1 comments about Art of the Natural World.

1. Most books which present collections of art objects treat the subject as that: an object. Emphasis is put on value or history. This book treats stones as a source of inspiration. Rosenblum takes individual objects and explains what he sees in them and how they effected his life as well as his artwork. He infuses the art of collecting stones with the original intent of the Chinese scholars who began the practice. The value he places on the stones are not so much monetary but how they speak to him on an individual basis. This book complements "Worlds Within Worlds", the first book about Rosenblums collection. That book explained technical and historical data, this one humanizes the collection. An excellent book, a great addition to the genre of viewing stones, suiseki, scholar stones, etc.

No comments about Step-by-Step Jewelry; A Complete Introduction to the Craft of Jewelry.

No comments about Keith Edmier.

2 comments about Awesome Origami Aircraft Models of the World's Best Fighters.

1. I have enjoyed the art of folding for many years and I have to admit that this is without a doubt the best instructional book I own. It has incredible detail and the finished models are strickingly realistic! I have had to reccomend this one to my friends and I am looking forward to seeing more from this talented artist in the future...well done indeed!



2. I highly suggest adding this one to your collection!
   
   The author has provided what appear to be accurate models of eighteen different fighter aircraft. There is quite a bit of detail in the models and the finished products are very impressive.
   
   This book does use some fairly advanced folding techniques, but the first 20 or so pages give sufficient instruction to allow patient beginners to figure out the models.
   
   Check it out!

No comments about Bird Carving Basics: Heads (Bird Carving Basics).

5 comments about How to Buy a Diamond: Insider Secrets for Getting Your Money's Worth (4th Edition).

1. This book is excellent. Information is first rate and very clear. The dimensional data on diamonds is helpful to decide how to buy an excellent diamond over the internet or at a jeweler.
   The book helped me get a really nice diamond at a decent price.
   
   There really are lots of scumbags in the diamond industry ready to screw you so be prepared with this book.
   Seriously, after reading this book you will know more about diamonds then half the "jewelers" out there.



2. Very comprehensive and detailed. The OEM price list is of great help. This book is a must for anyone who's looking at buying diamond.



3. Fred Cuellar -jeweler, prolific diamond advisor, and creator of novelty gem pieces for pro sports teams and corporations- brings his enthusiasm for diamonds to "How to Buy a Diamond", his popular guide to getting your money's worth in carbon, now in its 5th edition. "How to Buy a Diamond" discusses buying diamond engagement rings, but since it assumes you will be shopping for a loose stone, the information is equally applicable to any diamond: rings, earrings, pendants, stones for investment, etc. This book places more emphasis on the process of purchasing the diamond than most diamond guides. Only the first 2 chapters are concerned with the stones themselves.
   
   Chapter 1 addresses the obligatory "4 Cs": carat weight, clarity, color, and cut. In addition to basic information, Cuellar explains the expanded color typing produced by a Colorimeter, shows how color and clarity grades should correspond unless you want an oddball stone with poor resale value, and he comments on GIA's new, looser cut grading system. Chapter 2 is dedicated to "Cost", including price lists for 1/3 -5 carat diamonds, price lists for "buying shy" or buying just under the desired carat weight, and charts for calculating prices of 6-10 carat stones. Cuellar explains why it is difficult to determine what a diamond of a certain color, clarity, and carat should cost without a lot of other information.
   
   There are questionnaires to aid in finding a qualified jeweler and picking a suitable stone. The author highly recommends "bonded" diamonds, warns against the limitations of lab grading reports and buying on the internet, describes enhancement treatments to look out for, and introduces us to synthetic diamonds. Chapter 5, "Tricks of the Trade", details some common ploys that jewelers use to deceive customers as well as some that customers use to scam jewelers or unjustly accuse them of theft. Presenting the dangers of the diamond business from the jeweler's point of view provides interesting insight.
   
   A "Will You Marry Me?" chapter gives trepidatious men advice on how to pop the question -and when not to. This seemed to me like a lot of self-righteous advice on finding Miss or Mr. Right. Fred Cuellar is unquestionably a romantic and a talented salesman. He likes the idea of "true love" and the idea of a diamond as an expression of such. The book has 11 chapters. Those that I did not mention are shorter and perhaps less essential: ring settings, common myths about diamonds, tips on cleaning, advice on trade-ins and selling your diamond. Carat size charts, a glossary, Q&A, and more are found in the Appendixes.
   
   "How to Buy a Diamond" offers some helpful advice that I have not seen in other consumer diamond guides. On the other hand, no retailer will ace the jeweler questionnaire, no one recognizes color typing, and you will not find diamonds with the kind of "bonded" warranty that the book describes. Fred Cuellar is not a disinterested party. He sells (bonded) diamonds, and he hopes you will buy from him. I found "How to Buy a Diamond" a mixed bag: useful insight, strong opinion, and thinly veiled sales pitch. I liked enough to recommend the book, but sometimes it must be taken with a grain of salt. "How to Buy a Diamond" does not have photos, but its companion web site does. If you would like more detail about diamond cuts, enhancements, and how to detect a fake, including how to examine a diamond though a loupe, "Diamonds: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide" is more hands-on and impartial.



4. If you don't know the 4 C's about diamonds, certification, etc. you will be "totally" unprepared to deal with jewlery stores and wind up paying way, way...... too much money for a diamond.
   
   This is a great book. Get a fair deal for your loved one. Get this book!!!



5. I ordered this book before a major diamond purchase. I was able to read it quickly and easily. I was impressed by how well organized and effective it was. I believe that this book prepared me well.
   
   The author provides plenty of support for his clear recommendations. I was suprized at how well he used just enough detail without bogging down. He even has included an extensive diamond price list.
   
