Customer Reviews:
Kenneth J. Lane: Faking It.......2000-04-21
I really like many of the designs that Kenneth J. Lane has produced over the years and loved having a reference book of all his different styles and periods. The prose is of a chatty style that I usually am not too fond of but Mr. Lane is so upbeat and aware of the good fortune that has blessed him that you can't help but like him. The photography is wonderful and it is fun to see photos of celebrities wearing his jewels. The book could have been stronger if it has an addendix of technical information about the creation of costume jewelry or had a reference as to current pricing of some of Mr. Lane's vintage pieces. But I had many a fun evening looking and reading and will definately keep this book available for several more readings.
Great pictures - no help on value of pieces.......1998-10-13
This book has beautiful pictures, but not enough info & absolutely no help on figuring out values.
Average customer rating:
- An amazing work
- Visual Masterpiece
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Creating Grand Illusions: The Art and Techniques of Trompe I'Oeil
Peta Laurisen
Manufacturer: Fine Art Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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General
| Painting
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General
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ASIN: 9057039710 |
Customer Reviews:
An amazing work.......2000-09-26
I love this book, I found it to be a really inspiring and beutiful collection of text and graphics on a subject that I know little of. Peta's book has made me become very interested in Trompe L'Oeil and I heartily recommend it.
Visual Masterpiece.......2000-07-26
Ever since I was first tricked by Trompe L'oeil as a child I had hoped to stumble accross more information. I was delighted to find this book that contains page after page of visually rich ideas and examples for the novice to aspire to and the master to admire. There are even step by step instructions on how to create your own illusion and the various techniques used, but alas I know my talent with a brush is rather limited so I will leave it to those who can! An invaluable reference guide
Book Description
A hilarious, captivating commentary that gives us--finally--a true dog’s-eye view of the world.
• The Sofa:
“The sofa is Position One. The sofa makes you feel as if you are with your people even when your people are gone.”
• The Toilet:
“The advantage of drinking from the toilet is that the water is always fresh.”
• The Baby:
“Often known as She Who Randomly Flings Food from the Table, the baby has the most flavorful, ever-changing face of all your people.”
“After reading You Are a Dog, you will start thinking like a dog.” --Bash Dibra, celebrity pet trainer and author of DogSpeak
“You Are a Dog should be the talk of every dog run in the U.S. With humor, and more bite than one might expect, Terry Bain helps us to see the world through the eyes of our dogs, and to look at their lives in fresh and insightful ways.” --Jon Katz, author of A Dog Year, The New Work of Dogs, and The Dogs of Bedlam Farm
“Terry Bain has cracked the canine code to demystify those charming, endearing, and occasionally bizarre habits our beloved dogs exhibit. You Are a Dog is equal parts witty and warm, sweet and sympathetic--read this and be destined to meet your dog at a richer, deeper level.”--Dr. Marty Becker, veterinary contributor for Good Morning America, author of The Healing Power of Pets
Customer Reviews:
Vacuums and other beasties that eat off the floor.......2006-09-20
YOU ARE A DOG: Life Through the Eyes of Man's Best Friend by Terry Bain is an entertaining romp with words as they might have been written by the family dog. Mr. Bain reveals to readers that the family dog is quite aware that you have many names for her; but more interesting is the dog's many names for the family members, names such as: He Who Leaves the Seat Up So That You Might Drink (it has been my experience with dogs that it is usually the male dog that drinks out of the toilet, not the female); He Who Smells of Garlic, Tastes of Salt, and Will Let You Lick His Feet (Grandpa?); She Who Does Not Allow Licking Ever (Mother-in-Law?); She Who Drops Food From Her Plate (and always has a diaper full), are but a few of these titles the family dog bestows on its family members.
YOU ARE A DOG informs the reader of the dog's relationship with the household itself, including his relationship with the furniture, the sofa monopolizing much of the spotlight. Terry Bain speaks of the dog's ability to mimic human expressions, especially the smile, which the dog often uses to deflect a scolding when he has been caught sleeping on the sofa. (In my house, it is the love seat, which my Border collie, heeler, and Boxer mix mutt sleeps on every night. I need to share with you here, dear reader, that this mix of mutt is the nuttiest on four legs, sometimes two. Her name is Maggie Peppers; but as crazy as she is, she would never drink out of the toilet: However, the male cat does, every chance he gets.)
