Anselm Kiefer: Heaven And Earth

Book Description

A retrospective volume of Anselm Kiefer's work, this catalog addresses the artist's entire career through the lens of one compelling theme.

From his earliest sculptures to his recent highly textured paintings, Anselm Kiefer has woven themes of heaven and earth into his work, exploring the polarities of these ideas while struggling to define the transcendent quality that places art squarely in between. Destruction and rebirth, glory and shame, sin and redemption all figure largely in Kiefer's often-controversial depictions of Germany's physical and cultural landscape. This catalog of more than sixty reproductions includes Kiefer's first work, "Heaven," as well as numerous other rare early works. It features watercolors produced specifically for the publication as well as an interview with the artist.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing book.......2006-08-30

Anselm's artwork is amazing. This book tells all about the artist, his artwork, and the storys behind them. It has amazing photos and details.

Truly Heaven.......2006-08-12

This is a fantastic book. Anselm Keifer is one of my favorite artists of today. His work is so powerful that it is difficult to imagine it translated into a printed form, but this book does a great job of an almost impossible task. Keifer's work must be seen in person to be fully felt, but short of that, this book still manages to impress.

restrospective of this notable artist's career and art.......2005-09-07

The German artist Kiefer's first project titled "The Heavens" ("Die Himmel") sounded the note for the major theme of his work through the following decades. This first was a book-like project with several leaves completed in 1969. Coming after this were sculpture-like, installation-like works (before this form was widely practiced) using the earthy materials of lead, brick, metal, wood, cloth, and often cast-off materials, as used in "found" art, though with not nearly the effect. Born in 1945, Kiefer could never free himself from the oppressiveness of the German psychoses and atrocities of the Nazi years, especially being a Jew. "[Kiefer] does not assume the existence of a paradise, only the ancient need to imagine one." One sees in the artist's dense, bewitching works usually made of assorted materials this primitive longing for paradise impacted by the carnage and horrors of 20th century's crazed politics and warfare on a huge scale. The touches of brightness in many of Kiefer's works are sometimes overwhelmed by bricks and other materials the color of cinders, ashes, an unmistakable reference to the Holocaust and the "scorched earth" warfare waged by the German war machine. It is the natural materials of the art works such as leaves, ground, and cotton spun into clothing, not religious visions of Heaven, which offer any hope of transformative redemption and immortality there may be. As noted in the "Introduction," Kiefer regarded the earth as a "kind of alchemical fragment" still being forged. "In Kiefer's cosmology, the universe is an immense athanor, or alchemical oven, where spirit and matter are in continued process of creation and destruction." The book succeeds estimably as a retrospective on the span of Kiefer's career. Varying perspectives from distant to close-up on the art works enable one to grasp the complex historical, cultural, and mythical thoughts reflected in the composite, multilayered works and also the undying struggle between hope and memory embodied in them.

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Look, No Feet!: The Best of Bryan McAllister's Cartoons from "The Guardian"
Bryan McAllister , and Andrew Moncur
Manufacturer: Orion Publishing Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0575041846

Book Description

Now that readers have been enchanted with the Golden Age of American comics as presented in Michael Chabon's Pulitzer Prize- winning best-seller The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, isn't it time for the real stories of the era? Not some academic's dry-and-dull history or a second- or thirdhand account, but the true story as written by an eyewitness and participant of the age? The Comic Book Makers is exactly such a book. Filled with real-life anecdotes and entertaining insights, it tells the compelling, definitive history of the talented creators who gave us Superman, Captain America, Archie, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, and dozens of other comic book favorites . . . as well as the stories of the other people who helped shape comic book history. Meet the crime comics editor who would himself be accused of a gruesome murder; the horror artist who was periodically released from a mental hospital in order to meet his publishing deadlines; the famous Senator Estes Kefauver, whose subcommittee investigated comic books as a cause of juvenile delinquency; and dozens of other fascinating personalities. The Comic Book Makers also tells fascinating stories of the birth of the American comic book industry, deals brokered in publishing offices, epic collaborations-and terrible feuds-among the creators, and the working conditions and industry practices that left the creators of these legendary characters destitute while the publishers made fortunes. Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of examples of these artists' dynamic works, The Comic Book Makers provides an important documentation of a time looked upon with nostalgia and not to be forgotten.

