Book Description
Jan van Eyck's surviving work comprises a series of painstakingly detailed oil paintings of astonishing verisimilitude. In a fascinating recovery of the neglected human dimension that is clearly present in these works, Craig Harbison interrogates the personal histories of the worldly participants of such masterpieces as the Virgin and Child with George van der Paele, the Arnolfini Double Portrait and the Virgin and Child with Nicolas Rolin. With the aid of abundant visual evidence in color and in black and white, Harbison reveals how van Eyck presented his contemporaries with a more subtle and complex view of the value of appearances as a route to understanding the meaning of life."I found this an enthralling study"—The Sunday Telegraph"A fascinating investigation into the nature of the great pioneer's clients ... some fine photo details"—Art Review
Customer Reviews:
Artwork lets down book.......2005-08-19
If you buy art books for the art, then this one will leave you sorely disappointed. This book does no justice to the brillant and detailed work of van Eyck, thanks to the small format of the book, poor reproductions, absence of close-ups and limited number of colour images. The price is right - but for a good reason.
Readable, Erudite, and Sumptuously Illustrated.......2005-06-09
Jan van Eyck: the Play of Realism manages to be both scholarly and accessible to non-specialist readers. This is not a biography of van Eyck nor is it a comprehensive analysis of all of the painter's work. Harbison addresses a number of issues that played a role in forming van Eyck's astonishing realism and technical virtuosity. The early Netherlandish painters, such as Dirk Bouts, Roger van der Weyden, Robert Campin, Hans Memling, and Petrus Christus, are characterized by their crystalline light, saturated colors, and obsession with clearly-rendered detail. However, Jan van Eyck's realism, especially his sensitively wrought faces, his evocative landscapes, and his almost miraculous ability to render the textures of brocade, metal, glass, armor, and architecture, was the never-surpassed inspiration for so many of his contemporaties and followers. Harbison explores many of the influences that informed van Eyck's style, such as the conflict between institutional and personal Christian piety, the newly-emerging devotions to the Virgin and the Sacred Heart, the interests of his patrons (mostly merchants and court and Church functionaries, rather than his nominal employer, Duke Philip the Good of Burgundy) in how they presented themselves to the world, the practice of pilgrimage, and others. He also discusses the somewhat surprising influence of Byzantine icons on van Eyck's later work.
If I have any quibbles with this book they would be that Harbison presents little analysis of the Ghent Altarpiece and makes almost no mention of Jan van Eyck's brother Hubert and the extent to which the two artists may have collaborated on some works, notably the Ghent Altarpiece. Harbison devotes a chapter to this work, but instead of the detailed analysis he gives to other works, such as the Arnolfini double portrait and the six surviving Virgin-and-Child paintings, he confines himself to a brief discussion of how the theology of the Ghent Altarpiece is different (more traditional and institutional) than that of the later religious works with their concern for personal devotion.
This is not the book to read if you want a biography of van Eyck (though there is only scant information known about his life) or a chronological painting-by-painting analysis of all of the artist's work. These are not the intentions of the author. However, the book is an excellent exploration of the sources of the realist tradition in fifteenth century Netherlandish art, and the sumptuous color photographs, especially the enlargements of crucial details, make this book a feast for the eyes.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Renaissance Quarterly, published by Renaissance Society of America on June 22, 1994. The length of the article is 972 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Jan van Eyck: The Play of Realism.
Author: Walter S. Melion
Publication:
Renaissance Quarterly (Refereed)
Date: June 22, 1994
Publisher: Renaissance Society of America
Volume: v47
Issue: n2
Page: p457(3)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
Containing every essential pottery technique, this encyclopedia is absolutely indispensable. “Nicely illustrated, the book....provides how-to information and photos on a variety of making and decorating techniques.”—Ceramics Monthly. “The book’s subtitle says it well.” —CreativeCrafter.com
Customer Reviews:
Birthday Hit.......2005-08-21
This was ourchased for my 11 year old granddaughter. She love it. Basic things are explained perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lots of variety.......2003-12-29
I've been throwing for about 3 years and this book was given to me as a gift. It briefly touches on many subject and has a lot of good pictures.
I would recommend this to anyone with interest in pottery, both wheel throwing and hand building.
Great reference book!.......2003-03-25
This is a great reference book with lots of ideas and lots of illustrations. Great for someone who wants to explore out of just throwing or hand building. Great step by step ideas with great color illustrations.
Lots of Information.......2002-09-01
This book is a great addition to your ceramics library.
