Themes Books

The book contains very good information. We were looking to buy a couple of prints for collectible purposes. Thought the book might have a few more pictures than it had, but we were able to decide what we wanted to purchase and we are very pleased.

Compiled by field ecologist and veteran bird-watcher Bill Steiner, Audubon Art Prints: A Collector's Guide To Every Edition is a first-rate guide to the many distinctive avian prints and paintings of John James Audubon (1785-1851). The informative and scholarly text definitively recounts what these great works of art have sold for, as well as the stories behind the creation of the individual artworks. A superb resource for collectors and an indispensable addition to academic American Art History reference collections, Audubon Art Prints is a superbly organized and very strongly recommended presentation enhanced with twenty-two color illustrations and fifty-five halftones.

One of the most common stories you hear while visiting purveyors of original Audubon prints is how they constantly receive phone calls asking "is my Audubon print an original?" Of course, this is due to the combination of two phenomena - people have the general notion that Audubon prints are valuable, but there are millions of reproductions out there which, although they may be aesthetically pleasing, are not worth much. How to tell if you hit the jackpot (an Antiques Roadshow moment) without making that phone call? Buy this book. Bill Steiner has written the first extensive treatment on Audubon prints from the viewpoint of the collector. There are lots of books about Audubon out there, and some scholarly books on the original prints (most notably by Susanne Low). But, this book lays out all the knowledge gathered by an avid collector, accumulated over many years of poking through print shops and galleries and examining large numbers of Audubon prints, of all kinds. If you don't have the time to learn all these details the old fashioned way, as Bill Steiner did, then this is your best key to the world of collecting Audubon prints. It is written in an almost folksy style, and is very accessible to the reader. Of great importance to anyone thinking of starting to obtain some of those actually genuine original Audubon prints is an evaluation of how to do this via auction, and in particular, via online auction sites. But, this book is more than just for the beginner, and long-time connoisseurs of Audubon will immensely enjoy it, both for validation of what they already knew, as well as to see if the author knows something they don't!

I got my copy a few months ago from Amazon.Com, and essentially read through it cover-to-cover, so to speak. I am an amateur collector of Audubon prints, and an enthusiast of Audubon's life, and the legacy he left behind for all the Americans. I think Bill Steiner's book is an invaluable resource that fills a major void about Audubon's prints - - It provides information on what to look for in collecting prints, which prints have significant value now and likely to appreciate in future, the technical details of production of Havells, Imperials, Biens, and the Octavos, some details on restoration and conservation, tips on internet-based sales, his own assesment of the Quality of various double-elephant folio prints (including modern day real high-quality reproductions such as the Amsterdams and the Princetons),and the names of several Audubon galleries (I didn't know some of them existed until after reading the book). Last but not the least, I enjoyed Bill's sense of humor (I particularly had a good laugh reading the recount of his experience at Christie's Auction House). I only wish his book were available to me a couple of years ago when I first started collecting the prints ! I recommend this book highly.

As an art dealer specializing in original Audubon prints, I hear from many people who hope the Carolina Parrot print they found in the attic will turn out to be worth a fortune. Finally, there is a book that will help them...and me!

This well-illustrated book is the first to read if you have an interest (old or new) in Audubon prints. The book covers the original prints, the valuable full-sized facsimiles, and the not-so-valuable undersized reproductions. Steiner discusses all the major categories (and editions) of original prints including octavo (small) and folio (large), the birds and animals, the copper-plate etchings and the stone lithographs. He also provides a helpful overview of the vast number of facsimile and reproduction editions in circulation. While not complete, it is remarkably comprehensive and will help answer many an Audubon newcomer's questions.

Novice collectors will find everything they need to begin either a serious or casual exploration of Audubon's art--biography, glossary of terms, authentication guidelines (much easier than you may think!), sample prices, information on dealers and guidance on how to buy or sell prints. Seasoned collectors will find previously unpublished information that disproves or amends rules-of thumb that have been gospel for years; they will also find many new sources for prints, books, and educational pursuits.