Customer Reviews:

A very fun and fascinating read.......2006-02-27

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who grew up reading comic books in the 30s, the 40s, the 50s and the 60s. Joe Simon a pioneer in the industry, shows how the fictional world of comic books was a reflection of the real world with its trials and tribulations. The book puts fact and reality to fantasy characters. It is truly and fun and fascinating read. Lots of great memories for pre-baby boomers and baby boomers alike.

super great service, once again!.......2006-02-25

A secure and fast delivery. Great price, too. Thanks, Amazon!

Wonderful Kaleidosccope View of the Culture of Early Comic Books.......2005-01-16

The point of view this book provides is truly one of a kind. It's the most well-written first hand Greatest Generation take on the American comic book. Joe Simon wore every hat during the golden age of comics: artist, writer, editor and publisher. He got around, knew all the big creative names, all the industry power brokers, as well as the mainstays of the business as it used to be, like page erasers and shop gofers. He knows the big stories, the scandals and lawsuits of the period. But the thing I value most about this book may be the small stories. It gives you a real sense of what it was like at the offices of Timely, DC and Harvey back in the day. This well-illustrated volume gives you a real texture and taste of a time that will never be repeated. For that, it's worth many times the price.

Highest recommendation.

The Real history of Comics..........2004-05-17

The top headline of the book says it all.

`The Young men in the golden age of Comic Books were as bizarre as the characters they created.'

Joe Simon was one of those men. He, along with Jack Kirby, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Bob Kane, and a host of others toiled in the early comic book trenches blanketed in anonymity for decades. The major creators were well paid for a time, then their fortunes fell and many died in poverty, obscurity, and bitterness. Fortunately, with the rise of Comic Book Scholars and Historians, and the growing necessity to record the events of the Golden Age of Comics, we have `Comic Book Makers.'

The history of comic books is a twisted story. Fraught with danger, and drama, the publisher vs artist/writer power struggle threatened to destroy the very industry in its' infancy. Publishers like Donenfield, and Martin became wealthy, while those who created their `power', struggled to survive. Joe Simon was there. Bob Kane was there. And today, after decades of denial of many of the creators have finally received their due.

The Comic Book Makers is a powerful, and lively book. Co Written by one of comicdoms greatest talents, it exposes the comic book industry at its' creative and financial peak. Joe Simon was there for many of the quintesessential moments. Co creator of Captain America, friend of Siegel and Shuster, associate of Bob Kane, and long time friend of Stan Lee, he has been privy to many of the critical times in the industry.

Written in an episodal format, in each chapter he discusses the history of comics from various perspectives, and includes fascinating first person stories about the many influential comics professionals. Details of his conversations with Martin Goodman, Will Eisner, Victor Fox, Jacob Kurtzberg (Jack Kifby), Stan Lee (Stanley Lieber), Charles Biro, Creig Flessel, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Jack Liebowitz, Alfred Harvey, Allan Harvey, Harvey Kurtzman, William Gaines, Ham Fisher, Al Capp, add significant value to the book, giving it a `history' feel.

Sections on the Captain America wars with Marvel Comics, the witch hunt of the 1950's that led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority, his untold origin of Spider Man from 1953, Simon and Kirby's creation of the Romance Comic, and his last flings with King Kirby at DC on Sandman add more flavour to this tasty comic book morsel.

Illustrated profusely with both published and unpublished pieces from industry giants, his artwork for Boys Ranch, The Boy Commandos, The Fighting American, and ghost work for Palooka and Capp are represented in loving detail. The life of Joe Simon was NOT one of mediocrity, but one of creative excellence.

The Comic Book Makers is a joy to read, a joy to look at, and a book that I am proud to say that I own. Thanks Mr Simon,.

Comic Book Makers is available from Vanguard Productions, (www.creativemix.com/Vanguard) or your local comic store.

