Arts Books

Ron Benrey includes everything you need to know and more, which is why I was a bit depressed after I read halfway through TCIGTWCF.

He's realistic, and that's great. This field is not only overcrowded, but it's extremely hard to break into. Now Benrey levels about that, which is what we want, but after reading this book I decided NOT to pursue writing Christian fiction. He saved me a lot of time and frustration, so I thank him for that.

Writing for publication is bucking the odds, and it's getting harder, not easier. If you're bound and determined, I say all God's best to you, but go into it expecting disappointment and frustration. We all think we're capable of writing the next bestseller, but talent alone isn't enough.

As far as this book goes, it thoroughly covers the subject matter in a clear, understandable style. If you want to learn about this field, you can't go wrong with this book.

I aquired the book,"The Complete Guide to Writing Christian Fiction," in a group of several otherbooks I wanted to buy to help me learn how to write non-fiction books. What I didn't see was that it was for fiction writers, and I am a non-fiction writer. I decided that I really had wasted my time and money. But I decided to check it out anyway, because I didn't want to send it back.

I was very pleasantly suprised to find out that many of the principles that Ron Benery was directing toward fiction writers also worked well for me.

To tell you the truth, I got more out of his book than I did from some of the other so called non-fiction guidline books.

So if your are not sure if you want to stick with one genre, this book would be a great choice for you to have no matter what direction you go.

BTW.. I met Ron Benrey at a writer's conference, and you know what? He breathes the same air I do. He is a very friendly, caring, concerned, guy, and it shows in his work.

I have read quite a few books on this subject. I can honestly tell you this is the best of the lot. It is loaded with lots of information, is well written and easily readable. The content is a must read if you are considering becoming a Christian writer I would consider it the textbook on this subject. Do you know what words are prohibited in Christian fiction? Or Content is prohibited? Can two characters spend the night together in the same house? Before you answer read The Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction . You may be shocked. He also instructs you on how to improve on your craft, and to write the dreaded proposal that will get attention.

The Complete Idiots Guide to Writing Christian Fiction is a MUST HAVE book for any writers or hopeful writers of Christian Fiction. And it needs to be the FIRST book such folks should read. I have a pretty good library of resource books on writing but this one tops them all. I wish I had known about it much sooner! I have recommended it to all our writers' group. ---Elva Martin, President, Upstate SC American Christian Writers Chapter, Anderson, SC

After reading "Left Behind", I thought to myself "I could write something like that". After reading this book, however, I realize just how wrong I was. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction" functions both as a writing manual and as a set of detailed guidelines as to just what Christian publishers are looking for and it was through reading those guidelines that I came to the realization that I just wasn't cut out for writing Christian fiction. That's OK, though, it's better to know this sort of thing before I begin, rather than after I've wasted two years of my life on writing un-publishable fiction. That is why this is such a fantastic book. Writing Christian fiction isn't just about writing a book without any sex, violence or coarse language, there's a lot more to it than that and that's what Ron Benrey (a published Christian fiction writer) explains in this book. The writing manual (how to write a novel) sections of this book are mediocre in quality, I've seen better secular books on this topic (for example, "The Plot Thickens"). However, even if you don't read those sections, this book is well worth your money just for Benrey's insight into the way Christian readers and publishers think.

This book was purchased for a college research project and it was just perfect. It talks of Kandinsky's color theory and how music and color co-exist. The seller was professional and I got the book when it was promised. I would order from this seller again...definately!

Wassilly Kadinsky was a 20th century painter and his CONCERNING THE SPIRITUAL IN ART provides a blend of philosophical, spiritual and artistic reflection as it examines the premises and presence of spirituality in art. This new edition is a recommended pick not just for art students of modernism, but for readers of spiritual works: it includes letters between Kadinsky and Sadler, unpublished prose poems, and a fine attention to artistic reflection and analysis.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I enjoyed reading the book. At times it was over my head,but still it was worth the effort!!!!

