Publications Books

Hi my name is Skyler Williams and Allen Iverson is my favorite basketball player. I've liked him ever since the first time I saw him play. He plays like he's been playing all of his life every day, but he didn't start until he was ten years old. I like his cross-over alot, but my favorite move is his comercial move, the answer shoe commercial. I am hoping that he does more commercials. I like his cornrows. Someday I hope to meet him. If I ever met him I would probably faint. I think it is awsome how he is so good and yet he started playing at the age of 10. I like the way he is shorter than everybody and he is still better than everybody. I think that he is the next Michael Jordan. Every move he does, I try to do and it takes me an hour to get it good and he is the one that makes them up. That is awsome. And he is good at making poems and rap songs. He might come out with a record. He is also good at football and won the AAA MVP award in high school. I wish I could meet him. I have collected 50 of his basketball cards so far and I am hoping to collect some more. Allen Iverson is the best.

Skyler Williams

WHATZ UP TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I JUST HAVE A COUPLE OF THINGSTO SAY TO/ABOUT ALLEN IVERSON. I LOVE YOU AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

buy this book.It is the best

I thought the book was very entertaining, mainly because of my love for the man the book was based on. I think he is great basketball player and I have never known a point guard to score like him. Although we live two different lifestyles, I admire you because you shine regardless! I love that about you. My personal advice to Allen Iverson is to keep your head up and continue ballin'. The next Director of Public Relations for a team in the league, Miss La'Keisha

I LOVE IVERSON he is an true role model. He went through alot as a child and teen and still going through pure hell as an adult. He shows me that you should never give up and forget where you come from. If you have an goal and dont understand Iverson and you only know him as an ball player and dont know why he has so many fans you should read this book. It made me think and rewind my thoughts on the game of basketball and look at him as a total different person. Hes a true role model and thats why true fans like me dont look at him and just see cornrows and tattoos we see an awesome gift from god and a pro at the game of life as well

The author is as gifted a writer as he is a photographer. His eloquent narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat, while his photographs will amaze you. You will enjoy this book whether you are a patriot, naturalist, environmentalist, sportsman, photography buff, writer, adventurer, or couch potato. Every American should own this book.

John Pezzenti has the nobility of an eagle...the stamina of a panther and the endurance of an owl intent on it's foe. He is beyond any human explanation of what a photograher should or could ever aspire to be. When I experience his photograghs I am transformed to the reality that all mankind could benifit from his example. We are but players in the realm of a wonderous life cycle...not within our command but certainly within our protection. Thank You John for your gift and sharing it!

This book is absolutely exquisite. My husband is an avid eagle fan, a gorgeous coffee table quality book of photos was the perfect gift to add to his collection. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is an admirer of eagles.

Prepare yourself for another exhilarating adventure by one of wildlife photography's most talented photojournalists. John Pezzenti, Jr. has the unique ability to take his reader on a journey filled with fascinating tales and unparalleled photographs. In the American Eagle Pezzenti brilliantly captures the very essence and spirit of an American treasure - the powerful and majestic bald eagle - photographed by many but rarely to such perfection. Depicting the bald eagle in every conceivable situation, Pezzenti begins his photographic journey from the Florida Everglades through picturesque New England and northwest to Alaska - his home territory. I thoroughly enjoyed Pezzenti's engaging stories and portrayals of the dedicated eagle protectors across America who work tirelessly toward the survival of this magnificent bird. The photos alone make The American Eagle a "must have" for anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love of America's national treasure. Once again, Pezzenti has proven himself to be one of wildlife's finest photographers working in the field today.

Not long ago I sat with John Pezzenti Jr. in his beat up Suburban that he uses for nature photography as rain pounded upon the roof. John showed me a pre-release copy of his newest book, American Eagle. My 13 year old nephew from California looked over my shoulder as I turned each page, stunned by the breadth and depth of John's photographic coverage of this symbol of America. To say this is a remarkable book is an under statement. My nephew summed up how magnificant this book is when we were driving back home. "John's pictures are amazing," Shane said. "I'm going to start saving today so I can buy that book when it comes out!"

This is the bible for children's folksongs, with artwork by Barbara Cooney the icing on the cake!

