No comments about Gothic & Lolita Bible.

5 comments about Writing Creative Nonfiction.

1. 
   Great book. I'd recommend it to anyone who want to write interesting free flowing articles be it stories or anything. This book offers you with knowledge you'd need to write a good essay, story or book. I love this book it has really helped me improve my writing skills. Writing Creative Nonfiction



2. The book was well known before I ordered it. It is all I looked for and it is on my principal bookshelf.



3. This book may not be 100% comprehensive (a tad redundant, perhaps), but if there is any other one out there that has more to offer on addressing the varieties of style, structure, form and the creative nonfiction process, I haven't seen it. Being new to the business in 2003 when I began working on Waiting for Westmoreland in earnest, I found the instuctions and insights illuminating, inspiring and confusing all at once. How to choose?! I felt like Alice on her journey after the rabbit. Still, it gave me plenty of techniques to consider--that would not have been as readily discernible had I simply tried to read every book of actual creative nonfiction I could get my hands on.



4. whilst one can not expect every chapter to be directly relevant, i found each of them thought provoking. this book has enabled me to view the genre, and my writing attempts, in a new light.
   
   an essential read for anyone interested in writing narrative non-fiction.



5. Over the past several years there has been quite a controversy as to what exactly is creative nonfiction.
   In fact, there are some who even go so far as denying its existence and claim there is no such animal!
   If we are from the school that accepts that it is alive and kicking, we must then be able to describe what exactly is creative nonfiction.

   Carolyn Fauché and Philip Gerard, editors of Writing Creative Nonficton, perhaps best sum up what it is all about when they state: "creative nonfiction has emerged in the last few years as the province of factual prose that is also literary-infused with the stylistic devices, tropes, and rhetorical flourishes of the best fiction and the most lyrical narrative poetry. It is fact based writing that remains compelling, undiminished by the passage of time, that has at heart an interest in enduring human values: foremost a fidelity to accuracy, to truthfulness."

   In order to support their belief in creative nonfiction, Fauché and Gerard have presented more than thirty essays that examine all of above key ingredients inherent in writing creative nonfiction.
   Divided into three sections, the reader will receive tips pertaining to such topics as researching ideas and structuring the story, reportage, personal reflection, developing powerful observation techniques, awareness of the filters that put you between yourself and the world, shaping the lyric essay, creating biography, war writing, using humor, and taking yourself out of the story.

   What is quite noteworthy about the book is that the reader receives valuable advice from over thirty well- known writers such as: Terry Tempest Williams, Allan Cheuse, Phillip Lopate, Carolyn Forché, and Philip Gerard, all of whom contribute immensely in convincing us that, yes, creative nonfiction does exist.
   It may be true that it has undergone many name changes over the years- nonfiction novel, narrative non-fiction, literary journalism, literary non-fiction, and new journalism, however, they all lead us to the conclusion that no matter how confusing it sounds, creative nonfiction is still distinguishable from daily journalism, academic criticism, and critical biography.

   The book also offers a primer on the practical business of drafting a business proposal as presented by Stanley Colbert, and a section about what happens after publication.
   Finally, as the editors most aptly state: "as a final gift to the reader, we've included the `Creative Non-Fiction' reader offering the companion pieces and other exemplary essays to inspire, delight, reach, and simply to enjoy."

   This review first appeared on the reviewer's own site: Bookpleasures.com

2 comments about This Means This, This Means That: A User's Guide to Semiotics.

1. So far this book has not helped me in my semiotics class other than give me definitions to words I already knew or could find a better explanation of on the internet.