Kandinsky had risen to positions of influence in other disciplines (political science/economics and law) before directing his considerable intellect to painting. His insights extended into the historic 'meta' trends of the arts and sciences, including the physical sciences, and had his interests been directed more to the history and philosophy of science instead of the history and philosophy of art, he might have written Kuhn's observations regarding paradigm change a half century before Kuhn did: "Here and there are people with eyes which can see, minds which can correlate. They say to themselves: 'If the science of the day before yesterday is rejected by the people of yesterday, and that of yesterday by us of today, is it not possible that what we call science now will be rejected by the men of tomorrow?' And the bravest of them answer, 'It is possible.'"

Instead, Kandinsky extended the frontiers of painting and authored philosophic writings on the future of art that are among the most important of such works. M.T.H. Sadler, who translated this work into English, was a friend of Kandinsky's and was among his early admirers. The notes he has written in the front of the book (Translator's Introduction) are therefore more helpful than could be the opinions of many other critics, including myself:

"Anyone who has studied Gauguin will be aware of the intense spiritual value of his work. The man is a preacher and a psychologist, universal by his very unorthodoxy, fundamental because he goes deeper than civilization. In his disciples this great element is wanting.

"Kandinsky has supplied the need. He is not only on the track of an art more purely spiritual than was conceived even by Gauguin, but he has achieved the final abandonment of all representative intention. In this way he combines in himself the spiritual and technical tendencies of one great branch of Post-Impressionism.

"The question most generally asked about Kandinsky's art is: 'What is he trying to do?' It is to be hoped that this book will do something towards answering the question. But it will not do everything. This--partly because it is impossible to put into words the whole of Kandinsky's ideal, partly because in his anxiety to state his case, to court criticism, the author has been tempted to formulate more than is wise. His analysis of colours and their effects on the spectator is not the real basis of his art, because, if it were, one could, with the help of a scientific manual, describe one's emotions before his pictures with perfect accuracy. And this is impossible.

"Kandinsky is painting music. That is to say, he has broken down the barrier between music and painting, and has isolated the pure emotion which, for want of a better name, we call the artistic emotion. Anyone who has listened to good music with any enjoyment will admit to an unmistakable but quite indefinable thrill. He will not be able, with sincerity, to say that such a passage gave him such visual impressions, or such a harmony roused in him such emotions. The effect of music is too subtle for words. And the same with this painting of Kandinsky's. Speaking for myself, to stand in front of some of his drawings or pictures gives a keener and more spiritual pleasure than any other kind of painting. But I could not express in the least what gives the pleasure. Presumably the lines and colours have the same effect as harmony and rhythm in music have on the truly musical. That psychology comes in no one can deny."

Some aspects of Kandinsky's color theory are dubious, at best they cannot be universalized, and Kandinsky sees this. But other of his ideas and arguments are widely accepted among artists, even as being self-evident. Stating that "there is no 'must' in art, because art is free," that is, free to address external representations OR "the inner need," to merely chase after material 'objects' OR to wrestle with the mysteriously spiritual, to somehow meld the two visions OR to stay purely to exploration of the spiritual high ground, Kandinsky absolutely rejects the materialistic expectation of an art "explanation" that has been articulated by EO Wilson in his unfortunate daydream 'Consilience' (Wilson knows ants better than he knows humans, and is given to understanding humans to be essentially ant equivalents).

Anyone interested in art history, painting of the past century, or the relationships/correlations/divergences of the various arts (visual, musical, literary), as well as anyone interested in the meaning and purpose of art, or in the philosophy of aesthetics, should read this important book, perhaps more than once.

Kandinsky throws his ideas out in a slightly esoteric manner. It make take a few rereads to really grasp the quality of discourse he presents. But, in the end, his commentary shines brightly through his comparisons of music to painting. The spiritual triangle is comparable to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It is important to remember that Kandinsky is not using the term "spiritual" in a religious sense.
This book is a very good read for anyone feeling slumped in their art making. And for anyone who wants to expose themselves to ways of thinking about art. By the third time I had read the material I had underlined and highlighted almost every line and filled all the margins with notes. The book is fantastic. It is especially good when paired with Hans Hofmann's essay "In Search for the Real." Although the ideas in the two books do not parallel. In fact the lines aren't even on the same page. Kandinksky's critiques of other familiar artists are very interesting too. Names like picasso and Cezanne pop up quite a bit.
I'll stop rambling now. Read the book, it is very good.

