Themes Books

This is a wonderful calendar; high quality photos, convenient format, interesting birds. The photos show (expectedly) how strange and bizarre some chicken breeds are, and (unexpectedly) how ornate and almost beautifully detailed their plumage can be. Perfect for the kitchen.

I buy a rooster/chicken calendar for my mom every Christmas. The photos are amazing - you never knew a chicken could look like this. I'm sure she'll be delighted.

I've loved my 2007 version of this calendar! I'll definitely order 2008. Only the fanciest, froofiest chickens need apply. Every month there is a main chicken, and a smaller sub-chicken (on the lower page). The proper breed names are given for each. This is handy for we laypersons who are not poultry scholars, but appreciate the plumage.

I keep this calendar at my office. At the beginning of each month my co-workers breathlessly await the unveiling of the newest chicken.

This calendar has some extraordinary pictures, many suitable for framing.
They give you plenty of room to write whatever appointments/info you may need on appropriate dates and looks great posted on the wall.

"Bianchi continues the photographic adventure he began in his firts book, Out of the Studio. Traveling with his friend and life companion Mark Prunty, Bianchi spent two years wandering the United States and Mexico, inviting people along the way to join him in the making of these wonderful, spontaneous photographs."--? ZEBRAZ

For a customer review of this book, please refer to the paperback edition listing

Tom Bianchi's erotically charged portfolio "Extraordinary Friends" is a visual feast of erotic lifestyle possibilities and a dreamy celebration of life au naturel. Bianchi's black and white photography of exceptional men and women is worthy of gracing the polished tops of coffee tables in the most sophisticated, progressive living rooms. My wife and I return to Bianchi's stills every so often to day dream about what a life must be like where friends are beautiful, without shame and guilt, open and honest, and relaxed enough to exhibit their sexuality in both light and shadow. This book is highly recommended for collectors of fine figure photography. Be prepared: Mr. Bianchi is a Michaelangelo in the medium of silver nitrate; he, too, is unashamed of celebrating the human body--regardless of being man or woman. Be prepared for a trip to the borderlands of erotic and personal freedom, gender and sexual expression.-- Louis Varricchi

I am not gay, but I loved this book. The photography is stunning, Bianchi's ability to capture images at the right moment is phenominal. I applaud his work and have shown it many of my friends who also enjoyed the work. Mr. Bianchi shouldn't be catagorized as a "gay photographer," but as a brillant visionist.

The book is a great gift for Mother's Day or any extraordinary women you may know. It features 58 women from all walks of life and doesn't just concentrate on celebrities. You learn about these women, who they are and the accomplishments they have made - while finding out what they always wanted to be when they were children. It's really well done and a beautiful coffee table book.

Added benefit - some of the proceeds go to charity to help inner city kids and families.

An exceptional gift book for the special women in your life.

I bought this for a friend and everyone at the party loved it - was passed around and got rave reviews - the friend was very pleased with her gift.

If you have a daughter, wife, mother or niece who is graduating from anywhere, this is the perfect gift. The book of terrific photographs from Clay Blackmore of 58 women documents their aspirations as children before succeeding in other areas (e.g. former secretary of state Madeline Albright, the chess champion; Olympic gymnast Dominic Dawes, the Supreme Court Justice; etc.). I love books like this. To find this book and other cool short book club recommendations, go to [...].

I LOVE THIS BOOK and am reading every word in it! The pictures are outstanding, too. My only complaint is that the book needed one more thorough review.

For instance, the larva of the "strangest hitchhiker" is said to be both 0.06 in and 3.8 cm. I appreciate having metric conversions, but they're sometimes incorrect and often inconsistently noted (metric noted first at times, second other times).

Perhaps typos are a personal pet peeve of mine...but with such outstanding technical information about the animals, I hope that the detailed information I'm accepting as true has undergone a thorough review.

Extreme Nature is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages who like nature. The outstanding photos and fascinating descriptions of extreme examples in nature are compelling and especially interesting to early teens who like science. My grandson read it cover to cover in one sitting.

I bought this book for my nephew who is 8. He loved it, but he had a hard time getting his hands on it because all the adults in the house couldn't put it down.

Well-titled is Mark Carwardine's delectable book of natural phenomena: EXTREME NATURE is a kaleidoscope of natural outer limits of normal facts. The presentation is so fine that returning to this well-written book will always result in increased appreciation not only for the information it offers, but also for the splendid photography and well-designed presentation.

In it's 320 pages there are over 150 entries organized into four sections: Extreme Growth, Extreme Abilities, Extreme Movement and Extreme Families. And scattered among these headings are photographs and humorously written mini-essays that introduce such items as the world's hungriest animal, the fattest carnivore, the heaviest flying animal, the shark with 300 rows of teeth, the sexiest beast, the most dangerous love life, the most fertile insect, the smelliest plant among them.

