Art Up Close: From Ancient to Modern

Average customer rating:

Great beginning art book for young children

Great beginning art book for young children

Art Up Close: From Ancient to Modern
Claire d'Harcourt
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Art | Arts & Music | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Masterpieces Up Close: Western Painting from the 14th to 20th Centuries

The Art Book For Children

Cave Paintings to Picasso: The Inside Scoop on 50 Art Masterpieces

Art Is...

I Spy Shapes in Art

ASIN: 0811854647

Book Description

Send children on a search for tiny details hidden in full-color reproductions of some of the world's most celebrated works of art. Lift-the-flap keys reveal the solutions to each puzzle and the fascinating stories behind the works that helped art develop throughout the ages.

Customer Reviews:

Great beginning art book for young children.......2003-10-07

This book was reviewed in Parents magazine and I thought I would give it a try.
It is wonderful. It is an I Spy type book with copies of famous paintings spanning hundreds of years and there are 12 small circles that are on each page and you and your child need to try to find each of the small areas in the larger picture. My 5 year old son loves this book.

Great beginning art book for young children.......2003-10-07

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Alan Moore took this as an opportunity to try something completely different with the Swamp Thing character, and pretty much succeeded. While I am not as much a fan of this as some people, it is still pretty good.

The Swamp Thing series also introduces to someone perhaps a bit more interesting. John Constantine, Hellblazer.

Where the comics revolution REALLY began.......2007-06-18

Many would say that the comic industry was redefined by works such as Watchmen and The Dark Knight returns, but for me (and there are countless people who would agree with me on this one) it all started with the first issue of Swamp Thing included in this collection. "The Anatomy Lesson" heralded a new narrative structure and a literary voice that still rings in the ears of most comic book fantatics to this day: Alan Moore. After clearing up some unfinished storylines before starting his revamp of the character Moore started to cut loose, and Saga of the Swamp Thing moved from an obscure horror comic book into legend. Not only is "The Anatomy Lesson" brilliant, but there are other stories in here that would rank as some of my favorites of all time. Though some people might claim that Moore was still trying out panel transitions and experimental narrative structures that did not always work, I disagree. They worked perfectly, and make reading the comic so much more enjoyable. If the narrative seems long-winded to some, well then, they can just go ahead and feast their eyes on the gorgeous art (courtesy of John Totleben and Steve Bissette). I also have to mention the very last issue in this collection as a counterpoint to the first, entitled "By Demons Driven." This story gives us a taste of things to come in future collections, and just when events just can't seem to get any darker the last panel of this issue proves us wrong. Even if you're not a comic fan, you should get this. See where it all really began. Buy it. Read it. Let the words penetrate the root systems of your mind. Smell the moss. Taste the fear...hold it in your hands. Saga of the Swamp Thing.

the beginning of a horror masterwork.......2006-10-14

"No death, no doom, no anguish can arouse the surpassing dispair which flows from a loss of identity. Merging with nothingness is peaceful oblivion; but to be aware of existence and yet to know that one is no longer a definite being distinguished from other beings - that one no longer has a self - that is the nameless summit of agony and dread." - H.P. Lovecraft

The ability to communicate this concept, sudden and total loss of identity, is a high achivement. -That- is psychological horror, and Swamp Thing delivers with gusto. The elemental forces of horror, combined with the most efficent form of story-telling, all under the direction of masters of the craft. If you know how to read, read this.

Sophisticated Suspense.......2006-08-17

The above title was once the series tagline. Anyway, Vol.1 starts off with the autopsy of Swamp Thing by the Floronic Man showing that Swamp Thing was never human. He was only the memories of Holland combined into the living swamp. He soon returns to the swamp and sets up roots in the swamp and begins to grow some sort of vegetables. Abigail soon finds Swamp Thing and is confronted by the Floronic Man and tells her the above information. However, once Floronic Man gets in touch with his inner plant, he goes on a rampage and destroys many houses and takes many lives. Swamp Thing soon comes out of his catonic state and confronts Floronic Man and tells him he's hurting 'the green'. This chapter also features a special series of camo's by the JLA. The book then takes a supernatural turn when Abigail takes a job at a childrens asylumn. One child in particular knows a very dark and disturbing secret. The last few chapters involve the demon Etrigan as well.

This was a very good series of chapters. It starts out slow, but eventually, you just can't put this book down. My favorite chapter is 'The Sleep of Reason', when we are introduced to Paul (the disturbed child, who Abigail works with)and his macabre 'visions' of the so called 'Monkey King' demon. Also, Etrigan enters the fray. Great first run by Alan Moore. I hope to get more of his Swamp Thing series soon. A very good read for any comic fan. (By the way: I'm 15).

