No comments about Atlanta: Then and Now.

No comments about Dream Homes New Jersey (Dream Homes).

5 comments about The Visionary State: A Journey Through California's Spiritual Landscape.

1. This is a fabulous book, like everything Erik Davis writes. The photography just takes it to a new level. This book will be a standard reference for us in future journeys on the North American west coast. We intend to visit all the sites, or as many as we can, documented in the book.
   
   But it is much more than a travel book. Davis brings his masterful knowledge of American gnosticism and materializes it in his historical, rich narrative about the numerous temples, religions, and cults of California. I strongly recommend "Techgnosis" for a much deeper treatment of the same topic. Let's hope he keeps bringing his skill as a writer to craft more beautiful essays about the rich and fragmented American life, and the strange worlds emerging as the American imperial reign draws to a close.
   
   Davis is probably the most talented of the current psychedelic authors, and has a talent at keeping an open and critical eye on both the dark and light aspects of emerging subcultures.
   
   I love his wordcraft and eclectic reach. Every time I read one of his books, I come back with at least twenty new words and a few new concepts.



2. It's thick and lucius and keeps rewarding me every time i sit down with it. Having grown up in California, I've heard bits and pieces about many of these places and it's great to learn more about them.



3. Coffee table books are usually visually beautiful (such as Southwestern landscapes, the National Parks, cuisines of the world, ancient civilizations) while shallow in terms of information. Not so with "Visionary State",a stunning book that is as visually delightful as it is educational.
   
   Author Erik Davis is insightful about California's syncretistic, Gnostic spirituality. He shows how Goddess spirituality, Western Buddhism, yoga, and queer spirituality have deep roots in Californian soil-from the Self Realization Fellowship's temple in Encinitas (not far from where I used to live) to the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco (surprisingly, Davis doesn't mention St.Gregory of Nyssa,famous for its icon of dancing saints,and its dance-centered liturgy)
   
   Davis shows the selective "openness" of Californian spirituality. He explores Zen, Tantra, and Wicca, while dismissing the growth of non-denominational and evangelical churches. It's no wonder he doesn't choose the beautiful white clapboard St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Oakville or the Institute for Creation Research in El Cajon (but he does show El Cajon's Unarius Academy,devoted to UFO and the Space Brothers)
   
   It is pleasant to see places I've been--such as the sylvan sojourn of Harbin Hot Springs in Middletown, the Egyptian temples of the Isis Oasis in Geyserville,the Stanford Memorial Chapel in Palo Alto, the San Diego Mission,and the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Encinitas. It also inspired me to go to the spectacular City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah-famous for being the largest Buddhist center in the US and its vegetarian restaurant.
   
   "Visionary State" is a look at the kaleidoscope of Californian spirituality. In these pages, you'll learn that Sam Brannan,founder of Calistoga,wanted California to be the capital of the Mormon Church (Brigham Young disagreed),and that the round barn in Santa Rosa was part of the Fountaingrove commune in the 19th century. You'll learn about Lonnie Frisbee, the co-founder of the Calvary Chapel movement whose name has been erased from official histories because he died from AIDS,as well as the Gnosticism of Philip K.Dick,the author of "Blade Runner." "Visionary State" not only looks great,but makes a great read too!



4. I bought for the photography but I read cover to cover with great interest. Fascinating historical detail. Beautiful photography.



5. The photography and commentary captures the awe of California's spiritual past. There has been plenty of coffee table books on Yosemite, Big Sur and the California coast but never has there been a book describing the vast inner landscape of Californian's themselves. This book is a fine addition to the Cali history enthusiast.

5 comments about Wall Street.

1. i saw this book at a financial advisor's office and immediately came home and purchased it. it is a fabulous melding of text and photography, beautifully rendered. if you have visited this part of new york, you will enjoy the memories....if you have not been there yet, look at this before you go and it will greatly enrich your experience.



2. This is a holiday gift to open more than once. Beautiful! Useful! Fuses text and illustrations in a way that enriches both!



3. This book is a pleasure to read and to keep around for others to enjoy. I keep it on my desk at work so that my visitors can enjoy the incredible photography. The book also gives a unique insight in to the history of the many firms on Wall Street and how consolidation has led to our current list of players. Many find it interesting to see how certain firms came to be what they are today.

   One example of an interesting foreshadow is that the author has included a picture of the Banker's Trust building reflecting off of a Deutsche Bank conference room table. The two frims merged several years after the photo was taken.

   Since buying this book I now enjoy walking around lower Manhattan. While before I was caught up in the rat race, I know see the beauty of the arcitecture and can better appreciate the history of Wall Street. This book is full of insightful anecdotes which lead to interesting stories for me to share.

   This book is a must for anyone who works in the finacial world for its insight and to keep around for others to enjoy.

   I was happily surprised when I saw one of the authors books on Nantucket while on vacation there. I bought the book and was again happily surprised at its combination of photography and narration. I would rate Nantucket Island five stars as well.




4. with all the mega mergers going on this may be the last photographic history of the old Wall Street.



5. This book makes a wonderful gift for the person with everything. A real treasure for all those who own stocks or those who want to visit NY.

5 comments about Real Photo Postcard Guide: The People's Photography.

1. I bought this book to learn more about the Real Photo Postcards I had become addicted to buying. It is full of the history of postcards, photography and the combination of the two in the form of Real Photo Postcards. It has excellent resources in the appendixes to help you date your cards. I have used the book to date my postcards, include informational background for lesson plans (I teach a writing workshop using RPPCs, and to give me context when I creatively write fiction with the real Photo Postcards.



