Modernism Rediscovered
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Sick Cribs
  • Nice presentation
  • great review of modernism
  • LOST MODERNIST GEMS PHOTOGRAPHED BY MASTER PHOTOGRAPHER
  • Reminders of Architecture at Its Best
Modernism Rediscovered
Pierluigi Serraino , and Julius Shulman
Manufacturer: Taschen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Architects, A-Z | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
United StatesUnited States | International | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Specific StylesSpecific Styles | Building Types & Styles | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Collections, Catalogues & ExhibitionsCollections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Photographers, A-ZPhotographers, A-Z | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books | Adams, Ansel | Avedon, Richard | Bourke-White, Margaret | Brady, Mathew | Bubley, Esther | Callahan, Harry | Capa, Robert | Caro, Anthony | Carroll, Lewis | Cartier-Bresson, Henri | Clark, Larry | Cunningham, Imogen | Doisneau, Robert | Eisenstaedt, Alfred | Evans, Walker | Feininger, Andreas | Gatewood, Charles | Geddes, Anne | General | Goldin, Nan | Goldsworthy, Andy | Hamilton, David | Haskins, Sam | Hine, Lewis Wickes | Hurrell, Geoerge | Jackson, William Henry | Kenna, Michael | Kern, Richard | Kinsey, Darius | Lange, Dorothea | Leibovitz, Annie | Leonard, Herman | Mann, Sally | Mapplethorpe, Robert | Mark, Mary Ellen | Miller, Lee | Modotti, Tina | Muybridge, Eadweard | Newton, Helmut | Orkin, Ruth | Ray, Man | Ritts, Herb | Seymour, David | Sherman, Cindy | Steichen, Edward | Stieglitz, Alfred | Sturges, Jock | Uelsmann, Jerry | Wegman, William | Weston, Edward | Wiggins, Myra Albert
FrenchFrench | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GermanGerman | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Arts & PhotographyArts & Photography | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
NonfictionNonfiction | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
Professional & TechnicalProfessional & Technical | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
All French BooksAll French Books | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
Arts & PhotographyArts & Photography | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
NonfictionNonfiction | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
Professional & TechnicalProfessional & Technical | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
All German BooksAll German Books | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Modernism Reborn: Mid-Century American Houses Modernism Reborn: Mid-Century American Houses
  2. Case Study Houses: 1945-1962 Case Study Houses: 1945-1962
  3. NorCalMod: Icons of Northern California Modernism NorCalMod: Icons of Northern California Modernism
  4. Palm Springs Modern: Houses in the California Desert Palm Springs Modern: Houses in the California Desert
  5. Eichler Homes: Design for Living Eichler Homes: Design for Living

ASIN: 3822864153

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Sick Cribs.......2005-08-03

This is a great book, do not hesitate to buy it! No better houses photgraphed in one book. This book will blow your mind, you will be bummed that you can't buy houses like these today! Must have for every modernist!

4 out of 5 stars Nice presentation.......2002-04-18

The pictures alone justify the price; the commentary is standard stuff. Top quality coated paper and soft binding, too. Makes you appreciate this famous photographer.

5 out of 5 stars great review of modernism.......2001-06-22

This book is made of the essence of modernism. All photos are taken during the original time period. It is a great lesson of architecture. To be read after a Frank Lloyd Wright book's and an Art & Craft anthology to discover how tasteless is the architecture of the end of the millenium.

5 out of 5 stars LOST MODERNIST GEMS PHOTOGRAPHED BY MASTER PHOTOGRAPHER.......2001-01-18

Modernism Rediscovered is not just another book of gorgeous Julius Shulman photographs, but a serious and scholarly attempt to right a wrong done to each of the worthy edifices featured in this book.

To secure an enduring place in the public consciousness a new building must be photographed, and those photographs printed in a variety of publications, both professional and popular. Why do photographs of some buildings get wide exposure and others not? A history-altering book, Modernism Rediscovered explores that conundrum and, at the same time, attempts to redress the omission of these buildings from the public forum.

A fascinating convergence of elements determines which buildings are deemed editorially appealing and which fall through the cracks. Prevailing trends, editorial policy, financial considerations, the photographer's interpretation, and even personal editorial taste all contribute to the selection process and resulting exposure of a building project. Ideally, all these elements coalesce to lend the building and the architect validation and prestige, establishing recognition of the work within the profession and to the general public. As Modernism Rediscovered shows, this has often not been the case.

