Book Description
For more than a generation, critics and scholars have been revising and expanding the customary definition of American art. A tradition once assumed to be mainly European and oriented towards painting and sculpture has been enriched by the inclusion of other media such as ceramics, needlework, and illustration, and the work of previously marginalized groups such as Native Americans, African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans. Now, in a brilliant combination of original scholarship and synthesis, Frances Pohl's Framing America provides the first comprehensive survey of this new, enlarged vision of American art. Here are the many strands of North America's history and visual culture: the first contacts of the Spanish with the Aztecs and other Native Americans; the post-Revolutionary definition of nationhood; the visionary feeling for landscape and nature; the images of social and military conflict of the nineteenth century; and the tempering of the twentieth century's heady plunge into modernism by the Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and the culture wars. Framing America's consistent presentation of the resonance between art and history offers a coherent sense of the evolution of a new, generously defined conception of American art. Pohl's account is an adroitly inclusive fusion of many themes. Her discussion of the early definition of nationhood includes the traditional painters of the grand manner, West, Copley, Trumbell, and Stuart. But Stuart's portraits of George Washington, for instance, are also viewed in relation to portrayals of Washington in wood carvings, embroidery, and the vogue for "mourning pictures" after Washington's death, which create a domestic counterpoint to the more institutional portrayals. Pohl's description of the great landscape tradition of Cole, Durand, and Church shows how the optimistic assertion of a sublime sense of the American nation was accompanied by a sense of loss as the nation expanded westward. As our appreciation of the rich cultural diversity of American life has grown, our sense of American artits sources, its motives, its possibilitieshas become more varied too. Fresh and contemporary, Framing America embraces what our history can tell us about our art and what our art can tell us about our past and present. 665 illustrations, 337 in color.
Customer Reviews:
Good overview.......2007-02-28
This is a great book for a survey course in American art or for someone who wants to get into American art and just wants a general overview. The text is written in a very approachable manner, and the images that are included are of excellent quality and represent some good instances of characteristically American works. I used this book for an art history course in American art that was of a very limited time period, but the book is essentially written to cover everything in American art fairly broadly, from colonial times to the late twentieth century. A good read, and a good deal.
Average customer rating:
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Framing Latin American Cinema: Contemporary Critical Perspectives (Hispanic Issues)
Manufacturer: Univ of Minnesota Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0816629722 |
Book Description
Features unique "dark-to-light" painting technique!
*Second only to flowers, crystal and glass are the most popular subjects for watercolor painters *10 step-by-step demonstrations cover requested items, including cut crystal, jewel-toned vases, Italian beveled glass, Depression-era pieces, canning jars, copper tea kettles, and more *Author's unique method will attract a wide range of readers, from oil painters to watercolorists looking for a fresh approach
In Stunning Crystal and Glass, dramatic light-filled paintings become possible no matter what your skill level. Where most watercolorists paint from light to dark, expert Joyce Faulknor's teaches how to go from dark to light--a technique she says is easier to learn and ultimately adds more depth and texture to any work. Composition examples show ways to add flowers, colorful cloths, and reflective surfaces to backgrounds to create spectacular effects.
Customer Reviews:
Enjoyable!.......2007-09-05
This is the first book I've been able to follow easily and actually enjoy the whole process. Joyce has a very colorful way of describing the steps and making you feel like you are getting a one-on-one lesson from her. I was so pleased with my own painting results and look forward to my next painting following Joyce Faulknor's descriptive and fabulous book.
Complete book, covering light, set up, palettes and techniques.......2007-07-04
The art of painting glass or crystal is a challenge to most watercolorists. The shadow glancing through the crystal is suffused with the colors of the diffracted light and reflected light, making a play of not only dark and light, but of various colors in the shadow tones. Rendering this is not easy. Equally difficult--getting the reflections on facets and surfaces of glass objects and vessels.
