1 comments about Michelangelo's World (Ovations).

1. Great introduction to the life of the most famous moviemaker in Hollywood, from his unique childhood to his lucky breaks to his outlook for the future. Lots of fun photographs and quotes from people who really know what makes Spielberg tick.

2 comments about Where Have You Gone, Michelangelo: The Loss of Soul in Catholic Culture.

1. In this sequel to "Why Catholics Can't Sing", Mr. Day takes on the deplorable trends in church design and architecture seen in the last 30 years. Although his remarks are aimed at the Catholic Church, much of what he says is equally applicable to many Protestant denominations as well.

   In a world where utilitarian seems to be the name of the game, it is good to see that there are still those who appreciate beauty and tradition in their worship, and understand 'why' churches, erected to the Glory of God, should look the part.

   The angry tone Mr. Day displayed in his previous book is not to be found here, which is a wonderful improvement.

   As a clergyman, I strongly recommend this book -- even though it may, at times, be an uncomfortable read.




2. In this follow-up, Day branches out from music criticism into the fields of church "renewal" and comparisons between the ole Latin Mass and the new vernacular Mass. It's not quite up to his other work. His writing style is a bit harder to follow and his points are more scattered. Sometimes he sounds like a union organizer for an organist guild. But it still is worth reading and he makes some extremely valid points. Everybody who is discontented with the state of Catholic worship should read this book and would probably agree with about 90% of it.

No comments about The Life of Michelangelo.

No comments about Michelangelo: Painter, Sculptor, Architect.

5 comments about Vivien Leigh: A Biography.

1. Sad but insightful -
   
   I was saddened by parts of this detailed biography, disturbed by other parts of it, and also moved by other parts of it. I was fascinated by all of it. I ended up feeling as if I had lived it right along with Vivien - who was not only an intelligent, ambitious woman, but also a great actress and a terrible mother - a woman full of contradictions! A character greater than any she ever played! An enjoyable reading!



2. I bought this used and i'm glad I did. I wasn't completly happy with it. The book seemed to be a quick insight of Vivien Leigh's life. Also I was aware she did alot of Shakespeare play's but I thought it focused alot on this soley. Yes, it's good to know, but I like books that focus on "the life" of a star not more on the play's. I almost couldn't keep up with all the traveling talk either. Just happy I didn't spend the actuall cost of this book.



3. This short biography of Vivien Leigh will satisfy those looking for information about the bare bones of Vivien Leigh's career and some of the tabloid gossip surrounding her life but it never comes close to understanding who Vivien Leigh really was, what made her tick, and what made her a great star.
   
   The problem with this biography is that it merely quotes verbatim what other biographies have already written, and when it does not it paraphrases. There is nothing to suggest the author thought deeply about his subject, no assessment of her achievements and flaws, no evaluation and little description- the information is regurgitated and presented like a high school research project. It fails in getting to the crux of Vivien's illness, her manic depression, or explaining her conflict with religious upbringing, or her worship for Laurence Olivier and the grand romancisatiion of their affair. There is scant meaningful historical context to go by, which, in a biography of someone who died almost 40 years ago, is everything to someone reading today. The writing style is also woefully adolescent, a fact you may have to forgive given this is a translation. For those looking for photographs, the selection is disappointingly stingy.
   
   However, thankfully there are better biographies out there. I recommend Alexander Walker's excellent haunting portrayal of Vivien.



4. I really like the cover photo of this book. However, the other photos
   are not high quality printing. It looks like a photocopied book of another book The text is interesting too read I don't think the use of profanity in the book is necessary at all. Vivien Leigh is a complex, beautiful person and this book barely does justice to her.



5. Still waiting for a biography acknowledging what I think was her real underlying problem. Tuberculosis. Suffered from it nearly her whole life long. Aggravated it by smoking heavily, etc. TB KILLED her (in 1967??). Medications prescribed at the time could cause psychotic reactions. Add that to a highly intelligent, driven, complex personality, miscarriages, grueling work schedules, marital problems ... that doesn't up to mental illness to me. Particularly since she rarely missed any performances. Just not possible. Someday, one author won't put the cart before the horse and give this remarkable woman her due.

No comments about Michelangelo: Drawings and Other Treasures from the Casa Buonarroti, Florence.

2 comments about Michelangelo: Sculptor.

1. Don't let the price deceive, this is one of the best books of photographic reproductions available documenting M's sculpture. I originally purchased this in 2000 when I was in Rome, and I couldn't find it anywhere else. I wanted to give some copies to friends, and I had to order then from Italy, but now anyone can have this book; and you should buy it. Enclosed are beautiful, full page prints, and many macros from interesting angles; so close you can see the chisel marks! The works photographed:
   
   Battle of Centaurs
   Madonna of the Steps
   Bacchus
   La Pieta
   David
   Bruges Madonna
   St. Matthew
   Moses
   The figures of the Medici Chapel
   Slaves and captives
   Brutus
   Palestrina Pieta
   Rondanini Pieta



2. I actually bought two copies of this book; one for myself and one for my teenage cousin who is a budding sculptor.
   
   Needless to say we were both immensely pleased.
   
   Its not a "text-heavy" book but it does contain enough information to make you feel informed. The quality of the images is spectacular and the details of the iconic and slightly lesser known sculptures have really helped him develop his technique.
   
   Whether for educational application or casual perusal this book excels.

1 comments about Drawings of Michelangelo (Master Draughtsman Series).

1. Didn't expect high grade for this price, but I think Dover has a better quality reproductions for a similar price.

No comments about A Season of Giants: Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, 1492-1508.

No comments about Italian Architecture from Michelangelo to Borromini: From Michelangelo to Borromini (World of Art).