2 comments about Sculpture (Midi Series).

1. I greatly enjoy classical and Renaissance sculpture, and I picked this set of books up on a whim - they are two handsome, thick, and heavy paperback volumes collected in a sturdy slipcase - and have been wildly impressed. This was a very inexpensive set of books, and I would normally expect to pay upwards of $75 or so for such a set as this, but it is beautifully produced, covering, over the two volumes, sculpture from the early classical period (read: ancient Greece) through the modern day. There is copious text, but the most important and impressive part of this book is its fantastic photographs, often in full color, of the works under description. I've never seen such a beautiful, complex and comprehensive array of sculpture collected in one book (or set of books) before. For anyone who appreciates good art, sculpture, or just enjoys a great and entertaining book to page through, this is certainly the set for them. You can't beat this price, and you certainly can't beat this quality. Don't miss this opportunity.



2. SCULPTURE FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE PRESENT DAY is a huge and beautiful book published originally in four volumes, but here those volumes are compounded into one heavy but articulate book. The writing is varied yet for the most part not only informed but readable and the number of illustrations is overwhelming. Both in black and white and in color, they are sharp and color-corrected and accompany the writing with specificity.

   The book is divided as follows: Part 1 - THE GREAT ART OF ANTIQUITY From the Eighth Century BC to the Fifth Century AD; Part 2 THE GREAT ART OF THE MIDDLE AGES From the Fifth Century to the Fifteenth Century; Part 3 THE GREAT TRADITION OF SCULPTURE From the Fifteenth Century to the Eighteenth Century; Part 4 THE ADVENTURE OF MODERN SCULPTURE In the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Each period is examined with scholarly precision but at the same time the essayists are allowed subjective response, a factor that makes the reading more enjoyable.

   For the artist and art lover who are looking for a fine reference book on Sculpture through the ages, this is a very fine work - and very affordable. One minor complaint: though Picture Credits are listed, there is no Index for the works in the book. If you are looking for a particular work to review you must know the era in which it was created and then work your way through that section until you happen on it. Were it not for this frustrating omission, this would definitely be a 5 star recommendation.

5 comments about Metalwork for Craftsmen.

1. Found this book gathering dust on a local library shelf. There are a lot of books out there on new processes and procedures in reference to Metalworking. This is one of the older texts that is well worth reading because it revives some of the past processes that have recently been forgotten. Example, how to etch aluminum - not many new books even give aluminum any coverage. And there are projects for pewter. Remember pewter? Easy to work with and shines like chrome? No modern jewelry books even mention pewter in their index. Anyway, this book is worth at least what you pay for it.



2. It has become somewhat of a mild shock to me how many people do not understand that Dover is in the reprinting biz. This is a old school style middle/high school sheet metal or general metal text book type. It covers a basic overview of the tools and the steps to use them. Other than updating some of the tools for soldering ect. It is pretty much the same as you will get out of the latest glossy high tech photo book on the same subject. The only difference being that the projects are retro which is hot now so that style is in. The projects are the same type we had in school in the 60's and 70's Most of the hand tools, hammers, stakes and punches and pitch bowls haven't changed. I myself have and still use stakes and hammers that are seventy and eighty years old. I own it.



3. I found this book full of helpful information, and easy to read. A must have for anyone interested in metal craft.



4. Copyright 1972...should be 1772. The illustrations are Old World sketches at best. If you want a VERY brief overview of tools and processes, this book should do. Although for being a basic and introductory book, it assumes you know some terms which can be frustrating. Probably a good guide if you're taking a course and want to refer to very basic tools and processes. Presentation is definitely "old school".



5. If one reads the Editorial Reviews you will see what is contained in this great little book. I was going to make a full list of what is include but they have given a good but brief summary so I will just add to it slightly.
   The book is divided into three main sections. The first is Tools and Metalworking Processes. This section is 52 pages long and has what I believe to be excellent drawings of the tools required and gives drawings of the processes like Hollowing, Raising, Chasing and Etching to name a few. Section 2, at 110 pages, is called Projects with Processes and here Kronquist outlines a series of items to be made giving simple yet clear explanations of the relevant steps taken. In this section he makes a 1 Quart Pitcher, a Mail Box, a Fluted 9" Bowl, a Beaker, Serving Tray and an assortment of other items. The third section is devoted to the projects. In this section he gives us a series of drawing with dimensions for small items. They are mainly composed of items of Tableware, Cigarette holders, Coasters, Tea Strainers and Jewellery Boxes to name some. He then includes a small secion of 4 pages with finishes that can be applied to the various metals used. There is a couple of finishes each for Aluminium, Brass, Copper, Pewter and Silver. The book is then completed with a Glossary.
   This book is aimed, I believe, at people who are interested in crafting as a hobby or the person who is wanting to get into this as a hobby. I do not believe it was aimed at practitioners of metalwork who are already true Craftsmen so do not be confused by the title. As such I think this is an excellent book for a person starting out for it gives you some simple projects that include dimensions and if you follow the instrucions you will build up a set of skills to tackle the projects of your own imagination. There are the big brothers to this book on the market and I have reviewed some but there is nothing wrong with this book and it should certainly be considered.
   I therefore recommend it to others and I'm very pleased it is in my collection of books on working metal.