Steiner has strong opinions and personal interests with regard to Audubon, and they are reflected in the text, but he is diligent about labeling them as such, and putting the more esoteric of his interests where they belong--in one of the book's many appendices. Overall, he has done an excellent job pulling together information from disparate sources, making available to collectors for the first time much "dealer lore"--information previously known only by Audubon specialists. This is a quick-reading book, and one that both dealers and collectors will refer to for years to come.

This book is for the Art lover, and fans of Betty Page. Each page has something to offer. I recommend this book for any collector of the arts. Well done!

One of the best books by Olivia with nice pics from his works focused on Bettie. A must for pinup lovers.

This book appears small and thin but contains a very large amount of amazing Bettie inspired works by Olivia. Included are a few pages of the progression of sketches to reach a completed work. The opening comments from Hugh Hefner are excellent. If you love Bettie, Olivia and especially both, you will love this book.

Olivia strikes again with another beautiful publication. Olivia's books are always printed on high quality, glossy paper which emphasize her stunning work. I am proud to say that Olivia and I have shared thoughts on Ms. Page. Olivia is a very generous and gracious lady and her paintings will always amaze me. I now own all of her books and trading cards.

Nice book, no nudity, which is fine, because I was looking for nose art for my airplane.

This is an outstanding summary of Bettie's life and her impact on modeling, art, pin-up, photography, and those needing encouragement in overcoming obstacles. The book is a nice way to learn about Bettie Page and those individuals she worked with during her career and growing up. It stops short of telling about recent events, but gives one a good understanding of the lady. The information is factual and well written. Much speculation has been made about the time she walked away through the present, but this is a nice account with the facts that we know to be true without the speculation. The pictures within this book are amazing and many won't be seen anywhere else. The information about those individuals she touched, encountered was interesting as well. Good read.

So said one of her photographers. What a marvelous book. If you're like me, and have been a Bettie fan for years, you've been waiting for this book. For years one could find stuff on her only in comic shops and the like, dealing in old memorabilia from the Fifties, or in various "alternative" shops that sold her image on T shirts. As a teen that's where I learned about her, thanks to "The Rocketeer," the comic "The Bettie Pages," and psychobilly trash-punk band the Cramps, who for a short time had a bass player the spittin' image of our fair maiden. Now that we've finally opened our eyes, we can buy several books on her, this being by far the best. It is the ne plus ultra of Bettiebooks, of pin-up books in general. What a trend-setter; a humble, troubled, open and honest woman who was not exploited, who has not turned herself into a PC victim--she's idolized by smart, hip young women who see in her freedom, sexuality, playfullness, life itself. This book had better be reprinted--it's an absolute crime to be unavailable. Get this book by any means necessary!

I bought this book for my husband's birthday last year; he has always thought Bettie Page was great, and he is the one who enlightened me about her. As an artist, I was drawn to her style and unpretentiousness, and have drawn her twice so far.

This book is well-written and leads the reader through Bettie's life; from her start and to her present day in a respectful and fascinating manner. I came away from this book understnanding the appeal she had to men, and wanting to draw her portraits over and over.

There was one another 50's icon who rivals Marilyn in popularity today--Bettie Page. True, she didn't make any A-movies, but like Marilyn, embodied that woman who drew a fine line between good girl/bad girl and crossed the lines as easily as one drank Coca-Cola. Unlike Marilyn, Bettie survived, but like Marilyn, her legend lives on for one simple reason: she dropped out of sight in 1957 following the fall of Irvin and Paula Klaw by the Kefauver Committee on indecency and pornography and refused to have herself be photographed as she is now. Thus, she is remembered as she was back then. And as her life has become simpler, she values her privacy. She says so as much in the hand-written foreword, at the same time surprised and honoured that so many people are interested in her.Karen Essex and James L. Swanson book is a great place to start for those curious about Bettie Page. Basically, it's a biography accompanied by lots and lots of colour and b&w photos, many of them topless. There are two of them which has her completely nude. She also posed for countless magazine covers and photographers. Art Amsie's photos are the best of the lot here. Bunny Yeager is touched on briefly, but that woman has a book on herself so... Looking at the early Bettie, before she became a pin-up from 1947, is also quite a revelation. She is still beautiful, but in an ordinary way, like a typical girl growing up in 1940's America.There is clearly a dualism going on here. There's the pretty wholesome girl in the bathing suit or maybe not, and then there's the darker leatherbound fetish girl, be she receiver or giver. That latter half led to her downfall. The point also was that she enjoyed her work, mainly the lighter beach stuff. You can see it in those twinkling eyes and smile of hers.The last section of the book features models who have been influenced by her, be they in clothes or just looking like her. Of the lookalikes, Eva Herzigova, Debi Mazar, and Janice Dickinson have got it down to the bangs, (it's the bangs that did it for Bettie, after all), long black hair, and prominent eyebrows.Apart from being one of fantasy artist Olivia's favourite subjects, Bettie's images appear on album covers by My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and the David Lee Roth Band. Her three videos, Teaserama, where she acts opposite stripper legend Tempest Storm, Varietease, and Strip-O-Rama have come out. She'll live on, no doubt about it.Anyone interested in Bettie Page-start with this book. You won't be disappointed.