2. I live in a photographic world: teach photography in the main art school in my city, work as a photo curator since God knows when, etc. And I have seen with horror how semiotics have become, starting from being a sistem of analisis to be the object of study instead of what it was analyzing in the begining.
   When that happens in photo, the ones first fascinated by the laws and the names -triad, Pearce- ended totally alienated incapable of producing just one single image... equivalent to blind, imagination and freedom totally out of the equation.
   Yes I declare myself 'anti-semiotic'.And then I found this surprising book. It si fun to read, with just the exact level of semiotic a creative, a student of comunication or a young artist would want: how we represent and read, how the meaning is constructed.... but always keeping in mind that the important part is the message not is structure, what we see, not empty laws about the sign...
   Really a must in the classroom, it is far from the semiotic dogma, and close to !creativity!!!!
   Far form a text made of full academic notes, it is one page image and a question, the next the explanation and more examples, more image than any other thing.

5 comments about The New Creative Artist.

1. This book was recommended reading while I was on amazon buying another book.
   I would highly recommend it. I could not put it down till I have overviewed it all. Now back to chapter one and still on chapter one. It is full of good hints. Not only are there hints on how to unleach your inner artist but also basic psychology and philosophy read many times before ... and now hitting home. Jackie



2. If you want more creative starter ideas then you can handle this is the book for you. You won't need another idea book for sometime it is packed with ideas.



3. The New Creative Artist: A Guide To Developing Your Creative Spirit
   
   Here is another WOW spiral-bound book!!! It is full of COLOR,a lifetime of ideas, activities, and opportunities to s-t-r-e-t-c-h. The coverage of the Design Element is full: Line, Shape, Value, Color, Size, Pattern, Movement, Harmony, Contrast, Rhythm, Repetition, Gradation, Balance, Dominance, Format Options, Compositional Choices, Design Strategies, and touches on when to give the rules a rest. If that isn't enough, there's lots more! I especially look forward to working through the section: The Realism-Abstraction Connection during my next artistic transition. A beautiful book!
   
   Patricia Eastman



4. This book wasn't as good as "celebrating your creative self."
   
   It was a little wordy with inspirational messages. Not as much about technique and new ideas as I was hoping.



5. This book will get any creative body with a block back into their creative hobby. She gives so many great ideas, like that you should write down all the great creative ideas you think of and put them in to a jar. That way, whenever you can't think of something to get your creative juices flowing, just grab your jar and do whatever the piece of paper says!
   
   On a sidenote: I also love that the binding is ring - so that you can fold the book flat and not worry about pages closing on you when you are trying out something new - but that it is also protected by a larger cover so the ring binder doesn't fall apart like they usually do - THANK YOU PUBLISHER!
   
   Anyhow, great buy for any artist or artists' library - a book I will forever reference...I only wish that Leland explained more of the techniques behind rare art forms (but that would add a whole other book!).

5 comments about Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form.

1. The book is very informative. I'm using it for a figure sculpture class and we have studied the bones and the muscles. Very pleased with the service of Amazon.



2. This book is invaluable for reference. At 1st I was 'so so' about the illustrations but as I started to require detailed information for the sculpture I was doing showing the muscles - i discovered the exact information I needed was contained in this book and the more anatomy I do the more it is this book i use.



3. 'Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form' by Goldfinger is just perfect, especially if you want to know where the muscles actually attach to bone, something many anatomy books for artists simply don't cover. The Goldfinger book, for each muscle or group of muscles, has one or more side-by-side series of illustration and photos that shows:
   
   - the naked bones in a given area with highlights that show you the surface areas where an individual muscle attaches, even if that muscle is an underlying muscle that normally is completely covered by surface muscles.
   
   - the muscle or muscles in question attached to their bones in isolation (no other muscles illustrated).
   
   - all the muscles in the given area to show the relation ship between them and the muscle that is the subject of the series, even if the muscle in question is virtually covered up.
   
   - a photo of a well-toned human model in the same pose as the illustration series with labels to the various muscles.
   
   - one or more cross-sections (up to five or more) of the area being illustrated with each muscle labeled to show clearly how the muscles over-lap and lay across each other and the underlying bone.
   
   - if necessary, the model will be shown in a pose that shows how an underlying, virtually hidden muscle is important to the artist when the subject is in a certain pose (e.g., an underlying muscle can lift and change the form of the surface muscles when it is in contraction and/or the body is in a certain pose).
   
