The Object of Performance: The American Avant-Garde since 1970

Book Description

Sayre defines for the first time the apparently diffuse avant-garde art of the past two decades in terms of its distinctly postmodern concerns. The range of arts discussed here encompasses contemporary dance, photography, oral poetics, performance art, and earthworks.

"Sayre has written one of the most intelligent, sensible, and readable accounts of the tenents of Postmodern artmaking published to date."—Jeff Abell, New Art Examiner

"No one can read The Object of Performance without gaining a far better idea than before of what has happened to art, and, in some measure, why. . . . I find this book consistently illuminating."—Arthur C. Danto

The Object of Performance: The American Avant-Garde Since 1970

Average customer rating:

The Object of Performance: The American Avant-Garde Since 1970
Henry M. Sayre
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPBRVW

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The Object of Performance: The American Avant-Garde since 1970
Henry M. Sayre
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OP8TWM

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Ancient beauty book

Solid Research, good resource

The Artifice of Beauty: A History and Practical Guide to Perfumes and Cosmetics
Sally Pointer
Manufacturer: Sutton Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Cosmetics | Beauty & Fashion | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Beauty & Fashion | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | World | History | Subjects | Books
Social History | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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Perfume: Joy, Scandal, Sin - A Cultural History of Fragrance from 1750 to the Present

Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0750938870

Book Description

This fascinating and unique book traces the way in which we have adorned, perfumed and presented ourselves from the earliest prehistoric evidence right through tot eh dawn of the multi-million doallar cosmetics industry.

Customer Reviews:

Ancient beauty book.......2007-02-18

This book is well researched and well written. It even contains recipes. As I am in a research and reenactment group, this has been a godsend. I am delighted with the professionalism of this book. I have to be careful every time I open it that I don't drool on it. GREAT BOOK!!

Solid Research, good resource .......2006-12-15

While there are many books out on cosmetics, perfumes, and the history of adornment, there has been a dearth of well-researched, modern historical and archaeological studies with practical information. Sally Pointer, from the National Museum and Gallery of Wales, has written a text that fills that gap admirably. The depth and accuracy of the research, and the scholarly discussion, in The Artifice of Beauty, is combined with the re-creation experiences of a skilled museum curator.

Anyone interested in researching and/or recreating fashion, material culture, or personal life in history should have this book in her or his library. Those interested in homemade cosmetics and perfumes will also find it very useful.

Pointer first lays out "The Nature of the Evidence" in her introduction, then tackles the various ages of humankind in nine chronological chapters. While none is completely exhaustive-- the beauty regimens of the nineteenth century alone have filled multiple shelves of books-- each chapter provides a good groundwork for understanding cosmetics, perfumes, and ideas of beauty in the period. Her strongest suit is in the early evidence, Ancient World and Classical world sections, but those areas have previously been the subject of much archaeology but little reliable summary. Her information about the medieval through the seventeenth centuries is a treasure trove of facts and quotations.

Of special interest is Pointer's analyses of possible make-up trends based on pictoral representations of people in the period. Were pink cheeks admired? Highly accented eyes? What color of hair was in fashion. Information about hairpieces and false hair, washes, soap and other cosmetic preparations are also included. Sidebars cover specific items that Pointer herself has researched and recreated, such as a nail stain made from alkanet root, Roman wigs, Mesopotamian eye paints, alcohol-based Hungary Water, seventeenth century 'invisible rouge,' 18th century Carmelite water. Illustrations of advertisements highlight the later chapters. The text here is interesting as well as erudite, and Pointer carefully delineates her deductions and suppositions so that the reader can tell what is documented fact and what scholarly reasoning. Throughout, attention is paid to the safety of the ingredients discussed, and the possible and documented health effects on their users. Some facts-- such as a strange fashion in the nineteenth century for nipple-piercing and a selection of medieval mouthwashes-- will surprise the reader. Others, such as the utility of pomade for the hair, that the skin-destroying properties of ceruse (white lead) were known to the historic critics of 'painting', or that bathing and washing were done with some regularity in pre-modern periods, may explode some cherished myths.

After the text history, Pointer lays out "A Guide to Recreating Perfumes and Cosmetics, with Selected Recipes Adapted for Modern Use." The second section of the book is of interest not only to historians and re-enactors but to chemists, in that it consists of a glossary of cosmetic and perfume ingredients. While not exhaustive, especially with reference to more modern ingredients, this guide will be invaluable to those curious about Behen oil, Kohl, the elusive Nard, pomades, stacte, terebinth resin, etc. Here, also, are included a number of excellent recreated or redacted recipes. The next section covers Tools, Implements and Cosmetic Containers, with special attention to the pre-modern period.