Our family has loved this songbook very much. There are ninety songs in the book. Written by Pete Seeger's sister, American Folk Songs for children has songs each of them suggests an activity. There are songs for going places, songs for knocking on doors and windows, songs for eating, songs for dancing, and many others. I would like to buy a copy as a gift, and I hope there is a reprint date soon.

This is the book with the favorite songs from my long ago childhood. So I bought it for my daughter so she could sing these to my grandchildren.

It has the good songs. Songs with lots and lots of verses. Fun songs for older kids and songs to sing babies to sleep.

This book is a treasure! The introduction gives a wonderful background on these authentic folk songs and how they can be used with children. This is an essential book for music teachers, but also great for parents. Be careful, though, because once the children know the songs you'll hear them over and over again... :)

I own a copy of the original print of this book. It posseses some of the most whimsical little songs I have yet to hear. Its just...fabulous...and I don't even know how to play any instruments....lol

This is a wonderful book. It really fleshes out the remains of Rome's ancient monuments

We're planning a trip to Rome and like to prepare by reading about places we'll be seeing. This gives a very good explanation of the Roman building remains in an interesting manner.

Great book
love to see rome then and now
makes history come alive

This book uses overlays to show what Ancient Rome looked like when everything was new and in good shape. Then, you can flip the overlay and see how things look now. I always wondered how things looked then and wished I had a time machine to go back to those days. This book is the second-best thing to a time machine. The artists have done a great job of reconstructing the famous buildings, forums and temples. The book is well worth the money and is less expensive from Amazon than buying it in Rome.

This is a great book but way too expensive. I could have bought the exact book in Rome for less than half the price from a vendor at the Colosseum but decided to wait until I got home.

My niece is into dancing and reading books, so the Angelina Ballerina series if perfect for her. I chose to give her this book for Christmas because it fit the holiday theme.

I really loved this book. It was my very first book I got. Of course I got it because my name is Angelina. When I was little I used to think the book was actually about me! I own the first publication of this book and noticed that in the original one I've got it says "Santa Clause" and in the new one that my little cousin has it says "Father Christmas". I don't understand the change. Although I still recommend this book for any little girl who loves to dance, or who's name is Angelina!

I came across Angelina's books a while ago. ...Great book, speaks to the kids for real

This beautifully illustrated tale gives the reader a warm feeling when a retired postal worker, who is alone in the world, is visited by Angelina and invited to appear as Father Christmas at the school Christmas show. The community appreciates his contribution and he is invited to the school show every year. This is a wonderful reminder to us all that the elderly should not only be cherished, but that they still have much to offer to the community.

Young Angelina Ballerina couldn't be more upset when she spots old Mr. Bell sitting all by his lonesome at Christmastime, looking like a sad puppy. Mr. Bell used to be the jovial postman in town, who brought gifts and cards to everyone during the holidays, and played the town Santa Claus for all of the little mouselings. Angelina, full of Christmas spirit, decides that it is up to her to make Mr. Bell's season bright. So, with the help of her young cousin Henry, as well as her father, Angelina bundles up some cookies and cakes to bring to Mr. Bell. But when they arrive, Henry is too concerned about Christmas Eve, and whether or not he will have the chance to see Santa Claus in the flesh, to notice the joy that twinkles in Mr. Bell's eyes at the prospect of visitors and good, old-fashioned holiday cheer. When Henry learns that Santa Claus comes in the middle of the night, and that he won't get to speak to the illustrious Saint Nick, he bursts out in tears. That is, until he learns that there's a live Santa Claus living amongst them all, right here in town, and that his presence will not only bring a smile to young Henry's face, but fill old Mr. Bell with the joy of the holiday, as well.

ANGELINA BALLERINA can be called nothing less than a children's icon. Her presence in numerous glorious children's books, and now in her own TV show make her more and more well-known, while her lovable, kind heart grows bigger by the day. Katharine Holabird works wonders with a pen, as she tells the tales of the young, ballet-loving mouseling who has big dreams, accompanied by an even bigger heart; while the gorgeous, full-color illustrations by Helen Craig bring each and every Angelina "tail" to life. ANGELINA'S CHRISTMAS is a charming addition to the mouseling library, and a wonderful holiday classic for all!

