5 comments about The DC Comics Encyclopedia.

1. This is a great product for any DC fan. The only issue that may be had is a desire for more. Many less well known and darker characters are left out, also seemingly no character within Vertigo are present. Still a great buy.



2. Book delivered the powerful punch I was expecting. Bought for my son and he loves it. It is very informative.



3. At the rate Character Bio's change within the DC Universe its amazing that an Encyclopedia can even be put together at all but since a lot of the writers now a days are referencing characters i might not be familiar with, this Book at least makes it possible to get an idea about who it is or was at one point... its only drawback is because of when it was published a small percent of the information is not canon with todays stories.



4. Loved this and being I am not a comic guy and only know story lines via cartoons and movies so this filled in the blanks and back stories, orgins and the anamation is great.



5. I am a casual DC Comics fan who was much more into comics in my youth. I bought this encyclopedia because I used to enjoy reading "Who's Who," a series in the 80's that featured biographies of DC characters. The cover art on this is striking, done beautifully by Alex Ross. The biographies have all been updated, so it was nice to hear about what my favorite (or obscure) heroes and villians have been up to the last 10-20 years. The entries are generally well-written, though I have found an error here and there. Occasionally, an entry will say deceased, but not mention how or if the character died or not say deceased, but indicate in the entry that the character died. Also, this was produced before the "Infinite Crisis" series, which changed (and in some cases killed) many of the characters in the DC universe. Overall, though, it's a pleasant read for casual fans and a way to pass time here and there. It would make a great gift for children 12 and up, I would say.

5 comments about The Prop Builders Molding & Casting Handbook.

1. The most detailed, informative, and educational book for any prop builders in the industry. A "gotta have" book in your library...just EXCELLENT.



2. This book gives great detail about most aspects of molding with good illustrations and step by step instruction that can be followed be a novice, covers various material used in the processes and describes the pro and cons of each.
   I think it would be usable in many projects beside prop building.



3. I have no experience in casting, and don't want to make any more costly mistakes than necessary. This was a very informative book that has given me much more confidence and knowledge to start.
   It is the best book I have found so far for my needs, which is actually for casting miniature (1:20.3 scale) details for an outdoor train layout. However, the methods explained are very widespread, and would suit most needs, I would think.



4. This is the best book for learning about prop making. I learned so much and found that prop making is relatively easy, but time consuming. Yet it is the joy of making something with your own two hands that makes prop making so much fun. This book is a must have for every prop maker and those who want to learn prop making.



5. "The Prop Builders Molding & Casting Handbook" is by the far the best book on mold making and casting I have found (and I have quite a few :)
   
   Not just for prop builders, this well laid out work covers many different types of mold making materials, uses, benefits, and TONS of tips. The casting and finishing sections are also very strong, providing great advice for reproducing realistic looking props.
   
   HIGHLY RECCOMENDED!

5 comments about The Marvel Vault: A Museum-in-a-Book with Rare Collectibles from the World of Marvel.

1. THE MARVEL VAULT is by no means an essential part of your comics history library. The text gives merely a brief overview of the history of Marvel (as others have noted, Les Daniels' MARVEL: FIVE FABULOUS DECADES from 1991 is far better). The art chosen is often unremarkable, and the design leaves much to be desired. But most curiously, the "Vault" aspect of the book is a huge missed opportunity. Most of the pieces recreated and housed in plastic sleeves (and they are scant) could just as easily have been reproduced as art on a page, and the quality of reproduction is horrendous (by contrast, THE HANNA-BARBERA TREASURY contains inserts that truly feel like the originals). If you're one of the legions of Marvel Zombies, then surely you'll find enough to make the book worthwhile, but more discerning fans of comics, writing and design will most certainly be disappointed.



2. This was purchased as a gift for my husband who is an avid comic book collector. He was thrilled with the book and is enjoying it very much. Even though my order was close to Christmas, I received it in time to make it a Christmas gift.



3. Thit book has a lot of long lost memories for older comic readers but it seems to focus too much on marvel "cash cows" spiderman and wolverine same story different cover.



4. This Book is great, with lots of stuff of the Marvel history. An incredible edition¡¡¡ Thanks
   Ariel
   Buenos Aires
   Argentina



5. The Marvel Vault is billed as a "museum in-a-box", and that's pretty much what it is. It's illustrated not only with covers and interior art from pricey comics and photos of their creators, but also with reproductions of ephemera such as character and cover sketches and unedited artwork. Also, several clear vinyl sleeves hold reproductions of Marvel ephemera such as the Marvel Value Stamps and the program book from the 1973 Marvel Comic Art Convention.
   
