Themes Books

A very worthwhile read. The author has used terrific and verifiable sources for this inspirational daily devotion. Perfect for those of us who don't have much time for reading; yet desire personal growth. These reflections offer depth of insight and encouragement. I highly recommend it.

This volume of readings for a year sets the tone for each week with a reading from the Torah. For each day of the week there is a selection of readings. These readings may be a single sentence, a poem, a paragraph, a teaching tale. They are a variety of traditional Judaica, philosophers, poets, Christians, Hindus, Buddhist, Taoist. They are so well selected that they create a coherent whole not a mishmash and reflect a deep, mature spirituality on the part of the collector. While the weekly cycle may target a Jewish audience, the book is so well put together that it can be recommended for individuals of any religious persuasion.

A concrete example of the variety. For week 28 (Leviticus 14:1-15:33) Sunday: Emily Dickinson, Jacob J. Halevi, Dag Hammarskjold; Monday: psalm, Talmud; Tuesday: psalm, Chasidic, Kenneth Hildebrand, Leigh Hunt; Wednesday: Talmud, Blaise Pascal, Sigrid Undset, Sir Thomas Browne; Thursday: Psalm, Yiddish proverb, Janet Harrison, Archibald Rutledge, Juvenal; Friday: Abba Kovner, Chasidic, Elinor Wylie, Helen Keller; Shabbat: Psalm, Lion Feuchtwanger, Clarence E, Pickett, Booker T. Washington, Albert Camus. Wonderful.

This is a the work of a brilliant man--a compilation of thought and stories, poems and prose from the world's great thinkers and writers. Wonderful for anyone with any interest in contemplation of the great themes of life. Truly spiritual.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Chaim Stern, the editor of this book. He had a profound impact on my life. Through his prayer books and other writings, he has touched millions of people. Please, allow yourself the joy of being touched by his work, and buy this book! He is an inspired man who shares wisdom that will have a lasting impact on you. He was one of the greatest thinkers of our time. His passing is a tragic loss, since he remained so prolific. Yet, his words will live on and on. Please enjoy the richness of this book for years to come, and let his memory and influence continue forever!

"A Day's Work: A Sampler Of Historic Maine Photographs, 1860-1920: Part 1" is compiled with annotations by Maine historian, author, cattleman, and businessman W. H. Bunting who labored for almost 30 years assembling his collection of historic photographic images of the people, buildings, activities and landscapes that comprise Maine's history, commerce, and communities. Each of the 225 black-and-white photos is accompanied by a narrative caption that are as entertaining as they are informative. From a lumber batteau working on a log jam, to an eccentric cobbler traveling from island to island by sailing scow, to trains wrecks, hootchie-cootchie dancers, coastwise cargo schooners, and so much more, readers are treated to unique perspectives captured by a camera's lens and documented life and work in the state of Maine during a sixty year span that begins in 1860 and ends in 1920. Also available in a hardcover edition, "A Day's Work" is especially recommended for academic library Regional History reference collections in general, and Maine's community library State History collections in particular.

My only objection to this book is that it's a tease waiting for the third book. Sometimes I wish it were more integrated topically, or at least that the index were more expansive. But few would want to miss any page. Each reads by itself, with valuable insight (and entertainment). The printing, layout, author's style, comprehensive research, and especially the photographs are all wonderful. In a way, the non-topical approach is exciting too: the penultimate in "coffee table" books. One never grows tired of it, rarely if ever skips a section, looks forward to the next session, and cherishes it as much as the spectacular first volume.

NO author of Maine historical and cultural subjects writes better, or has done more comprehensive research. I would certainly include it in the parcel I would assemble for exile to Boon Island.

I pray for the author's health, happiness, and continued productivity. He is the best of Maine writers and scholars, and sets the best example and model for the generally motley group of Maine "writers", especially the very narrowly-scoped academicians who slavishly follow fixed models of interpretation and presentation. I'm sure Fanny Hardy Ecstorm, Elizabeth Ring and James Baxter (god bless their beautiful souls) are smiling at this wonderful, wonderful writer.

