Product Description
A set of 30 postcards taken from the photobook "Kroll's Beauty Parade", illustrating the work of erotic photographer Eric Kroll. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

really lovely images
This little book of postcards is full of really beautifully erotic images captured so very well.Granted I tend to feel the one on the cover is possibly the very best of them but they are all cards you would feel very special either sending or recieving!However, it is also such a beautiful little collection of some very fine work that the book itself becomes a little baby master collection on it's own so I knowI for one won't be rushing to start deconsolidating the collection from it's book form.If someone wants to see and feel exquisite eroticism and sensuality I'd rather they did it on my coffee table!
Cheers

Save your money
I haven't got a clue as to what genius or artistry people see here. The picture are more of a "making of" than an actual book of photography. I am sorely disappointed and wish I could sell it off asap. I see no art or great lighting or imagination here. Sorry to offended fans.

Gorgeous!
Just gorgeous. Weird and disturbing at times, and beautiful and sexy and alluring and plain HOT! This is a wonderful picture book of sexy women - if you want that, you won't be disappointed in this book.

where are the good photos?
i didn't like this book because defining in some pictures weren't that good i expected them to be from some other pictures of eric kroll and cover of the book. inside the expressions of the girls weren't so "happy and joyful" they didn't fit in the mood that pictures tried to express.

Fetish Girls Revisited.
After his success with "Fetish Girls," Eric Kroll found himself in a new position.Previously he had thought of himself as a photographer who forever pushed the boundaries of art photography's subject matter.Unexpectedly, he found himself sharing the limelight with other `fringe' photographers such as Cindy Sherman, Nan Golden and Richard Kern.These and many others had also been waiting for taboos to come down.No sooner did Kroll become popular for being avant-garde then he found his work being accepted as mainstream.

Fortunately for us, Kroll did not decide to rest on his laurels.During the next few years he remained active.Gradually, Kroll pulled away from `fashion' fetish work and started to work harder at exploring the sexual nature of the fetishist's urges and dreams.Behind the allure of his models lay a rawer, stronger layer of desire.Now the viewer often must question his or her own sexuality and fantasy.

From this quest arose the work that went into "Beauty Parade," which is a natural extension and outgrowth of "Fetish Girls."Not only has Kroll's work become more refined and controlled, it also shows development at the technical level.His focus seems sharper and his graphic sense strong, but he has also gained a fine sense of tension and movement.This enhances the impact of many of the already strong images.

Kroll flirts with pornography but never quite crosses the line.In fact, some of the most sexual images contain little nudity.This is not a volume for the easily shocked or overly judgmental.The fetish focus often creates overtones of sexual practice gone slightly awry.Kroll invites us to look into the darker beauties of human desire and make our own decisions about what is art, what is us, and what is not. ... Read more

Product Description
METAFONT is a system for the design of symbols and alphabetic characters suited to raster-based devices that print or display text. The construction of a typeface is an art form and this manual is written for people who wish to advance the quality of mathematical typesetting. The METAFONTbook enables readers, with only minimal computer science or word processing experience, to master the basic as well as the more advanced features of METAFONT programming. With this manual, readers will learn how to write a program using METAFONT that can customize a type design that already exists, create an entire alphabet from scratch, and create logos or special symbols. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Well, if you care about archaic technology
Once upon a time, MF represented the best hope for outline font technology. Then came PostScript, Type 1 fonts, ATM and it became moot. It's a nice graphic programming language and for some mathematically-derived designs it's easier to work with than is, say, Fontographer or Fontlab, but the output is mired in the bitmap world (valiant MF2PS efforts notwithstanding).

Serious students of MF will also need the Computer Modern Typefaces book. And possibly a healthy dose of liquor. But as I said, the language is actually kind of nice (and MF can be used as a simple algebraic calculator if you're so inclined).

