Themes Books

Escher's work is so engaging and interesting. Everyone has seen Escher's work, even if they don't know the name. I've used his work to teach math, graphics, and problem solving. My college students love analyzing his work.

I bought this book as a gift, and it was an excellent choice. There are many example works in the book, plus interesting explanations.

In The Magic Mirror of M.C. Escher, Bruno Ernst, an acquaintance of Escher's until Escher's death in 1972, presents a thorough summary of the life and work of Escher. Ernst devotes a chapter to the life of Escher, and uses the rest of the book to describe his amazing work. He includes the different themes and styles that Escher used, and devotes a good amount of space to each work discussed. The book is extremely thorough and includes large clear illustrations of the works themselves and also of earlier drafts of the works and mathematical descriptions to assist the reader. This is the most concise book of Escher and his work I have ever seen, and Ernst has done a fabulous job on it.

The work of Escher has captured the imagination of many people and in this book Bruno Ernst (a personal friend of Escher) expands our understanding of the artist. After a brief but concise biography, the author throughly analyses the most important facets of Escher's artistic output: the illusion in drawing, the use of perspective, the creation of impossible realities, simultaneous and contrasting realities, crystals, and the infinite. Escher was an artist who was unique in in his work, he stands by himself, and this book is a helping tool in understanding and appreciating the unparalleled magic of his work.

The greatness of this book on the work of M.C. Escher is that it shows how he worked up his ideas for various pieces. It also gives a thorough explanation of his thought and design process. It is truely a shame that this book has gone out of print. I sincerely hope that the publisher brings it back.

I just picked this book up thinking that there has been a "NEW" book published on M.C.Escher's work.When I got it home ,I checked it against other Escher books and was disappointed to find it is the same book published several times before and by different publishers.
As you can see the ,publication date of this edition is shown as April 6,2007.Therefore, the reviewers here must have been looking at a previous publication,possibly the one also listed here as a paperback in 1987.The copy I had was even earlier,published by Ballantine in 1976.
The quality of this Taschen Edition is very good, in fact, superior to the paperback editions I have seen; and will be enjoyed by anyone who likes M.C. Esher's work ;but the material included has not changed.
I believe this is an excellent book ,and agree with the reviews already written on other editions.
I guess what we have here is A 25 Year Celebration of its first publication.
This is an excellent chance to obtain this book and will be enjoyed,particularly by people new to Escher's work.The fact that this edition has now come out speaks volumes about what a great book this was,and it's great to see it available again.

I highly recommndthis book. It has some really beatiful
photos in it of lighthouses from Maine. I would give it ten stars if I could. It's a lovely book.

This wonderful book is a very useful "field guide" to the lighthouses of Maine. Any visitor to the Maine coast should make a point of seeing these sentinels. Courtney Thompson's book has excellent photos, maps, and descriptions. I always take it along, actively seek out the local lighthouses, and make notes in the margins about the date I visited each location and my reaction to the light -- and the book has become a journal of my lighthouse visits.

I recently completed a vacation in Maine, and as a shameless lighthouse junkie I went in search of a book that would tell me all I needed to know as I set out on my journey. That is, where the lighthouses are, how to get there, the history behind the lights, interesting facts, and great pictures. Courtney Thompson's book provided all of that and much, much more. Well-written, beautifully constructed, amazingly informative. This book is easy enough to use that even the most casual lighthouse seeker will be satisfied, but detailed enough that individuals looking for something more substantial and in-depth will be impressed. From the history of lighthouses in general at the beginning of the book to the discussions and numerous photos of each light presented and the excellent tips on where to head to find each one throughout, the book is never less than comprehensive. It's easy to see how much effort went into the book. I had doubts when I went looking for a book that I'd find what I wanted, but this went well beyond any hopes I had. It's THE best lighthouse guide I've seen. I can't think of much I'd even do to make it better. This was my field guide as I drove through Maine, and the directions were always dead on. And not only directions, but maps, too! I knew where to turn to find the best view of the Cape Elizabeth light. Where to go to see the Cuckholds. What's that light I see as I head into Acadia? Egg Rock, of course! Okay, I know I'm gushing here, but this book is that good. So good, in fact, that I bought the companion volume for the Canadian Maritimes. If lighthouses are a passion for you, this book is an absolute must. It truly made my trip. I can't wait to go back, book in hand, and hunt down more of the lights I missed. Thank you, Courtney Thompson!!!