Erika Sorocco

A lot of people hear the word "Art" and think of a painting on the wall or a sculpture proudly displayed on a table or mantle. The lush images in this book remind us that we can incorporate "Art" into every physical part of our lives. There's no need to sacrifice form for function or beauty for utility. All you have to do is look at the woodwork, the floors, the lighting, the walls, and, yes, the decorative objects--in short, every aspect of an art nouveau home--to see "Art" in the smallest detail. Art Nouveau exemplifies the principle of "Art for Life".

First off, thank you Paul! I have loved Art Nouveau from childhood, before I ever knew what the style was called. It is somewhere in my blood. ART NOUVEAU, 1890-1914 (pronounced Art Newvo) is like something from a dream. The photographs alone are worth buying this book for!

Here are the chapters along with two or more of my favorite works from each:

1 THE STYLE AND THE AGE
Emile Galle' "Hand." Hot-worked glass with patination. French, 1904. Victor Horta, Hotel Tassel (Tassel House) First-floor landing with view towards staircase. Brussels, 1893.
2 ALTERNATE HISTORIES
Gustav Klimt, Pallas Athene. Oil on Canvas, Austrian, 1898. Museen der Stadt Wien, Vienna. / Doorway with two jambs and a pillar from the 11th-century church at Urnes, Norway. Late 19th-century plaster cast.
3 THE CULT OF NATURE
Louis Majorelle and Daum Freres, pair of magnolia lamps. Gilt bronze and carved glass. French, c.1903. / Louis Majorelle and Daum Freres, Le Figuier de Barbarie. Lamp of patinated bronze and carved glass. French, 1903.
4 SYMBOLS OF THE SACRED AND PROFANE
"Spiritualism: In philosophy the state or condition of mind opposed to materialism or a material conception of things." Madame Blavatsky, Theosophic Glossary, 1892.
Rene Lilique, Dragonfly Woman*** corsage ornament. Gold, enamel, chrysoprase, moonstones and diamonds. French, c.1897-98. Calouste Gullbenkian Museum, Lisbon. / Gustav Klimt, Judith II (Salome). Oil on canvas. Austrian, 1909.
5 THE LITERARY HERITAGE
6 ORIENT AND OCCIDENT
Tsuba (sword guard). Iron with gold and silver inlay. Japanese, c.1700-1800. / Inro (small container). Wood with black, gold and brown lacquer and glazed pottery., Japanese, c. 1775-1800. Signed Mochizuki Hanzan.
7 ARABESQUES: NORTH AFRICA, ARABIA AND EUROPE
(left and right) Glass flasks from Persia (Iran). c, 1885. / (centre) Glass flask by L.C. Tiffany & Co. ***American, 1896.
8 LE STYLE ANGLAIS: ENGLISH ROOTS OF THE NEW ART

James McNeill Whistler, Peacock Room for the Frederic Leyland Hourse, 1876. Courtesy of the Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. / Alexander Fisher, peacock sconce.** Steel, bronze, silver, brass and enamel. English, c.1889.
9 THE AGE OF PAPER
Camille Martin, Portfolio, L'Estampe orignale.* Tooled mosaic leather. French, 1893. / Henri Bellery-Desfontaines, L'Enigme. Colour lithograph. French, 1898.
10 MOULDING WOOD: CRAFTSMANSHIP IN FURNITURE
Rupert Carabin, table, Wood. French, 1896. [I wish you could see this photo.** Two nude women on either side of the rectangular table have arms outstretched to hold the x top left of it, and their heads are the top right side of the x and their knees are bent to go down the bottom right of the x respectively.] / Eugene Gaillard, dining room** [black and white but oh I can see it in full color!] L'Art Nouveau Bing, Expositioin Universelle, Paris, 1900.
11 THE NEW TEXTILES
Henry van de Velde, dress** Belgian, 1900. / Otto Eckmann, Five Swans. Woven tapestry. German, 1896-97.
12 THE NEW CERAMICS: ENGAGING WITH THE SPIRIT
Agathon Leonard, part of a table setting: Jeu de l'echarpe. Porcelain.* French, 1898. / Weduwe N.S.A. Brantjes, dish.** Earthenware, Dutch, c.1900.
13 THE NEW GLASS: A SYNTHESIS OF TECHNOLOGY AND DREAMS
Louise Comfort Tiffany, vase.** Glass with applied and marvered colours, combed. American, 1895.
14 MODERN METAL
Horta House, view from the music room towards the dining room. *** 1898-1900. /Fernand Dubois, candelabra.** Electro-plated bronze. Belgian, c.1889.
15 JEWELLERY AND THE ART OF THE GOLDSMITH [one of my favorite chapters]
Phillipe Wolfers, orchid hair ornament, gold, enamel, diamonds and rubies.*** Belgian, 1902. / Ren' Lilique, iris bracelet.*** Gold, enamel and opals. French, 1897. / Rene Lalique, damselflies necklace.*** Gold, enamel, aquamarines and diamonds. French, c.1900-02. / Rene Lalique, winged female figure.*** Bronze. French, c.1899-1900. / Alphonse Mucha, bodice ornament.*** Gold, ivory, enamel, opals, pearls, and coloured gemstones. Czech, c.1900.

