Image Books

When I was told in an e-mail that I might have the same appreciation for this as "The Great Divorce," my eyebrows immediately were raised. And yes, they were raised in suspicion. I wasn't too sure if I wanted to see what "The Ancient Path" was all about. Seriously, what does Joshua Jost really have to offer, right? Hey, what can I say? It isn't that bad. OK, it isn't bad! This book boldly declares that it represents a ten year journey from Genesis to Jesus. So, how do you start down a particular path? You take your first steps, of course!

With a Lewis-like heir, the author begins the journey. He begins with creation. He brings along Adam and Eve. He exposes the selfish indulgence they choose to pursue! He exposes you, and he exposes me! That stinks. Are you calling me selfish? Ok, look at some of the other lives in scripture. Abraham, Isaiah, David, what will we learn through these lives and more? Eventually you'll find that we were commanded, and still are commanded, to stop pursuing self, and start pursuing God. As small as it may sound, we need to take seriously His standard of love. We also need to take our journey more seriously.

A small book that packs a huge punch! Quite frankly, I thought more could've been said. That's my only gripe. Joshua Jost did some homework, and he made me think. I wasn't afraid to crack open the first page. If you venture down this path, don't expect it all to be easy. It isn't. But it is ancient! And it is something to be desired to live an abundant life. That's what makes the Christian life beyond special. Do you have the guts to take it on?

This is a beautifully written book. The author wanders at leisure through the Old Testatement from Genesis to Revelations painting simple and clear pictures in words to show the amazing nature of God's creation and the love of God for his children. - Well worh reading!

Let me start from the end. When I finished reading the final paragraph of The Ancient Path, I sat and clapped my hands. I kept saying over and over, "very clever, very, very clever". Jost masterfully weaves you through time, stopping only to let you change your clothes according to the time period. Starting in heaven, watching the Creator create. Then, through the Garden of Eden, to the pivotal chapter of Abraham making covenant with God. Next we find ourselves in the desert with Moses, and if you close your eyes, you might just feel the searing sun, and sand in your shoes, so vivid the picture Jost casts in our mind.

Chapter five finds you running down dusty streets, fearing for your life, with Rahab the prostitute. Many times as a child you hear the story of Joshua, marching around Jericho. But Jost starts out by looking at the story through Rahab's eyes. I wept as I read this chapter, and looking over it now, I fight back tears. The power lies in this authors ability to bring the emotion of a four thousand year old story, right up to present day. Rahab saw the grace of God, the same grace that saves us today.

In the next two chapters you get to meet great men of God, like David, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. I felt like I was watching them, walking along side them, as they struggled as we do, to obey God with all their hearts, yet willing to make the sacrifices to do so. But not until the last chapter, do you see what tapestry Jost has been weaving in your mind all along.

The book finishes with Jesus. He is on His way to be crucified. And as Jesus makes His way to the cross, Jost flashbacks through all the previous chapters and you start to see what it has all been about. Why did the father not just bring Jesus, straight after the fall? Why wait four thousand years? The last chapter shows us the master plan of the Father, one that cannot be shaken. It is about covenant, and grace. I have been greatly challenged by this book, and inspired. This is not a book about me, or how I can become great. It is a book focused, as we should be, on the Word of God, and the mighty and powerful God we serve. Well done Joshua Jost, I applaud your bravery, in this world of self, for giving God the glory, and honour that He deserves. I eagerly wait for the next instalment, and highly recommend this book. Five gleaming stars.

. . . which defies easy explanation.

Joshua Jost is on to something here. His book "The Ancient Path" describes in a very unique, deeply personal manner, the love of the Father for His creation -- in good times and in bad, through sin, disobedience, and rebellion on through to the gift of the Son. His storytelling methodology is unconventional, but "works" in this particular format. The particular Old Testament examples Jost uses are solid -- and going through the book, my mind was drawn to other Old Testament stories he could have used to good effect as well.

The format of the book might not appeal to everyone, and I thought that the author's "apology" for lack of specific Scriptural references was unnecessary. Jost makes his points without the need to quote Scripture "word for word" -- indeed, in the mind of this reviewer, such would have detracted, not added to the writing. Coming as I do from a different theological perspective as Jost, I was uncomfortable with what I perceived as a "penal substitution" view of the Atonement -- but this doesn't really detract from the value of the book.

In short, I think that Jost is onto something here . . . a concept I would very much like to see him expand greatly. The journey would certainly be worth the effort!

Four very solid stars.

