5 comments about The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World.

1. Great pictures and text depict some of the most beautiful libraries in the world! Gives me encouragement and inspiration for my humble library at home!



2. This is a marvelous book to whoever loves books.
   
   It presents many important historic libraries in the world; each library is presented in informative and sober texts and with accompanying photos. These photos try to capture the overall look of the library (even if this is rather difficult) and several interesting details, sometimes including secondary rooms. The texts focus on the history of the library in question, but also give some information about contents.
   
   There is only a minor quibble, and it cannot be taken too seriously: the authors had to chose and that led them to ignore many marvelous libraries. If there is one I particularly lack, it would be the Real Biblioteca da Universidade de Coimbra (Royal Library of Coimbra University, one of the oldest European Universities). It has been stated to be 'the most beautiful library in the world', and I cannot but agree.
   
   But this is probably a question of personal taste. As it is, the book is wonderful and useful.



3. The great libraries of history have endured such vicissitudes of fortune through the centuries - destruction by revolution, war and fire, dispersal through pilfering, confiscation, monastic decline, loss of patronage - & perhaps the unkindest cut of all, at one point the sale of its books by Oxford University to pay the librarian's wages. It is truly astonishing that so much has survived. This book is a celebration of 23 of these unique and beautiful cathedrals of knowledge in America and Europe.
   
   At a time when most of his subjects were illiterate, the Austrian Habsburg Charles VI created the Hofbibliothek in Vienna. He decreed that its doors be open to (almost) everyone; they could enter free of charge and as often as they wished, but there were a few exceptions: the library was off limits to "ignoramuses, servants, idlers, talkers and gawkers." Alas, the Hofbibliothek is no longer free and, like many libraries included in this book, it is now accessible only to a favoured few.
   
   Indeed, the closest most of us will ever get to the Hofbibliothek or the 22 other great libraries enshrined in its pages is through this book, and for this reason alone, it belongs in the book-lover's collection. There is a brief history of each library, but the real attraction is the spectacular colour photography, including several "gatefold" pages which open to provide wonderful panoramic views nearly 3 feet wide.
   
   Next to the awe-inspiring magnificence of Hofbibliothek, the white and gold Baroque splendour of the Benedictine Abbey Library of Admont in Austria rivals the gold and marble Rococco opulence of the Monastic Library of Wiblingen near Ulm Germany, although after secularisation the latter lost most of its vast book collection.
   
   Another Baroque wonder is The National Library of the Czech Republic in Prague, with its twisted wood columns and trompe-l'oeil frescoed ceiling which draws the eye upward "to confound the true already impressive scale of the hall". When I had the good fortune to visit nearly three decades ago, ironically, it was as a "gawker", on a bus tour of Eastern Bloc capitals. Whisked in and out, we were prohibited from taking photos; no postcards or souvenir booklets were available; memory faded. I am especially pleased to find this unique library included here.
   
   The Vatican Library might be mistaken for a grand reception hall; gold leaf papal insignia, and biblical-themed frescoes framed by ornate moldings cover its panelled walls and vaulted ceilings - and not a book in sight. All of its books are hidden behind securely locked doors. The Vatican Library is, however, open to authorized researchers and its catalogue of 1.6 million printed works is fully computerized.
   
   The somewhat austere National Palace Library in Mafra, Portugal was modeled after the Hofbibliothek in Vienna, but the money ran out before completion and the Franciscans who took it over in 1792, in keeping with their vow of poverty, declined to gild the woodwork, whitewashing it instead. This has faded to a peaceful but elegant cream, against which the coloured titles of the leather book bindings stand out.
   
   A relative new-comer at barely a century old is the John Ryland Library in Manchester, England, commissioned by the widow of a rich industrialist to commemorate her husband's memory. It was designed to resemble the interior of a Gothic cathedral complete with soaring arches, carved oak panelling and stained glass windows but also was equipped with electricity, air conditioning and millions of dollars worth of rare books.
   