   There are better choices if you're looking for a history of Marvel Comics (Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics by Les Daniels is probably the best known, but also worth reading are Tales to Astonish: Jack Kirby, Stan Lee and the American Comic Book Revolution by Ronin Ro and Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book by Gerard Jones, though the last doesn't focus exclusively on Marvel) but the real attraction here is the rare art, preproduction sketches and other stuff out of the reach of the average comics fan. It's fun to see ephemera from the original Marvel fan club and hand-drawn greeting cards autographed by the entire Marvel staff. The presence of the ephemera overshadows the superficial and error-riddled text.

5 comments about The Apron Book: Making, Wearing, and Sharing a Bit of Cloth and Comfort.

1. Saw this in my book club at twice the money. I really identify with these, the good old days. Days when aprons were a part of getting dressed each day. I still am an apron person. Love those pockets.



2. I had to make an apron in Home Ec class many (many) years ago. I didn't enjoy it at all. I didn't care for the fabric, didn't really get the hang of using a sewing machine, just felt it was a waste of time. Nobody in my family wore an apron, anyway, somehow they miraclously stayed clean during food prep.
   Flash forward a few decades. I like to cook and bake and I did not inherit the miracle of not getting messy while I cooked. Most aprons you can buy in a store are servicable - but not exactly flashy or pretty. One of my supervisors whipped up aprons as Christmas presents one year. I was amazed because I knew she was a very busy woman. Slowly, I began to gather fabric to make aprons. And when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. That's how I feel about this book. I recommend it highly.



3. I love this book - it brings back great memories. Very interesting information, photos, patterns, a great book to add to one's library.



4. Love this book!
   I am always recommending it to others who love Aprons and apron stories.
   It even has a user friendly pattern in the back of the book.
   A must have as well as a great gift to send to friends who are apronistas!



5. I decided I was going to make aprons for my female family and friends for Christmas and ordered this book hoping it would give me lots of different ideas. It is actually more of a history lesson on aprons but did have lots of pictures and patterns and instructions. There does not seem to be a glut of books on Aprons so this was a good choice. If you are the least bit creative you can go with some of their general ideas and expand on them. Makes a nice coffee table book too.

3 comments about 500 Pendants & Lockets: Contemporary Interpretations of Classic Adornments (500 Series).

1. With few exceptions, I enjoy the Lark "500" series of books, Pendants and Lockets is no different. Sticking to the photos only with minimal wording publication concept, this is not a "how to" book it simply showcases a veritable smorgasboard of amazing contemporary designs. The enormous range of materials used to create these pieces is appreciated, nothing seems to have been left out. Of course all the to be expected precious and non precious metals and stones are there, now add plastics, textiles, papers, glass, all the clays, resins and found objects.
   
   Continue with every possible technique you can think of, and then some, with design concepts that for the most part are also extremely wearable ( and yes there are some that leave you with a what the?? feeling )and you have a great book. Make no mistake here, this is contemporary jewellery, don't look here for the traditional or you will be disappointed.
   
   Everypage is a highlight, with Jacqueline Ryans Untitled ( pg 14) gold and enamel pod looking so real it was stunning, Jin a Jung's - A dot of Illusion was incredible, visual illusion of geometric patterns done so well and Karen McCreary's Geode Pendant in Acrylic, gold leaf and silver were both elegant and fluid with stunning colours. These may have stood out for me personally, and I am sure everyone who views this will have favourites too.
   
   Whilst there were some well known artists showcased it was great to see so many new names and better still I had not seen over 95% of the photos before.
   
   I have been left in awe of the designers who have created pieces that challenge your thinking, delight with their interpretations, playful and serious and leave you knowing you have just witnessed Pure Magic. Well done to both Lark and the exceptional job the jurors Mike Holmes and Elizabeth Shypertt have done. This is a book that will be my night time reading for many days ahead.



2. What a pleasure to open a book and be awed by its quality and content, delighted



3. This is a wonderfully varied and representational compendium of jewelry pieces from a wide variety of artists. I was inspired, impressed, amused and amazed by various pendant/lockets. The editors do a marvelous job of gathering work from the traditional to the far-out without going round the bend or boring this reader.

5 comments about Calder Jewelry.