It has many beautiful and colorful pictures that will definately inspire the artist in you.
the encyclopedia of pottery techniques.......2002-07-21
excellent reference book. covers all aspects of pottery. full of wonderful ideas and is a great inspiration for the artist. i am excited about adding this book to my reference libary.
Average customer rating:
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The complete colour photographer
Andreas Feininger
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
 General
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Feininger, Andreas
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ASIN: 0500010617 |
Average customer rating:
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THE COMPLETE COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHER.
Manufacturer: BCA by arrangement with Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HKTWHK |
Average customer rating:
- Very, very funny
- Great idea worked out ok
- Goofy Fun
- Work of Genius
- FUNNIER THAN HECK - TRULY!!!
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Truer Than True Romance: Classic Love Comics Retold!
Jeanne Martinet
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
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Similar Items:
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Romance Without Tears
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Marvel Romance TPB
ASIN: 0823084388 |
Customer Reviews:
Very, very funny.......2007-05-18
This book has a simple concept - it's just the comics version of the "old movie with new dialog" game made famous by Woody Allen in What's Up, Tiger Lily?. It works brilliantly, thanks to observant and ruthlessly logical execution by Jeanne Martinet. This is one of the very few humor books that I have enjoyed reading numerous times.
Great idea worked out ok.......2003-11-19
This book takes existing romance comics of yesteryear and changes only the texts. The original comics are extremely static and feature few props or decors to play with (much like cheap soap operas). This is good in one way, because it allows Martinet to focus on the dialogs, which are turned into fairly bizarre exchanges, but bad on the other, because she doesn't have much to work with.
In the end, unusual as they are, most stories are still romances, if somewhat updated to this century. The result is funny but not laugh-out-loud hilarious.
Goofy Fun.......2003-07-19
Really funny rewriting of yesterday's romance comics. This book has more going for it than nostalgia for those who lived in this era and enjoyed these romance comics as teens & young women. Even if you have never read a romance comic in you life (and I haven't)this book will have you laughing uncontrollably. If you like the kind of sly silliness that Mystery Science Theater 3000 is famous for, you will probably like this book. I'm hoping the author will do a whole series.
Work of Genius.......2001-12-09
Thank you Ms. Martinet for providing something I didn't even know I needed. This was an excellent book that was intelligently funny. I love a larf more than anyone and this came through for me.
I tried to read through the comics themselves and figure out the original plot (provided by Ms. Martinet) but couldn't figure them out. Good thing she did something even better. Reminds me of an old television show "Mad Movies" that I loved.
Can't gush more. Thank you!
FUNNIER THAN HECK - TRULY!!!.......2001-10-24
This hilarious book made me laugh out loud with glee - The author captures the stresses of romance in the 50s - 70s and adds her own ascerbic wit and modern sensibility, incorporating our culture's penchant for psycho-over-analysis, consumerism and easy-fixes. The end result is a wonderfully refreshing "take" on the past and the future of romance. A must-read for Boomer gals!
Average customer rating:
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CLASSIC LOVE COMICS RETOLD: TRUER THAN TRUE ROMANCE.
Manufacturer: Ebury Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels
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| Authors, A-Z
| Cartooning
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| Children's Comics
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ASIN: 0091885159 |
Book Description
In this step-by-step guide, an actor and improvisational teacher brings his tested methods to the page to show how actors can take risks and gain spontaneity in all genres of scripted theater. Through 28 lessons-each of which includes warm-ups, points of concentration, and improvisation exercises-Improv for Actors provides insights into thinking and reacting with fluidity, exploring a character's social status, using the voice and body as effective tools of storytelling, and more. Actors of all levels will soon be able to give a fresh, original approach to classic characters, create funnier performances in farce and comedy, and make dramatic characters richer and more believable.
Customer Reviews:
improv as an artform.......2004-11-13
Improvis truely one of the most difficult things you could do. It is not for the weak willed or undedicated. You can simply read this book and think well I m going to be a professional. You must work at. I have been taking classes for years and I m still not that good. If you want to learn improv look for classes in your area. Or take acting classes taht have imrpov in them. there is more then just games. True improv is scenes and characters not Blind dating games with characters that pre chosen. Its deeper and more like short scripted play. It doesnt have to be funny.
a real improv scene should be impossible to tell from s scrpited one. the purchase of this book will give a well rounded base of improv theory and thinking. If you have already some expierance buy this book to become more well rounded. I suggest you buy this book and read as you take classes not before or after.
Fantastic building blocks!.......2004-06-22
This new book by Dan Diggles is a fantabulous thing.
It's generally directed at an Improv teacher (probably teaching at a school). So, unless you are in that (rare-ish) position, you can gloss over some bits about not talking about your friends in class and the grading thing.