BOOK REVIEW

A Day's Work: A Sampler of Historic Maine Photographs, 1860-1920, Part I, annotated and compiled by W. H. Bunting. Sponsored by Maine Preservation, Tilbury House Publishers, 132 Water St., Gardiner, ME 04345, 1997. 380 pp., oversize, paperback, $35.00

This is a wonderful book, so don't let the title drive you away. You must read halfway through that forbidding title to find out that it's about Maine, farther yet to learn that it's photographic, and "Part I" leaves you dangling. I would have called it Maine at Work, 1860-1920: Photographs and Text; the rest is superfluous--and I have added the word "text" because the text is just as delightful as the photos. I am writing this review because it's a book that people who love Maine shouldn't miss.

I have been summering in Maine for about forty years. The mountains and the skies and the rockbound coast make one constantly aware that Maine is different--the most northern and most eastern state in the USA, with a thousand of miles of shoreline and huge expanses of forest wilderness. Its wild geography has shaped its people and determined how they live. Vestiges of the past are everywhere, from the old docks and windjammers and lighthouses to the barns and sawmills and huge piles of firewood. If one wants an understanding and a feeling for those old times, this book is for you.

William Bunting's fascination with these historical photographs is communicated through the text. He has spent decades immersing himself in local history, and he not only explains each photo but goes behind it, delving into the history and significance of what is shown. If you want to know how to make hard cider, see p. 150 opposite the superb photo of the farmyard with a pile of apples by the old barn. The complex process of logging in the wilderness and getting the logs downriver to the mills and eventually by ship to market is followed through many photos with descriptive text (see pp. 34-44, 86-88, and more). Many buildings in Boston and points south were built of Maine granite; here you can see the granite cutters and the ships and men that carried that heavy cargo to market. Would you like to know and see how in the old days lobster fishing, seining, dip-netting, and canning were done? Or railroading, hunting, or harvesting ice? They're all here, and much more.

Start reading at the Introduction, a fine evocation of Maine today in relation to the past, and a convincing demonstration of the value of photos as historical documents. You will also discover that the author raises cattle and is a bulldozer operator, which doesn't quite explain his mastery of local history (this is his third book) but puts him closer to the down-to-earth people in the pictures. The introduction takes you directly into the text; there are no breaks or chapter headings. Bunting explains that the book is like "taking a journey," one that he took himself--and fortunately it has a good index. I began by looking up the places I know best: Waldoboro, Boothbay, Edgecomb, Casco, Bath, Damariscotta, but the book is a trap--once in, it's hard to get out. You go from photo to photo and from text to text.

The content of the pictures and text is absorbing, but I have said nothing about the aesthetic quality of the photographs. These old black and whites, from the days of heavy cameras and glass plate negatives, have a crispness and wealth of detail rarely seen in today's polychromatic action photos with artificial photo-effects. Many of them were taken for the purpose of making a record, and they project an authenticity that makes the viewer a participant. They have the grip of reality. The photos are worth the price of the book, and the text multiplies their value.

A Day's Work (Part I) focuses on many economic aspects of life in Maine in the late eighteenth and early twentieth century. The author, or annotator and compiler as he calls himself, says that some topics will appear in both volumes, but Part II will emphasize the pulp and paper industries, cotton textiles, coopering, axe manufacturing, etc. Perhaps he's waiting to sit down with the photographs and see where the journey leads. If it's anything like this one, it will be worth waiting for.

Herbert S. Bailey, Jr.
Fearrington Post 248
Pittsboro, NC 27312

Wow! Once in a while a book comes along that is so satisfying that one wonders if you really read it. I can't praise the author enough for bringing to life the life of Maine 100 years ago.

It is a great book and a nice additon to my collection of Diana books

The feeling I have when I look through "Diana In Art" is one of comraderie and warmth, of course with a touch of sadness at the loss, but it is a celebration of Diana's loving nature and her generous spirit. It's also amazing to see the different art from artists all over the world who admired the late Diana.

