Rembrandt Books

This is a great tool to cover many aspects of our relationship with the Father and others, it is a tool. The author hits many of the key relationship factors of everyone at the party. This will be my second time teaching this lesson to our group - I can hardly wait!

I first read this book when given to me by our pediatrician. I was deeply touched by the way in which Nouwen guides us to a deepr look into the painting and ourselves. As the leader for the Sunday Adult Book Study I chose this book to start off our fall classes. It is a delight to share this book with the members of our study group, and to see the light shining within them as the true meaning of the parable sinks in. This is a book that you will want to purchase for yourself, not borrow from a friend or library, as you will want to return to it many times throughout your life as you move through the stages of prodigal, elder son and father yourself.

The response time from ordering to shipping and my receiving was excellent! It was as promised.

This book is soul-wrenching. A Must for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. Brings together both priest and artist: Rembrandt's insights and those of Henri Nouwen. . .

Henri Nouwen had a truly God-given gift - the gift of explaining timeless spiritual truths in very clear, ordinary language in a conversational and deeply captivating way. His words and his explanations imprint themselves into the memory and stay in the heart, and truly help to change lives. Much of his wisdom surely comes from his own struggles, which he admits to in the book - he personally struggled with depression, pride, desire for success and fame, envy, etc. - common human ailments. He also struggled with feeling unworthy of God, and with feeling distant from God. Yet, he learned to overcome his struggles (though he admits that he is still on a journey), and he describes how.

This is the third book I have read by Neuwen. After reading Life of the Beloved I really didn't think that anything could compare, but this book, if not better, is at least just as good. It is an instantly timeless spiritual classic. The whole book is a reflection on Rembrandt's painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son. First Nouwen reflects on the younger son who came back from a foreign land. Then he reflects on the older son who witnesses his younger brother's return. Finally, Nouwen reflects on the father figure. His insights are deep and beautiful. He leads the reader to a natural and yet incredible insight: that after identifying ourselves with both the younger and older brother, we must realize that rather than being either of these two brothers, we are called to become the father!

This book is a great example of rational thinking. The way Paley states his argument is flawless, and he uses all the resources available by his time. His arguments, of course, are no longer useful to creationists, this book was written way before Darwin and Wallace structure their theory, but at his time this was a must read. Even Darwin and Wallace read the book lots of years later, when they were students, and this book imprint (at least as I'm concern) a great prejudice Darwin had to surpass to establish his theory. It is so well written, and, again, so well founded, that dismiss it was quite a task. Recently Dawkins wrote a book "The blind Watchmaker" that was inspired by Paley's "Natural Theology", and solidly refutes his arguments (irrefutable in Paley's time, since no scientific evidence or theory had been powerfully establish as to do so). This is a classic book, it is incredibly interesting from a lot of different perspectives, I highly recommend it.

This book is a great example of rational thinking. The way Paley states his argument is flawless, and he uses all the resources available by his time. His arguments, of course, are no longer useful to creationists, this book was written way before Darwin and Wallace structure their theory, but at his time this was a must read. Even Darwin and Wallace read the book lots of years later, when they were students, and this book imprint (at least as I'm concern) a great prejudice Darwin had to surpass to establish his theory. It is so well written, and, again, so well founded, that dismiss it was quite a task. Recently Dawkins wrote a book "The blind Watchmaker" that was inspired by Paley's "Natural Theology", and solidly refutes his arguments (irrefutable in Paley's time, since no scientific evidence or theory had been powerfully establish as to do so). This is a classic book, it is incredibly interesting from a lot of different perspectives, I highly recommend it.

This book is a great example of rational thinking. The way Paley states his argument is flawless, and he uses all the resources available by his time. His arguments, of course, are no longer useful to creationists, this book was written way before Darwin and Wallace structure their theory, but at his time this was a must read. Even Darwin and Wallace read the book lots of years later, when they were students, and this book imprint (at least as I'm concern) a great prejudice Darwin had to surpass to establish his theory. It is so well written, and, again, so well founded, that dismiss it was quite a task. Recently Dawkins wrote a book "The blind Watchmaker" that was inspired by Paley's "Natural Theology", and solidly refutes his arguments (irrefutable in Paley's time, since no scientific evidence or theory had been powerfully establish as to do so). This is a classic book, it is incredibly interesting from a lot of different perspectives, I highly recommend it.

