Product Description

Customer Reviews (18)

John Waters does it again !!!
I am and have always been a big fan of John Waters work, and I was very interested to read his new book. I laughed throughout the entire reading of this book. His sense of humor can be found in almost every page. I also enjoyed the book because a lot of the places he spoke about in the book are in my hometown of Baltimore Maryland. One of the most eye opening parts of the book was the chapter on Leslie Van Houten. It was a bitter sweet chapter as he was able, in my opinion, to show both sides. I am glad that he is doing what he can to support her cause, unfortunately I think it also shows that this will be a very uphill battle. I hope someday she will be freed from prison because I think she can have a positive effect on society. So I would recommend this book to other readers who like to laugh and want to learn about the other side of Baltimore. The part the Baltimore Chamber Of Commerce will never tell you about.

Waters' Bizarro Manifesto
In Bizarro World, the rules are "Us hate beauty!Us love ugliness!"John Waters may not have read Superman comics as a kid (he was probably shoplifting Jean Genet books instead), but he's seemingly internalized the Bizarro ethic of absurdist contrariety.The new collection of his waspish writing won't surprise readers of "Shock Value" or viewers of his films, but this is stronger stuff than what you'll find there.I found it surprising in two ways.

First, the section on Leslie Van Houten is thoughtful in a way Waters hasn't been before.He's written about her in the past, but here he seems genuinely remorseful for his previous insensitivity to the victims of the Manson Family.There are limits to mockery, even for John Waters, who has always reveled in sniggering paeans to crime and all manner of vileness.Can Waters be sincere and earnest?He is here, aware of the suffering of the LaBiancas and heartbroken over the injustice done to Leslie Van Houten, who long ago should have been released from prison.

Second, he's much more up-front about his gayness, something he always elided in past writings.This time, the post-modern Peck's Bad Boy wades deeply into sex, and he's mostly amusing about his own predilections-- well, he's mostly amusing about everything.But the chapter on gay porno enters some truly twisted territory.Porno is exploitative by its nature, but this stuff is hard to read about-- at least I found it so.I guess that's the point: Waters glories in the transgressive, so the kinkier the better.

There's real pathos here, and Waters shows his softer side in exposing the effed-up lives of the most effed-up people who've ever lived.Lady Zorro, a Baltimore stripper with a gorgeous body and almost inexpressible addictions-- and a young daughter-- is an unforgettable character, and Waters does her justice.

I laughed out loud a dozen times reading this.What I'll remember from "Role Models" isn't the funny stuff, though; it's the heartfelt emotion that sneaks though at the edges.

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to go to strange places involving some folks you may or may not know this is the read for you.

more ee cummings than Henry James
I can't analogize it to anyone else's autobiography except maybe Rosie O'Donnell in the sense that it lacks any kind of structure as to time or place. The key thing is he did see Johnny Mathis in a Blockbuster parking lot and apparently, never got over it because years later, he's sitting with Johnny Mathis on his patio in West Hollywood and he's still talking about the parking lot incident as we might call it. Not sure why it matters, but Mathis is relatively sweet to him given he may be dealing with a celebrity stalker who is himself a celebrity but he's too in awe of the ultimate cool performer to do anything but stare. If Mathis doesn't try at all, and that seems to be his career path, then by his own admission, Waters tries too hard, as it's not necessary to shock to cause an effect. Then again, maybe if this book were more shocking, it would be more memorable than it is. For someone so odd, he seems to have a lot of fairly normal friends and even his relationship with Leslie van Houten of Manson fame seems ultimately fairly reasonable and sane.

Time Well Spent with One of Your Most Interesting and Down to Earth Friends
This is the first book I have read/listened to by John Waters (I got the audio book) and I haven't seen many of his films (I think just Pecker), but I have always loved his interviews on NPR's Fresh Air with Teri Gross. And, I think it is because I know him for his wonderfully personable conversational style and broad interrests (art, reading, creativity, music, people, etc, etc) that I decided to purchase this book and see what it had to offer.
Excellant. What a pleasant conversational way to hear about John's interresting personal life and his tastes through his appreciation of his role models. Yes, yes, we all know about his film exploits or public image with sex and shock, but if that was all he had to write about the book would feel very flat and two dimensional. The fact that he is so well rounded as a person and in his interests made this book my favorite of the year.
And, yes, there's plenty about sex, some wonderfully unihibited and some that is a little bit shocking for my taste. But, this just adds flavor to the soup.
Now, I'm just waiting while Amazon ships the next book I ordered from John's back catalog. ... Read more

Product Description

Crackpot, originally released in 1986, is John Waters' brilliantly entertaining litany of odd and fascinationg people, places and things. From Baltimore to Los Angeles, from William Castle to Pia Zadora, from the National Enquirer to Ronald Reagan's colon, Waters explores the depths of our culture. And he dispenses useful advice along the way: how not to make a movie, how to become famous (read: infamous), and of course, how to most effectively shock and make our nation's public laugh at the same time. Loaded with bonus features, this new special edition is guaranteed to leave you totally mental. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

hilarious, disturbing, enthralling
Waters is one of those quirky entertainers, you either love him or hate him. If you like demented entertainment, you will eat this up.
Chapters 1,5,6,7,10, and 12 had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt.
Waters is the master of filth but he makes it so damn enjoyable, and often times its uncomfortable but you just cant stop reading.
This is a welcome break from the "best sellers".
Surprise mom and dad with this for Christmas or an anniversary gift.

Fun, Fun, Fun!
This book cracks me up. I couldn't put it down. John Waters' books tend to be too much for me, but this book was a lot of fun.

Call my Lawyer!
I physically injured myself from laughing so hard while reading this book.Why Waters has never been signed to his own TV talk show is beyond me. Clearly , one of the funniest voices in this universe!

Hilarious offbeat look at the world
This is brilliant! Very well observed and unusual examinations of the world. John Waters is a very funny writer, what catches his eye is superbly amusing If you like his films you'll love this, if you don't know them, check 'em out!

Crackup
This book is hilarious and creepy all at once. It is also extremely well written by a unique individual with outstanding literary skill.
His Love/Hate essays had me clutching my sides and his observations are so far out of the mainstream that you just want to hug him! There should be more of it!! Viva Waters. ... Read more

Product Description
Out on the risky waters of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you and offer you his Holy Spirit power that will change your life forever, deepening your faith and trust in God. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (92)

book order
I ordered these books and they come in as miniatures...completely insane!Who pays $5.00 a book for a 4"x4" book you can not even read! I ordered these for our small group at church and now I will look like an idiot because we will not have in time for our meeting!Thanks, Amazon! I have better luck with the other vendors!