Now nearly ninety years of age, Julius Shulman granted access to his archives for the first and only time ever to architect Pierluigi Serraino. From this treasure trove of architectural history Serraino selected such underexposed projects as the breathtaking Spencer Residence, a steel cage cantilevered out over the Malibu coastline; the Upton Residence, an Arizona winter retreat combining the lightness of an open glass box anchored by desert stone and concrete; and the C.Y. Stephens Auditorium at Iowa State University featuring steeply cascading balconies jutting out of folded concrete side walls.

5 out of 5 stars Reminders of Architecture at Its Best.......2001-01-02

This book is an elegant window back to a magnificent period of residential architecturel. Julius Shulman reminds us of not only his incredible eye for architectural drama, but of the many architects of modernism that invited us to live at the magical boundary between nature and architecture.

This is a wonderful retrospective of many, many talented architects who deserve a closer look at their work and their optimism and clarity of vision.
Julius Shulman: Modernism Rediscovered
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Julius Shulman: Modernism Rediscovered
    Julius Shulman , Hunter Drohojowska-Philp , Owen Edwards , Philip J. Ethington , and Peter Loughrey
    Manufacturer: Taschen
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Architects, A-Z | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Building Types & Styles | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    ArchitecturalArchitectural | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    Collections, Catalogues & ExhibitionsCollections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    Photographers, A-ZPhotographers, A-Z | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books | Adams, Ansel | Avedon, Richard | Bourke-White, Margaret | Brady, Mathew | Bubley, Esther | Callahan, Harry | Capa, Robert | Caro, Anthony | Carroll, Lewis | Cartier-Bresson, Henri | Clark, Larry | Cunningham, Imogen | Doisneau, Robert | Eisenstaedt, Alfred | Evans, Walker | Feininger, Andreas | Gatewood, Charles | Geddes, Anne | General | Goldin, Nan | Goldsworthy, Andy | Hamilton, David | Haskins, Sam | Hine, Lewis Wickes | Hurrell, Geoerge | Jackson, William Henry | Kenna, Michael | Kern, Richard | Kinsey, Darius | Lange, Dorothea | Leibovitz, Annie | Leonard, Herman | Mann, Sally | Mapplethorpe, Robert | Mark, Mary Ellen | Miller, Lee | Modotti, Tina | Muybridge, Eadweard | Newton, Helmut | Orkin, Ruth | Ray, Man | Ritts, Herb | Seymour, David | Sherman, Cindy | Steichen, Edward | Stieglitz, Alfred | Sturges, Jock | Uelsmann, Jerry | Wegman, William | Weston, Edward | Wiggins, Myra Albert
    FrenchFrench | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    GermanGerman | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    Arts & PhotographyArts & Photography | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    NonfictionNonfiction | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    Professional & TechnicalProfessional & Technical | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    All French BooksAll French Books | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    Arts & PhotographyArts & Photography | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    NonfictionNonfiction | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    Professional & TechnicalProfessional & Technical | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    All German BooksAll German Books | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Forgotten Modern Forgotten Modern
    2. Tiki Modern Tiki Modern
    3. Case Study Houses: 1945-1966 (Taschen Basic Architecture) Case Study Houses: 1945-1966 (Taschen Basic Architecture)
    4. Calatrava: Complete Works, 1979-2007 Calatrava: Complete Works, 1979-2007
    5. Pierre Koenig 1925 - 2004: Living With Steel (Taschen Basic Genre Series) Pierre Koenig 1925 - 2004: Living With Steel (Taschen Basic Genre Series)

    ASIN: 3822842877

    Book Description

    The Master of Modern, More Discoveries from the Julius Shulman Vaults.

    TASCHEN's Modernism Rediscovered (2000) brought to light for the first time forgotten architectural masterpieces, drawn from photographer Julius Shulman`s personal archives. Paying tribute to residential and commercial buildings that had slipped from public view, Shulman`s stunning photographs uncovered a rarely seen side of California Modernism. This extensive, three-volume follow-up to that remarkable volume brings over 400 more architectural gems into the spotlight. Not just restricted to the West Coast this time, the images were taken all across the United States as well as in Mexico, Israel, and Hong Kong.

    Each project and photograph in these volumes was personally selected from over 260,000 photographs over a two-year period by publisher Benedikt Taschen, who has enjoyed a close collaboration with the photographer since first publishing Julius Shulman: Architecture and Its Photography (1998). Augmenting the photographs are an introduction by photography critic Owen Edwards, an extensive biography by University of Southern California historian Philip J. Ethington, captions on decorative elements by Los Angeles Modern Auctions founder Peter Loughrey, biographies of key architects, and personal reflections from the photographer himself. Arts writer Hunter Drohojowska-Philp conducted months of interviews with Shulman to construct an informative and lively oral history and portrait of the times.

