Mythic Beings: Spirit Art of the Northwest Coast

Customer Reviews:

A FIND.......2004-05-23

I recently came back from a trip to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. It isn't enough that it is some of the most beautiful landscape on Earth, but I also discovered the amazing artists of the Pacific Northwest community. The artworks within this book (as well as Spirit Faces also by this author) are so moving and beautiful, my only regret is that I am not able to start collecting on a massive scale.

Mr. Wyatt also allows the artists to describe for the readers their inspirations and ideas behind their products, which allows us to get to know them a little. After a short while I was able to determine the various artists based upon the varying styles of the pieces depicted here.

Highly recommended!

Mythic Beings : Spirit Art of the Northwest Coast.......2000-07-30

Great color photos and and discriptions of the carvings and artwork. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that is interested in Northwest Coast art.

Mythic Beings : Spirit Art of the Northwest Coast.......2000-07-30

Great color photos and and discriptions of the carvings and artwork. I would definatly recommend this to anyone that is interested in Northwest Coast art.

A welcome addition to Native American art/culture studies........2000-04-06

Profusely illustrated with brilliant, full color photography, Gary Wyatt's Mythic Beings: Spirit Art Of The Northwest Coast is a superb introduction to aboriginal art including totems, wood sculpture, masks, stone carvings and more. Wyatt's informative text is an outstanding survey placing each art piece within their cultural context, enhanced with the artist's own descriptions and commentaries. Mythic Beings is a very welcome addition to personal, academic, and professional Native American art and cultural reference collections.

Impressive Book on Northwest Coast Art.......1999-12-14

Mythic Beings is an unassuming but impressive book. The major organizing theme is that spirit art captures the rich cultural and aesthetic traditions that permeate regional artistic expression. Northwest Coast art can be intimidating because it has a complex cosmology and iconography. Wyatt, however, makes this complexity accessible by using two underlying principles. The universe consists of separate but interrelated realms (e.g., sky, underwater), and each realm has its characteristic real and mythical creatures. Mythical creatures have distinctive physical representations used in both sacred and secular representations.

Mythic Beings features 75 beautifully reproduced photographs of masks, robes, and rattles representing the work of 34 artists. Each artist provides a commentary about his/her piece. This provides an opportunity to become familiar with the physical depiction and mythological roles of the creatures depicted by the artists.

Mythic Beings is a gem. It is a wonderful gift book for anyone interested in indigenous art and First Nations peoples.

English Silver in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Vol. 1: Silver Before 1697
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English Silver in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Vol. 1: Silver Before 1697
Ellen Alcorn , and Ellen M. Alcorn
Manufacturer: MFA Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0878463747
Release Date: 2000-08-02

Book Description

Artwork by Ellen Alcorn.

Book Description

For professional photographers, sports fans, proud parents, and anyone who wants to capture great sports pictures, this is the ultimate guide to sports photography. Seasoned sports photographer Peter Skinner uses 211 stunning examples from the work of Walter Ioss, Ben Chen, Bob Gomel, Duane Hart, Mark Johnson, and six other renowned photographers—as well as his personal archives—to show exactly how to take great action photos. Whether the subject is baseball or basketball, rock climbing or golf, kayaking or soccer or stickball or swimming, Sports Photography offers comprehensive, detailed, easy-to-understand information on how to get crisp, clear shots that capture the movement, grace, and mood of the moment. Special projects and self-assignments, plus detailed information on equipment, film and digital techniques, showing emotion, and more, make this the essential primer for sports fans, parents, beginners, or aspiring professionals. Get into the game with Sports Photography.

Customer Reviews:

Sports photography: a broad subject made easy.......2007-07-26

I have a lifelong interest in photography, read and collect in a broad area of subject matter. Although I was always intrigued with sports photography, reading about it escaped me. So out of curiosity, I happened to browse, Sports Photography, How to Capture Action and Emotion, by Peter Skinner. Seldom do I read "how to" books chapter by chapter, page by page. Usually, I jump to the sections that interest me most, or skim to find specific solutions. Skinner's new book was a pleasant surprise, as I found myself unable to put it down until summoned to the dinner table.