Arrived super fast and in excellent condition.Very reliable seller!
Arrived super fast and in excellent condition!Very reliable seller!I've never had any problems buying audio/book products from Amazon and their representatives.Now, it's time to sit down and start reading this book!

Excellent Book
I bought this book because I was drawn by the Topic. I read a few reviews before, just to see what others thought of it.
I am overly impressed with the Author. The story of Peter walking on the water is not new to me, but John has taken this story, and has brought it into our everyday situation.
We all desire to do great things in God, and would love to walk on water. However, we fail to leave the boat for many reasons.Fear of failure, lack of trusting God, or because we are afraid to leave our comfort zone. The Author has really challenged me to step out in faith. I hope this book will meet you at your point of need.

Andrea

Loved it!
I loved this book, and it couldn't have come at more perfect timing in my life! I have often felt inadequate in just about everything I do. My relationships, my job, you name it, I always feel like I'm not good enough. I am afraid of failure. However, the chapter about "seeing the wind" and learning about failure management -- and learning from failure itself -- really made me see that there is no point in worrying about it. Everything in life has risks, and the only true failure is being a "boat potato!"

I also really liked John Ortberg's writing style. It is light and entertaining and he has a great sense of humor. I found myself laughing out loud several times during the course of this book. "I may be small potatoes, Lord, but this spud's for you!"

In addition, he also provides questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. I imagine that would make this book perfect for a small group study. However, they are also good for personal reflection as well.

Excellent
Delivery took a very long time but not seller's fault.I think USPS lost it.Book appears to be new. ... Read more

Product Description
"To me, bad taste is what entertainment is all about. If someone vomits watching one of my films, it's like getting a standing ovation."

Thus begins John Waters's autobiography. And what a story it is. Opening with his upbringing in Baltimore ("Charm City" as dubbed by the tourist board; the "hairdo capital of the world" as dubbed by Waters), it covers his friendship with his muse and leading lady, Divine, detailed accounts of how Waters made his first movies, stories of the circle of friends - actors he used in these films, and finally the "sort-of fame" he achieves in America. Complementing the text are dozens of fabulous old photographs of Waters and crew. Here is a true love letter from a legendary filmmaker to his friends, family, and fans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

wild!
This is one wild book! If you have a twisted sense of humor (like me!) you will be laughing your butt off.

John Waters is Golden
Before reading "Shock Value" I had never seen a John Waters film. Waters' draws you in and makes you laugh out loud. He is a brilliant comic and a wonderful story teller. I followed up Shock Value with his collected articles in "Crackpot!" which has one of the funniest chapters ever written about Christmas.
John Waters I am a fan of your excellent writing and hope you publish more!
-Black Scorpion
www.blackforpresident.com

Must-Read For All John Waters Fans
I was hoping to learn more about John Waters, the man, when I bought this book, and I was far from disappointed.This book is a great memoir of his life from start to finish, with lots of juicy inside info on all of his films.Throughout the book the reader meets all of the outrageous and delightfully politically incorrect characters that inhibit his movies and his life.There are lots of inside stories about Mink Stole, Divine, and everyone else ever seen in a Waters film, as well as the sweet low-down on that famous poop scene as well everything else you've ever wondered about.Waters is surprisingly honest about all sorts of rude and criminal acts that I'd never have known about if I hadn't read it.Underneath it all he shines through as a lovable guy who adores his hometown of Baltimore as well as the genre of trashy movies.If you love Waters, or even don't particularly like him but want to know more about him anyway, you must read this book.

Early memories of a crackpot
John Waters is a very funny, albeit very warped, man, but if you're considering buying this book, you probably already knew that. In this book he tells his life story (up to about 1980, when this book was first written), focussing on the making of his movies; on his friends (such as Divine, Mink Stole, Edith Massey etc) who became his regular cast and crew; and on some of his more unusual hobbies and obsessions (such as his fascination with high profile criminal cases and his love of Baltimore); and it is every bit as hilarious as his movies (although slightly less disgusting). In addition, it also includes interviews with Divine and Waters' heroes, Russ Meyer and Hershiell Gordon Lewis; a brief biography of Edith Massey (the egg lady from "Pink Flamingos"); and a large number of black and white pictures.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, although I did find the interviews to be a bit tedious, particularly since I am not a fan of Meyer or Lewis (to me they felt like filler, put in solely to make the book a publishable length). Nevertheless, this book should appeal to all fans of Waters' work, and to anyone interested in the process of film making.

Early memories of a crackpot.
John Waters is a very funny, albeit very warped, man, but if you're considering buying this book, you probably already knew that. In this book he tells his life story (up to about 1980, when this book was first written), focussing on the making of his movies; on his friends (such as Divine, Mink Stole, Edith Massey etc) who became his regular cast and crew; and on some of his more unusual hobbies and obsessions (such as his fascination with high profile criminal cases and his love of Baltimore); and it is every bit as hilarious as his movies (although slightly less disgusting). In addition, it also includes interviews with Divine and Waters' heroes, Russ Meyer and Hershiell Gordon Lewis; a brief biography of Edith Massey (the egg lady from "Pink Flamingos"); and a large number of black and white pictures.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, although I did find the interviews to be a bit tedious, particularly since I am not a fan of Meyer or Lewis (to me they felt like filler, put in solely to make the book a publishable length). Nevertheless, this book should appeal to all fans of Waters' work, and to anyone interested in the process of film making. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

A MUST HAVE for any fan of John Waters!
This is like nothing you've ever seen before. When I got this in the mail, I had no idea what to expect; but this magazine includes TONS of photos of John Waters' home. We get to see his paintings, his bookshelves, part of his CD collection, and tons of great, great photos. Also, there's a bunch of awesome post cards attached to the bottom. The most fascinating thing about the book, though, is its dust jacket which folds out into a GIANT poster! Fantastic, fantastic book. If you like John Waters, you'll absolutely love looking into his house. Ha!

A gift for my girl
I bought this book for my girlfriend and she loves it! She's a Big John Waters fan and loved seeing what his home looked like and his collection of stuff. Great addition for a fan.

John Waters Place Space
Every John Waters fan must own this!I feel like I'm peeping through the windows of his house spying on him.How cool is that?Fake plastic food, kitschy collectibles, and a library that puts mine to shame.Highly recommended from a huge Waters fan!

This is AWESOME! A must have for any john waters fan...
I am so pleased with this item!!! I am an avid fan of Mr John Waters, and all of his works. My collection would not be complete, without this magazine.