    Watercolor Bold & Free: 64 Experimental Ideas and Techniques in Watercolor
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Essential for those doing abstract in watercolor
    • Antidote for cliches
    • Good ideas for starting a watercolor painting.
    Watercolor Bold & Free: 64 Experimental Ideas and Techniques in Watercolor
    Lawrence C. Goldsmith
    Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Publications
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Study & TeachingStudy & Teaching | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    Watercolor PaintingWatercolor Painting | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    WatercolorWatercolor | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Master Class in Watermedia: Techniques in Traditional and Experimental Painting Master Class in Watermedia: Techniques in Traditional and Experimental Painting
    2. Watercolor Painting Outside the Lines: A Positive Approach to Negative Painting Watercolor Painting Outside the Lines: A Positive Approach to Negative Painting
    3. Making Color Sing Making Color Sing
    4. The Zen of Creative Painting: An Elegant Design for Revealing Your Muse (Practical Art Books) The Zen of Creative Painting: An Elegant Design for Revealing Your Muse (Practical Art Books)
    5. The Tao of Watercolor: A Revolutionary Approach to the Practice of Painting (Zen of Creativity) The Tao of Watercolor: A Revolutionary Approach to the Practice of Painting (Zen of Creativity)

    ASIN: 0823056635

    Book Description

    Vibrant alternatives to conventional ways of painting fill this best-selling book, helping watercolorists of all levels experience new dimensions of growth.

    Sixty-four bold experiments promote originality in composition, concept, and technique. Accompanying each experiment and exemplifying its theme is a full-page painting by a fine artist-Georgia O'Keeffe, Reuben Tam, Sam Francis, and Nathan Oliveira, among dozens of others. Practical advice tells the reader how to overcome specific painting problems and become a more spontaneous watercolorist.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Essential for those doing abstract in watercolor.......2003-12-30

    This is not your average watercolor book. It was recommended to me by an artist of some repute, who uses the principles to paint non-abstract, but very expressionistic watercolors.

    Somewhere in the examples of various artists' works, you might find something to stimulate your own sense of the abstract. There are exercises to free up the imagination and use different ways of looking at composition or watercolor media to express new ideas. Not for those looking to do ultra-realism.

    5 out of 5 stars Antidote for cliches.......2001-08-03

    I find this book a superb counter to the myriad watercolor books on the market. There is nothing wrong with the realistic painting those books encourage and teach, but the medium offers much more and this book opens up those other vistas.

    3 out of 5 stars Good ideas for starting a watercolor painting........2000-07-20

    If your looking for different compositions to try out in watercolor, this books fits the bill.

    I liked the great descriptions of compositional techniques which is followed by large color painting examples.

    Some of the painting examples scream for you to do them better. What a challenge!
    Watercolor Bold & Free :  64 Experimental Ideas and Techniques in Watercolor
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Watercolor Bold & Free : 64 Experimental Ideas and Techniques in Watercolor
      Lawrence C. Goldsmith
      Manufacturer: NY : Watson-Guptill (1981)
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover
      ASIN: B000KRKRTW
      Watercolor Bold And Free: 64 Experimental Ideas and Techniques in Watercolor
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Watercolor Bold And Free: 64 Experimental Ideas and Techniques in Watercolor

        Manufacturer: Watson-Guptil
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover
        ASIN: B000GX3ZDK

        Photographing the Patterns of Nature
        Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
        • Great idea for a book, but to much blah blah blah...
        • An Inspiration!
        • Sorry--I can't agree
        • The Patterns of Nature Come Alive
        • Subleties and helpful advice !
        Photographing the Patterns of Nature
        Gary Braasch
        Manufacturer: Amphoto Books
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
        Nature & WildlifeNature & Wildlife | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
        ReferenceReference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | How-to | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
        EquipmentEquipment | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
        Similar Items:
        1. Nature's Chaos Nature's Chaos
        2. The Art of Photographing Nature The Art of Photographing Nature
        3. John Shaw's Focus on Nature: The Creative Process Behind Making Great Photographs in the Field John Shaw's Focus on Nature: The Creative Process Behind Making Great Photographs in the Field
        4. Fine Art Nature Photography: Advanced Techniques and the Creative Process Fine Art Nature Photography: Advanced Techniques and the Creative Process
        5. John Shaw's Closeups in Nature (Practical Photography Books) John Shaw's Closeups in Nature (Practical Photography Books)

        ASIN: 0817454411

        Customer Reviews:

        2 out of 5 stars Great idea for a book, but to much blah blah blah..........2004-04-13

        I was enthusiastic about reading this book. What a great idea, recognizing the basic shapes of nature; triangles, spirals, horizontal and diagonal lines, and radial lines. The problem is that Gary seems to go on and on about his philosophy of photography. I concise how-to book on creative and abstract nature photography this ain't. I ended up skimming the book and returning it to the bookstore.