This book is a great example of rational thinking. The way Paley states his argument is flawless, and he uses all the resources available by his time. His arguments, of course, are no longer useful to creationists, this book was written way before Darwin and Wallace structure their theory, but at his time this was a must read. Even Darwin and Wallace read the book lots of years later, when they were students, and this book imprint (at least as I'm concern) a great prejudice Darwin had to surpass to establish his theory. It is so well written, and, again, so well founded, that dismiss it was quite a task. Recently Dawkins wrote a book "The blind Watchmaker" that was inspired by Paley's "Natural Theology", and solidly refutes his arguments (irrefutable in Paley's time, since no scientific evidence or theory had been powerfully establish as to do so). This is a classic book, it is incredibly interesting from a lot of different perspectives, I highly recommend it.

William Paley's "Natural Theology" was written over two hundred years ago. But it is by no means an historical curiosity, for two reasons. The first is that no author, before or since, ever presented the Argument from Design in a fuller, clearer, or more persuasive form. The prose is elegant, the examples and arguments well crafted, the conclusions precisely stated, and all without either the pious condescension or angry threats typical of much religious apologetics. Paley engages the reader with his sympathetic tone, startling analogies, and shining sincerity. The second reason is that this is one of the most influential books ever written. Every subsequent writer on the Theory of Evolution, from Charles Darwin to Richard Dawkins, stands consciously in the shadow of this masterpiece. Read it yourselves, and find out why.

This book provides the reader with many common sense points of advice that are all very relevant and helpful. It covers many circumstances on an international scale that allows you to feel more at home taking the picture of someone you don't know as well as helpful advice on payment for the picture. This book is essential for anyone with an interest in this sort of work... Bravo to Mr Sammon for writing yet another great reference.

I found this book very helpful. It has great photos that illustrate his points, and it is easy to understand. The thing I would have found more helpful is if he had included more about where to take the exposure, etc., but I realize that is covered in another book..... I loved the book and will reread it many times. Very inspiring. Thank you, Mr. Sammon.

After reading Peterson's books (understanding exposure, beyond portraiture, understanding shutter speed, and more) this book feels not technical enough. It misses technical information that would be very useful to people who'd like to learn, such as f-number, shutter speed, distance from object, metering mode and method etc. Though this information did appear in a few pages, it was not available throughout the book.

Still, the pictures are very appealing and the author does explain how he took them. A lot of emphasis was put on the social side of potrait photography. How to approach, how to get friendly, how to share your pictures. Also, the artistic sides are covered, how to "direct" your model, how to give attention to details (background, framing, light, shadows, etc.). Some technical aspects are indeed mentioned and a few tricks on exposure and light metering and white balance. Also the last few lessons in the book are some photoshop "how-to"s.

I liked the book. I enjoyed the pictures, I did my best to learn the messages from the lessons and liked a lot the authors attitude and explanation way.


To get a good understanding of what lessons are expected in the book take a look at the table of contents. Lessons are titled by the main tip that they deliver.

Rick Sammon is known for his travel and adventure photo guides, but FACE TO FACE offers something different: a focus on the art of making people pictures using a range of methods to capture subjects. These take the form of lessons contrasting different approaches to images and people, using Sammon's own subjects and methods as examples. It's an excellent guide for any photography library, particularly those specializing in portrait photography.

Face to Face by Rick Sammon is one of my favorites books on portrait photography.

It's full with stunning pictures of people from many places around the world. The pictures alone are worth the price of the book.

But in addition to the great pictures, the text is also very informative and entertaining.

Part 2 is my favorite part of the book and full of useful stuff. For example, Rick explains why you should not place the subject in the center for most shots, or why shooting both horizontal and vertical is a good idea for most subjects.

I like the authors writing style. The book is easy to read and the text is a perfect fit for the beautiful images. It never gets boring or too technical. It's clear that the author knows and lovers what he is doing and this is reflecting in his images and his writing.

If you want to improve your photography, I highly recommend this book.

Excellent! Great images.