I am one of the artists who contributed to this book, and am honored to be a part of this tastefully written, compiled, and elegantly edited tribute to "The People's Princess." There are a few works by famous artists, but also a large selection of lesser-knowns (such as myself) who contribute a wide variation of creative styles and personal views of the beautiful Diana through their artwork. I received my copy a few days ago and spent several days reading it, and I am honored to have been a contributor to this touching and very warm tribute to Diana. The selections of quotes by Diana herself, and by friends and family, all contribute to the tone and mood of this tribute to her....she is still terribly missed.

I do feel she would've been fond of this book. There are enlightening quotes from a wide source of admirers that cast light on her spirit and life. I am under the impression that Diana wasn't the type to distinguish between the powerful and the common in her regard for people. Mem Mehmet follows suit with his selections which include the unknowns as well as the well established in the art world. I believe this was done in harmony with the way of Diana. Some of the work is serious, some strange, some traditional, some modern, and some simply comical. All are valid reminders of the affection and respect that were intended for her with each of these creative efforts. Most of this art is as original and special as Diana was, and all of it honors her. Congratulations Mr Mehmet, for following through with your obvious and deeply felt admiration for a lady you've helped forever remain in our memories.

Diana In Art is an excellent book of Art and Artists. A must have addition to any library. The greatest artists of the day including Andy Wharhol, Carlee, Andre Durand, Esrael Zohar and much, much more....

Looking forward to more of your books on celebrities!

I rarely enjoy a "coffee table book" but this is so much more. It is absolutely brilliant-- the many essays are brief but thoughtful and a wonderful companion for the photos which span the evolution of a 25 year career-- or rather-- vocation. Highly recommended.

This is a book remarkable for its depicting the so many facets of UNITY. Its stated and documented variety in unity is achieved by capturing the unity in variety of all self-described Jews. Yet, such generous conclusion soon becomes the premise of an inference, one cannot abstain from, about the unity of all humankind.

Great photos that span over several decades, continents, countries, and one people along a vast continuum. The subjects do a certain amount of posing as if in preparation for the moment the reader meets them all. And the reader has the option to meet them in any sequence OR summon all these geo-temporal instances in one place, at one time.

Great photos, consistent quality and presentation technique, good commentary in the second volume. Excellent gift to us all!

I read about this book in Pop Photo Magazine (www.pophoto.com) and was very intrigued by it. I got the book and it is awesome! It's probably the most comprehensive photographic look at the Diaspora that I've ever seen. A great Hanukah present!

French photographer Frederic Brenner has brilliantly documented Jewish life in the Diaspora with his magnificent photographs. He has spent the last twenty-five years traveling through over forty countries, on five continents, creating and compiling this collection of images of Jewish communities, faces and culture. Brenner has woven a thread, through the visual image, that shows a people united in their heritage.

This beautiful two volume set is presented in a heavy laminated slipcase. Volume I, PHOTOGRAPHS, contains 262 of Brenner's black and white photos, 2 two-page color photographs, and one map. There are images of a Jewish Harley-Davidson motorcycle club with members posed in front of a Miami Beach synagogue; Jewish workers and their children from Birobidzhan, the former Soviet Union's Jewish autonomous region; portraits of modern Jewish writers living in Austria and Germany; women who have lost their children to the secret police in Argentina; Marranos in Portugal who continue the tradition of celebrating the Passover secretly; Jewish men selling Christian souvenirs in Rome's St. Peter's Piazza; a spiritual gathering of Navahos and Jews in Arizona; Jewish barbers from Tajikistan and merchants from Calcutta. The only color photographs in the book show a yellow swatch of cloth printed with the Star of David that Jews were forced to wear under the Nazis. There is an entire room covered in the same cloth - a photograph commissioned for the Vienna State Opera that hung there as a stage curtain.

