The Last Album: Eyes from the Ashes of Auschwitz-birkenau

Amazon.com

The Last Album by Ann Weiss contains images selected from a collection of about 2,400 personal photographs that belonged to Jews who taken to the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau. The pictures were found after the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945. No other such collection is known to exist, because personal photographs were among the property that was systematically destroyed when Jews arrived at the camps. It is difficult to describe the experience of seeing these photographs, whose power lies in their subjects' innocence: "Regard these doomed and ferociously normal people," writes Leon Wieseltier (author of Kaddish), in his foreword to the book. The people in the pictures are relaxing at the beach, playing the piano, getting married, looking in the mirror, climbing mountains, climbing trees. Wieseltier explains what kinds of knowledge, love, and memory are at play in the experience of paging through The Last Album: "We do not know the names of the people in these photographs, but we know something just as precious, just as binding: we know the objects of their devotion, who and what they loyally loved. We have been initiated by their deaths into their intimacies. We remember what they wished to remember; and in the memory of their memory, they live." --Michael Joseph Gross

Book Description

In this revised edition of The Last Album there are over 400 of these remarkable photographs. The collection traces the story of how they arrived at Auschwitz-Birkenau and how the author came to see them through what was essentially a fortuitous accident. In the years that followed, Weiss identified as many people and places in the photos as possible, traveling around the world to track down remaining family members and friends, and listening to stories of the inmates' lives before they were removed to the camp. Many of these accounts are transcribed here.

Although the photographs in this book were found at a death camp, they are bursting with life. We see babies; parents with their children; groups of teenagers; people at work, at school, at home, on vacation -- normal people leading normal lives.

The photographs and reminiscences gathered here offer a rare and intensely personal view of who these individuals were and, most importantly, how they chose to remember themselves.

Customer Reviews:

A 'must' for any serious Jewish history collection - and many a general interest holding, as well.......2006-03-03

The updated, expanded edition of The Last Album: Eyes From The Ashes Of Auschwitz- Birkenau is out, and no less hard-hitting than the original. These black and white photos were not supposed to reach the world: the Nazi order to destroy all personal photos brought to each concentration camp was meant to destroy memories as much as evidence. Despite this mandate, author Weiss uncovered an archive of over 2,400 photos brought to Auschwitz by Jewish deportees across Europe - photos hidden and saved, at great risk to their owners. These photos accompany a traveling exhibition which is making its way around the world, presenting over 400 of these photos and how the deportees arrived at Auschwitz - and how Weiss came to discover them and to research their roots. A 'must' for any serious Jewish history collection - and many a general interest holding, as well.

Memorial Day.......2003-05-28

I read this book by chance, yesterday, Memorial Day 2003.
Been crying.
It's like Schindler's List or Sophie's choice.
How could they do it?
How can we let them continue doing it?
The animals still are around us, although using another names, another symbols, another motivations.
I kept reading, hoping to find some of the people to be safe at the end, but almost everybody was killed.
Binim, Rozak, Mayer, Bronka, so many of you.
I miss you, my friends.

Should be required reading.......2002-04-29

After reading this book, I feel this should be in every house in every country. You hear so much about the people and the numbers killed that sometimes it doesn't seem real but this book makes it very real. The pictures are so powerful and at the same time so ordinary - they could be pictures of anyone's parents or grandparents. The most haunting pictures are those of the children - you have to wonder how many survived. The stories of the survivors bring it all home - "There's the aunt of the little girl I used to babysit", etc. I found it amazing that these pictures did survive 40, 50 years before being discovered again. Anyone who denies the Holocaust happened should read this book and then try to still say it never happened. Thank you Ann Weiss for bringing these pictures and the stores behind them out of the darkness.

The Last Album.......2001-10-04

"The last Album" by Ann Weiss is well organized and well written. It contains 400 remarkable
photographs that were brought to Auschwitz-Birkenau by victims in 1943. These photographs were taken
prior to the Holocaust and depict people bursting with life. This is an extremely unique book, and contains material that was lovingly researched for a period of 15 years. The beauty of this book is that the
photographs and the research accomplished brings to life people that were lost during the dreadful time of
the Holocaust. The book like the author is soft, sweet, articulate and brilliant

Amazing piece of history.....................2001-08-16

This book is an amazing piece of history. The fact that so many photos brought into Auschwitz have survived is phenomenol as all personal effects were automotically burned by the Nazis murderers. When viewing the photos in this book, which were brought in by those of the Sosnowiec-Bendzin transport, it would also be advisable to read Tadeusz Borokowski's book "This way to the gas ladies & gentleman' as this book covers the particular Sosnowiec-Bendzin transport and outlines in gruesome and terrifying detail what became of many of those on this transport. The photographs bring back to life many who are gone and also tells you those who survived, which is a relief to realise that some of those from the Polish ghettos made it. These photos bring back a lost world that will never return and along with Roman Vishniac's collection of photographs are a piece of history that is very much worth investing in.

