Themes Books

"Not too long ago, but most definitely before you were born, the world was quite a different place. In a distant land called Bohemia, Cats ruled over all: good King Furr governed with a firm but kind paw, Court Scientist Sir Walter Whisker wrote papers on `The Human--myth or reality?' Prince Scratch strolled the lush gardens dreaming of his future reign, and of course, Lady Purrla though herself the most beautiful kitty at the ball." - From the book

Courtyards and libraries, ballrooms and gardens, lavishly costumed felines parade about in the enchanted world of Bohemian Cats. In this Catdom, The Human inspires whispers and speculation, for the hairless, tailless ones are mostly the stuff of legend (and puppets!).

King Furr's favorite bird has gone missing. Believing it to be stolen, King Furr charges Sir Walter Whisker--Court Scientist and occasional alchemist--to find the household pet. While housecats also scurry to find the missing bird, King Furr throws a costume ball to catch the bird thief red-pawed. "I haven't seen you in seven lives!" one feline exclaims. "Who did your fur?" asks another.

Gilded chariots and majestic steeds, ornate sitting rooms and exquisite architecture--these and cats of various color and temperament exist in the magical world of Bohemian Cats.

Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov, founders of baba studio in Prague, spin a fanciful tale of absurdity, intrigue, and romance. A hardcover book featuring panoramic pullouts, a gold ribbon bookmark, and beautiful photography, Bohemian Cats will satisfy the cravings of collectors of all things feline, as well as cat lovers of all ages. Enthusiasts of the Baroque Bohemian Cats' Tarot will no doubt enjoy this book, for many cats that grace that deck also make an appearance in Bohemian Cats! Interestingly a few of the cards from the deck also make an appearance in this book, lying strewn on the floor while Prince Scratch, resident party animal, sleeps late.

My only misgiving about this book--and it is only a slight one--is that the story seemed a bit forced, as if the tale was constructed around existing images (perhaps already created for the Tarot deck?). I don't know which came first--the deck or the book--but since I reviewed the deck before the book, this was my impression as I read this whimsical Bohemian Cats.

Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

A beautiful picture book for cat lovers of all ages, BOHEMIAN CATS is sure to become a classic, not only for its precious design and exquisite illustrations, but for its hilarious, fantastical, often absurd story. Made "on location" using historical settings in the Czech Republic as a backdrop, Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov have written a wonderful new fairy tale that tells of a time when cats ruled the kingdom of Bohemia. As the book jacket promises, after reading BOHEMIAN CATS, your own feline companions will never look the same again!

The collaborative work of Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov, Bohemian Cats is a wondrous storybook, with text simple enough to be accessible to children yet so fantastic that it is sure to appeal to all ages. Every page of this stunningly delightful fairy tale features charming, full-color, photographic illustrations of rambunctuous felines who ruled a distant land called Bohemia. No live cats were harmed or even inconvenienced in the making of Bohemian Cats, which applies digital technology to photographs of cats and environments to create the lustrous, puss-n-boots style images of felines in royal garb. An absolute "must-have" for true ailurophiles, and a dazzling treasure to simply page through.

I can't say enough good things about this book! I have recommended it to everyone who has presents to buy for children or cat-lovers. This sumptuous book combines costume drama with art while having a plot line that is mild enough for children, yet with undertones that adults will enjoy. The art, like many of the subtleties of the text, are probably over the heads of many youngsters, but they will love what they do "get."

This book can be read aloud to pre-schoolers (my 4 year old loved it), or handed to older readers. Unlike many read-aloud books, this one can hold the adult's interest, too.

The art involves taking many pictures, of setting, costume and cats, and then super-imposing them upon each other. The illustrators then adjusted the pictures so that they look more like baroque paintings, and added fillips of whimsy.

I see good books and bad as a reviewer; the bad I reject, but their effects can linger. This one is a gem, and thank goodness for it. It was a joy to read, and it's a treat to be able to recommend it to you.

This is simply the most beautiful collection of male nude art photography I have seen! the lighting, the compositions, the special beauty of the men which the photographer draws out, the fine balance between eroticism sensuality..and i haven't seen Paul Freeman's other books yet! Move over Bruce Weber"

The photo on the cover should tell a potential reader/buyer what he can expect between the covers, so to speak. What you will discover is a plethora of handsome men who will send your mind into a fantasy world that must, by its very nature, remain yours. The book is great.