        5 out of 5 stars An Inspiration!.......2001-11-21

        A collection of fabulous and inspiring photography! As with great photography anywhere, few words are needed, the photos speak for themselves. The book opened my eyes to seeing many new possibilities.

        1 out of 5 stars Sorry--I can't agree.......2000-02-05

        It's too bad Gary didn't stick to photography and not try to be an author. He goes on the novice writing theory that if three sentences are good then four paragraphs will be better. I think one star is an extremely high rating for this book.

        5 out of 5 stars The Patterns of Nature Come Alive.......1999-06-05

        I had the privilege of taking Gary's "Patterns in Nature" class through Santa Fe Photographic Workshops in late 1998 - it was there I read Gary's first book (which is now out of print) and studied under him for an intense week. Gary has a clear writing style, and his written descriptions in the book are just like the way he speaks and works with his students. The photographic examples are excellent protrayals of the points and theories that he wants to make. I enjoyed his first book, and I am anxiously waiting for the new edition.

        5 out of 5 stars Subleties and helpful advice !.......1998-07-12

        Hi. I had this book since 1993 and it's the one that helped me to reach a "Real higher level" in nature photography; Gary not only illustrates near perfection the places he had visited, but he really feels the emotion and flavor of being a nature lover and photographer. He convey and taught me how to real feel, understand, and realize the power of subtle and strong images that drive our and "their" minds to care about nature and the places in danger; We must care about what surround us. I'm trying hard to travel a lot to capture the beautifulness of my country; although I'm a graphic designer and digital artist, my heaviest passion is Photography.

        I loved Gary's approach to sensitive themes such as composition, color, warmness, lighting, weather etc. Also the way he treats the commercial issues, beggining to market your photos, contacts, technical advices and more. Thanks Gary.

        Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 8 (Gold Digger Pocket Manga)
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 8 (Gold Digger Pocket Manga)
          Fred Perry
          Manufacturer: Antarctic Press
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          GeneralGeneral | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
          Science FictionScience Fiction | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
          Science FictionScience Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books | Adventure | Alternate History | Anthologies | General | Graphic Novels | High Tech | History & Criticism | Series | Short Stories | Space Opera
          GeneralGeneral | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Comics & Graphic Novels | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
          Science FictionScience Fiction | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Humor | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
          All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
          Similar Items:
          1. Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 7 (Pocket Manga) Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 7 (Pocket Manga)
          2. Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 11 (Gold Digger) Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 11 (Gold Digger)
          3. Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 10 (Pocket Manga (Antarctic Press)) Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 10 (Pocket Manga (Antarctic Press))
          4. Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 5 (Pocket Manga) Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 5 (Pocket Manga)
          5. Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 4 (Pocket Manga) Gold Digger Pocket Manga Volume 4 (Pocket Manga)

          ASIN: 0976804301

          Book Description

          Time-traveling dog genius Dr. Alfred Peachbody - out for revenge at having his earlier plans of a Caninekind-ruled future foiled - journeys to ancient pre-Egypt to commandeer the Sphinx and its time-twisting technology. A valiant band of heroes from the casts of both Gold Digger and Antarctic's flagship title, Ninja High School, try to stop him, but this dog won't roll over and play dead without a fight! He uses the Sphinx's systems to scatter them across time in small groups, all in eras where he is sure they'll meet their doom!

          Mark Twain: An Illustrated Biography
          Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
          • "I am not 'an 'American," he once said." I am 'the' American."
          • Not recommended: confusing.
          • The Bitter And The Sweet
          • A Treasure
          • An informative survey of Twain's life
          Mark Twain: An Illustrated Biography
          Geoffrey C. Ward , Ken Burns , and Dayton Duncan
          Manufacturer: Knopf
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Hardcover

          AuthorsAuthors | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
          JournalistsJournalists | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | History & Criticism | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
          Similar Items:
          1. The Autobiography of Mark Twain (Perennial Classics) The Autobiography of Mark Twain (Perennial Classics)
          2. Mark Twain - A Film Directed by Ken Burns Mark Twain - A Film Directed by Ken Burns
          3. Mark Twain - A Film Directed by Ken Burns Mark Twain - A Film Directed by Ken Burns
          4. Mr. Clemens and Mark Twain: A Biography Mr. Clemens and Mark Twain: A Biography
          5. The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain: A Book of Quotations (Dover Thrift Editions) The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain: A Book of Quotations (Dover Thrift Editions)

