Book Description
Here is an essential guide that is head and shoulders above the rest! In The Head, expert Andrew Loomis teaches you the basics of drawing the human head, including detailed drawings of a variety of male and female models in different poses. First he covers the basic proportions of the head and the proper placement of facial features. Then he shows you how to render light and shadow, as well as exploring simple techniques for capturing an array of facial expressions and depicting differences in type and character. This comprehensive guide is a welcome addition to any artist's drawing reference library!
Customer Reviews:
A popular standard in learning to draw heads from memory..........2006-09-17
...for beginners & intermediates in ability. It's 32 pages taken from several of his original books- easily my favorite Loomis collection!
In recent decades there have been 3 main teachers in learning to draw heads from memory. For cube-based construction we have George Bridgman. For ball/sphere-based construction we have Andrew Loomis. And for oval/ellipse-based construction, we have the famous teacher of the Dynamic Drawing series- comicbook artist Burne Hogarth. Many of today's Japanese animation & comicbook instructionals are using these very same principles, along with some of the teachings by the Famous Artists School. My current interest is in oval & cube-based construction, but it's Loomis' famous *ball/sphere-based* construction here that many people consider to be the BEST. All artists, from beginners to even professionals(!), could easily benefit in learning these 3 popular standards.
In any case, this is a great work *in pencil* on heads of all kinds. All popular aspects of construction are covered: men, women, children, teens, elderly, fashion-models, proportions, rythmic lines, planes, anatomy, bone structure, simple lines & shapes, perspective, common actions, expressions, clear line drawings, and even full-blown tonal studies (whew!). That's a lot in just 32 pages. It's all done in a classic mid-20th century style, similar to Jack Hamm's excellent Drawing The Head And Figure. My favorite pages here are p.26, p.27, and p.30, because these are his clearest & most detailed pure line drawings- exceedingly great to copy & learn from. A tremendous help for anyone interested in learning to draw from memory- get this great book today!
P.S. ...just so you know: this reviews page is shared by 2 Loomis books. The 1st is his slim & tall, 32-page Walter Foster paperback collection currently entitled Drawing: The Head (HT197). This HT197 guide was also known as Heads/2. My review is for this Walter Foster collection. The 2nd book this reviews page is linked to is Loomis' original hardcover called Drawing the Head and Hands; a full-blown book- more than 32 pages. At this writing, this 2nd book is out of print. The real reason these 2 books share these reviews is that the shorter, Walter Foster collection takes a few pages from several books, including pages from this full-blown Drawing the Head and Hands.
As I understand it, Loomis actually *created* ball/sphere-based construction for heads, printed in Fun With A Pencil circa 1939- and I see no evidence to contradict this. And today it's one of the most popular methods around. His books being out of print confuses many! That's why I give this 5 stars: instead of slamming Walter Foster's publications for their lack of completeness, we should thank them for keeping Loomis' name alive(!). If it weren't for this Drawing: The Head collection, I might never have given his Figure Drawing For All It's Worth a chance. Now I have both- thank goodness!
walter foster publishing ruins what they touch.......2002-06-14
I held Andrew Loomis's books in the highest esteem. Then walter foster came along and decided to cut cost by publishing every third page and discarding everything in between. Think this statement is absurd! Compare Andrew Loomis's books BEFORE and AFTER walter foster got his hands on them.
bringing the diffucult within reach.......2002-04-29
The human body is the hardest thing to sketch, and of its parts, the head and hands are most intimidating. Loomis found a way to bring these challenges into the realm of the achievable for amateurs, with a text that, while a bit old fashioned in style, feeds the drawing brain.
As a bonus, Loomis'own pieces, particularly the finished sketches, are deeply satiafying to view. To be sure, the style is genre-past, but the evocation is sweet, recent, and wholly American. One can see in the sketched heads the tender, yearbook faces of our parents now aged or departed.
A very, very good book!!!.......2001-02-23
"Drawing Heads" by Andrew Loomis is a very thorough and comprehensive book that has amazingly been crammed into under 70 pages.