Skinner's book is well thought out, comprehensive, and packed with practical advice. The content is aesthetic as well as philosophical. There is a nice balance in each chapter between technical aspects and the broader issues behind demanding sports photography moments. Credit the editors with finding great examples among top-flight professionals, and then discussing the major points of capturing great shots in this far-ranging subject. You will learn what it takes in preparation, planning, precision and passion to create the great sports photos so easily taken for granted.

I highly recommend Peter Skinner's, Sports Photography, How to Capture Action and Emotion to anyone hoping to improve and expand their knowledge and skill.

L. Watters

A Must Have Book For Any Photographer!.......2007-07-24

Being an instructor of Photography, I am constantly on the lookout for a book which can help teach my students the "softer art" of picture making. Whether you're a novice nature photographer or a seasoned professional photojournalist, capturing emotion, drama, and a sense of spirit in a photograph, is something every serious photographer strives to achieve in their work. It is this ability that is at the core of a photographer's success, and yet, it is the most difficult aspect to teach. When a master of this craft creates an easy to understand, comprehensive guide, on how to accomplish this, it is worth taking notice! This book, Sports Photography - How to Capture Action and Emotion, by Peter Skinner, is a shining example of a master photographer realizing and sharing this gift with others.

Starting out with a general overview of the concepts behind Sports Photography, Mr. Skinner takes the reader on a quick narrative journey through many past successful images that he and other great photographers have shared with us over the years. The photography in this book, contributed by Mr. Skinner himself, as well as many other top professionals, is absolutely stunning! Although this book concentrates more on composition and capturing "peak" moments, and less on the fundamentals, like exposure, Mr. Skinner did include the advanced "tricks of the trade" all of us should know, like sunny 16 rule, use of a grey card for proper exposure, and other helpful bits of knowledge usually reserved for the more advanced photographer.

It's knowing and applying these subtle tricks that help us all create better images.

I also appreciated the author's emphasis on the use of film cameras and digital point and shoot technology. Not everyone can afford to purchase a new digital SLR system. If all you have is a point and shoot camera, that's great! This book will show you how to get the most out of your equipment, whatever you use - understand the limitations of your equipment and make your weakness your strength. Whatever system you have will work fine, as long as you are out there creating images! Yes, "going digital" does offer a huge leap forward in taking an idea from the mind to the wall, but film cameras (especially used SLRs) do offer a great, and an initially less expensive, way to explore photography and learn about proper exposure, composition, and all the other aspects you'll need to know to be a success.

After a broad look at what it takes to be a successful sports photographer, Mr. Skinner then begins to break down many of the sports we, as aspiring photographers, will likely be covering like football, basketball, and baseball, as well as cycling, hockey, golf, etc.... With each discipline, the author not only explains specific techniques for capturing great shots, but also the individuals you'll need to know and contact in your sport of choice. Knowing the right people and what to say can be essential in creating great images, and setting yourself apart in a competitive field. Mr. Skinner obviously understands this and has done a wonderful job in pointing out the important people to contact in many of our favorite sporting events.

It is this type of experiential knowledge that puts this book on top against other similar photography books.

To most of my students, photography is just a fun hobby. Most of them come to me to learn the fundamentals of exposure and the ideals of "proper" composition. However, to some, the idea of making a living as a photographer is a goal they wish to both explore and achieve. Through this book, Mr. Skinner offers the reader many ideas to help make that a reality. He presents several money making concepts that most motivated individuals can accomplish. You can tell right away, he has the reader's best interests at heart. This book reads less like a "how to" collection, and more like a conversation with someone who has "been there, done that, done it successfully, and genuinely hopes to show you how to be a success as well."

If you are looking to get into photography as a hobby or a career, or are seeking a fresh new way of looking at capturing images, or just desire to create more powerful photographs, this book is definitely for you. Filled with fresh ideas, top notch photography, and a clear easy to follow format, this book should help take your images to the next level. So, go make room for this book on your self now, no photographer should be without it!