1 comments about Launching the Imagination (3D Split).

1. the book was ok, i bought a brand new one, and it's looks absolutely fine,there's nothing wrong with it.
   and i got it on time, it wasn't too fast either, yeah, it was ok

1 comments about Eva Hesse: Sculpture.

1. Eva Hesse was one of those rare creative spirits who took the unsettled, unhappy, tragic, and difficult aspects of her life and used the underpinnings of uncertainty to forge a wholly unique and superbly creative body of work. "Oh...more absurdity!" she would exclaim, reviewing her latest creation. One hears in that comment an undertone of glee, that she has unleashed another unheard-of creation upon the world. Her use of uncoventional materials is also a provocative element of her work, and she knew that...saying "art doesn't last...life doesn't last..." and this was before her terrible diagnosis of brain cancer in her early 30's. As with the early death of Mozart, here we have an instance of a powerfully creative spirit cut off in her prime. Who knows what powerful masterpieces she would have created had she lived on...(she would have been 70 this year...not unreasonably old...)
   This book is a superb combination of photographic documentation, subtle and well-thought-out essays and careful production (layout, color plates, binding...all are top-notch!) Of special interest are the reproductions and essays about the yearbooks/scrapbooks compiled by her father, detailing her growth and life in the early stages, including photographs, documents, graphs, etc. Works of art in themselves! All art-lovers of any stripe should consider this excellent volume for inclusion in their library.

2 comments about Wildlife Carving in Relief: Carving and Patterns.

1. I love this book. It has a beautiful gallery of pictures and instructions to help the crafter improve their craft. The projects in the book are animals and scenery, but with a little imagination you will be able to learn and transfer the skill to any art form.



2. Lora Irish puts forth in amazing detail relief carving using hand tools. The book is well worth the purchase price for the artwork alone, her teaching is masterful.

5 comments about Carousel Animal Carving: Patterns & Techniques.

1. This was an excellent, easy to follow guide to carousel horse carving.
   The instructions and illustrations were very helpful in the building process.



2. I've wanted to know how to carve these beautiful animals since I was a teenager. This is the book. The techniques and "how tos" are very useful: from making patterns, to proper technique and tools, this is one of THE TWO books on the topic that will get you started.
   
   Also, the author runs a "school" for carving. Horsin' Around. I think it runs for two weeks and is in the 1K plus range, but if you're serious about carving one of these magical creatures, then Bud Ellis is the man to see.



3. This book is a real insiders look at a contemporary top of the line carving school. Worth the price for the photographs alone, it's a nice plus that the information inspires dreams. I can not speak to its usefulness as a carving project guide as I bought it primarily because it is about carousels and I collect carousel books. Carousel Animal Carving is an excellent new edition to a carousel book library.



4. This is the best book to date on the subject of carving carousel animals. I recommend the purchase of this book even if you have Bud's first great book on the subject, as I do. This new book contains additional valuable tips and detailed instructions.



5. This book guided me through one of the greatest challenges in my woodcarving experience. After a couple of readings to become familiar with the process and sequence of operations, I began a project which has brought me more pride, and sense of accomplishment than anything I've ever undertaken. From the design stage through materials and tool selection, technique of workmanship, to the final painting and displaying of the project, instructions are clear and include many tips and tricks of the trade. Professional results are assured. For the first time carver, no clearer and concise guide is now available in my opinion. My interest in Carousel Carving encouraged me to gather many books on the subject. After reading them all, I return to this book for its store of relevant information and instructions on carving an Animal. My daughter is the proud owner of an authentic hand-carved Carousel Horse thanks to Bud Ellis and Rhonda Hoeckley's efforts in creating this fine instruction manual. An excellent companion to this book is the "Atlas of Animal Anatomy" by W. Ellenberger et al.

1 comments about How to Carve Folk Figures and a Cigar-Store Indian (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. I would have to say that this book is a good tool for the beggining sculptor. The book is informative as well as easy to follow. Most of the questions and doubts that I had were answered as I read from project to project. The book is not too overwhelming but rather simple and to the point. The book starts with a good section on selecting and caring for tools. Then briskly moves on to the wood needed and follows through to the projects in the book. Overall, I was pleased with the information gained from this book.

5 comments about Foro Italico.

1. George Mott's 1982 photographs of some of the most beautiful of the male athletic statues that surround the Foro Italico is the subject of this book. Mussolini, attempting to glorify the althetic male body in his Stadium of Statues, was disappointed that the 1944 Olympics in Rome were cancelled because of World War II. Yet the stadium and these 12 foot marble statues remain and are captured well by Mott's black and white presentation.
   