There is no waste whatsoever in any of the pages. The illustrations are beautiful and it contains simplified, easy to understand approaches to drawing the head as well as basic anatomy and facial planes. Also contained are the proportions for small children, babies and teens.
It would have to be the best book on drawing the head i have come across and is at a bargain price. It is a "must have" for anyone serious about learning how to draw the head.
Best book in the world!!.......2000-09-13
I've owned this book for quite some time now,but the only thing is that it's a translated chinese version of it & the translatiton was done very badly.Still with the well drawn images,I was able to learn everything on drawing of the head & hands.It's a great book & everyone should at least flip over the book to see how faces should be drawn well.Sorry for those who wants this book,I'll never sell it away(May be after I've got the english version of it).
Average customer rating:
|
Body/Hand/Head
David Barton
Manufacturer: David Barton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 History & Criticism
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
| Criticism
| General
| Regional
| Themes
| Women in Art
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Drawing
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0907559964 |
Average customer rating:
|
Head/Body/Hand
David Barton
Manufacturer: David Barton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
History & Criticism
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
| Criticism
| General
| Regional
| Themes
| Women in Art
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Drawing
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0907559948 |
Average customer rating:
- Spectacular
- Exceptional Photography
|
Atavios: The Roots of Colombian Fashion
Manufacturer: Villegas Editores
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Fashion Design
| Commercial
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Textile & Costume
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Fashion
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Photo Essays
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fashion
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 9589393276 |
Book Description
The result of a three-year collaboration between photographer Nacho Marín and publisher Benjamín Villegas, this remarkable volume sets out to display traditional garments, jewelry, and ornaments of the indigenous cultures of Colombia in joyous and unprecedented abandon. Using his experience as a choreographer and costume and set designer, Marín has created an extraordinary series of theatrical tableaux where myth and memory, fashion and fantasy intermingle in a riot of rich color.
The variety of attire and ornament featured on these pages represents diverse pre-Colombian cultures, among them the Tairona, Kogi, Calima, and Nariño. Inspired by priceless museum pieces, talented craftsmen in Colombia today have re-created gold bracelets, nose rings, necklaces, breast plates, and a wealth of other personal adornments as well as beadwork, masks, cotton, and wool garments, carvings and ceremonial objects. Far from the typical representation of such artifacts in neutral and serene museum surroundings, these objects are modeled by nude men and women-- their bare skin is a perfect foil for gleaming gold and soft natural fibers.
Nature and artifice are blended here in unique and unexpected ways. From the roots of ancient cultures and crafts, endless new possibilities spring forth for adventures in design and fashion. This book offers an entertaining dialogue between traditional concepts and contemporary style, and provides novel ways for looking at design based on historical precedent.
Customer Reviews:
Spectacular.......2002-11-24
As always...Villegas editores publishes a tier one book. The quality of the text is first class. Most immediate impressions of "Atavíos Raíces de la Moda Colombiana," is of nakedness. However, the genius of this book must not limited to such simplistic observerations.
This Spanish language text is a masterpiece of light and color. The fact that it includes some bare bodies is secondary to the spectacular display of glimmering Colombian jewelery and colorful traditional costumes. Although this book is sensual in nature and may be a turnoff for bland coffee table collectors I consider it a work of art and a fine contribution to a serious library.
Exceptional Photography.......2000-02-03
Although the images presented in this book do not show much of contemporary Colombian fashion, they are extremely artistic, with lots of character, and even thought-provoking. Prudes will definitely not like this book, but I highly recommend it to those interested in fashion photography, as well as to any artist in any medium who needs inspiration for human body studies. Excellent book, exceptional images, and fresh approach!