Ok, time for just the chapter titles and most essential loves listed from each chapter. This gives you an idea of how comprehensive this book is!

16 THE CONCENTRATED ESSENCE OF A WRIGGLE: ART NOUVEAU SCULPTURE
Jean Dampt, The Fairy Melusine and the Knight Raymondin. French, 1894.
17 THE PARISIAN SITUATION: HECTOR GUIMARD AND THE EMERGENCE OF ART NOUVEAU
Hector Guimard, principal entrance to Le Castel Beranger.** Paris, 1898.
18 VICTOR HORTA AND BRUSSELS
All the photos from the Victor Horta House!
19 MUNICH: SECESSION AND JUGENDSTIL
Franz von Stuck, The Sin. Oil on canvas. German, c.1906.
20 SECESSION IN VIENNA
Josef Hoffmann, Palais Stoclet, detail of tower.** Brussels, 1905-11.
21 GLASGOW: THE DARK DAUGHTER OF THE NORTH
22 LOUIS SULLIVAN AND THE SPIRIT OF NATURE
Adler and Sullivan, Transportation Building, Columbian Worlds Fair. Chicago, 1893.
23 BARCELONA: SPIRITUALITY AND MODERNITY
Lluis Domenech i Montaner, auditorium of Palau de Musica Catalana.*** Barcelona, 1905-08. / Antoni Gaudi, Casa Batllo, detail of fascade.*** Barcelona, 1904-06. / And all photos of Antoni Gaudi, Sagrada Familia!***
24 BUDAPEST: INTERNATIONAL METROPOLIS AND NATIONAL CAPITAL
Odon Lechner, interior of The Museum of Applied Arts.*** Budapest, 1896./ Zsolnay factory, vase. Prcelain-faience covered in Eozin glaze.** Hungarian, 1899.
25 THE NEW ART IN PRAGUE (where my violin was made)
Oswald Polivka, entrance to the Novak Building.** Nove Mesto, prague, 1901-04./ Interior and exterior photos of Osvald Polivka and Antonin Balsanek, the Municipal House
26 HELINSINKI: SAARINEN AND FINNISH JUGEND
27 MOSCOW MODERN
Elena Polenova, plate from Mir Isskustva. St. Petersburg, 1900.
/ Fyodor Shekhtel, both photos from the Riabushinsky mansion.*** Moscow 1900-02.
28 LOUIS COMFORT TIFFANY AND NEW YORK [another one of my favorite chapters--I adore L.C.T!]
Everything! Four Seasons window. Leaded favrile glass. American, 1897.
29 TURIN: STILE FLOREALE, A LIBERTY FOR ITALY?
The coolest chair I've seen in a long time: Carlo Bugatti, chair.*** Parchment over wood, copper, paint. Italian, 1902.
30 A STRANGE DEATH...
"Decorative Art can no longer exist any more than the 'style' themselves...Culture has taken a step forward and the hierarchical system of decoration has collapsed." Le Corbusier, L'Art decoratif d'aujourd'hui, 1925.
ILLUSTRATED OBJECT LIST: ART NOUVEAU 1890-1914 EXHIBITION, NATIONAL GALERY OF ART, WASHINGTON. Perhaps the best for last, has thumbnails of 375 additional pieces! I love it!