It is soooo righteous! All of these photos of HIS HOME, his crazy crazy collection of weird vintage stuff. His porn, his literature, his knicknacks (his house is full of glass food!). It's just fabulous. Get it now.

If you DON'T know who John Waters is... but you like interesting voyeuristic ventures into a complete strangers interesting, flamboyant, original, awesome private home... then you too will dig this excellent bit of media. ;> ... Read more

Product Description
With hits such as Hairspray, Pink Flamingos, Serial Mom, and Pecker, John Waters has consistently shocked, outraged, and amused movie audiences around the world. Feted for his singular and controversial vision, he has been described by William S. Burroughs as the "Pope of Trash" and by Time magazine as the "Sultan of Shock."

Now Waters has teamed up with acclaimed art critic and curator Bruce Hainley to offer a unique, provocative, and personal interpretation of sex and sexuality today through the window of contemporary art. Andy Warhol, Larry Clark, Richard Kern, Sarah Lucas, Cy Twombly, Lily van der Stokker, Vincent Fecteau, Karen Kilimnik, and Paul McCarthy are among the seventy well-known artists whose work they have selected. "Contemporary art is sex...it's all about sex," Waters tells us in the introduction, and in the book he and Hainley have chosen and carefully arranged a wide selection of recent works, from startling graphic depictions of the body and sexual acts to abstract images suggesting or inviting different ideas and concepts of the erotic.

In a frank and often hilarious conversation, presented in three parts, the authors talk about their choices and explain the pairing and juxtaposition of the works. Along the way, they consider many of the issues raised by the art and discuss—with humor and seriousness alike—how art reflects attitudes toward sex and the body in today's world. Questionnaires devised by Waters and Hainley for the artists offer further insights into sex and its relationship with art, while the authors' lists of favorite "sex reads" provide inspiration for further reading.

This remarkable and original book will appeal to anyone interested in exploring the place of sex within contemporary society, and in discovering how sex inspires and challenges today's leading artists. 176 illustrations, 143 in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A matter of taste
Taste is, of course, a concept to be ridiculed in the world of John Waters. But because this publication reflects his taste (or deliberate lack of it), the concept is relevant in discussing the book. In Waters' world, sex is dirty (filthy is his preferred term), sneaky,subversive, and/or boring. These are not my evaluations; he states all these things quite clearly, either in his words or films. So if you think art and/or sex(iness) is represented by photos of a woman defecating on the floor, you might be delighted by this book. Or if something as scintillating as a blank sheet of paper strikes you as sexy, this is for you.

But even if the illustrations bore you or turn you off (as many of them do me), you might still find the text--a series of dialogs between Waters and Bruce Hainley--to be of interest. He has some very interesting and worthwile things to say, and should not be totally dismissed by those who have other ideas about art or sex.

Brilliant art discourse~
Amazingly informed and intelligent art discussion between two bright, subversive gentlemen; Bruce Hainley, writer, curator and art critic and John Waters, director of such great cult classics as Female Trouble.

Their conversations introduce the reader to wide range of artists working in many different media, many of them well informed by LAs seedy past and gay culture.

For anyone looking for a sharp witty overview of the names to watch in contemporary art, this is incredibly accessible yet never dumbs down its subject.

The only problem? Now I want to collect works by everyone they described...

trashy fun
Though Waters is more celebrated as a film maker, his touch is clearly visible in these intervened photographs. I simply Adored Waters here: without the usual hanky panky the art intelligentsia loads upon us, common folk, his photos are a breath of fresh air in the toilet bowl that is the contemporary art scene.

Salut, roger! ... Read more

Product Description
John Waters, famed underground director of such outrageous, cult classics as Pink Flamingos, Polyester, Hairspray, Cry Baby and Serial Mom, "re-directs" forgotten art films, obscure melodramas, lurid pot-boilers and his own early films in the form of photographic story boards made up of stills. The resulting work is this brilliant twist-off from Waters' absurd, comic view of life, and the images are as funny and delightfully edged as the very best of his films. Waters shakes the fantasies of normalcy into a new, often delicious, taste of Heaven. 165 photos, 150 in color.Amazon.com Review
John Waters has been thumbing his nose at Hollywood for more than 30 years, creating movies that are both shocking and hilarious. Now he reveals another obsession, yet another string to his artistic bow. In this collection of photographs, Waters uses his camera to "re-direct" his favorite movies, juxtaposing images to create works that explore, expand upon, and sometimes overturn the intentions of the original directors. In Susan Slade, for example, he distills an early 1960s melodrama into 16 photographs. The resulting images manage somehow to combine kitschy appeal with a degree of emotional impact that transcends that of the film itself. Waters also works with images from his own life and movies--including a sequence filmed in 1966 where Divine plays Jackie Kennedy in a reenactmentof JFK's assassination. In another bravura performance, Liz Taylor is transformed through plastic surgery into Waters himself.

Waters admits that his project is to photograph "a favorite movie the way I want to remember it, no matter what the original director had in mind." The result is a collection that documents one man's obsessive and deeply kinky love affair with movies--the kind of love affair in which one partner brings a whip and the other brings a gallon of olive oil and a volleyball team. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Waters' Art
An essential purchase not only for John Waters' fans but also for art and cult movie lovers as well. Packed with Water's clever reimagining of stills painstakingly photographed from TV and put together with an excellent eye and wit. It's brilliant and a great document of his artistic work. I just wish I had an original for the wall as well!

Magnificent Obsessions
Waters once wrote that he never uttered the word 'art' "unless referring to Mr. Linkletter." In "Director's Cut", he has distilled a lifetime of obsessions down to a very artful collection of filmand video stills that are simple and beautiful even if their meaningsaren'tapparent. The book is essentially a visual companion to hishilarious essays in "Shock Value" and "Crackpot",especially the ones about movies, his own and others. You don't necessarilyneed to be familiar with them to enjoy "Director's Cut"but itcertainly helps. This is one of the more interesting art books I've seen inthat most of the images are presented completely out of their originalcontext; Waters lends his own sensibility to them and they becometransfixing. Through Waters' eyes, thejuxtaposition of Francis theTalking Mule and stills of Jessica Lange in "Frances" isn'tmerely a joke; the 'low' culture presumption of one image makes youquestion the 'high' (or middlebrow) presumption of the other.My favoriteimages in the book come from 'The Bad Seed", aWarner Brothers moviefrom the Fifites about a homicidal little girlthat is the summation ofeverything Waters believes in: obsession with the outwardly mundane, willfullybad (or even murderous) behavior in social situations, crime aspersonal expression, the artist as outlaw and social misfit. And his stillsfrom "The Tingler" have a mysterious beauty that remind you ofearly Surrealist photography; they have a depth to them not present in theoriginal movie, which could be said of almost all the stills. Overall , thebook is a triumph: it'sextremely personalfor Waters and yet vastlyentertaining if you let his sensibility overtake you.

