Artists Books


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Artists Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Artists
Revolution: The Art of Jon Foster
Published in Hardcover by Underwood Books (2006-11-29)
Author: Jon Foster
List price: $27.00
New price: $17.82
Used price: $19.94

Average review score:

A Singular and Beautiful Vision
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-21
Nobody paints like Jon Foster. Nobody.

There's something wild about the idea of this maverick artist, a brush-swinger in an age when illustrators live by the mouse-click, who paints these beautiful, unique and powerful works. At his best, Foster's work doesn't feel like a guy illustrating an assignment; it feels like he's offering us a peek at a natural and functioning world that truly exists-- in his head if nowhere else.

Really, the man is unbelievable. Un. Believe. Able.

AWESOME!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-22
Friend of mine bought this book and showed me today, I had Jon Foster's previous book that some of the images are the same but I couldn't resist to order this one.
Jon made more amazing paintings, some of them is really good and much better then old stuff.
Also price of the book is reasonable. If you are an artist you have to own it.

Great artist
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-07
Jon Foster's a great artist. Everyone knows that. He makes painting of the moment right in action, which makes it so interesting.

One thing I wish they could've include in this book is how he works. Maybe a little tutorial. That would be the best.

If you're a fan of his, this is a much have. If you like digital artist, get this book.

great paintings
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-09
If you love modern masters like Ashley Wood, Phil Hale and so on, you'll love this book. Wonderful paintings. wonderfully photographed . wonderfully printed.

Too good for words - just get it!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-28
The postman arrived about an hour ago. I opened the parcel, the book and got lost in Jon's worlds.
I just shut it and I felt need to get this out now.
I first got hooked by Jon's art as I read Liz Williams' Inspector Chen novels. His covers are amazing. Before starting the novels, you are pulled into a world you wouldn't imagine.
My compliments also go to Underwood Books, the publisher. What a wonderful book, good paper, terrific reproduction quality!
Now to Jon's art. Like film stills each picture tells a story, moves like the wind and/or crackles like a rusty robot. You're there, in the tree with the kid amidst the red and golden leaves, next to the sizzling dragon, in a boat in the storm during the revolution, fighting the zombies as part of a hot-babe team. The list goes on and on.
Clearly influenced by the timeless classic masters in painting and illustration, Jon Foster has developed his own terrific style. No matter what material, oil or digital, which assignment, for National Geographic, Lucas Film, Books of Magic and tons of others, every single picture will fascinate you and pull you in as they do me.
If you would want to compare him - which I wouldn't cause he is entirely his very own terrific self, but still, if, then sometimes Vermeer and Rembrandt come to mind, or Ashley Wood, Kent Williams, even a hint of Frank Frazetta. But, as I said, don't, don't compare, just enjoy.
Perfect compositions, wonderful lighting, well chosen moments and characters - no flaws, except... please more of his terrific work.

Artists
Richard Diebenkorn
Published in Hardcover by Rizzoli (1993-06-15)
Author: Gerald Nordland
List price: $75.00
New price: $131.28
Used price: $62.40

Average review score:

Diebenkorn Addiction
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-28
I salivate over this book, and look at it daily. Diebenkorn has always been a big inspiration to my artistic endeavors, and the images in this book (plus the text, which is well written) is such a treat. Really covers it all!

The Art of Richard Dieberkorn
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-30
Good book at an excellent price. It is worth it. Good pictures. Reading a little bit heavy.

Richard Diebenkorn
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-30
I give it a 5 star because the content was exactly what I was looking for. To own a book by the author is difficult to find. The text is very informing and the photo's are true to color. I am always interested in abstract art, and I found it very informing.

A painter all to discover
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-05
Excellent monography about a painter all to discover; all the periods and technics are overviewed in a very pleasant language; a lot of place for reproduction of works of Diebenkorn and reproduction work is very meticulos. So, probably the best book about the work and life of Richard Diebenkorn

An exemplary art book
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-09
One of the best art books I have read so far. The reproductions do justice to this master of color, virtually unknown outside the U.S.and, as a French reader,thanks to this book, I discovered one of the most impressive achievements in recent modern art: the Ocean Park series which Diebenkorn painted in the late 60's and early 70's. The other aspects of his oeuvre are, in my opinion, not as imposing, but to understand an artist, it is necessary to have a global vision of his output, and this is what this book manages to give.