Volume II, VOICES, contains writings - essays and commentary from such modern intellectuals and authors as Carlos Fuentes, Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, Georges Steiner, André Aciman, Jacques Derrida and the voices of the people photographed.

Frederic Brenner wrote, "The Jews I have photographed are all contemporary, but together they reflect a full spectrum of space and time . . . Diaspora: An experience of dispossession and discontinuity. . . . The photographs enable us to see and acknowledge the multiple threads from which we are woven, to listen to and acknowledge the multiple voices within us, even when paradoxical and discordant."

These massive albums represent a tremendous achievement. Brenner has given a gift to us all. These books deserve a place of honor in the home.
JANA

This was my first ever book about photography (actually, the first edition of this book). Not that I was an absolute beginner; I just never bothered to read any photography books. James Martin's book nicely surprised me since in the first chapters I found a lot of ideas I was subconsciously aware off before. I am not sure this is the right book for someone who does not know what 'shutter speed' is but it is highly recommended for someone who wants to go over photography theory quickly and get some nice tips. It covers photo-shooting techniques, basics of composition, information on archiving photos and digital darkroom skills. My skills are definitely improved after reading the book, instantly I started to take better pictures!

The other day I wanted to purchase a digital photography guide as a birthday gift. 'Digital Photography Outdoors' book would not be available in the stores so I went through almost everything that was on the shelf. There would be lots of books for absolutely beginners in the book stores, "Dummies" books etc, we are not talking about these. Among 'serious' books, I did not find any one that can beat 'Digital Photography Outdoors'. I ended up purchasing this book via Amazon and going to the birthday party with the excuse that the gift is still on the way! This also motivated me to write this review, hope it helps.

With every passing year, digital cameras are becoming more 'user friendly', more popular, more effective, and more versatile. Now in a thoroughly updated and significantly expanded second edition, James Martin's "Digital Photography Outdoors" continues to be the premier instructional manual and guide for the use of digital cameras in taking memorable and dramatic photographs in the field. Still providing novice digital photographers with a comprehensive and basic grounding in how a digital camera works, special considerations for its use and maintenance in the field, and how to select the best equipment and most useful accessories for capturing outdoor action and then storing those images safely, this new edition goes on to provide up-to-date information on the latest changes in Photoshop (CS3 version) and an illustrative description of the latest equipment options. Profusely illustrated throughout in full color, "Digital Photography Outdoors" provides digital camera users with a wealth of invaluable tips on photographing outdoor subjects in all manner of field conditions. Superbly organized and presented, practical and portable, "Digital Photography Outdoors" is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library Photography instructional reference collections.

Very interesting book with several useful tips. It is focused in the "digital darkroom" processes and it becomes an interesting handbook while working with image processing software. Moreover, it gives some advices on photographic techniques specially oriented to digital cameras and their particular performance.

This book is packed with solid information. It's really helping me take better travel pictures now that I have upgraded to a digital single lens reflex camera.

I found this a facinating little book, well written, colourful and quirky in spots. The illustrations are excellent, if a little small and well integrated with the text. I particularly enjoyed the coverage of textiles and manuscripts. Besides covering the history and archeology of the ancient Copts, the coverage of current dogma and liturgy and the problems experienced by the Copts in modern Egypt gives the book an unusually rounded feel.

This book covers the history of the christians of Egypt (the Copts). It is written by an expert on this subject. It covers the history up to the current events. it is easy to read. Loaded with photoes of very high quality. The facts are well presented with even handed opinions and fairness. It is valuable book for any one who has interest in history of Christianity,and Middle East history. The reader does not need to have any background knowledge about the topic because the book progress very smoothly through the history with solid explanation of all events. Highly recommended.

This is a cute little book that is crammed with info and pictures. It is an excellent book to start one on serious study of Christianity in Egypt and the history of Christianity in general.

good start for those who want to know more about copts and christianity in egypt

Must say ... wow ... it is one of the greatest photo albums I own. Beautiful fashion pictures (Dolce&Gabbana creations) of big shots of fashion photography in really big size. I am impressed very much. Every $ spend on it was worth of its price.