SEVEN FULL COLOR PICS OF DON KNOTTS!
and a lot of wasted paper!None of the pictures included are clearx--certainly not money well spent! This book is slight and doesn't even include any insightful commentary.

More great obsession and desire from John Waters
John Waters is one of the few artists who would accept acomplimentary comparison to Jeffrey Dahmer. "I didn't wantthem to leave," Dahmer said of his attempts at zombie-making. The simple poignancy of Dahmer's needy rationale and the horror of its expression are a jolting juxtaposition, an engrossing exhibition of desire and obsession. Director's Cut presents an engrossing exhibition of Waters' obsession: a highly twisted, idiosyncratic altar to celebrity and the movies.Waters doesn't want movies to leave. His photographs are almost exclusively movie stills taken off television screens, creating a marvelous freedom from the motion of motion pictures. Like VCR freeze-framing, they allow you to gaze to your scopophilic heart's content upon normally fleeting moments. As a specific memory detail may encapsulate a larger event, Waters' stills crystallize his vision of a film or career. A jock strap draped across a brass desk lamp stands for an entire sexual encounter; Baby Doll is reduced to Carroll Baker's empty crib. Like the crackling TV static in David Cronenberg's Videodrome, Waters' images are rough and sensually tactile. Moire patterns, pixels, and the curving black frame of the TV screen itself imbue the photographs with a lush, visceral texture absent from high-gloss art photography or porn. Jean Seberg burning at the stake, hypos puncturing veins, a**holes spread wide, Lana Turner's neck, the numeric countdown of a film leader: desire charges the innocuous and the explicit alike. The book elicits the same fascination as pornography for a fetish you don't share. Obese women or amputees may not send you, but expression of the obsession in and of itself is riveting.With comedic self-portraits and stills of famous, infamous, and mediocre director's credits (including Waters and the legendary pseudonym Allan Smithee), Director's Cut turns Waters' obsessive gaze back onto himself and his own filmic celebrity, extending his inquiry beyond even the scope of his films. ... Read more

Product Description

This substantial volume includes more than fiftynever-before-published expository sermons on John 4 from one of thetwentieth century's greatest preachers.

It was just a conversation between two people by the side of a wellin Samaria. One, a local woman, came to perform her daily task ofdrawing water. Another, a Jewish man tired from traveling, sat downfor a drink. But he wasn't just any Jewish man, and this wasn'tjust any conversation. The man, Jesus, revealed himself as theMessiah, leading to the conversion of not only the Samaritan womanbut many from her town.

Now, for the first time, fifty-six sermons by Martyn Lloyd-Jones onthis passage of Scripture are available in Living Water.Lloyd-Jones, known for his ability to clearly communicate profoundtheological concepts, digs into this familiar passage from thefourth chapter of the Gospel of John, exposing fresh layers oftruth. His perceptive analysis is helpful for all who thirst forthe living water that only Jesus can provide.

Customer Reviews (2)

Quenched in The Truth
Anything from Martin L. Jones can surly be trusted to keep to the Scriptures. When Dr.ML Jones writes on the Person of Jesus Christ, He is sure to bring any anxious soul to a shore of rest as he shows Jesus to be the Rock in which to anchor your heart to. Come and drink in the Life Giving Water of The Savior and be satisfied in the depths of your soul, you were made for Him!

Lloyd-Jones book
Any book written by Lloyd-Jones is well worth reading.This one is no exception. ... Read more

Product Description
Irish Times columnist and former partner of Sinead O'Conner tells the story of one man's journey from belief to un-belief and back again.

John Waters is known for being the most astute and perceptive commentator for The Irish Times where his regular column has a huge following, and for his championing of fathers' rights stemming from his own custody battle. He was born in the West of Ireland in a rural traditional community where the catholic religion was the air that they breathed. Disillusioned with Irish society and the church scandals, he abandoned the idea of becoming a priest. He took to the rock and roll life, if not its lifestyle, as a kind of surrogate vocation, moving into music journalism and eventually finding his way to Dublin. In 1991, he published a bestseller called Jiving at the Crossroads.

Lapsed Agnostic tells the story of one man's journey from belief to un-belief and back again. In the style of Jiving at the Crossroads, Waters explores his own spiritual and religious adventure and observes how this has been echoed in our contemporary society. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

NOTHING TO DO WITH BALTIMORE'S JOHN WATERS
Okay, haven't even read this book. Just want you all to know that this is NOT the John Waters of "Pink Flamingos" fame; although by it's title, it seems like a book that that John Waters MIGHT have written.

Amazon doesn't help at all by offering their usual discounted deals to buy more than one book from "John Waters", regardless of the fact that they are two totally different authors.

An interesting insight into one man's rediscovery of belief
In his latest book Irish columnist John Waters writes about his renewed belief in God following many years of agnosticism. The book is a combination of personal memoir covering the author's early years and subsequent addiction to alcohol, and a detailed analysis of current social and cultural thinking.

Although very well written, Lapsed Agnostic reads more like a collection of essays than a coherent book. In some chapters, the underlying theme is sometimes stretched beyond breaking point, especially in a short piece on the late George Best. However, the excellent chapter that follows, The Unquenchable Thirst, contains a devastating critique of modern society, based on the author's own dark journey through alcoholism.

Elsewhere, Waters writes about his puzzling addiction to shirt-buying. The reader could be forgiven for seeing this as another manifestation of an addictive personality. However, the author tries to rationalise his compulsion as a justifiable reaction against religion's tendency to make him feel guilty for being affluent when so many are starving.

For those who enjoy John Waters' thoughtful and original columns in The Irish Times, Lapsed Agnostic will provide plenty of mental stimulation. Perhaps if the author had spent more time drawing together and developing the various threads he introduces, he might have produced a modern spiritual classic. ... Read more

Product Description
Once crowned "The Pope of Trash" by William Burroughs-and now hailed as the genius behind the smash-hit Broadway musical Hairspray-John Waters (b. 1946) is not only a controversial director, but also a powerful, perceptive visual artist. This book, published on the occasion of his first major museum exhibition, surveys his still photographic works made over the past decade, and also features stills from his seldom-seen no-budget films and objects from Waters's personal collection that reflect his fascination with photographic imagery, the mass media, and outrageous expressions of American popular culture.