It's really paperbound
Most of the people who order this book will already know quite a bit about it, so I won't say much about the book itself.I will point out, though, that it is softcover, not hardcover.(The book linked to by the "softcover" link is spiral bound.) On the other hand, I haven't succeeded in locating any copies of the "real" hardcover edition. ... Read more

Product Description
Born in Dresden in 1932, Gerhard Richter studied wall-painting at the socialist Dresdner Akademie, before settling in Dusseldorf in 1961. It was here that he began painting from photographic sources, a method which by his own admission allowed him to make a stand against the academies and the oppressive prototypes of the time, from which he had to free himself to find his own innovative creative style. Central to his work is a strong set of values and ideas which throughout his career he has expressed in notes and writings. In these texts he views his work and his surroundings, reflecting on the spiritual basis of his paintings, on his own role as artist, and on the nature of art itself. This book presents a selection of these writings, accompanied by illustrations of pictures from both private collections and from the studio. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

important questions regarding the practice of painting
Hard to explain why artists need this book without sounding pretentious.Richter questions not only the conventions of art, but his own decisions and intentions. Sometimes he contradicts his younger self. And he's fine with that. The book is at once unsettling and comforting. Anyway, one more book I don't lend out.
(On another level, it's a lively read as an autobiography of sorts: The insistently radical young artist gradually matures into the quietly subversive elder statesman.)

Essential for the Serious Painter
An astoundingly philosophical book concerning painting. Richter's entries reveal a depth to his practice seldom articulated so profoundly by a visual artist.I think this book is an essential read to people seriously engaged in the practice of painting. Not a light read, but extremely thought provoking and engaging. ... Read more

Product Description
A guide to mastering the skill of perspective including diagrams, photographs and works of masters past and present. The projects focus on professional artworks, all shown in the making, so that beginners can follow the creative process. Interactive models bring perspective to life. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the most successful art books of all time is now available in paperback for the first time. In their now-classic texts, Longnon and Cazelles recount the history of this work from its inception up until modern times. 139 color plates. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Disappointing 2008 Hardcover Version of the Classic 1969 Edition
Several years ago I reluctantly parted with my copy of The Tres Riches Heures in the magnificent 1969 edition published by George Braziller, and I'd been missing it ever since.

So it was with considerable anticipation that I ordered this new Braziller hardcover edition from Amazon at a terrific price. (The same book sells for $125 at the George Braziller website.) Unfortunately, Amazon's bargain price is no bargain at all, and the $125 asking price at Braziller is simply highway robbery.

The 2008 edition, printed and bound in Singapore by Tien Wah Press, bears little resemblance to the stunning 1969 version, which was published in France by Draeger Freres, Paris.

I suspect what we have here is simply a hardback copy of the 1989 paperback edition which Publishers Weekly, in its review printed above, described in extremely negative, and accurate, terms.

The beautiful, illustrated slipcase that graced the original edition has been replaced with a glossy dust jacket.Many pictures seem out of focus--disastrous for these highly detailed and delicate miniatures.The colors are no longer clean and vibrant, and the critical use of gold (gilt)--so radiant in the 1969 book--is gone, and with it, most of the other-worldly atmosphere that made this book so special.

In addition, the informative commentaries are now grouped together at the back of the book, rather than appearing on the facing pages.Not an improvement, in my opinion.

Two different 13-digit ISBN numbers appear on the dust jacket:the number on the back inside flap does indeed correspond to the paperback edition (!) while the number on the back cover refers to this book (and is also used at the Braziller website).

In short, this new volume fails to recreate the magic of the original. I am surprised that George Braziller would reissue one of its most celebrated and beloved fine art books in such a poor quality edition.

Let's hope a fully-restored and updated version is in the works. Until then, I recommend everyone (myself included) seek out a copy of the 1969 original.

JANUARY 2010 UPDATE:I did seek out, and have received, an excellent used copy of the 1969 edition, and now that I have both books here, sitting side by side, I unequivocally urge you to forget the 2008 version.There is simply no comparison between them.Editorial layout, color reproduction (particularly the use of gilt) are unquestionably superior in the original edition.