(Although much of the text is very technical and concerned with small and trivial details.)

This book explain a little about Rembrandt technique and some details in his paints. You can understand how could he painted so beutiful arts. But you won't be Rembrandt reading this book. Only the technique is not sufficient to be a master!
But, if you are a Rembrandt fan, you have to read this book!

This book is generous with loads of quality pictures of the masters work and an equal amount of text for the reader of history and the technical , a good buy certainly worth the money , I really enjoyed this and I suggest it to any one with even just a passing interest in Rembrandt and an insight into how he produced his work , they actually found some of his dna in his paintings (i bet that makes you curious). This and the other book " Rembrandt's Eyes by Simon Schama" is another beauty possibly a bit better than this one Schama's book spend the first half talking a about Peter Paul Rubens and the dreams Rembrandt had of being his equal , both are great companions to each other I recommend them together.

This book is not easy to evaluate, at a first sight is a very irregular book, amazing in many passages but extremely boring in many others, a whole chapter dedicated to the canvas support !?, with a great mass of technical information about thread density and weave, I think it is too much, a very important Rembrandt's trick like "glazing and sweeping" (that it is supossed he created this technique) is just overviewed when it is perhaps one of the constituents for the most amazing passages in many of his paintings.
My conclusion is that despite of Rembrandt's Project and a lot of scholars studying his masterpieces is very, but very little what we know. How he commited his works is an enigma like in Vermeer's case, so there are a lot of books about them but very little valuable information

There isn't much more I can say, which hasn't already been said to reveal the great merits of this book. However I think the sheer quantity of 5 star ratings speaks volumes. This book is essential for any academic or personal study of Rembrandt, especially so for a painter as I am. On top of all the incredible detailed scientific analysis, the text is written very clearly and is even a pleasure to read. Above all, the detail shots of his paint surface, are breath taking and most instructive for any painter. They utilized different levels of magnification to reveal his work from the entirety of the picture down to the microscopic level. This book has revolutionized my studio practice!

Richard T Scott
Joelle-Scott Gallery

A haunting quality of magical wonder and the awe-inspiring power of love to cross all boundaries, overcome impossible obstacles, underlies this moving story. The characters were real, vivid and very touching. I took them into my heart and they stayed with me for a long time after finishing the book.

Like the movie `Somewhere in Time,' Francey had a powerful emotional impact on me and made me cry--it is utterly romantic, delightful, and a pleasure to read. I predict that Francey will become a cherished classic.

"At its heart, a love story or three, FRANCEY is moreover a tale of mystery, betrayal, murder, and sorrow."

Francey is a mature-beyond-her-years sixth grader who has an incredibly close bond to her father, Rick. Rick is a fabulously known architect who has recently been asked to build a manor for Lord Crimson, who is a rich and sorrowful member of English royalty. But Rick is not to build just any manor. He has been asked to build a manor that imitates a seventeenth-century manor that keeps showing up in Lord Crimson's dreams that practically haunt him every day.

Meanwhile, Francey is having these horrible nightmares that somehow turn out to be memories.

It turns out that Francey has taken on the persona of Susan Sebastian, a seventeenth-century noblewoman. And Francey's nightmares are about her lover, Edward Delaney, who was murdered because of their love. Francey also takes on one of Susan Sebastian's amazing attributes; her ability to draw amazingly well. But if Francey's nightmares continue at the force with which they are coming, something terrible is bound to happen.

With the help of Lizzie (Francey's teacher) and Alex (Lizzie's younger brother), will Rick be able to save Francey in time?

Oh my goodness, this book was amazing! It was a pretty quick read but great just the same. It covered everything readers love; mystery, love, betrayal, murder. Not to mention the fact that the characters themselves were amazing. Rick and Francey's relationship was just perfect for this book, along with Lizzie and Alex's relationship, as well.

Francey was such a strong and lovable character from the beginning. I absolutely adored her. I loved all the suspense and mystery in this book. I highly recommend FRANCEY to anyone who loves reading about the seventeenth century, and of course anyone who loves a great love story.

Reviewed by: Breanna F.