   I can't emphasize enough how much the organization of the book made it easier to pick up the necessary information.
   
   Highest recommendation

5 comments about Gothic: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting.

1. "Gothic" is the second book in a series that covers Western European art and architecture from the 11th to the 19th century. "Gothic" actually deals with two periods: the Gothic period proper, and the Early Renaissance, mostly it's Northern (Dutch) version. The editor believes that the distinction between Late Gothic and the Renaissance is problematic and somewhat artificial. Thus, the book takes us from the 12th century well into the 15th century.
   
   A large part of the book deals with Gothic architecture: cathedrals, churches, city halls and (to a much lesser extent) castles. There are also chapters on Gothic sculpture, painting and goldwork. The chapter on painting also includes Giotto, Fra Angelico and the Northern Renaissance (especially the latter). The text is very comprehensive, and probably mostly appeals to serious students of European art and architecture. What makes the book of interest to the non-specialist are the lavish illustrations. There are photos on almost every page, most of them in color, and all of it for a bargain price!
   
   Personally, I must admit that the "pure" Gothic cathedrals don't really appeal to me. I find them boring. And yes, almost half the book shows Gothic cathedral interiors or facades, most of them strikingly similar to each other... The second half of the book is more aesthetically pleasing, showing how the original Gothic style changed as it spread to Germany, the Netherlands and Bohemia, and how painting developed during the Early Renaissance. The section on goldworks shows many interesting objects.
   
   I like the "Baroque" volume of this series more, but if you have an interest in the Middle Ages, or "Old" Europe art and architecture in general, this book is nevertheless recommended.



2. Honestly, I'm thinking of buying another two copies of this book (I have one now) so that I can cut out and frame some of the pictures - (I want two copies because some of the images are back to back). The images are stunning, and there are clear examples that show the influence of Islamic and Moorish art on Christian cathedrals, especially in Spain. Truly a beautiful and scholarly introduction to this lovely part of the heritage of the whole human race.



3. This is the most spectacular book for you if you like lots of HUGE clear photos of TONS of gothic cathedrals. There are MANY pages of history and other information about the making and restoring of the cathedrals. A MUST HAVE for any gothic-history lover.



4. I first discovered this book in the library and I checked it out several times because I just loved looking at it so much. The pictures are so breathtaking, it increased my resolved to go to Europe and visit all these incredible places first hand. It's a great thourough book for anyone who is new to Gothic art forms as well as a visual reference for people who are already familiar with the style.

   Hard to carry around, but very easy to read!




5. Having borrowed this book over and over from the library, I really had a hard time parting with it when I last returned it. The photographs are splendid, a joy to look at. Since it also qualifies as a reference book, I looked it up ..... to but [buy] a copy but was certain price would be ... more than in was. Now I'm about to by my third copy --it is an amazing bargain.

1 comments about The Complete Guide to Sculpture, Modeling and Ceramics: Techniques and Materials.

1. As a sculture major in college, I was fortunate to learn a variety of sculpture techniques. Years later, as a teacher of sculpture, I was seeking a quick reference book to refresh my memory. This book is just what I was looking for. It is a wonderful review, or introduction to the different techniques utilized by the sculptor. Midgley provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of sculpture, ceramic techniques, wax, mold-making, metal casting, wood, stone,plaster, concrete,plastics,light, mixed media,resisns and glass fibers as well as presentation and display. There are numerous color photographs to refer to as well. This is a must have for any sculpture enthusiast!

No comments about Sculptures Parks in Europe: A Guide to Art and Nature.

3 comments about The Collector's Encyclopedia of Brush-McCoy Pottery: Updated Values.

1. I will agree right away that this book has some nice photography and it is not likely that the average collector will ever see some of the pottery listed in this book. Also I want to tear my hair out at times distinguishing between Nelson McCoy pottery and Bush McCoy pottery. Some of the pieces listed were apparently either made by both or they were borrowing heavily from each other. For instance I have always thought that the Princess Line from the mid-60's was a Nelson McCoy line (Page 144). So it would definitely suggest that a novice might also want to pick up Sanfords'Guide to McCoy Pottery. Just to note, the use of the name Brush Mccoy ended in the late 20's so anything made after that should be either Brush or Mccoy, not the combined name.
   
   (I also have to admit that I have a distinct fondness for the Princess Line. It is still reasonable and fits nicely with both a mid century modern decor or a more traditional decor. Plus, it is still reasonably priced.)
   
   The price guide is a separate leaflet, but as was noted elsewhere it is very outdated. The price of the older items have soared, and even the more common planters are attracting interest because of the increased interest in mid 20th century design.
   
   Finally, I have a complaint about the presentation of information in the book. One of the main reasons to buy a guide such as this is the identification of unmarked pieces. A great deal of the early Brush pottery was unmarked. A good way to identify unmarked pottery is by looking at the bottom of the pot. The way the pottery is finished can give good hints about maker and age. Good photographs of the bottom of some of these pieces would be very helpful in identification.



2. This is a well organized reference to Bush-McCoy. It contains a history of Bush-McCoy; this added knowledge adds to the fun of collecting and allow you to sound more like you know what you are doing. Then there are pages on the different "marks" of the pottery. There is a dated value guide. But I find it easer to do my own comparing. The big plus is the color pictures that show what is available. For those discriminate people that do not just buy anything that says Bush-McCoy there is an index. It is also fun to see you Bush-McCoy pieces in the book.



3. This book is a must for collectors of Brush-McCoy pottery. The pictures are beautiful and the information offered is just great. A large number of different pieces of Brush-McCoy pottery are shown but this book does not show every piece of pottery made by Brush-McCoy. I was very pleased with this book.