Book Description
Picture a world where good sex is a blessing of the gods, not a cause for guilt, and where acts often considered immoral, even illegal, by today's standards are instead celebrated. Such a world is no futurist's fantasy, but rather the reality of ancient Rome, 100 B.C. to A.D. 250.
In Roman Sex, a lavishly illustrated, contextual study of the erotic art of that era, historian John R. Clarke exposes previously hidden paintings, sculptures, and ceramics featuring such controversial subject matter as group sex, lesbianism, and the phallus as talisman. He then uses these works to explain ancient Roman attitudes toward a range of societal issues. The beautifully reproduced art, all in color, hails from the entire Roman empire, including what is now Germany and France.
Fresh, accessible, and seriously fun, Roman Sex offers copious information about a culture that, though very different, was an important precursor of our own.
Customer Reviews:
Enlightened.......2007-09-07
What a great book. Things we should all know about the past, and not hide. I'm not in agreement with the slaves, but otherwise I think I could live in the Roman culture. What a pity we have been led to believe that sex is ... a sin,ugly, etc - Resist the evil forces that try to lead us, and try to conform us! We should be free ....
Roman Sexuality as Seen through Its Art. .......2006-10-08
"Roman Sex" is a study and showcase of ancient Roman sexual practice as it was expressed in art 100 BC-250 AD. Issues related to sex, such as birth control, birth rates, or courting rituals are beyond the scope of this book. References to sex are plentiful in Roman literature, which was invariably written by elite males. Erotic art, on the other hand, adorned the homes and buildings of a broader swath of Roman society and therefore represented the attitudes of middle and working class Romans as well.
There are about 100 beautifully reproduced photographs of erotic paintings, mosaics, sculpture, and ceramics in "Roman Sex", primarily from Rome, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. But this isn't just a "coffee table" production. Historian and author John Clarke takes care to place the art within its original context, most often in people's homes, and in so doing asks us to put aside the modern ideas of "pornography" and "hetero-" or "homosexuality" that are barriers to viewing sex as the Romans did. Sex in its many forms was a gift from the gods. And erotic art was part of the daily lives of many Romans.
"Roman Sex" explores erotic art in the home, the sexual place of women, art in brothels and baths, the phallus as good luck talisman, and erotic art from Roman France. There is some exquisite art work on display in this book, as well as some paintings that are difficult to make out. The gestures and purposes of some pieces remain mysterious, and the rigid sexual hierarchy of Rome's elite makes for some amusing scenes. But we have the benefit of Clarke's scholarship in deciphering what it all meant to the Romans. "Roman Sex" provides a window on the erotic lives and values of Romans through their beautiful art.
fine assessments.......2003-05-23
The greatest injustice a potential reader of this book could commit would be to see it as merely a handsomely illustrated presentation volume. As John R. Clarke writes in the introduction to this work, it presents a more adequate synthesis and overview of the findings and researches he has pursued on Roman sexuality over the last two decades or so. The essay, a series of discrete chapters, reveals the finest descriptions of Roman sexuality informed by the analysis of ceramic, fresco, and engraved art.
Most clever about Clarke's approach, similar in this respect to his earlier, more site-specific work, is the emphasis put on the interpretation of the artworks by recreating what Roman viewers would look for and find. Roman taboo and Roman prescriptions for the realm of sex differ profoundly from ours and Clarke explicitly draws the distinctions. He explains the narratives on the Roman walls with convincing acuity.
Images from Pompeii figure prominently here. Still, the author has also sought out and discusses more recent findings from Roman France as well as special items that seem finally ready to be shared by their keepers in private collections and museum holding rooms in Switzerland.
Clarke imaginatively and convincingly tries to set the images and objects of art into their original contexts. For example, the images of the Suburban Baths at Pompeii according to the author depict positions and situations that would induce laughter from Roman bathers, male and female alike, thus warding off the evil eye. I am not convinced that a frequent bather would continue to find the same fresco images comical and therefore a protection, but Clarke's understanding of Roman sexuality is stunning and gracefully communicated.
For those who wish to read a beautiful exposition of Roman intimate pursuits and daily encounters with the erotic, I recommend this book highly.
Book Description
What did sex mean to the ancient Romans? In this lavishly illustrated study, John R. Clarke investigates a rich assortment of Roman erotic art to answer this question--and along the way, he reveals a society quite different from our own. Clarke reevaluates our understanding of Roman art and society in a study informed by recent gender and cultural studies, and focusing for the first time on attitudes toward the erotic among both the Roman non-elite and women. This splendid volume is the first study of erotic art and sexuality to set these works--many newly discovered and previously unpublished--in their ancient context and the first to define the differences between modern and ancient concepts of sexuality using clear visual evidence.