Here is a book about love, hope and human bonds that surpass time. It is a book that is not soon forgotten. I read a lot of novels and this one is a top read. I could not put it down and took it to work to sneak in reads throughout the day until I was finished. I immediately fell in love with the characters and wanted to know everything about them. I wanted friends and family like them. I am a reader that many times skim reads a book for plot and story but this book is so well written I didn't want to miss a single word. Here is an author that I want more from if it's comparable to Francey.

I'm at the point in my reading life where it takes something special--a new twist--to catch my imagination. So it is with Martin Dubow's first novel, FRANCEY. It is an intriguing blend of mystery and reincarnation themes.

Disturbingly realistic nightmares pull 10-year-old Francey into a seventeenth-century mystery of love, murder and betrayal. The love and mutual trust of Francey, her father and friends help them to reach back in time to find the surprising answers, changing their lives forever.

It has changed my view of fate, serendipity, and the possibility of eternal love.

Francey St. Michael is perhaps one of the luckiest girls in the world. Her father, Rick, is a renowned architect and dotes on her, and although she never knew her mother, Francey finds a friend in her 6th grade teacher, Lizzie Gingery, and she's wonderfully smart and precocious. But then come the nightmares. Francey's nightmares are more than just a figment of her imagination though. They are memories, memories of a past life when she was a young artist whose lover was brutally killed. As the nightmares grow more menacing, Francey, her father, Lizzie, and Lizzie's brother will be drawn together as they search for an end to these night terrors before they claim Francey's life.

Sinister, suspenseful, and artfully written, Francey is one mysterious and engrossing read. Dubow's vivid wording will ensnare readers as he brings them back to the late 17th century and then up to modern times as Francey's story unfolds. The plot is briskly placed, and thrilling. Thanks to Dubow's keen eye for detail, you'll become intimate with each character and their background, making this an eerie novel that will propel you to read late into the night.

The lives of Rembrandt and the author take vivid shape before the mind's eye of the reader as Henri Nouwen tells the history of Rembrandt's painting. Rembrandt's famous canvas is inextricably intertwined with the story of the painter's own life and, as the author movingly shares, Rembrandt's experience was so powerfully human that it transcends generations and centuries and resonates clearly with contemporary women and men. The Return of the Prodigal Son may be said to be much more than the story of a painting; it is a beautiful story of love conveyed by Rembrandt through his painting.

In as much as love may be considered both human and spiritual, the reader is invited in to the intimacy of two men's deeply human and profoundly spiritual journeys though life. Despite life's suffering and bitterness, the author and the painter share their reasons for maintaining a firm grip on hope and inner peace. This is wonderful jewel of a book that has yet to be discovered and appreciated for it full worth - at least judging by its sales rank.

Having "The Genesee Diary" many years ago, and upon learning of Nouwen's untimely death, I was surprised to learn that he had written over 30 books. I was, and continue to be, overwhelmed by hearing his talk on "The Prodidgal Son." This represents a magnificent synthesis of his lifetime of searching. The fact that his cascade of insights is triggered by the painting of a fellow Dutchman, Rembrandt, and a searching soul as well, is remarkable. Because Nouwen is both priest and psychologist, I found his insights to be even more pointed and thought-provoking. When listening to this tape while driving, I have often pulled off the road because I was stunned by his cutting right to the core of so many issues. This could only come from a lifetime of struggling.

Native Americans believe in the healing power of stories. Jesus was, among other things, a story teller. Nouwen tells his own story of going out and returning, using the prodigal son parable as a framework, in these talks. This is truly a warm, wonderful, and deeply human volume. I highly recommend it.

Nouwen's meditation on the Gospel parable and Rembrant's painted depiction of the Return of the Prodigal Son is amazing. Touching the heart with his honest and transparent identification with each of the three figures central to the story.

This book provides beautiful insights into the spiritual, intellectual and emotional struggles that accompany the various stages and experiences of embodying each of the three figures (Father, Older Son and Younger Son).

This is a book that is approachable and speaks to all. I highly recommend it.

I found this book very moving. It changed how I think about the story of the Prodigal Son, and how I think about my own spiritual journey. Highly recommended. If you read the Genessee Diary and related to Nouwen's personal reflections there, you will get even more out of The Return of the Prodigal Son.