Author and painter Faulknor paints with an ultra-realistic style--the shapes and lighting are almost surreal. She shows you how to set up your painting area, choose a palette of colors, photograph your still life or use reference photos and then paint your picture. There is another similar book by another author Painting Crystal and Flowers by Susanna Spann but it is more about flowing color and limited palettes. This book is great if you desire that super-real look with high-key lighting and very dramatic dark-and-light shadow and highlight. It is not easy, but the author makes a heroic effort to take you along with her and the amazing talent she possesses. Not for the faint of heart, but can really make you think about how you are painting still life.
Good book!.......2007-05-15
Book is well made and each lesson is done step by step, with plenty of details to discuss the process. Compared to other painting books out there, important details aren't just glossed over and I didn't feel lost going from one step to the other. Book does what it says and I would recommend it.
Not what I expected.......2007-01-11
As I went through the book and its tutorials. I couldn't get the same effects the author demonstrated. There is info missing. The ideas are good though.
Stunning Crystal and Glass.......2006-12-04
This author gives very clear instructions on how to paint these complex looking compositions into fun and beautiful images. She helps you to create a very "do able" puzzle piece that lights up your canvass.
Customer Reviews:
a beautiful wise book.......1999-09-22
i devoured this book with the same pleasure i'd get from reading a beautiful children's book. the illustrations -- step by step images of simandle paintings in process -- are beautiful to look at. the stories -- how to put together a painting, from first sketches to last touches of detail -- are simple and engaging. simandle's approaches to brushwork (including the palette knife), mixing colors, preserving white and developing visual rhythms are well worth learning. a very fine guide for the intermediate painter looking for more poetry in their watercolor technique ... one of my favorite watercolor books.
FOR EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO BECOME A LIGHT WATERCOLORIST.......1998-09-14
I am a Swedish girl who bought this book by chance and it turned out to be just what I was looking for. A wonderful book, a "must" for everyone who like bright, light, sparcling and fresh watercolor paintings. M Simandle teaches you really how to capture light and how important it is to use, as she calls it, "broken color" - many, many fragments of bright pigment, sparkling and contrasting with the white of the paper. A book that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Wow! This is perfect for any watercolorist!!.......1998-06-20
I found Marilyn's unique approach and palette knife techinique a real find in the world of watercolor instruction books. The beautifully designed step by step latouts and gorgeous subject matter really hit the spot for the starving artist in all of us. Each lesson makes everyone an editor so we can go on to design and illustrate our own personal world in watercolor. I love this book!! (like you didn't notice)
Book Description
Capturing light is a challenge all watercolorists struggle with. Whether depicting sunlight, backlighting, shadows, or even textures, these artists need the instruction in Capturing the Magic of Light in Watercolor to create realistic-looking paintings. By breaking down the topic into simple concepts, best-selling North Light author Susan D. Bourdet shows watercolor artists at any level how to:
-Take reference photos with exciting light and translate them into a believable composition -Develop their painting skills, including masking, washes, glazing and textures -Use color and light hand-in-hand to build form and shape -Bring light out in a range of subjects, from wildlife and gardens to interiors to everyday objects
With over 20 step-by-step demonstrations, mastering this perennially popular topic has never been easier.
Customer Reviews:
Book as gift.......2007-01-04
This book was purchased as a birthday gift for our daughter-in-law, who is an amateur painter. It arrived just in time and we thank you for the service.
Alan Platt
Average customer rating:
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Watercolour Landscapes: Capturing Light and Atmosphere
Dale Evans ,
Wendy Jelbert ,
Aubrey Phillips , and
Timothy Pond
Manufacturer: Search Press(UK)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0855329165 |
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Impressions of the Natural World: An Inspirational Journey
Michael Thomas Impellizzeri
Manufacturer: IM Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0965842703 |
Book Description
Impressions of the Natural World is a presentation of nature images (its beauty and magic moments) paired with thought-enhancing quotations for enhanced relaxation and pleasant memories. The seventy photos of landscapes, flowers and animals were taken all over the US.
Customer Reviews:
awesome!.......2005-02-15
Rebeccasreads highly recommends IMPRESSIONS OF THE NATURAL WORLD as an entrancing marriage between photographic brilliance & thought-enhancing inspiration.