To tell you the truth, this book made me a little more nervous than I usually am... My fear of public speaking is not really an issue, but after reading some parts of this book, it just may be/come so!!! RElax is the key word is what the authors should be telling us... A book called "The Method of SElling" covers all this in a very realistic and cool way.

Very impressed that you pulled this off.
Matt (the swede)Donley

Parts of this book were not applicable to me personally, howerver the rest of the book was thoughtful, helpful and full of practical advice. I'm sure there is great learning in parts for everyone. Definatly worth reading.

Great book. The one chapter alone on gender differences, and feminine/masculine speaking styles (men to men, men to women, women to women, women to men) makes the book worth hundreds of times the price, especially to anyone in consulting or sales. If you have ever been left shaking your head and wondering what's going on when speaking to people; after reading that chapter, the "light will go on".

This is much more than merely a speaking book. It is a book on communications survival in a highly competitive world - essential for anyone who makes their living by talking to people, and most of us do.

Recommended.

I am just a few chapters into the book and am already able to use the tips from this book to change the way I view public speaking. These tips have even helped me in my "worst fear" of chatting with people one on one. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that ever has to "speak"...okay, that is EVERYONE!!!

A tour de force in Industrial and Engineering History that remains a model for charting the evolution of a complete technology between two book covers. Though 'Copper Wire -' makes no direct appeal to the lay reader, this was never the intention. Nevertheless, it has an informative and fluent style and for those outside this discipline it provides a highly educational text, sufficiently well composed to make it a work of reference as well as a comprehensive and contiguous history. This is a technological history, and the author is at pains to concern himself with the progressive development of wire technology and the changes needed to meet the demands of electrical conductors. This, for me, is the fascinating aspect, though those with a mechanical background and interest will not be disappointed. Similarly, the history is well managed and constitutes a highly credible and admirable excercise in historical research. All told an excellent example of engineering history at its best.
N.R. Ramsden, Lecturer - Economic History, May 25, 2006,

Reviewer, Economic historian, April 29, 2005,

A deeply insightful and well argued monograph in economic history which at once provides a superb perspective on the exigencies in 19th Century industrial development and at the same time structures the research and history so well that there are times when the subsequant analysis - impecable though it is - seems superfluous. As said by other reviewers, Blake-Coleman's Copper Wire stands as a model in this sector of economic and industrial history.

There is little that can be added to the earlier reviews - all the superlatives are in place and as a latecomer to reading this title I can only contribute my agreement. As an engineer working in the wire industry I found the material not only fascinating but a reflection on the authors real command of the technology and the historical exigencies involved. It was a revelation in exposing just how advanced the production methods had become at the end of the 19th century, and just how difficult the path to making high quality electrical conductors was from the advent of submarine telegraphy. I congatulate all involved in the production of this book - wonderful.

Copper Wire and Electrical Conductors : The Shaping of a Technology

Author: B. C. Blake-Coleman
Format: Hardcover Textbook
Published: December 1991
ISBN: 3718652005

This is a definitive work which critically examines the principal events and circumstances which influenced the evolution of copper wire as a crucial component in modern electrical technology.

Now established as a milestone in the publishing of technological histories, Blake-Coleman's 'Copper Wire-' provides the template for all subsequent authors in the field. Highly readable, yet completely authoratative in the depth and breadth of its research, this book went even further in showing how careful editing can enhance the way information is conveyed to the reader. (All footnotes and citations for example are given on the page where they appear. This is of enormous value; given that typically citations are confined to the end of a book, requiring the reader to constantly flick through pages).

The structure and content of 'Copper Wire-' is of itself a lesson. To avoid the problem of intermingling the use and application of Copper wire with the technology of wire making itself, the opening chapters cover the history of wire making technology and then proceed to focus on copper wire per se. This arms the reader at the outset with an understanding of the slow development of wire making technology from ancient times up to the end of the 19th/early 20th century when automated techniques were virtually mature.