"The Ancient Path" is exquisitely written, with insights into biblical truths that go deep into your heart. The poetic flow of this work, and the sheer beauty of it, makes the passages moving as well as memorable. Joshua Jost's description of creation and of how God brought life into being is masterful, as is every chapter from "In the Beginning" to "The Son." There is a wise, discerning mind, a life devoted to the Lord, and a child's wonder coming together on each page. I found Chapter 2, "Forbidden Fruit," very illuminating, with reasons why Eve added "touch" to God's commandment of not eating from the tree of good and evil, as "the serpent laid before them the ultimate temptation of sin: the pursuit of knowledge for power" (page 35), and Chapter 3, "The Father," is enthralling, as Abraham waits...and waits...for the destiny God said was his to come. "If hope were our destination, and faith the feet that carry us there, covenant is our path, laid straight before us" (page 52).

Only in his early 30's, but with the wisdom of the ancients, truth shines brightly in the cottage Jost shares with his family in northeast Scotland. "...only those who listen with ears of faith will see with their eyes the promises they hope for" (page 135). There is an intimacy with the Lord, and a passion for His Word in the pages of this slim but mighty book, that can only be written by someone who knows Him well. With the overwhelming love that comes from this knowing, and by yielding one's life to Him, we see the good fruit that ensues. This book is the good fruit Jost shares with us; we are enlightened and lifted up, and very much rewarded in the reading of it.

Ina Saltz, Body Type: Intimate Messages Etched in Flesh (Abrams Image, 2006)

The idea of an all-text tattoo is brilliant. I can't believe I never thought of it. A lot of people, however, have, and Ina Saltz has made a project out of documenting these tattoos. The result (at least, up till now) is Body Type, a fine book of photography depicting these tattoos, with the expected short captions containing explanations by the owners of the tattoos about their reasons for getting them. (These are, at times, unintentionally hilarious.)

As enamored as I am of the idea behind the book, I'm not as much so where some of the actual photographs are concerned. Many of them are nicely done, but there are a few that just don't work; too dark, too light, too washed out, too something, depending on the photograph. Not a good thing in a book of photography, one thinks. Still, there are enough good photographs here depicting such an excellent idea that it's still worth your time. *** ½

This book has thousands of clearly photographed tattoos for inspiration, they may also serve as a "What not to get" sample.

If you are into typography, the personal meanings of words, or tattoos, this is an excellent book. The photos focus on the words, not the people wearing them, but the descriptions of the tattoos from the owners bring it back to the people. There are also a few discussions about typeface choices that show that at least some of the owners really thought about it.

This book is fabulous for all the reasons Ina outlines in her introduction. I was not prepared for it to be both philosophical and intimate. I love it. It is inspirational. And I abhor tattoos.

Although this charming little book is a quick read, it deserves to be returned to many times, to really admire and appreciate all of the unique, amazing, and well-done tattoos on display therein. In recent years, the old stereotypes of body modifications and the people who get them have been changing for the better. This book can only help in that endeavor. Far from displaying a bunch of bikers, criminals, delinquents, soldiers, and sailors, the type of people who are stereotypically associated with tattoos, these are people from a wide range of walks of life. Many of them are professionals and educated, and all put a lot of thought into these tattoos. And far from being the stereotypical fare of skulls, hearts, roses, and pin-ups girls, the tattoos themselves are also from a very diverse sampling.

The book was inspired by a typographic tattoo which Ms. Saltz saw on the subway one day, and after that discovery (which her subject happily let her photograph), she began seeing more and more tattoos that contained words, letters, and typographical symbols instead of the more standard traditional pictorial images. These people used a wide variety of typefaces for these tattoos, and sometimes even designed their own typefaces. I loved the ambiagram tattoos, the ones designed in a typeface that lets the word be read the same upside-down as it is when viewed rightside-up. People have gotten tattoos containing loved ones' names (very unique was the woman who got her blind lover's name tattooed in Braille on the top of the back of her neck), quotations from Shakespeare, the Bible, movies, songs (the story behind the 33 people who had the first 33 words of Holland's national anthem tattooed on them was a very interesting one, reflecting not only the diversity of the nation but also how much the Dutch love their country), popular quotations, works of literature, and other things which inspire them. One of my favorite word tattoos was the one containing the opening line of 'The Divine Comedy,' in the original Middle Italian, since I also find the opening lines of that long epic poem to be very beautiful, moving, and inspiring. The tattoos are also categorised into such divisons as love, self-love, self-expression, politics, religion, and personal beliefs.

Overall, this is a great small-sized coffeetable book full of great photography of a very unique subject. One doesn't need to have a tattoo or tattoos oneself to appreciate the photographs; I can't get a tattoo due to my religious beliefs, but I greatly admired all of the workpersonship and personal meaning that went into thinking up, designing, and executing these amazing tattoos, and even saw some I'd like to have myself if I were allowed to have a tattoo. I'd love for there to be a second volume, particularly because this one didn't include my own favoritest typefaces, Palatino and Bookman!

