Literature in Art Books

One of Hazell's talents is to sit you right down with the women she writes about as they live some telling moment. This book doesn't just outline facts about each person but gives the reader a feel of the time, the culture, the conflicts and private reasons each writer had for writing what she did. Sections with titles like "Love's Different Faces" help the reader contextualize each writer's main focus, and how each woman writer spoke for her time. Hazell's beautiful illustrations and margin graphics capture the inner landscape as well as pensive portraits of each writer; the faces are caught in moments of reflection, discovery, or some secret delight. This will inspire young writers to persevere despite obstacles, as the women in this book did; these women writers were/are real heroines. The author never talks down to the reader; adults can get a good read from this very informative and insightful book.

After reading this book, I was so impressed that I sent a copy to my daughter and my neice. After receiving great reviews from them, I decided to write my first review... ever. The author tells the truth about these women's lives. Some had happy lives. Some had difficulties. Some lived happily every after and some didn't. The book inspires girls and women of all ages and interests. It especially encourages those who wish to write. The pictures are beautiful. The bibliography points the reader to additional material. BUY THIS BOOK AS A GIFT. IT WILL BE APPRECIATED! IT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHEN FACED WITH LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS.

After reading this book, I was so impressed that I sent a copy to my daughter and my neice. After receiving great reviews from them, I decided to write my first review... ever. The author tells the truth about these women's lives. Some had happy lives. Some had difficulties. Some lived happily every after and some didn't. The book inspires girls and women of all ages and interests. It especially encourages those who wish to write. The pictures are beautiful. The bibliography points the reader to additional material. BUY THIS BOOK AS A GIFT. IT WILL BE APPRECIATED! IT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHEN FACED WITH LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of devotional writings out there, from the periodicals such as Upper Room, to full-size books for everyone from dieters to caregivers and general books such as Daily Guideposts. We all have one or two, or an assortment. But Writer's in the Spirit is, I believe, the first one specifically for writers. And it is excellent.

Sally Stuart (Christian Writer's Market Guide) wrote: "Writers in the Spirit helps connect me to God while reminding me that writing is a gift from Him and a calling to be both treasured and nurtured." This reviewer agrees. Reading this book has been a unique experience and a book I will probably reread over time.

Carol Rottman writes with a fresh voice, providing inspiration and introspection with each paragraph. In places, the book reads like a journal, revealing discoveries about herself and her writing journey. Chapters are written as mini-essays and never fail to drive home a point to the reader. Doesn't matter what type of writing you do, there is something here that is bound to bless, encourage, inspire, and even admonish.

The book is divided into eleven topical sections such as "Nourishment," "Understanding," "Realism," and "Creation." No, that last is not about God's creation - the sub-caption says "Writing is creating. No writer writes like anyone else; each voice is unique." Each of these topical sections consists of several short essays that delve into the topic, followed by tips, hints and advice, and a writing challenge.

Says Rottman: "Writing for me is a form of meditation. I love the discipline of writing everyday using the ever-changing experiences in my life. I've discovered that God has equipped many of us with a desire to share our understanding of life through the written word. I agree with Jerry Jenkins, who once said, `I don't sing or dance or preach. I have been given one gift, so I feel obligated to exercise it in the work of the kingdom.' I treasure the awesome gift."

WRITERS IN THE SPIRIT is a great book, and would be a wonderful gift to another writer in your life, and definitely for yourself, too. Christmas is right around the corner. Get your copy now.

© Peggy Phifer, Editor, Wordsmith Shoppe Writer

Side bar: Writers in the Spirit was one of only six featured books in the quarterly publication, Christian Retailing. The author, Carol Rottman, was also chosen to lead a discussion on the national teleconference for the Association of Christian Writers.

WRITERS IN THE SPIRIT is a well-organized tool to both inspire and educate aspiring writers of all skill levels. Author Carol J. Rottman, Ph. D. has developed this book to encourage and teach Christian writers how to find the fullness of experience through our spiritual selves and translate that into words through all types of writing.

Rottman encourages writers to embrace life, learn from it, immerse themselves in it and then share that life through words put to paper.

