Sirens: Symbols of Seduction

Book Description

* A celebration of the irresistible allure of sirens and mermaids in art, literature, and mythology throughout the world. * 160 beautiful color and black-and-white illustrations depicting sirens in all their various seductive forms. * An examination of the psychological drives behind our 3,000-year-old obsession with sirens.

Ever since the Sirens first tempted Ulysses closer to a rocky death with their celestial voices and forbidden secrets, they and their mermaid sisters have maintained an ongoing love affair with humanity's greatest writers, artists, and poets. With the torsos of women and the lower halves of birds or fish, they have long been symbols of the lure of the dark feminine, seducers who beckon men with promises of desires fulfilled. Sirens: Symbols of Seduction is both a celebration of Sirens and an examination of the psychological drives underlying this archetype.

Sirens play important roles in the classical writings of Homer and Euripides, as well as the modern works of James Joyce, H. G. Wells, Oscar Wilde, William Butler Yeats, and many others. Matching these writings with the vibrant work of such artists as Peter Paul Rubens, Hieronymous Bosch, Edvard Munch, and Rene Magritte, Meri Lao has created a feast for the eye and ear as seductive as the Sirens themselves. She traces their evolution from fierce, winged creatures who carry the dead from the battlefield to the elusive, sensuous mermaids glimpsed by sailors for centuries and immortalized in Hollywood by actresses such as Esther Williams and Daryl Hannah. Exploring our 3,000-year-old obsession with Sirens, Lao reveals the secret of their power: their song is the sound of subversiveness, luring us from the orderly world above the waves down to the phantasmagoric realm of dreams, and the harder we try to ignore what they are singing, the more we desperately want to hear it.

Customer Reviews:

A Very Good Resource.......2000-08-01

In researching a paper I am currently writing on the mermaid in literature, I was surpised at the dearth of scholarship on this subject. Lao's book is more a coffee table piece than a scholarly discourse, but it is nicely researched and has pointed me to numerous literary works in which mermaids are mentioned. I must say that the illustrations are not nearly as interesting as those in, say, Ratisseau's beautiful book, but there is more substance here.

Book Description

Udomsak Krisanamis has offered the art world some of the freshest, most astonishing abstract paintings to be seen in the 1990s. Over the past decade, his work has retained formal and conceptual constancies, including the use of additive and reductive painting and collage processes, abstraction, and a disdain for obvious narrative. At the same time, his imagery has undergone some fascinating transitions, from restricted palettes and starry effects to bands and zones of texture and color to edgy, urban grids. Throughout his career, however, his work has continued to wed the conceptual clarity of modernist aesthetics to a more mystical expressiveness, creating paintings of remarkable beauty. The Intimate Portrait is an artist book conceptualized and directed by Krisanamis to accompany his autumn 2000 retrospective at the Wexner Center for the Arts, and is the first publication devoted solely to his work.

Customer Reviews:

Edit your life.......2006-12-14

Hard to find vintage collectible for film buffs.

Hardback covers sound in production (tracks, etc), visuals, equipment & facilities, the mechanics of it (fees, missing shots, cutaways, rushes), using opticals, producing a soundtrack, sound cutting, laying music tracks, making short music longer, indicating opticals, master to showprint.

Published in the UK, so you know it's thorough and good!

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John Burder explains how

16mm Film Cutting (Media Manuals)
John Burder
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0240508572

Book Description

The film editor can make or break a film. What ends up on the cutting room floor, and why? 16mm Film Cutting is a step-by-step guide to film cutting which shows you how to achieve professional results.

The practical side of the editor's job is clearly described and illustrated; breaking down rushes and making a simple join, identifying shots, first assembly, avoiding errors, preparing special effects, instructing the labs, compiling sound tracks and all the other stages in producing the final film.

16mm Film Cutting is an indispensable aid to editors and assistants working in all areas of 16mm film production.

Complex techniques are presented logically for ease of understanding
Ideal reference for all those working in the area of 16mm film production
Gain a comprehensive overview of the processes and skills in 16m film cutting

Customer Reviews:

John Burder explains how.......2000-08-12

When I was doing an internship at the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills I felt completely lost the first week because I didn't have a clue what people were talking about when they refered to checkerboard cutting, A- Winds,B-Winds, Internegatives, Reversal Dupe Negatives etc. All of this "hardcore" filmterminology didn't make a whole lot of sense to me...unitl I discovered Burder's book on 16mm film cutting which really goes into detail and explains the facts of more than just cutting films. His book got me hooked on making films and the art of cinematography and I am even considering it as a career now. Now I can actually watch the credits at the end of my most favorite movies and understand them.