But otherwise, this is a Great book about the 3 big rules:
- Say, "Yes, and..."
- Say the first thing that comes to mind.
- Make your partner look good.
Sure, we hear that a lot, but he really makes it stick to your ribs.
It's not chock full of games, just a few that he focuses on as great building blocks. (You can find a million games online and in other books.)
This book is definitely great for improvisers, actors, and anyone else that needs to get up on a stage. The 3 rules are great for performances and perhaps for living as well.
I really think that everyone could get something useful out of this one.
When the Student is Ready. . ........2004-06-02
. . . The Teacher Will Appear. So, when I was teaching improv classes for the second time and preparing to assemble and train a new performing group, this book was one of five improv books I picked up for inspiration.
I was amazed at Dan Diggles' gift for taking all the lessons I'd already learned but didn't believe and turning them into memorable and logical life lessons for performing! This book is a wonderful resource for any actor or improviser. Almost every page made me smile or gasp at the simplicity of things I'd been making too complicated.
Thanks, Dan, for making me a better actor, improviser and person.
What I've been looking for!.......2004-03-24
Great book! Not only does Dan have a passionate commitment to the requirements AND joy of group participation, he's wonderfully articulate. I've been looking for a book on improvisation for my theatre students that isn't either a confusing list of games...or that offers so many teaching options, none of which I can choose from because I don't know the skills. Dan, on the other hand, takes you step by step through the process. I can't wait to introduce it. More later.
Book Description
You're an actor. You know you're going to have to do it sometime, but the very thought chills your blood, makes your palms go sweaty, and your voice squeak. It's improvisation - and for many actors it's a nightmare. Greg Atkins, a member of South Coast Repertory and unabashed improviser, takes the fear out of improv. This friendly, informative book looks at the reasons many actors hate improvisation, while quietly reinforcing the reasons improv is a vital part of acting and of theatre. He offers sensible (and fun!) exercises that can be used by teachers or by actors, to build up the mental agility that is so much a part of improvisation, and that should be part of every actor's arsenal.
Customer Reviews:
Fun and useful (what's better than that?).......2000-03-20
Greg was my acting teacher in the mid-80's and the games in this book formed the core of the improv classes I've been teaching since the mid-90s. I refer to this book all the time!
Buy it!
Improv isn't always scary. It can be fun!.......1999-09-15
Greg was actually my acting teacher several years ago, and he used many of these exercises in my class. He made improv fun and interesting. His games are a great way to promote quick thinking, and not thinking. Greg, if you're reading this, remember me? You still have to sign my copy of this book... =) Hope you're doing great!
A must for any improv director or teacher.......1998-02-21
A wonderfully organized book that I can always look to when I've got 10 minutes before rehearsal and haven't even planned a warm-up! (I direct an improv troupe in NYC) While not exhaustively complete it's great for someone who's done some improv and doesn't need to learn that denial in scenes is a no-no.
Good book for actors, performers and teachers.......1997-08-16
Excellent book to help actors think faster and make better choices. Lots of good exercises that I use in my classroom. Helpful in getting my actors to free up and trust themselves and others. Many of my students have improved their performing skills, created their own improv groups, or have been cast in sit coms and films. I highly recommend this book
Customer Reviews:
great overall description of U.S. schools of improv.......2004-09-05
I am bi-coastal and have wound up taking classes at the Groundlings, UCB, and several smaller unknown venues. I felt I didn't really need this book (it was a gift), but after reading it, I felt my views on the different improv homes I've become a part of had come into better focus, via the perspective offered by the knowledge of the other schools of improv thought I had not yet been a part of. And the ones I didn't know in depth seemed much more accessible.
Bill Lynn's book (and Kip King's, though I suspect he was more of an "idea man" than an actual sit-down-and-write-it author) is basically a list and explanation of the different games and styles of teaching the different schools of improv across the country have to offer. He does not espouse a new take on improv or performance, nor does he pretend to. As if anyone's going to top Del Close, Viola Spolin, or Keith Johnstone. Or Dario Fo for that matter.
It is a useful, well written guide to what other people have already created in the improv world, and it purports to be nothing more. It includes some useful info on the Groundlings, Second City, Improv Olympic, etc....and some lesser known teachers like Stan Wells who works at a place called the Empty Stage, which I have since checked out, taken classes at, and found to be an great skill-sharpening experience, in conjunction with my other classes/shows.
If you're looking for new or bar-setting ideas on what improv is/should be (as some confused readers clearly have done), this is not the book for you; Viola Spolin's work is your next stop in that case, but if you're shopping around for your next stint at an improv school, this is your book.