Simple.......2007-06-12

At one time or another, a serious photographer will be asked to take pictures of a young relative at a sports event, or of some local team. There will also be times when a photographer will attend a major sports event and have the urge to capture the event on film or digital media. The photographer may realize that sports photography may be just different enough from his regular fare to warrant some additional study. This fast-reading book is aimed at filling that gap.

After a general introduction, the book starts out with a consideration of necessary equipment, including a comparison of digital media and film, and then goes on to a brief discussion of light and exposure. Thereafter the book is mostly concerned about the content of sports photographs. The author points out such considerations as selecting the best position, capturing the peak action, and the importance of the direction and speed of the action. There are discussions of the most important aspects of photographing specific sports, like cycling, ice skating and surfing. These discussions are necessarily brief but usually provide good tips for the inexperienced sports photographer. The book also has sections that deal with the emotions of sport, the aesthetics and moods of sport, getting access and working with sports groups, and self assignments. After discussing the possibility of making money photographing sports, there is an examination of the careers of several sports photographers.

All of the pictures in the book, taken by top-flight sports photographers, are excellent, and the writing is simple and clear. Indeed, I suspect it may be too simple for anyone but the neophyte sports photographer. Experienced photographers are more likely to benefit from studying the pictures in the book, but that can be done as easily with a subscription to a magazine like Sports Illustrated.

I thought that there were technical issues relating to sports photography that the book scanted. For example, many sports photographers shoot JPEG's not just because they can quickly be sent to an editor, but because it means that they can shoot a larger number of pictures without pausing. Similarly, while the author advises using fast lenses for reduced depth of field, there is less mention of the fact that sports photographers usually need to shoot at the faster shutter speeds that the larger apertures allow.

Although it's certainly not required, there is no mention of post processing in the book. I was also startled that the author spent substantial space telling readers that it was okay to shoot with film. While I would never discourage a person with a film camera from shooting sports, I would find it very difficult to encourage any one to buy a film camera. I recognize that probably represents my own predisposition, but certainly, no arguments were made for the advantages of film.

For the individual who knows nothing about sports photography, but does understand how to use a camera, this book may prove useful. For those who have already started to take sports pictures this book will be less useful.

How to capture action in photography (A Universal photo book)

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How to capture action in photography (A Universal photo book)
Dan Daniels
Manufacturer: Verlan Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Garfield 2007 Day-to-Day Calendar.......2007-02-02

I purchased and will purchase more Garfield items for a friend at work who
is crazy about Garfield. She has already told me how much she likes the
calendar, as long as she is happy, I'm happy. Thank you very much.

Great choice!.......2007-01-10

The calendar is great, funny, it makes my day start better. I keep it at work and have a piece of humour every day :D

Fans of the Fat Cat, Rejoice! He's Back for 365 More Laughs!.......2006-12-30

If you love Garfield, start your day with a sassy strip featuring our favorite feline, his dweeby owner Jon, his slobbering housemate Odie, and all the other characters you've come to love in Jim Davis' fabulous creation. The lasagna-loving feline appears in a daily strip from those previously published in newspapers during 2003. The one exception is the December 30 entry which was originally published in 2002. Remember the antics on a daily basis with this day-by-day calendar. Each day brings a new laugh with the tubby tabby, his crabby attitude, his laziness, his love for lasagna, his mean tricks on Odie, his jealousy of Nermal and more. All ready to sit on your desk and help you start your day with a smile.

Average customer rating:

Garfield 2007 Mini Day-to-Day Calendar
Jim Davis
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Calendar

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ASIN: 0740760882

Book Description

Roman Polanski (b. 1933) arrived on the international scene in 1962 with his first feature film, Knife in the Water, and his face would be on the cover of Time magazine by the end of that year. His vibrant, disturbing, and often violent films—including the psychological thriller Rosemary's Baby, the film noir classic Chinatown, and the somber Holocaust drama The Pianist—have entertained and sometimes infuriated audiences. He has also directed acclaimed adaptations of plays and novels, including Shakespeare's Macbeth, Ariel Dorfman's Death and the Maiden, and Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Stylistically unsettling and thematically varied, Polanski's films have established him as one of the most talented and controversial European filmmakers of his generation.