This book has an unbelievable amount of information for the lighthouse enthusiast. Each lighthouse of maine is given from one to three pages each, with up to 10 photos of each light, plus a map, brief history, directions how to get there, how to get a water view, etc. This is undoubtedly overkill for most people, but invaluable for the true enthusiast. My only gripe: the graphic design is uninspired, and most photos are only 2x3 or so. Perhaps fewer, larger photos would have been better.

This book is obviously for the enthusiast. Plenty of pictures but just as important, accurate directions on how to get there. It even identifies those no longer open to the public. I purchased it while on vacation in Maine and found it to be invaluable.

This is a very nice book. It gives you a lot of advices and beautiful pictures. I really recommend it.

MASTER GUIDE FOR TEAM SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY by James Williams tells how to capture athletes and game action on film, from selecting the right equipment suitable for sports photography to getting league and school sports assignments, scouting locations, and posing groups and individuals. With so many participating in sports, it will prove a pick not just for aspiring pros, but for parents wishing to capture their child's sports moments in a more professional manner.

This book has everything you ever wanted to know about sports team photography. Good how-to and good sources. I recommend it.
Steve Laitman

I'm an aspiring sports photographer, and I found this book to be exceptionally useful. The sample images alone are worth the price. Definitely would recommend to beginning/intermediate sports photographers - especially those who are wanting to do team and individual pictures.

In this book, Mr. Williams gives photographers a "step by step" guide to success in the field of school and league sports photography. He has included an in depth listing of all equipment necessary and the marketing tips and ideas are proven winners. If you have an interest in school and league sports photography, this book is a must have.

As an artist and art educator, I am enthralled with the photos in this book. The design elements and knowledge of art and dance all combine to create a beautiful presentation of each dance artist. The wonderful part is that the dancers are shown in their own environment. The love, absolute love of what they are doing shows in every face. The text is something you want to sit down and absorb over and over. This book is not only for one familiar with dance, but lovers of photography and the arts also. Can't wait for more!

I love this book. It is esthetically gorgeous. The text reveals the depth and complexity of these amazingly talented choreographers elicited by compelling and often humorous questions. I think Rose Eichenbaum's images and accompanying interviews show tremendous respect for her subjects. And they respond in turn by revealing so much both in front of the camera and as they speak to her of their art. If you are curious about who has been or is responsible for American dance today, you will want to read this book. Bravo!

Never before have I encountered a book with such rich content dealing with the dance field and---photos no less, that truly capture these interesting and provocative dance artists. Not only did the book peak my interest about the field, it inspired me to consider going to the theater for a evening of dance--something I haven't done in years.
I recommend this book to dancers, educators and average people who simply want to be inspired.

Jack Caffrey

I expected to be wowed by the photos in Ms. Eichenbaum's book, as I have attended some of her photography exhibits. What I did not expect was that I would be so entertained by the interviews! I am not very familiar with the world of dance but with her interviews, she has portrayed the spirit, the style and the passions of each individual -- they are all very inspirational. And with the photos and the prose combined she has really captured the essence of these dancers. You do not need to be a dancer to appreciate this book!

Lavish treatment of the American Dance scene. Warm in tone, intriguing and evocative in purpose. Photos are emotional and revealing. A 'must have' for anyone passionate about the art of dance and the dancer.

The illustrators of this era are true artists. It was nice to find this book, which I find impossible to locate in retail stores.

A good quality book with extensive text, excellent illustrations and a description of Parrish's technique in his own words. The number of color illustrations is satisfactory and should not disappoint at the current asking price of $53.55. Parrish's later landscape paintings are reasonably well represented in full page, full color illustrations, and although I would have liked more of them, it is not a significant failing of the book.