The traditional applications, trades and supply chains for copper wire are given a full treatment in the middle sections. Not only in terms of markets and uses but the organizations and companies that developed on the specific businesses of the day. This extends to the single tradesman supplying copper articles for the local market and drawing his own copper wire, to the dockyard industries providing the massive levels of copper and copper wire for both naval and private vessels. We see how slowly (but inevitably) the provision of materials for the traditional markets slowly make available a commodity that could be used in early electrical work.

Electrical science is then shown to be an overwhelming force for change in the copper wire industry - not least because (as we are suprised to find) the traditionally made copper wire does not have the qualities and attributes appropriate for electrical applications. Indeed, iron and brass wire are at first the primary choice as conductors in telegraphy and experimental applications.

How electrical science and the acceleration in telegraphic and telephonic communications came to change the manufacture and properties of conventional copper wire is a fascinating story, and is not only well told in this book but told with an emphasis that conveys vividly the trials and tribulations of those individuals who made our modern electrical systems what they are. Having read the later sections of 'Copper Wire-' one is left in no doubt that dismissing the current monopoly of copper wire in electrical technology as purely an evolutionary step ignores the fact - as this book clearly recounts - that there was nothing natural or evolutionary about it!

Not only is this book a prime example of good scholarship and pragmatism in approaching the problem of presentation, but the wealth and quality of research leaves one admiring the persistance of the author. Few would see the subject as compelling. There is after all no central character or single historical perspective and technological histories are hardly the best platform for getting to grips with the economic and social conditions which prevail. Yet the author does turn a potentially turgid subject into something truly engaging.

There are many criticisms to be made about this book (mainly editorial and typographical) but this remains the definitive technological history. Copper Wire- is recommended to anyone who is embarking on a similar task. Not only as a model for writing this kind of material but as an example of understanding what makes a complex and highly technical subject easy to understand and assimilate.

I believe many will agree that this book deserves its longevity. Having obtained a copy on the strength of the Amazon reviews (below) I have (for the first time) no argument with the reviewers. Those who have praised the scholarship, structure and insight of Blake-Coleman's work were right to do so. Verso, the criticisms where they occur are justified. Particularly in the light of the fact that much of the research dates back some 20 years! Yet there is little extant that supersedes any of the book's contents, and that speaks volumes!

As a study in how economic and industrial history should be written 'Copper Wire - ' has few equals, as a research excercise and a marvellous story of industrial and technological change it is peerless.

I think this is a great book , very informative and great pictures. I like it very much good addition to my library

i was hoping that this book would help me with costuming my dolls by creating clothes that were draped on the doll body..a wonderful book for making structured doll clothes and a must have doll makers book! i gave it 4 stars because i still have no clue on how to "drape a fantasy" costume

I love all of Patti's books, but this one is probably my favorite. They're not just instructional, they're fun to read or just admire. As another reviewer mentioned below, you learn a lot about doll and clothing construction. I've never actually used one of the patterns, but use them as inspiration to make my own. That's the best part of Patti's books. They inspire creativity and individuality in your doll-making. Highly recommend this book if you love dolls!

Although Patti Culea's books on doll making tend to be reptitious in some respects, it's nice to know that you don't have to buy all of them - or if you do, you don't have to pull all of them off your shelf at once in order to make your own art doll. All are excellent, including this one. Have fun!

I love all her books, very well illustrated and Amazon is fast at getting my orders to me. Thank you. Great information on clothing for doll making!

This is a great book!!! from the moment I began to read it, i just couldn't put it down. It will make you feel loved and if you have any doubts about your father's love, this is a book you have to read. It also reminds you of how special it is to be a woman and how valuable you are.

I had this on my list of books to read for years now and I finally had the opportunity to read and finish this book. It is such a great read! This book reiterated my importance as a daughter of God and no matter how bad I have been hurt in the past, my future can and will be brighter! Thank You TD Jakes for writing this book!

As always T.D. Jakes delivers a powerful and blessed message. In "Daddy Loves His Girls", he speaks to the mind, heart, soul and spirit of women from all walks of life. If you are a woman or father of a daughter...THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ! As you read each page, you will grow a little more. By the end of this book you have a perscription for WHOLENESS in life.

