Studios Books

Published by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, this thin (176 pages) paperback covers the Cape, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. It's beautifully illustrated with examples of the art created by the featured artists in the various communities, with recommended walking and driving (where needed) tours to take you to their studios and galleries. The maps for the Cape are not much help--they only show driving routes which anyone with a map of the Cape would have anyway. However the town maps for Nantucket and Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard show exactly where the studios and galleries are located so it is easy to find them and connect them in walking tours. There are also maps of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard islands showing the outlying artists' places. Written directions aid in finding the locations.

The areas on the Cape feature 17 pages in a chapter including Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Osterville and Hyannis; a chaper with 23 pages covering Sandwich, West Barnstable, Barnstable, Yarmouth Port and Dennis; a chapter with 15 pages from artists in Harwich Port, Chatham, West Dennis and Dennisport; 16 pages for Brewster and Orleans; and 16 pages overing the outer Cape from Eastham, Wellfleet and Truro out to Provincetown. The Nantucket chapter has 19 pages on studios and galleries and a page on local festivals and special events. Martha's Vineyard earns 11 pages on studios and galleries.

Each article about an artist or gallery gives something of the artist's history and describes her or his work, highlighting the particular emphasis that artist brings to the pieces. There are also listings of museums and theatres and websites and phone numbers for them as well as for other art forms such as Opera and Chorale groups.

With the first edition printed in 2006, all the material is up-to-date, at least for the present.

Having been to the Cape a number of times, I was surprised to find out how much I had been missing.

Great organization and matter of fact accounting of great places to visit make this a very useful guide. Maps and points of reference help you streamline your travel, without missing a thing.

With more than can be accomplished in any one trip, it has been useful for many weekend getaways to Cape Cod.

As a frequent visitor to the Cape and islands over the years I was amazed to find the Arts and Artisans Trails guide book describing the roads and highways I've been traveling but with such insights into the history and Galleries hidden along the way. I can't look at the map or plan a trip without sneaking a peek at the Artisan's guide to see if I can include one or two on my next drive down to the Cape. This should be given to every visitor and newcomer to the Cape and islands. It's like having your own family or friends recommending things to do and see from an insider's point of view. Well done! Kevin Clancy Somerville, MA

If your summer guests don't know what to do or where to go, this is the book to have! It's full of wonderful studios and galleries, interesting information and lovely illustrations. I keep one on hand for my visitors and plan to give some as gifts. Even if you live on the Cape, you will find places you didn't know about...I know I did!

I highly recommend the Art & Artisans Trails of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. The book is layed out nicely, with different walks for each area of the Cape (and one each for the islands). Each walk has a number of stops, including information on the artist, the hours, the website, etc. There are also lists in the back of artists by medium, by studio, and information on at guilds and fairs. A very comprehensive guide, and a fun way to see the Cape & Islands!

Like so many other deceased musicians, there are way too many "insider" books about the person. This is the only authorized book by the Bob Marley Foundation and it is a superb picture book. Filled with an abundance of color and black and white photographs this book brings the man to life. The pictures are rare as some are private family photos that are being released for the first time. This is a book that you want nearby so you can look at the photos periodically and remember the man as you listen to his music. The introduction by his wife Rita Marley is heartfelt and lays the foundation for intimate views of Bob Marley. His passions, his friends, his children, and even his music is here for all fans of Bob Marley. One of the cool features of this book is the format and how the narrative is given using some of the titles of his albums as a backdrop. Just a great book about a great man who passed this world much too quickly but left his mark for all to listen to the whisperings of a mystic. "Bob will come again. Like Christ he shall come in a new name"-Rita Marley.

Songs of Freedom truely gave me as a Bob Marley fan a better look at the life of a legend. Next to Bob's biography, Catch a Fire, this is the best acount of Bob Marley I have read. Songs of Freedom is filled with unseen photgraphs and quotes from Bob's loved ones, friends, and colleagues. An excellent story that has touched me deeply. I give this book a strong recomendation to life long Marley fans and those who have yet to discover the mystery, inspiration, and spirituality in this mans life.

A must for any Bob collection. I found a few new facts, but overall much of the same info elewhere. Get "Catch a Fire" for the story and "Songs of Freedom" for the pictures. It's proudly displayed in my office with the rest of my Bob, Reggae, and Jamaican souvenirs.