This is a great buy! I buy books as insparation and collection purposes and this book is so good its going to take time to go throught it. The book is huge and so are the pictures, big beautiful full page photos.

There are few books in which every page is a work of art in itself. This fashion album is such a book. Everyone should experience the artistry of each photographer and his subject. Awesome work!

The volume is fantastic in a number of ways: it's not a chronological compendium of photographs which is a plus in my opinion. Photos are arranged by photographer, which gives well deserved credit to those who bring fabulous images to life. I also like the fact that each photograph is captioned with the name of the publication, month and year, and the model's name. It gives the ladies credit, and reminds us of the fleeting nature of their work. Linda and the rest of the ueber-models don't need a caption, we all know who they are, but so many of the other ones have come and gone :) Be prepared to see about a 50/50 mix of color and BW photography. And enjoy photos from major European magazines, some of which select styles and types of photos that one may not find in the US. It's not just nudity, but a certain flair that is so european.
In sum - get this wonderful book, it's well worth it.
P.S. It weighs a ton, so don't lift the package too swiftly when it arrives at your door :)

This high quality hardbound book is a tome of sorts to state-of-the art wild dolphin scientific research and the personalities of some of their researchers. Spellbinding, graphic text replete with dozens of large format full color portraits -- captured primarily for its sister IMAX film -- Dolphins contains a pirate's treasure of newly-found knowledge to permeate the casual reader's grey matter. Intended primarily for lay audiences; but, with enough quantitative analysis to keep the most discerning scientist interested, Dolphins saturates the reader with a feeling that he's watching and researching the dolphins alongside the real scientists. Conservative in the Aldo Leopold sense of the word, Cahill provides the facts and lets the reader reach his/her own conclusions regarding the impacts of man on some dwindling dolphin populations.

If you're a dolphin freak or a Tim Cahill freak (both of which I am),you're going to like this book. The photographs are just incredible, and as always, Cahill's breezy, sardonic style makes for enjoyable reading.

The book does a good job of not romanticizing the dolphins (If I see one more New Age painting of noble dolphins swimming among a sea of stars, I'll get nauseous) but still conveys an appreciation of these impressive creatures.

Cahill also does a good job of profiling a team of cetologists studying the dolphins.

This isn't hard biology, but there are some interesting sections authored by dolphin investigators, and references for more technical readings in the notes.

I found, after seeing MacGillivray Freeman's IMAX film Dolphins, that I wanted to know more. The book follows the basis of the film, but goes into much more detail. This book is a superb account of what it is like to study and be around dolphins in the WILD. Cahill's style of writing makes you feel as if you are with him each night as he recounts a day of activity and research. He doesn't "write down" to the reader, i.e., you feel as if you're right there with him, learning along the way. He conveys a true sense of real-life scientific adventure that is fun and intriguing. The incredible pictures alone, many from the IMAX film, are worth buying the book for. I'm a conservative and will not tolerate "tree-hugger" political agendas. This book, like the film, is far from being one that attempts to drill dolphin conservation into your head. Instead, it offers a refreshing angle that provides the reader the knowledge to draw his/her own conclusions about these fascinating animals. Even the lovely scientist, Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski, who Cahill makes the main subject of the book, lets the dolphins "sell themselves" vs. her preaching conservation. It is quite enlightening and is certainly one to keep on the coffee table.

As a coffe table reference, its main virtues lies in absolutely spectacular pictures. Nothing so impressive appeared before on paper. Moreover, text is comprehensive and well balanced without aspiring to scholarly detail. In the style of the 'National Geographic' magazine, interviews and reports from the latest in the field are the core of narration. As we discover new things on their sensorial life and comunication, dolphins become a more fascinating subject. No lover of sea mammals can miss this book.