Sometimes I feel silly reviewing a book of images, knowing that not even a thousand words will come close to describing this photographer's orange sunset over water; bay horse cantering through yellow meadow; panorama of river, forest & mountains; yellow flower against green grass; sunlight upon snow-covered trees; butterfly upon blossom; mushrooms at dawn; hay barn in snow; pelican portrait, to tell of a few.
Every page will entice you into smiles, memories, wonder & joy.
Beautiful Book!.......2000-08-31
My whole family (father, mother, and son) enjoyed this beautiful book. I enjoyed the wonderful photographs and accompaning quotations. Each was complementary to the other. Sometimes I just looked at the photographs. Sometimes I just read at the quotations.
Michael Impellizzeri is a gifted photographer. My son and I met him at Isle Royale National Park in June of 2000. I assume he was creating material for a future book which I look forward to enjoying.
Book Description
One of the original best-selling collection of 20 Lake Wobegon monologues. Includes: "Me and Choir," "A Day in the Life of Clarence Bunsen," and "Letter From Jim."
Customer Reviews:
I heart Garrison Keillor.......2007-06-12
The product was amazing, as always, with anything by Mr. Keillor. The stories brought me back to family vacations to the Northeast; sleepy-time ventures in the car while my parents drove... Garrison's voice is my favorite part about his stories. I also love that these are ONLY Lake Wobegone stories and have nothing to do with his whole radio show. (Lake Wobegone was always my favorite part anyway) :) Also, on a side not, the CD arrived on time and just as the seller said it would be. Two thumbs up. :)
Lake Wobegon springs wonderfully.......1998-10-19
Clarence Bunsen has bad (i.e. extremely funny) day, involving static, cramped hand and fear of death, ending with his leaping from a tree to frighten some children and restoring his equilibrium. Only GK could combine all those elements in one of the seasonal CDs from LW. "Me and Choir" is also excellent.
Average customer rating:
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Scorsese: A Journey Through the American Psyche
Manufacturer: Plexus Publishing
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Binding: Paperback
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Scorsese on Scorsese: Revised Edition
ASIN: 0859653552 |
Book Description
From the violence-drenched streets of Taxi Driver, to King of Comedy’s crazed celebrity stalker, to the urban warfare of Casino and Gangs of New York, Martin Scorsese’s films are definitive works that reveal the dark heart of American culture. This new anthology compiles the best interviews, reviews, and articles pertaining to a man rightfully hailed as one of the most talented and respected directors in the history of film. Rising to prominence in the cinematic golden age of the 1970s, Scorsese led a group of young iconoclastic directors who took filmmaking to new artistic heights while advancing it as a powerful form of social commentary. This carefully chosen collection, the fifth title in the Ultrascreen series, examines Scorsese’s personal history and passions, and how they have informed and inspired his filmmaking. Spanning several decades, this anthology charts the evolution of modern cinema through the work of one of its masters.
Average customer rating:
- MJ is a True GANGSTA Props to Da Kang of Pop
- very detailed Book
- Facts About the Book!!!
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Michael Jackson: Visual Documentary
Adrian Grant
Manufacturer: Omnibus Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: The Big Picture--The Music! The Man! The Legend! The Interviews: An Anthology
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Dancing the Dream
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Moonwalk
ASIN: 0711987424 |
Book Description
The King of Pop himself has recommended this book - mentioning it in the sleeve notes of his HIStory CD. Here is an updated record of Michael's moves, grooves and music, illustrated with hundreds of color and black and white photos. Included are all of the records, concerts, videos, awards and public appearances plus fascinating memorabilia and details of some very rare Michael Jackson records.
Customer Reviews:
MJ is a True GANGSTA Props to Da Kang of Pop.......2005-09-18
Props to Adrian Grant for this Book. Elvis,Sinatra&the Beatles I got there albums&they were alright,but MJ Built the House Known as Pop Music. nobody else has taken Pop Music where he has. the Brother always makes Me Proud.growing up in the Hood from Gary Indiana to Becoming the King of Pop.the Man is a One Man Industry.Owns those Catelogs,Masters&is the Most Influential Artist over the past 30 years easily.Every Artist over the past 30 years is in Debt to this Man's Musical Genius&Vision.this is a Tight Book&takes you back.He is the Artist that got me interested in Music more than anyone else.truth be told:the Brother is Vastly Underrated IMO.He deserves far more due for the doors He Broke down.