Most significant of the household items to the family dog is the vacuum cleaner. While most all threats to the family members arrive from the outside in, the vacuum is already in the house, hiding in the closet, which is quite agitating to the family dog. She can smell the vacuum hiding in the hall closet, just waiting to burst, roaring, from its hiding place, intent on eating everyone and everything in its path. It is the dog's responsibility, therefore, to see to it this monster does not eat the kids, and that any food or nonfood items on the floor are eaten by the dog only. Hence, the vacuum is not only a danger to the family, but also a competitor for food, and must be destroyed, at all cost.
Terry Bain writes humorously about Fido's perception of training, traveling, visits to the vet, health and hygiene, and even doggie politics. If you are a dog lover, you will love this book. Highly recommended.
MAN'S Best Friend?.......2006-03-30
Dogs are not JUST man's best friend. I think the title lacks... obviously. Ladies, if you are feeling a bit offended I would like to suggest reading: "Woman's Best Friend" By Barbara Cohen & Louise Taylor. Ever since I can remember dogs have always been referred to as "Man's Best Friend" so not true.
Nice Try.......2006-01-09
When I got this book for Christmas, I thought I would treated to a sincere attempt to get inside the mind of my dog to view the world as he might. The jacket cover has this great picture of a deliously happy pup with his head out the car window. How many times haven't I tried to envision what a creature with a dog's sense of smell must be experiencing on our morning rides down to the town park.
What I got, instead, was a series brief vignetts ranging from one paragraph to several pages in length. I have to say some were cute, but many were hard to finish. They were grouped into categories that really don't organize material in any meaningful way.
Although you can certainly read 150 pages over a weekend, that approach doesn t work. But to be fair, the author might well have intended his readers to read one scenario each morning and to reflect on them throughout the day. That's an approach I can appreciate.
Wasn't that what "Dogs Don't Bite When a Growl Will Do" by Matt Weinsteinand and Luke Barker was about?
Let's put it this way, "It worked for them."
Do not underestimate the vacuum.......2005-09-13
I loved this book so much that I bought a half dozen copies to give to my dog-loving friends. The way that Terry Bain twists the everyday world from a dog's point of view is both brilliant and hillarious. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has a dog and ever has wondered what she was thinking.
Signed,
The One Who Sneaks Me Food From The Table.
If you have a dog, know a dog, or want a dog, Read this book........2005-08-29
If you have a dog you will recognize your friend in the humorous pages of this book. If you a know a dog, you will learn to know him better. But, if you want a dog--you will better understand the relationship you are adding to your life by acquiring such a creature.
The book is a warm, insightful and sweet monologue written from the dog's point of view.
A must read for all dog lovers.
Product Description
When the space drama Battlestar Galactica debuted on ABC in 1978, it was expected to be the most popular new program of the year. Instead, it was attacked as a Star Wars rip-off and canceled after a mere 17 stories. The author acknowledges the show was full of dramatic clichés and scientific inaccuracies, but despite these shortcomings, Battlestar Galactica was a dramatically resonant series full of unique and individual characters, such as Commander Adama (Lorne Greene) and ace warrior Captain Apollo (Richard Hatch). The author contends that Battlestar Galactica was a memorable attempt to make science fiction accessible to mainstream television audiences. The brilliant work of artist John Dykstra brought a new world of special effects to network television. Battlestar Galactica also skillfully exploited legends and names from both the Bible and ancient mythology, which added a layer of depth and maturity to the weekly drama.
Customer Reviews:
Thoughtful, objective commentary.......2003-12-10
The author impressed me with his knowledge of the history of the show including the legal milieu surrounding BG and Star Wars. While I thoroughly enjoyed BG series as a very young man, I am now adult enough to accept the obvious production flaws the author exposes in his superb objective analysis of the series.
I recommend this book for those who would wish to recapture the essence of the series and further understand the importance of the SF TV genre.
