Themes Books

Terrific photo essay on the people that make up good old Brooklyn NY.
This book is a must for all Brooklynites, current and past residents.
It really captures the essence of each individual highlighted, with a
interesting mix of subjects. Highly recommend-

I love this book! It embodies everything Brooklyn. I grew up in upstate New York, didn't visit Brooklyn until I was in my 30s, I fell in love immediately with the sights, sounds and people...there is nothing fake about Brooklyn, it's the real deal. This book not only puts it into words, but amazing portraits of the people that live and work there. It's worth a look.

The care with which these two have crafted this vision of our beloved Brooklyn is evident in every shot and sentence. I went to high school with both of the authors and am in the book. But even if I hadn't and weren't, from half way across the country this book would make me feel like I was back on the block.

Growing up in the nosebleed section of Queens, I always admired Brooklyn from afar. And this incredible book captures it all in verse and image--it's big and brash and bold and beautiful and unabashedly proud. You'll find all the big Brooklynite names profiled here (Spike Lee, Rosie Perez, Jonathan Lethem...) but I think what makes the book so touching is how the authors were able to capture the "real" people who call this place home. In these pages, you find a sense of pride and community that has all but evaporated in the rest of the city...and the country, for that matter. Deserves a spot on your bookshelf or coffee table.

As a native Brooklynite now living beyond the boundaries of Kings County I spend at least half of every day pining away for the comfort, culture and security of this beloved borough. Now I have found an artful and authentic way to bring Brooklyn back to my senses and into my life. Well done.

Nash is a great photographer, with a clear, timeless vision that you can literally feel. His photographs hold you and keep you looking into them, farther. This is another volume in the work of our best contemporary photographers, and an extraordinary record of art and a place we might never have otherwise seen.

Burning Man is often described as being indescribable, and for good reason. So much of the art created there is ephemeral, lasting just a few days before burning to the ground. An entire city of 30,000 rises, falls, and disappears. To some, it feels like a heartbeat, and to others, a lifetime. To describe it in words is nearly impossible, when so much quickly becomes the elusive memory of memories.

Through Nash's remarkable photographs, we see a decade of visionary work and creativity that physically existed for only a moment. Whether you've been to Burning Man or not, this book will fill you with awe, and longing for the place.

So much of the photogprahy of Burning Man is all glitz and surreal glamour, with a big measure of breast often thrown in. Yeah it's a big party with all sorts of wacky and interesting costumes and bright sights, but the real soul of the thing is the making of the art.

Public art is always a gift to its community. The type of art that has grown out there, especially in its scale and ambition, often demands substantial gifts from the community to exist. It is a sublime and outrageous feedback loop, the process and product of which have never been as clearly and deeply represented as in this luminous book.

The inner cover photo of a box of matches full of dust and containing not only matches but burnt stubs, cotter pins and a spring, is one of the most complete and lovely images of the spirit of these brave artists I have ever seen. If you can understand that photo you can probably understand the process of making art out there.

Leo Nash certainly does understand the process. By far the most revealing collection of Burning Man photos ever compiled, as close to a portait of the thing as you are likely to see.

I bought the book because I like black and white photos and because my son has attended Burning Man and worked for the corporation that creates the event in 2003. My intention is to give him the book; but, I decided to read the text before sending it off. The intro is long winded drivel (and at the time of this writing, the writer of the introduction has wasted valuable real estate on this product page with some self serving crap from his blog; who wants to wade down the page to get to the real reviews?) and the text by the photog is self indulgent in the style of the "burners." The notion that this event is somehow "spontaneous" is what really makes me laugh. A more apt description would be something on the order of "this is my personal journal and musings on this ongoing "spontaneous" event, plus some photos" The pictures are well made, and the presentation with a slipcover is nicely done, which is what rescues the book.

I just received this book as a gift. I immediatley sat down and slowly turned each page in amazement of what he has captured. I cried.

