Robin Williams Books

Gary Larson is a twisted, demented personality and we are all better for it. His cartoons are some of the most absurd, yet hilarious concentrations of humor that have ever existed and this collection is no exception. Nothing is too sacred or too bizarre to escape the drawing and writing tools of this master. If you have a macabre sense of humor or can tolerate one, then you will love this book.

Far Side really doesn't need a review. It's hilarious and anyone who has ever read it will agree with me. It's a classic! My favorite one from this book is the fear that no matter where you are, a duck a watching you. Too funny!

Gary Larson has created the funniest cartoons in the history of mankind. Unlike other comics you do not need to read them in a series as each individual cartoon tells its own hilarious story in a stand alone fashion. Therefore you do not need to have read the previous volumes to enjoy this edition to its fullest.

Fourth in the series of Far Side collections, the 1994 originally released Gallery 4's cartoons come from the smaller books Wildlife Preserves, Wiener Dog Art and Unnatural Selections. This volume is forwarded by Robin Williams who gives a four paragraph opinion on Larson and his work. Far Side Gallery 4 also have a unique cover where the lenses of the woman's glasses have been cut out, meaning when you open the cover, still viewing the exact same drawing, the glasses are on their own on the next page. This however does mean Gallery 4 has the most fragile cover of all the galleries.

A mixture of four comics to a page and full page comics make up this volume, most are black and white but with the occasional coloured pages every now and then. Classic Far Sides in this volume include aliens with the moon landing astronauts in a jar about to shake the jar to see if they'll fight, the hospital for mothers whose children stepped on sidewalk cracks, the famous Mr Ed verse Francis the talking mule debates, punk accountants and many more hilarious cartoons such a chicken reading a sign on the other side of the road saying Why Do You Need a Reason?

This like all Larson's work is a must own!

This book is a real HOOT!

I guess the thing that makes Larson's cartoons so different is that his mind is just a little further off in space than where most of ours dwell.
Reading a whole book of these cartoons is a very different thing from looking at individual cartoons over an extended period.After 10-15 pages your mind tends to get climatized to this thought process and his cartoons almost start to feel like the normal ,rather than perverse, way to look at things.
We all need this exercise in mind-stretching and it is great to do it with humor.
I strongly recommend it to anyone who is not already a fan of Larso;myself for instance,at least until now.
If there are a few cartoons in the book that you did not "get";it simply means your mind is not totally warped yet.Just keep at it,you'll make it!
Enjoy !

Gary Larson is by far the most genius, the most innovative cartoonest ever to hit the world. This gallery has a forward by Robin Williams and tons of Larson's best work. You can't not love his sense of humor (and definitely check out the Prehistory of the Far Side).

After half a dozen years as a Mac traitor who got dragged kicking and screaming into the Windows-only world at work, I'm retiring from the work world and switching back to Mac-only at home. I waited for about six months for Robin's update for Leopard to be published and it was well worth the wait. While I'm just getting into the book, I can already see that it's going to be a member of my on-desk library of essential Mac reference books. Way to go Robin and John!

I switched to MAC about one month ago, bought the book the next day and found it very helpful. I went through it page by page and it was easy to read and understand and it was more than helpful. I recommend it highly for the first time MAC users.

Can these people write, or can they write? Thier books are always easy to follow, and presented in an entertaining fashion as well. If Robin Williams had written books about all the subjects I so disliked in school, I would undoubtedly have been very well read in all topics.
In a matter of minutes, I was able to unlock a few mysteries about my Mac...in days, I was using the applications without fear or hesitation. And while I am quite aware of how user friendly Macs are anyway, Ms Williams takes away the fears I still tend to harbor. I'm no computer wiz kid, I am FAR on the opposite end of the spectrum. But this book in particular, opened my eyes....from a place of feeling overwhelmed by all the things I KNEW this little box could do(that I didn't think I could) to a world of fun, and confidence. Cool Mac Apps is quickly becoming my favorite book. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn anything about the iLife applications.

Book is very informative, easy to understand and use. I bought this book for school (I don't own a mac), but there were many things I learned about iTunes (only non Mac program I use) I wouldn't have known without reading this book. Definitely would recommend for anyone wanting to get the most out of their Mac.