          ASIN: 0375405615
          Release Date: 2001-11-13

          Amazon.com

          This is more than a lavishly illustrated companion book to the Mark Twain PBS series. National Book Critics Circle Award winner Geoffrey C. Ward, Dayton Duncan, and Ken Burns have produced a cogent, colorful portrait of the man who forged our national identity in the sentences he spun. Excellent though the brisk narrative may be, the book's greatest pleasures are the extensive Twain quotations; no one has topped his description of the Mississippi River, and he had a salty remark for every occasion (charged an outrageous fee for a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, he cracked, "Do you wonder now that Christ walked?"). Passages from his correspondence reveal a man of deep feeling; letters to his wife Livy movingly express enduring marital love, and the grief-stricken note following his beloved daughter Susy's sudden death is almost unbearable to read. Excerpts from less well known works like "The War Prayer" highlight Twain's scathing contempt for imperialism and hypocrisy alike. Several freestanding pieces by various admirers (including novelist Russell Banks and actor Hal Holbrook) supplement the authors' text; most notable among them is critic Jocelyn Chadwick's persuasive defense of Twain's frequent use of "The Six-Letter Word" (n----r) in Huckleberry Finn as a necessary and still-shocking device to confront Americans with the moral horror of racism. Gracefully synthesizing current scholarship, this warmhearted biography provides the perfect introduction to Mark Twain. --Wendy Smith

          Book Description

          Ernest Hemingway called Huckleberry Finn “the best book we’ve ever had. There was nothing before. There’s been nothing as good since.” Critical opinion of this book hasn’t dimmed since Hemingway uttered these words; as author Russell Banks says in these pages, Twain “makes possible an American literature which would otherwise not have been possible.” He was the most famous American of his day, and remains in ours the most universally revered American writer. Here the master storytellers Geoffrey Ward, Ken Burns, and Dayton Duncan give us the first fully illustrated biography of Mark Twain, American literature’s touchstone, its funniest and most inventive figure.

          This book pulls together material from a variety of published and unpublished sources. It examines not merely his justly famous novels, stories, travelogues, and lectures, but also his diaries, letters, and 275 illustrations and photographs from throughout his life. The authors take us from Samuel Langhorne Clemens’s boyhood in Hannibal, Missouri, to his time as a riverboat worker—when he adopted the sobriquet “Mark Twain”—to his varied careers as a newspaperman, printer, and author. They follow him from the home he built in Hartford, Connecticut, to his peripatetic travels across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. We see Twain grieve over his favorite daughter’s death, and we see him writing and noticing everything.

          Twain believed that “The secret source of humor itself is not joy but sorrow. There is no humor in heaven.” This paradox fueled his hilarity and lay at the core of this irreverent yet profoundly serious author. With essays by Russell Banks, Jocelyn Chadwick, Ron Powers, and John Boyer, as well as an interview with actor and
          frequent Twain portrayer Hal Holbrook, this book provides a full and rich portrayal of the first figure of American letters.

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars "I am not 'an 'American," he once said." I am 'the' American.".......2006-01-25


          This is an excellent biography for many reasons.It is written in very simple language and makes a fast paced read.There are a multitude of excellent and relevant photos of Twain,all the members of his family and at many stages of their lives.There are numerous pictures of where Twain lived and homes he had.Also, many pictures of family life.He lived such an interesting life ,it takes a lot of pictures to make one see what it was all like.The pictures are so good that it would be impossible to convey the same thing in words alone.Along with the personal photos, there are all kinds of illustrations from every aspect of his life.The book contains 275 illustrations,and every last one is a real gem.The book is based on a film that was aired a couple of years ago and undoubtedly will be shown many more times;keep an eye out for it.
          The book does an excellent job of showing Twain as a person and all the things that were important in his life;and there were so many.
          The one thing that is really explained is why "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is possibly the first,greatest and most important novel in American Literature. If you hadn't thought about it,this book might convince you.
          I read a lot of biographies,but I have a hard job in trying to think of one that was as well done as this.As good as the text is,I believe it is the wonderful photos and illustrations that puts this book over the top.
          If you are a lover of Twain's work and life,you should make every effort to get hold of this super effort.