This is seriously one of the coolest books I've ever seen in my life. I've never been to Burning Man (wouldn't want to), but these pictures are AMAZING. It might have been worth enduring desert discomfort dust storms and camping just to see the 2996 "Uchronia" structure-- wow.

The book "Butterflies in Flight" by Roger Camp is such a visceral experience. It is so striking, intuitive and emotional. It just grabs you and takes you on a visual and sensitive but demonstrative trip through an explosion of color that transforms it into a butterfly sanctuary. Wow! What a great book for everyone affected by Sept. 11. The book takes you to ethereal places far from hate and anxiety.

The joy that Camp brings to this accordian format tickles my senses and transports me to long-ago childhood gardens. Colors dazzle, while shapes and markings mystify me. He offers a wondrous world, indeed. I deeply appreciate the hours and patience Camp devoted to this digital project - that we might take off on our own flights of fancy. This is a marvelous gift for the holiday season. It should have a vast appeal to naturalists and photographers, both the young and the adult.

I have gifted this book repeatedly. All who have received it are inspired by its sheer beauty. Captivated by its presentation. Quite simply - a treasure to own.

a beautiful picture essay dipicting the essence and colour of these lovely insects.

a true fantasy of flight as I turned each page.

the unique format helps make the book even more special.

If you love art as much as you love butterflies, you'll find this book is an amazing combination of the two. The layout and design makes it all the more unique. If you have a butterfly lover in your family, you MUST add this to their holiday gifts.

Cairo Cats is highly professional but down-to-earth, with enchanting images, arresting quotations and an illuminating introduction. It helps us expand our understanding of the world and its creatures. Enough to make a non-cat person like me into a cat lover.

CAIRO CATS are street-smart, hold a fine lineage, and are not to be treated the same way as your typical Western cat: that's the message in the blend of history and pet insights of CAIRO CATS: EGYPT'S ENDURING LEGACY, which uses the backdrop of Cairo to explore the cats through verse and prose alike. Lovely photos display the cats against fine Egyptian scenes while descriptions draw readers in. Perfect for any cat lover who wants something a little different.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

An inspiring book, that captures the true essence of Cairo, one of the world's most incredible cities. The pictures range from amusing, to awe-inspiring to poignant. Cat lovers and anyone with an interest in Egypt will absolutely cherish this one-of-a-kind book.

Poetry by cool cats such as Naomi Shihab Nye and Nizar Qabbani, inscriptions from The Prophecies of Neferti, cat fiqh from Aisha and Imam al-Shafii (is that not delightful?), Persian folk sayings, Turkish proverbs, cat wisdom from Afghanistan, cat notes from Egyptian Nobel Laureate novelist Naguib Mahfouz. Cat calligraphy! "Qitt" with an inky tail!

All arranged amid lush, delightful cat photos: Cat among the Pharoahs, cat goddesses and gods, cat on a Persian rug, cats making careful cat-ablutions, cats on Cairo streetcorners, cat in a coffeeshop, the cat and the copper tray.

What a GEM!

I app-purrrrrr-rove.

Following is a verbatim passage from a recent e-mail message I sent to Cairo Cats mastermind and photographer, Lorraine Chittock. She suggested that I post it on Amazon, which I am happy to do. I actually purchased the earlier edition of Cairo Cats from Amazon, which is quite similar to the new 2006 volume, but not as good, in my opinion. There are some new images in the new edition, the text font and text color are better, and I even think the coloration on the wonderful images is more robust and eye-popping in the new edition. Also, the new edition is printed in Cairo, which adds character and authenticity as far as I'm concerned. The reason I became interested in the Cairo Cats volume was to provide background, reality, and a worldwide viewpoint to a Breed Booth display for a large, well attended international cat show. Our breed, the Somali, claims the North African geographical area and the ancient Egyptian culture as part of its "Creation Mythology". Cairo Cats helps present the Somali legend to the public, and provides context and an enjoyable reference book for the breeders represented by our display.