As we have all come to expect from Robin Williams, this book is written in a clear, precise manor. The illustrations are all very helpful. I particularly like the way the windows of each application are illustrated with details about each item within the window.

I have been using OSX for over two years now and thought I knew my way around each of these applications, but I was able to learn a lot of easier ways to do things . I have also learned that there were a lot of the features that I was not even coming close to using to their full potential. I have been using iCal, iTunes, and iPhoto on an almost daily basis, so these new tips and techniques are a real timesaver for me.

I was really surprised at how much new knowledge I gained on using Safari. I am on the internet on a daily basis and just took the browser for granted. The quick Tips section was very helpful. The section on RSS feeds opened up a whole new world of information for me.

Cool Mac Apps is a must have reference book that every MAC user needs in their personal library. I would give this book an excellent rating!

Excellent and well written. A collection item for university level instruction and home library.

William H. Watkins writes about the power of education and how it "can be used both to oppress and to liberate." (pg.1) Watkins shares with us how research and science in the last century validated the belief that Whites were the superior race. This belief has played a great role in the development of the school system and curriculum we have today in America. The "White Architects" have used the school system to keep races of people oppressed. He clearly defines who the architects were and the role they played in orchestrating the school system we have today.

I believe that in order to see more success among minority students in schools today we have to restructure the whole school system. Watkins book strengthens my belief. He states "public education was product of historically, politically, and socially constructed ideas." These ideas need to be updated and remade to include all races equally.

Mr. Watkins walks us through an historical and turbulent era of education that continues to have ramifications in our present educational system. Watkins journey through the maze of black education exposes the political and socioeconomic influences of the dominnant and affluent white culture of the north. He reveals to the reader the influences of the corporate magnets of the north who wanted cheap labor and subserivent workers. They used their philanthropy and the educational system to imposed their own philosophy of education on the black population;while promoting subserivent lifestyles for those who participated. Mr Watkins is able to convince the reader about the political and economic hold that the corporate world imposes on the black population and the disregard these men had for how the black population wanted their education to progress.
Mr. Watkins continues to show us the need for continued political and socieconomic justice for all people and warns us of the continued influence that corporate America has on all of us.

William H. Watkins is subtle in his story of the "white architects" who developed Black education beginning in 1865, just at the end of the Civil War. Watkins shocks you with his "scientific racism" platform that he explains "presented human difference as the rational for inequality" and that it "can be understood as an ideological and political issue" (pg. 39). The reader senses a calm attitude about the author as he speaks of the Philanthropists, beginning with John D. Rockefeller, Sr, who was most concerned about "shaping the new industrial social order" (pg. 133) than he was for providing a useful education. "The Rockefeller group demonstrated how gift giving could shape education and public policy" (pg. 134). In their support of Black education, by 1964,the General Education Board (GEB) spent more than $3.2 million dollars in gifts to support Black education. This captivating book begins with a forward written by Robin D.G. Kelley who reflects that she learned one lesson from Watkins, "If we are to create new models of pedagogy and intellectual work and become architects of our own education, then we cannot simply repair the structures that have been passed down to us. We need to dismantle the old architecture so that we might begin anew" (pg. xiii). Why don't the school reformers who mandate educational laws experience such an awakening?

William Watkins pointedly and proudly explains how people other than the African Americans have guided the principles of Black education in the United States from the Reconstruction era to post World War II. Whether these people acting philanthropically as John D. Rockefeller or as "evil geniuses" (Chapter 6), they have shaped Black education then and some would argue for all time.

In his writing, Watkins shows that there is a view of the history of American education that does not come from the larger culture. Watkins view is from the "other side of the fence" that is not written by the victors but rather a survivor. This view is equally important as it establishes the fact there are always two sides to every story. "History is made by people in struggle" (p.179).

Generalizations tend to pervade Watkins' writings as the use of the words "few" and "many" are consistent. But this is understandable considering little or no empirical research was being conducted regarding Black education during this time period.

Pointing to the past for blaming is not the purpose of Watkins in his book, but rather an enlightenment of the history presented by a survivor of slavery, segregation and racial inequalities that have existed for generations. Truly, Watkins has offered a view of history in which we can reflect upon and use to help guide a new generation of architects.