This is a very nice manual of catholic traditions that can be incorporated into everyday life. My husband and I were looking for something like this as we both weren't raised with any Catholic traditions and hope to raise our kids with a very Catholic home. This is a great starting point, and has a lot of interesting ideas that I had never heard of.

I ordered this for my sister as a gift. She suggested the book and I had no trouble finding it on Amazon. Thanks!

I love this book! I grew up in a Catholic family and in Catholic schools. However, that did not prepare me for passing along Catholic traditions to my own children and to my converted husband. The fear of offending anyone(especially my non-Catholic relatives) made me a little hesitant to "let religious identity permeate our home". Gould's book encourages and instructs on how to do so. She has specific ideas, traditions, and even recipes for living a richer life within the Church.

Meredith Gould has done a great job of bringing together traditions from all around the world, and offering these as ways to grow in true faith, not just more items on holiday to-do lists. Her suggestions for Lenten prayer are particularly valuable. Written in a clear, concise, and humorous style, this compact book has earned its place as a family reference.

If you are interested in Catholic customs and traditions for your family, this is a wonderful book. Full of interesting facts for different feast days and practical ways to celebrate in the home. A wonderful tool for the family or individual!

This is a great, straightforward reference. It covers everything any person needs to know about dining etiquette without any useless "filler" material. The audio format is great and the speaker is one of the best I have listen to.

After a few months as a first year associate at my law firm, one of my former law school classmates told me that their firm had sent its new associates to an etiquette class. I decided that it might be a good idea for me to brush up on my etiquette skills as well, so I purchased this CD and also the Food Scholar Wine Basics CD. I recommend both for new professionals to prepare them for any "dining" situation they may encounter in their first jobs. These situations frequently fall into the "you don't know what you don't know" category of student knowledge.

I, for one, had very little experience in more formal dining situations upon graduating from school. This CD was just what I needed to get myself up-to-speed. It is well-organized and well-presented, covering a number of very specific situations that convey the elements of common sense and consideration that underlie all etiquette.

The author thankfully avoids spending time on how to arrange the seating at a state dinner. What he offers is practical, usable advice on the types of real social interactions that occur in all kinds of business. A very useful CD and well worth the price. Definitely five stars.

I will be graduating from college this year and have started to interview for jobs. I have a decent GPA, am in the career placement office every week for advice, and have spent hours polishing my resume. I thought that I had all my bases covered. Then I started actually interviewing for jobs. I have already had three interviews that included meals and two "mixers" with drinks and appetizers. It was a little overwhelming. I could tell there was an order to things I did not completely understand. A friend recommended this Dining Etiquette CD, so I ordered it. I had yet another meal during an interview after listening to it. It made a big difference. Knowing what to do at every turn during the meal was a confidence booster and I am sure it helped me appear more polished and professional. I HIGHLY recommend it, Two Thumbs Up.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 2: Wine Selection & Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

The last book on CD my wife and I bought was terrible: mens' voices for female characters, etc. And what's the alternative on the radio? Pop music or Howard Stern? I spend twenty percent of my waking life in my car. I might as well spend it wisely. The Food Scholar is easy listening and presented in a way that makes the information easy to learn and remember.

In all my many, many years of life the past three years have been the toughtest, but because of the Lord's faith in me and me in Him, I have been and will be succesful in the toughest of times. This book of spirital growth guidance is for today. Can't allow fear at any time to replace the love of God. Please read this timely-written book and learn of your strengths and weaknesses in your Christian life, and your growth needs. The author allows for you to make your heart-felt notes for rememberance in the book as you read, and He asks deep questions to search your heart. Yes "you can stand victorious".

David Hess tells his story of being embraced by God's presence in the toughest of times after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. This was the beginning of Dave's desperate battle against death.

A praying church, a loving family, and the promises of a miracle working God all worked together to point David to the open door of hope that took him through the dark hours of chemotherapy, blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, delirious fevers, infections, pneumonia, and a ruptured appendix.

Throughout his hospitalization David's faith encouraged hospital staff, other patients, and the members of his church. Seeing the miracles of healing in others, changed lives, and with the miracle of David has been called to a ministry of point other to the open door of hope offered by the Lord Jesus Christ.

I found the final chapter and the reunion with his individual family members tender and heartwarming. These emotion packed moments that reveal how having "dad" home affected each family member differently as they faced the prospect of losing their father.

Each chapter includes a section titled "My Personal Journal of Hope." Insights and probing questions included in these journals challenged me: to step our of my comfort zone, to develop a new dependence on Christ, and to make a difference in someone else's life.