The spiritual genious, Henri Nouwen, carves on paper an enlighting personal experience of Love. By contemplating Rembrandt's masterpiece; "The return of the prodigal son", the author reveals an aparently hidden road to happiness, and impells us to follow his steps towards a deep conversion. It is our own story, one of a long journey away from the Father, pursuing things that keep us far from his motherly womb. He offers always his gentle and healing embrace. Let us walk along with Henri Nouwen towards our home, our Peace, and our true Joy, to the arms of this everforgiving Father.

This book is a treat. As one explores Rembrandt and delights in McEntyre's poetic responses, a relationship of exploration and response is created. And through this process we, the readers, are encouraged to first pause with DRAWN TO THE LIGHT and then find our own poems and our own subjects worthy of exploring-a lovely invitation well worth taking.

Marilyn Chandler McEntyre, professor of English, is an accomplished poet, with grace and sensitivity that crosses artistic media and achieves great expression in volumes such as 'Drawn By the Light: Poems on Rembrandt's Religious Paintings.'

The layout and print quality of this text is remarkable. The colours leap from the page, even given the relatively muted tones and darker tones Rembrandt often used in his sacred topics. Some of the paintings in this small text are the most famous of Rembrandt's; besides his self-portrait on the cover, the book includes the following:

Two Scholars Disputing; Woman Bathing in a Stream; The Sacrifice of Isaac; Jacob Wrestling with the Angel; Jacob Blessing the Children of Joseph; Moses Smashing the Tablets; Hannah and Samuel; The Reconciliation of David and Absalom; Simeon with the Christ Child; The Head of Christ; Christ and the Woman of Samaria; The Return of the Prodigal Son; The Apostle Peter Denying Christ; Christ on the Cross; Christ at Emmaus; Self-Portrait as the Apostle Paul

Rembrandt had an art for taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary; he also brought the biblical stories into his own time period, in architecture, decoration, style of dress. McEntyre similarly brings the biblical stories and paintings into relief in words that are both timeless and current for the present. One cannot tell if the paintings adorn the poems or the poems adorn the paintings. The details brought out of the paintings, both in McEntyre's words and the highlighted sections of paintings assist in setting a mood of reflection that includes both the big picture and the details.

McEntyre's poetry sometimes seeks the thoughts and emotions of Rembrandt. Other times, the poetry seeks to elaborate upon and seek the meaning brought out in the paintings themselves. Her words invite emotional reflection, spiritual growth, theological inquiry, and a search into the mysteries of life, particularly life with God. God is in the shadows of the paintings; God is in the deep-etched faces of the people; God is in the verse.

God is also in the questions. Perhaps the most powerful piece here, and one of the most famous painting accompanying, is the Sacrifice of Isaac. McEntyre's verse speaks of the questions: 'What kind of God would require such appalling fidelity?' Of course, Abraham was faithful, but not without cost, as McEntrye continues that 'some madness will always haunt him', and Sarah his wife will always mistrust him, her eyes darkened with suspicion.

Further in the text, McEntyre explores another famous painting, the Return of the Prodigal Son. Here she speculates on the painter's gaze, as well as the human condition -- so little in life is private, and even reconciliation comes with a great cost. The prodigal son receives forgiveness, but the painting, like the gospel parable, is just a snapshot. The prodigal now returned will continue to bear his brother's enmity and be in his father's debt. McEntyre compares this with the attire of the prodigal -- that he will wear his past as a hair shirt regardless of the more festal vestments he dons over himself.

In all, this is a fascinating and wonderful text, a great meditation tool, and great for new insights into these important paintings.

"Drawn to the Light" is the perfect book with which to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt's birth. The meditative poems of Marilyn Chandler McEntyre will convince you that no full-blown biography is needed to appreciate the strengths of this artist. Your celebration should involve the opening of heart, mind and soul to Rembrandt's gift of shedding light - illuminating those aches we hold in common - the Joys, also.

Many will have absorbed vague prejudices, that Rembrandt was profligate. Yes, he did suffer his wife Saskia's death in 1642, and a traumatic bankruptcy in the mid-1650s. He was not known to be an active church-goer but his spirituality is revealed through his art. It is evident in his paintings from Biblical themes that his knowledge of these stories was not shallow.