You can't kill a vegetable..........2006-07-01

After ending the twenty issue run of Martin Pasko for him, Alan Moore presents a retcon of the Swamp Thing character and brings in DC minor characters such as the Demon and Floronic Man. In his changes to Swamp Thing's origins Moore shows his brilliance and brings the character much closer to the swamp itself. All this with great lines like "You can't kill a vegetable by shooting it in the head", and you have another great trade paperback. However, what could you have really expected, it's Alan Moore.

Saga of the Swamp Thing 1987 Graphic Novel (1)

Average customer rating:

Saga of the Swamp Thing 1987 Graphic Novel (1)

Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000CQPVJ2

Product Description

1987 Earlier version of the current Swamp Thing Graphic Novel by Alan Moore. A must have for any fan!

Average customer rating:

Hex No. 10 Jun "Cult of Death"
Michael Fleisher
Manufacturer: DC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000UIF9X0

Average customer rating:

Hex No. 12 Aug "When a Hero Falls!"
Michael Fleisher
Manufacturer: DC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000UIIXR4

Average customer rating:

Hex No. 15 Nov plus: "The Dogs of War"
Michael Fleisher
Manufacturer: DC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000UIH4AG

Hex No. 16 Dec "The Slayer and the Slave"

Average customer rating:

Hex No. 16 Dec "The Slayer and the Slave"
Michael Fleisher
Manufacturer: DC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000UIH6K4

Average customer rating:

Hex No. 18 Feb
Michael Fleisher
Manufacturer: DC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000UIDLEO

Average customer rating:

Hex No. 2-6
Michael Fleisher
Manufacturer: DC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000UIEUIK

Product Description

Five Issues In a Row No's 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Average customer rating:

Hex No. 8 Apr
Michael Fleisher
Manufacturer: DC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000UID1LM

Average customer rating:

Hex No. 9 May "Day of the Cyborg"
Michael Fleisher
Manufacturer: DC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000UI9RKQ

Product Description

She was a slum mother, witty housekeeper, nosy neighbor, meddling maid, town gossip, and most memorably, Ma Kettle. Marjorie Main is best remembered for her portrayal of the farm mother of 15 children and wife of shiftless Pa Kettle. The characters were introduced in the 1945 film The Egg and I, and were such a hit that eight films followed. At an age when most actresses careers are waning, Mains star was just beginning to rise. In real life, Main was as down to earth as characters she played. Her attire on the set and around her house were the same: a simple cotton house dress or jeans. She preferred riding the bus because she enjoyed interacting with regular peoplethe inspiration for her characters. This book chronicles Mains childhood on an Indiana farm and the inspirations that led her to the stage. After a distinguished theater career and minor film roles, at age 50 she was offered a long-term contract with premier studio MGM. Details of her acting career and personal life covered here include her marriage to a scholarly widower 26 years her senior, and her work with actor Percy Kilbride, who was the antithesis of his character, the slothful Pa Kettle. A detailed filmography includes cast and credit lists and trivia about each of Mains 85 films.

Customer Reviews:

Terribly disappointing.......2006-09-21

Like the rest of the reviewers here, I looked forward to the release of this biography of a favorite film star and its promise of meaningful insights into the life and career of Marjorie Main. But when I received and read this volume, I was terribly disappointed to find it an extremely superficial treatment of a clearly complex life story and not at all worth the price.

Half of the page count of this book is comprised of a detailed index/filmography containing virtually nothing of value pertaining to the actress but, instead, referencing Hollywood trivia of other actors and personalities.

The "biography" portion of this book, meanwhile, glosses over the personalities and events one would think were central to the life and lifestyle of Marjorie Main and seems to rely mostly on studio shots and publicity posters to push the page count as far as it could go.

For those who expect a work of scholarship and insight, this book will in no way justify its cost -- or your expectations. For a credible and satisfying treatment of the subject, we'll have to wait for another author to take up the challenge.

Best book I've read this year!.......2006-07-06

Marjorie Main has always been one of my favorite actresses and I've long wondered what her personal life was like away from the screen. This book tells it all and what a delightful read.

If you're interested in the Ma and Pa Kettle film series you'll be thrilled with the author's extensive research into the Universal Studios archives because the behind the scenes info is riveting. Of course, Marjorie's other films aren't overlooked and the extensive filmography is loaded with details on her co-stars (a lot on Percy Kilbride aka Pa Kettle) and each individual production.