"Hope Beyond Reason" is a positive testimony relating the story of Pastor Dave Hess and battle against death. David's writing is heart-wrenching and inspirational. David offers an open door of hope to everyone during their desperate hour of crisis.

Great book about the testimony of a man who fought cancer and won. Recommend to those who need hope in a hopeless situation.

WOW!!! This book is so exciting and powerful. I read this in under 4 hours (2 sittings), my husband read it in 2 evenings and our 23 year old read it in under 2 hours! We all said we laughed and cried through it. We have had the pleasure of sitting under pastor Dave's teaching at times and his stories and teachings are far better than I can really express. His sense of humor through life's experiences are evident when he teaches and throughout this book. The way he writes is just how he speaks. :) It left us feeling VERY encouraged. Much needed lately! Thanks Pastor Dave Hess for writing this book. It truly is one of the best books I have ever read!!

Enjoyable read! Dave's story is encouraging and I am thrilled anytime I read of God's great mercy. The author speaks briefly to those that have not received a miracle. If there's any disappointment it's that more wasn't said to these people.

Definitely on my recommended book list. A must read for women in business.

Susan Bock
The Success Coach for Women in Business
www.SusanBockSolutions.com

A fabulous book full of insight into women who are creatively self-employed and employed for companies and adding a feminine touch.

I am enjoying this book very much. I don't feel so alone in my disappointments and revelations about owning my own business. It is nice to read about other women's choices and how they run their businesses. I realize now that I am doing everything the best I can, even though I am flying by the seat of my pants most days. I have also picked up another book called "Zero to Zillionaire," by Chellie Campbell. She is one of the women interviewed in "How to Run your Business Like a Girl". Both are excellent reads and I highly recommend them.

This was a nice book. It points out that women and men typically have different motivations for starting their own businesses. The author says men are usually starting a business for their healthy ego and to make money. And women instead start a business so they can have more control in their lives. There might actually be some truth to that - at least for the older generation of men and women who start businesses.

I'm actually part of the younger generation of men and women born in 1962 or thereafter. And I don't think men and women (my peers) are all that different today when starting a business. Both sexes in my generation are faced with job opportunities that lack security, pension plans, and wages that can be lived on comfortably. Both sexes are faced with escalating gasoline prices without a commensurate jump in their salaries. And both sexes are competing for the same jobs. Both sexes are quitting the corporate world and starting their own businesses today because they see more opportunity AND CONTROL in doing that instead of collecting a W-2.

This book talks about the unique strengths of women, and the author may have a point there. But I don't think (1) trusting intuition, (2) focusing on relationships, and (3) putting more emphasis on life balance are strengths that women have a lock on.

But what men of my generation have an abundance of is male role models in business. And the wonderful thing about this book is that the author has interviewed a few successful women entrepreneurs and documented their stories so women in my generation can read the book and benefit by hearing from female role models in business. Female readers can gain words of wisdom from other women who have been there and done that. And that's what makes this book so good. 5 stars!

PS. A nice companion book to this one is Small Business Big Life (ISBN: 140160336X). Consider giving it a read.

I enjoyed this book very much, especially since one of the profiled entrepreneurs has a very similar business to what my dream is; it was a surprising peek into the work I aspire to create and integrate into my daily life.

As far as information goes, this is not an all-encompassing "what to do" to check off your list as you go about starting a business; but rather, an uplifting and inspiring read that affirms the burning desire within yourself to launch a venture of your very own. Wanna-be-business-owners need to be inspired from time to time as our very creative natures overanalyze details to the point of discouraging ourselves from even making that first step.

Upon beginning the read you are welcomed with the profound statement that if you have a strong desire to start a business, very few things will satisfy that desire, other than starting a business. What a refreshing thing to hear! - that I am not simply obsessed for some odd reason - reading this book helps me come to an understanding of my own entrepreneurial spirit.

We all long to make our mark on this world in some small way, and for some, that mark is to create a company from one's own passion and ideals and vision. At the VERY least, this book is a must-have to reach for again and again for inspiration.

Technology affects art and the many changes in computer animation and effects means that the art world faces both new challenges and new innovations in 3D modeling. Surprisingly, Peter Ratner explains, the changes mean less technical challenges for artists with more ability to focus on creating art rather than deciphering computer systems - and the second edition of his Mastering 3D Animation is just the place to begin. Ratner is a professor of the topic at James Madison University - and the founder and head of the first computer animation program in Virginia, so his background lends particularly well to discussions. His paintings and computer graphics have received exhibition and acclaim - also a plus for artists seeking more than just a programmer's technical tips.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from its technical standpoint of working between the program and the supporting 3D theory/thought process that Mr. Ratner provides.