I loved this book. The pictures were very nice to look at. This book tends to focus more on Bob's music career then his personal life though. But otherwise this is a great book for all you Marley fans.

Being a huge roots & dancehall fan of almost 7 yrs, this book is essential for any reggae collector of Bob Marley. I first enjoyed the intro by Rita Marley and the rest of the book is great. I must say that it is well-worth the money

One love, Jah Schreiber

Outstanding book.

The book was far more than expected. Delivery was prompt. Good Service.

Thank you.

I just received this book after ordering it here on Amazon (super fast shipping, by the way) and I was immediately impressed with just how comprehensive the entire manual is, how easy the instructions within are implemented, and the way in which everything is explained so even an idiot such as myself can follow along without stumbling. This is the book which SHOULD HAVE come with the Camtasia Studio v4 software when I purchased it just a few months ago.

Of course, TechSmith has just released v5, but I've not seen enough reason to upgrade this time around (I previously owned v3). I highly recommend that you purchase this book.

I would also recommend purchasing Bill Myers' DVD video training on Camtasia which you can find here on Amazon or at his website www(dot)bmyers(dot)com.

Daryl Wilson
Founder, Aladdin Studios

A valuable book for those interested in getting the most out of Camtasia 4. The author culls from his extensive Camtasia experience as he walks the reader through various exercises, expertly weaving in tips and tricks along the way. While the book could do with a heavy copyedit (experienced writers will cringe at the author's frequent use of unnecessary words), the book's substance is well worth the cover price.

I have literally shelves full of computer books.
This is one of very few I've actually read cover-to-cover.

But the book is structured so that for the most part you can read any one chapter without missing out on information that depends on a previous chapter.

I've even wound up taking some of his hardware advice. Otherwise, I never would have thought to purchase a preamp with as dorky a name as "Audio Buddy"...LOL...

If you're using Camtasia Studio to produce instructional or sales videos - or considering using it - this is the book you need.

I fall into the newbie category and had to come up to speed very quickly, using Camtasia Studio 4 to record and produce several video podcasts of PowerPoint presentations for my company. I bought several books and read "how-to's" on the internet, but this book turned out to be my savior. If you buy only one book, this one should be the one.

The cat in the hat on this CD, with perfect piano accompaniments at key moments, is just perfect. Could not do better.
I don't like the other stories as much, but that one in itself is worth the purchase.

My kids love Dr. Seuss, I love not having to read to them in the car! Great for trips when you just can't take another row row row your boat. These are all read by actors that Mom and Dad know so it's great for us to hear them reading childrens books.

These stories are really well read! I play them in the car for my 4 and 3 year olds and I even enjoy listening along. I like that they don't have the page turn dings.

My son listens to these over and over with or without the book. He enjoys the narrators and has almost memorized the books.

The children enjoy hearing their favorite Dr. Suess read by the familiar voices we all know.

Finally, a quilt book that makes perfect sense! Of all the quilt books I've bought, this is the first one I sat down & actually read cover to cover. Judy Martin wrote this book in plain English & all of the questions I had were answered & understandable. This book has changed the way I quilt!

I've been a sewer for years and have just begun quilting. I've purchased several "how to" and pattern books by different authors in order to get a feel for the quilting and design process. Judy's book is THE BEST. It is very readable and all instructions are clearly written. Her tips on cutting and sewing pieces THAT FIT TOGETHER are easy and logical and make the piecing process foolproof. Her approach truly does empower a quilter. Hats off!

The text in Judy Martin's Creative Pattern book is extremely well written and is very easy to understand. Every quilter should read the 7 Secrets of Sewing Success in this book. Judy's book inspires the quilter to have the confidence and knowledge to create a quilt. The Creative Pattern Book is a well organized book with lovely color and includes 12 patterns of quilts. Each of the 12 patterns have several variations showing details of the fabric, color and quilting. This book is one that you will use often as it has everything you want in a quilt book.

Finally, a quilt book that makes perfect sense! Of all the quilt books I've bought, this is the first one I sat down & actually read cover to cover. Judy Martin wrote this book in plain English & all of the questions I had were answered & understandable. This book has changed the way I quilt!