Book Description
From Daredevil to Dracula, from Batman to Brother Voodoo, from Howard the Duck to Stewart the Rat, Secrets in the Shadows: The Art & Life of Gene Colan is the ultimate retrospective on one of comics' all-time unique artists. Featuring rare childhood drawings, photos, recently-discovered wartime illustrations, and original art and sketches from throughout his nearly 60-year career, this book offers new insight on the inspirations, challenges, and successes that shaped Gene 'the Dean' Colan. Among the highlights are: A comprehensive overview of Gene's glory days at Marvel Comics! Marv Wolfman, Don McGregor and other favorite writers share plot/script samples and anecotes of their Colan collaborations! Tom Palmer, Steve Leialoha, and other noted artists show how they approached the daunting task of inking Colan's famously nuanced penciled pages! Plus: a new portfolio of never-before-seen collaborations between Gene and such masters as John Byrne, Michael Kaluta, and George Perez, and all-new artwork created specifically for this book by Gene Colan, who is still inspired by the Secrets in the Shadows.
Customer Reviews:
Gene 'the dean' Colan matters.......2006-07-04
I grew up on Daredevil in the 1980's. Miller, Mazzucchelli, Romita Jr. But, being the collector I was, I went back and bought up all the old books as well. Even then, as a young teenager, I was really impressed with the artwork in those old books. I had looked at other old comics and was never pulled in. The artwork always seemed so..."old". Gene's work never did. Sure, it was different than the newer books, but it still had a freshness and energy that most of the other old books lacked. So, yeah I've been a fan of Gene's Daredevil work for a long time.
It wasn't however, until I read this book that I truly had a deep appreciation for the work. Gene is a living legend, and deservedly so. Buy this book. Not only is it a testament to Gene, it give the reader a good look behind the scenes of how hard it was for comic artists before the dawning of "Image Comics".
I also HIGHLY recommend you check out Gene's website ([...]) He's still turning out AMAZING artwork. Many of his recent commissions are far and away nicer than most anything being published today.
Outstanding!.......2006-04-25
I have very little to add to what the other reviewers have already said. If you're a fan of Gene Colan, this book is a must-have. Even if you're not a big Colan fan, you'll learn a lot about the business of comics and how personalities and personal relationships affected the comics we grew up with. It's well written, well documented and contains a tremendous amount of research and (of course) lots of great art. (And if the author happens to read this, that very first New York comic convention was the SCARP Con in 1968 -- I, a geeky 17 year old, attended and met the gracious Mr. Colan who did a sketch of Iron Man for me, and drew dozens of sketches for other fans.) Highly recommended!
waiting for more !.......2005-10-27
A genuine great book,long awaited, about that somehow underated
cool gentleman of the sixties and seventies...but I long for more !
somehing perhaps like "Bernie Wrightson, a look back", or ... "The Gene Colan Collector" ???
And of course good editions of his masterworks.
Aniway, I'm happy for the moment !
ONE OF THE ALL-TIME GREATS.......2005-09-08
Two characters come to mind when I think of Gene Colan...Doctor Strange and Dracula. They were two of my favorites when I began reading comics in the mid-1970's. I was fortunate to have two stores close to me that sold old back issues of comic books. I was able to put together quite a collection of silver age comics. Among my favorite comics was Gene's run on the original Doctor Strange series beginning with #169. These atmospheric, psychedelic stories were unlike anything I had ever seen. I had sold my collection in the 1980's but recently picked up that complete run all over again because I was still enchanted by the great Colan work on those books.
Secrets in the Shadows is a combination biography and tribute to one of the all-time great comic artists, Gene Colan. Author Tom Field takes on a guided tour through Gene's life, beginning with his upbringing in New York and his first comic book work for Fiction House. Gene tells a story similar to many of his contemporaries such as John Buscema and John Romita, and their mass dismissal from Timely Comics. Gene would go on to DC and then back to what was now Atlas Comics. Atlas would then implode leaving Gene again out of work in the late 1950's and with a lifelong feeling of insecurity about the comic book business. As Gene explains this was a difficult time in his life as he was not only out of a job, but also had just gone through a divorce with his first wife.