Film editing handbook;: Technique of 16mm film cutting

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Film editing handbook;: Technique of 16mm film cutting
Hugh B Churchill
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0534001343

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The Technique of Editing 16mm Films.
J. BURDER
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPXROM

The Technique of Editing 16mm. Films: Revised Second Edition

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The Technique of Editing 16mm. Films: Revised Second Edition
John Burder
Manufacturer: Hastings House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LC8A4U

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The Technique of Editing 16mm Films

Manufacturer: Communication Arts Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GOTXIA

THE TECHNIQUE OF EDITING 16MM FILMS (FIFTH EDITION)

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THE TECHNIQUE OF EDITING 16MM FILMS (FIFTH EDITION)
John Burder
Manufacturer: Butterworth-Heinemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPRXG0

Book Description

Just to be clear, the theme of this year's Far Side Wall Calendar does not refer to the caliber of the cartoons it contains or to the mental capacity of its creator. Quite the opposite. Apparently, Gary Larson is some kind of genius who, while taking a bath one day, suddenly yelled out, "Eureka! Stupid is the answer!" and as proof of his insight created such classic cartoons as "First pants, THEN your shoes" and "Take me to your stove." Then he dried off and got dressed. Since then, humorologists have debated the root of the phenomenon of finding humor in stupid behavior. Sure, you could say that it touches on some long-repressed sense of inferiority and under-confidence heightened by an intense need to be love unconditionally and without regard to any real or perceived lack of intelligence, but that would make you a little over-analytical (it would also make ou a big dork). Suffice it to say that we prefer a much simpler explanation, one perfectly supported by the cartoons in this calendar: Just Plain Stupid is Just Plain Funny.

Customer Reviews:

Coulda been better.......2002-11-17

The book is the perfect size, the daily boxes are big and great for writing appointments and such down, but when writing on the back of a picture, the color transfers onto the next page, so you end up with a carbon copy.

The actual comics are not the 'best' of the Far Side, but will still make you chuckle.

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The Far Side Just Plain Stupid! 2003 Desk Calendar (Volume 1)
None
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: B000V0BEQI

Product Description

Kay Francis came of age in the Roaring Twenties and relished the eras hedonistic pursuits. Her career as an actress was launched at the same time, and before her death in 1968, she had appeared on many theater stages, in more than 60 films, on radio, in USO tours, as a model, and on television. The tall, stylish actress had a husky voice and dark beauty that was striking on film. Despite her financial success, relaxed morals, and life as a socialite, the millionaire actress shunned luxuries such as limousines and sprawling estates popular among Hollywood elite. The actress who insisted she wanted to be forgotten left behind scrapbooks, boxes of memorabilia and detailed diaries. These rich resources help provide an exhaustive look at the life of one of Hollywoods most intriguing early stars. Francis biography is the heart of this book, beginning with her family background and her upbringing by a vaudevillian actress mother. The story of her extensive career and never-ending romantic pursuits is peppered with comments from the media and her own diaries, and supplemented with ample photographs. A chronology gives dates of theater openings, film releases, marriages, television and radio appearances, births and deaths. A filmography includes complete cast and credit lists.

Customer Reviews:

An uneven start, but a page-turning finish.......2007-07-08

This book had such a slow, uneven start that I almost gave up on it. Kay had a very interesting life, but it was hard to determine that from the way the early chapters of her story were written. Lots of childish exclamation points, and chronological lists that read like "the begats." I adore Kay Francis, and wanted to find out about her life. The authors had the access to her diaries that other biographers were lacking, and her private life was definitely a wild one. That she escaped public, career-ruining scandal is nothing short of a miracle. Once the authors reach her apex year of 1932, and then her war work, the style of the writing really picks up and the story becomes a veritable page-turner. It's definitely worth getting through the first third of the book in order to enjoy the best parts. I respectfully disagree with the reviewer who thinks Kay would have loved this book - she would have hated anyone delving into her private life (she didn't even want anything done with her ashes, she was so private), but speaking as an avid fan of Miss Francis, I'm very glad it was written.