2. Beautifully written, this all inclusive text will enchant all levels of deltiologists (real photo collectors et al)with an excellent in-depth study of the photographer-generated postcard. Well illustrated, this oversized edition reads like a novel: it's very difficult to put down. As a long-time collector, I learned more from this book than all others on the topic No use to take a college level course in real photo: its right between these pages. Definitely 5* & well worth the investment. Bravo to Bogden!



3. This comprehensive reference book is a must-have" for collectors of real photo postcards or for anyone starting out collecting.
   It provides information and examples on how postcards document our history.
   Very well done.
   I'm very happy to have it.



4. In the thirty five years of collecting postcards, with real photo post cards my speciality, there has never been a good book, until now covering this subject.
   
   This book of 274 pages covers all aspects of what one would ever wish to know about this form of collectiing. Major chapter headings are: Introduction, Fundamentals, Photographers & Careers, Dimensions of Desirability,Collecting Categories, Objects to Treasure, Sitting in the Graveyard & Conclusion. Each chapter has many subdivisions, very well marked in the table of contents by page number. At the end is a very complete appendix & index. Being on the subject of photographs there are naturally a great number, totaling around 270.
   
   The only reason I did not rate this 5 star is that the quality of the photo reproduction is not in keeping with the tremendous efforts the authors have put into this book. Though the photos are O.K., with todays technology, I feel the publisher let the authors down.
   
   Collectors have been waiting a long time for a book like this, & I very much doubt that there is more to be said on this subject. The authors are to be congradulated on a job well done.



5. Photo postcard collectors and fans of photo postcard art have plenty to enjoy in REAL PHOTO POSTCARD GUIDE: THE PEOPLE'S PHOTOGRAPHY. Such art dominated the U.S. Photo market during the first third of the 20th century, but until now hasn't received a comprehensive coverage. The authors have plumbed archives and conducted original research to cover photo postcard history, art, and specifics on dating and preserving a collection. Over three hundred photo postcards from archives and private collections across the country display a fine range of black and white images. Any serious photography library or collector's handbook holding must have this.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

No comments about On Alexander Gardner's <i>Photographic Sketch Book</i> of the Civil War (Defining Moments in American Photography).

3 comments about The Day of the Dead / Dia De Los Muertos.

1. This is one of the best books on Day of the Dead that I have bought, it is well written and the photo's are excellent. I have many books on this subject but this is one of my favorites.



2. Excellent Documentary insight into the Mexican celebration of the dead. Very well done photojournalism and fine printing.



3. The Day of the DeadThe Day of the Dead / Dia De Los Muertos
   
   This is a beautiful and interesting coffee table book. The celebration is happy, colorful and unusual. The text explains it in a well written, knowledgable manner. The pictures are expressive, telling a story of their own.

No comments about Boys Will Be Boys 2009 Calendar.

No comments about Home Studio Home: Providence, RI (Place Space).

5 comments about Pittsburgh, Fifth Edition: The Story of an American City.

1. I'm not from Pittsburgh, but after reading this book I wish I was.
   
   This book is Lorant's gift to the American city he loved, and the book reads and browses like a long love letter. The illustration is simply astonishing. Not only are the photographs drawn from distinguished and interesting primary archives, the original drawings and paintings, commissioned specifically for this volume, are superb.
   
   Let's not forget the text. Henry Steele Commager wrote the introductory chapter about Pittsburgh's turbulent founding. Lorant wrote (most of) the rest. The best way to describe this book is as a chronological, narrative history with many well-placed illustrations. It is not a "coffee-table" picture book, nor is it a deeply-penetrating scholarly history of the city. It's written to be fun to read and popular, and it succeeds on both counts.
   
   Lorant reveals an obvious interest in the development of local elites and their philanthropic activities, and dedicates many a page to a Carnegie, Mellon, or Heinz. This book, like Pittsburgh itself, will pleasantly surprise you.



2. the book did never arrive to destination. May be it was never sent to me.



3. 
   
   If you were to write a love letter to a city, what would it look like? Pretty much like this book, a history in prose and photographs that is a true delight.
   
   Lorant knows that most people from Pittsburgh love it. Most people who are born in Pittsburgh never leave it. Most people who live there for a time and then have to move on, come back to live there again. Why? The people.
   
   Attitudinally speaking, it is the last of the Eastern Cities meeting the first of the Midwestern Cities, so Pittsburghers combine the tradition, culture and energy of the former with the welcoming warmth and openness of the latter. Lorant captures it all, and more. If you haven't read this book, open it and you will find yourself reminded of people and places--and smile.



4. As a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh and author of an upcoming guidebook to the area, I believe Pittsburgh: Story of An American City is a wonderful book for more than Pittsburghers.

   This book lifts the lid on all our progressive city has to offer, it educates those who have outdated knowledge of Pittsburgh, and it makes a great gift book.

   If that's not enough, it provides an ideal history lesson for all as Western Pennsylvania has many historic sights to see as well as splendid architecture!

   After reading, you'll want to extend your next business trip to Pittsburgh, shop in more than our airport, and visit our family-friendly parks. Don't forget: Mister Rogers lives here! Your kids will love Idlewild Park, with the only life-size Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

   If you can't be our neighbor, come see us. You won't be disappointed!




5. The latest edition of Pittsburgh is an expertly crafted and beautifully photographed continuation of the Lorant chronicle. Although Mr. Campbell finished the work after Mr. Lorant's death, the new chapter flows with the Lorant style. The edition uses an impressive array of photos to help tell the story and give a sense of the kind of people who have remained at the hard work of rebuilding an industrial city. Like the editions before, the work emphasizes the positive about the city and concentrates on physical renewal. Yet you come away thinking that whatever its problems, people working together can come up with a solution. People from the area will like this book but others who believe in the importance of cities will find it interesting and instructive.