In the January 2004 issue of "Blue", the Australian magazine where Paul Freeman is decribed as the magazine's "most featured" photographer, the artist says that he has always wanted to keep some link with classical art. "Sort of like a meat pie inside the Sistine Chapel." Most of these models Michelangelo would have loved, and they to a man are meat pies. There is not a wimp or effeminate-- and it's okay if one is-- man in this collection of over 200 photographs. These men are rugged, hairy, beefy, muscular, tattooed, pierced, sweaty, wet and muddy. Some of them are a bit stylized and wearing gladiator garb. Many of them are at the beach-- Bondi perhaps--there are some beautiful portraits here. And no model has his genitalia airbrushed.

In his brief introduction Mr. Freeman says that as a youngster he was taken by the image of the suffering Saint Sebastian (check out the portrait on page 174 of Garth Elliot 2) and that present day influences are Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts (speaking of airbrushing photographs). I think many of his models look more like some of the work of Jim French as well as Caravaggio-- whom he acknowledges as an inspiration-- and Michelangelo.

Many of these men are photographed as many as 6, 7 or 8 times so you will probably get to see a lot of your favorites. Where to begin-- the man on page 11 (beautiful shadows), the outrageous Grant Perry (page 24 and 7 more photos), the hairy barrel chested Igor Praporshchikov on page 55, Black Angel No. 4 on page 73, Mat Obelisk on pages 76 and 77-- perfect exposure and lighting--the Gladiator on page 103 that, thank goodness, shows up again and again-- Gladiator 4 on page 126-- this is an unusal and most flattering pose-- the portrait of Ryan Kwanten on page 154, Kane 1 and 1 (pages 158 and 159-- the list goes on and on. The only photographs I don't care for are the ones with a snake wrapped around the model. Perhaps it's the Garden of Eden story that turns most of us off to these kinds of photographs. Richard Avedon did the snake photographs better years ago anyway.

If the test for a book of photographs is whether or not you return to it again and again, then BONDI CLASSIC gets an A+. In its own way this book is just as hot as Tom Bianchi's ON THE COUCH series. If you can only buy one book of this kind this year, this one's the one. Oh, go ahead; treat yourself and buy Bianchi's also.

For those looking for the best of the books of male photography, this portfolio by Paul Freeman deserves a place high on the list. Different photographers approach the male nude with different agendas: some try for classic poses, some go for spontaneous moods, some keep the 'privates' in the shadows while others place the focus there, some costume, some try for natural effects. Freeman searches (and definitely finds!) subjects who are quintessentially masculine Men. And this collection should equally engage the interest of women as of the ready-made male population.

Freeman uses his fellow countrymen (Australia) to show us the virile attitude of the untamed. These 'models' are buff, have body decor from piercing or ink, know how to make the partially clothed form even more sensuous that the fully nude form (although there is a lot of that, too), and in general creates photographs that are well conceived and executed and presented in a superb format. There are portraits solo and in tandem. This is a collection that will find a wide audience. Recommended for the novice and the connoisseur collector alike! Grady Harp, December 05

Speechless. Words cannot describe this book. When you hold it in your hands and look through it you should be overwhelmed with it. Sam fink took 17 years to scribe and illustrate this masterpiece. He is going to go down in history as a legend in art. All 40 original illustrations should be framed and become a museum exhibit. I would pay big money to see this exhibit. Each print is absolutely breathtaking. Sam Fink is quickly becoming my FAVORITE artist. What an incredible gift.

I discovered Sam Fink in reading his illustrated version of The Declaration of Independance. His illustrations are so amazing that for the first time in my life I actually understood The Declaration of Independance. He made the text come to life!

Exodus is equally amazing, but completely different style. It is not comical cartoon style. It is exquisit watercolors of the sky. Each watercolor makes that chapter of Exodus come to life. He uses imagery within the sky to compliment the text.

WOW! I want to buy a copy for all my family!