I bought this book and I never regret of getting another Parrish art book again. This artbook is excellent with deep details of Parrish's way of study through his paintings. Theories based on his view of perspective and composition, it is something great to read about! However, one little thing I personally find missing is the "Dream Days" series, that is missing from this artbook and should have been included. Otherwise, get the book and you'll fall in love with Parrish blue all over again.

Fabulous retrospective of Maxfield Parrish's finest work. The illustrations are superb. This book is expensive, but worth the money. If you're looking for a price guide, I suggest Erwin Flack's book. -- James Halperin, sf novelist and Parrish fanatic.

This book is excellent! It has one of the best Maxfield Parrish selected works. A lot of prints and images for you to be inspired all over again. It also contains pages of great readings, such as a section about Parrish's perspective theory and theory. It also show close-ups of Parrish's studies. It is a great read! However, the only thing disappoints me is the absence of the "Dream Days" series. Other than that, get it and you won't regret it!

I have seen those groovy bubble pictures before, but never realized who the genius was that took them! Mr. Sokolsky's range was unbelieveable in it's scope and visual surprise. Twiggy, Verushka, Jean Shrimpton, are just a few of the fashion goddesses that he photographed. The women he photographed were literally flying either in rooms or outside, wearing the latest fashions, or were photographed in such a close-up heartbreaking way, that you felt as though you could touch them. If you love the 60's and early 70's like I do run , DON'T walk to get this cool treasure. You won't regret it!

Back when Fashion photogs shot 8x10 and retouching was done by hand. These prints are fantastic. Every shot is a work of art - unlike the fashion created today. This is Composed, settled, undefinable beauty.

I have been a fan of Mr. Sokolsky for quite some time. His work is always fresh and inventive. Whether the photos are 20 years old or were shot yesterday, they are timeless. He is so much more than a fashion photographer. He is the eye of an artist. He sees a world of emotion and beauty, he captures the essence of the spirit. When I look at one of his photos I am drawn into a world that only he knows. His pictures move me into a place of pure pleasure. Mr. Sokolsky's love for women and his appreciation of beauty that is real, not perfect but real beauty is what distinguishes him from any other photographer. I only hope that he will publish another book soon. I wish he would photograph me the way he did Ali Mcgraw or Mia Farrow. Such a beautiful, soft, and sensual tribute to his models. Wow! The man is truly a GENIUS!

I was reading last weeks New York Times Magazine Section and saw Melvin Sokolsky's series of photographs called "The Dream". I was very impressed and taken by their mystical and ethereal beauty. It wasn't until I reached the last picture that I realized that this was a fashion spread.

After buying his book "Seeing Fashion" I saw that, despite the fact that he was primarily a fashion photographer, he was first and foremost an amazing photographer with tremendous inventiveness and great range...from portraits to still lifes to fashion. Even though these photographs were done more than thirty years ago, I see them as contemporary, but even more, they transcend the sixties to become timeless.

What a delight to discover him for myself after all these years!

I could begin by highly recommending this photography book with all the superlatives that it certainly deserves, but this still would not describe these photos adequately or do this publication true justice. For as the saying goes a picture is worth a thousand words and all the brilliant photos in this book one would need thousands upon thousands of words and even then one could never say enough about this extraordinary collection of photograph. I will say this much, rather than having called this book 'Seeing Fashion' --- 'Seeing' would have been enough and a far more appropriate title. For it is about seeing and seeing in a way (or fashion to play on words) that is unique, inventive and an utterly original in the sense that no one takes and took (because much of these photos were taken more than 30 years - a point I will return to a bit later) picture then or now quite like Sokolsky. Photos that first reveal in spite of the fact that were for the most part taken to illustrate the haute couture fashion of the day for Harper's Bazaar, that they are photographs that stand alone for their technical virtuosity but more than this they are work of great inventiveness and a truly personal sense of composition and use of space. They are unique works of art that transcend their time and in turn are timeless in their vision. A vision that still influences photographers in general and the fashion photographers of today. One need only look at today's magazine to see the repetition of his original 'flying' pictures, the use of lighting and also the physical way models pose -- before Sokolsky models simply repeated the poses that had become so common, and yes even boring, from the fashion house's runway. Sokolsky changed all that by posing them in graceful angular articulation that represented a contemporary idiom that could be called sensual cubism, that is a cubism combined with a highly charged sexual aura permeated by the psychological impact of freedoms from social and spiritual oppression and conformities which in its way anticipated the women's lib movement that followed. And again as I looked at these photographs it was difficult to realize that they were taken more than 30 years ago and were indeed taken to illustrate fashion, for these photographs,that also include many portrait of celebreties as well as unknowns and assorted photographic studies, stand on their own merit as extraordinary works of photographic genius and art.