   - a series of 'mass' diagrams that may be of use in building a 'shorthand' for the muscle or group in question.
   
   - It's not just a picture book. It has a lot of descriptive text for each of the series of illustrations, and covers aspects important to artists, such as the different types of muscle fibers, etc.
   
   
   I counted at least 17 of these series dealing just with attachments to the clavicle, but I might have missed some since the organization is by area (trunk, neck, upper arm, forearm, etc.) and there are a lot of attachments to the clavicle from more than one of these areas. Also, there may be more than one series dedicated to a given muscle or group of muscles so that it is shown from back, front, side, and/or above, sometimes. The illustrations are as good or better than the best I've ever seen in any other anatomy book, especially ones for artists, which can be sketchy to a degree.
   
   I really don't think you need a library of anatomy books if you get just this one.



4. This is just what I needed just gives me all the mechanical functions of the body. Only thing is the examples are of the male body only there isn't much on the female. Anatomy of male and female are the same in some ways and other they are not, not just the sex organs, but the skeleton and chemical balances that go on. Just thought there could have been more about the females as well.



5. Excellent book, quick delivery at a competitive price. Excellent value. I'll use the book for years to come.

4 comments about Area_2.

1. A very thorough book for those looking for a wide variety of branding and design solutions.



2. Excellent overview of current state of design. Although the book is a bit too heavy, don't try reading this in bed or on a plane, it is worth every penny. Compared to Area (the non-numbered first issue) this book focuses not only on paper based graphic design and I really don't know how one can assess or put a value on such a broad field of possibilities. It is still brilliant. For anyone assuming an investment in graphic design be it a box, a shop, a book, stationery or whatever needs an outside with colours or patterns, this book is a must-have, must read.



3. Makes a good companion to the first area book. Each ones shows off the best of the best in current design.



4. This is most certainly one of the best books Phaidon has published yet. Completely blows Area out of the water. Worth every penny.

5 comments about Dynamic Wrinkles and Drapery: Solutions for Drawing the Clothed Figure (Practical Art Books).

1. I purchased this book to get an idea of how to sculpt realistic wrinkles on 3D clothing using software like Mudbox and ZBrush. Some of the illustrations show rather exaggerated wrinkling to get the point across, but I think that if you use this book along with photo reference of actual wrinkling, you can achieve very realistic effects. Copiously illustrated, great tips, high quality paper and reproduction. Often available at a reasonable price on the used market, a valuable addition to to the library of any artist who has to portray realistic clothing on the human figure.



2. Dynamic Wrinkles and Drapery by Burne Hogarth is another must have for any artist, as are all of Hogarth's books. The way shoes crease over the foot of a figure dancing, how shirts gather at the armpits when the figure is twisting, these are just a miniscule example of what you will find in this book. Whether it is cloth hanging on a window, a cape blowing in the wind or a woman's long skirt Hogarth shows how to draw it. The sketches are wonderful in themselves, but also invaluable as quick references as to how external materials behave when they are static or in motion. Rags, uniforms, gowns, togas, bundles, men's three piece suits, these are just a few of the things Hogarth uses to illustrate how things look. His no nonsense explanations and instructions are to the point, without being stark or clipped. What he says is not only interesting, it makes sense. Many of the drawing have arrows showing the direction of force being applied to material so the artist can learn to anticipate folds and drapes in other compositions. For an artist in the throes of creating a quick look at Hogarth's motion arrows can be the greatest of helps when you are suddenly fuddled by how some external should fall or drape. Some of the sketches in this book have partial backgrounds and these give context to the figures movement. The drawings span the spectrum from inspiring to mysterious and are wonderful in themselves as artistic renderings.



3. I flipped through the book after ordering to see what kind of art tool/reference I had gotten my hands on. Turns out I got a gem. (Well as far as I am concerned)
   
   Who knew that wrinkles in cloths, could make such a HUGE (I cannot emphasize this enough!!!) difference. All of this artist characters look so lively and realistic.. and some of the ladies in the book actually look voluptuous and the guys look all rugged and manly. And' its really the outfits and the way there drawn out, that make all the difference in the world.
   
