5 comments about Century Girl: 100 Years in the Life of Doris Eaton Travis, Last Living Star of the Ziegfeld Follies.

1. This book is so unique, I would recommend it for anyone who loves the history of the stage or just unique perspectives and biographies.
   Not only is the story engaging, but each page is tasty eye candy.
   You will not be disappointed with Century Girl!



2. Loved everything about this book: the subject, the era, the layout, the photographs, the ephemera. This was an enjoyable read and I've purchased copies to give as gifts to friends that I know have an interest in this time period. My only caution is that the text is "handwritten" and sprawls across the pages. I found it charming, but others may find it difficult to read. All in all, a delightful glimpse into a life led in the glory of days long gone.



3. You must buy this sweet book if you adore the Ziegfeld Folies, fashion illustration, collage, lush photos of flappers, and want to know more about the last of the living burlesque dancers Doris Eaton Travis. This wonderful book makes a fab gift for collectors of nostalgia and vintage frocks. Features pages and pages of handpainted/tinted photos and whimsical creative collage spreads of 1920's photos.



4. Wow, this book is fantastic! Lauren Redniss put a lot of highly detailed work into this charming publication about the last Ziegfeld girl alive. Doris Eaton is a spunky little lady who, at the age of 104 has graciously opened the pages of her life during the days she was a Ziegfeld girl. The book is beautifully illustrated and colorful with lots of photographs and clippings follwing Doris' career as well as her siblings. Ms. Redniss did a marvelous job. I can't rave about it enough.



5. Century Girl: 100 Years in the Life of Doris Eaton Travis, Last Living Star of the Ziegfeld Follies is a new order of biography. Lauren Redniss uses hand-written text as an artistic element to guide the eye through the evocative images she has created using photo-collage and line drawings. The result is a visually stunning tour of the extraordinary life of Doris Eaton Travis
   
   The book chronicles the life of Norman, Oklahoma, resident and University of Oklahoma graduate Doris Eaton Travis. The book follows Travis and her siblings, once known as the Eatons of Broadway, from their lives as child actors, to their success in theater and early films, and ultimately to their sad and often tragic fates.
   
   Travis alone was able to leave show business behind. She had the strength to adapt herself when circumstances demanded; from dancer, to entrepreneur, to book-keeper on a horse ranch, to college graduate at 88 years old. She returned to the Broadway stage at the age of 94 and recieved an honorary doctorate at 100. Her's is a story of reinvention and ultimately of success.
   
   Lauren Redniss teaches at the Parson's School in New York City. Her work is often seen on the Op-Ed page of the New York Times, which nominated her for the Pulitzer Prize. She is currently writing a biography of Marie Curie, due out in the fall.
   
   This book is a work of art from cover to cover. Redniss knows her subject well and the story is told largely in Travis' own words. It is the author's unique, artistic approach that brings this fascinating story to life so vibrantly and with such immediacey.
   
   In one section of the book, for example, Redniss discusses Travis' sister Mary Eaton's beauty, and the eagerness with which men gave her expensive gifts. The text takes the reader to photographs of Eaton in a seductive pose layered over images of Eaton's name in lights on the marquis of the New Amsterdam Theater. These images flow into a still photo from Eaton's starring role in Glorifying the American Girl. As we read of Eaton's beauty, we see coming off the page a Broadway star at the height of her fame and a woman who epitomizes beauty in the early twentieth century....and we understand why men were so easily parted from their money.
   
   The artistic elements flow together seamlessly and carry the reader through this lovingly crafted biography. Redniss' incredible images allow the reader to experience the lives of Travis and her family in ways that text alone simply doesn't allow.
   
   This book would appeal to anyone interested in dance or theater history. It has appeal to the general reader as well. Doris Eaton Travis is an extraordinary human being. Her ability to overcome tragedy, to reinvent herself, and to constantly strive to learn is an inspiration to all. Lauren Redniss' extaordinary book is the perfect vehicle to bring her inspiring story to life.