Used copies are available from various online booksellers, including Amazon.I paid $68.00 for mine, and it was worth every penny.You can find copies for less, though.I'll be returning the 2008 version to Amazon right away.

MAY 2010 UPDATE:If this 2008 reprint wasn't worth the $38.00 Bargain Book price offered some months ago at Amazon, don't pay $100 now.Find yourself a copy of the l969 original, which is often available for less than $100. Stay away from this inferior, overpriced edition.

A Truly Magical World
Enter the magical medieval pages of the illuminated manuscripts of the gifted Limbourg brothers and discover a world long gone, but one which seems oddly familiar in a storybook sort of way.The colors (nicely reproduced in this hardback version of the book) will dazzle you - the skies were painted with an ultramarinemade from costly lapis lazuli.The compositions, drawn in the pre-perspective days of the 15th century, will delight you.Many of the religious illuminations are moving - the Death of Christ captures the grim darkness into which the world has been cast in tones of grey and brown with only the shining gold halo of Christ piercing the gloom; God in his heavenly lunette above the picture looks sadly down on the scene, brilliant amidst reds, blues, and gold.But it is the pictures of the calendar - a wonderful record of daily life among the rich and the poor alike - that will charm you the most.The Duke feasts, the peasants warm themselves before fires, the plowman tills the soil, the farmers shear the sheep, and the pigs forage for acorns.And rising in the background of each of these magical scenes, in regulation storybook fashion, is a shining white castle.This hardcover version is a beautiful book that you will treasure for years.

The hardback version of this art masterpiece is awesome
Having read negative reviews of the cheap, paperback version of this book, I took a deep gulp and sprang for the expensive hardback. This is a case where spending more for the hardback version is more than worth it. Thepictures are very large size format, with the gold intact (unlike thepaperback version). The quality of the paintings is excellent. The book isbeautiful to display, look at and/or study. I have been copying one of theillustrations, and having a great time.I love medieval illustrated books. Ihave not found another one in this large a format, with such detail. If youare into illuminated manuscripts, you must have this one, there can be noargument. (Hardback version)

Picture Quality is awful
The books begins with an introduction, then many images from the TresRiches Heures, and at the end there is a commentary of the pictures.

Thebig problem is that the pictures were made in the sixties, they are fuzzy,unsharp, the colors are not vivid and bright, such a very low quality ofphotocomposition is no more acceptable at the end of the 20th century. Itis high time that a newer edition be made available in English, as isalready the case in French. ... Read more

Product Description
John Butler Yeats was the father of the poet W.B. Yeats and the painter Jack Yeats. This selection of his letters covers the period 1898 to his death in 1922. They are rich in ideas, opinions and gossip, and discuss art, and Irish affairs. ... Read more

Product Description
With the help of this unique book, all the fascinating properties of iron and other metals can be creatively explored. 52 color plates and 717 b/w photos and drawings present the ideas and examples visually. After a short history of ironwork, the author discusses the ironworking shop, forge and tools, including anvils, vises, hammers, tongs, punches, centrifugal blowers and machine tools. She presents information on building, lighting, and maintaining a fire. Forging procedures are explicitly shown: drawing out, flattening, bending, upsetting, twisting, splitting, punching and drifting, hot cutting on a hardy, and joining and finishing techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Inspirational
This is the type of book that makes you feel like you wish you had started the hobby 10 years ago and as such would be churning out the quality and creativity that resides within this book. You read this book and then let you mind be the guide to your creations. You will only get better after you have read this book.

Artist-Blacksmiths' Share Techniques for Sculptural Work
You will find in this edition work from the 1990's and older work by lots of international artists and American artists Alice James, Jim Wallace, Tom Joyce, John Medwedeff, Stephen Bondi, Jeffrey Funk, Albert Paley, Toby Hickman, and many, many others. The author, Dona Meilach, recently passed away. I hope any new edition of this book includes all of the technical chapters,updates in all categories of making, more work by up-and-coming artists, a sturdier binding (a bit fragile for a reference book) and an expanded color section.Ironwork Today: Inside & Out St. Claire's Organic Sweets, Organic Ginger Snaps (1.5 oz)

Excellent example of high-end decorative iron and plenty of how-to's
I saw a recommendation for this book [..] and it sounded like just what I was looking for. My background in decorative iron has been limited to a cut-off saw, wire-feed welder, torch and grinder using cast decorations like finials and rosettes. This book was well worth the money and I not only learned a lot about methods that were shrouded in mystery to me, but also I got lots of great ideas about potential products I could make.