One cannot overemphasize the importance of chapter 12, on Adapting Early Recipes to Modern Usage, for the recreator, re-enactor, or cosmetics student or dabbler. In this section Pointer lays out two historical recipes, one classical and one Victorian, and shows how she worked out safe, modern recipes for the items described. (For SCA purposes, these two recipes would be excellent guides for creating competitive documentation.) The painstaking work here, and the careful explanation of what changes and compromises the author felt necessary, are outstanding. This is supplemented by a table of Modern Cosmetic Pigments to assist the re-creator, a listing of Weights and Measures, as well as an Appendix listing ingredients mentioned by Classical Authors (compare to Forbes' Studies in Ancient Technology volume 3) and "Abdeker's Library of the Toilet, 1754." The index, notes and bibliography are easy to read and useful.

I highly recommend this text for personal and library collections. Libraries with an interest in personal care, women's history, cosmetic chemistry, fashion, pre-modern culture, hobby herbalism, and historic costume and medieval culture will find this an especially helpful introduction.

Book Description

The largest Buffy collection ever! Food Chain presents such landmarks in Buffy`s comics history as T.V. scribe Doug Petrie`s first comics story, Bad Dog, drawn by the notorious Ryan (The Spectre) Sook; Christian (Rising Stars) Zanier`s first two-part Buffy tale; and Chris Golden and Tom Sniegoski`s first Buffy collaboration, from the 1999 Buffy Annual. Also presented here is the unforgettable Double Cross, Doug Petrie`s epilogue to Buffy`s third season, dealing with the night Angel left Sunnydale once and for all. These stories span three years of Buffy`s history, taking us through the breakup with Angel, and into the college years.

Customer Reviews:

Ride a Dark Horse.......2002-07-30

Set in the third and fourth seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this is a medley of eight stories buy a variety of authors and illustrators. The keynote tale is the two part 'Food Chain,' which traces the fate of a young juvenile delinquent who first runs afoul of a high school student/very bad demoness, and then, when that doesn't work out, invokes a demon who likes murdering all his friends. Buffy, of course, to the rescue.

Other tales include 'The Latest Craze,' the story of what happens when owning miniature demons becomes a fad for the rich and snooty, and 'Double Cross' about a demon who resembles the Alien on steroids and has a knack for being in two places at once. Then there is 'One Small Promise,' a Buffy/Riley tidbit and 'City of Despair,' an interesting story that pits Buffy and Angel against each other in a final confrontation in yet another dimension. The remaining two tales are 'Bad Dog,' in which Oz is freed to so that a geek with low self-esteem can drain Willow's power, and 'Punish Me with Kisses,' a ghost story that is a bit too cute.

On top of offering a set of interesting, well conceived stories, 'Food Chain' has a stellar cast of illustrators. Both the stories and the full page artwork offer a far greater variety than the regular Dark Horse productions, which gives the reader a chance to appreciate different styles and better understand the arcane art of comic book production. If you aren't normally drawn to the graphic novel format, but want something that offers a representative sample of its potential this is the one to own.

Best Of The Best.......2001-08-10

This book is definetly for an avid fan! Christopher Golden is a great author with fantastic ideas. The graphics of this novel were outstanding, and the plot terrific. A must have for any Buffy collector

Book Description

This fun and extensively illustrated books tells the story of the American political cartoon, form its origins over 250 years ago to today. Edward Lordon gives us a tour of artists, politics, media, American society, and the technology of cartooning, including the work of Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, Currier & Ives, Thomas Nast, Dr. Suess, Pat Oliphant, Draper Hill, Ted Rall, Mike Keefe, Tom Toles, and countless others.

Customer Reviews:

A Must For The Political Junkie.......2005-11-12

This broad compilation provides a nuanced and fascinating perspective on this important genre of political analysis . Anyone who follows politics will love this book!

Book Description

In this candid guide, entertainment industry veteran Laurie Scheer offers a witty and informative inside look at the primary professions in the movie biz. Readers will discover real-life, yet upbeat portraits of the "shredder" jobs of the industry, such as assistant or d-girl, and how they can lead to the "keeper" jobs of actor, agent, or studio executive. Each career overview features a clever analysis of the classic film characters who memorably played these jobs on screen; an insightful rewards-risks assessment of the job; and a brief look at such essential job qualities as durability, length of stay, "food chain value," and desirability factor. Part how-to guide, part historical document, and part social commentary, this book will delight career seekers, Hollywood insiders, and film aficionados alike!