I first read a review of this coffee table book in New York Times and went on line to purchase it from Rizzoli. It was selling for list price of 40 plus dollars. I have purchased two from Amazon and given as gifts. The recipients were very pleased. It is a beautiful book depicting the story of Exodus, soft pastels for illustrations. Would highly recommend it for those interested in the old testament and this compelling rendition.

THIS IS AN ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL BOOK AT A BARGAIN PRICE. THIS BOOK MAKES A WONDERFUL COFFEE TABLE BOOK OR A FANTASTIC GIFT. THE ARTWORK IS WONDERFUL AND I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE!

This is an amazing book. It far exceeded my expectations. I purchased it for the 6 year old daughter of a friend. The little girl is just beginning to read Hebrew. I know she will love the paintings and will eventually be able to read the text in both languages.

We all know the story of Exodus. Now to see it interperted in these amazing skys gives new meaning to each chapter.The caligraphy in both english and hebrew superimpsed on the sky is amazing. This is truly a work of love and art by the creator of this book. We have bought several copies and given them as gifts to friends and associates.Everyone who has seen this book at our home wants their own copy

This book emphasizes how to produce botanical paintings, and it really succeeds there, with a profusion of color illustrations and explanations of color handling. There are also about 20 pages on pencil drawing.
One thing I do object to is the total absence of pen and ink techniques. This book is described as the best and most complete course in botanical illustration ever produced, and yet this cannot be true without pen and ink techniques. The vast majority of botanical illustration - as opposed to botanical art - is published as black and white. (I am a published botanical illustrator, all of the publishers I worked with wanted ink illustrations, not pencil). If someone is hoping to use this book to help start their career, it is lacking. But if you are looking to start painting botanicals as I am, it is great.

Everything the first 2 reviewers stated is so very, very true. The only comments I can add are superlatives to what has already been written.Garden Eden : Masterpieces of Botanical Book Illustration

This is an in depth clear book about the process of botanical illustration. Well written and great pictures. Recommend highly!

This book is a wonderous compilation of educational guidelines on producing artwork and properly representing the beauty and complexity of plants using pencil and watercolor media. It also could pass as a coffee table book as the images are incredible. I was immediately struck at the techniques covered as every art book should - recommendation on watercolor/paper/pencils to use, other tools needed, shading & highlighting, importance of representing the tiniest details, color development (e.g. how to make the right green - I loved that part), depth and so much more. In many ways I was reminded of my university art classes I took many years ago, but this book covers so much more than I garnered through formal education. Those that purchase the book for learning how to bring plants to life on paper or canvas should follow the educational component of the book from the beginning to the end in order to gain the most on how to illustrate plants. By following this method, each artist will definitely get what this book offers - and makes one wish they could take part of the art classes taught at the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK. I definitely wish I could do so!

This is a great collectible book. The Buddha paintings are presented in one long sheet, but because the book has an accordian fold, it possible to view the entire scroll at once. Also, the fold makes it possible to display the book, if so desired. Printing is fantastic and very fine and clear. A great find!

The writer of the review calls this scroll, ***An exquisite 36-foot-long full-color Buddhist scroll*** but gives it no stars?

Takeout that and the ranking is where it should be at 5 stars.

My guess is the reviewer meant 5 stars anyway...

A very original way of binding to keep the idea of a scroll. The quality of the paper and images is very good. A book to be collected.

While not a textbook or a 'fieldguide' to Buddhist practice and belief, THE BUDDHA SCROLL is an amazing visual treat, a fantastic technical achievement and a delight to all those who enjoy the study of iconology. Image after image unfolds before the eyes revealing Buddhas,Bodhisattvas,Dieties and Notables from every school of Buddhism- from the most familliar (Avalokisteshvara) to the more obscure (White Leaf Buddha Mother). An eclectic collection of imagery with a fascinating history which is well expounded in the consise introduction... you get more than you would expect from the price.

Dr Allgood's pictoral and detailed account of this wonderful journey makes me long to go back to this magical place. Once I picked up the book I could not set it down until I was finished. Then I read it again. His photographers eye captured moments you only dream of. Well done!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading and experiencing The Call of Africa. The descriptions of the adventures were so well documented and written with a wonderfully warm, comfortable style. It was like being on safari in bedroom slippers! The excellent photographs brought me right to the Savannah, and the other exotic locals described in this wonderful journey. The photos alone make the book worth getting! I can't wait for the DVD!