Stan Lee would come beckoning again in the early 1960's as the Marvel Age was off and running. Gene quickly became one of Marvel's top artists and perhaps the only one whose style was so unique that he was not asked to pencil over Jack Kirby's layouts the way many other artists were. Field presents several conversations in the book between Gene and some of the people he worked with at Marvel. The first is a lengthy conversation from 2004 between Gene and Stan Lee. They talk about their first meeting at Timely in the 1940's. Gene mentions that Stan was wearing a beanie cap with a propeller...now that's something I'd love to see! They also discuss their creative process and how books were plotted and finished. Other conversations include Gene talking with his long-time inker Tom Palmer with whom he worked on so many great books over the years, and with Steve Gerber, the writer on Howard the Duck.
Gene worked on numerous titles at Marvel over the years, Daredevil, The Avengers, Captain America...But perhaps the title most associated with him was Dracula which had a remarkable 70 issue run in the 1970's. Colan's Dracula was dark and grim and his incredible use of light and shading gave the book a true horrific feel.
Gene would eventually leave Marvel in the early 1980's after several run-ins with then Editor-in-Chief, Jim Shooter. Shooter's tenure was marred by one controversy after another including his shameful treatment of Jack Kirby. Shooter was highly critical of Gene's work and harassed him with constant demands of changes. Gene would migrate to DC along with many other former Marvel staffers who had grown tired of Shooter including Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and Marv Wolfman. To be fair, Tom Field presents both sides in the Colan/Shooter situation. He allows Shooter to give his side of the story in which he feels he was doing what was right for the company and felt Gene was cutting corners with his work. Unfortunately Shooter's credibility is almost nil due to his run-ins with so many other artists and writers.
At DC Gene would work on Batman, Wonder Woman, Detective, and new projects such as Night Force and Nathaniel Dusk. Gene would find himself under attack again for his art, this time by John Byrne who was highly critical of Gene in a Comics Journal interview in 1982. Byrne would basically call Gene a cheat and say that 90% of the time you could not tell what was happening on the page. I credit Field for including this in the book. I would guess he knew that rather than be any kind of indictment against Gene, that it would make Byrne look like a jerk for making an unwarranted attack on a true legend. Cheat? Byrne is still giving every character that same weird looking, rectangular mouth for twenty-five years!
Gene would leave DC some years later after similar criticisms by then Editor Dick Giordano. Gene would strictly freelance from now on and even go back to work at Marvel (shooter has since been broomed himself). Today, Gene has found many new outlets for his work thanks to the internet. He's busy doing commissions for fans who truly appreciate his work.
Tom Field presents a portrait of a man who fits the nickname of "Gentleman Gene". Colan's volume of work over the last sixty years is awe-inspiring. It's great to see Gene finally getting the tribute he so justly deserves.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
Great Stuff!.......2005-08-29
This piece covers the life-span career of GENE "THE DEAN" COLAN. From early drawings he did in his boyhood until his recent commissions. Lots of rare never seen before fotos and original art. From the early days at Timely and Atlas (later known as Marvel Comics), DC (Hopalong Cassidy), Marvel again with SUB-MARINER, IRON MAN, CAPTAIN MARVEL, DAREDEVIL, and of course TOMB OF DRACULA and HOWARD THE DUCK. Conversations with Gene and his collegues Tom Palmer, Marv Wolfman, his wife Adrienne and many others. Even Jim Shooter about the conflicts that lead Gene Colan to leave Marvel for DC, where he did BATMAN and some other series starring WONDER WOMAN and SUPERMAN. What else can I say? If you like superhero comics and want to learn more about the persons behind them, buy this book, read and enjoy! This one is unique. Hopefully publisher TwoMorrows and author Tom Field will continue this with other great comic artist...
Average customer rating:
- How to live with Neurotic Cat
- Fun but a Bit Repetitive
- Funny, but short and out of date
- A Cat-Fest Of Laughs!