There are photos on almost every page. All in all, a very enjoyable book and one to pick up again and again. I'm so pleased this wonderful actress now has a definitive book written about her.

Go an' get it!

Definitive Hollywood Biography / Filmography.......2006-05-27

This is not only a candid biography, but also a thorough, complete filmography. In typical McFarland fashion, the illustrations are reproduced with excellent quality, and include not only movie stills but also lobby cards and posters. The research is highlighted by letters written by Marjorie's husband that reveal much about their relationship and offers a different side of Marjorie. Michelle Vogel has written a MUST HAVE bio for fans of Marjorie and anyone interested in the Golden Age of Hollywood. If you only knew her as Ma Kettle, this fine book will illuminate one of the great American character actresses. What an excellent choice for a biography!

Loved this book!.......2006-05-08

This long awaited biography on Marjorie Main is such an enjoyable book. The filmography is extensively researched and peppered with trivia relating to each film and co-star. A trivia buff's dream!

The rare press book info, childhood stories, studio archive papers and personal letters to Marjorie from Dr. Krebs, her very strange husband, is a treat to read. Their relationship has to be read about to be believed and even then, you're left scratching your head. Marjorie seemed like a very jealous woman, even though her husband was 25 years her senior, she was exceedingly accusatory of his actions and in turn he would feel the need to write long letters of explanations to calm her down.

Dr. Krebs would even go as far as to write her IOU's for small amounts of money leant to him, by her. After his death, she would continue to talk with him as if he were alive and she'd even set a place for him at the dinner table! Don't want to give too much away so I'll end this before I do.

As I said, it was a VERY strange relationship, even by Hollywood's standards...

Marjorie Main comes across as a real character, both on and off the screen. Her eccentric lifestyle makes for a real page turner and the photographs are reproduced well. Clean, sharp images (which many books do not have these days) and there are a lot in here to look at too. Just about every one of her 80 plus films is represented as well as many rare promo and portrait photos.

This is a great companion to the recent 'Ma and Pa Kettle' DVD sets that were released last year. Reading about Marjorie Main's life and career makes you want to pop in a movie and watch her work her magic.

Long overdue book this one and kudos to the the author who does a fabulous job of weaving everything together for a most enjoyable and informative read. A great tribute to a great star!

It was worth the wait!.......2006-02-05

Finally a bio on one of Hollywood's greatest character actors of all time, Marjorie Main. When you read this book and remember the countless classic films that she was in, it makes you wonder why she hasn't been written about before and why, and this is perhaps the biggest crime of all, she hasn't got a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Something should be done about the latter!

This book is a loving tribute, well researched, beautifully arranged with some super photos and very informative about what Marjorie Main was like both on screen and off. Her marriage to the eccentric Dr. Krebs (a much older man) makes some of today's Hollywood partnerships seem somewhat normal! What a strange relationship!

The filmography is peppered with facts about the making of each film and/or the stars involved. I wish more filmographies were set out like this. Reading this part of the book is just as entertaining, if not more so, than the biography section.

Overall an extremely enjoyable read and one that Marjorie would be proud of. Thanks to the author for doing this wonderful lady justice. A job well done!

Book Description

Genesis members and ex-members Rutherford, Banks, Hackett, Collins and Phillips all provide valuable insight into the rise from prog-rock theatrical curio to worldwide stadium band. Hewitt has compiled the ultimate guide to all things Genesis, with full discography, gigography and guide to collectable memorabilia. "I took his book on holiday and it's so detailed, you're reading things about your life that you'd fogotten."-Mike Rutherford, founder member, Genesis.

Customer Reviews:

Chronicles the minutia!.......2004-09-23

Hewitt's book is a dense, detailed compilation of tourdates, LP and singles releases, with some extra resources (e.g fanclub info, bootlegs) thrown in. Very thorough and interesting for fanatics, but if you expect a biography, forget it. The whole history of the band (1966-1999) is compressed into about 80 pages, much of it bearing very clear similarity to Gallo's and Platt's books. Each album is given only about 2 pages of print. I found a few new tidbits, but other books do a much better job with the bio.
My main complaints with the book would be the scarcity of photos, and a section purported to discuss the more collectible releases, which doesn't do more than list a few select (and not all that rare) records.
In all, the compilation of tourdates and discography is excellent. A good collection, but thin on shedding light on the band's incedible career.