This book's gorgeous photographs, combined with the "right in the moment" style of Dr. Allgood's writing, make this a perfect "armchair trip" to Africa! I recommend it to anyone thinking about going there -- it feels as though you have good friends who've come back from their once-in-a-lifetime trip and are now sitting with you sharing amazing stories and pictures. The wildlife photos in particular are spectacular and of professional quality. The stories really make the places come alive -- this is no ordinary 'tour book'. A great gift, too, for anyone who travels, loves animals, etc.

I have long been a fan of Dr. Allgood's photography, he captures the beauty, the essence and a subtext of his subjects, allowing personal interpretation. This book fulfilled my expectations and then some. The easy reading allowed me to be a travel companion with this wonderful couple. I loved the stories that introduced me to some very interesting people and animals, plus added a greater debth of understanding of the africa that he and Sharon enjoyed so much! A journey I will not forget. I recommend this book to anyone contemplating a trip to Africa, it will provide you with descriptions of places you will probably want to visit yourself after reading them. Or, if armchair traveling is what you enjoy most, you will be thrilled with the quality of the photography and text that allows you to put yourself in the authors jeep.

this book is adorable! as a chihuahua parent, i love them to death. they're my favorite breed of dog. one of the reasons why i love chihuahuas is because you can bring them around with you almost everywhere you go.

it was interesting reading about other owners and other chihuahuas. the pictures are wonderfully done as well, great angles and the style is great. it was focused on the dogs themselves. highly recommended for all chi parents!

I bought two copies of this book on Amazon...one for myself and one as a gift. This is a great coffee table book on Chihuahuas! The book presents several pages of full-page photos on each Chi and features them doing their favorite things (hanging out at Venice Beach, being a co-pilot of their owner's plane, visiting Hollywood,etc.) Montrose, a professional photographer, has a knack for capturing the vibrant personalities of each dog. The photos are artsy, funky, and fun! Definitely not your typical book on dogs in which every picture is posed. I would definitely recommend this for any Chihuahua fan!

This book makes a fabulous gift for all people who love Chihuahuas! The author, a professional photographer, does a superb job of showcasing the personalities and adventures of these adorable "carry-ons." The photographs are artistic, edgy, and fun! Unlike most other pet books, this one is prime coffee table material! Several full-color pages are devoted to each pooch hanging out in their favorite haunting grounds (Venice Beach, a flat in Paris, the laundromat, cockpit of a plane, etc.). Highly recommended for all Chi lovers...I already bought two copies - one for me and one for a friend.

THIS IS SUCH A CUTE BOOK FILLED WITH PICTURES OF CHIHUAHUA'S AND THEIR DAILY "FAVORITES". MY DAUGHTER AND I JUST LOVE THIS BOOK AND LOOK THROUGH IT ALMOST EVERY NIGHT BEFORE GOING TO BED. IT IS REALLY A UNIQUE BOOK TO HAVE IF YOU LOVE CHIHUAHUA'S LIKE WE DO!

This book covers cats in art from Egyptian to modern times. Lovely color photos with a history of the paintings or sculptures. A very well done art book for cat fanciers!

I have to admit, I know this book from its French edition, that I acquired at the Louvre in Paris. But assuming the English version stays true to the version I have (it was originally written in Italian), then this is a thoroughly enjoyable volume. More than just another book of cute pictures of cats (which is not to say that's a bad thing) this book is actually an overview of the changing place of the cat in society, as demonstrated by the leading artists of the day. An engaging study in changing iconography, we can trace how the cat changed from devil's "familiar" in the Middle Ages to the protector of the home (by killing rats and mice) as shown in beautifuly reproduced works of art from the world's major museums. Zuffi is an engaging writer and scholar who has provided us with a lvoely and entertaining portrait of the cat.

Who can resist a soft, furry, inscrutable, playful, endearing cat? Not many. Especially not artists throughout the ages whose works have been gathered in this fascinating volume by art historian Stefano Zuffi. He describes the cat's important place in culture and art, literature and fable as follows:" True to its nature, it rarely emerges as a protagonist: more often than not, we must look closely to detect its presence. However, this presence, especially in painting, is never a banal one. It has been given a rich variety of symbolic meanings, so much so that we can almost read them across centuries of masterpieces - a sort of history of art with whiskers and a tail, full of surprises."