>These artful, captivating, intriguing images from a distant, exotic
>land will hopefully provide depth and background to our exhibit
>for the 2006 CFA International Show. Your volume illustrates
>a culture with perhaps the world's premier claim to a long and
>sincere Cat Fancy tradition. Both ancient and modern
>manifestations of Egyptian Cat Fancy are beautifully presented.
>Thoughtful readers can meditate on poetic Egyptian quotations
>spanning four millenia. There is much to value and appreciate
>in your Cairo Cats volume, Lorraine. I feel very lucky to be
>able to offer it to a broad audience, some of whom will
>deeply appreciate its rich cross-cultural offering.

The only thing wrong with this book is its unavailability. Out of print since 2005, this is quite simply the finest cofee table book on national parks ever made, bar none. Incredible paper and print quality. I have given this book as a gift several times.

Despite the seemingly mediocre title of this book, the pictures are anything but average. Here, you will find landscapes of various different types and beauty, from rugged cliffs to lush forests and waterfalls. The natural beauty of this book will challenge anyone who believes that photography is not an art, as Meunch has an unbelievable talent for it. In fact, while Udall is a good essay writer, I would even go so far as to say that Meunch should be credited as the author here. Not only does he capture breathtaking images, but his perspective is amazing as well, particularly in his forest photos. The forest section of the book perfectly represents the vastness of the trees, making me feel as though I'm a nymph or some other woodland creature marveling at the majesty around me. Whether you are a nature lover or have never appreciated it before, I recommend you get this book now!

This is one helluva book. Thank you Kutti. The photographs would make an nature enthusist drool with sheer glee, the text by Udall brothers is so refreshing, makes you wanna follow their paths. David's large format photographs are guaranteed to take your breath away. It did for me..Amazing..and the book is big and heavy..with the highest quality paper possible. Buy it..I am planning to get some camping equipments really soon...:))

"National Parks of America" is a wonderful collection of photographs from the National Parks in the United States. David Muench does a marvelous job capturing some of the the most beautiful places in the United States. His photographs include the Alaskan National Parks, the Grand Canyon, the giant redwoods in Redwood National Park, the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park, the natural bridges in the national parks in Utah, Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Isle Royale in Michigan, and the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee. There is a map of all of the places in the National Park System, and an essay by Stewart L. Udall, former Secretary of the Interior under Kennedy and Johnson, and James R. Udall. I cannot recommend this book enough. You must see it to fully understand what an outstanding book it truly is. It made me want to visit these places as soon as possible!

This is the book with the most beautiful pictures of America's National Parks I have seen so far. The print quality of the photographs is excellent. I have given this book as a gift to many of my friends and relatives!

It is hard to believe that there was a time when you could have passed Jack or Jackie on the street and not known them. This book has made them into "real people". I really enjoyed reading it.

To borrow from the movie HELP!, "Here's how they was before they was." Unguarded and completely charming photos of newlyweds, before international fame overtook them and they perfected their public faces. As one who has read extensively about the Kennedys, I am always happy to find books that can still show me something I haven't seen before. This book does that, and I enjoyed it and recommend it.

Camelot At Dawn: Jacqueline & John Kennedy In Georgetown, May 1954 is the collaborative work of photographer Orlando Suero and author Anne Garside. As his first major photography assignment, Suero spent five days with the Kennedys in May of 1954. He enjoyed their full cooperation and the intimate access that produced more than twenty photo sessions as Suero documented a typical week in the young couple's life including Jack at his Senate office, Jackie attending classes at Georgetown, and the couple playing touch football in the park. Camelot At Dawn is a "must" for all of those whose lives and imaginations where touched by one of America's most idealized couples before tragedy would shattered both their personal lives and those all too brief days of an American "Camelot" for the rest of us.