Finding that balance of an artist and technologist from where to launch one's vision and future visions of creativity starts with good knowledge. Ratner gives many facets of where to see this vision and tutorials to follow through with your own creative projects.

I commonly work with many high-end graphics programs, Lightwave 7.0 being my newest program on my plate. Peter Ratner's 3d book getting me from a begining user from just reading the index to a 3D artist ready to start the new facets of my own portfolio. Mastering 3D Animation helped quite a bit everything from the Modeling and subdivides to the theory/progress.

Joseph Arthur
Information Architects, Principal

Peter J. Ratner's second authoring effort, Mastering 3D Animation, is a 333-page softcover text that is a comprehensive, detailed and practical tutorial guide addressing nearly every aspect and segment of the 3D graphics genre. The book's 14 chapters-and accompanying follow-along CD for PC and Mac-speak to modeling (beginning and advanced), animation, special effects, lighting, surfacing techniques, facial animation, elements of action, figure movements and composition and cinematography. It's an exceptionally capable complement to Ratner's first book, 3-D Human Modeling and Animation. (Ratner currently is updating the latter text with a wholesale rewrite.)

Make no mistake: This is no cursory guide to constructing simple geometry, slapping on some stock textures, animating basic movements along spline paths and rendering to AVI while you're sipping on a latte, watching the Discovery Channel. A full-time professor in the 3D Computer Animation department of James Madison University and the program's founder, Ratner relies on the broad and substantial digital and conventional art experience that has rewarded him with artistic entries in more than 80 national and international juried exhibitions. Ratner is well-versed in most aspects of 3D art creation, choreography and cinematography. The results of his industry experience are a splendid collection of detailed and refined insights and experiences assimilated into a thorough tutorial guide. I have no doubt-as many experts agree-that Mastering 3D Animation is equipped to serve as a collegiate-level textbook for 3D computer animation curricula.

Spanning the many processes related to generating 3D digital art, Ratner illustrates his critical techniques with 658 black-and-white line drawings and grayscale screen captures. The images vary from basic and sketchy but illustrative black-only perspectives, steps and graphs to grayscale representations depicting character renderings, particle systems, height fields, geometric displacements, facial close-ups, rendered environments and more. Of particular interest to those having cinematography or traditional art backgrounds are the commentary, instructions and grayscale reproductions of painted and sketched art dating back multiple centuries.

Those attending to a more technical emphasis and interest are accommodated in every respect, however-minus superficial references to hardware specifications. Early on, Ratner clarifies his intentions in composing this text: "[The book's] purpose is not to create button pushers who can boast about megahertz, abundant RAM, big monitors and software with all kinds of bells and whistles. It is hoped that aspiring 3D artists will learn some valuable lessons from the great art geniuses that have preceded them." (Foreward/vii) Yes, Ratner does wane philosophical, at times, but his contemplative tendencies bring a refreshing and purist perspective to a field frequently inundated by overly technical meanderings and functionally pointless rambling. Thus, Ratner blends an in-depth artistic and technical knowledge with a practicality and philosophy altogether forming a well-rounded perspective-one catering to persons of various inclinations and backgrounds.

The companion CD contains 200-plus 3D models in a variety of formats: LightWave 3D's .lwo and .lws; Wavefront's .obj; Maya's .ml and the generic .dxf. Tutorial project files are archived in QuickTime (.mov) and JPEG (.jpg) formats, and Ratner also includes a Photoshop brush file (.abr) for creating "grime" textures.

As for the text's informational composition, chapters one and two explore the basics of 3D modeling-polygonal and spline-based (NURBS). Chapter 3 addresses basic 3D animation, while the fourth delves further into animation by considering the role of deformation tools: skeletons ("bones"); kinematics; lattice flexors, etc. In Chapter 5, Ratner explains special effects, including the use of spheres, particles, collision detection, voxels, fragments, displacement mapping and more. Part II of the text, Advanced 3D Modeling, begins with commentary about the human head's structure and composition, including muscles and bone. Ratner explains both the NURBS- and polygon- based methods for modeling the head. Special attention is allotted to features, such as the eyes, eyelids, eye sockets and ears. There's no lack of detail, here, and NURBS fans will experience a rare sensation-a feeling of belongingness.

The next two chapters, six and seven, are devoted to modeling the human figure. The latter stresses finishing-hair, eyelashes and clothing. Chapters 9 and 10 comprise Part III: Preparing for Animation. Lighting is the focus of Chapter 9, and Chapter 10-another that may appeal particularly to conventional artists-deals with surfacing techniques. The author goes beyond the typical texture map types-cylindrical, planar, spherical, cubic, etc.-and the use of photos to address alternative surfacing methods, such as transparency (alpha) and displacement maps. In short, Ratner extends well beyond the conventional surfacing methods most highly publicized, deeply exploring what might be categorized more aptly as upper-echelon trade tips than as common genre knowledge: creating sophisticated bump maps; using grayscale gradients in displacement; and more.