What a hottie!.......2006-05-17

This is one of the best biographies I have ever read. You can tell the authors put a lot of time and effort into this work - it's a true labor of love. Filled with beautiful photos and extensive bibliographical notes, this one is a keeper. Who knew Miss Francis was such a "wild child"? Whether you're a film scholar or a movie buff, Lynn Kear's book deserves a special spot in your bookcase.

Important New Book About Kay Francis.......2006-05-15

This is a very detailed book about the life of Kay Francis. The authors present a chronology of Kay Francis' life based on her diaries and other extensive research. Kear & Rossman provide intimate details of her life in an unbiased and thoughtful manner. The authors were able to convey their love of Kay thru the book. We receive a glimpse into the life of a Hollywood actress in the 20s & 30s. This book will appeal to people interested in Kay Francis and Hollywood. I enjoyed it because it shows the individuality of Kay Francis. Her charity work, midwestern values, sexual encounters, and career are all presented in the book. The pictures were great and interesting.
The book left me wanting to know more about Kay Francis and the movies she starred in. I highly recommend this book.

Finally a book on Kay Francis that answers ALL the questions!.......2006-05-14

I must admit, I didn't know a lot about Kay Francis going into this book but I had seen her in a couple of films and I went the extra mile to delve deeper into her life and career. I was glad I did! Oh, what a life! Oh, what a career!

This book is the definitive reference to Kay's life, both on and off the screen. Her exciting career, her steamy sex life and the best part...much of this book is based on Kay's own personal diary entries. You can't get better than that!

If you know nothing about Kay and you're intrigued with her life, the way I was, you'll learn everything you want and need to know by reading "Kay Francis: A Passionate Life and Career." If you know everything about Kay Francis, you're wrong. You only THINK you do! Without a doubt you'll learn something new here with the turn of every page!

Great book!

Kay is Back!.......2006-05-03

This year movie buffs are extremely fortunate because out on the market is not one but two wonderful new biographies of the actress who "couldn't wait to be forgotten"--Kay Francis. Lynn Kear and John Rossman have done a superb job of detailing Kay's life with an especially rich section about her early life--prior to Hollywood stardom. The book also captures the essence of the jazz age of the 1920's when women were coming out of their shells and becoming less uninhibited. In many ways Kay Francis was the epitomization of the free spirited women of the jazz age. The book, as usual for a McFarland product, is lovely to look at and the picture quality is superb. Both books quote from Kay's diaries which were long forgotten at a University archives. The diaries provide much of the dynamic revelations in the narrative--Kay's candid thoughts about her life and (many) lovers. Kay Francis certainly did, as the title says, have a passionate life--and a career which movie buffs and fans can easily appreciate. We are fortunate to have this wonderful book as a reminder of that life and career.

Book Description

Blues, Then and Now, traces its origin from Africa in its primitive stage to the present day. It profiles the men and women that lived and sang the blues. It portrays a condition of depression, sadness, loneliness, tragedy and sexuality. The reader is taken on a journey from the Mississippi delta to Memphis, New Orleans, north to Chicago, Detroit,St. Louis, Kansas, New York and on to the blues revival of the 1960's and 80's in Europe. Along the way they meet Charley Patton, Eddie 'Son' House, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters,John Lee Hooker, Bessie Smith, "MA' Rainey, Ida Cox and many more. It's about their lives, and their love for the music. It is the story of the blues.

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Glenn Miller in Britain: Then and Now
Chris Way
Manufacturer: Battle of Britain Prints
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Blue Point, Long Island, New York, then and now

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Blue Point, Long Island, New York, then and now
Gene Horton
Manufacturer: Designed and printed by Searles Graphics, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Certainly hipper than I

A magnificent collection by a finely focused journalist

A truly wonderful book

Exquisite works by a writer's writer

Immersion journalism at its finest.

How I Got to Be This Hip: The Collected Works of One of America's Preeminent Journalists
Barry Farrell
Manufacturer: Washington Square Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0671028103

Book Description

The finest pieces by Barry Farrell, one of America's preeminent journalists, are drawn together for the first time in this wise, funny, and moving collection. From first-person musings to scathing social commentary, Farrell chronicled the country's changing cultural tides from the 1960s through the '80s -- and articulated his views with unparalleled precision and insight.