As someone who grew up in the Kennedy era, these images had a profound effect on me. They are images that shortly after they were made, could never have been made again. Can you imagine seeing Jack and Jackie Kennedy strolling alone down the streets of Georgetown (in DC), her wearing shorts and him wearing sneakers and a plain t-shirt? Or playing football in a public park with absolutely NO gawkers hanging around? The great impact of these pictures comes from their innocence and irony, because of what came after and what we now know. If you remember the Kennedy era, you might stare at some of the images in this book for many minutes in wonder, about the people in the picture, about yourself, and about how we were then and are now. I gave this book to my brother-in-law--a recognized expert on the Kennedy assination--and he said he almost cried. It's that good.

Can the Kennedys ever have a bad photograph taken of them? It is appears not, as this book illustrates. CAMELOT AT DAWN is kind of an artsy photojournalism feast for the eyes, and although at first glance the text will seem to have general information that we all know about, it too is a treat.

Orlando Suero had his first big assignment taking pictures of Jacqueline Kennedy for McCall's magazine for an article. It would turn out that most of his shots would not be used because the press felt that the Kennedys had been overexposed in the media due to their wedding--so it is only now in this book that most of the pictures taken for that assignment have been published.
Suero says that JFK manages to sneek himself into most pictures, and so the final result became as much as about him as Jackie...but we also see the Bobby Kennedys as well as the former President Trumans.

Some of these pictures have been published in other books, so not all of them are seen here for the first time, but seeing them within the context that they were shot makes the photos that have been seen before all the more interesting. However, it is only a few--most of these are just being seen for the first time.

As for the text, some of it is "well duh" text because it is known by everybody:"Jackie was a silver-and-Sevres kind of girl, whereas Jack was a milkshake-and-hamburger kind of guy." (I am not cutting on Anne Garside's writing--because the book is actually quite good, I am just trying to point out that some of the information that she writes everyone knows in their sleep...as that is how famous Jack and Jackie have become.) Now don't take this sentence of Garside's alone--you have to read the whole book before you dare judge her writing, and in my estimation she has succeded in the overall scheme in making two well known sujects seem like new again. How does she do this?
For example, there is information about the renting of Dent Place--where these photographs are taken as well the Kennedys first home--which is interesting because we get to see excerpts from Jackie's letters to the Childs (the people who the Kennedys were renting the house from.)
Also information about Evelyn Lincoln's calender is given as to what the Kennedy's were doing the week the photos were taken, as well as little details spread out throughout the text that make the book an interesting read.

I believe that this is a standout book published on the Kennedys. It is informative and orginal in text, and the pictures easily give Lowe, Avedon, and Shaw a run for their money. You can and will enjoy this book if you give it a chance--don't get stuck on the information about the JFKs that we all know or the pictures that we have all seen--read the entire book and appreciate the entire book!

This is a beautifully written book on the portrayal of New York City in the movies. The author is extremely knowledgeable about the architecture of NYC (in fact, he is a New York architect), about the geography and history of NYC, and about film, both in its historical and technical aspects. The writing is imaginative, lyrical, thoughtful, and intelligent--this is a labor of love that took 15 years to complete. If you have any interest at all in New York City or in film, do yourself a favor and buy this book. It made me want to go out and rent at least 60 of the films discussed in it, and it reminded me of many great films set in NYC that I've enjoyed in the past and will want to see again to note some of the characters, themes, landmarks, or stage sets that Sanders describes.

If there was ever a book that really needed to be written, and was then executed nearly flawlessly, this is it. Documenting the multi-threaded releationship of New York City and Hollywood (the movie biz began in NYC, and the studios' financial offices remained there; much of the writing/directing/acting talent came to Hollywood from NYC; Hollywood's backlot NYC was the setting of thousands of films; the ideas of the Hollywood versions eventually changed the real thing; etc.), this is a heckuva fun and interesting read.