Part IV of the book, Character Animation Fundamentals, includes chapters 11-14: Expressing Emotion with Facial Animation (11); The Elements of Action (12); Movements of the Figure (13); Composition and Cinematography (14). Once again, the author uses an expansive knowledge of choreography and anatomy to help quantify how human emotions are exhibited: body posturing; eye wideness; lip contour; eyebrow position; even directional muscular pull. Each of these considerations can be projected in a 3D figure, and Ratner shows the reader how. "A muscle is composed of a bundle of fibers that work in mutual association to perform common duties," Ratner writes on Page 248. "... It is this combination of movements that results in the complicated harmony of the facial muscles."

The Elements of Action chapter confronts those issues pertinent to a convincing human portrayal by a mere collection of polygons or surfaced curved lines: timing; sound syncing; weight and recoil ("squash and stretch"); walk cycles and more. Chapter 13 addresses concerns complementary to those in the previous one, including body mass motion, pace and impact, equilibrium, action lines, rhythm and still more. The final score of this harmonized tutorial prose pursues line composition, spatial arrangement, blocking (proxy geometry) and all manner of photographic issues and techniques. The reader will learn practical cinematography terminology-camera techniques and movements, transitions, more-and the fundamental tenets of motion depiction utilized by artists centuries earlier.

Mastering 3D Animation is a wonderful book, full of useful information that you will refer to again and again. It covers many complicated issues in an easy-to-understand way so that beginners and advanced users alike can grasp the information. Definately a title that will remain in your library for years to come.

Although a nice book that goes into depth in areas that other modeling books haven't, the generalized, not-to-mention-one-specific-application approach the author has taken left me, a beginner, bewildered and drooling. Also, I think some of what isn't explained in detail was not explained purposely as it was difficult to put into words and considered common sense, which seems to be the case with several tutorials and books that I've read on modeling. I want to know things like: Once I have my splines slapped down in a front perspective, how do I push and pull them properly from other perspectives so they'll take shape, or When defining detail with polygons, how many should I tesselate, how can I manipulate them to look like a gradual bump for a muscle and not a sharp cornered cliff? To sum it up, the book was written for the more experienced and those who are very well aquainted with their software packages-I was expecting step-by-step modeling for newbies.

This is a great book- full of artistic pieces and knowledge on how to recreate your own work! I wanted this book for a long time, found it on Amazon and paid a fraction of what I would have paid in the store!

Though this book was published clear back in 1997, the information is timeless. I tend to shy away from older how-to books, but this is a great book to add to your art and craft library. I wish all how-to books were this thorough and informative. You get your money's worth here.

This should be in every Alternative Artists(Photographer) library. Well written, excellent examples and very comprehensive. You should be able to flourish in the medium after experiencing this book. Kathleen has consolidated a concise book that brings it all together. A value to all.

I've been wanting both of her books for awhile now and I finally splurged and got both of them (the Polaroid Manipulations book that concentrates on the SX-70 manip process).

When I first flipped through this book I was blown away and amazed by the content. This book is the number one resource for helping you along with your Polaroid transfers and emulsion lifts. It is HIGHLY informative. The author guides you step by step and even provides some background information on how the processed were discovered. She also offers a lot of inspirational material in an advanced techniques section of the book. At the end of the book there are artist galleries with drop-dead-gorgeous work!

I recommend this book highly to anyone who wants to get into the alternative processes with the Polaroid medium. Don't hesitate... get a copy today!

Very useful book for those of you starting out with image transfer or emulsion. Easy to read with a great artist section.

This book by far is the best in explaining Shin Buddhism and the Pure Land tradition. Also what really makes this book really nice is it isn't too complicated and has personal expirence throughout it. No longer do I carry missconceptions about this wonderful tradition. This gets 5 stars and has changed a Zen Buddhist's(that's me) ideas on once thought of as lazy chanting group.

Excellent English translation and interpretation of Buddhist prophets. The author enhances the understanding of Buddhism with modern day examples applied to ancient Buddhist philosophy and thought.

(4.75 Stars)

I need and want to read more about Pure Land Buddhism as I can't yet put into words what Shin Buddhism is. I know when I read reviews I like to fully know what the book is about etc and to be honest I cannot fully explain it, but I really enjoyed this.

I was unfamiliar with Shin Buddhism and actually after reading this book I want to know more.

I at first thought that Amida Buddha was a Christ type figure and that this sect of Buddhist worship him in that same way that Christians worship Christ.