Polanski's life has been troubled. He survived the Krakow ghetto and the Holocaust, but his mother died at Auschwitz. His wife Sharon Tate was brutally murdered in 1968 by members of Charles Manson's gang. After years of success in the United States, he fled the country in 1978 when he was indicted for having sex with a minor. He hasn't returned to America since that time. In Roman Polanski: Interviews, the acclaimed director talks openly about how incidents in his life have and have not influenced his artistic vision. His childhood in Poland, his training at the Polish Film School in Lodz, his acting in stage productions, the aftermath of Tate's murder, and his work in France, England, and America are all discussed at length.

This collection of interviews spans nearly forty years, and comprises translations from French, German and Spanish newspapers and magazines, and transcripts of British and American television and radio appearances.

Customer Reviews:

The mind of Polanski.......2006-02-05

Polanski is perhaps my favortie director. I was excited upon the release of this book of selected interviews... it is always great to hear from the director himself.

Four stars for the following reasons (though for some these may be positive points):

- Some of the interviews are quite dated, going as far back as the mid-sixties. While interesting to hear of the directors evolution, it can also be disorienting since questions such as "The Fearless Vampire Killers seems to be your most important film to date..." while, later on, the same question is asked, just replaced with another film such as "Pianist" (which the book does cover)
- There is not a lot of focus on technical questions and aspects of the films. As a filmmaker myself, I am always interested in how things come together technically and how many of the scenes are executed. There was not much empasis on this, which leads me to another crticism...
- As it may be expected, many of the interviewers harp on the questions about his late wife Sharon Tate, and the statutory rape episode. It may be interesting to some, but for me it's all old... just let it go. I am really more interested in what he has to say about his films.
- Though I have a lot of issues with the book, as a whole it is very interesting. Especially if you are a fan of Polanski. Though his admirerers will know much of what is talked about in the book (such as the Manson murders), much is still to be learned. He often talks about how a film came to frutation... sometimes of a personal nature, but at times from a small detail that the film is then based around. Relationships with actors, issues with studios, influences... this book touches base with a little bit of everything.

Polanski fans should definitely pick this up. Others, maybe not...
but the entire 'Conversations with Filmmakers' series should be invaluable to all with an avid interest in film.

Angelin Preljocaj (Arts choregraphiques)

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Angelin Preljocaj (Arts choregraphiques)

Manufacturer: A. Colin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: 2200372876

Book Description

The crowning glory of Bach's achievements in the field of sacred music, this work is a powerful statement of Christian faith and an inspiring musical experience for musicians and music lovers. This towering masterpiece is scored for two sopranos, alto, tenor, bass, chorus, orchestra, and continuo.

Customer Reviews:

FYI.......2003-09-05

For those thinking of purchasing this edition, keep in mind that like many Dover scores, this one uses C-cleff notation. I'm not sure if I am supposed to be reviewing the work, or the edition. But I assume it's the edition, since nothing I say could possibly effect the way the music world's opinion of the great B Binor Mass. Other than the cleffs and the small print, it's a quality score.

Astounding quality.......2002-09-29

An excelent book, all voices written on original clefs, alternate vocal parts for 'Et in unum Dominum' included, music font excelent, text original. A MUST for all who praise the work of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Excellent source for score-study and analysis........1998-07-17

The Dover Editions offer very affordable editions of some of the masterpieces of Classical music. In this way, the J.S. Bach Mass in B minor score is no exception. Offers alternate vocal part for the "Et in unum Dominum" duet. Plenty of room on the pages for notes, analytical comments, etc. Vocal parts are written in their respective clef as the score is taken from the Bach-Gesellschaft Edition. A must for any serious student of the music of J.S. Bach.