Eleven chapters are divided into essays that further explore each facet of a writer's life, both physical and spiritual; a writer's prayer and tips, hints and advice; followed by a writing challenge.

WRITERS IN THE SPIRIT acts as a guide for the journey writers must take to fully realize their talent. Rottman has shined a light on the Christian writer's path and that light can illuminate the works of art inside us all

Throughout this unique book for writers are in-depth explorations of topics such as opening up God's incarnational spirit, taking nourishment from God to provide fruit that will outlive the writer, and writing with fervor to overcome our self-imposed limits.

Rottman doesn't stop there, though. She shares her personal experience of applying each concept to her life and illustrates how it then translates into discovery of one's self, which can then better express the words residing within us.

Searching for the meaning of our lives through writing is addressed with a reminder to return to the Bible and explore famous writing incidents such as the handwriting on the wall and the creation of the Ten Commandments. As we ponder the inspiration of the storytellers who recorded the biblical events, how then do we open ourselves to that same inspiration?

WRITERS IN THE SPIRIT is not a book to be read once then set aside to gather dust. Instead, it is a book to be digested, pondered and treasured for the long journey.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I find myself returning to different sections as I come upon a challenge in my own writings.

This book is a much needed new angle on writing. Instead of a mechanical guide to the elements of writing, Christian author Carol J. Rottman offers hope and inspiration to writers.

This is a very personal and practical book, offering examples from the author's own life experience. What makes this book distinct, however, is its spiritual perspective. It draws its principles from the bible and applies them to the real and often painful world of writing.

I found that this book does not just guide its readers. It motivates and inspires them. I found myself captivated as I read each chapter. Well worth reading.

This is such a great book! For kids, for coffee table, for people all ages. I can hardly wait to make my own circus. The instructions look easy to follow, but even if I never get around to picking up the scissors, I'll enjoy looking at the book.

My Children loved this book! Each Zoo Flake is so clever. My kids couldn't wait to make their own! I had to help my four year old with the folding and cutting, but the older kids did great on their own. They have asked if this could be "a Christmas thing" we do every year.

In this enchanting book, the author has created "zoo flakes," or paper snowflakes cut into animal kaleidoscope shapes, for each letter of the alphabet. What time and patience this process must have taken! These are not crude cutouts of rough animal shapes, but highly detailed silhouettes of unicorns, foxes (foxen?), and more. I encourage you to click on the book cover picture above so you can enlarge it and get a glimpse of the animal shapes shown on the cover. Great as an alphabet book for kids or a fun book for adults to look through -- it would be a unique conversation piece on a coffee table. It also includes directions at the end for making zoo flakes.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I am currently reading the rest of the series. (All of which are great.) They are moving and exciting. He brings the characters to life. The situations are as real as though you are living them. This book follows the Bible and cultural norms of the time. It is a real page-turner. I just can't say enough about it, and the others in the series, that I have read, have not let me down.

This fictional account of the adult life of Abigail, a wife of King David, is based on biblical accounts as well as cultural knowledge. You will want to read more of this series.

This is another excellent book in this Williamson art series for children. The cover says it's for ages 8-13, and I'd like to emphasize that it's definitely not for younger children, although a few can be adapted for younger children. Many projects are challenging enough that high school students and adults should enjoy them also.

Many of the projects take a definite commitment to time and care in order to have good results. There are some that require meticulous attention to details and fine motor coordination. Quite a few projects use an exacto knife to cut our small pieces of paper or poster board. There is a soap carving which requires a paring knife. Other potentially difficult and dangerous materials and equipment include glass sheets, turpentine, bleach, nail polish, cooking oil and paraffin heated for making candles, dye, needle and thread, tiny bits of paper for mosaic, wire cutters, pliers, handsaw, drill for a wooden birdhouse, nails for piercing a metal can, vegetable peeler, iron.

There are paintings and drawings using special techniques with pencil, paint, charcoal and markers, as well as many 3-dimensional projects that use folding, carving, building and other methods. Although there is an excellent variety of projects that can turn out very satisfyingly, there should be supervision for many of them, especially for younger children.