His peers (among them, Joan Didion, John Gregory Dunne, John McPhee, Calvin Trillin, and Norman Mailer) still regard him as one of the most talented nonfiction writers of his time. And what a time: Woodstock, the Manson murders, Allen Ginsberg's tender raging, Patty Hearst's kidnapping and trial, Gary Gilmore's execution/suicide, the LAPD's laughable botching of the Hillside Strangler case. Farrell somehow found his way to the center of all these media events, quickly separated the heroes from the charlatans, and went home to out-write every reporter on the scene.

A must-read for students of writing and followers of journalism, How I Got To Be This Hip is a timeless mirror of America, as seen through the eyes of one of its most astute observers.

Customer Reviews:

Certainly hipper than I.......2004-10-13

I lucked into this book when it came out in 1999; my editor asked me to review it. I was previously unfamilliar with Farrell's work; now I am thrilled to see this book is still in print.

Farrell is a writer's journalist. This is not the sensationalist, info-tainment, "if-it-bleeds-it-leads" garbage you see on Fox News. He goes deep beneath the surface of his story, looking for the larger truths as much as the simple truth. Many of these truths hurt as much as they enlighten. He covers topics ranging from kite-flying to the Hillside Strangler with insight and style. His pieces on serial killers and rape victims are sensitive, yet they pack a serious punch.

This book is much more than a collection of amazing snapshots of recent American history -- it's also literature. No matter what the subject matter, his passion for writing shines through; no matter how gruesome a scene he describes, his style leaves you jubilant.

A magnificent collection by a finely focused journalist.......2003-09-29

Barry Farrell died too young, in 1984. This book will keep his memory alive for those who learned from his lapidary prose. I wish I could have been one of his students--but in a way, having read his work, I feel that in a way, I am.

A truly wonderful book.......1999-07-27

I've been reading with enormous delight this collection of articles by Barry Farrell. It's a posthumous collection by a brilliant writer who died in 1984. What an unexpected thrill it was to discover this book's existence. It helps bring back to life an unfortunately neglected writer. I knew him briefly (too briefly) -- a fine guy. Barry Farrell's bracing journalistic style and humanity take the reader back to a better time in journalism when writers cared deeply about their subject matter.

Exquisite works by a writer's writer.......1999-07-17

Certainly I'm not an objective reviewer. I attended Barry Farrell's classes at UC Santa Barbara in the 1970s -- and was, I believe, rather a disappointment to him -- but he nonetheless became one of my most important role models as a writer. What I've long regretted, however, was not having more of his writing on my bookshelf. Barry mostly published in magazines, and so it's been hard even for those of us who are devoted to his work to find and collect any significant fraction of his lifetime output. I own and cherish a few aging magazines featuring his writing, but these bits and pieces barely scratch the surface of his 30 fruitful years of shoe-leather journalism. This book, then, is a wonderful and long-overdue development. I had read perhaps a third of these pieces, and was delighted to discover them anew. The other two-thirds of the book was an absolute delight, each page a treasure of flowing language and unerring eye for detail. Of course, it also brought back to my ear Barry's voice, and images of him I'll always carry with me: coffe at the outdoor cafe in front of the library at UC Santa Barbara after class, or the time he cajoled Joan Dideon and John Gregory Dunne into visiting our small class of 12 or 15 students in the English Department's spartan conference room. So, take it from a blatantly partisan -- but completely sincere -- reviewer: buy this book! For heaven's sake, if you love great non-fiction writing -- if you are devoted to writers like Joan Dideon, John McPhee, the non-fiction of Wallance Stegner, and other master wordsmiths of our age -- you will not be disappointed.

Immersion journalism at its finest........1999-05-03

Barry Farrell is a name I didn't know before two weeks ago. Barrey Farrell is now a name I won't forget. As a young journalist, I think this book is an essential read for anyone considering a career in the field. But anyone interested in reading great stories that take a smart, comprehensive view of a subject will find just that in this little green book. Farrell is an angel of a writer. But what I admire more is his hard-nosed reporting. After reading some of these stories, for instance "Stalking the Hillside Strangler," it awed me knowing how much footwork had to go into such exquisite work. This book is a clinic on how to report and write, and I will turn to it often for inspiration.

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Mtm Quality Television

Manufacturer: British Film Inst
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0851701639

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