Goes by quickly too. Clean, simple prose.
Ho Hum .......2004-08-31
This is my edited review -
Upon my initial reading of this book, I was confused. The book announces "Groundlings Theater" on the front, has a foreword by a Groundlings' teacher, offers a fairly complete review of SEVERAL improv schools, as well as the author's time as a student.
Considering this, I don't think I was wrong to think this was a book about the Groundlings' theory of improv, or at the very least produced with the approval and collaboration of the Groundlings; I've been told that I was wrong.
Needless to say, in my confusion, I was more harsh on this book than I should have been. THAT review is appended below.
That said, taking the book as I've been told I should take it - an introduction to improv for the beginning student - it's not bad, it's not great.
In terms of improv, Bill Lynn offers up a survey of a pretty traditional improv education, and fleshes it out by including his own observations as a student. This is both refreshing and irritating. Considering how many improv books - and books about theater in general - speak narrowly and from a 'learned teacher' perspective, it's nice to have something with the broad focus that a student's eyes offer of technique and theory. Unfortunately, it has also limited the author's ability to analyse and prioritize his lessons - too often it reads like the student was given notes, and in turn he's published them for us verbatim.
His sections on character development and sketchwriting are practical, and he deserves kudos for not over-writing (hence, over-simplifying) his brief section on long-form improvisation. For any student of improv, it's complicated enough to deserve a book of its own. The author dealt with it quickly and quietly.
At times, the author demonstrates a lack of experience and nuance (for instance, his approach with the "Commandments" of improvisation - mostly a list of "Don't Do this" is a teaching method that fell out of favor in improv schools years ago), but for the precocious beginning student or the novice without the time/money to take classes, this book is a fine accessory.
Below is my original post.
-------------------
An uninspiring introduction to Short Form improv. You'd do as much to watch a few seasons of "Whose Line." Countless books have been written listing improv games and exercises, and this latest book by Mr. Lynn is unfortunately yet another in the stack.
This book would be more forgettable (and certainly wouldn't inspire this rant) if it left out two points: One, its bold ties to the Groundlings improv school, and its introduction by Kip King.
For those who have studied improvisation, there are several venerated schools and several philosophies. Many of these schools have published books heavy with their respective theories - With "The Second City Almanac," we see Second City. "Truth in Comedy" gives us the Improv Olympic and Del Close. "Impro" & "Impro for Storytellers" are Johnstone's Loose Moose Theater and "Improvise" is from Napier of the Annoyance Theater.
Lynn's book purports itself to be THE book of Groundlings improvisation. Or, perhaps I'm misinterpreting the reason he had "Kip King of the Groundlings theater" listed on the front.
Kip King is the father of Chris Kattan, and one of the founders of the Groundlings. "Ah," thinks the reader, "with his endorsement, surely this Lynn fellow must know what he's talking about." Well, who is Bill Lynn? Frankly, I have no idea. I can't search a single bit of information about him. However, and perhaps I'm overreading into it, his book seems to imply he took classes at the Groundlings school last year and took really good notes.
That's it.
Sadly, it gives us nothing newer than Spolin, no more challenge than an "intro" class from any of the schools. I, for one, was looking forward to finally reading up on the Groundlings. Don't look to this book for that.
A complete handbook for the aspiring improv actor.......2004-07-05
Improvisation For Actors And Writers: A Guidebook For Improv Lessons In Comedy by Bill Lynn is a complete handbook for the aspiring improv actor and organized into five specific sections: Comedy Schools; Improv Comedy Basics; Developing Comic Characters; Long Form Improv; and Writing Sketch Comedy. This informed and informative "how to" manual is enhanced with an extensive appendix of improv exercises. Improvisation For Actors And Writers is a clearly valuable addition to theatre department reference collections and "must" reading for anyone who has an interest in writing or performing improv on the stage or for television.
Maria, "Second City" conservatory alumni.......2004-05-18
This book is pretty good. It's more "Groundlings" than "Second City" Chris Kattan's father, Kip King an orginal Groundling wrote the preface. It is helpful that this book is from a students eye view. I went through both programs and used the book as a tool to guide me through the process. It helped with technique and sketch writing.
Before You Start at the Groundlings.......2004-04-18
I recommend this book for students at the Groundlings, The Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, and the Improv Olympic.
I've studied at the Groundlings and at Second City, and this book has the info you need all in one place:
--Basic Short Form Guidelines in a list
--Advanced Improv Scene Techniques (The "game", positive start, circling up)
--Instructor Side Coachings (be warned)
--Comedic Character Guidelines (labeling, physical and vocal changes, rolodexing, psychological defense mechanisms, character "game", celebrity impersonations.)