I highly recommend this art activity book. The ideas are original and fun and yet they are not exhausting to complete. As I homeschool our girls, I have found this book to be a great asset in my thematic approach to learning.

The Amazing Step-by-Step Art Card Studios are both simple and amazing. My children were able--quickly--to draw animals that looked as great as the examples provided by Ms. Ragsdale. This product really delivers!

We bought both books. My daughter was really excited when they came. She loves to draw, & it has step by step instructions in how to draw each pet or Zoo animal. Each set has colored pencils, a drawing pad, & sharpener in a handy box. It has lots of cards with all types of pets & animals to draw. It is the perfect thing to take on long car rides, & gives hours of enjoyment. It will encourage kids to persue their artistic talents. The price is very reasonable. K.Key

The American Renaissance 1850-1855 was the time in which American Literature truly came into greatness. Melville( Moby Dick 1851) Whitman ( Leaves of Grass 1855) Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne. Matthiessen identifies the phenomenom understands that this is the real birth- note of American literature not simply as an insular provincial form but as a world- waking work. He writes with great understanding of the works themselves.
It has been many years since I read this work in graduate- school but I have no doubt it holds up , despite the waves of various critical schools that have tried to undermine its authority.
It is as literary criticism a great work which identifies and interprets great creative works.
It is an essential item in the American library , and a real help to anyone who wants to understand one of the great moments in the history of world- literature.

It is hard to find a more seminal work on American Literature than American Renaissance. Until today, any self-respecting American Studies scholar or expert for American Literature has to come to terms with this massive shedding of ink on some of the best American texts ever published.
Though I find myself at times lost in the wealth of Mr. Matthiessen's allusions and remarks, especially when he weaves all too great a narrative from the swatches he collected, I remain fascinated with this genuinely passionate account of a harmony where many believed (and still today believe) to hear only cacophony. Suspiciously quiet about his personal leanings and politics (a fact that, with all due respect, could simply not remain untouched by more recent cultural, gender, and Marxist critics), Matthiessen takes us back to an age that holds more of today than we sometimes think, and that already foreshadows in its depth what more superficial ages would later repeat ad nausea.
It is not a novel, nor a Michener book, but if you are seriously interested in 19th century American literature (and he does give Whitman the respect he deserves), this may very well be one of the most readable studies on the subject. Sadly shortcutting Dickinson, Poe, and other authors that are excavated only today, this book still points calmly and self-assuredly to those novels and poems that stand out. All these dead, white men wrote texts that we simply cannot ignore, and whether we love Cervantes, Joyce, DeLillo, whether Tan, Faulkner, Burroughs, or Lacan, we have to see that the whale's whiteness and Walden's silence are with us always.

I was very excited to find this book for my child. I love Andy Warhol myself so I figured I'd enjoy it too. My kid LOVES it. The pics are great, with just a little bit of writing. It's also made with hard pages so it's difficult to distroy. We've read it over and over and it's still a big hit.

I love this book for it's obviously quirky illustrations of colors. Really cute, small book, perfect for my toddler who adores it. A nice change from the usual color board books on the market.

As an aspiring art historian and teacher, I found this bood to be incredibly inspiring for adults and children. What a fun way to bridge basic knowledge about the human body to contemporary art. This book takes the familiar and links it to new concepts. We can all relate to the information in this little gem of a book!

This book is targeted for kids but very good for the adult reader I love these series You can meet many wonderful artwork and artist

Penguin is so adept at publishing comprehensive, but manageable, collections in forms that are portable, highly readable and easy to reference.

This collection is diverse and delves into the scientific, poetic and recreational components with elegance and authority.

A completely worthwhile work.

I expected a handy reference tome and found something else - a breathtaking and compelling end-to-end read. Excerpts are short and threaded together in sections which raise the central questions about the relation of drugs to art, religion, science and society while illustrating them with an incredible range of perspectives from history and different cultures. I find most 'drug literature' rather boring but this anthology opens the subject out into new dimensions.