Among its most fascinating parts are information on the techniques used to create believable NYC settings by the studios (e.g., the most detail I've ever seen on Hitchcock's enormous Rear Window set), examples of the vast amount of architectural and local-color detail contained in the studio's art department photographic files (more than in some of NYC's museums!), and its general architectural analysis of NYC's major iconic structures: skyscrapers, rowhouses, tenements, train stations, nightclubs, etc.

But of even greater interest are the detailed treatments of how NYC was SHOWN in films (both well-known classics and obscure titles) of different genres and eras, and how the IDEA of NYC affected the world audience, and eventually changed the city itself as new generations flocked to their city of dreams... A flip through the photographs alone is a total pleasure.

This is a great book for film buffs, fans of NYC, architecture students, and those interested in 20th century social history. (I'm all of those things, and I LOVED it!)

If you have an interest in films, architecture or New York City then the purchase of this film is a no-brainer. The book is packed with photographs of movies and film sets that feature the buildings of New York. Another reviewer mentioned the Alfred Hitchcock set shot from the film Rope. I would add the shots from Fountainhead and Week-end at the Waldorf as being special and stunning.

James Sanders said that he spent 15 years writing and researching this book and it shows. His points are well written and quite informative.

I would strongly suggest the hardcover edition for its slightly larger size and the quality of the Knopf binding.

First editions can be purchased used at a very attractive price. Like I said, no-brainer.

This fascinating exploration of the interrelationship between the city of New York as an urban center and its portrayal throughout the history of moviemaking is filled with perceptive insight and thoughtful analysis. Highly recommended.

How New York is seen (figuratively and literally) by the rest of the world has been influenced more by Hollywood than anything else. James Sanders brilliant "Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies" explores the relationship among Gotham, Hollywood, and the rest of the planet. There's a lot here, and a lot of material that has never been presented before.

Each section offers specific insights into the cinematic image of New York: its icons, its myths, its realities. What is also intriguing is how Hollywood's directors manipulated actual city locations to make it look "more like New York". One of my favorite essays has to do with the "domestic" look of New York: its mansions, row houses, and tenements. Also fascinating is the section called "Nighttown"--Hollywood loves the dangerous flavor of New York's streetlife.

This is a marvelous book with a marvelous look. Take one of the other reviewers' advice, however, and get the hardcover. The size makes a big difference.

The photographs in this book work as both documentary on the state of the Maya in Chiapas and as pieces of art. Turok's visions are sensitive and understanding. One gets a sense of both place and people.

A marvelous visual "walk" through contemporary Chiapas. Antonio Turok's sentiments are palpable in his pictures. A 'must-have' book for those interested in modern Mexico and, particularly, Chiapas.

I went to school with Tony. He was never without his camera throughout high school. He is able to capture the "moment" through his photographs in this book. He is a truly gifted artist.

Antonio Turok prints in black and white all the shades of grey that he has seen in the last 25 years in Chiapas. A brilliamt photographer, madly funny with a wide eyed fasination with Maya culture and an unblinking witness to political tradgedies, this book will give you the clearest vision of Chiapas behind the news.

A marvelous visual "walk" through contemporary Chiapas. Antonio Turok's sentiments are palpable in his pictures. A 'must-have' book for those interested in modern Mexico and, particularly, Chiapas.

Really nice photos for coffee table book. It will guide my exploration of the state.

Even though I have seen so many things in Colorado, this book made me realize I haven't seen it all. The book is a must-have for people interested in beautiful scenery.

This spectacular book is rewarding on every level possible. If you wanted a book that merely included gorgeous photos, this would be it. I have seen Jim Steinberg's photos elsewhere, but never presented so lavishly or effectively. They convey such a strong sense of this beautiful PLACE called Colorado. It's all there: meadows, trees, flowers, rocks, canyons, skies, and much more. I was particularly amazed by the wildflowers. When you look at a photo like the one showing why the "Black Canyon" of the Gunnison got its name, you realize that Steinberg has been sure to take all the time necessary for a photographer to capture the essence of a place. The compositions are splendid, full of rich color and detail. Every page is an eye-opener. In addition, Susan Tweit's text is a perfect complement to the images. I wouldn't change a word of it, and I'm a picky reader. Her text combines with the photos to provide an education into the geology, botany, ecology, and history of Colorado, making this not just an aesthetically pleasing book but also an enlightening one. I've been an occasional visitor to Colorado, but this book makes me feel that I've explored quite a bit of it. And the travelers notes at the end will make it much easier to see these places myself. I highly recommend this book to people who already love Colorado and to those who can appreciate it from afar.