   Less ostentatious, perhaps, but still beautiful and certainly more democratic are University Libraries at Oxford, Cambridge and Dublin and truly public libraries in New York City and Washington, D.C.
   
   If your appetite has been whetted by "The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World" you may want to look for more in-depth treatments. For the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, just such a book exists, the lavishly illustrated "Treasures of the Library of Congress" by Charles Goodrum, Abrams, 1980, 318 pages. It contains views of the interiors and chapters on the building of the Library of Congress and its book collection, but the emphasis is on many other artefacts housed there - its vast collection of music scores, sound recordings, films, Orientalia, prints and historic photographs. "Treasures..." is long out of print, but used copies can be found.
   
   Addendum (December 30, 2007): The World's Most Beautiful Libraries was published in 2003. In 2004 the exquisite Rococo interior of the Duchess Anna Amalia Library in Weimar, another of the libraries featured in the book, was gutted by fire and many of its 100,000 books and manuscripts destroyed. A heroic fund-raising project ensued and the library was restored and reopened in October 2007. Three books documenting these events have been published in Germany (in German text). They are:"Die Bibliothek brennt: Ein Bericht aus Weimar" (about the fire); "Es nimmt der Augenblick, was Jahre: Vom Wiederaufbau der Buchersammlung der Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek" (discusses the losses, book restoration & reacquisition) and "Die Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek: Nach dem Brand in neuem Glanz" (describing the building restoration.) This third volume may be appreciated even by the non-German reader because of its plentiful and beautiful illustrations.



4. I had read the book as part of a reading list assignment. Liked it so much, I decided to buy it as a gift for an old friend who is now enjoying it also.



5. This coffee table book should amaze book lovers and give a physical reaction to library lovers. The pictures--and the paper of the pages--are very high quality technically. The book includes a number of foldouts where the picture spans three page size spaces. And the libraries are amazing. I have looked at this book over and over, and for a long time took up valuable 'real estate' on my desk having this book open to one or other libraries. Some of the pictures are jaw-dropping and make one feel like they were setting their feet in the room right then...or traveling back in time one or two hundred years to hear chairs scraping or footfalls.
   
   The drawback to the book includes a) the libraries are all in the Western world (Russia is perhaps the only exception), which is perhaps not an issue except that the title is the Most Beautiful Libraries in the World. I have to imagine there are South American (all the beautiful wood in the continent can't have avoided going to bookshelves); Asian and other geographic libraries outside of Europe and the US; b) the libraries seem chosen for a mix of reasons, and one of which seems to be the statuary and art in the library itself. While the pictures are breathtaking, some library denizens might be interested in these factors playing less of a role; and c) the elegant text seems to meander into some 'interesting facts' about each library but most of the comments are historical or art-historical, without the interesting information about collection sizes, who uses the library today, what role does it play in the culture, etc.

5 comments about A Short Course in Nikon D80 Photography book/ebook.

1. Thought it was very helpful and informative. didn't like that it was black and white print. For a great color experience I had to sit in front of the computer to watch the CD, which presents great examples of concepts. Wish they would make the book in color print too.



2. This publication has great content.
   Unfortuantly,The black-and-white only pages of it are truly sad. How can one look at a black and white image of the color spectrum and learn? How can one learn about photography with only copied B/W images? the CD is great, I would sugest selling only the CD and using the paper for somethinbg else. It's as if someone just skimmped on the publication cost. I would pay much more for a color version.



3. Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only)
   
   I love the camera but the user's guide is just not readable. The ShortCourse is much better; good value!
   
   Chaz



4. I found the book very easy to use, and with the CD it help a great deal to me understanding the Nikon D80



5. This is an excellent resource book. Easy to follow, easy to reference, and I love the spiral binding.

5 comments about Numismatic Photography.

1. OUTSTANDING. Beyond doubt, this book is an indespensible addition to numismatic literature. In the Internet Age, coin photography is more important than ever. The body of work, hobby wide, will improve dramatically as hobbyists improve their skills - thanks to this book.