very detailed Book.......2002-09-29
I got this Book a few Years back&truly dug how Adrian Grant went into Detail on MJ's Music.He mentioned when tracks were done&also mentioned side tidbits that were cool as well.very good comprehensive overview on one of the Greatest Music Artists Ever.He mentioned this song called "Buffalo Bill" that Michael Jackson had done&I was like I wish I could have heard it? that was cool of Him to drop Songs&things.alot of folks don't know how detailed MJ is in the studio or the fact He records so much.
Facts About the Book!!!.......2002-02-03
The Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary is the most comprehensive book ever published on the King of Pop. Michael Jackson himself has recommended this book - mentioning it in the sleeve notes of his HIStory - Past, Present and Future Book 1 album. Covering from the birth of Michael Jackson upon to the present day, the book provides a complete record of Michael Jackson's moves, grooves, music, albums, family, history, and more. Illustrated with hundreds of photographs, the book also details Jackson's records, concerts, videos, awards, interviews, quotes, public appearances, his family, fascinating memorabilia and details of rare Michael Jackson records, and much more. From Steeltown to Motown, from the Jackson 5 to his solo career, from The Wiz to Thriller, he's been Bad, Smooth and Dangerous and even Blood On The Dance Floor. He's made captivating videos, with exciting dance moves, played spectacular concerts and filled the world's largest arenas across the world. He has been performing since the age of five, breaking records since he was 11 and a star without equal since 21. He has been such a great influence on music history over the past 30 years and with this book, you can be part of his journey from birth to present (full with dated details). Though never far from the media spotlight, Michael Jackson remains an enigma. The Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary presents all the facts about Michael as never before -- everything you need to know about world's most famous celebrity is in this one book. The book contains over 200 pages, over 280 photos, promo pictures, rare pictures, complete discography, singles information, family tree information, and much more. The complete history of Michael Jackson.
Average customer rating:
- Very Complete Book on the King Of Pop
- The Amazing Life of Michael Jackson
- Everyone should read this book!
- All I wanna say that....I recommend it....
- HIStory of Michael Jackson.
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Michael Jackson: A Visual Documentary
Adrian Grant
Manufacturer: Omnibus Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Jackson, Michael
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ASIN: 0711966524 |
Customer Reviews:
Very Complete Book on the King Of Pop.......2000-02-27
i really dug this book on The KIng Of Pop.Adrian Grant has done great stuff on MIchael.this book gives dates of his Writting&Production and ALbums released.also Concerts.very well in depth Profile on THE Man.getting this book helped me get songs that he did for others oe sung on.MICHAEL JACKSON is STILL THE BADDEST ARTIST ALIVE TODAY.nobody can count MJ out.
The Amazing Life of Michael Jackson.......1999-12-19
I thought this book was absolutely wonderful. I have loved Michael Jackson all my life and this book helps people like me know more about what he went through. I thought the book was great and also I think MJ is the greatest.
Everyone should read this book!.......1999-06-01
This is the best book that was ever published about Michael Jackson. It is informative, accurate, well written and gives the world a very wonderful insight into Michael and his achievements. Adrian Grant has done it again!
All I wanna say that....I recommend it...........1999-04-19
I have just had the book 2day , Its great , its really worthy , If you like the man , you have hundreads of pictures inside , they are all great , the book tells the story of MJ day by day , from the day he was born till 1997 , everything you wanna know about michael , you will have it here...
HIStory of Michael Jackson........1998-10-28
The book is great.It gives really all the information about Michael Jackson for his fans.This book should be in every Michael Jackson fans' home to look back for his story.
Average customer rating:
- "Soaps, Shampoos, Perfumes & Splashes You Can Make At Home"
- sure are a lot of soap books
- Not for a Beginner...
- Great for ideas
- Pretty pictures but.......