An objective analysis from an author who knows his stuff.......2003-12-07
If you are looking for a frothy cheerleading book about how perfect a show "Battlestar Galactica" was.......this isn't it. If you want an objective, insightful analysis on the series strengths and weaknesses from an author who is more concerned with providing honest, well-thought out opinions rather than tired propaganda, then this is THE book to get.
The book reads like a thesis, with numerous points of the show's characters, concepts, and context being explored in a very objective way. Highlights of the book include an excellent analysis of every episode in the series, a detailed look into the Biblical and mythological overtones present in the series, as well as an interesting commentary on the lawsuit filed against the series by Star Wars creator George Lucas. This is simply great reading.
There is no question that Mr. Muir is a Galactica fan, however, he is not a mindless fan willing to accept every aspect of the show as flawless. His honesty and objectivity are wonderfully refreshing, and reading the book made me fall in love with the series all over again.
Good Review of Battlestar Galactica.......2002-07-10
This book is a detailed anaylsis (with some author bias) regarding Battlestar Galactica, but not its [dumb] offspring, Galactica 80. It goes into many things from the creation of the show to an episode guide to a look at the many legal problems and issues with Star Wars.
I like the author's take on the Star Wars vs. Galactica mess. He does have a point regarding copying. If Kurosawa and the creator of Flash Gordon used Lucas' logic then all the profits from Star Wars should go to them...
His analysis of each episode is actually pretty good. He doesn't shy away from calling a number of episodes dogs especially the cowboy in space junk. Not everything that Glen Larson did regarding Galactica turned to gold.
My only problem was that he over emphasizes the importance of both BG and Space 1999 in SF TV. I think that in terms of visuals, BG and Space made a difference in SFX and how they were done on TV (no more Salt Shakers and styrofoam sets!) As for writing? No, because it wasn't all that good. If both shows had better writing then they wouldn't have been canned after two years, but that is just my opinion.
An objective and HONEST look at a classic TV series.......2001-04-02
This is the best book ever written about Battlestar Galactica. Though some reviews on this page have trashed it, one must remember that "fan" is an abbreviation of the term "fanatic." The joy of this book is that it honestly evaluates Galactica's strengths AND weaknesses, and ultimately finds the series worthwhile. It is not propaganda, but analysis. It is not an interview book or a behind-the-scenes book, nor was it meant to be. Instead, it is a thoughtful analysis of an oft-misunderstood sci-fi series. This is a well-written, well-argued, thoughtful and OBJECTIVE look at Galactica, and some people (probably the same people who thought Jar-Jar in The Phantom Menace was "brilliant) just can't handle the truth. For people who want some fascinating material to debate (in a grown-up way), this is a wonderful book from an author who knows his material thoroughly.
Slash and Burn Journalism at its Worst.......2001-03-30
This book is an obvious attepmt to make a quick buck off a popular Sci-Fi show. Mr Muir didn't even bother to take the time to interview the show's stars, writers, directors, or producers, and is nothing more than muck-raking, and half-truths. His claims about particular plot-lines of episodes show that he either didn't watch the show, or didn't understand it. Save your money for an intelligent view of Battlestar Galactica; you won't find it here. If you're a fan of the show, I suggest Richard Hatch's fine first two novels of his trilogy: Armageddon and Warhawk.
Average customer rating:
- A fine compendium of movie music
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The Complete Piano Player Style Book (Complete Piano Player Series)
Kenneth Baker
Manufacturer: Wise Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Sheet Music & Scores
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| Theory, Composition & Performance
| Music
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ASIN: 0711904618
Release Date: 1985-12-31 |
Book Description
Designed to help you become a complete, all-around pianist. Can be used by anyone who has followed the Complete Piano Player or course of similar standard. Teaches 17 modern piano styles, including boogie woogie, modern blues and rock `n' roll.
Customer Reviews:
A fine compendium of movie music.......2006-08-12
This is a really nice collection of music from, or used in, the movies. There are songs from all eras. The arrangements are solid and challenging for the occasional pianist, but beautiful when mastered. A nice feature is the ring-type binding which allows sheets to lie flat even thought there are 440 pages in the book. I am well pleased with this purchase and look forward to mastering many new pieces.