Also another point that I will not elaborate on, besides this publication being long overdue, some elements about this book will make it a collectors items one day.

While the world of fashion and modeling photography expends a lot of ink and time talking about women and glamorous females (femme fatals, divas, babes, etc.) in fact, what really catches our eye is great looking boys.

I don't say that just 'cause I'm gay, but because it's true. GO to a gym, and all eyes are on the best looking guys (including those of the "straight" men who just want to look that good). When a great looking guy walks into a store or a fast food place, everyone notices. And, as the old ZZ TOP song stated (correctly) every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man. But as crazy as they are about "sharp dressed' ones, it's barely or un dressed ones that they really go nuts over. I suspect taht's one reason why the biggest movie stars, rock stars, and TV stars have always been sexy men.

Anyhow, pop sociology aside, this book is all about the boys. It makes me wonder if women's fashions may not be attempts to make women feel like they're not just "extras" in life. Most photographers are gay, most designers are gay, and most fans .... who cares? This book is great!

Once upon a time I was a Professional Fashion Model, so when I heard about this book I couldn't wait to see it. I eagerly awaited it's publication and of course Amazon got it to me at once. I wasn't disappointed, this book is long over-due! What memories these images bring back to me, the runways, the fashion shows, the anxiety, the backstage rush and confusion and the rewards of showing the latest fashions. It's a unique experience like no other.

New York photographer Patrick McMullan has taken some wonderful behind the scenes photos of male fashion shows. These are candid poses of the guys, getting ready for the shows, and some of them really acting up for the camera. McMullan is a pro at capturing honest photos of these handsome young men. He is well-known for his party photos published in many magazines.

This is a large format book, with large beautiful photographs. If you often wondered what it must be like backstage at these male fashion shows, then you should definitely buy this book for your collection. I'm glad I did. Wonderful!!!

for years, we have seen every aspect of the modeling world through the experiences of female models. now it's the men's turn. patrick mc mullan captures the hectic energy of fashion shows and their symbols of human perfection, from the frat boy antics to the patient exhaustion and all the six-packs in between. where else could you see an underwear fitting and pectoral highlighting? only in the mysterious, flesh-filled spaces backstage at men's fashion shows.

At first glance, the photographs in "Men's Show" are simply artful candid shots of dressing-room hijinks by some of the hottest male models and celebrities of our day. And yes, even the most casual perusal of this paean to the Apollos of the runway will reveal more jutting jaws, cherubic cheeks, stunning smiles and fabulously fit flesh than you can normally find at any other place or time.

Looking more closely, however, it's the personalities McMullan reveals which are the real sensation of this collection, and it's the realm of the personal, the muse, the psyche which serves as the true `backstage' area of the book. Through McMullan's eyes we see that the men themselves are far more interesting outside of the carefully controlled images and costumes created by the designers. McMullan sees through the surrounding glamour to display what's actually happening: these are just boys playing an elaborate game of dress-up, and it's McMullan's own inner child which is uniquely able to relate to and draw out the reticent Pan in these normally stone-faced runway icons of stoic masculinity.