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Making Soaps & Scents : Soaps, Shampoos, Perfumes & Splashes You Can Make At Home
Catherine Bardey
Manufacturer: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Making Natural Liquid Soaps: Herbal Shower Gels / Conditioning Shampoos / Moisturizing Hand Soaps
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The Natural Soap Book: Making Herbal and Vegetable-Based Soaps
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Soap: Making It, Enjoying It
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Perfumes, Splashes & Colognes: Discovering and Crafting Your Personal Fragrances
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Soapmaker's Companion: A Comprehensive Guide with Recipes, Techniques & Know-How (Natural Body Series - The Natural Way to Enhance Your Life)
Accessories:
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Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)
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RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
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Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
ASIN: 1579120598 |
Book Description
With this book, it is easy to create soothing suds and a wide variety of perfumes, colognes and splashes that moisturize, revitalize and aromatize skin and hair.
Following the simple step-by-step directions, readers can make all the body products of their dreams, from Buttermilk Oatmeal Soap and Tangerine Cocoa Bar to Lemon Lavender Shampoo. Each recipe also points out how readers can improvise and create their own special soaps and scents.
A special section details the techniques of the world's most famous fragrance producers and traces perfume history. The book includes a resource directory, safety hints and ways to make your soaps more earth-friendly.
Customer Reviews:
"Soaps, Shampoos, Perfumes & Splashes You Can Make At Home".......2003-12-08
This beautiful, slim book is split into two parts:
1) 'Making Soaps,' which begins with a little history on where and how soap was invented (supposedly in Rome from animal fat and ash residue some few thousand years ago), followed by a list of tools and ingredients you'll need, like a scale, paring knife, measuring cups/spoons, large stainless steel/ceramic pot, rubber/latex gloves--oh, the list goes on and on. Then it goes into the techniques and three methods of soapmaking: cold-process, hand-milling, and melting (aka Jell-O method; the easiest of the three). There are even recipes for you to try, like Cinnamon Ginger, Honey Vanilla, Coconut Rosewood, etc, which just made me hungry after reading them. I guess the nice thing about soapmaking is that if you mess up, you can always eat your mistake (j/k). I haven't tried any of the recipes myself, so I can't say they'll work, especially after reading a few other reviews below. As for the shampoo section (which is also lumped here), that's reduced to just 8 pages--half of which are just photos--and doesn't go into great detail.
2) 'Making Scents,' which also begins with a history on fragrances, this time starting around 3500 BC. I wasn't too interested in this portion of the book, but it is a great place for beginners to start since organic perfumes are relatively easy to make, and the tools required are a lot fewer and less dangerous than for soapmaking. However, as the author mentions, don't expect to make a reproduction of Chanel No 5 or the like. There are some good perfume recipes, though, like Rose Water, Vanilla Bean Water, and Pear Nectar Perfume (none of which I've tried, but would try if I ever got around to it).
I received "Making Soaps and Scents" awhile back as a gift. What I liked most about it was the vegetable-based soapmaking recipes since I'm a vegan and didn't want to get involved with any animal products. However, I'm not very good at arts and crafts at all, and forget about getting me in the kitchen: I usually end up burning something when I do. For that reason, I've been a little wary of attempting any of these soapmaking ideas. For now, I'm happy just buying vegan soap/shampoos at the store, like Crystal (a soap), which doesn't include or experiment on animals. But for those who are into arts and crafts, then "Making Soaps and Scents" is certainly worth checking out. It's quite informative, with several tips and troubleshooting pages throughout the book; not to mention it's very colorful and beautifully photographed, even if the photos are mainly just of soap.
sure are a lot of soap books.......2003-07-15
This is just another book that was written to cash in on the current DIY craze in toiletries and bath products. The author is not much of a soapmaker, and I ended up selling my copy to a used bookstore within 6 months of ordering it. The book is beautiful to behold, while being a pain to actually use due to the format and size, but is essentially useless next to the few books that actually impart info which empowers crafters to make ingredients decisions because they've learned something. Read Cavitch if you want to learn something.
This is just another abbreviated Martha-esque book.
