5 comments about The Art of Walt Disney: From Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdoms.

1. This book goes through the entire Disney legacy, in what is supposed to be art criticism. As far as it goes, the text is pretty good, but they are mere accompaniments to the photos, which is the bane of many art/design books. Finch makes an effort at being comprehensive, though ultimately - if you read through the whole thing - it comes off as a vanilla milk shake, with virtually no depth and ultimately flattering to just about everything Disney.
   
   Moreover, the beginning of the text is far stronger than the end, reflecting hte fact that this is an update. As such, the author worked much harder and dug deeper on the sections that covered Walt Disney's work and ideas directly - the subject of the first edition and far more interesting than later work - and then feels the rest is pasted on to update it. To cover the post-Walt Disney things, many of which represent great art in and of themselves - would merit an independent work like the first volume.
   
   Futhermore, by separating the book into discrete sections devoted to film, TV, parks, etc., the author misses one of the most important aspects of the Disney company: its work is self-reinforcing through all the media. Thus, though the early TV shows did not get enough commercial sponsorship and hence lost money, Walt Disney viewed the shows as the ultimate tool to implant his brand in the minds of the young. Even the toys were part of this, though they are almost entirely neglected in this book. It all fits together, each part morphing into the others, which Finch fails to see.
   
   The worst failing of this book, though, is its utter lack of analysis beyond crude evocations of historical context. Though purporting to be a critic, Finch does not ponder any of the company's impact on, or as a reflection of, American culture, particularly the dark side. Why do many people (myself not among them as I essentially love the DIsney legacy) despise the way the company transforms culture into its own immediately recognizable brand? What does it say about the American predilection to recreate realities, such as a mock European village, rather than seeking out the real thing (even at similar cost)? These are tough questions.
   
   In the end, this reads like something directly out of a PR department. I enjoyed the images and some of the reconstrctions of the films. But this offers little in the way of true criticism.



2. This is such a great book with great information about the disney company and of course mickey! and lots of great pictures!



3. If you love animations from Disney, or the Disney success story, this is a must buy. My Wife loves this.



4. This is not just a book for Disney art lovers -- it is a terrific background on the Disney Company as a whole and the process in the art of animation. It goes into detail as to the extent of Walt's genius and leadership abilities. Never the less, the art in this collection is phenomenal!! I personally love the preliminary sketches and the process that eventually become what you see on the screen. There is also a chapter on the role the Disney Studios played during WWII. I will cherish this edition for many years to come.



5. This book gives good insight into the story of the Disney company. It was nice to hear an honest account of whether each movie was a success or failure with critics and audiences, though I feel some were a little shortchanged. A book of this size should have had a chapter (or at least a full page) dedicated to each movie. And while it is heavily illustrated, the text does not in any way rely on the pictures. I guess screen shots from the movies or brochure style pictures of the parks are "art" but based on the title I was expecting more unique in depth imagery like preproduction and concept art, storyboards, construction photos (from the parks).
   
   If you have the older Concise edition of this book, then I don't think this one is necessary. So there are stills from a few more movies, but all the classics up to Fantasia 2000 are covered in the smaller book. Besides, the best of the new movies covered is Finding Nemo, and who doesn't have that on tape or DVD? Don't spend this much money on a few screen shots, just watch your movie. And I was particularly interested in seeing some of the new parks that weren't in the other book (California Adventure and Tokyo DisneySea) but alas they accounted for about 3 pages. Just a warning because the annoying shrink wrap prevents anyone from flipping through to decide based on the contents whether or not to fork over that much money (and the cover is so enticing...).
   
   If you have never read anything about Disney this is a great place to start, but if you already have a collection of Disney books (especially this one's concise ed.) then this one doesn't have much more to offer. And if your true passion is in the theme parks, don't let this deceptive title make you believe that equal emphasis is given to the "Magic Kingdoms". There are way better (and cheaper) books on that subject that will give you much more insight.

2 comments about Traditional Wooden Toys: Their History and How to Make Them.

1. Possibly best toymaking book in my collection of sixty+. ( I teach toymaking at retired teacher's ctr in nyc.) Excellent in historical
   background & wide rangeing international coverage. Clear explanations
   of operation and broad coverage all aspects toymaking. Admirable organization with excellent index. And entertaining illustrations and text to boot. Highest recommendation!



2. In "Traditional Wooden Toys: Their History And How To Make Them", woodworking expert Cyril Hobbins provides aspiring woodworkers with colorfully illustrated, step-by-step, do-it-yourself instructions for a broad range of traditional wooden toys, dolls and games from cultures and countries around the world. These are toys that have provided entertainment for countless generations of children. Informed and informative reading for non-specialist general readers with an interest in the history of toys and toymaking, "Traditional Wooden Toys" is especially recommended for personal, professional, academic, and community library woodworking reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

1 comments about Barron's AP Art History with CD-ROM (Barron's: the Leader in Test Preparation).