Roman artists pictured a great range of human sexual activities--far beyond those mentioned in classical literature--including sex between men and women, men and men, women and women, men and boys, threesomes, foursomes, and more. Roman citizens paid artists to decorate expensive objects, such as silver and cameo glass, with scenes of lovemaking. Erotic works were created for and sold to a broad range of consumers, from the elite to the very poor, during a period spanning the first century B.C. through the mid-third century of our era. This erotic art was not hidden away, but was displayed proudly in homes as signs of wealth and luxury. In public spaces, artists often depicted outrageous sexual acrobatics to make people laugh.
Looking at Lovemaking depicts a sophisticated, pre-Christian society that placed a high value on sexual pleasure and the art that represented it. Clarke shows how this culture evolved within religious, social, and legal frameworks that were vastly different from our own and contributes an original and controversial chapter to the history of human sexuality.
Customer Reviews:
Boobs and phalluses et al........2002-03-22
Only one problem (I think): Clarke doesn't really follow up very well on his early-proposed problem, i.e. just how it is that textual representations of sex don't allow us the same latitude of insight into Roman practices as visual works might otherwise. Still, it might be argued that these thousand-word-speaking pictures do the talking for him, and if that's the case, then I'm fine with that. Get this, though. It's a very worthy study.
Clearly Argued, Captivating Book on an Unusual Topic.......2001-01-27
Clarke's book provides very clear analysis of the purpose and nature of ancient Roman erotica. He uses a wide range of sources--literature, instructive manuals, precedent in Greek and Roman art, setting, etc.--to back up his arguments, which he presents in a lucid style that is as pleasurable to read as it is easy to follow. I particularly recommend the chapter on erotic art in public locations in Pompeii.
Lavishly illustrated, unconvincingly argued.......1998-09-26
Clarke claims he is going to reach down from the Roman elite (which produced the literature) to the masses and to reveal a totally alien (to a presumably homogeneous "us") sexuality. The illustrations are plentiful and may be interpreted in many ways--so many and with so little evidence that any Romans saw any of the ways Clarke does that the reader is left to choose with no real guidance from the author. (And rather a lot of the images come from luxury objects so we remain in the world of representations for the upper stratum of Augustan Rome.)
Average customer rating:
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Silens in Attic Black-figure Vase-painting: Myth and Performance
Guy Michael Hedreen
Manufacturer: University of Michigan Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0472102958 |
Book Description
A welcome examination of some curious creatures and a more curious god
Average customer rating:
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Amateur Photographer Handbook
Newnes
Manufacturer: Hamlyn Publ Group Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 060035668X |
Customer Reviews:
A worthwhile book.......2007-05-18
This book is over 30 years old. Today, it is interesting from an historical perspective--it's fun to read about old techniques and
equipment. What's still relevant, however, is his attitude toward
the picture and the photographer. He celebrates and helps us remember the fact that the brain is the most important piece of photographic equipment. The judgment of the photographer is discussed and emphasized.
I was given this book years ago and still read parts of it because
the philosophies and points of view are true today.
Average customer rating:
- excellent book of photography from anis to apartures
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The amateur photographer's handbook
Aaron Sussman
Manufacturer: Crowell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
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General
| How-to
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
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ASIN: B0007HDO6I |
Customer Reviews:
excellent book of photography from anis to apartures.......1998-09-24
Wonderful book. Ever wonder how to make film developer in your basement? Great tips on picture taking, exposure, etc. Everything you need to know is here. Teaches you all the things you should know before buying that new Nikon N-90...from a very elementary level.
Book Description
This contains the tales from Red Sonja issues #1-7, presented in glorious, fully re-mastered color. These tales are where it all begins, and help set the stage for the current Red Sonja series! This is a must have collection of never before reprinted material, featuring a cover Frank Thorne. Plus, legendary Red Sonja writer and former Editor-in-Chief Roy Thomas provides an introduction!
Customer Reviews:
A lot of information.......2006-03-23
Did you like the movie? (I loved it!) If yes then you will want this book ... it is all you want to know (and more) about King Kong 2005. A good read.
A Fantastic Book!.......2006-03-11
Very simple...a fantastic book from a fantastic film. Well written and concise. The photography is perfect and fills you in on the myriad of details that went into this stunning film. The parts on how Wellington, New Zealand became New York are worth the price alone. The detail is overwhelming. As someone who lives in New York I was amazed that Peter Jackson and crew captured the rows of piers that once jutted out into the Hudson, towards Hoboken, New Jersey. This didn't have to be put in...yet is a small example of the attention, pure attention to detail that went into the making of this film. This will not destroy the mystery behind the making of this epic...it will enhance it.
excelent book!!!.......2006-03-03
Having always been a fan of '76 version of King Kong and never having seen the original version, at first when I knew that Peter Jackson was making his updated version, I became excited because it was one of those iconic mosters from my childhood, and also because Peter Jackson's previous works with The Lord of the Rings, which was quite amazing.