--Montage Long Form Guidelines
--Sketch Comedy (Structures like one-upsmanship, contamination, split screen, and character flaw; how to edit dialogue, devices, endings, reveals.)
--Instructor Side Coachings for Sketches (be warned)
--List of Class Exercises (only the ones the schools use)
I've seen students go through an entire program, and never really grasp some of the major concepts. This is an 'all-in-one-place' reference. Buy it. You'll be ahead of the pack, and confident in your own knowledge and skill, before, during and after your class.
Book Description
This matching folio features all 12 songs from the acclaimed third album from these Aussie rockers. Includes: Ana's Song (Open Fire) * Anthem for the Year 2000 * Black Tangled Heart * Dearest Helpless * Do You Feel the Same * Emotion Sickness * Miss You Love * Paint Pastel Princess * Point of View * Satin Sheets * Spawn Again * Steam Will Rise.
Book Description
Street Magic is a great how-to magic book that teaches the real secrets of close-up, under-your-nose, in-your-face magic as seen on TV. Magic is one of the longest surviving forms of entertainment and is as popular today as ever, having undergone a huge renaissance recently. This book contains the very best tricks and illusions as popularized by today's greatest magicians. It is an accessible book, free of buzzwords and fully photo-illustrated, featuring tricks using everyday objects, designed for those who want the lowdown as quickly and easily as possible, but without skimping on all-important detail. The chapters and tricks are arranged so that the reader can comfortably progress from one to the other in skill and performance level.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent magic book .......2007-08-22
This is easily one of the better books for beginners. Quite a few pictures and clear instructions make this a real winner. The author does a superb job of explaining how to present each illusion which in reality is far more important than the mechanics behind the trick. This is a nice change from many of the other magic books targeted at the novice. By the way, the tricks cover a wide range (e.g. cards, coins, mentalism) and are all of high quality.
Excellent, great tricks, easy instructions.......2007-06-26
This book not only contains great tricks but it also explains them in a way easily followed, with detailed color photographs and understandable text. Highly recommended!
Excellent guide to classic tricks.......2005-10-04
I predict that this book will become a classic for both beginning and intermediate magicians. Very little of the material is new and it won't make you the next David Blaine, but it does provide excellent handlings of classic tricks which require little or no set-up. The explanations and photos are clear and helpful.
Average customer rating:
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The Doctor Who File
Peter Haining
Manufacturer: Carol Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Television
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General
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Doctor Who
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ASIN: 0863791697 |
Product Description
It would be no exaggeration to say that the Fourth Season of Doctor Who was probably the most critical time in the show's history. After a very close-kept secret, on November 5th, 1966, a new Doctor was revealed to the public in the form of Patrick Troughton. Doctor Who had somehow changed...
Average customer rating:
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Doctor Who: The Doctor Who File
Peter Haining
Manufacturer: Carol Pub Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Doctor Who
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General
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ASIN: 0491038135 |
Books:
- Kant's Theory of Taste: A Reading of the Critique of Aesthetic Judgment (Modern European Philosophy)
- Launching the Imagination Comprehensive with Core Concepts CD-ROM v3.0
- Letterpress: New Applications for Traditional Skills
- Love Revealed: Simeon Solomon And the Pre-raphaelites
- Maharajas' Jewels
- Marimekko: Fabrics, Fashion, Architecture (Bard Graduate Centre for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design & Culture)
- Mary Engelbreit's Ann Estelle...: Queen of Paper Dolls 2006 Wall Calendar
- Mary Engelbreit'S Words To Live By
- Mongo: Adventures in Trash
- News from Nowhere and Other Writings (Penguin Classics)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- Sovereign: A Matthew Shardlake Mystery
- Organo-Clay Complexes & Interactions
- The Buddha of Suburbia
- Print the Legend: The Life and Times of John Ford
- Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener
- Searching for a Piece of My Soul: How to Find a Missing Family Member or Loved One
- Powerful Page Design: Top Designers Lay Out Their Concepts to Reveal Their Inspirations
- Robert Smithson: Learning from New Jersey and Elsewhere
- Swimming with the Dead: An Underwater Investigation
Van Der Weyden
The Flemish Primitives: The Masterpieces
From Van Eyck to Bruegel Early Netherlandish Painting in The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Mirror of the Artist: Northern Renaissance Art in its Historical Context
From Flanders to Florence: The Impact of Netherlandish Painting, 1400-1500
