Product Description
From abhayamadra through zoomorphic, this is an essential dictionary for anyone stepping into the fascinating world of South and Southeast Asian art. Now with over 1,300 entries and 112 line illustrations, this revised and expanded edition makes a handy reference for travelers and residents, students, museum goers, and general readers. Explanations are succinct and easy to understand. Entries range from terms encountered in South and Southeast Asian history, religion, mythology, and literature, to those specific to art and architecture. Words are drawn from the diverse religious traditions of the region, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, and Taoism, and from the countries of the region, including Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. ... Read more

Product Description
From Baroque to Postmodernism, batik to mezzotint, and canvas to porcelain, this new dictionary provides succinct and accessible explanations of over 1,650 terms used in the wide variety of visual media that makes up the art world. · Features extensive coverage of periods and styles throughout art history · Includes many materials, techniques, technical and foreign terms · Explains philosophical terms and methodologies ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

GREAT FOR LOOKING UP TERMS FAST!
THIS BOOK IS GREAT FOR LOOKING UP TERMS FAST! I TOOK THE PRAXIS II ART TEST EARLIER THIS MONTH AND IT HELP REFRESH MY MEMORY TO SEVERAL KEY TERMS ON THE TEST. THOUGH I RECOMMEND ORDERING OTHER ART TEXT BOOKS IF STUDYING FOR A TEACHERS EXAM. ... Read more

Product Description
From Renoir and Picasso to Red Grooms and Guerrilla Girls, this is the most useful reference work on twentieth-century art available in a single volume. Compiled by Ian Chilvers, the editor of The Oxford Dictionary of Art, it is both authoritative and accessible, with generous use of anecdotes and clear explanations of many potentially confusing terms.

Providing broad coverage of painting, sculpture, drawing, and the applied arts, the Dictionary has clear, scholarly entries on the important movements and styles of the twentieth century, including Dada, Cubism, Surrealism, Art Deco, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Body and Performance art, and Neo Expressionism. In addition, it provides entries on art schools and galleries, exhibitions and prizes, terms and techniques. Extensive biographies feature not only artists but also collectors, critics, dealers, and patrons. And though the Dictionary concentrates on the great names, it is not confined to the mainstream of modern art, and features both artists working in a more popular tradition as well as interesting peripheral figures.

This up to date and informative guide is an essential reference for anyone interested in modern art. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Not so hot
This is my 3rd martial arts dictionary.I'm not that impressed.The book is largely devoted to more full explanations of the terms used in various arts.But it's hardly encompassing.In fact, there are so many items left out that I'm left wondering why it wasn't 3 times it's size.There's certainly enough source material!

I have another Martial Arts dictionary which is tiny (not quite as thick and about 1/4 the size) with 10 times the number of terms and they are fairly well explained in there.I like reference material, so this will probably get a 2.5 in reality, but I'm rounding down for lack of depth.The explanations are quite nice, however, so if that's what you are looking for, you will be happy.It does, at least, cover some phrases as well as words.

If, like me, you are looking for a real dictionary with a ton of entries and hopefully as many phrases, as they say in Star Wars: "move along"

Valuable reference source
This is one of four or five books I always keep nearby when writing.The content is comprehensive and easy to use and I appreciate the lack of stylistic or nationalistic prejudice.

Very detailed information.
I own three martial arts dictionaries and this one is the most detailed of the three.It does not cover every martial art in existance, but it does provided depth in the arts it does describe.Almost all of the terms arelisted in Japanese, so finding the Japanese term when you only know theEnglish term is sometimes difficult.

Informative, but not complete.
The Dictionary tends to place emphasis on the more "popular" martial arts such as Karate and Judo, and in Japanese styles in general.Although the information given pertaining to Japanese styles is verythorough and comprehensive, "definitions" given on many otherarts (Chinese Gung Fu, Brazilian Capoera, Phillipino Eskrima, etc.)is oftenlacking.In fact, some, such as French Savat, are completely left out.