Artists
Rickshaw Girl
Published in Hardcover by Charlesbridge Publishing (2007-01-15)
Author: Mitali Perkins
List price: $13.95
New price: $4.50
Used price: $4.30

Average review score:

Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-15
Stifled by Bangladeshi social norms that restricted her ability to engage in the community and work for pay, Naima felt frustrated that she could not earn money to help her family. Without enough money to pay for school fees, her parents had already withdrawn Naima from school, and now her younger sister faced the same fate. Her father had to work from dawn until midnight everyday as a rickshaw driver to generate enough earnings to also cover the loan payments on his new rickshaw.

These pressures, combined with her creativity, audacity, and cleverness, led Naima to decide that she would disguise herself as a boy and earn money by driving the rickshaw. Her first attempt to operate the vehicle would have marked an adventurous first step in this bold plan were it not for the long hill, sharp curve, and thick thorn bushes. Naima escaped unharmed, but Father's brand new rickshaw was badly damaged. Naima is devastated, and quite some time passes before she comes up with a new plan that better utilizes her talents.

Rickshaw Girl gets top ratings for delivering an entertaining story that is chock full of valuable economics lessons. The reader experiences a poignant account of the challenges associated with living in poverty in a country where traditional customs still limit women's economic and social opportunities. Also woven in are lessons about entrepreneurship, the need for financial capital to start a business, and the importance of microfinance for individuals - such as the woman who owned the rickshaw repair shop - who otherwise may not have been able to secure a loan. Weighty issues perhaps, but most children will be enthralled by the plight of a spunky girl who damages her father's most valuable possession and needs to make amends.

Wonderful
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-23
A lovely book for younger readers - a wonderful topic, just the right words, just the right length, just the right amount of detail. I loved the action plot and Mitali's descriptions of Bangladesh.

Rickshaw Girl
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-15
Mitali Perkins has created yet another wonderful novel about strong, cultural girls. In Rickshaw Girl, we meant Naima, a ten-year old girl living in Bangladesh. Her father owns a rickshaw business, finally gaining more business as he gets a brand new rickshaw, but still not enough business to pay the family bills. Naima is upset because she knows if she had been born a boy she could help earn money for the family, but being that she is a girl she has no choice but to stay home and work on her painting.

When Naima decides to disguise herself as a boy and teach herself how to drive the rickshaw, she manages to crash the rickshaw, damaging the beauty of the cart and ruining all chances of her father continuing to gain new clients. Devastated, she again disguises herself as a boy and steals away to a new repair shop the next town over, hoping she can somehow earn money to help repair the damaged rickshaw. What she finds in the repair shop is surprising, heartwarming, and inspirational.

This short novel was fantastic and typical Mitali Perkins writing. Young girls can read this and feel empowered to do anything they want to do, no matter what that may be. The story is also accompanied by a few illustrations that not only add to the plot, but also allow the reader to view the work Naima can do. The book was really quite amazing.

Excellent Early Chapter Book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-08
There is a dearth of books for kids who are just taking off with their reading skills, which makes this story all the more welcome. Readers will meet Naima, a young Bangladeshi who is struggling with her family's financial troubles and her place in the family as a girl. Traditionally, girls are not allowed to work or earn money, but her father sure could use the help. Naima cleverly devises a way to help her family and empowers herself along the way.

Set in Bangladesh, readers will get a glimpse of life in a foreign land and a culture quite different from the American standard. With Bangla words interspersed in the text, readers are introduced to a new language, as well.

An Indian "Mulan"
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-01
If you have an elementary-aged reader who wants to learn about other cultures, "Rickshaw Girl" is a terrific book. It tells the story of Naima, a young girl known for her painting skills, yet feeling powerless to help her family's finances (girls can't do anything but cook, clean, and decorate, she says!).

To her surprise, a woman in a neighboring village has opened her own business -- painting rickshaws! Can Naima convince her family to let her become an apprentice to this forward-thinking woman?

Told in easy-to-understand language with just enough foreign vocabulary (with a glossary, too), "Rickshaw Girl" will show young readers that even in the most desperate circumstances, everyone can contribute to a solution.