5 comments about Exhibition Design.

1. As project manager I work with museum exhibitions more then 10 years. I found the book very good - text, photos, case selection. I would like to recomend this book for museum people, designers, project managers. let's make our museums interesting for visitors, this is real chelenge in pop culture time.



2. Modern exhibitions have to compete in a fast-changing leisure market and must make use of technology and techniques that in the past have been associated with film and retail worlds. It's all about the experience - and here to address these changing needs is EXHIBITION DESIGN, packed with examples of successful exhibitions from around the world from both trade fairs to fine-art holdings and smaller artist-designed displays. Both history and technique blend in a title which teaches by example and by conceptual review, making it a top pick for college-level art libraries serious about teaching the finer art of successful exhibition processes for artists or museum curators.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. There are few sources such as this one - EXHIBITION DESIGN - that share insider thoughts and plans and results of the process of presenting exhibitions in museums. As such it is a welcome addition to the art lover's library, something to ponder when trying to discover why some exhibitions (despite the subject of the curated objects) make and impact while others feel cold and distant to all but the addicted lover of that particular subject.
   
   Architect and exhibition designer David Dernie shares the mechanics and philosophies of current museums, pointing out the current concepts of 'immersion, interaction, and multisensory experiential approach' have moved from the purely entertainment field into the realm of the once rather sterile filed of exhibition design. His thoughts are amply illustrated by architectural renderings and photographs that, while informative, are not of the quality one would expect from a book on museum wisdom! But the elements of psychological significance on how to present art to the public eye to enhance the experience of viewing are sound ones, and in his words 'how objects are arranged will determine the nature of the message they communicate.' Grady Harp, January 07



4. This book gives detail into what exhibition design spaces need including lighting, color, graphics, and goes into different types of exhibition design including narrative, interactive, and simulation. Each design example also includes good information on what the artist's message was and how they achieved it through the design choices. Very good choice



5. I just received the book "Exhibition Design" today from Amazon.
   
   I was very excited to find the title because there are so few books on the
   subject of museum exhibition design.
   
   I was however very disappointed with the overall quality of the book. I have
   other W. W. Norton books ( Building the Empire State) and I own close to 300
   architecture and design books.
   
   I have never been so shocked at the poor quality of the photography in any
   of my books. Some of the photos in Exhibition Design book were not
   sharp....some where so dark you could not tell what was really going on in
   the exhibit...but most seem like they were photographed with a camera phone.
   
   I was even shocked at the poor picture resolution of the Ralph Applebaum
   exhibits (blurry non sharp pictures and poorly lit)... I have a couple of
   books that cover the same projects and the photos in those books are
   wonderful...I assumed that companies like Applebaum send out a specific
   press kit with professional photographs.
   
   I guess I have learned that I should always see a design book in person
   before buying it on line.

4 comments about Start Your Engines: Surface Vehicle Sketches & Renderings from the Drawthrough Collection.

1. This is the other half of complimentary book "Lift off"
   
   Scott Robertson's unique vehicle designs are applied to things that drive in this book.
   
   You will see the process of firstly small quick rough sketches until he finds a shape and then develops the most liked shapes further. The next step goes into more detailed sketches with full vanishing points laid out.
   The final art is then revealed in amazing detail and believability.
   
   If you are learning about concept and design pick this up now, also look at the tutorial videos and other books.
   
   [...]



2. I love books like this and Scott Robertson is a great thinker. What love is that there is focus on Sketching which is not focused on enough in other books.



3. A very good book! It must be different, because Scott Robertson, is a phenomenal artist!
   Very good same!



4. This second book from scott robertson is just as amazing as his "lift off" book. This book has real world examples of the creative process that it takes to create a vehicle from a simple idea to a final render. Tons of amazing sketches are inspirational and just candy for your eyes. I love this book and never get tired off looking at it. I recomend it to anyone in the design field who is looking for fresh ideas and work for inspiration

1 comments about Painting Porcelain in the Meissen Style (Schiffer Craft Book).