In `Prep', there are a series of wonderful photographs: of body makeup being applied, along with the extraordinarily business-like intimacy that involves, clothes being fitted personally by designers, body parts being stuffed out of the way, clothes being ripped off and shoved on, boys reduced to having their shoes tied, boys showing off for their favorite photographer, and throughout, repeated glimpses of the controlled but frantic atmosphere of rampant mayhem.

In `Wait' we see a more serious side to the models, lined up in rows waiting for their cue to move onto the runway, grabbing quick catnaps, preening, doing pushups (in groups of course - once one starts, none of them can resist I suppose. The photograph actually made me wonder who stopped first...); stairways filled with muscle stuffed into bathing suits, other more elfin boys (a Prada show perhaps?) reading novels in a group, obviously the literary set, and a rather sweet candid shot of a boy sitting on the floor grabbing a quick and guilty-looking snack.

`Skin' is definitely going to be a well-thumbed section of anyone's copy. It's hard to resist perfectly toned models wearing next to nothing, and it's refreshing to see models caught in moments of such insouciant if momentary indifference to the display of their own flesh. These are not `beauty shots' however. These men are caught, like warriors without their armor, actors out of makeup, quite literally ducks out of water, and it's fascinating to see.

`Glam' is self-evidently more about the clothes and designer imagery. The portraits are all beautiful, sometimes powerful, often fun, and while this is even more pronounced in Play, we begin to see real attitude here, and it's a joy to watch these pros turning it on for the master.

`Play' is my favorite part of this book, and, I suspect, Patrick's as well. Who can resist a cute boy trying to bite his own foot, or a model trying surreptitiously to compare biceps with the guy next to him, or trying to grab Patrick's camera, tweaking a buddy's nipple, Will Lemay in black leather striking a boxing pose with fists in motion toward the camera (Will Lemay almost defines fierce), or models, of all people, making goofy faces in front of a camera, two young men practicing a waltz. Sorry boys, we know you're really big, rough and tough on the inside, but the men and the photographs in Play are just plain adorably cute.

`Sets' consists of pairs of men dressed identically, and again, it's these bright personalities shining brightly which delight both the photographer and our own eyes. Lundquist carefully fixing his partner's lapel, two boys facing off, one as Robert DeNiro, the other insane; two men in suits arm in arm, like courtly southern gentlemen, others flexing off against each other.

No McMullan publication would be complete without the requisite celebrities, and it's one of the lovely aspects of this book that they're almost a throwawy or afterthought at the end, and that none of them can begin to compete with the personalities on display in the preceeding pages. Still there are some very human and amusing shots of many famous faces, and it's fitting they make an appearance - the rich, the famous and the beautiful are seldom long separated.

Originally published on www.Modellaunch.com, copyright Sean T. Bickerton

Fashion: the majority of the cash may come from selling women's clothing, and certainly there are lots of female supermodels (it's one profession that feminists hate, because, as Rush Limbaugh once noted, feminism was invented to benefit unattractive women). But really, the industry's heart is in the boys: sweet, pink-faced, ceherubic, hunky, beefy, smooth young studs who look just great in everything -- and in nothing, for that matter. ONE almost wonders if most "fashion" songs (like 'Girls On Film', by Duran Duran) were not actually written with boys in mind.

The cover shot sort of sets the tone for the book here: a cute, sexy looking kid in his underwear, clearly enjoying himself and possibly the company of others like himself as well.

The photography varies in here, capturing the different moods and feels of a fashion show. There are tense, somewhat anxious looking pictures, others that hint at the extreeme levels of competitiveness in modeling and fashion design [until you get to teh NFL, football is minor league by comparison]. And much of it just celebrates teh joy of dressing up, being made up, and looking like a million dollars.

The boys here are alternately cute, sulen, intense, playful, snooty, sweet, and almost all drop-dead goregous. Some look so innocent & sweet you'd think they had been dragged out of some perfect church choir, while others look more cynical and wizend by a few years in "the biz".

Because they're boys, they compete on every level; best pecs, best biceps, smoothest face, cutest eyes -- a level of competeiton an order of magnitude greater than what you see at female fashion shows. The pictues capture that all through this book, and speak of the extreme level of energy that testosterone creates with no mitigating factors.