Waters's newer photographic work echoes themes that are central to all his work: race, sex, class, family, politics, celebrity, religion, the media, the allure of crime, glamour, and the skewering of cultural symbols and stereotypes. Waters's longevity as a cultural figure reflects his unique ability to tap into our most private attractions to the erotic, perverse, and sleazy, blatantly unleashing thoughts that polite society tries diligently to repress. As he moves from margin to mainstream, Waters's work in films, photography, and performance continues to resonate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a great book for John Waters' fans
I agree 100% with the previous reviewer's statement that this book is "more like a promotional souvenir than an art book"... but I really can't say something bad about the work the people who put this together did, as I think this is an outstanding effort to show what John Waters is all about, not only as an artist but as the public character he has created for himself. As a fan of the man's work, all forms of it (film, writing and art -I know film and writing ARE art, but you know what I mean), this was a dream come true: getting to see actual images of everything I've been reading about for years -his toy hook, Lady Zorro, books and magazines from his collection and other stuff.
This is probably not the best book devoted to an individual artist, but one of the best tributes I've seen devoted to a cult figure. And once you think about it, Waters' art can only be fully appreciated placing it within the cultural landscape the book provides. Bottom line is, this a beautiful book about a really neat guy. If you like him, don't think twice: you'll love this book. If you only care about him as an artist, get this AND Director's Cut.

This book's layout design? A dirty shame...
I'm a big fan of Waters' ongoing adventures in the highfalutin art world, so of course I went to his great spring 2004 show at the New Museum in NYC, which this book documents. I'm disappointed to say that it really doesn't do the show much justice and, in fact, is more like a promotional souvenir than an art book. Knowing how Waters abhors pretension, this is probably on purpose, but I can't say the book's designers have done his work any favors. The biggest problem is one of scale: an effort to show individual works in their entirety on the page means everything is reproduced way too small and the taken-off-the-TV effect is all but lost. And one work, "Slade 16", is cut off mid-image and continued on the next page, which I thought especially unexcusable--even Warhol wouldn't put up with that. The book's design has little of the the elegance or wit of Waters' earlier "Director's Cut". Everything about that book was intriguing, including how it smelled; the paper was so heavily varnished that it took on an amusing "Odorama" quality of its own. And the reproductions were impeccable. "Change of Life" is packed with "bonus" material, including one startling image: a b&w pic of a villianous Cyril Richard in full makeup as Captain Hook that, as far as I'm concerned, sums up Waters' entire oeuvre (crime IS beauty--check out that pre-Divine eye makeup!). But the book really is kind of a shambles. The exhibit in part was sponsored by Fine Line Features and, whenever I look for the book at Borders, it's in the Film stacks, not Art or Photography, which I guess tells the whole story. Whatever the case, Waters is the real deal and I now enjoy his photography even more than his movies. Interesting side note: in "Director's Cut", Waters' pledged that he would never let the world see "Eat Your Makeup", one of his earliest movies. The exhibit and this book heavily feature it. I wonder what changed. Change of life? ... Read more

Product Description
In a powerful new body of photographs, sculpture and installation, John Waters continues his investigations of film history and contemporary politics. Primarily known as the filmmaker behind such cult classics as Pink Flamingos, Polyester and Pecker, Waters has been making "fine" art since the early 1990s. In it, he tackles both cinematic themes and political events by building narratives, frame by frame, from early commercial films. In this publication, Waters shares the method by which he constructs each work as if he were making a personal guidebook, so that his snapshots, color photographs and handwritten notes indicating composition are re-created as if in their original plastic organizational sleeves. Neither the art world, celebrity miscreants, politicians or Waters himself are spared in these incisive new works. An essay by Brenda Richardson examines Waters’s history, as well as each work, in brief and brilliant detail. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

an unsung major novel
The Publisher's Weekly review above is wrong. Shannon's prose doesn't lumber, nor are his characters unsympathetic. Nor is "The Taking of the Waters" an inefficient piece of storytelling. Through the use of the German narrator, Dieter Sachs, who has a fresh, outsider's perspective on America, Shannon deftly strings together the story of his three generations of left-wing activists. Maxi Trumbull joins the doomed fight by Owens Valley residents to prevent the theft of their water by the city of Los Angeles; her son, Slim, leads auto workers in a lightly fictionalized account of the successful Flint, Mich., sit-down strike against General Motors, only to be driven underground by post-World War II anti-Communism. Then Slim learns, via Khrushchev's 1956 speech about Stalin's crimes, that something is fatally wrong with the doctrine to which he has devoted his life. How can he disown the doctrine without also disowning his positive achievements? This question torments his later years. In the subsequent wreckage of the American Left, his son, Clay, flounders; the country is moving rightward and working people are losing many of their hard-won gains, but there is no longer any viable ideology to check the excesses of capitalism.
Hardly anywhere else in American literature has the channeling of so much idealism into a dead end, and the practical consequences of this defeat(which economist Paul Krugman describes in "The Great Awakening": growing economic equality in America from 1940 to 1970, growing inequality ever since), been explored in such human, dramatic terms. In a juster world, this book would be read as widely as Dan Brown's mumbo-jumbo about the Holy Grail or Tim LaHaye's apocalyptic fantasies. If that's too much to ask, at the very least it should be rescued from obscurity and honored. It's literary and intelligent and thought-provoking on every page. Those "unsympathetic" characters will linger in your minds. Don't be put off by the idea of reading about old-time Reds, or by the ironic, existentialist flavor that Dieter brings to the story. This is a major American novel. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (18)

John Waters does it again !!!
I am and have always been a big fan of John Waters work, and I was very interested to read his new book. I laughed throughout the entire reading of this book. His sense of humor can be found in almost every page. I also enjoyed the book because a lot of the places he spoke about in the book are in my hometown of Baltimore Maryland. One of the most eye opening parts of the book was the chapter on Leslie Van Houten. It was a bitter sweet chapter as he was able, in my opinion, to show both sides. I am glad that he is doing what he can to support her cause, unfortunately I think it also shows that this will be a very uphill battle. I hope someday she will be freed from prison because I think she can have a positive effect on society. So I would recommend this book to other readers who like to laugh and want to learn about the other side of Baltimore. The part the Baltimore Chamber Of Commerce will never tell you about.