This is the ultimate book on Bettie Page. This book is for every true Bettie fan. Even contains an introduction from Bettie herself.

If you really want to follow the history of legend, this is the ultimate book on Betty Mae Page!

Wonderful pictures of some of the most famous & picturesque castles in the world. Mostly in Europe. Some history; brief history for most of the featured castles with very general area maps to locate them. Generally one pic per castle and no floorplans or diagrams (another reviewer said diagrams probably meaning the map diagrams). Great book for planning a castle sightseeing trip to Europe.

I would also recommend 'The Medieval Fortress - Castles, Forts and Walled Cities of the Middle Ages'. It has a ton of pics, history and floorplans; 10 times better than Sidney Toy's book on Castles.

This is one of my favorite "coffee table" books. To begin with, it's huge. The cover is an outstanding photo of the breathtaking Neuschwanstein (there's an even better one on page 96). The first few chapters give an illustrated (via hand drawings as well as awesome photos) history of the castle, its many functions, and its evolution. Chapters 3 through 6 focus on the castles of Great Britain, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Crusader Regions. The last chapter details more modern castles, walled towns, and palaces; with even more focus on the castle's architectural evolution. Included here among others are the Casa Loma (North America's largest), the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, even the Cinderella Castle at Disney World. If you're a fan of history, architecture, and/or photography, you will not be disapointed with this book.

This is a wonderful and beautiful book that shows off the medieval castles we always dreamed about as children. The variety of castles, all shown in beatiful color photographs, present to the reader the various architectures and designs from different countries in Europe, and short written commentary give this book a five star rating. You can enjoy this book if you are in the age range of 3 to 103. This is the best photo book out there that shows off the medieval castles and fortresses of old.

Tour guide to history and spotlight examples throughout the world, including Europe, and modern works in North America along with palaces and walled towns.

Incredible to eye these rising fortresses into the sky, out of rivers and on top of mountains, they are living monuments of protection and engineering and dungeons, etc.

Makes for great reading and viewing.

Covered with large colour photographs from cover to cover, this book is bound to turn any reader into a castle lover.
Whilst this book contains great photographs, this alone is not its only content. The book does in fact contain pages of historical information on the origin of castles, historical overviews of the castle building eras, the different styles, architectures and functions of castles and even an overview of siege engines and castle attack and defence strategies. This book can therefore easily perform the dual function of a coffee table book and a reference book.
Definitely one of my favourite books.

What a wonderful piece of work! The photographs are stunning and the narrative both informative and interesting. I recently read "From Sea to Shining Sea" a historical novel about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and enjoyed it very much. When I saw this book advertised, I knew it was a "must see". The foresight of Jefferson in purchasing the land West of the Mississippi River was a stroke of genius and is what made our nation the size it is today. This is the best coffeetable book I've ever seen and is one that will be read and enjoyed for years to come. Congratulations to the authors.....a beautiful and fantastic work of art. I've reviewed books for Heritage Books, Inc. of Baltimore, MD, for many years and enjoyed reviewing this one as well.