Written in a style that will satisfy both the casual reader and the professional biologist, EXTREME NATURE is much more than a beautiful coffee table book (though is surely is that!). This is an introduction to some fine conversation and thought about just how creative and extraordinary is the natural world we too often take for granted. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, April 06

Author Swanson has gathered a wonderful collection of crisp black and white images to tell the story of America's railroaders. We are running the locomotive, out maintaining track and in the dispatcher's office with the men and woman who made it happen. Discover how railroaders did it: introducing standard time to America, train orders and rules, and sometimes just plain muscle and sweat. A poignant tribute to the human side of a most fascinating industry.

Carl A. Swanson's Faces Of Railroading: Portraits Of America's Greatest Industry is a black-and-white photographic gallery of those who have dedicated their lives and careers to the American railway system. These masterful and expertly selected and assembled images reveal the people who operated (and relied upon) locomotives, luxury passenger trains, tour backshops, and so much more. A brief commentary skims over the history and setting behind these captivating images, in this showcase coffee table book which is very highly recommended -- especially for dedicated railroading buffs.

I own many railroading books, but this is the first that focuses on the one aspect of railroading that makes everything work - people. Coupling the unique and interesting photographs with author Swanson's annotations and narratives makes this a book which ought to be part of your collection. This book would also interest anyone who is a professional railroader or has a someone in the family who did work for railroads in the middle of the 20th century. Doug Riddel's writing about his thoughts as a professional railroader complements the authors work very well. I think the value of this book is best summed up in the words of the author: "Through these images we gain a fresh understanding of the enduring dignity of labor." What more can one say?

Author Carl Swanson wisely chose photos from the middle decades of the last century to use in his excellent (and beautifully produced) book. This a visual celebration of a great industry, which in the distant past really did help create America. By the Forties and Fifties the railroads were a mature industry and judging by the photos so were the folks who, day after day, made it all happen. So many of these images show middle aged men, working in a noisy, dirty environment with rugged faces but the professionalism clearly shows. Another reason for using photos from this period is because so many jobs disappeared when steam and passengers faded away.

I thought the choice of photos was excellent, not only the well-known names, like Steinheimer or Winston Link (on pages 134-135 there is an amazing shot of his showing a Norfolk and Western locomotive being overhauled) but also many from company files that will hold your interest. Chapter four, for instance, has some great passenger train interiors from various railroads. Although 'Faces of Railroading' is unusual in not having the usual run-by photos I have a copy of 'Decade of the Trains: the 1940s' by Rogers E M Whitaker and Don Ball (ISBN 0821207598) which has dozens of photos showing railroaders going about their business.

Another reason I like Carl Swanson's book is because it is super to look at. Well printed with big one to a page photos and printed in more than 200dpi, elegant design and typography (a tip of the hat to art director Kristi Ludwig) makes this book look so superior to the usual transport publisher offering. I wonder if Kalmbach have enough material for a second volume?

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

A wonderful view for those interested in nature, microphotography, photography in general, color, and/or design. Unusual and LOVELY.

Of all the books i have about fall and the changing colour process in leaves this is definitely the best one. Nothing rapresents Fall like the variety of trees you find in the forests of North Eastern U.S. A well deserved tribute to the most common (but most fascinating too) product of nature: leaves indeed.

This marvelous book displays crisp, colorful, full-page photos of some of falls best colors seen through its best medium, leaves. The specific leaves chosen are vivid and they seem almost pressed in the book rather than photographed. I'd recommend this book to ANYONE interested in macrophotography or fall in general.

Christopher has made my favorite time of the year come alive with all the color of fall. Deep browns, orange, red, greens and the actual feeling of the season come through in this collection of spectacular photographs.

He has used some very interesting techniques to create images and colors that at the same time capture and enhance nature's beauty.

This is a unique and truly wonderful coffee table book that inspires and amazes with the feelings and spirit of the peaceful and mysterious passing of summer into fall. Well done!

A friend showed me the book and I bought it as a resource for my art students. Wonderful use of colors and imagination!

I have collected a variety of Laurel Burch products, this book, Fantastic Felines, I must say, is one of my favorites. It not only displays a variety of products Laurel Burch has designed, but also goes into her private life, for us to get an idea of what inspires her as an artist. Throughout her book, the poems and the beauty in her artwork, are heartfelt. Everytime I pick up the book I see something new. I recommend this book highly as an intergral part of any Laurel Burch collection or for any cat lover. Great as a gift, too, for that's how I received my copy, and I'll cherish it always. Thanks, Laurel. Fantastic Job!

WOW, WOW, WOW!!! This book is just knockout! Full-color dynamite with the exciting art of Laurel Burch. I love the simple lines and fabulous color combinations that set your imagination free with wonderful fantasy. the pictures are so gorgeous that it takes looking at them over and over again to catch all the fine details before you realize that what looks so simple is indeed complex and well-thought out art design. Very intriguing! A must have for cat lovers.