And, because they're boys, they jsut want to have fun in between "work". hence, there are plenty of shots here where the boys are just mugging or putting on a show for the photographers. SOme of the hijinks are very funny; preening, grabbing nipples, and more.

The book is divided into sections, each of which revolves around some major aspect of a fashion show: Prep, Wait, Skin, Glam, Play, Sets, ... it all works surprisingly well here.

If this book has a flaw, it's a lack of a soundtrack to accompany the images. Just a bet: a movie about a boys fashion show, or the lives of male models done this well would probably be a surprise hit.

As stated earlier, women's fashions pay the bills. But I suspect that it's young men that really get people in this industry hot. Not really any surprise, as recent news has revealed that many (if not most) of the top fashion photographers, designers, models, stars, and others who define the styles others follow, are gay men.

Gay or straight, this book is a delicious (if somewhat guilty) pleasure. While the gay appeal is obvious, straight guys are discovering that looks matter, and who knows, they may even get some ideas here.

Kramer's works are visionary paintings similar to Blake's etchings, providing an array of colorful oil works which are eye-catching. Modern spiritual art at its best.

During the Great Depression, Hal Kramer sold one at a time out of an old metal suitcase. He has worked ship-board at sea, learned the trade of lithography, started his own successful publishing company, sold it, and retired. Then, at 70 years of age, he began a new, phenomenally-successful publishing company, H J Kramer.

Now 86 years old, Hal Kramer is reborn once again as a gifted visionary artist. He paints not things, but energy, and his book, Moments of Union, is radiant.

The Introduction, and inspiring story of Hal's career -- from industriousness to success to art to spiritual expressionism -- is worth the price of the book. But it is only the beginning.

I found it impossible to decide which paintings are my favorites, because each page I turn brings a new epiphany. Moments of Union is a book one can keep for many years and never grow tired of revisiting its pages.

Each of his paintings is like an oracle, in which we see our own inspiration, our own hopes and dreams.

Because beauty is in the beholder's eye, I urge you to open its pages and delight in your own moments of union.

This is a book which celebrates the power of creativity and a the profound art which comes out of a life well lived.

The format is gorgeous, each painting a radiant experience of its own. Linda Kramer, Hal's wife, is an expert in visual book design and her work has joined with Hal's to bring us an overall experience of being surrounded by light and color.

There is joy in these paintings and freedom of expression. When you look at this book, you believe in the power of your own creativity and you know that as you grow older, this power does not wane, but can, if you let it, come more and more to the surface.

The paintings in the book are grouped into 6 sections, called "Awakening", "Creation", "Emergence", "Flow", Manifestation" and "Arrival". These section groupings help the viewer approach the paintings and understand the process which forms the ground of Hal's work.

And the book is also wonderful if you flip it open and begin to feast your eyes. Try simply looking at the painting called "Instant Beauty" on page 28.

Read Hal's biography which is at the beginning of the book. As we "baby boomers" age and begin to wonder what we will do with the rest of our lives, we can look at this book and know that it is possible to begin a whole new chapter of growth and fruitfulness at any age.

Buy this book and savor it. Open it when you are feeling down. Remind yourself of what is possible.

When I received my copy of Moments of Union, I thought I would glance through it and save it for a rainy day. But no, once I opened it, I could not lay it down. Every painting had a gift of vivid colors and patterns. Gradually, my mind surrendered to something within that was far deeper. Hours later when I closed the book, I felt whole, as if all the parts of my being had joined together in this extraordinary shower of colors dancing freely across the pages. Next, I went through each page a second time to intellectually grasp why these paintings are so fulfilling and how Kramer's use of colors could stimulate such a sense of joy! Instead, I selected 15 favorites, the ones I would love to frame if I ever have the temerity to cut them out. I highly recommend evenings with this book to bring back an inner balance of heart, mind, and soul.

This is a book which celebrates the power of creativity and a the profound art which comes out of a life well lived.