1. This is the first AP book that I have used, so I can't compare it to others. I think that it is very good at explaining the format of the AP exam and the pracice questions that it gives are similar to those on the exam. The questiosn are helpful because some of the AP questions can be tricky. It also gives examples of AP exam essays- this is nice because it shows what you should be including in your essays. I would recommend this book to others because it explains what the AP exam will be like and it includes different areas and cultures of art.

5 comments about The Complete Color Harmony: Expert Color Information for Professional Color Results (Color harmony).

1. If you are not a designer, and have little background in color theory then I would highly recommend this book.
   
   I needed to design a book cover and was getting my CMYK's confused with my Pantone's and RGB's.
   
   It is an easy read with many full color examples, plus the CMYK values.
   
   You can use the color patterns as a template for your own projects (work smarter not harder).
   
   A worthwhile addition to my marketing collection.
   
   Cheers!



2. I am designing a website and wanted a solid grounding in color theory, having found that books in the computer genre do not cover this topic well.
   
   This book hit the mark, it provided me with 1) a basic grounding in color theory and the color wheel, 2) a no-nonsense, practical and thorough overview on the psychology of color, 3) a large range of categorized sample color combinations.
   
   This book only provides the CMYK formula for its color swatches, and not the RGB formula. The book's theoretical sections also do not go into sufficient detail to explain the differences between the two formulations. This is not too-big-a problem as there are color formula conversion sites available on the web. This is the only reason why I have deducted one star. Perhaps a little unfair as computer nerds are not the book's target audience. I would give 4.5 stars in an ideal world.
   
   I highly recommend this book if you are after a solid, practical and not too academic approach to color theory



3. Great book! Lot's of beautiful colors with CMYK values so that you can replicate them yourself.



4. I have enjoyed the book. Although I thought it would be more useful in terms of designing graphics arts, not my house. This book provides insight to color theory based on emotions and feelings when walking into a room; therefore, I would suggest this book for those looking to do some interior decorating and designing; not necessarily for graphic arts.



5. I buy this book because the title is "The COMPLETE Color Harmony". There are so many other books about color on the shelf, but the word 'COMPLETE' really hit me. Altough i'm working in the design field but i found myself need more resources to this main subject, color harmony.
   
   This book is great, it gives me new ideas of color harmony. I often use it for my projects. What i liked about this book is that they put 'Moods & Color' section in it. Powerful, rich, romantic, vital, earthy, friendly, soft, welcoming, etc....with other colours combinations too. 'The Psychology of color' also a great one too along with the 'Process color convertions chart'. This book is absolutely complete!

5 comments about Vietnam Zippos: American Soldiers' Engravings and Stories (1965-1973).

1. While reading this extraordinary and unique book it is obvious that Edwards put the time and effort into this project and Buchanan packaged it. Yet Buchanan seems to want all the credit. She alone is listed as the author, but what did she actually do? She wrote a distant and dry essay - well written no doubt, but what exactly is her relationship to this fascinating object called the Vietnam Zippo?
   
   Judging from the lively discussion below on this page, Buchanan was, in fact, the publisher with the power to manipulate the crediting. It appears that Edwards' role was greatly diminished and he was relegated to the person who just provided the collection. Apparently another sad example of an artist being taken advantage of - there must be a back story here and it probably isn't pretty. What a shame this situation is considering what a finely crafted book it is.



2. The Vietnam War had many facets for those who served in that theatre of military combat from 1965 to 1973. One of the unique memorabilia associated with the conflict were the Zippo brand cigarette lighters that were ubiquitous among the American troops. Drawing from the collection of Bradford Edwards, Sherry Buchanan (an independent scholar, author, and expert on both Asian and Vietnamese contemporary art, history and culture) has created "Vietnam Zippos", a volume of images of Zippo brand lighters used and personalized by members of the American armed forces. Zippos lighters were visible associated with the burning of grass huts as part of search-and-destroy missions, they were used as engraved symbols of social protest, and often became a kind of talisman for American GIs during their hazardous tours of duty in that increasingly unpopular conflict. Beginning with a Timeline that begins in 1965 and ends in 1990 (when Vietnam Zippos were sold to tourists at Saigon Street Stalls), "Vietnam Zippos" is a fascinating and specialized military cultural history that is a unique and recommended contribution to the growing library of Vietnam War histories, biographies, and scholarly studies.



3. A touching compilation of soldiers who served in Vietnam and the history of Zippos in the Army. Full of color pictures: numerous Zippos dipictaing pictures, unit slogans, witty banter, and more. A must read for anyone who wants to connect with history.



4. It is a shame and a pity that such an impressive book should reflect such a travesty in crediting. What does Ms. Buchanan have to do with the Vietnam Zippo? There is ample evidnce that it was the focus of Mr. Edwards' attention for many years. Yet he is relegated to a minor participant in the book itself! Anyone who closely examines the book can see the truth - it is self-evident. Apparently, Ms. Buchanan's massive ego overshadowed her sense of justice - she, as the publisher in fact, decided to not even share the authorship with Mr. Edwards. Othewise, it a near perfect book - striking graphic design - highest quality photographs - excellent essays and thorough research. Life can be unfair.