Book Description

Pearls -- small white beads of purity and perfection. It is no wonder that they have fascinated and bewitched cultures the world over for thousands of years. But just what is it about this ancient gem that has so closely bonded it to our lives, our culture, and our bodies?

People and Pearls explores and reveals the power of pearls, with their remarkable ability to bestow upon their wearer a sense of mystery, elegance, and grace. It offers a personal look at the world's most celebrated jewel through portraits of the most memorable personages throughout civilization to have worn them -- from Queen Elizabeth to Uma Thurman, from Josephine Baker to Marilyn Monroe. It recounts the stories of particular strands of pearls that have such an enthralling history about them that they seem to take on a life of their own.

Embellishing the text are more than one hundred lavish illustrations, photography as unique as the subject of the book: These are seductive, beautiful works of ail. Some are humorous. Some are as snapshots from a personal diary. Some are breathtakingly romantic, such as the portrait of Kiki de Montparnasse wearing only her pearls. And some -- like the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's -- are dreamlike visions that are simply unforgettable.

Masterfully written and beautifully designed, People and Pearls is not only a cultural, historical, and personal look at the magic of pearls-it is the definitive photographic book on the subject.

Customer Reviews:

Could Not Put It Down.......2002-06-21

This review will be short and sweet.....this book tells a very 'romantic history' of pearls. From the oyster to the necklace, the author kept me reading this book for several hours. The pictures are also beautiful, including everyone from maharajas to celebrities. If you like pearls, want pearls or want to understand why people love pearls, than this is the book for you.

Nice book and nice photos.......2001-06-04

Nice book and well written. Not quite technically though but more geared towards the people that wore/wear them; there are some interesting anecdotes in it as well. However, if you want to read about all the ins and outs of e.g. Tahitian and/or South Sea pearls, I'd recommend the pearl book by Schoeffel or "Cultured Pearls, the first 100 years". Neverthess, it remains a very enjoyable book.

an interesting, beautiful read.......2000-12-22

i would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in beautiful photography and the allure of a good story. The authors do a wonderful job portraying the pearls themselves, but also the people who have worn them. Truly terrific!

A Glimmering Success!.......2000-11-01

Gorgeously illustrated and written with a witty mastery of the subject, PEOPLE & PEARLS is an essential look at these most fascinating of precious objects. Brava to authors Hackney and Edkins for a read which proves both entertaining and informative.

Pearl Passion!.......2000-10-29

Wonderful book, with photos of glamorous people wearing stunning pearl jewelry. After reading this book, I run to my jewelry box and put on a strand of pearl, feeling glamorous myself. Truly a lovely book!

Amazon.com

While comic books trace their origins to the late 19th century, Superman, who debuted in 1938's Action Comics #1, is virtually synonymous with the medium. Yet, as Superman, the Complete History shows, the Man of Steel has also made a lasting impact in comic strips, film, toys, TV, radio, and even on Broadway. In this beautifully composed volume, Les Daniels collects rare and never-before-seen early artwork by Superman's teenage creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (including a two-page doodle from 1936 featuring early Superman costume designs), and he chronicles the evolution of the character from an orphan alien comics hero to a complex multimedia icon. Entire pages are devoted to photographs of the various costumes worn by TV and film incarnations, of numerous action figures and related toys, and of movie poster and stills. Several comics stories are also reproduced in their entirety.