2. I've known Mark Goodman for a couple of years through an online forum for coins. His tips along the years have made my coin photography much better. He graciously provided PDF documents that were quite helpful along the way. I am counting on this book to really put me over the top and into a different class of coin imaging.
   
   The book is well laid out and covers everything you need to become a top-notch coin photographer. It has beginner sections right along advanced sections, so this book is for anyone who owns a camera and wants to image coins.
   
   I have yet to make it through the whole book... There is a lot of information to absorb. But my images are already improving and my skills were adequate before. Soon, they will be much more than adequate due to Mr. Goodman's instruction.
   
   Thanks, Mark!



3. The author, Mark Goodman, has put together a nice systematic presentation of the material. For example, Mark has broken down high, medium and low contrast coins into chapters. In each of the chapters, Mark selected representative examples of coins that fall into the relevant contrast category. Photos of each coin are presented with changes in lighting. The photos are compared and contrasted.
   
   I have bought multiple copies of this book (as gifts) and have recommended this book to collectors of material other than numismatics as the principles in this book are universal.
   
   Excellent book. Quick read. Immediate results. Nice reference material.



4. I'm very new to numismatic photography, but I'm very interested in creating the best quality images of my collection possible.
   
   This book presents a good overview of the tools (camera, copystand, lights, post-editing software) and techniques for doing this.
   
   It is a short and easy read for the novice, and more advanced photographers should appreciate the extra sections written to go a level deeper into each topic.
   
   Imaging coins of various compositions (copper, proof silver, gold, etc) are discussed in detail. Raw and slabbed coins are also addressed throughout, and the many sample photos thoughtfully include the camera, aperture, and shutter settings.
   
   Thanks to the advice presented here, you don't need to spend a fortune on creating good images. But with some small tool upgrates and some hints and tricks as presented by Mark Goodman, virtually anyone can make great photos!



5. Mark Goodman has created a wonderful book on coin photography. Concise and easy enough for an amateur like myself to learn from.
   
   If you sell coins on the internet, or just want amazing pics of your prized coins and medals, it is a no-brainer to buy this book!

No comments about 365 Days in Italy Calendar 2009 (Picture-A-Day Wall Calendars).

5 comments about National Geographic: The Photographs (NG Collectors Series).

1. How can we best describe the National Geographic's publication, The Photographs? Creative, aesthetic, unnatural perspectives, abstract, ultra realistic, surreal, vibrant, and the list of adjectives is endless! However, I guess what best sums up this book is that it constitutes one of the most important and impressive contributions to photojournalism.

   It is in reality an excellent survey or synthesis of photo images that permits readers to follow the evolution of photography dating back one hundred years until today. In fact, as mentioned in the book, although the techniques may differ, some of the earliest photos still compare favourably with those of today.

   This is quite evident when you view the 1902 photo shot by photographer George Shiras lll entitled Loon Lake, Ontario, Canada. Here we notice a lynx sitting proudly along the banks of the lake and unfazed by the photographer's lantern that detects the glow of its eyes. However, as indicated, the lynx was alarmed by the flash photography. As an added detail, the reader is apprised of the fact that Shiras pioneered nighttime close-ups of wildlife and the use of remote-control devices. It is noteworthy to mention that scattered throughout the book are these very interesting tidbits pertaining to the history and science of photography.

   Fast forward to the cover and back of the book where we immediately are exposed to the renowned photographer Steve McCurry's spellbinding images of the young Afghan girl with the penetrating eyes taken in a refugee camp in Pakistan in 1984 when she was 17 years and rediscovered in Afghanistan in 2002.

   In all of these instances we see the superb focusing of the lens on the subject matter and the reflection of someone or something. It is an encouragement of some sort of reaction or level of contemplation. Moreover, the creation of a great photograph lies in the photographer's ability to use the full range of options at his or her disposal. It is these essential ingredients that are continuously prevalent in the multitude of impressive images contained in the five sections of the book dealing with such topics as science, astrology, archaeology, wildlife, underwater, and cultures.