This book starts with an introduction to metal working and the retro movement for blacksmithing. It talks about all the common equipment you'd find in a blacksmith shop and what each piece does. Then it goes into different steels and the useful temperature ranges to work metals. It proceeds with how to make common bends and twists, animal heads and all sorts of other techniques. There is even a section on Damascus metal and how to make it.

The pictures in the book are fantastic and really help drive home some of the howt-to's sections as well as illustrate some very ornate artwork. There are many photographs both in color and black & white.

The only complaint I can think of is that even though it's a revision, some parts seem a bit dated. I would have liked to seen a comparison to help me choose between a gas and coal furnace for instance. But I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in decorative iron from the admirer to experienced builder.

A great book, an instant classic!
The first edition of this book was an instant classic.This, the second edition is a long awaited update and still a classic.A "must have" book for artists, sculptors and metalworkers.It is among avery short list of books I recommend to new artist metalworkers.

The word"inspiration" in the sub-title is an understatement.Thecontents of this lavishly illustrated book include works by the finestmetalworkers past and present. Techniques of metalworking rarely seen arediscussed and illustrated step by step.The updated version includes over50 new color photos, updated suppliers list and Internet informationsources.

The book starts with basic tools and techniques.Then discussesthe basics of metallurgy and moves on to step by step demonstrations bysome of the worlds most renowned metalworkers such as Albert Paley, DarylMeier and Christopher Ray among others.Each section is illustrated withexamples produced using the techniques discussed.There is also a"Gallery of Details" taken from the work of the late SamuelYellin.

A truely great book that should have never gone out of print. ... Read more

Product Description
The story of Gauguin's flight to Tahiti and the art that resulted from that journey still fascinates viewers today. The one-time stockbroker Paul Gauguin left family and fortune for an existence as a painter on the island of Tahiti. This sixteen-month calendar features the lavishly reproduced portraits and landcapes, and evokes the simple, idyllic lifestyle of Tahiti that appealed so strongly to Gauguin. Gauguin in Tahiti 2004 is published in conjunction with the exhibition of the same name, which travels to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Washington, D.C., Montreal, and London from 2003-2004. ... Read more

Product Description
A book of correspondence between two highly talented friends-writer/critic/artist John Berger and filmmaker/artist John Christie-I Send You This Cadmium Red began in concept in February 1997, when Christie mused to Berger: "What could our next project be?" Berger replied: "Just send a color..." Soon after, a painted square of cadmium red crossed the English Channel, from Christie in London to Berger in France, and an amazing conversation began. The accompanying book reveals, in the form of letters, notes, small books, and drawings, their subsequent exchange of ideas on color-an visual odyssey that ranges from Matisse's blue to the blue of Yves Klein; from industrial brown anti-rust paint to Joseph Beuys' Braunkreuz, from mysterious cave paintings to Byzantine gold leaf. Unprecedented and engaging, aesthetically stunning and intellectually enlightening, I Send You This Cadmium Red both explores new 'ways of seeing' and provides a key to understanding the work of these two artists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent
This book makes a great gift for any artist or designer. The reproductions of the colors are good and the letters philosohizing about colors and art are great. It is such a complete and honest interest in these topics and a joy to read. Good as a coffee table book or one for the bedside. I couldn't put it down.