          2 out of 5 stars Not recommended: confusing........2004-01-25

          The book is confusing. What is the reader supposed to believe? Clemens was a genius, or, Clemens was an imbecile? "Mark Twain an Illustrated Biography" starts with a preface that says: Sam Clemens was a "genius." Next comes the prologue, which states "his own overreaching drove him and his family into exile oversaes."---That statement could not be farther from the truth. A book that starts by rejoicing in Twain's genius and, then proceeds completely to ignore Twain's genius and portray an imbecile is confusing.To understand the confusion and, put the narrative on page 177 in context, review this sentence: "When she died, she was only twenty-four years old." What is the purpose of the word "only" in that sentence? Putting "only" in the sentence confuses facts and, by that confusion makes a biased sentence. Susy was twenty-four years old: An age by anybody's standards where she is old enough to be responsible for her own health. By combining that sentence with "only" and the pictures of a young Susy on pages 87, 94, 99, 103, 105, 119, 132, 146, 150, the book alleges that Susy was very young when she died, which is not true.It was the family publishing business alone that went bankrupt, not Clemens, a fact previously canvassed on page 157 but by page 177 forgotten; The financial recession of 1893, which was responsible for making the tour necessary and separating the family, was not Clemens fault and he would have to be an absolute fool rather than a genius to think otherwise, a fact previously canvassed on pages 155 & 156 but by page 177 forgotten; Clemens knew that he was in no way whatsoever responsible for the death of Susy; When Susy died, she was not the first child that Sam and Livy had buried; What Sam includes in his letter on page 177 are emotions experienced after losing their first child a son, not emotions consistent with losing their second child Susy. Canvassed initially, the book describes how Sam becomes inured to death by experiencing so many deaths in his life. Then on page 177 it is as if death is a brand-new idea, which Sam, has no familiarity with at all? It cannot be both ways, either he was inured or he was not.Sam's writing was so powerful that he easily conveyed feelings that he did not feel; Sam's writing conveys feelings that he does not feel to relieve Livy's feelings of responsibility and grief: Clemens is magnanimously taking responsibility for things that he knows he is not responsible for to soothe his ailing wife (Sam wrote a similar letter after the death of his brother Henry, see page 20, only an idiot would believe himself responsible for too much steam when he was not even on the boat with Henry.); Livy had been diagnosed with heart problems, which forced the family move to Europe in 1891, a fact previously canvassed on page 145 where it incorrectly states "They [doctors] recommended rest and treatment for Livy in Europe," the facts being rather that Livy was "ordered" to Europe by her doctors, but by page 177 the facts after being distorted are forgotten and without thorough study or instruction, the facts are presented with a vagueness that makes' them impossible to understand.Unequivocally, Clemens in 1906 stated for his autobiography, [Edited by Charles Neider, page 428], Livy was "ordered" to Europe by her doctors. If Clemens knew, Livy was ordered to Europe in 1906, it's only fair to assume he knew Livy was "ordered" to Europe when he wrote that magnanimous letter on page 177 taking responsibility for things that he knew he was not responsible for in 1896. And just as fairly, without any assumption, we may know that Clemens knew he did not cause the financial recession of 1893. Sam's stay in Europe, which he loathed and called exile, was never exile at all, but concession to his love for his wife, Livy, and the requirements mandated by her heart trouble.In all honesty, Clemens was being magnanimous when he wrote "Reproaching myself for laying the foundation of all our troubles. . . . Reproaching myself for a million things whereby I have brought misfortune and sorrow to this family."---found on page 177. Clemens was being far from honest, unless he was responsible for the financial recession of 1893, responsible for Livy's heart problems that forced the families move to Europe in 1891, and responsible for Susy's health when Susy was of an age to be responsible for her own health and had been living on her own separated by half-a-world from Sam and Livy for most of a year.For an entertaining book that does not confuse these important issues I recommend: MEET MARK TWAIN, published by Xlibris.