Listening to King Crimson The Power to Believe...awesome too.
Soar!

This is the book to get on Art Nouveau. The authoritative essays are well annotated, and an excellent bibliography is included. The illustrations are very fine. Of course this is a nice "coffee table book," but really this is a wonderful reference book for scholars of the Fin de Siècle-Belle Époque. Highly recommended!

A book of incredible detail and beauty. I first saw this book in my local library and decided I simply must have it. There are print art, furniture and jewellry, arcitecture examples and more. Worth the purchase price to the last penny!

This is a rare gem among art histories: A well researched book that an average person will enjoy as much as a researcher. What makes this book stand out from other books about art nouveau is how thorough it is (It is phone book thick) and the quantity and quality of the pictures. All the reproductions of art in this book are color, with the obvious exception of older photographs of artists and occasionally architecture or artifacts that no longer exist except in black and white pictures.

The book takes the theory that art nouveau was part of a social response to industrialization. So the art is defined as art that used a return to nature or investigation into magic to try to make sense of the world. Art works are organized by what materials they were created from (jewelry, ceramics, textile, commercial advertising prints). Paintings and some examples of the other medias are grouped by country with a historical write on art nouveau in that geographical region.

This book is great. The high quality color reproductions and so many of them are worth looking through again and again. If you are at all into art nouveau then you are likely to love this book. Libraries should make this available because of the wonderful high quality color reproductions.

Before bying this book, i think i loaned it about 40 or 50 times at my local library. Benvies way of passing his knowledge to his readers is exceptional. This book is a 1'st class learning book, for he who wants to know more about nature photography in general, it commes all the way around, there isn't much that isn't discribet in the book. Ofcourse it dosn't goes very deeb on all subjects, but it is a very good overall book for, both the beginner and he who has come further. If i only could own one book, this would probably be the one.
Kim T, Denmark

As an amateur nature photographer intent on getting to the next level, I have purchased quite a few books on nature and wildlife photography. Many of them are not specific enough and provide too much general photography information. This book is different. To start with, the images are outstanding. This guy is an expert at DOING. That's the kind of teacher I want! Most importantly, the book is full of HOW and WHY. This book is chock-full of tips and information on what works, what doesn't, and how to do it. I found this book more helpful than John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide. Although I liked that book, I found myself a little disappointed when I finished it. It didn't have as much "meat" as this book does. I highly recommend it. And the price is a steal!

It has been quite long since John Shaw's books that I come across another gem which I would like to have on my bookshelves.
This one is well written and organized. It is to the point (very different from Galen Rowell's) and it's really helpful for those who have little time and are impatient.
The author shares techniques, viewpoint and practical ideas --- very much like John Shaw's books.

Niall Benvie's THE ART OF NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY is both informative and inspiring. Benvie believes that photography is an art, but nature photographers are artists in a different way because they are more preoccupied with capturing the subject at hand rather than expressing the self. The book includes excellent tips on preventing mistakes before the shutter is released-not an easy feat for a person involved in nurture photography. He offers basic advice about composition, lighting, flash, and the like as well as tips for active subjects (animals, weather, etc. have no respect for photographers as anyone who has attempted to photograph outdoors can attest to). While the book is a godsend for film photographers, he also includes detailed information for digital users which makes the book useful to photographers using both formats. Since people purchasing the book from Amazon will not have the opportunity to see all the sumptuous photographs in this book, believe me when I tell you that the photographs alone are awe inspiring and could lead a reader from the couch to the field in no time.

Perhaps what makes Benvie's book unique is his support for the amateur, which is most likely the customer who will purchase the book. While Benvie believes that professional photographers make significant contributions to nature photography, Benvie also believes that amateur contributions add a great deal as well since amateurs are less interesting in pleasing clients and more interested in presenting a vision of the natural world to others. Certainly Bevie's book will help amateur photographers who hope to do just that-present nature in all it's glory through photography.

Many books on outdoor/nature photography are simply a showcase for the author's photos and a bragging exercise in the gear he/she uses.