Taitetsu Unno is a great story teller. I love the way this book is written. He compares aspects of Shin Buddhism with like or comparable aspects of other religions to help you understand. This is done in a non-competitive way and non-judgmental way that is so refreshing and helpful that you really get a good understanding of the concepts, ideas and feel of Shin.

Taitetsu Unno shares with the reader his own experiences, thoughts and feelings and I felt welcome on each page. The personal stories, examples and tales really helped me to understand with my head and heart - and it left me wanting to know more and wanting to share and be part of the namu-amida-butsu.

Rev. Taitetsu Unno is part of an esteemed family of Shin Buddhist teachers, priests, and scholars. So it's not surprising that someone of his background should create one of the best introductory texts on the subject.

This book's title comes from a Pure Land parable which encapsulates the premise of faith in "other power", namely that of Amida Buddha, which can best be described as the 'ur-Buddha' from whom all Dharmic wisdom and compassion springs. Specifically, Rev. Unno is writing here about the Jodo Shinshu school, one of the great schools of Japanese Buddhism which sprang from the Kamakura period of that nation's history, in the 12th and 13th centuries. Jodo Shinshu is, in fact, one of the largest sects of Mahayana Buddhism, but in the West is little-known outside of the Japanese ethnic community. But despite this ethnic concentration, the Shin faith is more or less a "Buddhism for Joe Average", irrespective of ones' skin color or land of origin.

The book is very well-written, and also well-organized given the amount...and often, complexity...of the information it imparts. Rev. Unno deftly opens up the teachings of Jodo Shinshu to anyone who might wish to learn, or for that matter might simply be curious. He deals excellently with both the historical perspective of this school, as well as the more complex philosophical issues posed by the Nembutsu-faith as well as its place in the mainstream of Mahayana thought.

Shin Buddhism is truly a faith that anyone can follow, without the complexities of what is referred to as "the path of difficult practice". And likewise, "River of Fire, River of Water" provides an uncomplex point of entry into this rich and enriching path. For anyone starting down this path, I would have to say that this...along with Dr. Kenneth Tanaka's "Ocean"...makes for an excellent point from which to begin. I recommend it unconditionally.

There are religious books you read for information and there are books that you not so much read as wade in them, the way after a long hike, you take your shoes off and wade in the cool waters of a mountain stream. This is one of those books. Taitetsu Unno takes up different topics, at random it seems, and passes them through Shin Budhism's unhurried, all-accepting gaze. When so many of the world's major religions seem to have spun off violent and hate-filled offspring, it is wonderful to learn about a way of humility that recognizes and can live at ease with human limits, a way of trust and surrender that does not relinquish the duty to act responsibly. This small book doesn't tell you about faith and gratitude and compassion as much as it gradually reveals to you its eternal presence in you.

I bought the first three in this series for my 6th grader who is dyslexic. She finds graphic novels a great format. She received these in her care package at camp and they were a big hit in the unit. Mostly girls receive gossip magazines and these novels were much more popular and a much better content. These tie into the 6th grade history social studies standard with Ancient Greece. By the end of 6th grade most kids have been introduced to Greek mythology and are ready for this series, which is adult in nature but this age group is now seeking more adult content in their reading and viewing material. I would much rather this then Teen Vogue or Seventeen magazine. All I can say is a group of 11 girls who just finished 6th grade loved these. Now I just need to find something to send next year to camp.

Fast-paced intro to the Trojan War

Author/artist Eric Shanower will be the first to tell you (in the afterword to this marvelous "comic book") that the story of the fall of Troy has had many tellings, not all of which can be harmonized. In his sources, the age and lieage of a character can vary. And authors over the millennia have not always been careful to kep their own accounts consistent with the rest, as when 12th century minstrels created a romance between an entirely new character (Cressida) to complement a peripheral character (Troilus) known from more ancient texts. More recently, the work of archaeologists has taught us much about life in the Age of Bronze, from which can be reconstructed the preoccupations, dress and habits of people who lived thousands of years ago.

From this mélange of sources, Shanower has crafted an epic tale in graphic novel format of the leadup to the Trojan War that is endlessly fascinating and impossible to put down. His tale begins with the youthful Paris, the restless firebrand who dreams (in spite his state as a cowherd) of martial glory. Soon, we are introduced into the word of Trojan and Achaean warrior-kings, and to their world in which economic advantage, solemn oaths and ever-to-be-propitiated gods and goddesses all meet in complex and interlocking ways. As the tale ends, Agamemnon, high-king of the Achaeans, has assembled his armada of a thousand ships and is headed to Troy to avenge the breach of hospitality opened by Paris, now a Trojan prince, when he abducted the beautiful Helen, wife of Agamemnon's brother Menelaus.