The format is gorgeous, each painting a radiant experience of its own. Linda Kramer, Hal's wife, is an expert in visual book design and her work has joined with Hal's to bring us an overall experience of being surrounded by light and color.

There is joy in these paintings and freedom of expression. When you look at this book, you believe in the power of your own creativity and you know that as you grow older, this power does not wane, but can, if you let it, come more and more to the surface.

The paintings in the book are grouped into 6 sections, called "Awakening", "Creation", "Emergence", "Flow", Manifestation" and "Arrival". These section groupings help the viewer approach the paintings and understand the process which forms the ground of Hal's work.

And the book is also wonderful if you flip it open and begin to feast your eyes. Try simply looking at the painting called "Instant Beauty" on page 28.

Read Hal's biography which is at the beginning of the book. As we "baby boomers" age and begin to wonder what we will do with the rest of our lives, we can look at this book and know that it is possible to begin a whole new chapter of growth and fruitfulness at any age.

Buy this book and savor it. Open it when you are feeling down. Remind yourself of what is possible.

This book is fantastic! It captures the essence of Monet's painting better than any other book I've seen. The color printing is accurate. The plates are large and plentiful. There are complete series like the Japanese Bridge and Lily Pads as well as select paintings that are rarely found in other Monet books. And the inclusion of some unfinished late canvases shows how far Monet went into the future of Western art. You won't find many better than this!

Unlike most art books, this small volume has been in print continuously since 1978 & when you read it, it isn't hard to see why: superb reproductions and an extremely elegant design (plus its small size - very unusual in art publishing) offer the reader a wonderful experience wandering in Monet's vision of a carefully constructed alternate reality. In Monet's Giverny, natural forms respond instantly to light. The images produce a peculiar sense of floating in the viewer - many of the pictures lack a horizon line or any indication of where the viewer is in relation to the picture. As a result, we seem to hover in flight, poised above a constantly shifting panorama of woods, water, fields, and lilies. Interestingly, no human figures are visible in these works (Monet was never really a figure painter) producing a peculiar sensation of isolation and contemplation in the spectator - we wander through this magical land alone, or with whatever companion we desire. A superlative achievement which has found few imitators in the world of art publishing.

Whether you have appreciated Monet's works for years or you are just discovering him for the first time like me, this book is a beautiful, informative collection of his best.

Beyond the absolutely vivid and beautiful quality of the paintings displayed in Monet's Years at Giverny, I greatly appreciate the style of language used throughout the book. Unlike many major art books which often seem to forget about the layman reader, this book reads more like a beautiful story of his life providing great insight into his works.

In college, I was fortunate enough to see a collection of his Water Lilies in Paris. Although at the time I was amazed to see them, through Monet's Years at Giverny I came to fully appreciate them---Not only the paintings, but the man himself.

Excellent addition to any collection!

Claude Monet lived in rural Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926. Many of the paintings that we most closely identify with his oeuvre were done on his property or in the neighborhood. Following his death, the property deteriorated until its restoration was completed in the 1970s with the help of Lila Acheson Wallace, of Reader's Digest fame. This book was created to in part to honor that restoration and the show that commemorated it. The show marked the beginning of a resurgence of interest in Monet that continues to grow. My only reservation about recommending this book is that it would have benefited from larger sized pages so that the reproductions could have been larger.

Giverny is located to the north of Paris, and is connected to Paris by the rail line from Gare St. Lazare (which Monet painted several times). The view of nature we get there is a reflection of Monet's very French focus on creating gardens, a lily pond, and walkways that bring natural beauty into our controlled grasp.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Monet's home at Giverny several times since it was restored and highly recommend that you make this journey as well when you are in Paris. Your concept of Monet's work will be changed by seeing his working conditions. The grounds are primarily an extension of his studio, for making observations of nature easier. First time visitors will be shocked to realize that the lily pond was dug and expanded at great effort and expense by Monet. Without his persistence, we would be missing many of our favorite Monet paintings.