It was delightful to read and look at. Since I also enjoy reading movie scripts- it's even better to SEE what's going on in the movie at that time. Plus, there's a load of deleted scenes, and fantastic movie pictures as well. This is a MUST for all MirrorMask fans.

Writer Neil Gaiman has crafted dozens of dark fantasy books and graphic novels over the years; the only thing to expect from him is stuff that is a bit twisted and bizarre. In a good way, that is.

But in 2001, he embarked on a different kind of creative journey: Penning "Mirrormask," a Carroll-ian fantasy movie, directed by book illustrator (and Gaiman collaborator) Dave McKean. While the movie isn't yet out, the screenplay is a lavish affair with concept art, photos and background information.

Helena is a bored young girl in the circus, wanting a taste of real life. But then real life strikes: During a performance, her mother falls seriously ill and is hospitalized. Unhappy and directionless, Helena falls into another world -- a bizarre place full of masked people, griffins, orbiting giants and malevolent shadows.

She is soon told by the Prime Minister that an evil princess (who resembles her) has stolen a magical charm, sending the Queen of that city into a coma -- and her city into chaos. With the comically mercenary Valentine at her side, Helena finds herself sent on a dangerous quest to find the charm -- the mysterious Mirrormask.

Half of "Mirrormask"'s appeal is the eerie presentation, along with an archetypical heroine and opposing light/dark kingdoms. And it's a credit to both McKean and Gaiman that their screenplay is a good read on its own, letting eager fans know what to expect when the film finally sees the light of day.

What sets "Mirrormask: The Illustrated Film Script" apart from most screenplays? The fact that Gaiman and McKean included storyboard pictures with the dialogue. It's not easy to visualize what's happening in a movie just by reading the script, and so the storyboard images let the readers follow the dialogue more easily.

And of course: the photographs -- weird ones, usually patched together with surreal CGI, computer animation and wild makeup. Valentine's masklike face in particular is odd, but strangely convincing. There are even some behind-the-scenes photographs, including bluescreen shots and faux-aged pictures of anti-Helena.

To add to the wealth of information, the correspondence between McKean and Gaiman about this film, abbreviations and grammatical errors intact. "Fantasy stories rely on cliche too much, fairy stories about fairies I think are pointless, fairy stories about the people who need to believe in fairies I think are fascinating," McKean writes in one letter.

"Mirrormask" seems to be what one would expect from a Gaiman creation: Weird, strange, and surreal, yet also funny and touching. And for anyone anticipating the film, "Mirrormask: the Illustrated Script" is a must-have.

First of all, i must say that i'm a big fan of fantasy, horror, and sci-fi book's, film's and graphic novel's.
As a painter, short stories writer, and graphic novella's author i may say that the Mirrormask is a great ''drive trough'' the world of magic, fantasy, and imagination of today's acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman, and my favorite painter, photographer, and one of a kind artist Dave McKean.
I'll make this short.
All of you that are interested in a way of making a good scenario, and a great storyboard, you SHOULD have this amazing book!
It helped me to see and to realise how to think, and how to make my own ideas come true!
Dave McKean is one of my favorite artists, and trust me, you'll like this book!
Also, i want to recommend you his earlier work, such as Violent Cases, Black Orchid, and Batman - Arkham Asylum.
So much about this now, and be well my friends!
Greetings from wounded city of magic: Sarajevo!

This is a great book, not similar to illustrated graphic novel of McKean or a text book from Gaiman but this book has entire script and storyboards of the film. What a great share what a great book idea thanks. Very useful source for both cinema and design students or professionals beyond to get taste for makin of this magic film.

...in black...

If I had to sum up MirrorMask in one sentence, I would describe it as 'an allegory about Individuation'. This was Jung's term for the process by which we integrate or align the personal with the universal consciousness and ultimately become whole.

If Neil's script seems lacking in emotional fluidity at times, it is probably a deliberate mechanism to convey the varying degrees of emotional shutdown that people experience when transitioning between developmental states.

Just as with Alice In Wonderland, Snow White, Peter Pan and The Wizard Of Oz, the story involves a young female's transition to womanhood and all of the pantheon of archetypal combatants that invokes.

While Dorothy needed the mechanism of the ruby slippers (the moonblood of the Sacred Feminine) to get back 'Home' and restore order - the sacrificed Feminine - it is the magic of the MirrorMask itself that enables the healing of spiritual wounds (identity/alienation) in Neil and Dave's visually striking masterpiece.