Thus begins our journey with the cat from antiquity and the Egyptian Goddess Bastet to the modern feline as found in contemporary portrayals. In the Middle Ages we sometimes find the timeless game of cat and mouse as carved in French cathedral choir stalls or in the Lutrell Psalter, an illuminated manuscript now seen in London's British Library.

Later we find the cat in paintings by such beloved artists as Annibale Carracci, Tintoretto, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Jan Van Eyck. The latter places him at the birth of John the Baptist, while a drawing by Da Vinci offers numerous studies of cats.

Richly illustrated with over 250 color images "The Cat In Art" is a sumptuous volume chronicling the works of artists who have been entranced by this affecting creature.

- Gail Cooke

This books is a "must" for every art historian, collector, or any one who simply loves art and/or cats. Well researched and well written.

"Cationary" is beautiful, amusing, knowing - just like the photographer's "Dogtionary." Sharon Montrose really has done it again. You know the old saying, "Dogs have masters; cats have staff." Indeed. Cats are vain; they're haughty; they don't suffer fools at all, let alone gladly. Then turn around, and they're loving, and graceful, and endlessly inventive. They're all here in this delightful book, in all their warm, exasperating, funny, fussy, glamorous glory.

This book is a must have for all cat lovers! The pictures make you smile and the captions make you laugh. These photographs encompass the personalities and emotions of the cats that grace them.
Wonderfully done!

I have to repeat it, WHAT A HAPPY LITTLE BOOK! Being in the animal care field (I work at a non-profit, privately funded shelter) not only do I collect books on animals, of course, I see a lot of sad situations everyday in my field. When this book arrived from Amazon (prompt as usual), after a hard day at the shelter, I was immediately overjoyed by the beauty of it and it helped me realize "Yes, this is why I do what I do, because people care"! The photography is excellent, sort of a photojournalistic point of view and the style of printing is in a soft, sepia tone. The captions for each photograph are right on target. Now to order her book on dogs....

All I could think about while I was looking through this beautiful book was how much I wished I could contract Ms. Montrose to take portraits of my cats. How thrilled the guardians of these cats must feel to have these gorgeous portraits of their cat companions.

I work for a publishing company so the typesetting did not escape my notice, either. Called "CatLover" it was designed by the author as per the cip page, and is so hip and quirky and appropriate. Impressive.

The format of the book is a photograph or photographs of a cat, it's name which falls into alphabetical order like Webster's on a much smaller scale, and then captioned by three definitions of the accompanied cat. My favorite is Gracie because that is the name of one of my own cat companions.

When you buy this book, get two. One for yourself and one for another cat lover in your life.

Makes a perfect Holiday gift! Shows the vibrancy and timeless appeal of New York.

This photographic excursion through Central Park is a real delight. It is just what we all need to remind us of the splendor and joy of New York. The photographs are breathtaking and the text is beautifully wirtten , with just a touch of humor and humility.After enjoying the book myself, I've ordered a number for holiday gifts. I've already heard form some of the folks I sent it to and they share my enthusiam. The real advice: if you don't get this for the holidays, buy it for yourself to get you through the January doldrums.

Makes a perfect Holiday gift! Shows the vibrancy and timeless appeal of New York.

by showing us his "park for all seasons". With his spectacular pictures of the monuments and statuary, the animals, the foliage, the rock formations, the whimisical pictures like the Bride and Groom on rollar skates, the shots of the same setting in different lights, the fountains (and my particular favorite, a sudden snow storm interrupting spring), Mr Freund takes us on a magical trip through the park. There are photos of spots you never knew existed but will long to explore. As a bonus, there are great tips for all of us amateur photographers. And "Lucy" has my vote for cutest dog of the year! Especially in these difficult times, the book is a wonderful reminder to everyone of the beauty and wonder that exists right in the middle of New York City. I couldn't stop smiling as I looked through it. Thank you, Mr. Freund for sharing "your" park with us.