Deserves to be on the Shelf of any Comic Fan.......2004-04-17

There is an old adage that goes something like; 'Don't walk the walk unless you can talk the talk', and I have to say, when it comes to the history of comic books, Joe Simon can walk it and talk it with the best of them-he was there. He created or co-created: Captain America and Bucky, Boy Commandoes, Fighting American, Boys Ranch, The Fly, Manhunter, Sandman, The Newsboy Legion, the entire genre of romance comics and more. He worked on Dick Tracy, Captain Marvel, Joe Palooka, and many others uncredited. He was the first Editor-in-Chief at Marvel Comics, and at various times an editor at DC Comics, Archie, Harvey, and Fox Comics. His work has appeared in the New York Times, used for the Olympics, and he has been inducted into the International Comic Book Hall of Fame. Whew.

With The Comic Book Makers, Mr. Simon, along with his son Jim, have created a memoir regarding the early days of the comic industry, which is impressive in its execution. Do not think that this is some dry history lesson. They make the past come to life with humorous anecdotes and gorgeous full and half page art from some of the biggest names in the field at the time. Artists like Lou Fine, Dick Briefer, Joe Shuster, and Mr. Simon's frequent partner Jack Kirby, in glorious black and white so you can see the pages as they were intended. There is also a beautiful color section highlighting the art of such luminaries Jack Davis, Jack Kirby, as well as Mr. Simon's own work-truly beautiful.

He shares stores with such insight that even I, a long time comic fan and bit of an historian myself, learned something new-and let me tell you, that is no easy feat. The style of storytelling, as his art, is crisp and dynamic, humorous and insightful. You will learn new facts about the sale of Superman to National Periodical Publications, the near sweatshop conditions that artists used to work under, the birth of Captain America and the development of the character for the Saturday morning movie serials. He talks about the lawsuit of Superman vs. Captain Marvel regarding copyright infringement, and the birth of many characters; some faded into the annals of obscurity, while others have become classics like Li'l Abner and The Spirit.

I should also mention the beautiful work done by the publisher Vanguard Productions. I have had the pleasure to review several of their books, and I have to compliment them of the consistent quality and care to details they have shown with each of the releases I have read. This company is striving to honor the forbearers of the industry, and it shows in the work they do-my compliments to them.

The Comic Book Makers by Joe Simon and Jim Simon deserves to be on the shelf of any comic fan; it doesn't matter if they have been reading for decades or just picked up their first issue not too long ago. It is always important to know the roots of anything you love, and this shows them with the love and respect they deserve from a man who was there-and it just don't get no better than that.

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The Comic Book Makers
Joe with Jim Simon Simon
Manufacturer: Crestwood/II Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBEMZQ

Average customer rating:
Joe Simon: The Comic Book Makers
Joe Simon
Manufacturer: Vanguard Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Criticism & Theory | History & Criticism | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1887591346

Book Description

My book is a humorous book about neighbors. The book has numerous true stories regarding neighbors and parent's behavior regarding their own children. You may find a story that might be your own!

Book Description

Eighty transcriptions from the late, great jazz master Bill Evans. Titles are: Autumn Leaves Here's That Rainy Day I Should Care Make Someone Happy Spring is Here The Touch of Your Lips What Is This Thing Called Love? What Kind of Fool Am I?

Customer Reviews:

Great effort but not without errors.......2001-12-12

I know how difficult it is to transcribe the equivocal voicings of Bill Evans' chords, particularly the left hand. Mostly the book is a painstaking and an accurate transcription ,but not always. There are some mistakes (accidentals missing), and an impenetrable Cm11 voicing in one piece, while the LH chord in part of "I should Care" is one inversion too low (I should Care - "Funny how sheep can send you to sleep"). This last is an example of how fond Bill was of the semitone buzz. I think he preferred voicings for G7 like (going up from just below middle C) B E F A (which is of course G9,13 really) to F A B E (a tritone lower)

Dig in to this!.......2001-12-10

I have spent many hours with the transcriptions included in this book and I plan to spend many more. For those serious enough to invest the time and energy, this compilation allows one to dissect the beautiful complexities of Evans' playing. I found myself working on playing only a few bars at a time after which I would challenge myself to use the chord voicings or melodic figures on other tunes and in different contexts.

Bill Evans is a musician's musician. And that is the reason this set of transcriptions contains such a wealth of information about jazz. Anyone serious about jazz deserves to spend time with this compilation.