Finally, a quilt book that makes perfect sense! Of all the quilt books I've bought, this is the first one I sat down & actually read cover to cover. Judy Martin wrote this book in plain English & all of the questions I had were answered & understandable. This book has changed the way I quilt!

I found some sections of the book relatively boring, however, the book as a whole I found very interesting. I recommend not purchasing the book, and just getting it for free from your library or just going to your local bookstore and reading it over a period of 2-3 days. I finished the book in 2 days, and it is a fairly easy read.

I have long been interested in the connection between science and spirituality. I've read David Bohm's works and watched "What the Bleep do We Know?" So when I heard about the Divine Code I immediately started reading it and finished it within one day. I was inspired and energized to live a more fulfilling life. For all the skeptics out there who don't believe in anything that we cannot perceive with our senses, hear is a resounding answer. The power of gratitude and positive thinking is supported by scientific experiments as this wonderful author elucidates in this easy to read book.

Murakami concludes that life is such a miracle that it must be the product of "somthing great." He briefly touches on the possibility that we have a soul and reincarnate.

I was inspired to search out new information on the soul and reincarnation and a friend recommended
"This Side of the Gate" by John P. Johnston.
It's a fascinatingly fresh look at these concepts and adds insight into what Murakami speculates on. These new books have inspired me once again to rededicate myself to the spiritual quest.

here is a great quote from page ix: "A recent experiment I led, which I will describe in detail later, found that laughter significantly reduced blood-sugar levels in diabetics after meals" WOW

It is not uncommon to find top scientists revealing an interest in religion or spirituality later in their careers. Sometimes it has always been present, as in the Nobel Laureate John Eccles, but in others it appears as a sense of wonder as they learn more about the machinery of the Universe. Kazuo Murakami is a world-class geneticist who seems to fall into the second category.

The book begins with some very basic descriptions about genetics. He then moves on to a description about the fluid nature of genes. He is quite correct that most are switched on and off depending upon environmental conditions and, most of the time, most are barely functioning. He also talks about the apparent transmission of genes between sexual partners and the inheritance of acquired characteristics. All this is true, and part of a revolution in our understanding of how genes function. It was long assumed that most had to be fixed little programmers, because how otherwise could the structural and functional integrity of the body be maintained? But things are not quite so simple. I think that I may have been the person who coined the term "The Dancing Genes," to describe this strange paradox.

We then get into the third section, where he discusses some of his own research that appears to indicate an effect of positive psychology on gene expression. It was this that so impressed the Dalai Lama at a meeting in Dharamsala, India, some eighteen months ago. We already know that stress can inhibit the expression of a gene involved in the synthesis of acetylcholine: one of the key players in many cognitive functions and in Alzheimer's disease. So it is entirely plausible that positive mental states may do something good to our genes. In a study of people with type II diabetes, he found that laughter was associated with an apparent change in the activity of 23 genes. He does not mention in the book that these were 23 out of 18,716 genes that were screened. Naturally that rather changes the impact of the findings. Nonetheless, the research is interesting and needs to be replicated by independent researchers, so that we can better understand it.

He finishes with some suggestions for producing mental states that may perhaps have positive effects on our genes: have noble intentions; be thankful and keep your thoughts positive. Nobody would dispute the value of those sentiments. Though it is also important to note that there is research that has failed to find a correlation between some of these factors, the risk of getting sick and quality of life and survival from some cancers.

In summary, it is great to see a world-class scientist explain in simple terms that biology is not destiny. And that he is in awe at the hidden order of the universe. He certainly goes beyond the data when he makes suggestions about how we should think and live. There's nothing at all wrong with some speculation, but for people not familiar with the field, it's a bit difficult to work out what is fact and what is speculation.

But if it turns out that he is correct, the implications for all of us will be extraordinary.

This book does a wonderful job of driving home one simple but very important point: the importance of gratitude. I know there are many books out there on the power of belief, but this author posits the idea that our genes actually respond to an attitude of gratitude, which is a new idea to me.

Prof. Schatz does not suffer from the scholar's disease of academic-speak and writes a book that clearly demonstrates his expertise on the studio structure. Most books I have read extended the view of the outsider looking in at the star system and not the economics of the studios. "Genius of the System" chronicles the history of the studio's business, that is to say the economics and the people behind the economics.