The bottom line? Oz is Kansas.

Lord knows when I'll get to see the film, but having read this stunning 'guide', I can't wait, damn it. Ten stars.

There's a light, over at the Gaiman place...

My Current Pediatric Dx and Tx gets used every day in class. If you are required another book for classes, add this book as a supplament.

Everyone recommended big fat books of pediatrics, with lots of words and little answers. But this book is all you want and need to know about in your pediatrics rotations. With diagnostic essentials, getting through diseases just gets a lot easier, and with therapeutical answers, it just builds good doctors. I specially liked the chapter on antimicrobials and vaccines, so essential in pediatric care. Definitely a must have for a good medical student with lot to learn and too little time (at the end, that's what medicine is all about). All my medschool classmates just wanted to have my book.

This was my reference of choice when I was an intern at a busy major children's hospital. It's comprehensive, not too heavy to lug around, gives you the important details and gives you references as to where to go next for further reading. It's not always enough information when it comes to specific cases. I usually went to UpToDate, PedsinReview or lit searches at that point. I think this is a solid book to have early in your career because it lets you cover the most relevant material in a readable manner. As a second year, I don't go back to Currents as much and mostly go with articles.

this is a well-written, decent source of information that I feel is geared more for medical students than residents. Its purpose is to familiarize the reader with common and well-known conditions and basic treatment definitions, along with basic epidemiology. It is not a one-stop reference for diseases, however, in that it will not go into detail regarding treatment including dosages and often time course of treatment; discussion of pathophysiology is quite limited. it certainly is unnecessary for a medical student to know whether to treat with high-dose vs. regular dose antibiotics, or whether single vs. double coverage for a given infection is more appropriate. but it would be much more helpful to your resident or attending to have such information in a reference book.

this book is an easy read; however, if you are in residency or beyond, i'd humbly suggest skipping this book and going for something along the lines of a Nelson's Textbook of Peidatrics. but if you're looking for a basic definition of diseases, then this book is certainly sufficient.

Designed by experts, and with care; "Current Pediatric Diagnosis & Treatment" is one book that both paediatricians and GPs know too well. It covered every aspect of child's health-care in a way that would arouse envy in other texts. Its superior methodology is one factor that has kept its name above others. The authors of this book deserve tons of commendations. They did a fantastic job. Every chapter of the book speaks for them!
Its illustrations are utterly comprehensive; and the frequency with which its information is updated ensure that only the most current advances in paediatrics are included.
Very welcomed! Books of this quality would ensure that doctors (and medics) will always live upto their respective billings.

There is an entire industry in publishing books about writing. Writers, especially aspiring writers, are very insecure about their work, and seek reassurance that they're on the right track from others. Most of the books produced to ameliorate writers' self-doubt are crap. But I can say with confidence that Downs and Russin's NAKED PLAYWRITING is not only the best playwriting book I have ever read, it is the best book I have ever read on any kind of writing, from the beginning of the process to the end.

It's easy to talk about how to tell a good story, but how many books actually break down ideas point by point to determine which ones actually have a future? This one. Many would-be writing mentors talk about sitting down and writing, but how many have actually given instructions on how to create a style sheet on Microsoft Word so that you can create a perfectly formatted manuscript on your first try? This one. Everybody knows that the creative process isn't complete until the work is seen by an audience, but how many books demonstrate how to comparison-shop theatre companies, give you balanced pointers on how and when to get an agent, and show how to evaluate a contract to tell if it serves your interests? This one.

The light conversational tone that obtains through most of this book makes the information contained between the covers very approachable. The authors are aware that many of their readers will be beginning writers, but they also incorporate more intermediate and advanced information, so young writers can follow through to the end on what they've already begun. This book is not some compendium of lukewarm exhortations to write now and write more; it's an actual plan to turn your writing into a vocation and a life.

Young writers buy a lot of books to get them started on the art and the craft. This is one of the few books those writers will actually keep on their desks through the years as they write.

The authors have a great sense of humor and tons of information. There are a lot of books out there on playwriting but this one really opened my eyes. Naked is a good way to write.

This is an excellent book to get you on your way towards fulfilling your dream of writing plays.