Bach: Mass in B Minor (Cambridge Music Handbooks)

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Bach: Mass in B Minor (Cambridge Music Handbooks)
John Butt
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Mass in B Minor in Full Score (Dover Miniature Scores)
Bach: The Mass in B Minor
The Cambridge Companion to Bach (Cambridge Companions to Music)
Hearing Bach's Passions
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ASIN: 0521387167

Book Description

The Mass in B Minor is arguably Bach's greatest single work. This short guide considers the work from many angles, offering the reader basic information in a concise and accessible form. John Butt gives an absorbing account of the work's genesis, its historical context, and its reception by later generations. One chapter considers the work movement by movement, providing the text in both Latin and English, and the final group of chapters on the music itself suggests some new approaches to the work--its forms, style and overall structure. This is an informative and lucid guide, providing an up-to-date summary of existing research and opinions together with some new and challenging insights.

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Balance among scholarship, history and performance practice

Bach: The Mass in B Minor
George B. Stauffer
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Bach: Mass in B Minor (Cambridge Music Handbooks)
Hearing Bach's Passions
The Essential Bach Choir
The Cantatas of J. S. Bach: With Their Librettos in German-English Parallel Text
Analyzing Bach Cantatas

ASIN: 0300099665

Book Description

In this book George B. Stauffer explores the music and complex history of Bach's last and possibly greatest masterpiece. Stauffer examines the B-Minor Mass in greater detail than ever before, demonstrating for the first time Bach's reliance on contemporary models from the Dresden Mass repertory and his brilliantly innovative methods of unifying his immense composition. Musicians, music scholars, students, and music lovers will find in this engagingly written book a wealth of information about Bach's extraordinary choral work. Stauffer surveys the roots of the Mass Ordinary text and its treatment in settings known to Bach. He looks at the events that led to the writing of the B-Minor Mass and places the work within the context of the composer's late style. In three deeply informed chapters, Stauffer considers the individual sections of the Mass-the Kyrie and Gloria, the Credo, and the Sanctus and Agnus Dei. The book also traces the history of the work after Bach's death, addresses specific issues of performance practice, and investigates the qualities that give the B-Minor Mass its universal appeal.

Customer Reviews:

Balance among scholarship, history and performance practice.......2001-03-06

This book takes a balance view among music analysis, history as well as performance practice. For those who need only one definite study on Bach's greatest work could consider this as first choice!

Bach - Messe in H-moll, Mass in B Minor (Vocal Score Based on the Urtext of the New Bach Edition)

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Bach - Messe in H-moll, Mass in B Minor (Vocal Score Based on the Urtext of the New Bach Edition)

Manufacturer: Barenreiter Kassel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HS0DRK

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Bach's Mass In B Minor
Alan ; TAYLOR, Sedley GRAY
Manufacturer: Bowes And Bowes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KP2NSM

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Bach; the Mass in B Minor
C.S. Terry
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LYPEUQ

Bethlehem Bach studies: Approaches to the B Minor mass

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Bethlehem Bach studies: Approaches to the B Minor mass
Alfred Mann
Manufacturer: Moravian Book Shop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: B0006YTISK

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Five Trios from Bach's Mass in B Minor

Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0757994512

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The High Mass / Die Hohe Messe B Minor
Johann Sebastian Bach
Manufacturer: Ernst Eulenburg Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LPJFUU

Hohe Messe in H Moll (Bach's Mass in B-minor with Latin lyrics for choir, Edition Peters - Nr. 37)

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Hohe Messe in H Moll (Bach's Mass in B-minor with Latin lyrics for choir, Edition Peters - Nr. 37)
Joh. Seb. Bach
Manufacturer: C.F. Peters
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Product Description

4-voice choir & piano musical score with forward in English & German.

Lost Empires of Faerûn (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying, Forgotten Realms Supplement)
Average customer rating:

Absolutely Splendid!!!

Excellent!