Artists
SABER - Mad Society
Published in Paperback by Gingko Press (2007-07-21)
Author: Roger Gastman
List price: $29.95
New price: $26.90
Used price: $25.00

Average review score:

COP IT!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-23
If you are not familiar with Saber then get this book! if you are familiar with saber then get this book!!!! The book goes into detail about his childhood and through his teenage years with ALOT of artwork. The stories are in detail and pull you right in! truly a great book about a west coast graffiti artist! i couldn't find this book for a while and i found it on Amazon at a really good price, so dont wait... GET IT!

Thumbs Up
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-11
The book was overall good and exciting with lots of laughs. Its kind of a kids book sort of speak... for graff writers. Mostly short storys and tons of pics. It can also be finished in one day, although i took two.

It starts out by going into sab's upbringing, which was acually interesting, kind of all makes sense. youll know what i mean when u read it.

Than it quickly dives into some of sab's legendary illegals and stomping grounds for AWR and MSK. It also grazes into a few other peoples lifes and tells some things that most people dont know.

I only wish he told more. I guess i feel that i got the short story of it all and i was in for the long. Im also very dissapointed that he never really got into king AYERS story, kinda just skipped over him.

all in all, its a book worth picking up for the price.

to sum it all up:
amazing artwork. deep, funny look into the life. in kind of a short story form.

Great
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-24
It a great book filled in with great artwork. It shows why SABER is a KING.

Excellent book, worth reading and seeing!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-20
I thought this book was an excellent read, although I wish there was more to read, but the visuals in the book make up for it, because Saber is totally awesome. You get a great insight of what goes on inside this mighty artist's mind, and you get to realize what kind of a good person Saber is. Then the amazing stories, including the one how he was able to do the Los Angeles river piece is great. Nothing else to say but that it's a good book, and I guarantee to read it.

Great bio book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-06
Nice book, great stories and smart texts. Lot of pics and all you can ask to a book about an artist.

Artists
The Soul of a Tree: A Master Woodworkers Reflections
Published in Paperback by Kodansha International (1988-10-15)
Author: George Nakashima
List price: $48.00
New price: $25.98
Used price: $21.99
Collectible price: $89.95

Average review score:

A woodworking classic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-10
Nakashima, a woodworker in the classic sense. Only wanted the tree to live on longer by working with and creating with it. This book is a great example of the love one can have for both nature and woodwork.
Any woodworker should have this book not on the shelf, but closer, to the workspace at all times.

i like this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-03
i'm an electrician, but i really like wood... george nakashima on the other hand loved wood... his views make his work even more valuable and amazing...

He is a rarity
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-26
Able to tug at you in so many ways. A privilege to be able to buy his product.

Gorgeous and inspiring book
Helpful Votes: 23 out of 23 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-27
Like the books of James Krenov, "The Soul of a Tree" is as much a book about philosophy as it is about wood. And it's a good philosophy: slow down, take your time, play with the wood, and enjoy it. The book is really about the soul of Nakashima. He outlines some of his own personal history and how he developed his ideas about craft. There's not really much on technique here - you can certainly find better books for that - but you won't find many more inspiring.

On a personal note I had a lady call me years ago to fix up `some old furniture' she and her husband had bought years ago (in the `50's I believe.) Seems when they were young college professors they found this young oriental guy down the road who made furniture in his garage. When I looked at the furniture I told her that her young oriental friend had become quite famous and showed her this book. She was flabbergasted. What she wanted me to do was to nail up some chairs that had worked loose over time. I refused, of course, and explained to her that these were valuable pieces that should be cared for properly. I also encouraged her to contact Nakashima's Conoid Studio (if it still existed) to let them catalogue the pieces. Even after years of use by a family with kids living in the sticks the pieces were obviously crafted with meticulous care and held up surprisingly well. It was a real joy to bring them back to daily use.

great book - a woodworkers essential
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-11
Alot of philosphy, mostly biographical, has a few quotes that stick:
"Man has the audacity to try to improve the tree...."

This is a MUST read for a woodworker.

Artists
Stone Soup for the World
Published in Audio Cassette by Audio Literature (1999-11)
Author:
List price: $7.99
New price: $0.50
Used price: $0.65

Average review score:

x-mas in april, may, june, july......
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-10-02
service throughout the day, throughout the month, throughout the year....100 stories of giving...the notes at the end of each story to jump into service in your community are a link to giving. .My favorite story was Christmas in April---I must admit I cheered for Frances as she conquered the steps--I read later that she and the writer are enthusiastic pen pals...what inspiration. Thank you to the 100 stone soup writers. You gave me a taste of who inspires you.