This is one of the best books I have seen and read in a very long time. The history of the Lewis & Clark Expedition comes alive within the pages of this book.
The ultimate beauty of the aerial shots of the landscape photographs takes your breath away. You are surprised at the untamed beauty of our vast country that most Americans seldom see. These photographs capture your heart and you are in awe at the challenge that the Corp of Discovery undertook and accomplished so many years ago.
The narrative keeps you fascinated with the various types of people the ground crew met while following the trail of Lewis & Clark. Through their eyes we are allowed to see how people today live and how their lives are shaped by the geography of the area.
This book is a feast for your eyes and a treasure trove of interesting facts. It is a book everyone interested in our country should see and read. Geographers, historians, and teachers should use this book in their classrooms.
The authors have done much more than journey in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark, they have touched the hearts of those who have read their book. My sincere congratulations to the authors for taking a 21st century aviation adventure and showing us the beauty of our country. This is a must have, must see and read book that you will return to time after time.

The photography in this book is really amazing! I have never seen so many different aspects of America done so well. I could almost feel like I was in the plane. I was interested in the book to learn more about Lewis and Clark. I found myself going back again and again to study the photos. A lovely book I like to leave out to look at again and again.

Two hundred years ago The Corps of Discovery set out to explore the uncharted West. To mark the bicentennial of this epic journey, Ron Lowery determined to retrace their trail from the air.

The Corps was led by Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Over a four year period this assignment took the Corps thousands of miles through flatlands, moutains, and rivers that no American had traveled before.

After studying the journals of Lewis and Clark, and doing extensive research studying the photographic possibilities and the topography of the proposed flight, Ron concluded it was feasible.

He recruited co-pilot and co-author, Mary Walker, and a ground crew of four to begin "Chasing Lewis & Clark Across America." The incredible photos Ron captured of the grandeur of America during their three month adventure are published in this book.

Ron's airplane the "Cloud Chaser" is an experimental aircraft made from a kit. It was originally designed for a National Geographic project in Africa's Congo. The design fit perfectly into Ron's plans for aerial photography.

Breath taking views, spectacular country, contrasts of colors, and a voyage of discovery are all word pictures that inadequately describe the photos displayed in the pages of this amazing book.

Mary Walker expresses an experience this way: "The air is cold and pure, and we are alone in this high realm of austere, timeless beauty. We stay as long as we dare...Ron wants to capture the backlit haze gathering in the valleys as the sun slips down. It's been a magical evening at the top of the world."

Whether your interest is in history, aviation, photography, travel, or adventure, you will enjoy your ride in Ron's "flying canoe."

Reviewed by Shaley Melchior for Reader Views (7/06)

It's not often a 'picture' book sticks with me for very long. Most photography books I read leave a mild impression that slides away very quickly. This book is more than simply a work of photography with a few words thrown in; it's truly a work of art. It's a piece of art that has left a lasting impression on me, and is a book I will enjoy for years to come.

In June 2003, a motley crew set off from St. Charles, Missouri with a mission: Photograph the route that Lewis and Clark famously took on the expedition to find the headwaters of the mighty Missouri River, and the Pacific Ocean. Ron Lowery and Mary Walker manned the ultra-light plane, the 'Cloud Chaser'. Ron's wife and son, Sue and Ryan, and the family dog, filed into the RV used for the adventure. They left from St. Charles on a 3 month, 14,000 mile adventure, and documented the resulting photographs and stories for the enjoyment of those of us who can only dream of such an adventure.

The photographs are stunning, and very well taken. No surprise, as Ron Lowery is a professional photographer, who works have been used by Kodak, IBM, CBS, Smith Kline Beecham, Telecom Italia and other corporations worldwide. A few pictures in particular stick with me. A photo of cherry orchards in various stages of development. It looks as if the orchard belongs in a model railroad, and it's an amazing photo. Another is a photo of cottonwoods in the early morning fog. The fog casts a haunting shadow over the ground, and it could never have been spotted from the ground. Haystack Rock along the Oregon coast. Cannon Beach, where Haystack Rock is located, has been one of my favorite spots for as long as I can remember, and the photo brings a new perspective to the ocean. The colors of the tossing waves along with the cragginess of the rock stand in stark contrast to the small Bed and Breakfasts along the coast line.