Almost as impressive as the stunning art design is Daniels's narrative: covering the 60 years from 1938 to 1998, he collects interviews with several writer-artist teams that detail the changes in the Man of Steel and his relationships with Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Lex Luthor, and Perry White. Daniels's examination of the "Death of Superman" story arc, in particular, is a fascinating study of Superman's commercial and archetypal appeal. The final pages preview Superman tales by Barry Windsor-Smith and Alex Ross (whose beautiful painted graphic novel Kingdom Come turned many heads), and the hardback cover holds a special surprise underneath its paper wrap. --Patrick O'Kelley

Book Description

Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! The first, the strongest, and the most enduringly popular super hero has been captivating audiences around the world for 60 years. Since his humble comic book beginnings in 1938, Superman has conquered every dimension of media entertainment, launching radio and television shows, major motion pictures, books, toys, ?and more. Now take a nostalgic, colorful, and entertaining look back at the first 60 years of this cultural icon—from his scrappy beginnings as a Depression-era champion of justice to the modern mega-hero of today. Designed by Chip Kidd and boasting hundreds of examples of rare comic book art, interviews with writers and artists, working sketches and original character designs, Superman: The Complete History will satisfy the collector and captivate fans of all ages.?

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful visuals, company-approved history.......2005-10-05

As with Daniels's other comics histories, this is a beautiful coffee table book, thoroughly illustrated and full of much fascinating trivia about the medium. When reading it, though, it's important to remember that the book was fully approved and virtually coproduced by DC Comics, and so basically represents DC's PR department view of its history. For example, it mostly rationalizes or dismisses the company's appalling treatment of Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. For history, there are non-corporate approved books that do a much more realistic job. But for beautiful pictures and an overview of the comics themselves, this is great.

COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE GREATEST HERO EVER!.......2005-07-26

He's the first, and greatest superhero ever, the man who not only was faster than a speeding bullet, but more importantly the man who was able to survive the golden age fallout of superhero comics and continue to thrive almost 70 years later. Les Daniels' magnificent book traces the history of Superman from his humble beginnings, to the major marketing franchise it is today. It's the story of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, a couple of young men from Cleveland who putting the ideas for this new and fantastic character down on paper as early as 1933, and then struggled for years to get the feature sold. We see a rare cover, the only page surviving from 1933, after Joe Shuster burned the rest of the pages in frustration. The spotlight reviewer contends that Daniels does not give credit to Siegel and Shuster and even takes stabs at the pair. Nothing could be further from the truth. The book details the pairs drive to get the character sold, and their diligence is well documented by Daniels. It's a tribute to their persistence that Superman is around today. Had they thrown in the towel after their many rejections Superman would never have seen the light of day. I think that pays them high tribute. There's no doubt that DC comics made millions...no billions off Superman and that Siegel and Shuster did not benefit much from this. Unfortunately, the pair, so desperate to get the idea in print, signed away their rights to the character. It may have been cheap on DCs part, no doubt, but creators simply did not own their characters back then.

Daniels goes onto to show how Superman was a smashing success right out of the gate and would go onto conquer virtually every form of media of the day including newspaper strips, animated shorts, movie serials, feature films, radio, TV, and incredible merchandising. Daniels traces Superman's adventures from the enemy-smashing efforts of WWII, to the ridiculous, often silly stories of the 1950's, to Superman's death and eventual resurrection in the 1990's. Daniels traces all those others who were key in making Superman the American Icon he has become, particularly the late Julius Schwartz who basically created the Silver Age of comics and guided superman for years and artists the late Wayne boring the primary superman artist after Shuster and through the mid-1950's, and the late Curt Swan who took over in the mid-1950's and was the primary artist on Superman for the next thirty years.

But the book isn't all about the comic books. We'll see Superman in the great Fleischer cartoons of the 1940's, his early film appearances by Kirk Alyn, and then on TV with George Reeves...Heck there was even a Superman musical in the 1960's. Superman would be re-vitalized in the 1970's when Christopher Reeves played the Man of Steel in four big-screen films before the character would return to TV in the romantic Lois and Clark, and the new look at Clark Kent as a young man in the smash hit "Smallville". Daniels covers it all including the wonderful animated series on WB, and the controversies surrounding Superman's "death" and resurrection and eventual marriage to Lois Lane. Daniels leaves no stone unturned, even providing great photos of vintage and current Superman toys and other collectibles.

Siegel and Shuster are given their proper due for the creation of Superman, but it was an entire host of talented writers, artists, actors, animators, and directors that have turned the character into the legend that he has become. This is a terrific book for any fan of the character. Well-written and researched.

Good overview of Superman's history.......2003-10-13

This is a great book for anyone who is interested in reading about the history of The Man Of Steel in all of his media incarnations (it's a few years old, so misses out on any info on the tv series Smallville). Well written and illustrated, it's a must-have for any fan of Superman.