T.D. Jakes also provides examples from his own family life, which gives the reader an up close and personal feeling. Some readers need those applicable real life situations in order to interpret the message to the fullest. For those who could do without the life's application...he has also provided Bible Scripture Quotations. I highly recommend this spiritual food...it will be a blessing.

A Very Gifted and much needed Book for many of us women today.

In it you will read about how much Our Heavenly Father Loves His Girls and gives you great insight in how to demonstrate that same precious Love to your children.

This book has away of singing to the most deepest injured parts of your heart and just seems to melt away all those pains through the power of Love Our Heavenly Daddy Has for His Girls

Powerful anointing in healing for the Body, Soul and Spirit :)

I am in the process of developing a deep, personal, spiritual relationship with God and have read many books on the subject of God's purpose of the woman and I have been praising God since for giving me guidance and direction through people like Brother T.D. Jakes.

I have found solace, love and comfort in this book that is real and true. Love that will not disappoint and that type of love can only come from the Father. However you serve the Being greater than yourself, you will be able to relate to what Brother Jakes shares in this book!

A more artistic interpretation of the traditionally print-driven journal, Dan Eldon's records are colorful and compelling.

This is a very moving and powerful book from someone who was so young. It documents a movement of change and how Dan Eldon could find beauty in the simplest of things. The imagery will stay with you long after you've put the book down.

I love this book. The story of Dan Eldon is one everyone should read. It will change your perception of the world and how you live your life.

It's a shame Kathy(his mother) never wrote this book.
By far the most imtimate and well written part of this book was the last chapter that Kathy Eldon wrote.
Obviously Jennifer New loves Dan's life like we all do but unfortuneatly she never met him and that glaringly stands out in the biography. There is way too much creative license here,the fact he is raised to almost sainthood can be squeemish at times.Jennifer's writing leaves a lot to be desired, but through the clumsy writing you can't helped but be inspired by the life of Dan Eldon.
Dan is amazing!! His photos say more about him than any bunch of words can. 'The Journey is the destination" is a must have book!!
Flip through that and I guarentee your life will be changed forever!

I purchased both The Journey is the Destination and The Art of Life on the same day. Over the next two days, I rotated the books as I couldn't decide on which one to read first. Jennifer obviously dove deeply into Dan's life. The stories that are told from memories collected from Dan's closest friends and his family are engaging. There is no doubt that Dan left a mark on everyone he met. Even more incredible is that he continues to leave his mark on the lives of those who meet him through these books. His death may have been premature but he certainly didn't waste the short amount of time that he was given. He certainly deserves to be known as one of the twentieth centuries heroes.

Such a pretty little journal/calender with just enough room to write a few things each day as a journal. Or you can use as a scheduler, which ever. Very nice, great graphics & recipes.

This is a cute book and has personality in it for journaling.

This perpetual calendar without days of the week written on it is a great idea and in true Susan Branch fashion!

Susan Branch's wonderful artwork and stories that are throughout this perpetual calendar/journal always brings a smile. She comes from a large family, and shares creative and thoughtful ideas for entertaining, celebrations, and holidays that I find to be an inspiration. The binding allows it to lay flat, the paper used takes ink nicely, and the dated spaces are generous. Even after making good use of this same book for so long, I've never grown tired of it, and look forward to starting a new one each year. With the purchase of this one for 2007, I now have a row on my bookshelf dating to 1997!

This is the greatest, most beautiful book, calendar! I am going to be giving one of these to everyone for gifts! This book can brighten your day every time you open it, with the beautiful drawings and sayings. You will not be disapointed.

Having never been in charge of getting our own reel done before, this book offered tons of advice and wonderful tips to point us in the right direction. Derrick Boelter has put together a book that's easy and fun to read, and he gives invaluable direction for someone who wants the best demo reel possible.

Derrick Boelter has created an easy-to-read and thorough coverage of what it takes to make a successful demo reel for actors. I highly recommend this book. Whether you are doing your own editing or hiring an editor to do your reel, you will benefit from the information that Derrick provides.