Excellent Resource

Relevance is the key

The misty past of Faerun, now yours to discover

Lost Empires of Faerûn (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying, Forgotten Realms Supplement)
Ed Bonny , and Travis Stout
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Player's Guide to Faerun (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying, Forgotten Realms Accessory)

ASIN: 0786936541
Release Date: 2005-02-10

Book Description

A sourcebook unearthing the ruins and secrets of the fallen empires of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.

For the first time, the secrets of past empires of the Forgotten Realms world are chronicled in one comprehensive sourcebook. For players, this book contains new options for characters wishing to delve into ancient ruins, including new feats, prestige classes, magic, and equipment. For Dungeon Masters, this book contains new material associated with ruins, including rules for how to build and sustain a ruin-based campaign, more than a dozen detailed adventure sites with maps, and new monsters and artifacts.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Splendid!!!.......2006-09-18

I found this title the best supplement ever written. That says a lot, since this series has been around since 1987. At last, in one volume, the history of this magical world is laid bare. I have speculated and wondered in the past why the world is like it is. This volume has given up most of those secret! I stand in awe of most of them. This is the flower of Realms lore. Most are not intended for most gamers. I read the novels and continue my illustrations outside this "gamers" world.

I can only say that the Forgotten Realms have come alive at last with a rich and frightening history in its past. Long live Netheril!

Excellent!.......2005-12-14

If you're interested in the history of Faerun, this is a excellent book. It goes into great detail and has a lot of extras, like relics and historical weapons. Great art and a good read.

Excellent Resource.......2005-05-14

Very well detailed and has a great amount of information that can be used in adventures. I would give it 4.5 if I could because of the usual lack of REAL MAPS that Wizards of the Coast seems to neglect. Great book though and a must have for DM's and Players in the forgotten realms.

Relevance is the key.......2005-04-14

I greatly looked forward to this book and was not disappointed. The Forgotten Realms is extremely rich in history that has been developed over the long years of its publication and this is truly a comprehensive source of that. The authors have touched on just about every area I can think of and they have done it well.

The book is divided into several sections, each dealing with a different geographic or cultural area. For instance, one section deals with the crown wars (wars between elves almost exclusively) and the elven nations involved (which covers a large area of Faerun) while another area covers the North and includes detail on several elven realms that had little part in the crown wars. They have timelines for each section of the book.

To be clear though, these histories are given not as a tool to play during those times, but as reference points to incorporate the locales of these ancient empires into the current timeline and an existing campaign. They bring the histories up to the current timeline and give you a good idea of what is going on in the ruins of these empires and the doings of the decedents of these empires.

On top of all of this rich history and information is a great deal of good crunchiness. There are several prestige classes, all of which seem well balanced and a great section on new spells and magic items. They even have specifics on mythal creation which is just plain cool to me. Going back to the integration of the past to the present, there is a section about Hellgate Keep and there they specify magic items of goodly races know to have been lost by fallen heroes there (items from the PGtF and this book).

All in all, a great tool for ANY dungeon master running ANY Realms Campaign for its information on ruins (dungeon - hint, hint) and its balance of historical information and crunchy bits. By far one of the most useful Realms products for any edition.

The misty past of Faerun, now yours to discover.......2005-03-19

I always loved the 3.5 (3.0) Forgotten Realms accessories, but I must say that this book is perhaps the best in the series.

This books gives you a +10 competence bonus to your Ancient History(Faerun) skill, as it offers you in-depth knowledge on almost all of the great empires of the past. You can learn all, about the great elven empires, about the history of the Sword Coast, about the phaerimm manace, etc.

Also, you will find some great feats, prestige classes and spells in the book. Some of them are not really for players, but for the DM (and to the NPCs). Players will also find it interesting, if for nothing else, then to add some flavour to the game.

I found it also great that young DMs get some help in a separate chapter to create adventures based on the "ancient theme". Of course, even old DMs, like myself can learn a lot from it.

Book Description

As an official tie-in to one of the BBCs flagship programmes, this book will provide an insiders account of some of the high-profile cases that have been featured over the years on Crimewatch and consequently solved as a direct result of the series.

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