Book Description
Basic Chess Endings, written by International Grandmaster Reuben Fine, is the most authoritative reference on the endgame. Serious students of the game find the work unmatched in its depth and range. Now, Grandmaster Pal Benko has revised this classic with the latest innovations in the endgame and adapted the book to algebraic notation. The result is what chess aficionados have been eagerly waiting for--a thoroughly modern bible on basic chess endings.
A handy guide for the practical player, Basic Chess Endings focuses on the aspects of the ending that occur most frequently in the course of play. With clear language, it reinforces knowledge of the standard position and tried-and-tested rules. Hundreds of diagrams make examples easy to follow. An indispensable reference for every chess player.
Customer Reviews:
Basic Chess Endings.......2007-01-12
The recommended text for those who want to improve their end game skills. The table of contents is comprehensive but there is no alphabetical index to speed up its use for reference purposes; I will look for that in the next edition. Time will tell whether the binding of paperback version will hold it together long term. The original book I had with the old notation fell to bits after 6 years use and it was cheaper to buy a new one than get a bookbinder to fix up the old one. Maybe an electronic version on disk would be the way to overcome this problem. Andy Sag.
Fabulous Despite Age and Errors.......2006-11-20
I don't have the updated edition; I have the old one, have had it for many years, and love it today as much as I did when I first got it --- this despite the plethora of modern, computer-checked endgame manuals on the market.
Yes, it is in descriptive notation (and it will not kill you to take 10 minutes to learn it). Yes, it has errors (which most of us won't notice, and we can always use our own computers to check a position that we're not sure about in any case). Yes, it is written at a high level and is not always easy to follow (I challenge you to show me another comprehensive endgame manual that IS easy to follow!).
But it's all here. Despite criticisms that some "modern" endgame positions are omitted, Fine's book is incredibly complete and provides enough study material for years of high-level learning. That one man could have written such a book in a matter of months, with no computer in those days, is just amazing.
Now, you can get this book on the used market delivered to your door for something like five dollars. How can you go wrong? Used with care, it may be the only endgame manual you'll ever need.
Note: this is not suitable for learning the basics of endgames. It's at too high a level. If you're just starting out, get an introductory book first.
Bobby Fischer, the masters, and Basic Chess Endings..........2006-05-16
I don't have the citation on me, but legend has it that Bobby Fischer used this book as in effect his endgame bible--his copy was notoriously tattered, worn, and dog-eared.
The introduction by Yuri Averbakh is of note as Averbakh is the reigning Russian endgame god.
A book review at ChessCafe noted: "When it comes to the explanation of pure endgame theory, there may never have been a better book than Reuben Fine's Basic Chess Endings."
International master John Watson, describes Basic Chess Endings as "a tour de force and still highly relevant to endgame theory in its revised form by Pal Benko."
International master Anthony Saidy's review contains somewhat humorous stories from an older generation who deemed the book infallible, and were heartbroken by discovering occasional errors in the midst of master-level games. Nonetheless Saidy concludes: "To sum up, this is an improved BCE, at last mercifully corrected...Benko's work has improved the bible, but it is still basically the bible of 1941. BCE in its panorama of all endgames, remains in a class by itself. But a truly new BCE, incorporating the wealth of experience of the past six decades, including computer studies, it is not." So: "in a class by itself", but unlike a true bible, still not infallible.
The British Chess Magazine review runs: "Fine's monumental endgame manual scarcely needs an introduction as it will be on the bookshelves of most keen players. This is a recent revision by Grandmaster Pal Benko, with a foreword by Averbakh. The 2003 revision has been a matter of correcting mistakes, converting to algebraic notation and using more modern examples of endgames in a few cases where endgame theory has moved on. Fine's 15 rules for the endgame have been increased to 20 by Benko. Still a classic work, and now it has been enhanced with input from another very distinguished endgame expert. There are now other excellent works on the endgame but even after many decades this one still stands comparison with them."