   The core of the book is 32 photographs of these graceful statues of athletic men. The Boxer is certainly one of the most impressive and is featured not only on the book cover but by two photographs inside the book showing the statue of heayweight champion Primo Carnera from two views. The Diver is of a youth that looks like an image from classical antiquity. Hercules is shown twice, once as the discus thrower and then again with the head of the defeated lion covering the back of his head and shoulders. The Boxer donated by Mantova is a strong work of art, showing the expanded brow and broken nose of a powerful and confident man. The Bare Fisted Boxer by Bellini also is a work of masculine power with the characteristic expanded brow and broken nose, adding to the masculine attraction rather than distracting. The Soccer Player by Morescalchi again evokes the sublime youth of classical antiquity.
   
   If someone was purchasing this book purely for male erotica, I would think they will be disappointed. The figures of young male athelets in the prime of their youth and power are certainly compelling, but the statues are of unequal appeal and Mott selects only half for this book. The images are of marble statues and whereas the bodies are stunning, they are also stylized in a manner later seen in Soviet social realism. However, in 4 or 5 images, the essence of male beauty is captured in these marble giants in powerful almost architypal simplicity and grace.



2. For anyone who has seen the statues of the Foro Italico in Rome, this book will come as a surprise. A visit to the Foro will not impress the viewer in the same way as this book. The photographer has captured the allure and grave dignity of the most beautiful (they are not all of the same high quality) of these statues in an array of close-ups and full figure shots. The essays by Sabatino and Ballerini are fascinating and well written. The book itself is magnificently produced. Mott seems to have taken the photographs before the statues were disfigured by the effects of air pollution. One wonders how long it will take the Italian authorities to realize the value of these works from the 30s and restore them?



3. For anyone who has seen the statues of the Foro Italico in Rome, this book will come as a surprise. A visit to the Foro will not impress the viewer in the same way as this book. The photographer has captured the allure and grave dignity of the most beautiful (they are not all of the same high quality) of these statues in an array of close-ups and full figure shots. The essays by Sabatino and Ballerini are fascinating and well written. The book itself is magnificently produced. Mott seems to have taken the photographs before the statues were disfigured by the effects of air pollution. One wonders how long it will take the Italian authorities to realize the value of these works from the 30s and restore them?



4. The book is beautifully printed and bound, but the photographer (Mott) uses almost exclusively head and upper-chest shots of the statues. In the rare occasions where the full body is displayed, a side or back view is often shown. Half of the photos are in color, which is a waste. These statues demand black and white film. Only a small fraction of the 60 statues were photographed. Luigi Ballerini's long (6 pages) piece was so long-winded and convoluted, I had to read it three times and I still don't understand what he was trying to say. For such a short book, I was surprised to find detail shots of a hand with a ball in it and a hand with a discus in it. What is the point? The 8-page article by Michelangelo Sabatino was interesting, but I would have preferred more full shots of more statues instead. Mott, clearly, has spent too much time in the United States to have an understanding of the meaning of eroticism. I'd love to see these statues photographed by a northern European!



5. This book reveals a little known part of Roman and Italian history that is incredible. The photos and the information presented are fascinating and this book makes a wonderful addition to any collection of art books, photographic volumes or Italian cultural texts. The composition and presentation of the photographs is truly striking and erotic without being in any way prurient. It is absolutely a true work of art about incredible works of art!

No comments about Breaking the Rules: Audrey Flack, a Retrospective, 1950-1990.

4 comments about Soap Carving: For Children of All Ages (Schiffer Book for Woodcarvers).

1. Great book, has lots of detail. Especially like the instructions for making your own carving tools out of popsicle sticks.
   My 6 yr. old grandson carve a soap owl and it came out good.



2. I am a teacher and I carve in my free time. I have always regretted that the tools for carving are too sharp and dangerous for kids to use , so sharing my hobby with the children was out of the question until I read this book.
   What a nice idea, tools made out of popsickle sticks!!
   I made a class set of the tools and my kids happily carved some of the figures suggested in the book.
   I did it with a grade three class when the kids learned about Inuits carving soapstone. The kids enjoyed it a lot. Children in higher grades will have as much fun doing it and hopefully they will be as proud of their creations.
   I can recommend this book for anyone who would like to carve with kids but is afraid to do so.
   One suggestion. Have the children bring a serving tray, or baking sheet and have them carve on that so the chips of soap will stay in the tray rather than fall on the floor!



3. Excellent book for carving. The kids enjoyed it. Well written and illustrated.



4. This book is a gem in the rough. It is not slick or up-to-date looking, but it contains excellent instructions on carving soap as a prelude to carving wood. The author, an engineer, shows you how to create carving tools out of popsicle sticks. This is the one of the coolest craft ideas I have ever seen and it worked very well with a group of children from my church. Not only does he describe how to make a basic carving tool (by cutting a diagonal and then sharpening the "blade" on sandpaper) but he shows how to make a gouge and other tools too.
   
   The main part of the book contains detailed instructions on how to carve several different objects (a heart, a turtle, a dolphin coming out of water, and more), with a picture showing each stage of the carving process. These were great instructions for me; the children I worked with (ages 5-10) could have used easier models/instructions. This book is great because it shows how to introduce a new fun craft activity, carving, in a way that works for groups of kids safely and without much expense. The kids loved it!