          5 out of 5 stars The Bitter And The Sweet.......2003-04-23

          I wonder how many people could have led the life that Samuel Clemens did and kept their sanity. He went from riches to rags (even though it was his own fault...he spent money like it was going out of style and made some horrendous investments), which forced him, at the age of 60, into making a 10 month long physically and mentally draining around-the-world lecture tour. The tour enabled him to pay off his debts and regain his financial footing. Unfortunately, money was the least of his problems. The authors do not specifically state it, but it is clear (to me anyway) that Clemens suffered from manic-depression. At various times, and not coinciding with anything bad going on his life, he considered suicide. He had lifelong moodswings, as well as a volatile temper. (His daughters were afraid to be alone with him, as his behavior was so unpredictable. They made sure to visit him as a group.) The authors recount one incident where Clemens, angry over a missing button, opened an upstairs window and tossed all of his shirts out into the street. Saddest of all, Clemens outlived almost all of his loved ones. His beloved wife, Livy, who was almost 10 years younger than him, predeceased him, as did 3 of his 4 children. His one surviving child, his daughter Clara, suffered a nervous breakdown when Clemens was almost 70. A heavy load to bear, indeed, but somehow Clemens bore it and carried on. One thing that helped was his worldwide fame. Clemens was hungry for fame, even as a young man. He became well-known early in life, and remained famous and popular right up until he died. (He was a bit of a "ham." He would purposely time his walks for when people were emerging from church, and would then saunter past in his trademark- pun intended- white suits.) This book is an absolutely perfect blend of narrative by the authors, liberal excerpts from Clemens's many writings, "guest essays," and page after page of terrific period photographs. (The research done for the photographs, alone, must have been backbreaking.) The narrative and essays made this a good book. The addition of the excerpts and the photos turned it into a great book. The excerpts are not just from Clemens's well-known works, either. He was once asked to address an organization which consisted of descendants of the Puritans. The written text is reproduced in the book. Twain skewered the original Puritans for killing Native Americans and for kicking everyone who wasn't a Puritan out of Massachusetts, even though, as Clemens makes sure to emphasize, they left England under the banner of religious freedom. (You have to think that when the organization invited Clemens to speak, this wasn't quite what they had in mind.) One of the many interesting items included in the book is a list of the famous sayings "Mark Twain" supposedly uttered....but didn't. (He was so famous that it was assumed that anything clever originated with him.) Unfortunately, one of my all-time favorites was included in this list: "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years." On the bright side, he DID say "The rumor of my death has been greatly exaggerated." One caution: the excerpts will make you want to read or re-read all of Twain. I've already ordered a copy of "The Innocents Abroad" as somehow, in my youth, I missed that one. Hats off to Geoffrey Ward, Dayton Duncan, and Ken Burns for this wonderful book!

          5 out of 5 stars A Treasure.......2002-11-21

          This illustrated biography of one of America's most memorable and beloved authors holds quite a few surprises for the unsuspecting reader. Anticipating anecdotes from Mark Twain's life that would portray him as a kind, altruistic, and loving man, I was shocked to learn he was also an irrascible, guilt-ridden, tight-fisted lover of alcohol and cigars who was often looking for ways to get rich.

          He was born in 19th century Missouri and raised during a time when major political, economic, social, and cultural issues were forging America's identity. The rugged 19th century also molded Twain into an outspoken critic of those forces, providing him with an unending stream of material for his cogent and waggish observations.

          Amid a collection of excerpts from his novels and speeches, articles and essays, as well as numerous pictures and illustrations, the authors present an insightful analysis of the man best known for writing TOM SAWYER and HUCKLEBERRY FINN. What becomes obvious is the relevance, creativity and importance of all his work, not just the books we were assigned in high school.

          This book is a treasure; the kind of book that can be referred to often. It can give food for thought for hours of reflection. It is Highly Recommended.

          5 out of 5 stars An informative survey of Twain's life.......2002-04-12

          Mark Twain: An Illustrated Biography is an informative survey of Twain's life which gathers material from a variety of published and unpublished sources, from his novels and lectures to his letters and photos. Students and fans of Twain thus receive much more illustration than in competing titles, in the form of vintage photos and color ads and drawings, along with a lively biographical sketch surveying Twain's life and times. Highly recommended; much more accessible than most.
          Mark Twain (Illustrated Edition) (Dodo Press)
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Mark Twain (Illustrated Edition) (Dodo Press)
            Archibald Henderson
            Manufacturer: Dodo Press
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Paperback

            AuthorsAuthors | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
            ASIN: 140655359X

            Book Description

            Archibald Henderson (1877-1963) was an American professor of mathematics and a writer, largely on the drama. He was born at Salisbury, N. C. and was educated at the University of North Carolina. He studied more at Chicago, Cambridge, and Berlin universities and at the Sorbonne (Paris). After 1899 he taught at the University of North Carolina, becoming professor of pure mathematics in 1908.

            Download Description

            Nevertheless, the observation of M. Forgues is just and authentic--the Attic flavour of l'esprit Gaulois is alien to the loosely articulated structure of American humour. The noteworthy criticism which Mark Twain directed at Paul Bourget's 'Outre Mer', and the subsequent controversy incident thereto, forced into light the racial and temperamental dissimilarities between the Gallic and the American Ausschauung. Mr. Clemens once remarked to me that, of all continental peoples, the French were most alien to the spirit of his humour.
            MARK TWAIN: MEISTERSCHAFT - A PLAY IN 3 ACTS:  BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN RUSKIN; ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND THE FORMATION OF THE CABINET; RUSSIAN PROVINCIAL PRISONS BY GEORGE KENNAN:  THE CENTURY ILLUSTRATED MONTHY MAGAZINE, JANUARY 1888:  VOLUME 35. NO. 3
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              MARK TWAIN: MEISTERSCHAFT - A PLAY IN 3 ACTS: BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN RUSKIN; ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND THE FORMATION OF THE CABINET; RUSSIAN PROVINCIAL PRISONS BY GEORGE KENNAN: THE CENTURY ILLUSTRATED MONTHY MAGAZINE, JANUARY 1888: VOLUME 35. NO. 3
              The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine:
              Manufacturer: The Century Co,
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback

              Lincoln, AbrahamLincoln, Abraham | ( L ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
              ASIN: B000LY6MUM
              Mr. Clemens and Mark Twain a biography
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Mr. Clemens and Mark Twain a biography
                Justin Kaplan
                Manufacturer: Simon and Schuster
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Hardcover
                ASIN: B000JZ214Y

                Five-a-side Football
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  Five-a-side Football
                  Glenn Hoddle , and Keir Radnedge
                  Manufacturer: Pelham Books
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Hardcover

                  GeneralGeneral | Soccer | Sports | Subjects | Books
                  ASIN: 0720715105
                  GLEN HODDLE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    GLEN HODDLE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY.
                    Glenn. Hoddle
                    Manufacturer: Pelham Bks.
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Hardcover

                    SoccerSoccer | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
                    ASIN: 0720714338
                    Glenn Hoddle
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      Glenn Hoddle
                      Brian Woolnough
                      Manufacturer: Virgin Books
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback

                      GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                      SoccerSoccer | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
                      GeneralGeneral | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books
                      GeneralGeneral | Soccer | Sports | Subjects | Books
                      ASIN: 075350216X
                      Glenn Hoddle
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        Glenn Hoddle
                        Phil Shirley
                        Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

                        GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                        SoccerSoccer | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Soccer | Sports | Subjects | Books
                        ASIN: 0002740001
                        Glenn Hoddle-My 98 World Cup St
                        Average customer rating: Not rated
                          Glenn Hoddle-My 98 World Cup St
                          Hoddle
                          Manufacturer: Andre Deutsch Ltd
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Paperback

                          SoccerSoccer | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
                          GeneralGeneral | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books
                          GeneralGeneral | Soccer | Sports | Subjects | Books
                          GeneralGeneral | Sports | Subjects | Books
                          ASIN: 0233994262
                          Glenn Hoddle: My 1998 World Cup Story
                          Average customer rating: Not rated
                            Glenn Hoddle: My 1998 World Cup Story
                            Glenn Hoddle , and David Davies
                            Manufacturer: Carlton/Andre Deutsch
                            ProductGroup: Book
                            Binding: Hardcover

                            GeneralGeneral | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
                            SoccerSoccer | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
                            GeneralGeneral | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books
                            GeneralGeneral | Soccer | Sports | Subjects | Books
                            GeneralGeneral | Sports | Subjects | Books
                            ASIN: 0233994238

                            Book Description

                            In his gripping journal of the 1998 World Cup Finals, Glenn Hoddle reveals every aspect of the England squad's high profile preparation for the biggest footballing event in history.
                            Biography - Hoddle, Glenn (1957-): An article from: Contemporary Authors Online
                            Average customer rating: Not rated
                              Biography - Hoddle, Glenn (1957-): An article from: Contemporary Authors Online
                              Gale Reference Team
                              Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
                              ProductGroup: Book
                              Binding: Digital

                              SoccerSoccer | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
                              ASIN: B0007SIUDE
                              Release Date: 2007-06-13

                              Book Description

                              Word count: 568.

                              Books:

                              1. Moisture Control Handbook: Principles and Practices for Residential and Small Commercial Buildings
                              2. Mosaic Techniques & Traditions: Projects & Designs from Around the World
                              3. Mvrdv: Km3: Excursions on Capacity
                              4. New Classicists: Ken Tate Architect, Selected Houses Volume Two
                              5. New Directions In Tropical Asian Architecture
                              6. New Loft Living: Arranging Your Space
                              7. New Loft Living: Arranging Your Space
                              8. New York, Empire City: 1920-1945
                              9. New York's Fabulous Luxury Apartments, with Original Floor Plans from the Dakota
                              10. North Shore Chicago: Houses of the Lakefront Suburbs, 1890-1940 (Suburban Domestic Architecture Series)

                              Books Index

                              Books Home

                              Recommended Books

                              1. Lies My Teacher Told Me
                              2. Kitchen Redos, Revamps, Remodels, and Replacements: Without Murder, Suicide, or Divorce
                              3. Health Fitness Management: A Comprehensive Resource for Managing and Operating Programs and Faciliti
                              4. Italian Country Living
                              5. Langman's Medical Embryology
                              6. Marketing Channels
                              7. Leave the Grave Green
                              8. Looking Around: A Journey Through Architecture
                              9. Living on An Acre: A Practical Guide to the Self-Reliant Life
                              10. Pretty Birds: A Novel