1. For whom beginning porcelain painting, this is proper guide book.
   We can catch a sample to follow..

4 comments about Batchelder Tilemaker.

1. Not the greatest tile reference, the detail in the photos is poor and hard to see. Most of the historical reference in this book is accurate, but poorly written. I would not purchase this book early in a library building journey, save it for when you have excess money to spend and are just trying to fill and round out your collection.



2. When the back cover of a book informs you that the author is reputable, rather than the subject is well written - take it as a warning.

   This sophomorically written book is not intended for Arts & Crafts devotes, it is meant for tour guides who wants to get an "Ooo!" or a giggle out of a bus load of little old ladies.

   While the photos are fair, I found myself wishing I could actually see what they were showing. I guess the little old ladies are use to not being allowed too close, but I'd like to zoom in, please.

   Throughout the book, the reader is assured that the author is highly praised by the Governor of California. Perhaps taxpayers should insist their Governor spend his time more selectively.




3. While specific to the works of Batchelder, the photo supplements leave much to be desired - they are too general (a photo of a tiled room is nice, but a few more detail photos would have been most welcome!) and there are simply not enough of them (especially when compared to works referred in text). Overall, I found the book too big (and expensive) for the content delivered.



4. Ernest Batchelder's ceramic enterprize grew from a home-based business to a nation-wide enterprize: Batchelder Tilemaker follows his life and works, starting with his 1908 venture into entrepreneurship and his establishment of the 1930s Batchelder-Wilson company showrooms. An outstanding, revealing title surveys his life and artistic achievements.

4 comments about Collage: The Making of Modern Art.

1. Well illustrated, this book follows the historical development of collage in terms of the various art movements of the early part of the 1900's, up through collage in the '60s, and today.
   
   Authorative, thorough, only occasionally does the author fall into ridiculous art-critic-speak. [Please, art critics and academics, never use the word "problematize" ever, ever again. It's a stupid wretched word].
   
   If you want to understand the social and art-philosophical thought that created and sustained collage, read this book. Besides, if you're going to practice an art, you should know its history.



2. I have to agree with Nagagirl, this is really one of the best compendiums on the history of collage and the culture that surrounded it. I constantly reference it in my discussions to my students. Not only hits on the well-known works, but also gives in-depth discussions of lesser known works and movements within the U.S., Britain, and beyond. A must for anyone interested in this amazing medium and the history connected to it!



3. Surrealism, Picasso, Dada, artists response to Nazi expansionism in Europe...well, sure these subjects will involve "a lot of words" to understand!! Geez, collage began way before your local craft store had
   several isles of pre-made stuff to "create" one. It is, after all, a
   response of artists to the world...and the results are seldom cute or
   enjoyable. Sorry, I feel nasty when a book as great as this gets dissed.
   
   If you want, go to the craft store and buy one of the churned-out dull
   books which will tell you step by step how to glue buttons and old photos
   to something else they will sell you. If you want to understand how and
   why artists began tearing things off of walls and using them in art then
   read this book. You may be surprised at how moving real art/collage can be.



4. I felt this book really didn't live up to the promise of its cover. I expected much more modern, adventurous work. Also way too many words, too many black and white pics and not enough full-colour art for my liking.

1 comments about Contemporary Clay.

1. Over fifty works by modern clay artists are profiled in CONTEMPORARY CLAY: JAPANESE CERAMICS FOR THE NEW CENTURY, a catalog which follows the most innovative of Japanese ceramists. Puts range from porcelains with Chinese inspirations from the past to contemporary modern designs and provide a survey of different uses of modern forms, along with artist reactions to the new clay works. Each artist receives a full page photo and a facing page describing training and the evolution of repertoire and direction, making CONTEMPORARY CLAY an outstanding presentation recommended for art library collections.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

3 comments about The Potter's Eye: Art and Tradition in North Carolina Pottery.