Customer Reviews:

The Must-Have Book In The Biz!.......2003-02-19

I recently stumbled upon a book I could not put down. I'm not want to read how to books, but a friend suggested I pick up a smart, little book that concentrates on the professional side of Hollywood. The book is Laurie Scheer's Creative Careers in Hollywood. Creative isn't just the word- artistic is another!

I have been stretching Laurie Scheer's book out, page by page, because I didn't want it to end. The writing is so good, and the text so interesting, I wonder if Ms. Scheer will be inclined to write another book and if a Part II will be in her future- hope so! Besides being extremely informative and helpful for all youngbloods entering Hollywood, the book is a fresh study in cinema and gives a great, first hand look at some of the greatest American films of our times. Her added synopsis and additional history to some very mainstream and very forgotton American films, makes the Hollywood seem like an old town, any old entertaining town that is.

Ms. Scheer evidently knows her cinema history. She writes a fun, hip, guide to making it in the business and has a unique and clever approach. I adored her lingo...I can't wait to read more! When you are finished reading it you will feel like you just sat down with Steven Speilberg and he explained everything you need to know, to make it in hollywood. Bravo Laurie Scheer, what a great book!

Buy it! Read it! Dream it!

A Book For Movie Lovers.......2002-12-31

A witty survey of the feature film industry - from intern to studio chairwoman, Ms. Sheer provides a unique perspective on the accessibility and desirability of each major stepping-stone in the Hollywood food chain for both artistic and business types alike. Though clearly written for students of media culture and those who are considering a career in the film industry, this book has an 'insider' flavor and conversational tone that allow it to be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates movies.

CREATIVE CAREERS IN HOLLYWOOD by Laurie Scheer.......2002-09-20

Not only does this book give you a great idea of what's out there, but it's a wonderfully fun read, and gives the insider scoop better than other industry-type books that you'll find out there. The author compares the different jobs to movies that we know and love, making this completely accessible, and completely entertaining and accurate. A definite read for anyone interested in a creative career in Hollywood (hey, that would make a catchy title ...)

Getting Your Script Through the Hollywood Maze: An Insider's Guide

Average customer rating:

Pretty good book, but dated
no wasted words, to the point and extremely helpful
An absolute must-have if one is serious about screenwriting.
A comprehensive look at the business of screenplays
Good perspective for screenwriters.

Getting Your Script Through the Hollywood Maze: An Insider's Guide
Linda Stuart
Manufacturer: Acrobat Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Screenwriting | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Rhetoric | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books

Play & Scriptwriting | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Reference | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0918226309

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good book, but dated.......2003-01-25

This was my first "How To" book on screenwriting. I read this book over 10 years ago. It would be nice if Ms. Stuart updated it.

The book does have some interesting info on what script readers are looking for and how to make it through the "Hollywood maze". Very cool. But what has changed in Hollywood in the last 10-12 years? You'll find more recently published books that attempt to answer that question.

Also, a lot of this book is a tutorial on screenwriting. It's pretty basic, but the information is still good.

There are a lot of other books out there that focus on either the "Hollywood maze" or on the craft of screenwriting; and the content in these other books is more extensive and up-to-date. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad book. But I think it's time we've left the 1980's Joe Ezterhaus/Shane Black world of screenwriting behind us, and instead focused on something better than "high concept".

no wasted words, to the point and extremely helpful.......1999-02-22

Linda's book was easy to read and comprehend. I enjoyed the humor and the honesty. Although, I did not agree on some of the titles Linda used as examples, I did see the reasoning behind those decisions. I rented most of the films and looked for all the qualities that were pointed out. I read the book cover to cover, and then went back to certain areas that most interested me. I studyied it like a text. Then, I went back and looked at it again. My dad and I had done some films together, but he did all the "real stuff",so now on my own, I need the do's and don'ts. It was written in a cute way that was entertaining, and easy to utilize. Good job, Linda. And, thanks for helping the "unknowns".

An absolute must-have if one is serious about screenwriting........1998-05-20

An essential read for the aspiring screenwriter. Stuart's advice is no-nonsense, crystal clear and highly beneficial.