5. My hippie Dad loved it! He is a history buff and had not heard of this practice!

No comments about S'abadeb, The Gifts: Pacific Coast Salish Art and Artists.

5 comments about Stunning Crystal & Glass: The Watercolorist's Guide to Capturing the Splendor of Light.

1. After watching this artist at a demonstration I was moved to purchase her book. I have not been disappointed. Her book gives clear instructions in how to achieve the look of crystal with watercolor paints just as well as a live demonstration. The pictures she creates are nothing short of amazing.



2. EXCELLENT DESCRIPTIONS OF THE ART OF WATERCOLORS IN ARTFULLY ILLUSTRATING GLASS AND CRYSTAL SUBJECTS. INSTRUCTIONS ARE EASY TO FOLLOW, UNDERSTAND AND EXECUTE. MANY EXAMPLES ARE PROVIDED THAT ARE HELPFUL IN RAISING MY SKILL LEVELS IN THE ART OF WATERCOLORS.



3. This is the best watercolor book on crystal and glass that I have found. I have actually been able to do the exercises and then translate them into my own original watercolor paintings. I cannot say that about a lot of watercolor books because I feel like other books leave out steps. This one does not leave out a thing!!!!!!!!!!!
   
   I liked it so much that I have arranged for Joyce to come to Texas to do a watercolor workshop.



4. This is the first book I've been able to follow easily and actually enjoy the whole process. Joyce has a very colorful way of describing the steps and making you feel like you are getting a one-on-one lesson from her. I was so pleased with my own painting results and look forward to my next painting following Joyce Faulknor's descriptive and fabulous book.



5. The art of painting glass or crystal is a challenge to most watercolorists. The shadow glancing through the crystal is suffused with the colors of the diffracted light and reflected light, making a play of not only dark and light, but of various colors in the shadow tones. Rendering this is not easy. Equally difficult--getting the reflections on facets and surfaces of glass objects and vessels.
   
   Author and painter Faulknor paints with an ultra-realistic style--the shapes and lighting are almost surreal. She shows you how to set up your painting area, choose a palette of colors, photograph your still life or use reference photos and then paint your picture. There is another similar book by another author Painting Crystal and Flowers by Susanna Spann but it is more about flowing color and limited palettes. This book is great if you desire that super-real look with high-key lighting and very dramatic dark-and-light shadow and highlight. It is not easy, but the author makes a heroic effort to take you along with her and the amazing talent she possesses. Not for the faint of heart, but can really make you think about how you are painting still life.

No comments about The Rough Guide to Graphic Novels 1 (Rough Guide Reference).

5 comments about Complete Guide to Watercolor Painting.

1. This book was recommended by Tony Couch in his book, "Keys to Successful Painting". I find the material in Whitney's book to be the basis for Tony's book. They are both devoted to the principles of design, and the elements of design. Whitney's book has a more in depth approach and gives reasons why things work and some don't. I have read the book and find the information useful. A must read for those who want to beter understand the elements and principles of what makes a good painting eye catching and memorable.



2. Complete Guide to Watercolor Painting by Edgar A. Whitney is not a coffee table book, not "eye candy;" but the quick readability of the black and white reproductions of Whitney's watercolors shows that he knows what he's talking about when it comes to design and the importance of a good value pattern. This is a book for the serious student of watercolor painting who is willing to take instruction and work at his/her craft, and it is, in fact, an excellent instruction manual for any painter, as the design principles are universal.
   
   After studying dozens of art books over the years and taking university art classes and workshops from nationally known artists, this book is what finally helped me "get it" when it came to putting together an effective watercolor painting. The black and white reproductions do not detract from the soundness of the instruction. It may be helpful to have other books on color theory, various techniques, etc., but these are only peripherals to the sound design basics taught in this book.
   
   If you want a book that is similar to this older model in its instruction on design but with all pictures in color, Tony Couch's more recent Keys to Successful Painting, might suit you well. But note that Tony Couch, along with a long list of other well-known watercolorists, were disciples of Edgar A. Whitney.



3. This book is a great foundational book for anyone looking to know the fundamentals of watercolor. ALthough some of the book is in black and white, the principles are still very well described. If you can learn this book, you will be well on your way. It also goes over somewhat how to paint loosely. Well done.



4. This reissue of a classic is essential to the landscape artist concerned about composition and design. The text and principles are clearly outlined but for visual people it lacks examples in most instances. The black and white copies of paintings are difficult to analyze. It needs updating with color pictures that are examples of the rules of composition that the author puts forth.



5. I was disappointed that 90% of the examples by Whitney were in BLACK and WHITE. It would have been far more helpful had the pictures been in color.

1 comments about Just Us Guys.

1. This book is great if you like homoerotic artwork. It makes a perfect coffee table book! My only complaint is how short the book is.