Waters' Bizarro Manifesto
In Bizarro World, the rules are "Us hate beauty!Us love ugliness!"John Waters may not have read Superman comics as a kid (he was probably shoplifting Jean Genet books instead), but he's seemingly internalized the Bizarro ethic of absurdist contrariety.The new collection of his waspish writing won't surprise readers of "Shock Value" or viewers of his films, but this is stronger stuff than what you'll find there.I found it surprising in two ways.

First, the section on Leslie Van Houten is thoughtful in a way Waters hasn't been before.He's written about her in the past, but here he seems genuinely remorseful for his previous insensitivity to the victims of the Manson Family.There are limits to mockery, even for John Waters, who has always reveled in sniggering paeans to crime and all manner of vileness.Can Waters be sincere and earnest?He is here, aware of the suffering of the LaBiancas and heartbroken over the injustice done to Leslie Van Houten, who long ago should have been released from prison.

Second, he's much more up-front about his gayness, something he always elided in past writings.This time, the post-modern Peck's Bad Boy wades deeply into sex, and he's mostly amusing about his own predilections-- well, he's mostly amusing about everything.But the chapter on gay porno enters some truly twisted territory.Porno is exploitative by its nature, but this stuff is hard to read about-- at least I found it so.I guess that's the point: Waters glories in the transgressive, so the kinkier the better.

There's real pathos here, and Waters shows his softer side in exposing the effed-up lives of the most effed-up people who've ever lived.Lady Zorro, a Baltimore stripper with a gorgeous body and almost inexpressible addictions-- and a young daughter-- is an unforgettable character, and Waters does her justice.

I laughed out loud a dozen times reading this.What I'll remember from "Role Models" isn't the funny stuff, though; it's the heartfelt emotion that sneaks though at the edges.

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to go to strange places involving some folks you may or may not know this is the read for you.

more ee cummings than Henry James
I can't analogize it to anyone else's autobiography except maybe Rosie O'Donnell in the sense that it lacks any kind of structure as to time or place. The key thing is he did see Johnny Mathis in a Blockbuster parking lot and apparently, never got over it because years later, he's sitting with Johnny Mathis on his patio in West Hollywood and he's still talking about the parking lot incident as we might call it. Not sure why it matters, but Mathis is relatively sweet to him given he may be dealing with a celebrity stalker who is himself a celebrity but he's too in awe of the ultimate cool performer to do anything but stare. If Mathis doesn't try at all, and that seems to be his career path, then by his own admission, Waters tries too hard, as it's not necessary to shock to cause an effect. Then again, maybe if this book were more shocking, it would be more memorable than it is. For someone so odd, he seems to have a lot of fairly normal friends and even his relationship with Leslie van Houten of Manson fame seems ultimately fairly reasonable and sane.

Time Well Spent with One of Your Most Interesting and Down to Earth Friends
This is the first book I have read/listened to by John Waters (I got the audio book) and I haven't seen many of his films (I think just Pecker), but I have always loved his interviews on NPR's Fresh Air with Teri Gross. And, I think it is because I know him for his wonderfully personable conversational style and broad interrests (art, reading, creativity, music, people, etc, etc) that I decided to purchase this book and see what it had to offer.
Excellant. What a pleasant conversational way to hear about John's interresting personal life and his tastes through his appreciation of his role models. Yes, yes, we all know about his film exploits or public image with sex and shock, but if that was all he had to write about the book would feel very flat and two dimensional. The fact that he is so well rounded as a person and in his interests made this book my favorite of the year.
And, yes, there's plenty about sex, some wonderfully unihibited and some that is a little bit shocking for my taste. But, this just adds flavor to the soup.
Now, I'm just waiting while Amazon ships the next book I ordered from John's back catalog. ... Read more

Product Description
This hilarious collection of essays by the offbeat writer and director is a treat for fans of the "Pope of Trash" and the perfect introduction for those who have not yet discovered his eccentric charms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Love him
Even if you don't REALLY like his movies, HE is a treasure.After seeing his stand-up on cable, I ordered his books and love them...much more than his movies...(although Pink Flamingos is a must-see).He is smart and funny, definately insightful, precious--endearing.

Not a Serious Bone in His Body
First, let me say that this book should have more universal appeal than do his movies. We all know that his movies are just too gross for some people to stomach, but there's nothing here that any adult reader should find offensive. If you enjoy homorous writing, a la Woody Allen, Steve Martin, Joe Queenan, David Sedaris, etc., you should find this little volume right up your alley.

Waters displays an acerbic, eccentric, but highly insightful comic sensibility. There are fifteen short pieces here, which first appeared in various magazines during the mid '80s, primarily NATIONAL LAMPOON (When it was still funny) and AMERICAN FILM.

The book opens with a bang, in one of the funniest pieces, "John Waters tour of L.A." Needless to say, this is not the L.A Chamber of Commerce "official guide." He takes us to some of the seamier sights, including the spot on Hollywood Boulevard where you can catch "the legless, one-armed white guy who break-dances on the street for horrified families as they stroll up the Walk of Fame." He also offers some timely,timeless advice for when you're driving around L.A: "Never look at pedestrians; they're the sad faces of L.A., the ones who had their licenses revoked for driving while impaired."

There really aren't too many weak entries in the collection. He does go a bit over the top in his rhapsodizing of Pia Zadora, perhaps, in an article devoted to that queen of glitz, but one comes to expect "over the top" from Waters. Who would want it any other way? He's also very much the exaggerator when it comes to his likes, "Puff Piece (100 Things I Love)and his dislikes: "Hatchet Piece (100 Things I Hate)." Amongst the things he most admires are Supermarket Tabloids: "Then I gazed at the great LAS VEGAS SUN wire-photo of a giant ostrich, escaped from a zoo chasing a totally bewildered middle-aged woman down the street. Every time I see her horrified expression, the creative juices start to flow." Not content with this passing mention, he writes an entire article entitled WHY I LOVE THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER as a paean to that fine bastion of journalistic integrity.

Some of Waters' images do convey a bit more of the "so banal it's hysterical" quality of his movies, as when he conjures up "a fancy Santa," in a piece called WHY I LOVE CHRISTMAS.
"Why hasn't Bloomingdales or Tiffany's tried a fancy Santa? Deathly pale, this never-too-thin-or-too-rich Kris Kringle, dressed in head-to-toe unstructured, oversize Armani, could pose on a throne, bored and elegant, and every so often deign to let a rich little brat sit NEAR his lap before dismissing his wishes with a condescending 'Oh darling, you dont REALLY want that, do you?" I mean, really, wouldn't you just love to have John Waters' private phone number and be able to shoot the breeze with him about popular culture? No!! you say? Well then this book's not for you. However, if you enjoy mordant, biting wit, and a breezy, conversational style of writing, this book is definitely for you. It was sent me by a friend. I'm going to be sending a few copies out to other friends now. Who knows, maybe we could start a John Waters cult?