   Honestly from flipping through front to back, this looks like it will be an extremely useful tool for myself if I put my nose to the grind stone. I am truly impressed by the artist work. Mr. Burne Hogarth really kicks some butt and knows what he is doing.(The back of the books cover tells of what hes currently up to, and about some rewards he has received) I will definitely be checking out his other books after seeing this.(When I get the cash...) Because I feel like even though I draw just for the fun of it, I feel like I would be doing myself wrong by not looking at the others. This book is just that good. (From the Images)
   
   I have not read the book yet. But drawing is about visuals, so that is what I am going from. There is about an equal amount of text vs art.
   You will have to check out the other reviews as far as how good things are explained in the book.



4. A very nice book, with a lot of important notes about the subject, but the drawings look a bit like comics.



5. Burne Hogarth was one of the very first artists I came across when I began teaching myself to draw, and Dynamic Wrinkles and Drapery is one of the very first of his books that I purchased. Very few books that I have come across deal with the folding and wrinkling of cloth and other materials in so meticulous and compendious a manner as does Hogarth. Wirtten less as a 'how-to' and more as a series of well-designed examples, Dynamic Wrinkles and Drapery covers nearly every kind of clothing wrinkles one might think of, and provides exceptionally detailed illustrations to show you how you can apply these lessons to your own work. While other books give short shrift to drawing realistic-looking clothes, this one is simply THE only source you will need on how to give your characters' costumes that extra pop of realism. An indispensible book, and highly recommended.

5 comments about Surgical Speed Shooting: How To Achieve High-Speed Marksmanship In A Gunfight.

1. This book tries to cover most aspects of defensive or tactical shooting. It is NOT about surgical accuracy. In fact, I have not found any book that is about achieving accurate shooting technique, besides the US Army Pistol Marksmanship Training Guide which you can find for free online, and which is better than this book. On the topic of defensive shooting etc, Gabe Suarez's books are probably the best bet for you.
   
   Pros:
   - well illustrated
   - concise and to the point
   - latest techniques and most current thinking explained; up-to-date
   
   Cons:
   - chapter on trigger control is shortest in the book, even though author says this is the biggest accuracy problem for most shooters
   - too much space (more than for grip and trigger control) devoted to basics like loading, reloading, malfunctions, drawing, holstering, etc issues unrelated to accuracy in shooting
   
   Overall, not a bad book, but I feel Gabe Suarez and Massad Ayoob are better authors on this topic.



2. A little dissappointed that this book lacked examples of good practice drills. Would be a fine book for someone new to defensive handgunning.



3. A well thought out and written book, with plenty of illustrations to allow the reader to visulize what the author is talking about.The system presented is realistic as to what to expect in true self defense use of the handgun. If you are going to carry with a CCW permit or keep a handgun in the home for protection, the information in this book is essential.



4. I cruised through this book when I was already a decent shooter. There wasn't much there for me that I didn't already know. It's informative for a novice or marksman level shooter. If you want a book about the principles and mechanics as well as the mental aspect I would suggest Brian Enos' Practical Shooting. I got more from that book than any other. Even better yet. Find a shooting instructor such as Stanford to learn by doing. Enos will raise your game by getting you to better interpret what you are "seeing" that you may not be conscious of.



5. I have been on a kick for the last several months. I read books about guns, about ammo, and mostly, about tactics. Reading all of Massad Ayoob's books was a great experience and I wish he had more. Eventually, I had to explore other authors. This is when I found Andy Stanford. His style is great. No bull; to the point writing makes this subject very enjoyable and easy to read. He takes you through the basics, but also explores more in depth tactical information. This is a must-read for anyone who is integrating into their life self protection for their family.

5 comments about The Philosophy of Andy Warhol : (From A to B and Back Again).