   What enhances the value of this spectacular book is the many captions, articles, essays and descriptions that have been contributed by the editor Leah Bendavid-Val and her many National Geographic assistants. Without these contributory writings the book would not have been able to effectively aid the reader in appreciating the moving and penetrating characteristics of the photographs, as well as following the evolution of the history of photography.

   Norm Goldman Editor of Bookpleasures.com




2. The strength of the photographs in National Geographic is that they are often gorgeously-shot and expertly composed by professionals who clearly know their craft. Their weakness is that their perfection sometimes masks a banality of subject matter and narrative, often sinking them beyond the level of illustration. "National Geographic: the Photographs" embodies both aspects of the magazine's photography.
   
   While more than a few photos barely rise above the snapshot level, most are thoughtfully (if a bit too artfully) composed, though a few are absolutely standouts. Steve McCurry's haunting 1984 shot of Sharbat Gula, the green-eyed Afghan refugee girl, is the classic example. The girl's haunted expression speaks volumes about the hardships she has experienced. The photo graces the book's cover, while her updated portrait, shot 18 years later, adorns the back. Now a wife and mother, the same hauntedness appears in Gula's eyes, now encased in a face grown older and wearier. Another standout -- an overhead shot of camels traversing the wastes of Djibouti -- is disconcerting until one recognizes the camera's vantage point. The straightforward grace of some photos belies the difficulty with which they were taken. It takes only a second to flip past an underwater picture of an approaching hippo; but the photograph cannot capture the hours of patience and luck it took to take it.
   
   "National Geographic: The Photographs" includes the expected pictures of wildlife, nature and human cultures from around the globe as well as several topical spreads -- Spain, sleep, and the Titanic. The book's large format helps many photos communicate the grandeur of their natural subjects. When the subject and composition coincide, the photographs are strikingly beautiful.



3. Pagina tras pagina, una experiencia, te hacer sentir, un gran libro, un trabajo sublime que uno amante de la fotografia no puede dejar pasar.
   Lo recomiendo con lagrimas de felicidad



4. It's a collection of National Geographic photos that were printed in previous issues. It is what you expect, fantastic. Interesting narrative laced throughout the book as well, about the history of the organization and its photojournalists. It may be hard to locate but well worth the money. Add it to your cart.



5. "The Photographs" provides an inside look at National Geographic's (NG) award-winning photographs, the facts behind them, and the inside stories of those who took them. Three themes are depicted (using five chapters): Wildlife on Land and Underwater, Cultures Around the World, and Science.
   
   The front cover is a 1984 photo of "the Afghan girl" - taken at a refugee camp in Pakistan, while the back cover is the same person 17 years later (incredible that she was found again), with children of her own and obviously worn from the hard years in between. However, she still has those haunting eyes that made the original photograph so famous.
   
   Readers are also given a short history of NG's use of new photography equipment as it became available - eg. replacing bulky b&w cameras having large tripods, grainy color, etc.
   
   The book takes readers through exploring China before WWII, behind the scenes with John Paul II, into Australia to depict aborigines, the first published photo of a snow leopard, white wolves in Canada hunting musk ox calves, the Titanic, etc. around the world.
   
   Unfortunately, the photos of U.S. culture are rather mundane and not nearly as impactful as the rest of the book.
   
   Overall, however, there is a lot of good dialogue and photography.

3 comments about Life: America the Beautiful: A Photographic Journey, Coast to Coast-and Beyond (Life (Life Books)).

1. This book was purchased for a friend who is in the early to mid stages of Alzheimers. He and his wife sit and look at the pictures and remember when they say the places photographed. It is an exercise for his brain and a delight for her to be able to share it with him.



2. This was a gift given to an uncle who loves to travel, and it was oohed and ahhed over by everyone.



3. Love the book. I purchased two of them to give as gifts this Christmas.

No comments about Vogue Fashion: Over 100 years of Style by Decade and Designer, in association with Vogue.