Throughout the time that Monet lived in Giverny, his eyesight deteriorated . . . mostly due to cataracts. As an artist friend of mine points out, that eye affliction greatly improved his painting by making it freer and less detailed.

He also pioneered many techniques of al fresco paining, such as creating an artist's studio in a boat for his famous river scenes. This enabled him to capture many unusual perspectives from the water to the river bank. Similarly, one purpose of the Japanese bridge over his lily pond was to give him a similar point of perspective.

The book contains a map of Giverny and Monet's property (purchased in 1890 after he originally rented it), and 81 works that he created in the area.

Missing from these reproductions are the famous water lily paintings that he gave to the French nation which are now housed in the basement of the Orangerie. Be sure you see them when you next visit Paris. Many people go to the Orangerie and never make it to the basement. These are among the greatest jewels of Impressionism.

You will be pleased to see the 25 works from the Musee Marmottan in Paris. These masterworks are also often missed by those who visit Paris because they do not know about this small gem of a museum and its superb Monet collection.

The reproductions are organized around themes: (1) river scenes (from the boat) (2) haystacks [sic] (3) poplars (4) river and fields (5) morning on the Seine (from the boat) (6) the Japanese footbridge (7) the Garden Path (8) early water lilies (9) the late series (my favorites are the rose trellises over the garden path) (10) pond subjects, and (11) late water lilies.

The end of the book also has a chronology of Monet's life and works that will help you integrate this show into his entire work.

You will come away with a new excitement and respect for nature from these images. You will also feel more connected to and with the beauty of nature. Your mood will be lifted, just as Monet intended. What you see will be uniquely yours, also just as intended. Monet pays you the ultimate compliment here of letting you participate in the creative process by arranging the work in your mind to fit your mental needs and perspective.

After you enjoy these images, I suggest that you come away inspired to make what you do more accessible to others. How can you make your life and your work easier for others to participate in?

Live in beauty!

This book takes an in-deapth look at one of the greatest impressionist artists of all time. Go out and buy it today.

Not everyone will enjoy this book. If "cute" is the highest praise you can imagine for your art, then maybe you should look elsewhere. However, if you like challenges, art that makes you think (about yourself and life), and fabulous, fascinating artistic expressions, this book is a must-own. Rich, insightful text, and full-color examples of cloth dolls by a variety of well-known fabric artists. Best of all, a copy of the pattern that all of the dollmakers used for their work. If I had only three books on my bookshelf, this would be one of them. I don't re-read it weekly or anything, but there are times when I need this inspiration, desperately! At least ask your public library for it. It's that good.

elinor's book wasn't meant to be a pattern book, rather a book that gives you the permission to submit to the creativity that may dwell in us but that most of us suppress while we live the tedium. Her creative writing and search for self is incredibly inspirational using the method of playing with dolls as therapy for alot of women, in particular, who may feel that they contribute little. I really enjoyed the profound thoughts and poems by a remarkable individual who obviously relishes in the unique qualities we all have as women.

elinor's philosphy on life, family and doll making comes through making this an entertaining and uplifting book on creativity and life in general. I re-read it periodically when I feel the need for reassurance that it's okay to indulge in my version of play...

The dolls made by the guest artists are very interesting - especially as some have changed their style dramatically since this book was published.

Thank you elinor, keep up the good work!

This book had great meaning for me. I started making dolls as a child and was always happier making and creating them than playing with them. Often at flea markets I rescue folk dolls because they seem to speak to me as an object of the creativity of another and a link to that person or that time. I have hidden the part of myself that needs to create and appreciate the creation of others. Now as Elinor says, I have permission to play. If you also need permission then you need to read this book.

Elinor Peace Bailey is a wild and wonderful doll maker. Her book "Mother Plays with Dolls" I think is intended to bring out the creative doll maker in all of us. I have found some of the patterns Ms. Bailey does to be a bit tedious. However, once you get into the swing of things and realize that you really can't make a mistake you will have fun, and come to know that playing with dolls is such an important part of life! Enjoy the wonderful illustrations, and get busy doll making.