....growing nationally.....the call to service!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-08-30
......one of the chapters in this book, these stories reflect movements that we should let sweep the nation!!!! Read and be inspired...told simply, the 90+ writers for this book brought these community heroes home....

a collaboration of voices celebrating service
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-08-29
such a pleasure to read these stories... such an opportunity for all involved with the project to share their words...you never know, maybe someone was inspired to do something today...by simply reading...as long as Stone Soup for the World is available to America's youth we know we have a bright future ahead... My favorites: The Forgiveness Party, Table for 6 Billion Please, and Peace for Their Grandchildren....and there are 97 more to read and pass on....

Wonderful motivations of the "goodness" in the human spirit.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-08-26
On occasion one of those books comes along that I can't put down. This collection of short (3 - 5 pages each) true stories are of people about whom, after I have read the story, I consistently say, "Why didn't I know that before reading this?" This book is truly an insight into past and current history through the prism of what stirs the heart and spirit.

Stories of Compassion and Volunteerism for a better world
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-27
Stone Soup for the World is a set of 100 stories about compassion and volunteerism. From the intro by Colin Powell to the story of Ms.Larned's young brother, the whole book was a joy to read. I especially loved the Nelson Mandela and Paul Newman stories. This book has stirred me to be a better person and to help others. I recently walked in honor of my aunt who passed away from cancer and raised money doing it. It felt good just as these stories felt good. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to people from 9 to 99.

Artists
Sundays with Matthew: A Young Boy with Autism and an Artist Share Their Sketchbooks
Published in Hardcover by Autism Asperger Publishing Company (2006-03-31)
Author: Matthew Lancelle; Jeanette Lesada
List price: $17.95
New price: $1.89
Used price: $12.46

Average review score:

Classroom Use
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-03
This book, written for the elementary grades, offers a glimpse of what autistic children face and feel. It would be a good book for teachers to use for disability awareness or to read to classes during autism month (April). As autistic children participate more in classroom activities, it is important for other students (and their parents) to understand how they think and react.

Another book worth reading after this book is "The Boy Who Ate Stars" by Sarah Adams (recommended for ages 9-14).

8 Days a Week With Jeanette & Matthew
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-20
This book is an ideal teaching tool for young readers about autism. The drawings are especially delightful and I just love the grid the young author makes of herself and Matthew. She applies several adjectives to Matthew with a corresponding drawing with the last one being "Matthew is autistic." She emphasizes other aspects of Matthew and his personality; autism is a part of identity. It is not his ENTIRE identity.

I like the way questions for young readers are included, e.g. "when was the last time you helped somebody?" This delightful book focuses more on commonalities than differences; Jeanette and Matthew will certainly teach you a lot regardless of age. This is the ideal companion book to ALL ABOUT MY BROTHER by Peralta.

Includes great sketchbook tips
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-08
Sundays with Matthew is a wonderful, whimsical book emphasizing "how to be a good person", and focusing on areas that autistic kids sometimes have problems with. By drawing out abstract concepts, visual kids can understand these ideas more fully. There is a great section of sketchbook tips at the end that encourage others to find their own sketchbook buddy, and use drawing as a form of communication.

This Book is Outstanding
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-25
Not only is this book full of delightfully entertaining drawings, it's also bursting with gems of wisdom about relationships and life in general. The perspective of an autistic child adds a poignant message about what truly matters in life. The Sketchbook Tips at the end of the book can be used by anyone who wants to start drawing but isn't sure how. "Sundays with Matthew" is a wonderful read for kids and adults of any age. It should be required reading in any school that has autistic students. I highly recommend it!

Inspirational
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-14
As an educator I have worked with several autistic students over the years and this book is a perfect model for what can be accomplished by these talented children with a little guidance. The book is an inspiration for all those working the field of education as it helps us imagine the possibilties for success that all exceptional learners possess. I read this book to my class and we came up with the idea of "response journaling" through art and text as a classroom project to issues we face daily and throughout the year. This book has given my class the motivation to create similar products. The book is well done and would be a welcome addition to any classroom library, especially if the class includes an autistic student. This book will help the other students in class more clearly understand autism and some issues that surround it. Great read-aloud.