This is one very detailed hell of a book!!! Really good technical stuff as well as concept work, I just wish there would have included more Kong pics, either concept art as well as any photo from the movie. But anyway, this stuff is great!!!!
Amazing Insight into the World of Kong - A Must Have!.......2006-02-11
Having watched Peter Jackson's remake of King Kong three times already, I wondered so often during the film how they made it all look so real. I never doubted for a second that there was an uncharted island of the coast; it was all so real and vibrant I couldn't help believing. I wanted to know exactly how they created not only Skull Island and it's creatures, but the whole city of New York, the actor's takes on the movie, and Peter Jackson's vision. Having said so, I believe this is the best possible guide for the movie you could have.
Each page is a veritable explosion of color and detail as they take you through step-by-step, explaining the creations of miniatures and models, motion-capture of Andy Serkis, and blue and green screens suddenly turning into lush tropical jungles, or cold, dirty, city streets. They give histories into the Skull Island natives, personal actor narritations of their characters, and detailed explanations of the process of creating an image in the computer and bringing it to life on the big screen. This is one of those books with something for everyone, and you can skip around to whatever interests you most. Myself, I read the entire book and often went back to certain sections to just immerse myself in the creative genius of the people who made this production a reality. It also made me a bit amazed at times, when I learned that the famous log scene was conducted on a bucking constructed log in the middle of a sea of blue screens only 2 meters from the floor. Or that New York wasn't really New York at all. Or even that the biplanes were all reconstructed by hand from old blueprints, because there were no surviving ones. It also talked about teh detail put into the shop windows, where everything was bought or made by hand. After reading this, I had such a deep feeling of respect and amazment for the people who worked on this production, making it as realistic as possible. I know that sounds weird, because King Kong is a fantasy story, but with such heart and detail and life, it's hard to think of it as anything but real. In all, this is the perfect book for anyone who wants more insight into the world of Kong, or even wants to be entertained and amazed time and time again.
Making of King Kong a valuable guide.......2006-01-30
This book is one of the best "Making of" volumes I have read - informative, interesting, intelligent, and with plenty of 'insider' views of the film making process. Refreshingly, the focus is less on the "let's chat with the movie stars" aspect, and far more on the complex process of pulling this huge movie together. A real salute to Peter Jackson and his team!
Product Description
Back cover of book:
Journey behind the magic of Peter Jackon's critically acclaimed blockbuster King Kong with this fascinating, intimate view of different stages of production on the hit film. Packed with exclusive images and personal recollections from the filmmakers, actors, and crew, The Making of King Kong takes you right into the heart of King Kong headquarters in Wellington, New Zealand.
Book Description
Both practical business manual and prized legal companion, this latest edition of the best-selling guide contains the solid strategies and practical advice songwriters and performers need to survive and thrive in today's competitive music industry. Using dozens of real-life examples, readers will find up-to-date information on avoiding copyright infringement, working effectively with managers and music lawyers, developing management and booking agreements, and more. This updated edition is completely revised and expanded with two brand-new chapters on the do's and don'ts of starting and running a band, and how to make money from music. It also includes expanded material on Internet copyright issues.
Customer Reviews:
Great legal reference and advice book.......2006-05-16
If you need some guidance and reference within the music industry, this is the book you should be looking at. While keeping it simple, the author explains advanced legal issues that you might have had a hard time comprehending before. While this is a great reference, I suggest buying it as a pair with "101 Music Business Contracts" from Platinum Millennium.
Offers a healthy dose of concrete business facts.......2004-06-04
This updated edition of Making It In The Music Business for performers and songwriters covers all the basics of music industry relations and includes new sections on how to start and run a band, and how to protect copyrights and work with music lawyers. As much a business reference as a 'how to' guide for musicians, Making It In The Music Business offers a healthy dose of concrete business facts about how the music industry works and musicians with a dose of concrete savvy will find its advice invaluable and practical.
Average customer rating:
- Great
- Very good introduction to the subject.
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Making It in the Music Business: A Business and Legal Guide for Songwriters and Performers
Lee Wilson
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Reference
| Music
| Entertainment
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Business
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
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General
| Music
| Entertainment
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Songwriting
| Theory, Composition & Performance
| Music
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Job Hunting & Careers
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
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| General
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| Interviewing
| Job Hunting
| Job Markets & Advice
| Resumes
| Vocational Guidance
| Volunteer Work
ASIN: 0452268486 |
Customer Reviews:
Great.......2006-05-17
This book offers a revolutionary new look at the music industry. You'll find yourslef thinking about it in ways you never thought before! I suggest buying several copies of this book, because if you happen to set one on fire then you will be able to have one as backup. Trust me. Also read "The Music Business Bundle" from Platinum Millennium
Very good introduction to the subject........2003-04-19
I have many books and much experience with the subject matter. The problem with reading music industry books is a lot of times you read the chapter heading and think it will be common sense. Yet sometimes when you read something it has more of an impact, than when you think it. It is true of this book. There is a lot of information about law that you may think you know... but read it and it'll increase your knowledge and change your dogmas about the industry.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent
- Great. Must-have!