Very enjoyable (from a serious Genesis fan).......2002-12-31

I've read everything on Genesis that I've been able to find since 1984 and I am thoroughly enjoying this book. It contains many little tidbits (quotes from the members themselves) that are delightful and that I haven't seen anywhere else. The discologies and gigologies are detailed to a fault (I tend to skip over these) but I'm sure they're helpful to the hard core followers. (I do peek at them once in a while) The book has rekindled my wish to have been around at the band's early stages. I would have enjoyed standing in the mud at one of their outdoor gigs in the 70's. The only thing I don't like is that sentences that begin with...."Sadly, (whatever) has never been published or made available to the public....(so on)" This of course is no fault of the author....if anything it shows the author's thorough research. I can't believe it's out of print already.

A book of lists.......2000-08-26

I agree with the first posting. This is just page after page of stats. Genesis played here, Genesis played there, here are the dates etc. And then all the solo projects. Steve Hacket played here, Steve Hacket played there and here are the dates. And now we move on to Phil Collins, and "Mike and the Mechanics" dates and locations, dates and locations, dates and locations, and so on and so on. And then all the TV appearences for the band and solo appearences etc. Perhaps it's "new" in that no author ever provided these comprehensive lists before but it's really boring stuff!!! I AM A HUGE GENESIS FAN but listing every venue played on a given tour is not very interesting to me. I love their music far too much to be obsessed with their stats. As far as Armando Gallo's book is concerned all I can say is stopping it at 1980 is a good thing not a bad thing. Long live the Guaranteed Eternal Sanctuary Man!!!!!

A Find For The Faithful Genesis Fan.......2000-08-10

This book accomplishes a rare feat. It is difficult to find anything new these days about Genesis. The popularity of the band in the last 15 years has inspired numerous books, none of which truly provide anything new or newsworthy to the dedicated Genesis fan. The definitive book on Genesis was written by Armando Gallo. Gallo's "I Know What I Like" is acknowledged by all Genesis fans as THE Book on Genesis. Gallo's book, however, stops at 1980, just before the band was about to breakthrough to their highest levels of popularity. Others have attempted to write about this popular era of Genesis but have missed the boat, simply covering the obvious elements of their success. The real story of Genesis lies in the details, and in their history. Hewitt's "Opening the Musical Box" does something that no book on Genesis has attempted to do....it covers the smaller details of the band's history that are left untouched by other authors. It offers a comprehensive gigography, something never attempted in print before, and a monumental undertaking for a band that has been playing live shows for four decades. And as if that wasn't enough, Hewitt also manages to provide complete gig listings for all solo tours of Genesis members, past and present. The author covers the history of the band in a way that gives the reader a good overview of their past, but without getting bogged down in the obvious. And every era of the band's history is given equal treatment - a rarity among most books on Genesis which inevitably concentrate on the 1980s and 1990s. Plus within the text of each era, tidbits of new information can be found, and this exercise is carried into the chapters that focus on each of the individual members of the group. Even the most knowledgeable Genesis fan will learn something by reading "Opening the Musical Box". A must have for anyone serious about learning about Genesis.

Not Quite a "A Genesis Chronicle".......2000-07-11

Though it calls itself "A Genesis Chronicle" it is really more of a Genesis collectors resource guide and statistical abstract than a chronicle of the band. I recommend you try and obtain a copy of Armando Gallo's "I know What I like" if your looking for a "A Genesis Chronicle". unfortunatly It contains only a few photos the best of which is on the cover. The interviews are not what I'd hoped as they are really just quotes within the text rather than actual recorded interviews. If your a collector and/or trader of Genesis memorabelia than this is a good 'tool' to have handy. If, however, you're seeking real insight into the remarkable compositions, musicianship, and artistic expression of Genesis you are likely to go away empty handed from this book.

Average customer rating:

Useful Book

Audience: Tournament Directors and Experienced Tournament Players

Complete US Rules of Chess

Difficult Understanding for the Newcomer to Chess

SERIOUSLY: something more easy for a new comer to chess needs to be written

United States Chess Federation's Official Rules of Chess, Fifth Edition (Chess)
U.S. Chess Federation
Manufacturer: Random House Puzzles & Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Chess | Board Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner To Master

The Amateur's Mind: Turning Chess Misconceptions into Chess Mastery

Pawn Structure Chess

How to Reassess Your Chess: The Complete Chess-Mastery Course(Exp. 3rd Edition)

Chess Tactics for Champions: A step-by-step guide to using tactics and combinations the Polgar way (Chess)

ASIN: 0812935594
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Book Description

The U.S. Chess Federation's Official Rules of Chess is the only official rulebook for chess. Serious players at every level as well as chess club teachers, directors, and tournament sponsors should have it on hand during every match. This new edition features the latest rules, including guidelines for the popular game of speed chess, an updated quick rating system, and the latest conventions of governing tournaments. It also contains explanations of every legal move, a guide to calculating lifetime rankings, guidelines for sponsoring and running a tournament, and a lesson on how to read and write chess notation.