If you want to read about the business structure of Hollywood during its beginnings, this is the book for you. I cannot recommend it enough.

An easy to read writer, Thomas Schatz details how the studio system worked from the silent era to its final collapse in the 1960s.

He illuminates both the art and the business of films, with keen analysis of how producers, directors and screenwriters created such fine art (and rich profits) -- especially the producers, who are more the authors of Hollywood films than any other group.

He convincingly portrays MGM's Irving Thalberg as a genius of art and commerce and MGM's Louis B. Mayer as a clod (except when dealing with difficult stars).

Schatz offers telling portraits of many others who did their best work under the constraints of the Hollywood system. He details the major studios' styles and how they evolved over the years. It's clear he has read file cabinets of documents, from endless -- but revealing -- memos to how much the stars made(!).

He also puts the film industry in social and cultural context; he even says the anti-communist witch hunts of the 1940s and 1950s were a disguised form of anti-semitism.

In the end, Schatz offers a convincing alternative to the auteur theory.

Thomas Schatz argues in this brilliantly detailed book that even more remarkable then the motion pictures Hollywood produced from the early 20's through about the end of the 40's, was the detailed process of how Hollywood was able to churn out these quality films on a routine basis.

Schatz does a remarkable job of diagraming the rise of the studio system in Hollywood. The book is remarkably easy to follow (compared to any of Andrew Sarris's works) and includes numerous photographs. He focuses most on the trials and tribulations of Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and MGM and their distinct, integrated studio styles (RKO is mentioned to a lesser extent as well).

Producers Irving Thalberg, David O. Selznick, Daryl Zanuck and director Alfred Hitchcock are featured prominently and rightfully so. Also, includes many of the behind the scene battles between studios and directors/producers.

There are some minor criticisms though. He almost completely ignores Paramount and Colombia Pictures. Paramount was as much a factory set-up as MGM and deserves more attention. And the decline of the studio system is sparse compared to the rise of. But aside from that, this book is an enjoyable read and recommend it to anyone who is fascinated with early Hollywood.

Schatz's book is well-rounded and nicely structured. It was a good decision on his part to take a round-robin focus on each studio instead of trying to mix them together, as some authors have. All of the studios had different ideas about what they wanted to achieve in their work, so this approach makes sense. Twentieth-Century Fox and Paramount were left out completely, but Schatz was clearly trying to choose one studio of each type of size and characteristic so as to keep control of the scope of the book.

I did find a glaring error--the finale to "Babes in Arms" was not the minstral number, but the song, "God's Country." In a book of this size, or of any size for that matter, errors will creep in, so it isn't the kiss of death. However, if the reader is familiar with MGM musicals, it may be a small turn-off.

Also, I wasn't satisfied with the epilogue. Instead of citing examples of the comeback of the studio system (LucasFilm, for instance), Schatz simply outlines the creative decline of Alfred Hitchcock. Huh.

Slight shortcomings aside, this book is very entertaining. I wish my film studies textbooks had been this interesting.

Film theorist Andre Bazin once wrote "The American cinema is a classical art, but why not then admire in it what is most admirable, i.e., not only the talent of this or that filmmaker, but the genius of the system." Quite simply author Thomas Schatz had done just that with this groundbreaking and wondrously entertaining history of the Hollywood studio era.

Up until its publication in 1988, film history had been defined by the "auteur" school of thinking where the director is the supreme artist who nurtured the art form. The studio executives- the money men- were relegated to the background and often depicted as crass capitalist who often hindered the creative process.

In Schatz's eyes, men like Carl Laemmle, Darryl F. Zanuck, David O. Selznick, Harry Warner, and Irving Thalberg were intuitive geniuses who understood the art of storytelling and were able to systematically deliver that art to the masses with drive and innovation. From the low rent beginnings of the Nickelodeon to steady decline of the studio system amid the dawn of Television, these men set standards that are sadly not met by today's faceless conglomerates. They all created "the movies" as we fondly perceive it and Schatz lets the creation of 20th century popular culture unfold with a finely turned narrative sweep.