1. An absolute gem of a book; clear, comprehensive, and beautifully illustrated.



2. A fine book with essays and some 90 photos with commentary on pieces shown in the NC Art Museum's early 2006 exhibit. But if you are not familiar with pottery and potting be sure to read at least the first dozen or so comments on the individual pottery pieces - some important descriptions and definitions are provided of the various kinds of kilns, pottery designs and styles. Otherwise you may be baffled by the name and term dropping later in the book.
   
   A book I will revisit often. The photographs are superb and the essays are insightful. I especially liked the discussions by potter and exhibit curator Mark Hewitt on the interplay of tradition and contemporary work: "a delightful syncopation of perception and expression, nudging the old world into the present...tradition is a mirror, reflecting who we are and how we measure up. It is the voice of our pottery forebears, encouraging, revealing, holding our feet to the fire. Tradition is one of the voices of the divine."



3. The Potter's Eye by Mark Hewitt and Nancy Sweezy is a must for lover's of North Carolina pottery. Organized in a logical way, the book offers a wonderful review of the stoneware tradition still alive in North Carolina. The book connects the North Carolina tradition of pottery making with traditions in Europe, Asia, and other states in the U. S.
   
   Lavishly photographed with rich details, The Potter's Eye is sure to impress. Perhaps the best part of the book are the interviews included with modern potters: Kim Ellington, Mark Hewitt, Ben Owen III, Pam Owens, Vernon Owens, and David Stuempfle. Legends in their own time.
   
   The Potter's Eye is not a coffee table book. It will become an integral part of your library as soon as you receive it.
   
   Peace

1 comments about Christo: The Gates Postcard Book (Postcardbooks).

1. A wonderfully produced collection of postcards from the Gates project in New York. Some of his most interesting artworks, sketches and prepatory works for the development of this exciting environmental experience are included here in a convenient 3 x 5 size. A fine set of images at an unbeatable price. Get it!

3 comments about Collage with Color: Create Unique, Expressive Collages in Vibrant Color.

1. I really loved this book; it gave me new tools and ideas to work in my studio and to share with my friends and Alumni, from my art classes. I highly recommend it if you love to experience with color in a creative new way.



2. What I like most about this book is that it is a refreshing break from all the Somerset Studio look alike and same-looking altered book stuff out there (yes, I was surprised--this also has a few altered book things in here, and they're different and mildly interesting). Wow. Originality. Getting ever harder to come by in the modern paper art/craft publishing world.
   
   This book is actually more of a volume on paper decorating, with a bit of collaging principles and craft ideas included. This isn't bad. I read a lot of paper craft and art books, and I still found plenty in here that made me want to break out the paints and paper. And, as the title says, this is about color--how to decorate paper with it, how to combine it, how to make patterns with it. Unlike the previous reviewer, I didn't find the examples too bright. This is, after all, a book with "vibrant color" in the title. And here it is demonstrated by someone who truly understands it and is passionate about it. These examples sparkle.
   
   This is refreshingly different. No faux edginess which just looks bland the thousandth time you've seen it, or works featuring people wearing pasted dunce caps. You will instead find a nice basic, lucid overview of color concepts; great ideas for using acrylic paints to make interestingly decorated papers; and some ideas for combining these papers in aesthetically pleasing ways.



3. The author covers a lot of ground quickly here. While not as in-depth as Traci Bautista's "Collage Unleashed," Davies touches on many techniques and applications. The examples were way too bright for my tastes and didn't personally inspire me, but they work well as examples to see what's going on with the technique and provide a nice change of pace from the muted Victoriana that's so prevalent elsewhere. The photos also show the hand models with paint on them, which I really enjoyed after seeing many impossibly clean hands in other books. Yes! You will get paint on your hands and it's OK! I particularly enjoyed the Prayer Flags project, modelled after Tibetan prayer flags, and the Book Page Collage & Letter Stamps ideas.