A definite book for the shelf any martial art enthusiast.
First written in French in 1988 then translated in 1991, this is the fourth printing of A Dictionary of the Martial Arts. This book is a great little reference dictionary to the martial arts, especially those pertaining to Japan. Even though the book is quite detailed in its many definitions, and is filled with numerous diagrams, photos and several Hokusai prints. I would not recommend this work to those seeking to study an individual martial art for the first time. Instead this work touches upon the understanding of and the historical significance of the martial arts. A definite book for the shelf any martial art enthusiast. ... Read more

Product Description
Designed as a quick-reference source to the topics, symbols, themes, and stories most frequently found in early Christian, western medieval, and Byzantine art, this work describes topics that include names and narratives drawn from the Bible and apocrypha, the lives of saints, and numerous other textual sources. Authors whose works were frequently illustrated or who were influential on the visual arts are treated, as are selected art historical terms and events of significance for the arts. Cross-references alert readers to alternate titles and related topics, and the majority of entries cite a pictorial example. These are keyed to standard texts for easy viewing access. The dictionary begins with Aaron and ends with Zoomorphic Decoration. ... Read more

Product Description
This dictionary relates in a succinct, readable way the themes, sacred and secular, on which the repertoire of European art is based.Cross-references enable the reader to identify the subject of a picture simply from some characteristic object or figure in it.Here in a single volume are combined religious and historical themes. The "Dictionary" also explores the "lost language" of symbol and attribute, thus opening up the whole field of allegory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Hall's Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art
This is the ultimate book for those wanting to know about symbolism in art! A must for those who are looking for the hidden meanings in art.

Great References for Classical & other Western Art
Excellent explanations of myths, symbols, biblical characters & stories, and classical dieties.

Will help (undergraduate) college or high school level researchers immensely.Great for art history students.Actually, since much of the entries are names and stories (Elisha, Pegasus, Granida and Daifilo, bearing the body of Christ), this is perfectly useful to anyone studying and writing about myths, western religion, the Renaissance, or even classical drama.

Little idiosyncrasies like a listing for "garden" but not for "Eden" tend to be a little frustrating, but one generally can find what one is looking for.

Nothing in here about Eastern or Oriental art except a handful of Old Testament references that could possibly apply to Islamic culture.This is really a concentration on the roots of Western art and culture. ... Read more

Product Description
The Dictionary of Christian Art, now rebranded in the best-selling Oxford Paperback Reference series, is a unique and fascinating exploration of the art and architecture that has been influenced and inspired by biblical stories and Christian history and beliefs. The Dictionary combines general essays on the periods and styles important in the history of Christian art with lots of shorter entries that describe specific works, artists, themes, and visual images, and which give the reader practical guidance on where in Europe to locate the works described.Among the many features of this dictionary are: detailed essays on periods and styles in art and architecture, including Byzantine, Renaissance, Baroque; general background to the Old and New Testaments, and to Christian tradition and beliefs; forms of art influenced by Christianity, such as illuminated manuscripts, stained glass; artists and architects and their works, for example Fra Angelico, Donatello, Pugin, and many others; and places and buildings, including Assisi, Roma, St Paul's, the Sistine Chapel. There are also descriptions and explanations of features of Christian churches, significant saints, popes, saints, and rulers, and a glossary of Architectural Terms and detailed bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An Artless Art Book
This book has covers a number of topics, but each entry is generally short. There are no photographs or illustrations in this book. Therefore, this book has limited value. For a person who just wants to know the meaning of words it may suffice. For the person who wants detail and visual clarification, there will be disappointment. I would never have purchased this book if I had seen it first. ... Read more

Product Description
This concise version of the culinary dictionary is sized and priced to be used with other Hospitality/Culinary books. Offering over 6,000 entries, it includes authoritative yet concise definitions and a guide to accurate capitalization and phonetic pronunciation. Charts for common food additives, common food labeling terms, and selected produce varieties appear in the back and metric conversions and measurement equivalents are also included. Designed to support those in culinary arts, its definitions, line drawings, charts and tables are excellent for quick, at-a-glance reference. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Cordon Bleu
This is a great reference book.A family friend completed his chef training at Cordon Bleu and this was a reccomended book.It's pretty comprehensive yet great for the everyday cook. I purchased one for myself and 2 for gifts.I keep mine handy and use it often.This would be a thoughtful gift for anyone with culinary interest. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great little book - well worth the money
There aren't that many martial arts dictionaries to begin with, but this one is really quite nice.It has a 6"x4" form factor and is a little under an inch thick.At 318 pages and 7000+ definitions, it packs quite a punch and I've found it very handy.

Definitions are given with their Language of Origin (Japanese, Okinawan, Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin) and includes pronunciation guides for the same.As far as printing, it's on quality paper with a clean font and the printing is quite exceptional compared to a lot of rag books that seem to pop up in the MA world.

With this many definitions, it covers a lot of ground.I wouldn't mind it including more phrases, especially terms from particular styles.However, when it does have phrasing, it tells you if it's commonly used, or particular to a given style of MA.