Not for a Beginner..........2002-10-20
This was my first book that I bought on soap making and I really wished I had read the reviews first, before I purchased this book. I should have known something was not right when she didn't have any pictures of her finished soaps with her recipes. Could it be because they don't come out right, so she has none to show? I have attemtped to make two of her recipes so far. The Cinnamon Ginger,pg. 71; which came out a dark, ugly, smelley, mess. My second attempt was her Soothing Honey Vanilla Soap, pg. 73. What a fiasco that turned out to be. She neglects to tell you that when you add the 6 ounces of melted beeswax to the oils that are at 100F degrees(as instructed by her Basic Vegetable Soap), the beeswax will immediately solidify again and float on top. So, now I had to re-melt everything to a temperature around 150F to get the Beeswax to stay melted and blend into the oils. And of course, my Lye was already at 100F, waiting to be added to the oils. I see now why she has the section of water baths to regulate your Lye/Oil tempertures. You are going to need them. Anyhow, in order for the beeswax to stay liquid, I had to keep the temperature around 150F. And now I wasn't sure which temperature my lye should be. She also neglected to warn you that honey can cause your batch to separate, that happened to me also, when I added the warmed honey. I have serious doubts that my soap will turn out ok, it is in the mold now, but it did not look good when I poured it. And, I also just found out, after reading on the Internet, that you should not add more than 1.5% beeswax to a batch, otherwise you will have problems keeping the batch at a liquid state. The other reason is because of Beewax's hardening properties. Since it makes a soap hard, too much is not good, not unless you have a jack-hammer to slice it:). Well, her recipe called for 6oz of Beeswax, which is more than 13%, I am afraid I will end up with a brick in the morning. Again, this is the type of information she neglects to explain to you. Another important note is the use of Essential Oils in her reipes, e.g., again, her Soothing Vanilla Soap says to use 2 oz of Vanilla Essential Oil. I am not sure who her supplier is, but I couldn't find pure Vanilla Essential Oil for under $194.00, for 2 ozs, and that was for Vanilla Absolute. I am so glad now, that I used Fragrance Oil instead. I don't have 200.00 to throw away, while I try to figure her recipes out. Again, this is book is truly lacking in information. I am sure an experienced soaper would have known these things, but than, I think an experienced soaper would have read this recipe,laughed and tossed it aside. And yes, how much lye do you need for the Lemon Lime Coconut Hair Bar on pg. 91, anyway? That's right, somehow the editor neglected to add it. Hopefully, once I become more experienced, I can use some of her recipes, but for now, I think I will stay with the Internet, so I can learn. Buyers beware, is all I have left to say about this book.
Great for ideas.......2002-06-19
Bardey's book basically rehashes a lot of tips found in other books. It's not a book for beginners but soap pros will find nice ideas for expanding their soap lines.
Note: One BIG problem I had with the Bardey book is in the "Custom Soaps" section. She lists the recipes but has no pics of the actual soaps! She only has pics of ingredients. Ugh!:-(
Pretty pictures but..............2001-11-18
This is not a good book for making soap or anything else. It has more pictures than recipes and what recipes it does have are not very practical.
This is NOT a book for beginners either, spend the money on something else like soap making for fun and profit, and the soap makers companion.
I bought this book, and was very dissapointed, I resold it and not for very much I might add.
Customer Reviews:
Hilarious!.......2002-07-16
The thing I love most about this book is that it successfully captures the unique comedy of the BBC TV-series. Seldom has a book made me laugh out loud like this one did. If you're a fan of the show, miss this at your own peril!
For diehard fans.......2000-08-17
This book was rather amusing, but a little dissappointing. I would reccomend it for diehard fans only. It is basically all the events from the early seasons of the TV show written out in diary form by Rene. The running gag that tied the book together was basically every mention of anything having to do with sex was either blotted out, or changed by the innocent well-meaning "translator". This gag was rather juvenile, and got old fast -- although I have to admit, the change of "having it off" to "having a tiff" by the "translator" made me giggle. There were many amusing extras though, that made the book worth a read -- it included Rene's obituaries, Lt. Gruber's love poems, a birthday card from Flick to Helga, etc. were very funny. There were also great pictures from the show -- my fave was of Gruber in the bath! It's an entertaining book, but not worth it if you are only a casual fan of the show.
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