2 comments about Stencil Nation: Graffiti, Community, and Art.

1. This is a great art book! It's a worldwide who's who of stencil graffiti artists Beautiful full color photos cover every page showing murals by the likes of Banksy, Jef Aerosol, Logan Hicks, Swoon, and hundreds more. There's work by over 350 artists. Some of my favorite stuff is by people like Scott Williams who is well known around San Francisco but whose lush work really needs to be seen on a larger scale. The book is not only filled with big name artists but great local finds. The pages are dense with images and a variety of styles. Highly recommended.



2. it would have been nice if they had wrapped this book in plastic so that when it finally reached my hands it would not be wrinkly and moist. thanks retards!

5 comments about Digital Astrophotography: A Guide to Capturing the Cosmos.

1. What astronomer hasn't wished to record the splendor of the night sky to review later? It is natural to want to be able to recall those glorious evenings that are so few and far between, like looking at a family album. Astrophotography is a way to do that but as anyone who has tried it can tell you, that can be daunting.
   
   In Digital Astrophotography: A Guide to Capturing the Cosmos, Stefan Seip provides a solid introduction to several digital techniques for recording the visible universe. After a first "Before You Start" chapter describing the basics of resolution, focal length and ratio, Seip breaks the remainder of the book into four main categories of digital astrophotography: the Digital Compact Camera (DCC), the Webcam (WC), the Digital SLR (DLSR), and the dedicated Astronomical Camera (AC).
   
   The ubiquitous Digital Compact Camera is inexpensive and most everyone already has one so getting started takes little or no money. They are self contained so no computer is required to acquire the images. On the downside, they are often not very flexible in use, mounting to a telescope may be difficult, and some simply don't have the needed features such as long exposure. The book provides tips for connecting the camera to the telescope for either through the optical tube assembly for high power imaging or piggy back for low power. The author then covers after the fact image processing with popular software.
   
   The Webcam, introduced first for live images over the Internet, has had an enormous impact on planetary imaging in the last decade. Like the DCC, many people already have one and they are inexpensive if not. Also like the DCC, some webcams are better suited to astrophotography than others. Unlike the DCC, they do require an attached computer and typically they are used for through the telescope imaging only. Seip provides tips for purchasing the webcam and accessories for attaching it to the telescope. He goes into detail on setting up the software, the critical focusing, tips for acquiring the images, and processing with the popular (and free) Registax application.
   
   Next, Seip covers the Digital SLR which has the advantages of the DCC but far fewer of the disadvantages so as a fixed lens and limited functionality. Of course, DSLRs are a big step up price wise from the previous two camera types but that price is coming down. Since DSLRs have removable lens, you can switch focal length very easily and also shoot through the telescope much more easily. They also usually have much larger chips making for larger fields of view and more sophisticated software than their DCC cousins. They do tend to be prone to electronic noise and tend to run through batteries so you need to take measures to overcome both issues.
   
   Finally, Seip discusses dedicated Astronomical Cameras which tend to be more sensitive, cooled to reduce electronic noise, and more dynamic range than any of the previous camera types discussed. Of course, they cannot be used for normal photography and must be controlled by a computer. The author covers the details of these cameras, what accessories you might want, as well as the software you might use to acquire and process your images.
   
   Digital Astrophotography: A Guide to Capturing the Cosmos provides a solid introduction to the art for the beginning astrophotographer. If you follow his tips and techniques you should be soon producing good images of night sky objects. However, if you are not new to the subject you may find the book of limited value.



2. DIGITAL ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY: A GUIDE TO CAPTURING THE COSMOS covers all the basics of astrophotogaphy, from choosing equipment and obtaining sharp images to taking lovely night shots with a digital camera and tripod setup and using a webcam to get planet images. All levels of astrophotography are covered in a guide perfect for both photography and science libraries at all levels of interest, with color examples throughout supplementing step-by-step directions, tips, and overviews.