Okay, maybe its attractive title did draw this reader's attention to the book, but Naked Playwriting proves to be, as one other reviewer stated, not just a great one amidst so many How-To...books. Naked Playwriting is the best book I've read on writing, as well.

I finished this and thought (yes, exhilarated) that every writer could benefit from this one. No matter what genre. No matter what style. Naked Playwriting is, incredibly, written by two voices, Downs and Russin, and yet it speaks so fluently, so masterfully, and so concisely--with this humor throughout--that I just trusted these writers were actually writers from the first line.

That it speaks so smoothly to the reader, guides the reader, without pompous self-glorifying stories of their own past careers, speaks of the closeness these two writers stayed on course with the subject--and it speaks of the dedication to playwriting that Naked Playwriting follows.

A well-crafted ship is, as the authors describe, the beauty of a stage play, carefully crafted, going somewhere, with purpose, and capable of taking others along on a tremendous ride--that is what the great ones do--and that's what Downs and Russin have offered us.

Read this, then reread, and continue to reference it--Naked Playwriting will become a manual to hold onto.

I've looked at lots of books on playwriting, but this one is different - It has real information. It's also clear and to the point. It's so honest it's inspirational.

It's dessert at our house:after we finish a meal around the dinner table, we retire with this amusing book...one to be savored aloud. Ages 5-45 join in the memories and laughter. "More! More!" the family pleads, just as they do for any good dessert. We're just hoping this new author bakes up another soon.

This wonderful little book of short essays/articles provides giggles, guffaws, and chuckles. The topics are universal, and the writing is snappy, crisp, and at almost all times hilariously funny. A great book to read, read aloud, or give to friends--

I hope I'm not biased about this book, with the author being myaunt. I liked this book mainly because it is filled with funnystories that I have heard many times by my family about my aunt growing up on a farm, having her first (and only) baby, and steeplechasing on her mare, Mele (who I might add died several months ago). My Aunt Robin has always been a very enthusiastic person with everlasting energy which you will surely see after reading this book. It tells about daily activities around the farm gone wrong (when Robin loses a battle with a 100 pound, 200 foot hose and she tells about her talent that no one can beat her at: throwing up at inopportune occasions. I'm sure anyone who reads this book can relate to it, especially those who struggle to keep animals under control, and raise one of the strangest kids on the planet (you don't know my cousin Katie Bo!) I also think the chapter titles are pretty cool: "Great Expectations: The Truth About Pregnancy", "How I was Cured of Being a Health Nut", and "Grown-ups Don't Eat Cookie Dough", to name a few. I really encourage people to read this book not only because it is good, but I'm really proud of my aunt's hard work. You should see her desk and computer!

Robin Traywick Williams has assembled a wonderful collection of anecdotes and vignettes portraying the Virginia countryside that she knows and loves. The memories, the families, the dogs and horses, the children [now disguised as adults] who move through these short essays are displayed with great tenderness and humor. The characters, human and non-human, come to life before the reader's eye, and Mrs. Williams's graceful portrayal of all the things that make up her pastoral lifestyle makes one want to pull up stakes and move South.

This is a gem of a book. Take it with you on your next business trip, and escape to a gentler world.

Not only are Robin Traywick's stories engaging, poignant, funny and true, they are well written. (Robin has a master's degree in writing from Hollins College where she studied under Annie Dillard--and it shows.) I have heard many of these stories before, the writer coming from a family who thrives on family tales, but those who have not are in for a treat. The locale might be Goochland, Virginia, but the themes are universal--wrestling with yards of stubborn hose during a drought, trying to keep one's sanity during the addition of a large kitchen, mourning a beloved dog or pony. Some of the memories are sad, some are silly, but the voice is always right on target.

I am definitley a novice and your book is totally awesome!!!! Thank you

This is a great way to get into using the Net. I passed it along to the Librarian and Teachers at my kids' school. They said it was a fabulous resource for developing net-based curricula. Sites are grouped by subject in easy-to-use articles and the articles are grouped by general category. Pick a topic, hit the index and GO! You'll have a great trip.

Kitty Williams and Robin Lind have put together an excellent resource for net novice and expert alike. "Essential Net Novice Websites" includes nearly twenty catagories for websites to explore along with thoughtful backround material and explanations.