The writing is flawless as well. Mary Walker is also a highly experienced professional, who has worked as a chemist, founded a magazine, and is a private pilot. She brings life to the photos, the thousand words the photo tells. The book would be only a photo album, but with Mary's words, it becomes a piece of art.

The book is not all serious, either. One of my favorite experiences that were related in the book was a short piece by Mr. Lowery. He tells of a time he landed at a small airport where no one was in site. He spotted the lone caretaker fiddling with his running lawnmower. Mr. Lowery tapped the gentleman on the shoulder; the man jumped up, dropped his screwdriver and yelled "Please don't kill me!" Needless to say, the men got along well after they both recovered, Mr. Lowery from laughing, and the gentleman from fright. I'm still smiling at the remembrance of this!

All around, I feel this book reaches every goal Mr. Lowery and Ms. Walker set out to accomplish. It had gorgeous photography, excellent history and background descriptions, well written prose, and even a bit of humor infused into the mix. This is the one coffee table book you will keep at the top of your pile, to read and enjoy for years to come.

This is a wonderful compilation of dachshund pictures that will delight anyone who is in love with the breed. One is sure to find pictures that will be among their favorites.

If you are a dachshund owner, then you know that every day with your dachshund is in their minds their day. The title of this book says it all. It portrays dachshunds doing their daily funny habits. Well worth the money!

The most affectionate dog breed has been well portrayed with comical sense of captions with each picture.

For all Dachshund lovers this is a must. It is not big nor thick.
so, it is easy for anyone to go through in short time, which makes you wish for a bigger or thicker book with more photos. :)

Over all, this book confirms WHY you love Dachshunds.

Actually, this book, composed primarily of wonderful dachshund photos, would be enjoyed by dog lovers in general. It is a handsome format, small, easy to hold and contemplate. It would make a lovely gift for dachshund owners, and that's what I bought it for.

This great book is full of fantastic photographs, along with captions that fit -- it'll crack you up!! Any doxie fan would love this little treasure. I highly recommend this book as a gift to dachshund owners & lovers.

This is a beautiful book on the life and personality of elephants. The photography is outstanding. I can certainly see why it took so long to photograph the elephants. It is a keepsake for those of us who love and understand this beautiful animal.

This is a magnificent book filled with rich photography. From the ground looking up you can see the majesty of the elephant. The group photos show
their need and love for one another.

My daughter is an artist. When she was very young, she saw her first elephant in the zoo. Her father asked her what she thought. "He makes me feel very deep," she said.

I am a sculptor and toy designer who wanted good photos for my work. This book will fill your eye and touch your heart.

With great sensitivity, compassion, passion, and courage, Steve Bloom has created a masterpiece of words and images about elephants and their habitats and caretakers. His aesthetic, poetic insight helps erase any boundaries between "us" and "them." So it is a look inward as well as outward. Bravo, Steve Bloom

I think that this book reveals both the deep and fun side of elephants. The picture of an elephant swimming shows off the grace and beauty. By using pictures of elephants in human cerimonies, Steve Bloom portrays an elephants life in a very beautiful way! :-)

This book has beautiful photograpy and so well written. I had borrow the book from a friend a few pages into the text and seeing the photo's I knew I had to have it. Right then and there went to Amazon to place my order. Awsome!!!!!
LV Costa

Well beyond the typical books of this genre. Mr Robbins not only tells a story, he does it with an insight into the hardships and the religious intensities of this culture I have never felt before. This book changed me. My ultimate compliment to an author.
Buy this if you want to see beyond yourself, into another world of human existance.

It is clear that David Robbins reveals artistic intellegence surpassed only by the beauty of his subject matter. As I turn through the pages I see metaphore after metaphore expressed by horses as mountains, a mother and child as a great wind, a man bearing a burden to the elevations as great slices of frozen rock jutt upward toward the sky. These metaphores call to us and serve as reminders of endurance, of simplicity, and all that is precious. In the pages of this book, your imagination can be unlocked and your thirst for understanding and compassion unbridled. It is important, especially in this time, to remember the beauty of the human spirit, the beauty of the earth and how they can fit together.