OK, I'm that person who never pays more then I have too for a book version of anything. So when I ordered this $15 version rather then the mass market $4 one, I was VERY skeptical... this version blew me away for a paper back, it's large pencil drawn sketches on each page, true art work brought the story to life, it made you think about the words, and the charaters just poped off the pages. Well, well, worth the additional price! Excited Teacher...

Dore's art is fascinating. He matches his illustrations to the beauty and mystery of Idylls of the King.

Gustave Dore first published these intricate and beautiful wood-engraved book illustrations for Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "Idylls of the King" in the 1860s. Though many, many fabulous illustrations have been created for the legends of King Arthur and his Court these still remain among the finest. This book contains 36 black and white plates, each 7 1/2" x 10" and thus nicely sized for optimal viewing of the exquisite detail. A corresponding excerpt from "Idylls of the King" is printed on the facing page of each plate. Dore captured the grandeur and opulence of courtly life, the mystery and magic of the legendary times of Arthur and Merlin, the medieval costumes, furnishings and architecture all with a brilliance that will transport you. Highly recommended!

Unless you have a couple of thousand to plunk down on the first edition of the Idylls, published by Moxon, in the 1860s, in four folio volumes, then this edition is the next best thing. The illustrations are lovely and help to uplift Tennyson's verse. In fact, Dore becme so popular that this edition was often referred to at the time as "The Dore Tennyson," and rightfully so. Dore ismakes Tennyson's verse much better than it actually is; Tennyson, even though great, has a tendency to be somewhat maudlin and laboured in his retellikng of Idylls. If you enjoy Arturian Verse, I suggest you examine Swinburne's work in this area, or the little known Charles Williams, a contemporary of Swinburne's and in this reviewer's opinion the finest Arthurian poet of all. William Morris and Matthew Arnold have also done some interesting things.

Oct. 3, 2002
I must be honest and say that I have known Francis Tack for many years and that we have travelled together to the Sahara and other deserts a good many times.
This being said, I still try to look very objectively at his work.
The book is a work of art, and there exists no other equivalent publication on the subject. The narrative by Paul Robin, a scientific writer who spent the better part of his youth in the Sahara, is very well researched, yet remains perfectly accessible to a neophyte and also poetic. The graphic design and photo reproduction quality are outstanding.
Most important is the quality of the photography itself. The author of three previously published books and the recipient of many photo prizes and awards, Francis Tack has worked for many years on his "Dunes" project, offering us a magical trip through the sands of the world thanks to his mastery of composition and light. Everyone I know who has received the book remains glued to it and keeps turning the pages over and over. I do the same and will continue to do so for quite a while.
Let yourself be transported into the magical realm of the sand deserts. You won't be disappointed, guaranteed.

My compliments to the photographer Francis Tack. A complete overview of the most beautiful deserts and dunes on many different continents all over the world. I'm only missing the Dutch dunes.

Francis Tack and Paul Robin have created a masterpiece with this book. A lot of so-called coffee-table books / photographic books are rather thin on factual information. Not so this book. Apart from breathtaking photographs it also contains excellent information on how dunes build up and move etc.

A phantastic book that is worth every penny of its price.

Oct. 3, 2002
I must be honest and say that I have known Francis Tack for many years and that we have travelled together to the Sahara and other deserts a good many times.
This being said, I still try to look very objectively at his work.
The book is a work of art, and there exists no other equivalent publication on the subject. The narrative by Paul Robin, a scientific writer who spent the better part of his youth in the Sahara, is very well researched, yet remains perfectly accessible to a neophyte and also poetic. The graphic design and photo reproduction quality are outstanding.
Most important is the quality of the photography itself. The author of three previously published books and the recipient of many photo prizes and awards, Francis Tack has worked for many years on his "Dunes" project, offering us a magical trip through the sands of the world thanks to his mastery of composition and light. Everyone I know who has received the book remains glued to it and keeps turning the pages over and over. I do the same and will continue to do so for quite a while.
Let yourself be transported into the magical realm of the sand deserts. You won't be disappointed, guaranteed.