The book covers a wide range of topics and interests. There is something that will appeal to everyone. The business and government sites listed can get you to just about any professional site you can imagine. The information is summerized for the reader and is extremely helpful. Throughout the book the reader is consistently equipped with the means to further explore any topic as far as the imagination can take them. And there are also lots of places to go just for fun and entertainment.

My favorite aspect of this book is that it is a one volume reference that led me to all sorts of web pages that I would never have found on my own. My personal favorites border on the zany (Clifford Pickover's Web Page, America Unhenged) but there are certainly many practical websites covered as well (online shopping and travel arrangementa, etc.) At the very least, each article give the reader a springboard to endless net exploration. And don't forget to download the electronic companion which comes as a freebie with the book. It gives you the hyperlinks to every website mentioned.

Williams and Lind have done it all for you. Check out a copy of "Essential Net Novice Websites" and start you own personal exploration of the World Wide Web.

I handed this book to a colleague who had always actively maintained the internet was irrelevant to him. He reads voraciously, but wouldn't go on line. As he leafed through this book, he began to look like a kid in a candy shop! He wouldn't give me the book back. Give this book to your friends - whether or not they are on the net. It captures a sense (like no other book I've seen) of the ever expanding wealth of information and resources that surrounds us! Great Job!!

I'd been crashing around on the Internet and largely finding good sites by accident. Reading Essential Net Novice Websites was a real eye-opener. It was as if I'd been lost and authors Kitty Williams and Robin Lind had handed me a map. Suddenly the Internet had a shape and a form. And because of the authors' eclectic taste, I not only had the big picture but I could sample the many zany sites they had alerted me to. Internet tourists would do well to use this book as their travel guide.

I was pleased to see so many areas covered with enough information to do it yourself without further research. Many design guides give you the ideas, but not the full "how to." This book helps you with determining what will work best for you, and then how to go about doing it. The only problem after reading through this book will be deciding which ideas you're going to use.

Firs time I saw this book in library and it was great for me (I wanted to create a nice garden near the house and this book seemed very helpful) so I decided to try to buy the same through internet - found it at Amazon and was suprized about possibility to buy it not for $32 bur for $4.15 (Great Thanks to Smoky Mountain Books !!!) plus shipping ($3.99) - this prise was more than good especially for such a great book. The shipped it quick enought and in "like new" condition. So, now this book helps me a lot with my garden(it has nice pictures and good theoretical information) - it's really great and more thanks to Smoky Mountains for such an affordable price. !!!!

This book not only contains wonderful landscape inspirations, but is a wonderful technical resource as well. The detail and diagrams provided help the novice attain professional results with structural elements in the garden.

As the chairman of the Society of Landscape Designers, and a member of the Institute of Horticulture in England, Robin Williams summarized his professional experience and extensive knowledge in "Garden design."

"Garden design" covers every aspect of garden design, including the basic of garden design, elements of design (principles, style, the formal garden, the informal garden, the combination garden), establishing priorities (take your time, decide what you want, anticipate change, source of inspiration, complete your checklist), the survey and related drawings, the analysis, the zoning plan, the finished design, the working plan and work schedule, getting started (shaping and contouring, water problems, drainage, irrigation, marking out, space and proportion, pattern and scale, character underfoot), horizontal planting (lawn, decorative ground cover, natural effect), flexible surfaces (softer surfaces, hard surfaces, wood), edging, rigid surfaces (natural stone, reconstructed stone and concrete, paving, bricks and tiles, concrete laid on site,), steps and ramps (planting steps, safety features, ramps), furnishing the garden, plants and containers, garden accessories, water and rock features, leisure and garden games, garden plants, family gardens, water gardens, rose gardens, rock gardens, grass gardens, seaside gardens, plant lover's gardens, country-style gardens, wildlife gardens, deck gardens, city gardens, and dry or Xeriscape gardens.

"Garden design" has 208 pages and over 500 interior color photos and illustrations. It is one of the most comprehensive garden design books, and a must-have for both design professionals and ordinary garden lovers!