Artists
Sweet Temptation (Arabesque)
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Kimani Press (2001-11-01)
Author: Niqui Stanhope
List price: $5.99
New price: $1.70
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Help Me Lord!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-12
This book is steaming..From book one and two this is definetly a good way to finsh up Gavin and Summer's story...And create a new fairy tail...Which brings Nicky, the guy with the looks, brains and the sex appeal to make a girl drop to her knees, and Amanda, the take no prisoner type of girl from around the way, Who with one look at Nicky will make him drool.. Bring it on Niqui!

Wonderful book, made me laugh....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-02
Nicholas Champagne met his match and Amanda is all the woman he can handle!!! I enjoyed this book so much. It was nice to revisit the Champagne family, and I'm so happy that Sheila could not get her claws into Nicholas. Finding out that Janet and Summer are sisters was no huge surprise.

Great, great read.

My all time favorite Arabesque Book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-07
This romance novel makes me feel feel so good inside, I read this novel over and over and over.

sweet temptations
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-20
Ms. Niqui you out did yourself again. Sweet Temptation was absoultely wonederful and very, very romantic. I truly enjoyed myself. I have read all four of your series: A Night to Remember, Made for each other, Wedding Bells, and Sweet Temptation. Please continue the series with Summer sister Janet and Alana's brother. Your writing is so powerful that I need to read how their story ends. Thank you for giving me such pleasure.

Nicholas Champagne Falls
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-14
Sweet Temptation the third book in the series begins with the wedding of Summer and Gavin. Nicky who love his sister-in-law to no end is happy in his part in finally getting the two of them together. Nicky a confirmed bachelor is happy playing the field and raising his 4 year old daugther. Has vowed never to get married. In comes Amanda with an agender of her own, for Nickey to fall in love with her and she leave him begging for more. However when the two of them see each other sparks fly and they both have feeling they didn't think possible. amanda is determined to not let Nicky get to her , to pay him back for the hurt he has caused other women, especially her friend Sheila the mother of Nickys daugther Amber. Sheila told her all these terrible things the Champagne family had done to her especially Nicky when he took ther child from her. The more time Amanda and Nicky spend around each other the more they each begin to fall in love. As they try to stay away from each other Gavin and Summer decided to give the relationship a helping hand, just as it looks good Sheila come backinto the picture claiming she wants to be a mother to Amber and a wife to Nicky. Amanda says even it she can't have Nicky for herself she will do everthing in her power to keep Sheilas away from him. As summer gives birth to Adam nicholas Champagne, Uncle Nicholas Champagne holds to Amanda.

Artists
Tales From The Dark Tower
Published in Paperback by Monolith Graphics (2003-08-01)
Author: Joseph Vargo
List price: $16.99
New price: $16.61
Used price: $5.93

Average review score:

A Great Modern Gothic Artist
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-14
I have to start by saying that I have wanted this book forever. I am a big fan of Joseph Vargos, who amoung us has not seen his art at places like Hot Topic? A friend and I even exchanged postcards done by Vargo as our primary means of communication. His art is beautiful and most of his well known works are contained in this anthology in plate form. The quality of the paper lends itself well to the art prints and those are stunning. Had the volume been slim and only contained his art, I would have given it 5 stars.

However, since the work is also an anthology I feel I have to be fair and review it as a book, too, and I have to be honest, I have read better. There is a wide range of stories in this volume. Let me start by listing all the works with their authors so if you are looking for a specific author, you'll know if they are here. There is **The Dark Tower by James Pipik and Joseph Vargo **Born of the Night by Eric Muss-Barnes **Vampire's Kiss by Christine Filipak and Joseph Vargo **Masque of Sorrow by Christina Filipak **Shadows by Joseph Iorillo and James Pipik **Sentinels by James Pipik and Joseph Vargo **Sorrow's End by Jalone J. Haessig **Noctem Aeternus by Robert Michaels **Nightwatcher by James Pipik **Vesper Tolls by Joseph Iorillo **Sanctuary by Russell Norotny **Lilith by Joseph Vargo and **Watcher at the Gate by Joseph Vargo.