BEK

Playing With The Prince Of Puke
This is the book that piqued my intrest in John Waters over ten years ago before I could even be called a teenager.

For a man with such a reputation for being "filthy, perverse, trashy, etc., etc., etc.", this book ggives the reader a delightful gllimpse into his bouyant and often child like mind.Whether raving over meeting with Pia Zadora, listing the events of a truly hellish day, or giving a guided tour of Los Angeles as only he can, he guides the reader along in a cheerful skip, full of bounce and frolick.

Even for one who's unfamiliar with his films, this book is a light, quick read sure to entertain and provide laughs, crating a vivid and lovable image of the man known to so many as "The Prince Of Puke"

Walking on Waters
I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me. Take a look at ..... site regarding the first chapter of Crackpot. It is as wild as the book. Many of the links are gone, but many are still there. Loved this book.

Memorabilia
This collection of essays is one of the most compulsively readable, and re-readable, books I have ever owned.I was drawn to it, as you mightexpect, by my enjoyment of Waters' camp classics.But to be honest, Ienjoy Waters the essayist at least as much, if not more, than Waters thefilmmaker.Waters' films, and particularly Pecker, Serial Mom, andHairspray, set the scene for the miscellany of obsessions which animatethis book. Crackpot offers a comforting way to understand Waters' recentturn to a more conventional cinematic venue: these films are *also*celebrations of his passionate likes (and dislikes).

Waters writes awitty and acerbic prose, which conveys genuine passion for his obsessions,obsessions which include trials, the National Enquirer, Woody Allen'sInteriors, dangerous candy, menthol cigarettes, and Christmas. Hispreferred methods seem to be the catalogue and the reminiscence: Waters'list of 101 things he hates, and 101 things he loves, are obsessiveruminations on the everyday, and Waters' methodical survey of his everydaytouches gives new meaning to the sublime *and* the ridiculous.Mostmemorable to me, perhaps, is his LA Tour, a pre-OJ intinerary of murder,mayhem, and showbiz, and his loving tribute to the Enquirer.But hiscelebration of William Castle, or shame-faced coming out as a fan of avantgarde, his ritualistic account of Christmas and his loving descriptions ofhis interests, home, and personal history all make for a case study ofobsession that feels both candid and arch, in Waters' inimitable, andparadoxical way. If you read it once, you're going to read it again. ... Read more

Product Description
One of America's most widely admired artist offers soundadvice and answers questions of technical and creative aspects of the art. Thirteen full color demonstrations all begin with a value sketch and detailed descriptions of how the picture was painted. John's irrepressive enthusiasm is evident through out. Includes 37 of his favorite paintings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Amazing, Beautiful. One-of -a-Kind Treasure
This is one of the most beautiful watercolor books I have.John Pike has a wonderful way of simplifying the complex--both in his paintings and also in the words he chooses to explain about his life as an artist andhis working methods for the beautiful artwork in his book.There are 13 demonstrations and then a gallery of his paintings along with explanations of how he approached the painting. There is also an interview with John Pike at the beginning of the book. The demonstrations are entrancing, and Pike does not hold any "secrets" back from the students.It is as if John Pike is standing beside you explaining to you step-by-step how to paint his painting.The paintings are loose, with lots of light and contrast.It's a wonderful book that ever watercolor student should hold on to.

The best book on watercolor technique
I checked out this book from the library more times than I can count before discovering it was still in print. It is absolutely the best book I've found on watercolor technique(and I've checked outmany of them) and the only one I own. John Pike's style of working and his discussion of technique and choice of materials helped alleviate my anxieties about getting started in watercolor. He keeps things simple. I particularly like his philosophy of using value sketches as a guide before starting any finished work, and the step-by-step color photographs showing a painting's evolution. His accompanying text is also very helpful. I've been painting in watercolor for 8 years and have many books on the subject. Mr. Pike's book is still the one I turn to consistently when I need help or inspiration.

A Beginner Finds a Friend
As an absolute beginner in watercolor, my first stop after my first lesson was to the local library.Joining an existing watercolor class of long-time painters left me scrambling for the meaning of what everyone wastalking about and doing.In my tiny town nestled in the Colorado Rockies,there were only half a dozen watercolor books in the library, and by somegood fortune, John Pike's book, published many years before, had beendonated.Even as a novice, I could see that it was far and away the bestof the lot, and when I took it home and started reading and studying, Iknew I had found a friend.Well, I kept that book out for over two months,and paid a hefty late fee to do so.

I thought Mr. Pike's books were outof print, but on a whim, I decided to search his name on Amazon.com, and itwas exciting to find "John Pike Paints Watercolors."I admitthis is not the same title I found in the library, but the book reviewdiscusses his style of writing and teaching.That style overcame the fearI had to try, to begin, to learn, to dare.He is a teacher! And because ofhis writing, I was able to begin to catch up to my classmates faster than Ihad imagined.His paintings are full of life, interesting in subject, andinspirational to a beginner.I am privileged to know that I will have hisbook on my own shelf.

Insight to watercolor
I first got this book in the library and now must own it.Pike's insights have opened new doors for me as a relatively new watercolorist.His methods, techniques and explanations make this one of the few books on thesubject that I want to have for ready reference rather than just anoccassional read.This is the best artists book I have yet to come across!

Insight to watercolor
I first got this book in the library and now must own it.Pike's insights have opened new doors for me as a relatively new watercolorist.His methods, techniques and explanations make this one of the few books on thesubject that I want to have for ready reference rather than just anoccassional read.This is the best artists book I have yet to come across! ... Read more

Product Description
For both beginning and advanced painters, water can be one of the most popular but least understood of elements. In this instructive guide, author and artist E. John Robinson shows the secrets of painting water, its special properties, and the limitless ways it can be used in paintings of all mediums.

Readers will discover how to use water to convey mood, to capture the effects of wet streets and mud puddles, and to portray fog, ice, and water's reflective qualities. They'll also learn how to paint creeks and lakes, rivers and waterfalls, harbors and the ocean, weaving sunlight and shadow into all their water scenes to create works that flow with life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent Book-Excellent Service
The used book was delivered in better condition than expected and much faster than advertised.All aspects of the purchase went quickly and trouble free.