A comprehensive look at the business of screenplays.......1997-10-24

A comprehensive look at the business, structure, and art of writing screenplays. An excellent start for someone new to the business to get an overall sense of what's required to create and sell a successful screenplay.

Good perspective for screenwriters........1997-05-04

Linda teaches/taught a course in Story Analysis at the American Film Institute, and writes from a script reader's point of view. She offers some penetrating insight from the other side of the word processor

Book Description

Reggae—a potent blend of Caribbean folk, American rock `n' soul, Rastafarianism, and politics—is more than just a style of music: it's a cultural movement. With more than 400 illustrations, many from the world's most comprehensive reggae archive (based on Chris Blackwell's Islandlife collection), Reggae Explosion charts the course of the rhythmic revolution that began on the tiny island of Jamaica and took over the world.

In their exhaustively researched text, reggae authorities Chris Salewicz and Adrian Boot tell the stories behind the distinct sound and capture the contrasts that typify its birthplace: the poverty, societal strife, deep spiritualism, and energy of Jamaica. Culled from the world's most comprehensive collection of reggae memorabilia, hundreds of images—including album and poster art, portraits of such greats as Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff, and concert stills—document the past 50 years of ska and dub, dancehall, even drum `n' bass.

Customer Reviews:

Lotsa nice pictures...........2005-02-05

...but if you're looking for a decent history of reggae and reggae artists, this is NOT the place to start. Best to start with the ROUGH GUIDE TO REGGAE or Lloyd Bradley's THIS IS REGGAE MUSIC.

excellent history of jamacian music.......2004-12-14

I LOVED THE INFORMATIVE INFO ON JAMAICAN MUSIC. THE BOOK IS A EXCELLENT READ,ALSO THERE ARE SOME VERY BEATIFUL PICTURES. ANYONE WHO ENJOYS JAMAICA, WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK. IT IS A COFFEE TABLE BOOK, FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE LOVE NYIAH

Give praises..........2001-10-29

This book does what it sets out to achieve. It is a thorough history of Jamaican music and its progression. While slightly general at times, it covers the course of Jamaican music from the mid-20th century up to today- ska, rocksteady, roots, dancehall and much more. But what makes this book great is the pictures. There are so many photos and illustrations which give you a real sense of what all these musicians were like. There are also collages of many pictures for certain notable artists (like Burning Spear, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Luciano, etc., Marley gets his own chapter full of photos) In fact the book is just packed with photos, i don't even know if they could have stuffed many more in it.

The book goes into how Jamaican music has impacted many other musical genres and cultures around the globe. For instance, the fact that the DJ and MC has its origins in the selectors and dj's of Jamaica. The modern ideas of electronic music can also be traced back to the origins of dub and other production techniques developed in Jamaica (notably by King Tubby & Lee Perry). This island of a few million has impacted the entire world in ways that are still not completely realized. The roots movements especially has affected my life in significant ways for the better. This is a very quality book, full of excellent photos, interesting text, and an overall good ting. Solid stuff, pick it up an feel irie.

Could have been much, much better.......2001-09-18

I'm not sure that a coffee table book for reggae is entirely appropriate but that's what Reggae Explosion tries to be. Unfortunately, it fails to achieve it's goals on almost every level. The text isn't nearly as informative or insightful as The Rough Guide to Reggae or Reggae Routes but I'm not sure that people buy this kind of a book for text anyway. Some of the photography is is very good, but the layout is so busy and so desperately avant garde that the quality of the photos themselves is often obliterated. Given the price tag, I'd wait until it was remaindered and even then I'd think twice (that fact that I bought it just indicates I'm way too compulsive).

Average customer rating:

Enjoyable read

Cool! I never knew that bridge was so interesting.

enjoyed the book, but...

The New York Times Bridge Book: An Anecdotal History of the Development, Personalities, and Strategies of the World's Most Popular Card Game (New York Times Bridge Series)
Alan Truscott , and Dorothy Truscott
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Bridge | Card Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 031233107X

Book Description

Never before has there been such a comprehensive history of bridge, filled with anecdotes about famous players, key tourna-ments, and scandals, including: -A WWI-era bridge game that determined the fate of a United States Naval ship -The first murder ever to occur over a bridge game -The story of the first international bridge champion -Computerized bridge in the twenty-first century. Packed with diagrams of winning plays and expert tips, The New York Times Bridge Book is a must-have for all bridge aficionados.