Customer Reviews:

Useful Book.......2007-05-10

This book is a very interesting to review. I read it so that I could become a USCF tournament director, but it is still a useful book for anyone interested in chess. It is especially good to glance over if you want to start going to tournaments, but is not necessary. If you are looking for a story or anything of that nature, it is not a book for you.

Audience: Tournament Directors and Experienced Tournament Players.......2006-12-31

It appears that it isn't understood that the "United States Chess Federations'Official Rules of Chess" is NOT a book for a newcomer to be learning the rules from. It is a technical book suited for tournament directors and experienced chess players. Overlooked, is another book in it's first edition by the same publisher (Random House), "Winning Chess Tournaments for Juniors" look looks at the rules on a more basic and practical level for the non tournament director. I have read it will also be availlable in a new second edition. The rules are many, and the wording is important, just like the wording of laws, or the directions to putting together complex machinery. Do not expect an advanced guide, which it is intended it to be, and does a great job, to be easily understood by a beginner. I hope this review has taken a little confusion out of what this book is all about.

Complete US Rules of Chess.......2006-09-14

You will find a very good index and table of contents making everything you are looking for easy to find. This book is a must for very serious tournament player, chess coach and required for tournament directors who run tournaments under the United States Chess Federation.
I agree that the book is so huge it is hard to pinpoint what rules are more important than others to focus on for a chess player. Most scholastic tournamnets use a "sudden death" time control but with digital clocks having time delay it is complicated to understand for a beginner to chess tournaments. There are a couple of books that do explain "chess tournaments" in a more simplified way already published. But no book can replace owning a copy of the "United States Chess Federation's Official Rules". My suggestion is for them to do a future edition with a chapter for the beginner to point out which sections are most important, especially for the scholastic player.

Difficult Understanding for the Newcomer to Chess.......2006-09-12

I got this book just before going into my first rated chess tournament. It was hard for me to make heads or tails from what was important to learn and what wasn't. I also found some of the explanations to be long and difficult to understand. This book is not very beginner friendly. Is there another book out there that makes things more clear for a newcomer?

SERIOUSLY: something more easy for a new comer to chess needs to be written.......2006-09-04

Whereas, "THE USCF OFFICIAL RULES OF CHESS" is written for tournament directors and experienced tournament players to understand, a book for the newcomer to chess is needed that covers:

1. Helping the newcomer focus on what is important for practical use in tournament play. The USCF rulebook has so much material it is impossible to know what is important and what is not so important for a tournament player to learn. Help is needed in the massive maze of material!
2. Some more detail to explain the meanings of some of the rules in more simple language for the newcomer.
3. Are there certain rules that often create problems? What are these rules and how can a player protect his or herself.

For a newcomer to chess this book gets 2 stars. For a tournament director or experienced tournament player this book gets 4 stars. Therefore, I figure 3 starts is a fair balance.

Book Description

Although some scholars credit Shakespeare with creating in Henry IV's Falstaff the first "second banana" character (reviving him for Henry IV Part Two), most television historians agree that the popular co-star was born in 1955 when Art Carney, as Ed Norton, first addressed Jackie Gleason with a "Hey, Ralphie-boy," on The Honeymooners. The phenomenon has proved to be one of the most enduring achievements of the American sitcom, and oftentimes so popular that the co-star becomes the star.

Twenty-nine of those popular co-stars get all of the attention in this work. Each chapter focuses on one television character and the actor or actress who brought him or her to life, and provides critical analysis, biographical information and, in several instances, interviews with the actors and actresses themselves. It includes people like Art Carney of The Honeymooners, Don Knotts of The Andy Griffith Show, Ted Knight of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Max Baer of The Beverly Hillbillies, Vivian Vance and William Frawley of I Love Lucy, Ann B. Davis of The Brady Bunch, Jamie Farr of M*A*S*H, Ron Palillo of Welcome Back, Kotter, Jimmie Walker of Good Times, Tom Poston of Newhart and Michael Richards of Seinfeld, to name just a few.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books