The stories are connected together by a single thread, which is the history and occupants of the Dark Tower. Some are undead, some are alive (though usually not for long) and all have tales of sorrow and morality to tell. Most of the stories are good, though I felt that many could have stood on their own without being connected to the Dark Tower. I even thought that once or twice the authors wrote the stories as stand-alones and then added elements to make it connect to the anthology. I think most interesting were the stories by Joseph Vargo. It's interesting to see what went through his mind, the stories behind his paintings as hold by him. Ultimately, I think my only complaint is I wanted the quality of the writing and stories to match Vargo's art, and that is nearly impossible. His art is so beautiful that it is very difficult to reach that level with another art form -writing.

I would recommend this book just for the Vargo plates alone, especially since Amazon now has the paperback for $16.99. The art is worth it.

So buy it, curl up on a dark and stormy night, and enjoy.

The definition of Beauty
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-23
Tales From the Dark Tower is not a book.

Tales From the Dark Tower is a work of art.

Wow... I never thought I'd start a book review like that. But then again, I never quite expected to read something like Tales From the Dark Tower, either. Because it was truly a sweet experience; one of the best ones I've had so far in my career as a book reviewer.

Well, then, what's so great about it? Let me put it this way: it's hard something that is NOT great about it. Everything, from the beautiful artwork on the cover and throughout the book (all done by genius Joseph Vargo) to the quality of the paper to the stories themselves; it's all top quality and I cannot think of a single thing that I don't like about the whole thing. Not one.

And that makes writing a review quite difficult. Why? Because there's simply not very much to say about the piece except that it's a definite must-buy. I don't usually say that; in fact I rarely say that at all, but this time I have no choice but to face the pleasant facts: I loved it. From the first page to the very last. Several different authors contribute with stories, and they're all masters of their craft.

Sure, some people might think the stories are goth-cliché. After all, they are all very much alike, both in setting (in or around the Dark Tower) or in the way the different authors present their ideas (haunted cemeteries, pale and beautiful gothic beauties, forbidden love that forever haunts the unfortunate ones, dark and sinister clouds that blocks out the sun, scary gargoyles staring down at the mortals, and so on). But then again, Tales From the Dark Tower IS a gothic collection, the authors are goths, the readers are goths, it's all a big gothic get-together and thus the stories should and could not be written any other way.

As I write this I have the book next to me on the desk. It looks beautiful. And I'm jealous on all the people out there who have still to discover it. I usually don't read a book twice, but this time I think I have to reconsider.

And I hope a sequel one day will see the light of day. Or rather, the darkness of the night

The definition of Beauty
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-29
Tales From the Dark Tower is not a book.

Tales From the Dark Tower is a work of art.

Wow... I never thought I'd start a book review like that. But then again, I never quite expected to read something like Tales From the Dark Tower, either. Because it was truly a sweet experience; one of the best ones I've had so far in my career as a book reviewer.

Well, then, what's so great about it? Let me put it this way: it's hard something that is NOT great about it. Everything, from the beautiful artwork on the cover and throughout the book (all done by genius Joseph Vargo) to the quality of the paper to the stories themselves; it's all top quality and I cannot think of a single thing that I don't like about the whole thing. Not one.

And that makes writing a review quite difficult. Why? Because there's simply not very much to say about the piece except that it's a definite must-buy. I don't usually say that; in fact I rarely say that at all, but this time I have no choice but to face the pleasant facts: I loved it. From the first page to the very last. Several different authors contribute with stories, and they're all masters of their craft.

Sure, some people might think the stories are goth-cliché. After all, they are all very much alike, both in setting (in or around the Dark Tower) or in the way the different authors present their ideas (haunted cemeteries, pale and beautiful gothic beauties, forbidden love that forever haunts the unfortunate ones, dark and sinister clouds that blocks out the sun, scary gargoyles staring down at the mortals, and so on). But then again, Tales From the Dark Tower IS a gothic collection, the authors are goths, the readers are goths, it's all a big gothic get-together and thus the stories should and could not be written any other way.

As I write this I have the book next to me on the desk. It looks beautiful. And I'm jealous on all the people out there who have still to discover it. I usually don't read a book twice, but this time I think I have to reconsider.

And I hope a sequel one day will see the light of day. Or rather, the darkness of the night.

Awsome Book...
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-22
It's got great tales, awsome art work, and sexy scenes. You can't get any better than this.