I love the size and it's a nice addition for any student.Certainly it's worth it's price.One might think it would be helpful to include the native language pictograms, but with multiple languages, this could be confusing.Those typically take up a lot of space and for the most part, English speaking martial artists don't tend to need that information.If you do, I recommend you pick up an accompanying dictionary for the language you need.

I lament only one thing about this book, and it's why I can't give it a 5.Although the pages of the book themselves are bound and cut very nicely, the cover gluing is brittle and the cover came off of mine amost immediately with use.It's hanging on by the edge of the front cover, and I'm certain I'll need to glue this up on my own to repair it.I may have simply been unlucky.Either way, it can be fixed and shouldn't detract from your consideration to purchase this book.

Good book to keep in Karate bag
Easy to find words and handy size to keep in your Karate bag. Doesn't cover all but does a good job covering most of the common names. Has blankpage at the end to make notes. Well worth the money. ... Read more

Product Description
The dictionary contains terms covering the following fields and subfields of arts and antiques: painting, drawing, engraving, sculpture, architecture, dressmaking, armament, heraldry, ceramics, styles and art criticism, music, furniture, religious monuments and objects, textile, gilding, numismatics, jewels, cabinet-making etc. ... Read more

Product Description
Featuring over 1,500 engravings that originally graced the pages of Webster's dictionaries in the 19th century, this chunky volume is an irresistible treasure trove for art lovers, designers, and anyone with an interest in visual history. Meticulously cleaned and restored by fine-press bookmaker Johnny Carrera, the engravings in Pictorial Webster's have been compiled into an alluring and unusual visual reference guide for the modern day. Images range from the entirely mysterious to the classically iconic. From Acorns to Zebras, Bell Jars to Velocipedes, these alphabetically arranged archetypes and curiosities create enigmatic juxtapositions and illustrate the items deemed important to the Victorian mind. Sure to inspire and delight, Pictorial Webster's is at once a fascinating historical record and a stunning jewel of a book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Stunning work of art
This is an amazing book! A stunning work of art? To me, it's a representation of creative genius. Five stars easily. I'd give it six if I could. This is better than a course in American and world history, and ten times as interesting! An exceptional gift for the person who thinks they have seen it all, thinks they know it all, or someone who wants to see it all. The design of the book also fuels the deeper content by forcing the images on the small pages to engage in dialogue. For that alone this would be an incredible achievement. The world class engravings from the original Webster plates are incredible. Thousands of the best engravings ever produced.

huh?
A friend of mine gave this to me as a birthday present.I admit it's kind of interesting to look through all the pictures, but I just don't quite get it.It's pretty much in alphabetical order, why would anyone "create stories that explain whole pages and perhaps even inspire some to derive unifying threads that might...enable a narration of the entire book."The author continues, "The design of the book also fuels the deeper content by forcing the images on the small pages to engage in dialogue."Ummmm.Is it a dictionary or an incredibly strange work of art?I can't really answer that, but I CAN say that it is NOT a dictionary, despite the title.The picture for "dextrorse" looked to me like a picture of a morning glory vine, so I thought it was another name for it.I decided to get out my trusty Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, and it had a very similar picture, WITH a definition:"toward the right...in botany, twining upwardto the right" and the caption on the picture said "DEXTRORSE VINE (of morning-glory)."AHA!Now I get it.So don't expect to understand what a word in this so-called dictionary actually means.Maybe it is a work of art, albeit one I could not appreciate as such.Nevertheless, I DID find it interesting to look through.

A visual dictionary of curiosities
This book is fantastic.There are all kinds of images and reference to pull from.I am very happy with my purchase.

Fascinating story behind the book
There's a fascinating story behind the Pictoral Websters.Check out this video by John Carrera, the author, demonstrating the printing process for the deluxe hand-made edition:[...]

Amazing!
This is an amazing, amazing book!It's almost indescribable. A book?A puzzle? a stunning work of art?To me, it's a representation of creative genius.Five stars easily.I'd give it six if I could.

The placement of the printed engravings is not just an encyclopedic representation of the best engravings of western European/American science and history. For that alone this would be an incredible achievement. The world class engravings from the original Webster plates are incredible.Thousands of the best engravings ever produced.

The book also attempts to reach the subconscious of the reader, and by the ironic, poignant, whimsical and sometimes tragic placement of the engravings, succeeds in stunning fashion. One embarks on a historical and personal journey by perusing these pages. I could see where ideas came from, how explorers were figuring out the world as they discovered it, and the seeds for present triumphs and future catastrophes. The creative juxtaposition of the engravings, which are reproduced with exceptional clarity, ripple through the place where dreams and visions are made, stirring the creative spirit.