TRANSCRIPTIONS I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! THANKS.......2000-04-14

FOR THOSE WHO STRUGGLE TRYING TO TRANSCRIBE BILL EVANS PIANO SESSIONS, THIS IS A GODSENT. EXCELLENT SELECTIONS OF SOME OF HIS GREATEST RECORDINGS. JUST TO HAVE "I SHOULD CARE" IS PRICELESS. THIS WILL BE AT THE TOP OF ANY PIANO MUSICAN'S LIBRARY OF STANDARDS. A TERRIFIC BARGAIN KNOWING THE EFFORT THAT WENT INTO ACCURATE TRANSCRIBING.

one of the better transcription collections.......2000-02-06

This is actually Volume 2 (1995), and contains EIGHT (not eighty) transcriptions of Bill Evans piano parts off the recordings. This collection is better than Vol. 1. First, vol. 1 did not transcribe the comping behind the bass solos. Second, vol. 1 focused on the late Fantasy & early Warner Bros. recordings (1970s), while this collection ranges from the first trio on Riverside, some Verve solo and trio sides, and solo sides from Fantasy. Gripe: when transcribing trio recordings, is it too much to ask that the bass part also be transcribed? Songs: "Autumn Leaves" (mono version), "Spring is Here," and "What is This Thing Called Love" from PORTRAIT IN JAZZ; "Here's That Rainy Day" from ALONE; "I Should Care" and "Make Someone Happy" from TOWN HALL; "The Touch of Your Lips" and "What Kind of Fool am I" from ALONE (AGAIN). No extras (vol. 1 had a short essay and photos).

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Beautiful
Fun sheet music

The Artistry of Bill Evans

Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 089898551X

Product Description

10 songs from this jazz master display his unique lyrical style. Alfie * But Beautiful * Dolphin Dance * Emily * I Will Say Goodbye (Je Vivrai Sans Toi) * Never Let Me Go * Seascape * The Summer Knows (Theme From Summer of '42) * A Time of Love * You Must Believe in Spring.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-08-08

These transcriptions of Bill Evans are superbly done, both accurate and of course very difficult. Evans was the most important modern Jazz Pianist whose influence can still be heard in large numbers of contemporary players.

To play these pieces you will need to have good sight reading skills and technique or a lot of patience. Its one thing to play them off the page (if you are a brilliant reader) but to get that Jazz feel is another matter. The book contains the following transcriptions:

Emily
Alfie
I Will Say Goodbye
Dolphin Dance
Never Let Me Go
But Beautiful
Seascape
You must believe in Spring
The Summer Knows
A Time for Love

Sadly the book does not tell you where the transcriptions are sourced from; other than that most of them are from the 1970's. If you are an Evans fan you might well have some of these transcriptions on CD. The trouble is Evans recorded some of these tunes many times.

Since most of the transcriptions are from Trio performances after the theme statement most of the solos are of the comping left hand with right hand improvisation. This can sound a little empty without a bass player, but if you can get the solos up to a reasonable speed they will sound OK, but you will have to work hard to make them sound good. It would certainly help to have a like-minded bass player handy!

Fun sheet music.......2002-07-12

Always fun to play Bill Evans sheet music, including this one,,this exact note to note from,, records : You must believe in spring, I will say goodbye, Since we meet (& others).
Try 'But Beautiful' from stunning 'Since we meet' album,, Seascape. One of best Jazz sheet music.

Average customer rating:

The Artistry of Bill Evans
Bill Evans
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MU6MXC

Customer Reviews:

The Bonds of Science and Society.......2004-02-18

This pioneering collection of essays all speak in a remarkably integrated manner to the question of what are the relations between science and society by showing that the technical ideas of science (or technology or medicine) are derived from the unspoken general notions that hold the culture together. In short, they show culture in intellectual history, or the history of ideas. The collection is arranged in a sequence of three eras in American history, and each essay within each cluster illustrates the connections between the ideas of society (how society is organized) and of science (how scientists think science is organized). The essays include case studies of early 19th century mechanics's institutes, of women's diseases that appear and disappear in different eras, of ideas of racial nutrition, and of urban airports, among others, each as a problem in American civilization at a different time and how people "resolve" said problems by finally redefining them out of existence. This is history a la Foucault par excellence!

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