If you love Laurel Burch then you will love this book. It's gorgeous, sumptious, lavish -- all the words that people use to describe Burch's artwork. I thought the most interesting parts were 1) the biography; 2) the pictures detailing how various objects are planned, sketched, painted and then produced; and 3) actress Tippi Hendren's work in rescuing big cats (lions, tigers, etc). It would have been a better book, however, had there been more text regarding production as well as Burch's background and approach to her work. The last couple of chapters contain information about the various product lines (cups, plates, scarves, umbrellas, etc) plus four pages showing all of her cat jewelery -- but no information on how to obtain them or when and if her jewelery will be available again. Many of the pictures of Burch's artwork are suitable for framing, btw, so you may want to order two copies. Nb: with a couple of exceptions, all of the photographs are of Burch's cat pieces (hence the title of the book, "Fantastic Felines"). Don't buy this expecting an overview of all her work. But if you like the cats, then this book is definitely for you.

This is the companion to Book 1 by Elisabeth Harden and picks up where that book left off. It is a nice reference to carry in the field. The illustrations are simple 1, 2, 3 step that remove the mystery from complex flowers. I would prefer a bit more detail but all in all this is a nice book and useful. Due note the recently issued Watercolor Flower Artists Bible actually combines both books and is a retitled retread edited by Claire Brown.

I was delighted with this small, but beautifully illustrated and detailed book. As a watercolorist who particularly delights in painting flowers, I expect to have many hours of skilled help from this little treasure of a book.

There are two of these little guides to painting flowers. The books both have a layout of a palette for floral painters, then a series of lessons, flower by flower, indicating the geometric shape (spike, trumpet, bowl, cup) and how to best paint the blossom.

This book has more details and additional flowers, plus berries like Pyracantha and Cotoneaster. There is an expanded section on painting foliage such as ferns, tulip leaves, and coleus. While both books are helpful, this one is superior in the depth of the covered subjects. But probably if you paint flowers in watercolor, you'll want both of them. This one is excellent.

In a nutshell, here's why any aspiring floral painter needs this book:
1. The detailed color charts which not only show the various shades of each color (light to dark) but also notes their degree of permanence, durablility and opaqueness.
2. Each flower type is painted in detail and the drawings show how to build light and shadow to give the illusion of a 3-dimensional flower
3. The flowers themselves are stunning, true to life and among the best you'll find in any book.
4. The step by step instructions gave me confidence in my ability to improve my painting techniques and master the color mixes required to do so (and I'll bet you get the same results).
4. The book is a bargain, full of more information for the price than I've found elsewhere.

On the Authors homepage you have a chance of taking a glimpse inside this wonderful book. Her homepage is her full name and a com ending. I have the book myself and can only recommend it to you all.

Ms. Just has presented a beautiful book full of luscious l transparent watercolor paintings of flowers. Each page contains several large photos of her work plus instructional text. All illustrations are done in watercolor including the chapter on painting materials. Nearly half of the pages are step-by-step demonstrations, each with very clear explanations of her process. Ms. Just also discusses design and watercolor technique and shows her command of the subject matter with great expertise.
Flowers: Wonders of Nature in Watercolor will be a wonderful addition and a well used book in the library of watercolor painters of all levels.

Flowers: Wonders Of Nature In Watercolor is a full-color, how-to guide by Erika Just and expressly recommended to aspiring artists which to reveal and re-produce the beauty of flowers through the medium of watercolor. From establishing a color scheme; to building layers of color, contrast, and detail; to adding quality finishing touches, all instructions are superbly illustrated with captivating artworks. Flowers: Wonders Of Nature In Watercolor is a first-rate and thoroughly "user friendly" guide for watercolor artists of all skill and experience levels.

It was an exceptional experience painting with this book. From beginning to end it is filled with beautiful large scale full color fotos. The text is very understandable and easy to read. There is a red line from beginning to end. If you want to learn to paint, this is it. I hope more will follow soon...
Thankyou very much...

I originally sent this to a friend for Christmas. Then I saw it in person and was enticed to buy one for my own collection. You will find it exquisitely illustrated. We will spend many afternoons enjoying this unusual book.

I really enjoyed the detail in each of the photos of this book. In addition, each was labeled with the type of butterfly as well as where they are typically found. There are also a few very appropriate quotes in this beautiful coffee table edition. I received it as a gift, and I think it would make a great gift for anyone - older children interested in bugs, curious adults or even grandparents. This book is for anyone who enjoys the beauty in nature!

This is a gorgous book. A totall mosaic of color and stunning details. Its increadible how the artist here captures the smallest pixles of a buterfly's wing. It a book to keep around for when you just need to look at something beutiful.

The pictures of these butterflies and moths are wonderful to look at and some are amazingly close-up. I gave it as a gift, and it's just perfect for someone who loves colorful and artistic photos and wants to know only the name and location of the various types.

If you're looking for more in-depth informative detail of butterflies and moths, this book isn't for you. The emphasis of this book is on the digitally mastered photos of butterflies/moths from all over the world.