1. This book was very funny and a great insight on how Andy's mind works.
   Some of his philosophy is so far from the norm that when you think about it it actually might work. Its a quick read, seemingly a lot of it is actual transcribed conversations, so some things get a bit monotonous like an hour long conversation with B about what she cleaned all day. (I think the idea is that B is high and rambling, but its pretty funny when you think about it). I laughed out loud through most of the book, I highly recommend it if you're an Andy fan.



2. I recently had lunch at the Andy Warhol museum in Pittsburgh PA from where I purchased this book. With me was a very intellectual Indian guy who hadn't heard of Warhol nor was he familiar with his work. He wanted to understand who this person was and understand his significance.
   
   Without thinking much about it, I explained that Warhol was a central figure in the pop art scene who made the spirit of art--the ability to see everyday things in a different light and from multiple perspectives--available to the common man. How was it that I knew this? It wasn't any remarkable brilliance on my part, rather I would credit the ability of Andy Warhol to make a philosophical statement purely on the basis of his art. That an artistically untrained person such as myself could get this is a reflection of Andy Warhol's genius.
   
   Andy Warhol made the living essense of art available to the common man by showing him the beauty of popular culture.
   
   Warhol is an iconic American figure and we should really appreciate this fact. His appreciation of blue jeans, ballpark hot dogs, a Coke and yes obviously Campbells soup is revolutionary in that no one else at that time, save a happy go lucky American could appreciate that. In that vein, what is truly American about Warhol's art is that it is divorced from any specific tradition, thus apart from any cultural phenomenon and so it stands as an inspiration to see that commercialization as the American way has indeed an equalizing power unparalleled by any political or philosophical system. I do believe that Warhol appreciated this fact and there are many other unique insights to the American experience that support this point of view.
   
   The book itself is loosely based on categories of human interest...Love, Fame, Work, Time, Death etc. Within these chapters, Warhol observes from his experience and those of his acquaintences simple ideas that put the world into perspective for him. I find his approach to be existential in that he simply observes in journalistic fashion the effects of lifes experiences and the results to his thinking.
   
   The tone is conversational and you get the impression from the narrative that you are witnessing some spectacle and hearing Warhol's commentary and this makes the book very easy to read. It is not pretentious or pompous, rather there is an innocence and naivete to Warhol that comes through.
   
   There are more than a few gems, one the most important the paradoxical aspects of life in terms of success. I find it extraordinary that he felt that good business was an art as very few seem to appreciate this fact.It seems that Warhol's commercial motivations for art gave rise to the best work produced by him. Though I would not be quick to dismiss him as an artistic prostitute.
   
   A worthwhile read for anyone who is constantly on the lookout for evidence that the American experiment has noteworthy contributions towards social development.



3. Andy Warhol is known for throughing america back on its face. He's way of thinking is exuberant and unusual. The book made me see things from an angle i never thought to look from. As a fan of, not only the work, of Andy Warhol this book satisfied my wish to come a little closer from understanding his brilliant mind. One of my favorite books.



4. According to page 208 of the Warhol Biography 'Holy Terror; Andy Warhol Close Up' by Bob Colacello (1990), Warhol delegated the actual writing of the book to Colacello and Pat Hackett. Colacello wrote the first draft and Hackett wrote the version that was published. Warhol's contribution was to set up the deal, offer a few suggestions and one-liners, and read the finished pages before they were sent off to the publisher.
   
   If a silkscreen created by Warhol's assistants (carefully aping his art style) but signed by Warhol is still "authentic," does that mean an autobiography written by Warhol's assistants (carefully aping his speaking style) but credited to Warhol on the cover is still an "authentic" autobiography?



5. I used to think that Andy Warhol was not a real artist, only a great self promoter. This book, written in his own words, proved my prejudice to be completely wrong and uncalled for. Much of what we encounter today in popular culture was forecasted in this book by Warhol. If only the best economists could even be 10 percent as right about their forecasts!

1 comments about Show and Tell: Exploring the Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration.

1. The illustrations are reproduced beautifully. The biographies are well written and give you a sense of the personalities of the illustrators, as well as some useful information on technique. Loved it.