- The 1st book I read after graduating from university!
|
How to Live with a Neurotic Cat
Stephen Baker
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Pets
| Home & Garden
| Bargain Books
| Stores
| Books
Humor, Comics & Pop Culture
| Bargain Books
| Stores
| Books
Cats, Dogs & Animals
| Humor
| Entertainment
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Essays
| Humor
| Entertainment
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Humor
| Entertainment
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Cats
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Cats, Dogs & Animals
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Essays
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Cats
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Home & Garden Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
How to Live with a Neurotic Dog
-
Cats with Attitude
-
101 Reasons Why Cats Make Great Kids
-
Women Who Love Cats Too Much
-
Everything Here Is Mine: An Unhelpful Guide to Cat Behavior
ASIN: 0517207346
Release Date: 1999-10-12 |
Book Description
Cat owners know the truth: cats, in fact, own them and their feline needs must be met—sooner rather than later. In this delightfully irreverent book, highlighted by Jackie Geyer's evocative illustrations, the author of the highly successful, How to Live with a Neurotic Dog, offers coping mechanisms for those who struggle with the endless task of keeping their cats pampered and therefore happy.
Customer Reviews:
How to live with Neurotic Cat.......2007-06-27
This is a must-have for any cat owner,or someone who's cat owns them, great fun, and very funny!
Fun but a Bit Repetitive.......2005-11-25
Anyone who is owned by a cat will be familiar with many of the foibles of the breed as presented in this book. Often, these foibles are amusing in retrospect even though they are infuriating when they take place. As is right and proper, this book takes a humorous looks at these feline misadventures and largely does a good job. Some parts, though, get a bit repetitive.
This book relies on its illustrations as much as it does its text. For that reason, the repetitions are not too hard to take. I read it over the course of a supper and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Funny, but short and out of date.......2005-03-03
I bought this book, wanting a funny read on cats. It's funny, and witty, but i found it short and with a lot of unnecessary drawings and sometimes just a few sentenses on a page.
Additionally, i found disturbing some of the oldfashioned views on animal treatment, like 'throwing a cat across the room' for something he did. Sure, it was said as comic relief, but still, as an aminal lover, i found it harsh.
A Cat-Fest Of Laughs!.......2001-08-30
Anyone who likes funny things and cats will love this book. It is full of little stories and one liners and cartoons about cats and what they do, all amusing. Everything is done in black and white. My daughter, 10 years old, also found this book full of laughs. The only problem I had with this volume is that the binding along the spine became separated, but I recommend it anyway.
The 1st book I read after graduating from university!.......2000-05-22
If you're a cat owner, you would find this book reviewing all your feelings (happy or unhappy) about cats. Then, after you've read this book, you would ask yourself: Your cat owns you or You own your cat? 'cause you finally understand know why you can't control the cat - cats are more superior than men.
Actually, this is the first book I can finish after I graduated from university 4 years ago! Very interesting comics, thanks to Jackie Geyer. Humourous content, thanks to Stephen Baker. A must read for any cat lover (and also for those who want to 'own' a cat).
Customer Reviews:
Adorable!.......2002-12-06
I actually read this book years ago, but it still comes to mind. I have two young furballs from the humane society and I'd never quite seen that "look" from a cat (you'll know what I mean when you see the illustrations) until we got our youngest, a little 9 month old tiger who has that grin perpetually plastered to his cute little furry face. "How to Live With a Neurotic Cat Owner" is hilarious. The author has cat owners pegged down by category (ever wanted to know what your cat thinks about you?) I'm the hugging type (the illustration is actually fairly accurate! =) And the wriggling frustration of our "kids" when being carried proves that this book has it right when it comes to the "Proper Way to Carry A Cat" not to mention the perfectly designed cat living space and so on. I'm on amazon.com to get a new copy, because my old one is still at my mother's house--she wouldn't let it go! =)
Book Description
The first indisputable masterpiece of post-Stalin cinema, The Cranes Are Flying, directed by Mikhail Kalatozov tells a story of love, betrayal, and renewal against the background of World War II. Josephine Woll's beautifully written account of this film reviews its presentation of war, its redefinition of Soviet ideas of heroism, its enigmatic central protagonist, Veronika and her paradoxical decision to marry one man while never ceasing to love another. Woll also details its reception in the Soviet Union and the West, where it was widely distributed and acclaimed.