Treasured Communication
Sometimes a resonant voice leaps off a bookshelf and whispers promises.This book both whispered and sang to me and fulfilled my hunger eyes. I read it, leisurely in one sitting, but I can imagine going back to touch it or rather fondle it, again, and then again.Two voices, not as one, but as a seamless whole is what delighted me in finding "Send me a Cadmium Red" and caused a profound artful ripple in my otherwise quiet day.Colour excites, cadmium red excites twice over and if I could I would gather together my own loose threads and follow the course of these two fine friends and send a single swatch of colour that would stir them to respond.

The Colors of Communication
In this compilation of correspondence between two erudite artist/writers, the reader is allowed to eavesdrop on the communications of John Berger and John Christie. These are two real renaissance men, interested in everything and commenting on all to each other with such intelligence and candor that we are compelled to read further, taking joy in their knowledge of color, art history, bookmaking, and literature.The book is obviously put together with the input of the book artist, with covers and pages you must touch, luscious color, fold-outs, and lovely photographs of the hand written letters, the books, and even the envelopes that traveled between the two men.The insight into their personal lives and their friendship adds an irresistible dimension.This bok is a must for anyone interested in art in any form.

The Golden Mean
Like a bee, under vibrating equilibrium and full of gold: thats the emotion felt after reading this colorfull-voices. ... Read more

Product Description
This calendar features monumental paintings of pure colour from the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Works by Kelly, Rothko, and de Kooning are included. ... Read more

Product Description
"Mastering Digital Printing: The Photographer’s andArtist’s Guide to High-Quality Digital Output" is the first in-depthreference to the new world of digital printing for photography andfine art. This authoritative guide provides a thorough introduction tothis exploding medium, instruction in the latest digital printingtechniques, and an inspiring Gallery Showcase of the best digitallyimaged and printed art and photography. Whether you are aphotographer, digital or traditional artist, printmaker, art educator,or art marketer, this book will help you master digital printing! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

The title of the book is misleading
I bought this book in the hope of becoming a better printer not a better comercial printer. This is definately not a how-to book, for do it yourself hobbyist like myself, but more of a reference manual for comercial printers.

For the price I got to say the book is very well illustrated and contains nearly 400 pages of photos and print. However, Most of the pages are not dedicated to specific instruction on how to print, but on equipment graphs and printer specifications. It seems as if the author is beating around the bush. Out of the eleven chapters in this book, I think only 2 of them are dedicated to instruction, while the rest is dedicated to reference.

For example take a look at a few of the Chapter headings"Navigating the Digital landscape", "Understanding Digital Printing", "Understanding and Managing Color", "Determining Print Permanence", "Selecting an Inkjet Printer", "Choosing your Consumables", "Using a Print Service, get the picture. This makes for interesting reading on a bad weather day, or when you are on a long trip to Honk Kong, but it sure wont make you a master printer.

As a matter of fact most of the instructional material deals with one or two examples that did not really enlighten me whatsoever, since I had found the same information on the web prior to purchasing this book.

The way I see it this book will make a great conversation item in my growing library of photographic books, but I don't see it as a working manual sitting on my desk or by my printer. Therefore, I am very dissapointed with and cannot recomend it for advanced amateurs like myself.

Mastering Digital Printing, second edition
Very informative,I am a novice at photo printing, and understood this book. very easy to understand what the author is saying. I am looking forward tothe " Third Edition" if author chooses to write one, thank you.Mr C. Simons

Very Misleading Title
Only 25 pages (Chapter 8) out of almost 400 total actually talk about making a print. The technique the author uses is highly based around the trial and error method. A Master printer, in my mind, should be able to hit it on the first print not after experimentation and a lot of testing. If that is not enough to lose interest in this author, there are some serious mistakes in those 25 pages as well. For instance page 268, there is a reference to the Print Space Profile--Same As Source. Anyone who knows how to print, knows that Same As Source is used ONLY to print a Target. I didn't see any reference in the book to a Target. I don't think the author knows what a Target is. This Book is a big disappointment for me. Take out Chapter 8 and come up with a different title.

For all photo printer users
This book will help any digital photographer/printer to learn about printing phtographs.