This book shows the REAL colorado. If you want to see something
beyond Aspen and Vail, this is the book for you. There are even
directions on how to get to the places so if you are adventurous
enough, you can go out and see it all yourself. The pictures are
amazing and the nature essays put it all in perspective. Having grown
up in NYC, this book is a breath of fresh air!

This book is incredible. It's unlike any other photography book about Colorado that I've seen. The photographs are spectacular and the writing by Susan Tweit is an eloquent compliment to the photos. The book is broken down into six sections: the plains, foothills, mountain peaks, plateaus, mountain parks and travelers' notes. I especially liked the travelers' notes, which give very specific directions on how to get to all the places. The next time I have the chance, I plan to get out and visit some of the places myself. If you love Colorado or beautiful photography, then this book is a must for your coffee table!

The photo info has not been updated here at all. The 3rd edition has the theme to Enterprise and Insurrection added. I am guessing a 4th edition with Nemesis is on hold until Star Trek XI comes out next year.

I have been playing piano for years, and I absolutely love Star Trek. If you're like me, you will love this book! The songs are difficult, but not so hard that you won't be able to play them. The chords sound so much like the actual recording, it's amazing! Great product!

This music is so much fun! Every Star Trek theme song, including all four TV shows and the first 8 movies, has been re-orchestrated for piano and guitar (and in two cases, voice as well). The re-orchestration is excellent, as I can follow along with my soundtrack CDs fairly well. And being able to re-create the Star Trek music with my own hands is fabulous. Some parts aren't exact, and some are end themes instead of main themes, but it's all recognizable. My only reasons for 4 stars instead of 5 are that some of the arrangements aren't exact (I've had to improvise here & there to make it fit perfectly), and a few are too difficult to be played by one person on a piano. (Chords go by simply too fast for a hand to hit them all.) None are easy, though -- you have to be fairly proficient at the piano to handle any of them. A must-have for every piano-playing Star Trek fan!

I don't play the piano but my wife does. I bought this music for her because she loves to play and she loves Star Trek. I do, however, have a wonderful sense of what is good music, especially, when it comes to piano versions. I hear a lot of music written for the piano that sounds like a poorly written poem. It's forced music and that doesn't do well in my way of thinking. I worried that I was taking a chance on this Star Trek Theme music being that the piano version may sound tinny with a lot of unnecessary notes plugged in to make it work. But to my surprise, when my wife played the music, it sounded wonderful. It sounded just like the original scores. It is quality music and you should be pleased with it too if you decide to purchase it.

M.D. Cummings

This is book of piano solos featuring Star Trek themes. It has all the television show themes through "Star Trek: Voyager" as well as the movie themes through "Star Trek: First Contact." Incidentally, those two pieces are my favorites. The "First Contact" theme in particular sounds very nice on the piano, and I have played it numerous times.

I am very pleased that this was offered as a piano solo edition. Many contemporary themes/song books are typically inundated with repetitive chords. But I think the arrangements in this book are very enjoyable to play.

The proficiency required to play the pieces is probably best described as intermediate. However, beginners/novices may find the "Deep Space Nine," "Voyager," and "First Contact" themes within their grasp (and worth playing as well; I personally dislike "big note" or "easy piano" editions of anything).

I guess it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that if those who like playing the piano and like "Star Trek" will enjoy this book. So if you fit that category, I highly recommend this book.