A chess blogger writes that "Predrag, my chess coach on ICC has been successful in convincing me to study endgames and I am convinced that endgames are the most difficult part of the game. It also appears to hold the key to strong play - not only because of the chance to win games but because the chance to develop awesome calculative skills acquired are just too great to be ignored. I tried using some software packages, Bruce Pandolfini's endgame book and Larry Evans book, but they just don't seem to be the problem set I need to use - either too hard or they simply don't have illustrative sets I can practice. I ordered Basic Chess Endings by Rueben Fine and edited by Benko. It was recommended by Predrag." This is Predrag Trajkovic, an international master who gives lessons through ICC (the Internet Chess Club).
A few Tweaks needed but Still Amazing.......2005-11-09
Openings are the realm of the beginner understanding basic Chess theory.
Middle games are the realm of the intermediate player mastering strategy and tactics.
End Games are the realm of the Chess Master. It's not enough to have a theoretically won game. You have to actually be able to finish your opponent off and translate it into a victory.
Once you begin to understand the end game, your view of Chess in the openings and middle games will change because you will begin to see the small advantages that accrue from seemingly innocuous moves. Chess will begin to come alive and your enjoyment will increase.
Of course, to reach that point is not easy and for all but the few who are seemingly born chess prodigies, you have to learn.
Fine's book has been the standard work for Chess end-games ever since he wrote it in the 1960's. Since that time there is no question that there have been many innovations and corrections found. That is the reason for the 4 stars instead 5. But those issues are well documented in many sources and when you are ready for them you will be able to find them and supplement your knowledge.
This still remains an outstanding work to begin to work through the different types of endings. The book is encyclopedic, very well organized and the "errors" that are there are such that if you were to master the material in this book you would still be an extraordinary player and able to "fix" the issues that are there.
This is not a book for the lightweight chess player. If you are not at least an 1700 level player with the USCF or FIDE, there are more profitable ways to spend your time than with this book. As you begin to approach Class A and Expert level, however, you will need what this book has to offer. This is very much a major part of the pathway to Chess-Master.
Good book but some errors still remain.......2005-04-18
Overall it is a good book for studying endgames. It gives general rules extracted from concrete examples. In general, they are useful guidelines. Bear in mind, however, that these rules did not always apply.
I have analyzed in depth the endgame Steinitz-Gunsberg (9th match game for the world title, 1890), No. 723, pages 343-344. Despite the revision by Grandmaster Pal Benko the analysis has a serious error and omission. It is evaluated as a win for black, when it is, in fact, a draw. If 3.Kh6 g5 the text only mentions the losing 4.hxg5?. Instead 4. Ra3! draws. The correct analysis and evaluation of this endgame (attributed to I. Zaitsev)appeared on page 11 of the revised german edition of the Levenfish and Smyslov work on rook endgames (Schachverlag Rudi Schmaus, Heidelberg 1985). Besides, I have discovered that 4. Ra8! also draws. However this error and omission is forgivable because Ra3! or Ra8! are extremely unobvious moves and the (rare) german edition of Levenfish's and Smyslovs's work is probably the only one with updated analysis.
It would be of interest for the users of this book if the publisher and reviser would maintain a webpage with updated analysis like the previous one. In this case the book would deserve 5 stars.
Average customer rating:
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Basic Chess Endings
Manufacturer: David McKay
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HZDAGE |
Average customer rating:
|
"Sesame Street" Revisited (Continuities in evaluation research)
Hilary Appleton , and
Ross Connor
Manufacturer: Russell Sage Foundation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0871542072 |
Books:
- Knotwork And Spirals: A Celtic Art Workbook
- Light, Darkness and Colour in Painting Therapy
- Looking at Lovemaking: Constructions of Sexuality in Roman Art, 100 B.C. - A.D. 250
- Lord of the Rings Poster Collection 2
- Maharaja: Princely States
- Meinrad Craighead: Crow Mother and the Dog God: A Restrospective (Pomegranate Catalog)
- Minus Equals Plus
- Moira Huntly's Sketchbook Secrets
- Movements in Art Since 1945 (World of Art)
- My Brother, Ernest Hemingway
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