaches, routines and patter for magic tricks long considered classics. ... Read more

Product Description
In this Festschriftfor Donald Mitchell, the foremost authority on the life and works of Gustav Mahler and Benjamin Britten, distinguished composers, scholars, colleagues and friends from around the world have written on aspects of these two composers closest to Mitchell's heart, producing a volume which not only reflects some of the latest thinking on this pair of remarkable figures in the music of our century, but which also pays full tribute to the impact of Mitchell's own work on these composers over the last fifty years. The volume includes the fullest bibliography of Mitchell's writings yet compiled. ... Read more