This is better than a course in American and world history, and ten times as interesting!An exceptional gift for the person who thinks they have seen it all, thinks they know it all, or someone who wants to see it all, because, literally, from Aardvark, Abitis to Yeti, it's all there.

Fun, enchanting, serious, and most of all inspiring to the creative genius within. Check out the videos on the net, Musical References in Pictorial Webster's, and The Making of Pictorial Webster's.Both are a hoot.
... Read more

Product Description
With almost 5000 entries and more than 1000 illustrations, this dictionary provides a concise guide to the decorative arts of the West from the middle ages to the present day. Though mainly concerned with the furniture and furnishings of the European and North American private house, it also includes accounts of Chinese and Japanese pottery and porcelain, Peruvian pottery, Islamic metalwork and pottery, Turkish, Persian and other oriental carpets and many other objects which have influenced the development of the decorative arts in the West. John Fleming has contributed to "Robert Adam and His Circle in Edinburgh and Rome", "The Penguin Dictionary of Architecture" and "A World History of Arto". Hugh Honour has published "Chinoiserie", "The Companion Guide to Venice", "Neo Classicism" and "Romanticism". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

No Surprises
Since I already had an earlier edition, there were no surprises -- just somewhat more comprehensive.Being a student of the decorative arts, I realize that there can be no single-volume source that is very thorough.Nevertheless, it is great for quick reference. ... Read more

Product Description
This reference work deals with all aspects of Western art from 1300 to the present day. It provides information on painters, sculptors, and graphic artists, technical processes, terminology, theory, schools, movements, patrons and collecting, and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent source for info on influential artists
This book is superb. The print is small, but it makes the book more compact, which is nice. I am impressed with the wide variety of artists. Most influential artists are included and many terms are explained.

The authors do a good job of having enough information to generally understand the theory and look of an artist's work. There is not too much extraneous info on biographical histories. Great reference for any artist. ... Read more

Product Description
"A fashion bible."—Vogue. "Invaluable."—The World of Interiors.This indispensable guide to fashion provides in more than 1200 entries detailed information on the life and work of every important designer from 1840 to the present day, including not only couturiers but also shoe, hat, and knitwear specialists, costume designers, jewelers, and hairdressers. It covers the fashion media, photographers and illustrators, influential art movements, fashion terms, garment and accessory styles, technical processes, and every kind of fabric, as well as personalities who have influenced fashion or promoted a style.

The revised and expanded edition features fifty new entries and corrections and updates throughout. It is an essential sourcebook for designers, students, collectors, and enthusiasts. 400 illustrations, 85 in color ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book is going to be a classic in fashion science!
I had checked this book out at a public library, and it was 1998 edition. I loved it so much, when I parted it with it I had to buy it. And found out there is a new issue on Amazon! You can imagine how much Fashion has changed in 10 years, so there are new names in it, totally updated! I'm studying fashion, so it's a must for me. But anyone interested in fashion history will find this book very useful and interesting to read. Care when cocktail dresses were invented, how lace is made or simply intrested in bio of Coco Chanel? Then it's the perfect book for you! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Highly recommended for all art library reference collections
Over a thousand entries in this illustrated dictionary provide extensive descriptions and details for glass, ceramics, textiles, paint and other media; all designed to enhance a technical understanding of decorative arts materials. Having all this reference material under one cover eliminates the needs for numerous titles covering the basics and makes it easy tocross-reference materials or techniques in the field as a whole. Highly recommended for art library collections. ... Read more

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The Historical Dictionary of Spanish Cinema provides a better understanding of the role Spanish cinema has played in film history through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on producers, directors, film companies, actors, and films. ... Read more

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"Weinberg's work is so ground-breaking, his research so arduous, and his precursors in this field so generally unhelpful that we must regard this as charting virtually unexplored waters. There is nothing really to compare the book to, and there is not likely to be a more complete such book in the near future. Weinberg deserves the thanks of anyone seriously interested in what we might call the cultural history of SF, and his book belongs in any collection that purports to represent that history." Science Fiction Studies ... Read more

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Historical Dictionary of Modern Chinese Literature presents a broad perspective on the development and history of literature in modern China. This book offers a chronology, introduction, bibliography, and over 300 cross-referenced dictionary entries on authors, literary and historical developments, trends, genres, and concepts that played a central role in the evolution of modern Chinese literature. ... Read more