- Essential reading for everyone in the music business.
- Making It in the Music Business
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Making It in the Music Business: The Business and Legal Guide for Songwriters and Performers (Little Book Series)
Lee Wilson
Manufacturer: Allworth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Popular Economics
| Business & Investing
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General
| Business & Investing
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Business
| Music
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General
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Songwriting
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ASIN: 1581150369 |
Customer Reviews:
Excellent.......2006-05-21
Music business is an area where many dream to enter but also many see their dreams being crushed by outside forces. If you don't want to rise and fall quickly then you must read a guide into this world. This book is exactly that, a comprehensive guide into the closed door world of the music moguls. The book by Lee Wilson is one of the best on the market, with an easy structure and understandable terms for all those who want to engage in a music industry I recommend this book for all those who want an insider's look into the industry.
Great. Must-have!.......2006-05-16
This book is written in a way that anyone can understand. However, it covers advanced legal issues that are hard for anyone to understand. This book clears up any legal questions you might have had, and does it in a simple way. I recommend this book alongside "101 Music Business Contracts" from Platinum Millenium.
Essential reading for everyone in the music business........2000-04-04
This business and legal guide for songwriters and performers illustrates aspects of the law with examples from real life, providing appropriate and easy insights on everything from copyright law to choosing a manager and working with music lawyers. Any involved in music will find Making it in the Music Business an important, practical guide.
Making It in the Music Business.......2000-01-12
This book is a "must have" for every songwriter and artist out there. Even though it discusses legal issues, it's not full of legalese. I can hardly believe it's by an attorney! But rest assured, it's full of pertinent information written in an easy-to-read style. Don't sign any contract until you've read the entire book.
Average customer rating:
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The Nickel and Dime Decade: American Popular Culture During the 1930s
Gary Dean Best
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Popular Culture
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ASIN: 027594395X |
Book Description
This study shows that, despite numerous surface similarities, the popular culture of the 1930s was different from that of the 1920s in a variety of ways, and not only because of the Great Depression. It was a period of quiet desperation and shifting values, one in which nickels and dimes replaced dollars as the currency of popular culture, and in which the emphasis was on finding methods to occupy idle time and idle minds. Popular culture during the 1930s is important for understanding not only how Americans coped, but why they did so with such good humor and so little of the discontent visible elsewhere in the world. An appreciation of popular culture during the 1930s is essential to understanding other aspects of the decade.
Average customer rating:
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Television, Childhood, and the Home: A History of the Making of the Child Television Audience in Britain (Oxford Television Studies)
David Oswell
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Television
| Entertainment
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History & Criticism
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General
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Marriage & Family
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Social Situations
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Children
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ASIN: 0198742606 |
Book Description
Television audiences, as with other media audiences, are virtual entities. They have an existence, not immediately visible, but one that drives research, investment in programmes, public concern, and government policy. More than any other audience, the child television audience has generated more debate, anxiety, and action. What harm does television do children? Should parents restrict their children's viewing? Is children's television becoming too commercialized? How can we make programmes for very young children? This book, the first academic study of its kind, uncovers a history of the child television audience. Looking in detail at children's television and its audience in Britain in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, the book shows how an audience literally came into being, how it was given substance, and how it became the site of intervention. Skilfully written and painstakingly researched, Television, Childhood, and Historical Reception is a history of an audience-in-the-making.
Books:
- Sahel: The End of the Road (Series in Contemporary Photography, 3)
- Shootback
- Sirens: Symbols of Seduction
- Spectacular Bodies: The Art and Science of the Human Body from Leonardo to Now
- Star Style at the Academy Awards: A Century of Glamour
- The Anime Companion: What's Japanese in Japanese Animation
- The Art and Films of Lynn Hershman Leeson: Secret Agents, Private I
- The Art of John Berkey (Paper Tiger)
- The Barbizon School & the Origins of Impressionism
- The Best of Business Card Design 7 (Best of Business Card Design (Hardback))
Books Index
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Looking at Lovemaking: Constructions of Sexuality in Roman Art, 100 B.C. - A.D. 250
Eroticism in Pompeii
Sexuality in Greek and Roman Culture (Ancient Cultures)
Sacred Sexuality in Ancient Egypt: The Erotic Secrets of the Forbidden Papyri
Art in the Lives of Ordinary Romans: Visual Representation and Non-Elite Viewers in Italy, 100 B.C.-A.D. 315 (Joan Palevsky Book in Classical Literature)