Aged commentary still somewhat useful
This book is getting mighty long in the tooth. It addresses inkjet printers from long before they became so good and useful. The approach to CMS, or color management systems, is superficial, and does not even address tools available when the book was written. It completely skips color spaces and the understanding of light and color.
However, it does give a broad beginning approach to understanding color printing. If you are just beginning to learn, this book is a good introduction covering many of the topics you will need an introduction to. Once past the introductory phase of learning, this book is of little value, being to basic in its handling of subjects to really be useful. ... Read more

Product Description
Watercolor artist Becky Kelly recreates in her illustrations a world seemingly suspended in time ... a world where children dangle their toes in clear-running streams, where best friends giggle and day-dream on a lazy summer day, where trick-or-treaters light up the autumn night. In this innovative new wall calendar, Becky Kelly shares her vision of life and rekindles the joy and magic of childhood.This original format features 12 watercolor illustrations themed to the months of the year. Each calendar page has a scalloped edge, and the calendar hangs on the wall with a beautiful wired ribbon that loops through each page, giving it the overall look of a handmade calendar. On the back of each calendar page, collectors and decorators will find a full-size reproduction of Becky Kelly's artwork, suitable for matting and framing.Becky Kelly captures in her watercolor illustrations the magic of her youth in West Virginia. She lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with her family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Hooray for "Hopscotch Days & Firefly Nights"!
I love this calendar! It is sooooo beautiful. All of my friends are jealous. You'll love it too!

Best Calendar Ever!
Becky Kelly's 2004 calendar is the best one I've seen in a long, long time. When I am looking for a calendar (my annual search begins in late summer)one of my prerequisites is that the monthly pictures relate to an event which occurs during that month. Not only do Ms. Kelly's illustrations fill the bill, each picture is charming beyond description. I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite from the 12 artworks as each one is special in its own way. The illustrations are not the only thing that sets this calendar apart from all the others--the format is different and imaginative and the quality of the materials used is excellent. The calendar pages, which are held together with a wired ribbon,are made from thick, glossy paper and on the back of each removable page is a larger more detailed version of that month's illustration. Becky Kelly and Andrews & McMeel have together created awinning combination with "Hopscotch Days and Firefly Nights". Summer is not even over, but I am already itching to hang my 2004 Becky Kelly calendar!

Best calendar I've seen in a long time!
This 2004 calendar is extra special. The format is a VERY welcome change from the usual, but it is Becky Kelly's artwork that really sets this calendar apart. The illustrations for each month are not only charming they are also seasonal, which is a "must" when I'm calendar shopping. The monthly pictures are full of detail and there are additional coordinating touches on each page which add to the calendar's charm. The pages are held together with a removable ribbon which doubles as a hanger and on the back of each page there is a larger version of that month's illustration which is suitable for framing--this is a calendar that "keeps on giving" long after its original purpose has been fulfilled. There are thousands of calendars out there, but creative ones like this are few and far between. Becky Kelly and Andrews & McMeel have come up with a real winner and I am hoping that this calendar will not be their last. I hate to wish my life away, but I really WILL be itching for 2004 to get here so I can hang my Hopscotch Days and Firefly Nights calendar. ... Read more

Product Description
The artist Vasily Kandinsky (1866-1944) strove to reveal the hidden inner universe of human emotion and spirituality. These twelve strinking paintings serve as entryways into a world of pure feelings. Carefully selected works illustrate Kandinsky's mastery of color and abstraction.The Guggenheim Museum in New York holds the premier collection of Kandinsky's work the world over. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Expect the best
Although I have not seen the new Kandinsky calendar I expect the best, because I have collected as many books and art about Kandinsky that I could not only find, but afford; prompting me to write my own studies of Kandinsky, titled "You Kan Do A Kandinsky," meaning anyone can (following his teachings during the Bauhaus period) actually do a Kandinsky style composition. I've found that the more Kandinsky art I can find, (and especially calendars - 12 of his artworks guaranteed) the more I can spot and project his methods. I expect and am sure the calendar will be enjoyed throughout the year. ... Read more