Well beyond the typical books of this genre. Mr Robbins not only tells a story, he does it with an insight into the hardships and the religous intensities of this culture I have never felt before. This book changed me. My ultimate compliment to an author.
Buy this if you want to see beyond yourself, into another world of human existance.

Short and simple will be enough here:

128 pages of mystical beauty that can be found in the Hymalayas and in this book. There is some use of symbolic metaphors of early morning mysts, people, homes, genuine symbols of culture and nature. Movements captured for an eternity. A window to peer through for most of the people that will never be able to experience and see these places and its' people in their lives. There is good in this, for too many people would destroy such beauty and equanimity....

First a disclaimer: I am a friend, and working peer of David's albeit my caim to fame is in an entirely different genre, though my recent work is now following in David's footsteps, metaphorically speaking.

This work is heady. Makes you a bit short of breath at times. Jealous. Beautiful. Not only the subject matter (fifty years of footprints!) but also, for me, it's the formalist quality of the actual photography. He gives us an unwavering horizontal rectangle and fills it with stunning, buzzing, mature compositons and color, whether it be in a blinding whiteout or an early morning smoke with sherpas. His photographs bring us an inherently exotic world (and thus terribly misused) in a style relative to that of Eggleston, Singh, and Misrach. Important work, that overshadows the mostly sad, mediocre books done on this region by well placed trekkers.

This is about the people, and their art of living in such a grand and harsh place. David's own art brings it all home. I congratulate him for bringing this legacy to the world.

So glad I bought this book and can think of several people it would make a great gift for. I plan to use it as the basis of a few tours of New York (though at this point in my life, I'll only be sipping water at the later stops). What a fun thing to do with out-of-town guests--and the book will make you an excellent tour guide, as it contains so many great stories. You can tell that the author, Jef Klein, is a former bartender and somebody who knows and loves New York. Her passion for these places is contagious--it makes you want to visit them...or maybe head to your neighborhood bar and become part of the lore. The photos by Cary Hazlegrove are also incredible, and one of the great things is that they're in black and white, which is so fitting for the book's sense of history.

Mr. Klein has done a remarkable job of bringing to life some of the most well known bars and restaurants of New York to life in this photographic collection. Revisit the glory days of historic New York with this title. Each bar or restaurant has its own individual chapter, detailing the history of the location through pictures and antidotes. This form allows a more intimate introduction for the reader, especially if you are not terribly familiar with the business.

This is a must have for anyone's personal collection, would make a beautiful gift for those that enjoy a leisurely stroll through history with entertaining captions along with a healthy dose of beautifully taken photographs. This is one title I highly recommend.

Jef Klein sure knows how to put the reader in the story-or bar in this case - I thoroughly enjoyed "touring" the old glory days as well as the existing booths at some of the most interesting places NYC has to offer. I've made a list of which ones I plan to visit first- most notably the places with deep carpets, mood music, thick leather seats, soft lighting,and perhaps a celebrity or two (just for atmosphere). Thanks JK for a lovely evening! -RG

I've only been to New York one time and that was for a short stay on business so I didn't have a lot of time to experience the nightlife in the "city that never sleeps." But, when I do go back, I will be armed and ready with a great reference tool, "Best Bars of New York", by Turner Publishing Group. This is a gorgeous, hardcover book, loaded with great photography along with stories and histories about some of the top nightspots in the Big Apple. The locations in this book aren't the trendy, here today-gone tomorrow type places, but rather the long-established businesses that are often off the beaten track and known only to the locals...but not anymore thanks to Jef Klein's fascinating research.

Klein interviewed people at over 50 locations in preparation for his book, and the stories are truly mesmerizing. As a history buff who loves to visit local historical spots when I travel, Klein's book is the perfect offering, presenting clubs, taverns, and bars that have been around for decades, sometimes centuries! Klein doesn't give you just listings of establishments with notes on fare and prices...it's not a traveller's guide per se. Rather, Klein gives readers and inside and intimate look at the thirty bars that made the cut. You'll learn about the history of each one, and hear stories as if you were sitting barside, talking to the chatty barkeep.