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable read.......2007-08-16

This is an excellent book for bridge players at all levels. It combines a history of the game, some basic instruction, interesting hands and memoirs of the authors. The Truscotts have a wealth of experiences to draw from, having been involved in bridge at the highest level for fifty years or more.

If you want a couple of quibbles, I disliked chapter 15, titled "Some Strange Situations". It contains cutesy miscellaneous material that they wanted to include, but didn't have a place for in the main narrative. Their editor should have just cut it out.

Also, they went a little overboard in their account of cheating in bridge. One piece of evidence of Italian cheating they give is a successful opening lead against 3NT (page 205). This seems like quite a stretch to call it cheating when the lead is fourth from the longest and strongest!

These nits aside, whether you like stories, hands, or instruction, you're sure to enjoy the book.

Cool! I never knew that bridge was so interesting........2006-10-25

The New York Times Bridge Book
By Alan and Dorothy Truscott
Genre: Non-fiction

This is a wonderful collection of stories, plays, and tips on the still popular game of bridge. If you already know how to play, but maybe are a beginner and need some tips this is the book for you. Even more advanced players will find themselves challenged by the wide variety of hands played in the history of bridge. The authors write in such a way, intertwining the history of bridge with tips and instructions, that you will be caught up in the riveting story of players rise and fall to fame, without even realizing that your bridge skills are being improved while you read. This book has everything about bridge, from when it started as a game called whisk around a thousand years ago, to all the ethics of bridge and how to cheat unnoticeably. The book is filled with famous players, tournaments, hands, and scandals. It also gives you a couple of good tips on how to get yourself known in the bridge world. There are play-by-play instructions on how you would play some of the most notable hands dealt in bridge history, and many different instructions on various bidding conventions, or a certain play in bridge itself. If you want to soon be known for your fabulous bridge skills by all of your neighbors, then you cannot go without this book.
Alan Truscott has been the bridge editor for the New York Times since 1964, and has written thirteen books on bridge, including the famed The Official Encyclopedia of Bridge. Dorothy Truscott learned bridge when she was seven years old, and has won four world titles and thirty national. She has written the bestselling book Bid Better, Play Better, as well as a few others. Both are members of the American Contract Bridge League's hall of fame.

enjoyed the book, but..........2005-01-09

I enjoyed the read, kind of entertaining. But the paper it printed on is terrible. I don't understand, is the price of paper increases that much that the publisher uses the worst kind of paper. Really disapointed (about the paper).

Customer Reviews:

KM is not for dummies or idiots.......2007-08-25

I have been reviewing the literature of Knowledge Management (KM) for over a year. I am surprised how much is written about KM, but how little it is employed in the workplace, learning place, and government. The Complete Guide is a fine introduction--even though it is five years old, providing the core concepts and a well-rounded Glossary of KM.

Now, if we could only get the decision-makers to collaborate with us fire-starters and implement KM, we wouldn't be idiots for lack of access to knowledge resources.

A good introductory overview of the subject.......2007-03-09

As the title indicates, this is a basic introduction to the topic of Knowlege Management (KM). For that purpose it does a good job of covering the subject and providing a basic outline for planning your own KM implementation in your organization. It's not "the only book you'll need" to implement KM, nor does it claim to be, although more details on references would be a good addition for those going on to the next level.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knowledge Management .......2006-11-10

An excellent book for novices and those wanting to start KM activities in a go. Simple and easy to read and very well structured.

Excellent grounding in knowledge management theory and practice!.......2005-12-31

Melissie is a wonderful person, a great writer, and a very knowledgeable knowledge management expert.

Her writing is engaging without being patronizing or overly complex. She provides a wonderful overview of a number of different knowledge management practices. This was one of my most-thumbed-through books when I was first learning about knowledge management (having been asked to lead a brand-new knowledge management department, I had to come up to speed fast!).

I highly recommend this book for anyone who's getting started in the field and wants to learn more, as well as anyone in any field who wants an overview of what knowledge management is all about.

An Excellent and Understandable Reference.......2005-12-02

By far the most useful of all my KM references. An excellent choice if you are trying to initiate a KM effort in your organization and to help people understand what KM is and isn't!

Complete Idiot's Guide to Knowledge Management (The Complete Idiot's Guide)

Average customer rating:

Complete Idiot's Guide to Knowledge Management (The Complete Idiot's Guide)
Melissie Clemmons Rumizen
Manufacturer: Alpha
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O96NRQ

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