Hardly the True Story of Superman.......2003-04-28

There is no doubt the comic book industry owes a great debt to Superman, or rather, to Siegel and Shuster who created him, but in his book, Les Daniels frequently looks for ways to minimize, rather than credit, their contribution. DC Comics made millions of dollars on the movies, TV Shows, cartoons, and other merchanising over the decades, while Siegel and Shuster shared in hardly any of it. The most shocking thing now is, this book, written with the cooperation of DC - rather than apologize to the two men, or even express any kind of gratitude, it actually takes stabs at Sigel and Shuster. Rather than simply state the facts regarding to Superman's history, Daniels frequently assails the characters of the two men, claims they took most of their ideas from other places, assigns poor motives to both men, even mentions extra-marital affairs they may or may not have had. The book is supposed to be about Superman, who cares about any of that? Of course Daniels would never turn a critical eye towards DC, who seem to have hired him, it's surprising they still seem to be bitter about two men that made them so much money for the last sixty years. There is no doubt, DC has been the best comic book company when it comes to promoting their characters, but they have also been very lucky in the courts. Not only did they force Superman's creators to relinquish all rights to the character, their lawsuits also managed to force Captain Marvel, a character more popular than Superman at the time, out of business. They claimed they were too much alike, but anyone who knows comics could see their differences. Later, DC took over Captain Marvel and actually began publishing him themselves (!). This story is only touched on briefly here. I give the book two stars because the illustrations are good, but the text deserves one, if even that. Everyone is entitled their opinion, but, in a book like this, people don't want to hear about it, they expect a decent read about the character of Superman. The true history of Superman is really not told here, it actually involves greedy businessmen sitting back and counting their money, while the creators that were the ones to make these characters, end up dying peniless.

A great history of the greatest superhero........2002-10-08

Superman is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable characters in the world. But how did he reach that point? Les Daniels excellent history of Superman tells that story, and is packed with great pictures and photos as well. A perfect book for comic or pop culture fans. Highly Recommended.

Superman, the Complete History: The Life and Times of the Man of Steel

Average customer rating:

Superman, the Complete History: The Life and Times of the Man of Steel
Les; Kidd, Chip Daniels
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books Llc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OLWQC0

Average customer rating:

Third Times A Charm

Fun, useless drivel

Uncle John's Third Bathroom Reader (Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Series)
Bathroom Readers' Institute
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | History & Criticism | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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Uncle John's Second Bathroom Reader

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Uncle John's Bathroom Reader

Uncle John's Ultimate Bathroom Reader (Uncle John's Bathroom Reader #8)

Uncle John's Giant 10th Anniversary Bathroom Reader (Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Series)

ASIN: 0312045867

Book Description

We're back again, overflowing with great new material for a third volume of Uncle John's Bathroom Reader. No more frantic searches at the last minute for that perfect magazine article. No agonizing choices between light reading and the serious stuff. Volume three has it all-Entertainment, humor, politics, pop culture, science, history, gossip....And more! Of course, it's still divided by length-you can spend a minute with the Quickies, relax with Regular-Length articles, or get really comfortable with Long Items.With Uncle John's Third Bathroom Reader strategically placed in your home, you'll settle in happily and read about:The origin of Rocky and BullwinkleThe Rolling Stones' Big RipoffThe Real Story of CinderellaDick Nixon, Football CoachCensorship in AmericaWhat's in a TwinkieElvis SightingsAnd a Host of Great Bathroom Topics!

Customer Reviews:

Third Times A Charm.......2002-10-26

Admit it already...... when you are in the bathroom, you want something to read to help pass the time. Instead of reading the latest issue of Reader's Digest, why not learn a bunch of interesting and funny, if not just downright useless, facts?

The third edition of the popular Uncle John's Bathroom Reader brings you more (and more and more and more) of interesting tidbits and stories to help you pass the time. From a list of film terms (an oater is a western) to an inside look at the musical television group The Monkees, this book has a seemingly never ending supply of information to pass along to you. There's even an entire story about the origins of toilet paper (i.e. the Sears catalog).

There is one warning that should be mentioned here: This 3rd edition is full of spelling and grammatical word errors. Though it doesn't change how much fun this book is to read (and use), it is kind of disappointing to see so many mistakes.