Liquor has been dispensed at 279 Water St since 1794. The site on the waterfront is now the Bridge Café. The site has a history that is colorful to say the least. It was formerly the site of a bordello in the 1850's. When it was purchased in 1979 by the current owners, basement excavation turned up artifacts dating to not long after the revolutionary War period! Today, the café is romantic and elegant, perhaps haunted by a ghost or two, but much more quite than it was a couple of hundred years ago.

Chumley's is one of the more unique bars in the book...a former speakeasy, it has no name outside to identify itself, only the number "86" on the door...one of two doors with the same number, often leading to embarrassing mistakes. The bar had secret exits so its patrons could get out quickly during prohibition-era police raids. The bar was a popular spot among literary figures and the likes of Hemingway, Kerouac, Faulkner, Mailer, Steinbeck, and many others, all tipped a drink there.

The building that is now home to the Corner Bistro has been there since 1827. It's become a West Village establishment that has been frequented by the famous including James Baldwin, Bobby Timmons, Miles Davis. Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro.

In all, thirty bars are covered, from meeting places of the rich and powerful, to neighborhood hangouts, Jef Klein brings you all of their unique tales. Take this book with you on your next trip to New York and start your journey to all of these bars!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

I had already heard these stories about the usual suspects ("21". King Cole Bar. Fraunces Tavern. The Algonquin Hotel.)... I was looking for other bars that aren't in every other book about famous NYC bars. Basically there are no bars here that are less than 20 years old. Which is sad, because these are amazing too, and have not been done to death. Where is Red Rock West Saloon in Chelsea, which is an amazing and gorgeous place to photograph (with fire-breathing barmaids)? Flute (W. 54th St location) which at one time was owned by Texas Guinan and was a speakeasy? The Ava Lounge, an art deco masterpiece on top of the Dream Hotel?

Basically, this is a pretty good book if you want to read about bars you already know about, but it doesn't take any chances with the "new" generation of what, I think, are the real "Best Bars of New York" around.

Sargent excelled in all media and this book, the third in a series, clearly shows why he was the best of late 19th century American artists. Many of his paintings have become icons of American art, and here they are shown in the context of his life and artistic development. The color reproductions are superb and the book offers many hours of repeat perusal.

These books are the epitome of scholarly research into Sargent's work, made even better by the researchers inclusion of intimate personal and professional details. This presents a great background to viewing the well printed illustrations. One should not just purchase one of these volumes, indeed the experience palls UNLESS all three are not bought . One cannot praise this sort of in depth research and the resulting publications highly enough. The only quibble is one of size, given that Sargent revelled in life-size compositions, it is a a pity that pure economics forbid the printing of larger volumes- I mourn the death of the "elephant folios" so derided by librarians.

A wonderful collection of amazing images. This book will be looked at for many, many years.

The best book on a painter I have been able to buy for quite a while. As with the other three volumes so far published of Sargent's catalogue raisonne, this is absolutley stunning. Paintings are all in colour unless they have been lost, and the figures and landscapes are breathtaking. The text is anecdotal and interesting, with contemporary correspondence and criticism. This is what a catalogue raisonne should be, and never is - something exhaustively illustrated and investigated, rather than an artist's lifetime crammed into one volume with highlights followed by black and white "postage stamps" at the back (as long as the artist is worth it - and Sargent is worth it). A great tome on a great artist, and unbelievably good value. Go out and treat yourself.

The color reproductions are awesome. This books is a collection of Sargent's less known work which is refreshing. Some oils are not as polished as the more well known work which helps to show his technique in early stages---a plus to serious professionals and students. To me, this book provided a wealth of visual clues to understanding his thought process and technical principles. The writing, however, is the typical stuff used to fill most coffee table books. No insight whatsoever into Sargent's painting principles, tonal procedures or color palette. The author obviously knows little in that regard but there is so much information out there the text could have been more illuminating. Buy it for the reproduction quality and awesome collection of works. Worth every penny in that regard.