I've been trying to find a book like this at all the Hollywood stores and even the ones in NYC when I lived there. Finally a step by step and clear guide on how make sure my reel is cut correctly and the people I hire to cut are doing it correctly. With this book I feel like I could buy the correct software and even cut it myself--which would save me so much money in the long run. I highly reccomend to both actors and professional editors alike!

WOW! This book is the manual that is going to save thousands of hours and dollars for the actor who is determined to get noticed! Derrick knows every single trick in the book - and lays it out in a way that even the most technologically challenged can relate to. Although he is brilliant with computers and camera equipment, he is patient, kind and thorough in a way that takes you by the hand in a step by step system, to make even the most inexperienced actor create the most professional looking reel that will convince even the most seasoned producers that you are the one to hire, because you know and understand your craft. Thanks for blowing the lid off this industry, Derrick. This book is going to be the bible for every young aspiring movie star!

I wish I had had this in my back pocket when I was hitting the streets in LA hoping to find work as an
actor. It's clear, concise and fun to read. Derrick has a great sense of humor and valuable insight into a field that
can eat up the time you want to spend on your art/craft, while you TRY to market yourself by trial and error. Please read this book before you move to either coast.

First I like to apologize if there's any mistake or difficulty in understanding my review because I'm from Germany.
The book written by Christopher Heard was one of the best items I've ever read dealing with Johnny Depp, although it's not very actual, because the reports are stopping in the year of 2001. But the young Johnny Depp and his efforts, troubles, inspirations and interests during his younger life and career are very well reported. All the films and projects he was involved with are mentioned in chronological order and with a lot of empathy. I really adore Johnny Depp for a long time for many reasons and I know a lot about him and there is really not a single fact in this book that is to be contradictory , every word is true and written with respect. Thank you, Mr. Heard, I appreciate. Besides the book is very interesting and pleasant to read and worth the money, I think.

This is by far the best book about Johnny Depp. You can tell that Christopher Heard truly respects Johnny. If you can only buy one book about Johnny make it this one. I hope he will continue to update this as Johnny continues to amaze us with his uncompromising performances as one of, if not the best, actors of his generation.

This book talks a lot more about his movies and whatr he did in them/for them then hid personal life. But, it does talk about his relationships and has a whole chapter (named 1410) on his hotel trashing arrest.

I liked that it talked about his childhood. Also, it potrayed him not as a "Bad Boy" but as a really nice guy who has been a target of the tabloids. Seriously people, get this book! I laughed quite hard in a few places. Also, this book came out before POTC so its not one of those type of books (the kind that go on about how he is such a rebel and if asked about Ed Wood or Chocolat they would go "What? Johnny Depp was in that??").

This biography is outstanding. It is about the life of the great actor Johnny Depp, who has been in such movies as Edward Scissorhands, Don Juan de Marco, Donnie Brasco, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. If you would like to know the absolute truth about Johnny Depp, what kind of person he really is, and what makes him such a remarkable actor, you must read this book. I already loved and admired him, but after reading this book, my respect for him grew tremendously.

The main focus of this book is his career, and it goes into great detail about all of his movies up until 2001. (Pirates of the Caribbean, Secret Window, and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory are not included in this book) You will not only find out why he chose to do these movies, but you will also discover who chose him for these parts, what he did to come up with his characters, his relationships with co-stars and directors, and much more. There are tons and tons of quotes from co-stars about Johnny; what it was like working with him, what they think about him as an actor...I found this to be very interesting. You can absolutely tell that Christopher Heard went through a great deal of research for this book. Very impressive. It also covers Johnny's personal life, from his romantic interests, to his family life, his struggles, and his not-so-proud moments. This book sets the record straight. Additionally, it does include several small pictures, mostly in black and white, but there is also an 8 page section with full-page colored photos of Johnny as well.

Please read this biography so you can give Johnny Depp the respect that he deserves. This book will give you proof that he is not only a talented actor, but a completely brilliant, creative, and sensitive man.

Christopher Heard states clearly that he's not telling the story from the press' point of view or from a pro Johnny point of view. He's simply giving the facts and the explanations that the media conveniantly missed. His somewhat mocking of the media's dreamt up persona of Johnny is entertaining, and also informative. It's what you need to know about Johnny, and makes you realize how much you respect him rather than just obsess over him.