1. Expertly photographed, beautifully styled catalog of A. Calder's jewelry. A great purchase, no regrets.



2. Anyone who appreciates well-made, original design in jewelry needs to have and read this book. What an inspiration! Although I was familiar with Calder's mobiles, for which he is most renowned, I was even more impressed with his jewelry designs. All one-of-a-kind. A definite must for the coffee table or even to read and enjoy. As a jewelry designer influenced by other cultures, this has been most helpful in inspiring me to follow my instincts and to design the items I've seen in my dreams. What a book!



3. Merely walking by this book makes my artisan heart tingle. The genius, the simplicity and golden aura of beauty makes this book a "must own." The photographs are gorgeous and the descriptions beautifully written. Get inspired.



4. This book is an inspiration to anyone who makes jewelry. The use of cold connections is terrific and can show you what can be done without the use of solder.



5. This book is a beautiful celebration of Calder's gorgeous and playful jewelry. The pictures are lovely and the jewelry itself is simply amazing. It's hard not to feel joyful flipping through these pages. Buy it and enjoy!

4 comments about 500 Plates & Chargers: Innovative Expressions of Function & Style (500 Series).

1. WONDERFUL selection of diverse styles of plates and chargers. A wonderful reference. Reproduction terrific and interesting representation of varied techniques. A MUST for all functional and sculptural potter/ceramicists.



2. I am slowly purchasing every book in this series. I am a working artist and use photos to stimulate creativity for myself and my students. All of these books have been wonderful.



3. This book is wonderful! If looking for creative ideas, methodology, glazing suggestions, or just browsing the photos, this is the book for you! As someone who has just finished my own home studio, I found this book to be incredibly helpful!



4. I have 5 of the Lark 500 books now. I love being able to browse through the pages to get inspiration before I start potting. If you also need to ignite your imagination from time to time I suggest you buy it. If however you are a beginner and dont know how to work clay or use glazes this book is not for you.

5 comments about Wacky Packages.

1. This lovingly packaged, gorgeously designed collection of every Wacky Pack from Series 1-7 (1973-74) is an essential bookshelf item for any child of the Seventies who remembers a time when kid culture could satirize beer and cigarettes. The gags may often fall flat, but the nostalgia is crisp and sweet.



2. i use to collect these and still have some. now I know all the ones i missed. fun to look at.



3. It was fun just to see all those old packages. Good coffee table book.



4. As one of the cartoonists who created a few of the Wacky Packages shown in the book, my view of the project is far from objective---but I thought it was fun to see such pop ephemera resurface 34 years later as an Abrams art book! Who would've thought, back in 1974, as I cruised the aisles of the San Francisco Safeway with Art Spiegelman, hunting for likely targets, that our little barbs sent at consumerism and package design would have such staying power? I shudder to think it, but more people probably saw my "Generally Demented Light Bulbs" or "Kentucky Fried Fingers" Wacky Packs than ever read one of my Zippy comic books.
   -Bill Griffith
   Zippy:Walk A Mile In My Muu-Muu(Zippy (Graphic Novels))



5. This illustrated several stickers I remember but LOTS I never saw. This is a fun look at what humor used to be like.

No comments about The Gun Digest Book Of Concealed Carry.

2 comments about Abc's Of Reloading: The Definitive Guide For Novice To Expert (ABC's of Reloading).

1. This book came highly recommended by members of a forum on reloading. I was not disappointed. I will recommend it myself. The book covers the bases and is easy to read. You will need to add other books to your library, ( such as load data for specific calibers ) but this is a very good place to start.



2. This is the book I used when I got started reloading about 10 years ago, and this book gave me just what I needed. When I first got the itch to load my own ammunition, I was overwhelmed by the amount of information and terminology involved in this fascinating field/hobby. It was very difficult to take all the individual pieces of information that I had and form it into an understandable process. I was snowed in under a blizzard of data that I was piecing together through chat rooms and web sites. Everyone was very helpful - basically shooters are the most helpful people I know - but still I was just getting fragments without a solid, complete overview. Phrases like "roll crimp", "seating and sizer dies," and "headspace" came at me in a blizzard. I could look up each phrase, understand each one as a piece, but still the whole picture was fuzzy. In essence, that is what this book will do for you: turn it all into a coherent, linear whole. The writing is very solid and clear, the illustrations are well done and helpful, and the information is very complete. After reading this book, the entire process made sense to me, and more importantly, I was fully warned about the does and don'ts of the reloading world. The coverage is very complete. Primers, powders, bullets and cases are explained with regard to nomenclature and history. All necessary tools and accessories are discussed and explained. This is just a great book. It won't make you an expert (only actual reloading for years will do that), but it will put you on the right road if you wish to become one. --Mykal Banta