Poet McEntyre must have experienced many different emotions as she studied the paintings, and wrote about Rembrandt's interpretations. Readers, too, doubtless have many varied reactions while studying these paintings, shown here in excellent reproduction.

In reverie I feel as though I've 'audited' three courses : in religion, painting & writing, and there has been revealed a new understanding of Rembrandt's ingenious use of brush & palette. Augmented by one's favored translation from the New Testament, it becomes an unforgettable encounter.

It isn't widely known that the famous "Return of the Prodigal" was left on Rembrandt's easel at his death and later completed by a pupil. The poignancy and power of this story in poetry and painting, foretelling a future of living with consequences - does make us more aware of the universality of an aching need for forgiveness. The painting is a threefold revelation with meditation, and the study of Henri Nouwen's "Return of the Prodigal Son"(isbn # 0385473079) and McEntyre's poem. The world could be transformed by such study, believes this reviewer.

I loved this book. The poems, like the art work, are beautiful and provocative. And true. I spent a peaceful, prayerful afternoon with it, but am looking forward to working with it at a women's conference and at another meeting where members enjoy experiencing art in various contexts. It would also be a great gift idea for homebound people, for it is both broadening but not intimidating. Experience it for yourself.

That is a book not only talking about a great artist but also talking about the unique thought of a Dutchman who lived 500 years ago. It is a book of that time's folk history. You may get a vivid picture of Dutch life over the time tunnel. It also can help you understand the Dutchs at present time.

who attempted (unsuccessfully) to discharge Rembrandt's bankruptcy. For me, this represents another aspect of the story of mankind.

Endearing re-telling of Rembrandt's life by a loving friend of his. This story is not an impartial and academic view of the artist but rather an intimate description of the everyday life of Rembrandt and those who surrounded him during his time. Some understood the genius and loved him, others considered him no less than a heretic follower of Satan and everybody else in between is mentioned in this wonderfull diary that had not been meant to ever be published.

This biography was written to exorcise an obsession faced by the author after the great painter's death. It was never intended to be published, and there are spots when it is painfully apparent that Van Loon was no writer by profession. However, the very fact that we have here a memoir written by the Rembrandt family physician, makes this a most intimate account of the unfortunate Rembrandt's waning days.

The obsession gripping Van Loon after Rembrandt died, a penniless nobody in society's eyes, was mainly that such a wealthy nation would so abuse one of its own greatest men as to let him starve while richly rewarding others of much less talent. The book is a fascinating account of Rembrandt's struggles with finances and with the narrow mores of the clergy of the day.

The circumstances under which we enter the artist's inner circle are somber, yet the book has many lighthearted examples of Rembrandt's eccentricities and his all-too-temporary successes. The author digresses occasionally into an account of his own life, rather than sticking strictly to Rembrandt's, however, these passages are charming and give a very realistic view of the political and economic aspects of those years in Dutch history.

The book ends rather ironically, with the author mentioning another area in which his country may have missed the boat -- he chronicles how the powers that be negotiated a trade with England of the Dutch possession Niew Ansterdam for some seemingly more profitable tract in Suriname. Of course, the English renamed their new posession "New York".

All in all, an unquestionably delightful account, not just for the art-lover, but the history buff as well.

My younger daughter is now 11 years old, so the nightly bedtime stories that I read to her for years are mostly a thing of the past, but not completely. Sometimes I'll stumble upon a children's book that is especially noteworthy, both for the story content and the illustrations, and "Rembrandt's Hat" is definitely one of those. Rembrandt himself is a sweet and unassuming bear, with gentle eyes. Losing his hat, and struggling find the right replacement, is a simple predicament that we can all relate to. His quirky animal friends all offer sincere and humorously inadequte suggestions, until Rembrandt himself solves the dilemma. Blackaby's dialogue is smart, and DePalma's illustrations will have you chuckling. We especially got a kick out of the way DePalma included little fragments of words, maps and even Chinese kanji characters on every page, with no obvious rhyme or reason behind them. "Rembrandt's Hat" is a delightful read for kids and parents alike. We give it an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