Robin Williams takes the reader on a tour of the elements that make a garden complete. From making a survey of your property to designing a pergola, all types of gardens and garden elements are discussed and fully illustrated. Detailed descriptions and illustrations tell you how to prepare and lay a brick patio, design a special fence to enclosue your yard or even adding a gazebo. For those doing it themselves or those desiring to know how it is done this book is for you with full color illustrations and photographs.

This is one of the best books I have ever purchased in my life. I love reading it and studying the examples.
This book is the marriage of two books in one.

I have an educational background in Visual Communications Technology, however my heart is in graphic design. I bought this book because I learned so much from Robin's earlier book, The Max Is Not a Typewriter. This book is excellent. She goes into detail concerning design principles with excellent examples. The second book is very detailed concerning the art of typography and the many punctuation mark methods used in the past by professional type setters. Lastly, she provides excellent examples to help the beginner designer learn how to become a professional graphic designer.

I have taken as many graphic design classes as I could as an undergraduate student. Yet I could not get admittance into the typography classes. I will say that the information in this second book is educating me in the art of typography so much so, that I do not feel a need to take a course in it. I will now purchase Robins Design Workshop Book, which is written for new graphic designers.

I can honestly say that this book is great. It is so refreshing to purchase a book in which the author not only cares about good design, but is willing to share her knowledge and expertise, as well as the expertise of her her design associates, of which she give credit to in her captions when she used the word, "we".

If you purchase this book, I am sure your will not regret it.

in other words, it makes sense, so you remember the why and therefore the how. i highlighted and dog eared pages, and then didn't even need to look back and reference because it stuck.

Love the visual examples of bad and good design side by side. It is a thick book and so far I have just skimmed it (too busy), but so far I am loving it. I think most people that don't have a clue about how to design their business ads will learn a lot from this book and their ads will do better for them.

This volume is two books bound as one: a new (2008) third edition of The Non-Designer's Design Book and the 2006 second edition of The The Non-Designer's Type Book, 2nd Edition. These are excellent books for non-designers or in fact for anyone who has to deal with desktop publishing. They teach you how to get control over the design process by verbalizing what you are trying to accomplish, and learning to trust your eyes. Also: by not being a wimp.

The Design Book is specifically about page layout (not graphic design in general), and mostly about laying out bodies of type. The most interesting thing about this book is that it (gently) rejects the idea that design is strictly a knack or an intuitive process, and emphasizes verbalizing what you are trying to accomplish. "Once you can name the problem, you can find the solution." (p. 10) "You must know what the rule is before you can break it." (p. 49) The book enunciates several principles of good design. Through many examples of bad design and better design the book shows you how to check whether the principles are being violated and how to correct the violations.

There's a very clear chapter on the categories of type (Oldstyle, Modern, etc.): how to recognize them and when to use them. Very Good Feature: each page names the typefaces used in the examples.

The only real weakness of the Design Book is the chapter on using color. It was clear enough but did not seem integrated into the rest of the book.

The Type Book is a much-expanded version of Williams's Mac is not a typewriter, The (2nd Edition) and The Pc is Not a Typewriter. Unlike the Design Book it is mostly concerned with type at the individual character level. It deals with topics such as correct punctuation, different kinds of dashes, and when to set punctuation in italic. It includes all kinds of fine-tuning of the appearance of the type, such as kerning, tracking, ligatures, swash characters, hanging punctuation, correcting widows, and balancing the appearance of ragged-right type. This book allows a more intuitive approach than the Design Book, urging you to "listen to your eyes" (a mixed metaphor, but effective).

I have only a couple of minor gripes with the Type Book. (1) I think it has more fine-tuning that a non-designer is really going to use (e.g., fancy ligatures and swashes). The number of tweaks is overwhelming and may make you feel guilty for not using all these features. (2) I love Helvetica, but Williams continually bad-mouths it, and this is wearying. Apart from these minor points it is an excellent book, clearly-written and full of solid and useful information.

I just can't say enough about how much this book has helped me. I've been writing copy for promotional materials as part of my job for years, and I assumed knowing how to put stuff on a brochure or flier and print it out was enough. I had no idea how dull and uninspired my designs were until I picked up this book. This is the third book I've purchased by Robin and I think I learned more from this one than the two on web design. If you're looking for an in depth explanation of what works, why it works, and what DOESN'T work, this is the book for you. It's concise and comprehensive and I'll be using it as the first reference book I pull from the shelf from now on.