Book Description
Easy-to-follow book with over 100 of the most useful scales, specially arranged for left-handers using clear diagrams and helpful hints and tips.
Customer Reviews:
Bad Organization.......2006-06-22
This book is about 30 pages long, and is strangely organized based on key, instead of on scale.
So, for example, page 8 has "Scales based on A", and has: Major, mixolydian, natural minor, pentatonic minor, pentatonic major, blues, A major Arpeggio, A minor arpeggio. And each scale is made to fit as close to the nut as possible, making the fingerings look strange and uncomfortable. It's almost like they took a chord book, and used the same format for a scale book. I am used to seeing scales organized by scale, where there is a box for each mode, and you can see how you would transition between them.
I also own The Ultimate Scale Book by Troy Stetina, which I think is much better, and has more descriptions about each scale, and a very good introduction. Unfortunately it is for right-handers, but I guess I will learn to translate.
Book Description
Kakuro comes to America! Barron’s is introducing these fascinating Japanese mind teasers with a “can’t-put-it-down” Kakuro puzzle book. It’s Japan’s most popular numbers puzzle challenge—even more popular than Sudoku, the Japanese puzzle craze currently sweeping the world. Puzzle fans are certain to pounce upon Kakuro as the latest challenge to their skills, and Barron’s leads the way with a brand-new pair of titles (See also Kakuro Mania, also from Barron’s, with a March publication date). Puzzles in both books are graded Easy, Medium, and Hard. The Easy Kakuro puzzles will get puzzle fans started, encouraging them to progress to Kakuro’s more challenging and fascinating levels. Solutions for all puzzles are given at the back of each book. A short history of Kakuro plus easy-to-understand rules and puzzle-solving tips introduce 125 fascinating Kakuro puzzles. Answers at the back of the book.
Book Description
It's an all too common scenario: A great company breaks from the pack; the analysts are in love, the smiling CEO appears on the cover of BusinessWeek and Fortune, the stock soars. Two years later, the company is in flames, the CEO is under attack, and the stock has tanked.
Why does this sort of thing keep happening at respectable companies like Motorola, Quaker, and Sony, all of which have very smart, hard-working senior executives? And how can you tell if it's about to happen at your own company?
Why Smart Executives Fail answers these and many more crucial questions. Sydney Finkelstein, a distinguished professor at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business, carried out a six-year study of leadership failure, the largest of its kind. After hundreds of interviews with insiders at top companies that got into major trouble—such as GM, Mattel, and RiteAid—Finkelstein figured out the common causes behind failures in wildly different types of companies. He explains “the seven habits of spectacularly unsuccessful people” that drive smart managers to make catastrophic mistakes.
As much about psychology as it is about business, Why Smart Executives Fail tells the stories of more than fifty great business disasters and includes exclusive interviews with many of their leaders, in which they explain what really led to their disastrous decisions.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent white paper hidden in a 250-page book.......2007-07-09
There is much to praise in Finkelstein's book. Particularly effective are the stories he tells about executive or organizational hubris, the detailed case studies of slow-motion disasters that in hindsight seem unthinkable, but at the time convinced thousands (or hundreds of thousands, if you count investors and analysts) as steadiness of vision and strategy.
Less useful is the book's attempts to apply a version of scientific inquiry to those case studies in order to generate a series of rules (or at least probabilities and their corollaries). The bottom lines are, or should have been: don't assume that a history of success grants you the right to dictate the future, don't ignore front-line or market feedback, and don't assume that your IQ automatically translates into business success. Rather than stating these points, Finkelstein works a little too hard to turn each of his observations into actionable essays. That starts a cycle of repetitions and rather bland generalizations that doesn't help his reader become more effective.
Sticking to the basic stories is what works best in this book, and Finkelstein's writing, interviews and on-the-spot analysis is a strength.