"On what began as a fine day, a bear named Rembrandt lost his hat. He had stopped in the park to watch a clown juggle eggs, and while he was watching, a gust of wind snagged the tip of his hat and carried it away, just like that..." A good day turned suddenly bad, and even with the help of a well-meaning bird, cat, and rabbit, poor Rembrandt can't find the right replacement for his much loved and prized possession..... Susan Blackaby and Mary Newell DePalma have authored a simple, little magical tale, full of endearing characters and hats of every shape, size, and color. Ms Blackaby's gentle text, with its humorous dialogue, poses the problem. But it's Ms DePalma's vibrant and engaging illustrations that really tell the story and steal the show, and little ones will enjoy all the marvelous, expressive details found in each picture. With its satisfying, happily-ever-after ending, Rembrandt's Hat is perfect for youngsters 4-8, and a sweet lesson in patience and perseverance that shouldn't be missed

I bought 2 copies of this book and took one to my grandchildren in Virginia. 6 yr. old Charlotte listened to me read it and on each page asked me which hat I liked best. Two weeks later SHE read it to ME, needing help with only a few words.....again we chose which had we liked best on each page. Suzie is a very talented writer with a wonderful sense of humor! Children (and grandmothers) will live this!
Charleen

Rembrandt's Hat captures both young and mature readers. My 12 year old related Rembrandt's search for his comfortable favorite hat to his search for identity. My three year old just loved the hats - she's always losing her favorite things, so the topic tickled her.
I myself loved the book (occasionally bolting from my comfy chair, yelling "cramp!") for Blackaby's witty prose. Blackaby's gentle sentences convey a world of hidden meanings.
I recommend this book for all ages. Rembrandt's Hat is a classic to keep on your shelf for many coming generations.

We first saw this book as a reference source in an art gallery that was selling original Rembrandt etchings. The book provides an explanation of how the etchings were produced and provides photos of all (found) Rembrandt etchings in their original sizes. Since we were not very familiar with Rembrandt's etchings or with the differences in the appearance of originals produced later using the same plates, this book helped provide us with a means to evaluate the ones being sold at the gallery.
The book is also priced well and makes a great coffee table book.

Rembrandt didn't invent etching, but he very nearly reinvented it. He did more with mixed processes, especially drypoint and etching, than anyone before him. He was also among the first to use etching as a drawing medium, giving it a freedom it had never had before.

One distinctive feature of this book is that each print is reproduced full size. That gives the viewer unique insight into each work - was it small enough to fit the hand, or so big it had to be worked on a bench or table? Just how fine was that texture of lines? Even the biggest prints are presented full size, in a set of oversized sheets that come with the book.

Probably hundreds of authors have written about Rembrandt's art, especially his drawing and etchings. I don't have much to add except what I personally have learned from his work. As well as light and dark, Rembrandt modulates a picture in levels of detail. Look at B76, for example, "Christ presented to the people." The central figures have expression and nuance. Outliers, like those towards lower left are barely sketched in. It's a fascinating way for the artist to guide the viewer's attention.

One author (I forget who) was asked to name the finest printmaker of all time. He started by eliminating Rembrandt, on the grounds that this master went so far past any mortal skill that he was outside of merely human history. This book shows just where that claim came from.

//wiredweird

Although budget-priced, this edition is a winner, in my opinion. All of Rembrandt's etchings are reproduced on a heavy-stock paper that is of the proper degree of shine necessary to bring out the full, crisp nuances of the etchings. The result are vividly life-like etchings that show all their intricate details. Faces and people come alive, almost jumping out of the page. The Dover people were right in thinking that only a shiny, heavy-stock paper could bring out the full details of the etchings, to create reproductions that are as closely realistic as the original impressions. Also, almost all of the impressions seem of the proper degree of sharpness and darkness necessary to bring out their details. My only problem is that the book is somewhat heavy and bulky, but this is the price to pay for the heavy-stock paper needed for excellent reproductions, each of the same size as the originals. There are also some extra inserts in the book that reproduce in full size several etchings that are too big to fit life-size within the dimensions of the book. The inclusion of these inserts is considerate on the part of the authors, showing their dedication to bringing out the full artistry of the etchings, and ensuring that the common budget book-buyer has full access to these etchings in their most vivid, almost museum-like form.