Just what I was looking for
This book is full of useful information for painters wishing to paint water that looks 'right'.It is generously illustrated, with explanatory text that is clear and to the point.The layout is logical and clear, and the book deals with one point at a time by means of a short, clear textual explanation accompanied by an explanatory sketch, painting or diagram, before moving on to the next point.

The book starts with a short chapter on equipment and supplies, and follows with a chapter on how water's properties affect its appearance - transparency, reflection, angled reflections (e.g. a leaning post reflected in water), rippled reflections, reflections viewed fom above, reflections which are extended by ripples in the surface of the water, choppy water, colour reflected in water, sparkle on water, reflected glare,- and so on.Water is tricky stuff, but with this book as a reference, I find that my approach is more confident, and the visual results much more satisfactory.

Other chapters include painting to interpret mood, painting wet ground, puddles, creeks, lakes and ponds, rivers, waterfalls, bays and harbours, and surf.

I find it a brilliant explanatory and reference book.

Fabulous for any medium
I am a professional artist and found this book to be one of the best investments I've made. He shows in detail every aspect of water from the foam on waves to shadows on waterfalls. I paint in oils and pastels and found even the watercolor demos to be very helpful. Highly recommend!

Where's the water??
The title of this review says it all. As for 'all mediums' mostly are watercolor. So, if you are into watercolor and not wanting to learn how to paint water, which what water is in there is terrible, then by all means purchase it. Personally, I sent it back as no help to me.

Robinson is the go-to person for painting water
E. John Robinson is a well known California Seascape artist that works with both oils and watercolor.In his "Painting All Aspects of Water," Robinson shares his observations and techniques gained over his many years of study and painting water.

Robinson begins with a discourse on the properties of water and the creation of mood then applies these lessons to painting every possible use of water - wet ground, puddles, rivers, waterfalls, surf, and much more.

This is an excellent book for not only the novice but also for those who are more experienced and need that little extra from a master.

Robinson is the go-to person, whether oils or watercolor, to inspire you in making your water scenes mystical and magical.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

I Couldn't Stop Laughing
This book was without a doubt the funniest book I've ever read. Naturally, readers familiar with his movies will get the most out of this book, but there's a lot in there even for those who can't sit through one of his movies. I especially like Waters's tales of his mischief as a lad attending Catholic school. Considering the time, his educational background, and the Baltimore environment, I can really understand how Waters turned out the way he did.

Delightful, distasteful, nauseating and fun!
This book is impossible to describe in one word. It's no surprise that Water's life is funnier, and more bizare then any of his films can ever hope to be. We learn about Baltimore life, his childhood, Divine, Edith Masey, Pink Flamingos,Desperate Living,and more. THIS needs to be his next film project! The only thing sad about this book is that it feels dated at certain parts (especially when it refers to Divine in the present tense, since this was written before he died...and before Cookie Muller died...and Edith Masey). But it remains a fascinating read that really encourages people to feel grateful for living in Baltimore(or makes you wish you lived there).

very very funny
Out of maybe a few hundred, this is probably the funniest book I have ever read. I remember reading it late at night in my parents house, trying to stifle my laughter so I wouldn't get in trouble for waking people up. "...a cry went up from the sleaze-mavens"

With this book, you could argue that John Waters is a better writer than he is a film maker.

inspiration
I finished Shock Value only moments ago, and i feel like i should go to baltimore and fall on my knees worshipping Waters and the crew. i thought i was weird...This book focuses on the early years and has truly inspiredme to raise myself above the boring muck of semiconformist existence.READ IT

Intriquing look at Waters' life and career
Shock Value is like Waters' autobiography, mainly focused on his film career.There are only two chapters about his childhood.The book will be very interesting to every Waters fan as it provides in depth looks at themaking of several of his earlier films.The book's material is dated,however, since it was written before he completed "Polyester". Waters' updates you in the new introduction though.It is very clean andhas few curse words, unlike Waters' films, but is still good. I recommendit. ... Read more

Product Description
The Apple iMac. The New Beetle. The Oh Chair. The Guggenheim Bilbao Museum. These are all classic examples of blobism, a futuristic retelling of the curve, resulting in protoplasmic forms designed by computers.

A growing number of inventive architects are now embracing this concept, making blobitecture the hottest global trend in the industry. This is the first book to focus exclusively on the blobitecture phenomenon in detail: how the process works, the geometric and environmental challenges it presents, the sophisticated software that allows artists to bend the lines of traditional architecture, and the stunning work produced by this art form.

Featuring curved walls to blob-esque furniture to Greg Lynn?s Embryological House and Koloatan and McDonald?s Title House, this is both a showcase of the best in blobism and a guide to applying it in a designer?s own work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Blob landscape survey
This copiously illustrated survey posits architect Frank Gehry in an unfolding evolution of a phenomenon described as "Blob." The book, 'Blobitecture', shows the antecedents to Gehry, and parallel movements that have spawned such notable industrial designs as the Eames chairs and the Apple iMac.

Form-follows-function was a stringent dictate on designers for many recent years. Advances in computers and computation [not to mention composite materials] have allowed Gehry to visualize designs that would not, on the face of it, seem to hold up, and come to up with the means to make these buildings - drooping, swooping, and so on - stand.

Waters notes that this style arose as something of an anti-machine impulse, yet it could not have occurred without machine technology, specifically the computer technology that could provide underpinnings for 'improbably fluid forms.'

The author uncovers some things that surprise. A Disneyland Monsanto house of the future [which could be a happy home for Zippy the Pinhead], could not be readily demolished after its stay as a futurist grotto was at an end, Waters notes. The wrecking ball bounced off the [perhaps fiberglass] Monsanto house, and good old sledge hammers had to do the dirty deed!

There have been a lot of movements, some that vaporize in the blink of an eye. Does Blob as a serious movement hold up to scrutiny? Here, Waters takes a journalist's tack, and leaves the final judgment largely to the reader and future historians.

A different approach than the movie The Blob [from whence the movement gains its name it seems], where, as the movie trailer had it, "there's no stopping the blob [a "blood-curdling threat"] as it goes from town to town."

Missing perhaps is a look at Gaudi, and Dali [especially the latter's work at the 1939 World's Fair] - two individuals that melted a building or two in their day. I guess I say this because I can recall when I first saw Gehry's now famous Gugenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain [depicted gloriously in Blobitecture], that's what I thought of. Waters does point to Eero Saarinen and his TWA Terminal as a potent precursor of Gehry, but photos he includes are of the Saarinen's St. Louis arch, to my mind less of a pointer to Frank. But the book on the main is quite generous in its illustration of things blob like. ... Read more