This edition of Girl Genius is an exquisitely well-crafted book. Includes comics from Monday, March 13, 2006 to Friday, February 23, 2007[..] with Agatha in Sturmhalten. It's bound in a kind of plush hardcover that is sturdy and comfortable to read with beautiful cover art. Colors are crisp and vibrant. Several extra drawings are included as well as "An Agatha Heterodyne 1 Minute Mystery." I would love to get the rest of the Girl Genius hardcover books (1-5) but they seem to sell out and become unavailable rather quickly.

Phil and Kaja have done it again, another incredible Girl Genius adventure! I really can't say enough about this series other than I'd recommend it to everyone I know! Sheer fun! The art is great and the hardback format a nice plus for any library. If you're into wacky science adventures and unique characters, try these books, there are now six in the series.

While the artwork and story are up to Foglio's high quality the printing is not. Several pages were stuck together and ink transfered between several two page spreads. Still, the story remains interesting and the illustrations, as always, are wonderful.

Girl Genius 6: Agatha Heterodyne and The Golden Trilobite is a wonderful book for children of all ages, or at least ten to *harumph* years old. In This Volume, Agatha resolves several of the dangling threads of the previous five and unleashes her bent but funny genius.

The production values are high, the binding excellent, and the print clear and readable, and the inking and coloring crisp and well balanced, letting the distinctive Foglio style shine. The writing is funny and not, I think, too reliant on knowing a lot about previous stories, although a working knowledge of #5 would help as it is a direct continuation of the plot.

Buy it and show it to your friends! Show Them ALL!

I think that this is the best comic series running today. They just keep getting better and better. Very funny, very original, and very suspenseful. Fundamentally a steampunk fantasy, clearly anime/manga influenced, but very American in its sly sense of humor. Never predictable, the plot is involved and surprisingly sophisticated. And the art is lovely, if unapologetically cartoonish. I can't wait for the books; I'm reading each page as it comes out on the Girl Genius web site--but I still have a pre-order in for the next volume.

I've been down part of the Colorado from Diamond Creek to Lake Mead but have never had the means or opportunity to see the rest at water's edge. Ed Abbey's text and John Blaustein's photos take me on a vicarious trip that brings back all the excitement of white water and the awsome experience of gazing up and up at the canyon's walls that many only view from the rim. It's a different canyon down there and a river journey allows me to see it all and remember the feel of ancient schist and the plaintive song of the canyon wren. It's a book to read and look at again and again even if you can never visit or revisit the river itself.

As a person how recently did a two week raft trip down the Grand Canyon, I can say that this book visually caputures the essence of the experience! The pictures are wonderful. I have recommended it to my rafting friends as well as some Grand Canyon river guides.

Having done the Colorado in a private raft, The Hidden Canyon absolutely thrilled me - again - as much with its elegant pictures as with Edward Abbey's flat-out-fun narration.

Having rafted the Colorado myself 2 years ago, this was a perfect souvenir-reminder of my trip. The photos in particular are exquisite - some I have no idea how he managed to capture without ending up in the river himself. I lost my Pentax to the very first rapid! This book definitely gives a sense of what the Canyon, the river, and the rapids are like. Makes me want to go back!

I have traveled through the Grand Canyon many times, both on the river and on the trails. John Blaustein has not only been able to capture the beauty of the canyon but also the soul of the river it contains. Abbey's journal is a fine compliment to the pulchritude of the pictures.

a great visual journey into john lennon's life with plenty of intimate photographs

All I can say is that this book is the best I've ever owned on any member of the Beatles. Jammed full of pictures and a detailed bio, this book is everything that you need to know about John Lennon's life, work, and social standings. I give it an A++++. Forwarded by Yoko Ono.

The perfect coffee-table book for fans of John Lennon and his music. Lots of lovely photos and illustrations, plus commentary from Lennon & those closest to him. Includes a very useful chronology & dscography. Highly recommended, as is the film upon which it is based.

i bought this book after seeing the rave reviews it got, thinking it was a real reading book. turned out to be a HUGE, glossy pictorial account..... but it's just as good probably better. awesome rare photos and quotes by the man and friends, and packed full of priceless memories. get it.

This is really a great book. It gave me allot of facts. Not just about the working John but also the person John Lennon. The picuters are big and very well taken. It's pictures we have seen before from the Beatles time. But also pictures from his personal life with his sons and wives. It's a wonderful book and a great tribution to John. I loved it.