Mind Blowing!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-28
I am not actually Mike, I'm his 14 year old daughter, just so ya know.... I found the book at Hot Topic and i just HAD to buy it. (It was only 15 dollars at the time, so go to hottopic.com to buy it, it is still like 4 dollars cheaper!) This book is absolutely AMAZING! If you are into gothic "fantasy" this is definitely the book for you! It is full of lavish illustrations bu Joseph Vargo of Monolith Graphics...I couldnt put the book down once i opened it! The various authors -including Joseph Vargo- do a wonderful job of painting a mental picture for you with their words. I would recomend this story to anyone looking for an extremely well put together book, but the squeamish should probably stay away, because of excess blood spillage. ... I would read it a thousand times, maybe more..if only i had the time.. Anyway, its a great read!

You may also be interested in The Gothic Tarot. Joseph Vargo came up with and illustrated it all by himself! His talents are unbelieveable! ...You can get the Gothic Tarot from Hot Topic or hottopic.com, when i purchased the deck it was only $16!!

Artists
Talking Animals And Other People
Published in Paperback by Da Capo Press (1998-03-21)
Author: Shamus Culhane
List price: $17.95
Used price: $11.94
Collectible price: $39.99

Average review score:

Talking People and Other Animals
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-16
There seem to be two kinds of animation books: the "just the facts, ma'am" kind, and those filled with endless anecdotes of the lost golden age. Shamus Culhane's book falls between them and yet hits both extremes. He doesn't clean up history or trim the facts to fit the legends. Which is to say it's unexpurgated (which means uncensored) told in a rollicking, stream of consciousness you are there style.

It's also the untold backstory of animation, as well as a peek at numerous cartoons which have yet to make DVD. Shamus Culhane created the best Woody Woodpecker cartoons including "Barber of Seville," very different from but equally intriguing as "The Rabbit of Seville" (Chuck Jones/ written by Michael Maltese), as well as darkening the doors of most of the then current studios. Not only that, but it's absolutely crammed with photos, character sheets and other animania so as to render the book a visual feast. Anyone with even a passing interest in cartoons or looking for a good read will be delighted to find Culhane's book which is, ironically, one of the few animated histories of animation.

Not just for animators... it's the web!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-01-28
This book was recommended to me by another web/multimedia developer. He told me that I should read it, that it was the web industry in a nutshell. The main difference is the web has a very compressed time line. I first read the book over a year ago... it still reads like prophesy.

Talking Animals and Other People by Shamus Culane
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-11
This is a "must have" for anyone who wants to create animation. Although not a how-to book, it has an incredible amount of insightful and useful information that is pertinent to those starting out or thinking about starting out their animation career. Shamus writes his animation life story in a way that will entertain and enlighten you. Many of his adventures and experiences are as relavant today as when they happened to him long ago during the Golden Age of animation. The author gives you a ring side seat as he is introduced to animation and evolves as an animator and producer. This was a book that I wish had no end; it actually made me sad to reach the final page.

A must....
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-15
This book is a must.It is extremely useful for those who want to animate cartoon characters.Shamus description of his life which he shares with the animation history is a very brilliant and inspirated storytellig.This is the book that all animator's should buy. It contains all the valuable information about american animation and all those wonderful pioneers who created the most amazing industry in the world: animation.Do not hesitate! Just buy this book and you will love it. I bet!

Excellent memoir from the curmudgeon of animation
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-03-24
James "Shamus" Culhane is not a name that is instantly recognizable to the general public, as is Chuck Jones, but his contributions were every bit as significant. Like Jones, he can be maddeningly arrogant and dismissive of the efforts of his fellow animators, but the truly annoying thing is that he is often right. Culhane worked at virtually every major cartoon studio during its "Golden Age", and generally improved the output of every studio with which he was involved--however briefly. He turned the Fleischer's version of Popeye into a fluid, living character, whereas before Popeye seemed to move like some sort of animatronic figure at Disneyland. He directed one of the few bright spots at Walter Lantz, a Woody Woodpecker cartoon called "Barber of Seville" (which garnered an Academy Award nomination). He also takes us where few other books in animation dare to go--the early days of cartooning for television (did you know he was one of the first producers to make animated commercials for TV? The Ajax elves were his). He even attempted to get in the ground floor of the TV animated series market, though his efforts did not succeed.

This is a must-read, if for no other reason than it avoids rehashing the same material covered again and again by previous books, and gives us an insight into the inner workings of an animation studio as few other books do.


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