Finally, having just been through a stretch in my own company where a group of highly educated and intelligent executives parachuted in from their former senior-level roles at a major global consultancy, and then proceeded to fumble and bumble and nearly destroy the organization with a 24-month string of almost laughably bad bright ideas, I kept thinking of Finkelstein's title. While those now ex-colleagues are enoying their severance checks, I hope they'll consent to being interviewed for Finkelstein's next edition.
Timely and accurate.......2007-07-04
Finkelstein really came through with a winner in this book. This book was recommended by a guest speaker in a B school class I was taking (she herself an executive) and I really enjoyed reading it. You hear about stories like this anecdotally from time to time but to have the whole story, background behind it and then clear and concise analysis makes it well worth the read. I would recommend this to anyone working in business.
Learning From the Failure of Others.......2007-03-10
I found this book to be right on the mark for answering the hard questions that form that title of this book. There is a conventional thought process that smart people in business should not fail especially when they have a remarkable track record. Smart companies should not fail for the the same reason. But we all know they do. This book give important insight in to the psychology of corporate/organizational failure due in a large part to the failure of top level management. It is definitely a must read for MBA students and should be a requirement for managers at all levels.
Kudos.......2006-10-27
Thank you Prof. Finkelstein foresearching and writing this book. Many of us will be saved from the classic mistakes yo udentify in this work. Your years educating students at Dartmouth are evident in the clear manner in which you present your information.
The Best Kind of Management Book: Practical and Research-Based.......2006-10-15
Finkelstein is known for being a consummate academic, producing first-rate research on the topic of CEOs, Top Management Teams, M&A, Boards, and Succession issues. However, this book demonstrates that he is also someone who can write a compelling management book with many practical take-aways.
What separates this book from others I have seen is the serious, original, 6 years worth of research that preceded it. The findings of "Why Smart Executives Fail" are presented in a very easy-to-understand way, with compelling stories and anecdotes.
There are many management books laden with opinions, but what are they worth if there has been no research done to find out if their suggestions actually lead to success? There are also many books heavy on theory, preventing any of their wisdom from being accessible enough to act upon. In my opinion, this is the best type of management book that strikes a balance in the middle.
"Why Smart Executives Fail" will show you how to better learn from failures and insulate yourself from steering your company in the wrong direction, as well as the right behaviors to exhibit that will help you be more successful.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from American Economist, published by Omicron Delta Epsilon on September 22, 2004. The length of the article is 1146 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: Why Smart Executives Fail: And What You Can Learn from Their Mistakes.(Book Review)
Author: Kathleen Park
Publication:
American Economist (Refereed)
Date: September 22, 2004
Publisher: Omicron Delta Epsilon
Volume: 48
Issue: 2
Page: 95(2)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Books:
- The Art of the Airways
- The Bloomsbury Group: A Collection of Memoirs and Commentary
- The Brass Book, American, English and European: Fifteenth Century to Eighteen Fifty
- The Disney Version: The Life, Times, Art and Commerce of Walt Disney
- The Most Typical Avant-Garde: History and Geography of Minor Cinemas in Los Angeles
- The New Handmade Graphics: Beyond Digital Design
- The Object of Performance: The American Avant-Garde since 1970
- The R. Crumb Sketchbook, Vol. 10: June 1975-February 1977
- The Risko Book
- The Story So Far: Play Therapy Narratives
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Chinese Medical Herbology & Pharmacology
- Crisis on Multiple Earths: The Team-Ups, Vol. 2
- Death of an Englishman: A Marshal Guarnaccia Investigation
- Corot in Italy: Open-Air Painting and the Classical-Landscape Tradition
- Complete Guide for Models: Inside Advice from Industry Pros for Fashion Modeling
- Clincial Laboratory Science Review
- Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance
- Boccherini's Body: An Essay in Carnal Musicology
- Butterflies & Botanicals Address Book
- Animals in Human Histories: The Mirror of Nature and Culture