Fun, useless drivel.......2000-04-26

This book is packed cover to cover with fun, useless drivel. You learn about everything under the sun and actually appreciate the knowledge you are obtaining. An easy read that will have you taking it everywhere with you, this book is a must-have.

Average customer rating:

Uncle Johns Third Bathroom Reader
Unknown
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K6QAJY

Book Description

This directory is organized into 10 major tabbed sections that represent all the services and personnel necessary to take a film, TV, commercial or music video project from concept to completion.

Product Description

Would your best friend spend the night in a cemetery for $50? Would your roommate dive head first, with no scuba gear, into an outhouse to retrieve a 20-carat diamond? The answers to these questions can be obtained by playing Preposterous Proposals, one of the many original drinking games included in this book. A Partier's Guide to 51 Drinking Games also contains the rules of play for many classic drinking games, including Quarters, Three-Man and Thumper. With this handy guide, you will never run out of games to play at your social gatherings. Age: Adult

Customer Reviews:

Great book, great party ideas.......2003-08-22

A good gift for a college-bound student, be sure to include plenty of beer$!!

Most games can be done with minimal equpt, but some pre-organized game equipment can be found on the web .

Great party book.......2002-02-25

This book is an easy read and is comes in handy when you can't quite remember those drinking games. Great for parties!

Book Description

A simple, straightforward guide to the fundamentals of technical analysis
For active traders and investors who don't understand the complicated art of technical analysis, this commonsense resource covers all the bases. Explaining the basic principles of analysis and showing how to implement them, Technical Analysis For Dummies dumps the confusing jargon and unreadable charts for basic explanations and practical guidance. In no time at all, readers will see how to make better trading decisions.
Barbara Rockefeller (Stamford, CT) is one of the foremost authorities on technical analysis and founder of Rockefeller Treasury Services.

Customer Reviews:

There's gotta be better than this.......2007-08-15

The author attempts a very difficult subject and falls flat on her face.
Very unclear. Sentences an English professor couldn't diagram. Most any other book on Technical Analysis would be better

Great and easy to read.......2007-08-10

My investment friend was surprise when I told him that this book help me a lot. I keep this book by me at all times if I need to go back and review something. You should have this in your library.

Good as a reference.......2007-03-16

This book is pretty good for a reference, it covers all the basic issues and ideas that one should know when dealing with technical analysis.

My disappointment is that it lacks the prctical section. OK, so I know the basics, I open the chart at any charts system, and now what??
It doesnt give any methods of analysis, it just gives the tools.

Bottom line, as I see it, after reading the book you can't just go and start working...

NOT CLEARER THAN BEFORE STUFF.......2006-08-19

God help the "dummies" who like to learn from this book. Don't get this book if you are new to technical analysis, which will NOT make you money either. It will just confuse you. I recommend Martin Pring to start out with.

THE BEST.......2006-07-25

I've checked out lots of books on Technical Analysis and I've found this far and away the best, both for its understandability and its breadth. It's not a simple read, because technical analysis isn't a simple subject. But if you dedicate yourself to understanding it (with more than one reading), it will pay you back every step of the way.

This is definitely the book to start with (and maybe end with too) if you're serious about learning the discipline of technical analysis, rather than just dabbling in it. It's like being taught by a friend who's "in the business."

Average customer rating:

Candlestick Charting For Dummies
Russell Rhoads
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0470178086

Book Description

A useful guide to the traditional--and effective--price predicting method

Candlestick charting is a traditional method of technical analysis designed to help traders make better decisions in the securities markets. Candlestick Charting For Dummies teaches investors how to recognize and implement various candlestick patterns and lines in today's real-world trading environment, giving them a decided advantage over other traders. The book includes detailed information on observing market behavior, predicting trends and patterns, analyzing data, and developing effective trading strategies. Both Western and Japanese-style candlestick analysis are covered.

Russell Rhoads (Lawrence, KS) has over 15 years experience as an analyst and trader, and has been involved in equity, option, and futures trading as well as fundamental and quantitative research. He has a Master of Science in Finance degree from the University of Memphis and a Master's Certificate in Financial Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Average customer rating:
Estimation of limited-dependent variable models with dummy endogenous regressors: Simple strategies for empirical practice (NBER technical working paper)
Joshua David Angrist
Manufacturer: National Bureau of Economic Research
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006RBDBW

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