Shanower gives us a plausible Bronze Age world that may well be the closest we can get to the original. The warrior "kings" are all young or youngish men -- strong, virile and hale of heart and mind. The deities they beseech are notably absent from sight -- other than in visions and dreams; their activity is assumed (and their presence feared) when events occur in concert with prayerful pleadings. But these young men have more than war on their minds, and there is plenty of sexual energy pulsing through the tale. Women play important roles as wives, mothers and seers. The erotic element is kept mostly to a PG-13 level, but there is enough kissing and fondling of the female upper anatomy to heat all but the coolest of hearts. Amusingly, Shanower keeps to the North American aversion to showing aureoles and genitalia. This aversion grows to almost ludicrous proportion as he strives manfully to hide his characters' naughty bits -- even when in full gallop -- with wisps of conveniently-draped hair.

Shanowers' black and white artwork is bold, strong and consistent. He gives his main characters identifiable features -- dark hair or light, full or balding, etc. -- that stay short of caricature. His storytelling is quickpaced and usually easy to follow. The worst I can say is that his story moves so quickly and is so engaging that the reader skips too quickly over his wonderful art.

All told, A Thousands Ships is fabulous on its own merits, and a valuable as an introduction to the Homeric masterpieces -- the Iliad and the Odyssey. Highly recommended for the age 13-and-up set.

This is the first volume in a projected seven-part graphic novel series devoted to the epic of the Trojan War. There are minor gaffes (occasional misspellings, etc.) but overall this is a powerful and immensely useful retelling of one of the greatest epic stories in human history. Shanower draws on multiple sources to come up with a cohesive, readily coherent narrative of what is often seen as a daunting story. He both expands on and simplifies the classic narrative by Homer, giving a more immediate, modern feel to the characters and events, but does not sacrifice the authenticity of time or place: Shanower makes these ancient events accessible to modern readers in a way that the best of Western Civ classes may not; indeed, academics for many years to come with probably turn to these comics as a way to give entry into the world of Greek history and mythology.

This first volume covers the abduction of Helen, the arousal of the great Spartan army, the beginning of the cult of Achilles, and ends as the Spartan fleet sets sail to attack Troy. In general, Shanower minimizes the magical/mythological aspects of ancient Greek culture -- a centaur, for example, is not seen as a half-horse beast-man, but rather as a shaggy, burly man; various characters claim relationships to various gods, but we never see Athena's visage floating over the clouds, or Poseidon rising from the sea. Unlike in the original narratives, the Olympian gods are not characters in the story itself -- people pay allegiance to them, and discuss them as figures that may control their destinies, but we do not see the gods themselves. This realism helps make the historical context come alive -- modern readers don't have to struggle past supernatural events, nor allow the supernatural to overwhelm the human drama, and what emerges is a clear, concise historical narrative, one that makes sense and makes clear the essential stories behind the great, epic tale. It's pretty cool... I'm looking forward to the second volume! (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain book reviews)

This book reprints the first nine issues of the Age of Bronze comic books. It's a beautifully drawn, well written comic book about the Trojan War. The only problem I have with the comic, and it'a a minor problem, is that there are so many characters, it's hard to keep track of who's who. Highly recommended to fans of graphic literature.

A Thousand Ships is the first in a series of comics which retell the story of the Trojan war in comic book form. It begins with Paris, the lost prince of Troy who has been raised by farmers as a farmer, making his first ever journey to the capital. He tells his girlfriend it's a short trip, but even before he leaves the oracles are speaking and don't seem to agree. Meanwhile, Achillies is just leaving boyhood and, when confronted with the choice of short life and fame in war versus a long life that won't be remembered, he is very much for the short glorious life. His mother has other plans and struggles to save him from himself.

The plot is extremely intricate. It all comes from mythology, and there's a lot there to pull from. Doing the Illiad in seven comics makes sense. One book would only have allowed for the outline of the story. By breaking it into more books, the story is more complete and here the Illiad has been adapted well to the medium.

Graphically the book is well drawn. I'm guessing that the big challenge here was to keep faces consistent so that all the characters can be told apart. There are many, many characters and they are recognizable from frame to frame, if that helps to tell you the level of detail. The storytelling and how layouts play into that is good too. Layouts help to blend in and reveal characters's backstories (and everyone has a back story in mythology) and to communicate oracles and messages from the various gods.

This is a good read as a comic book. Being a modern take on the Illiad, which concievably someone might someday make you read, is an added bonus. Libraries should definitely stock this series. For individuals and families this is a good buy for a comic book, and a pretty good read. You should already know this, but if you don't then here goes, many of the classics have a lot of sex and violence. So, don't buy this for your four year old if you don't want them to see naked people and drawings of smeared entrails.