Benvie takes a more open approach -- almost giving the store away. Skipping over the most basic elements of photography, he provides practical advice on technique and creative vision. He isn't shy about using digital processes to enhance images -- not adding or subtracting visual elements, but manipulating the image so that it represents what the photographer saw, overcoming the limitations of film and photo paper.

Highly recommended. And his photographs are exceptional. Kudos to his publisher for the high quality printing.

I always have trouble thinking of what to talk about on dates. This book gave me great ideas for conversation and great insights into the dating scene.

This is definitely a five star book- a laugh a minute, plus great info. I can keep reading it over and over again.

I couldn't stop laughing. The jokes are fabulous. It was also very informative. I really learned alot about dating and marriage. It's a must read for everyone.

Wow, , I'm giving this book to every "single" person I know. I think I'll give it to marrieds also. Even if their having a rough time socially, they can have a good laugh.

I loved it! Dating is pressure but at least this book helps you laugh while you are going through it. It's a great book to take on a date. It gives you what to talk about and what to laugh about.

This book by Le Clair is lucid and touches all the important aspects of water color painitng...It is a great instructional book...I wish I had studied this book several decades ago. I am a self-taught artist and this book will help all such self-taught persons

I bought this book when it first came out, and it was a real revealation to me. Water color wasn't really taught in American art schools at the time, and this book was my first guide to the wonderful adventure of watercolor painting. I'm reviewing the newer edition, which has the same great text but has added more full-color illustrations.

The pictures are great, but the text is what makes this book outstanding among the many watercolor books currently on the market. As the title suggests, the text explores and explains the many facets of watercolor as an art form. The illustrations support the text by showing well-chosen examples of the great variety possible with this beautiful and intriguing medium. Many books on watercolor offer lessons in a particular method or painting style, or focus on one style of painting (usually the author's). This one covers diferent ground entirely. Instruction books can be excellent, but if you are ready for more depth, this could be the book you need. It's true there is a typical section on materials and basic techniques, and there are suggested exercises at the end of the chapters. These are fine in themselves, but other books can give you that. What makes this book special is the author's wide knowledge of painting styles, and his careful avoidance of favoritism toward particular styles or artists. If you are ready to read this with an open mind, you may see the merits of painting styles that you thought you didn't like. This certainly was the case for me!


Who would benefit from this book? It would be useful to a complete beginner, if he or she is very disciplined, ready to work, and above all ready to READ a though-provoking non-simplisitic book. Non-painters who admire watercolor and would like to learn more about its history will probably enjoy a browse through the text. But I think it is most helpful to intermediate painters who are beyond the intiial struggle to master the basics of watercolor, and are ready to deepen their understanding of this wonderful art form.

Le Claire has contributed a lot to watercolor painting in this book loaded with illustrations of expressionim,experimentation in the media it inspires to do watercolors ,This is surprisng since it is published by the American Artist (for many years since I have first seen the magazine has published little of advanced watercolor painting) But the book doesn't limit itself to transparent watercolor rules.Such as No embossing no cutting ,no ink,nothing but pure color that maybe started by pencil line.If a painter hasn't advanced from that rule ,then he isn't a painter of the 20th century to my mind.Too often watercolor books are promotions of a watercolorist's technique, many of these artist are hampered by poor formal ability: line ,color,shape, etc.Le claire has some ability so the book has authority. It is a book that is well worth the modest price.

There are two things about this book I think make it a great book for any watercolorist's library. One is the sheer variety of paintings shown and the other is the numerous 'assignments' at the end of each chapter.

As another reviewer stated this book does not show you only one or a few artist's techniques. Rather it covers a broad range of techniques, art styles and artists and shows a diverse array of watercolor paintings. Everything from traditional representational paintings to contemporary and experimental works are shown. And all are used to illustrate that chapter's main point that they appear in. Works from famous artists to current living ones are displayed.

Each chapter ends with exercises designed to let you practice principles, techniques or styles the preceding pages discussed. Now some people don't like or need such 'assignments'. But other people, like me, enjoy them as a challenge and as a way to see that they've not only read the chapter but can practice till they've learned it. If you don't care for such things it's easy to skip over them. But I actually found some of these projects fun to do.