3. First off, wow! This book has very good detail introducing any level of photographer to astrophotography. I have been interested to see how people not affiliated with a major college or governmental organization get amazing photos the night time sky. What I appreciate from this title is various methods are described from as small as a web cam to as involved as a camera attached to a telescope. Hardware recommendations and Photoshop enhancements are all spelled out with great examples and easy to understand steps. If you are at all interested in capturing photos of the moon, stars and even impressive galaxy shots better than the average snapshot anyone can take, this book will is the ultimate guide.



4. 'Digital Astrophotography: A Guide to Capturing the Cosmos' is a wonderful guide for any hobbyists that enjoy looking up at the night sky and wishing to record the images they see for prosperity. Like all of the photography genre there is so much more to taking pictures than just pressing a button and aiming, no matter what the subject matter is. When you look up at the sky and all you see for the most part is black with objects in between, there certainly is an art form to this as well, well presented in this book.
   
   Not a long book, content is spread over 150+ pages and 5 chapters. Discussing regular cameras, web cams, computer settings, ISO, balance, etc. all the basics that you would expect to be discussed are done here. Interspersed throughout the text are pictures of the cosmos, beautiful and basic.
   
   If you are an amateur photographer or a newbie that is looking to find out how you can take pictures of the night sky better and more effectively, this is a great resource to have.
   
   Easy to recommend, fun to peruse, a solid addition to any photographers shelf.
   
   ***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED



5. I am relatively new to the hobby of astrophotography, however, I've done a lot of research online through astrophoto websites and by joining forums dedicated to the subject. Wanting to increase my knowledge, I bought this book for two reasons: First of all it's a newly published book, so I figured it would have information pertaining to the latest cameras, devices, and software available. Secondly, I read all the 5 star reviews here on Amazon which sealed the deal for me.
   
   I'm sorry I ever bought it. The book felt very disjointed. It felt like every paragraph introduced you to a new topic, but never really explained anything. By the end of the paragraph you would be wanting more, only for the book to go on about something new.
   
   To make things worse, the book is filled with sentences that will leave you scratching your head. Here's a perfect example from page 27. And I quote:
   
   "If your camera does not allow the complete manual setting of the exposure, you may be able to use the camera's exposure compensation. For example, if the automatic mode produces over exposures, you can try a manual correction selecting shorter exposures."
   
   What was that he said?? Ok, maybe he'll explain it clearer in the next paragraph... Not.
   
   On the subject of processing your photos, telling me to open Photoshop and click and drag on the curve to adjust the colors doesn't quite cut it. Can we be a little more specific?? Here's the quote:
   
   "In order to create an impressive nighttime image, the following menu item is more helpful: Image->Adjustments->Curves...
   As shown in the curves dialog box, you can click and drag on the straight line with the mouse to change the shape of the curve. The result (image 3) more closely resembles a nightime shot"
   
   I need a little more why's and how's than this book offers. The majority of the book is pictures, and even the pictures lack the information normally found in photography books. I'm used to seeing photos where the photographer explains the equipment and settings - you won't find any of that here.
   
   If you already have a general knowledge of astrophotography, I would suggest that you pass on this book.

1 comments about Magic Lantern Guides: Canon EOS-1D Mark III EOS-1Ds Mark III (Magic Lantern Guides).

1. Excellent, though brief, guide to this very powerful camera's many controls and functions. It goes much deeper into each of the zillion buttons, switches, and screens than the manual ever could, and the writer even discusses actual uses for each of them. Although it'd be better if many of the illustrations could be larger and in color, the clear black-and-white pictures provided are more than adequate. Good basic discussion of lenses and accessories, too, as well as information about the uses of Canon's provided software. The six-page, foldup pocket reference card is on good heavy stock and is, I think, plastic-coated and can stand up to a bit of carrying around as you get more familiar with the 1D Mark III in the field. Some of the Magic Lantern Guides I've seen aren't too much better than rehashes of the manufacturer's manual, but Michael Guncheon does a fine job of bringing the real world use of this pro camera into focus. If I were you, I'd buy it.