I have a sketchbook of watercolor paper that I use strictly for trying out projects from my various watercolor or other painting books. It is separate from my other sketchbooks or paintings and its sole purpose is strictly to practice, even copy, the demo projects and assignments. Even the greatest art masters learned first by copying the masters before them. There is so much to learn from this book. Not only how to paint in watercolor but also some art history as well. Definitely a recommended buy.

This is one of the best books on watercolor I have read and I have read a bunch. Many watercolor books give demonstrations and descriptions of a limited range of techniques used by that particular author. The authors' focus is primarily on showing you how they painted particular sample paintings. You learn, but mostly how to paint the sample paintings and a little about the author's technique but not much else.

Mr. Le Clair provides the kind of instruction I would expect from a college watercolor class. He covers much more than just the basics but, nevertheless, the book could well serve as an introduction to watercolor. If I had to choose one instructional watercolor book this would be it. The second book I would choose is "The Watorcolorist's Essential Notebook" by Gordon MacKenzie, but it needs to be supplemented with a more basic book.

Penczak has a way of making the impossible....possible....with his words, insight, and wisdom...thank you for sharing your knowledge....thank you.

If you are interested in Paganism and you want to read a insightful and well written book, this is your author.

This is probably the most important book I've read to date. Although it's not the easiest read, there are new concepts that I'm working on, it contains the foundation for this most important path. As a long-time fan of Christopher Penczak, I can say that it fits in nicely with his easy-to-understand way of writing. No, I don't understand everthing in the book, but it a lot easier than Frissels's, Nothing in This Book is True... I think it is a necessary addition to any personal library. It is inspiring!

Over the years I've read alot of books on ceremonial occultism, Paganism, Wicca, and occasionally I ventured into Ascension material - but never felt any connection or resonance with the more "New Age" offerings, even though I found some of the information compelling and in many ways related to my own magickal practice and path.

The reason I did not "feel" Ascension material was really related to more of a vocabulary difference, than anything else. The terminology was vastly different, with alot of nearly sci-fi jargon, and a seeming imbalanced perception of Light as in direct opposition to Dark. I also was unsure of what to think about the whole Ascended Masters and ET elements that were such core aspects of that paradigm. Many within the Pagan community looked down on Ascensionists as "fluffy White Lighters", while alot of attitudes within the New Age community seemed to look down on Pagans and Witches as evil &/or misguided.

Christopher Penczak has written a truely amazing book that helps bridge the gap between the various magickal and spiritual communities that actually share most, if not all, the same goals. Taking the major concepts and ideologies from the Ascension paradigm and drawing parallels to the Eastern and Western magickal and spiritual paths, Christopher cultivates a sense of kinship. Even the ET and intergalactic elements of Ascension were put into a perspective that made them not only palatable, but accessible and potentially very useful to a wide variety of readers. Also "translating" the contextual vocabulary of the New Age into concepts more familiar to Pagans and Magickians, the reader become highly aware of the value that Ascension can bring to the very modern seeker - whether or not they consider themselves "New Age" or not.

The book is hefty (which I loved), but does not rely on filler that repeats the same line from many other available books to acheive its weight. Readers well-versed in Western magickal traditions, such as Cabala and ritual magick will likely have a much easier time with some of the material than those unfamiliar with it. But by offering explanations that appeal to the knowledge-set of many different pracititioner levels and paths, everyone will be able to get a great deal from this veritable tome.


Throughout the book Christopher's desire to cultivate an inter-paradigm understanding and mutually beneficial exchange is very clear. Misconceptions that each community has about the other are also addressed honestly, and discussed in a frank manner - and even the weaknesses of the path are gently exposed, with practical solutions for overcoming or avoiding them altogether provided for those who wish to delve deeper and become more involved with the Ascension scene.

I absolutely loved this book and dog-eared many pages and chapters to go back to and re-read for better understanding. I also loved the meditations provided, especially the Merkaba activation. These allow the reader to experience the energies of this paradigm for themselves, should they choose.

This book has marked a significant point in my spiritual growth.

I've read many, many works on magick. While they all tell you how to cast a circle and call the quarters...no book I've seen to date has addressed how to go beyond the basics and actually GROW within the magickal arts.

Until now.

I feel this book is very "next level" material.