Instruction Books

This book is wonderful if you are going to get a tattoo of a certain Kanji it has tons to choose from. I use this book almost everyday.. this is by far one of my best purchases.

What a great book! The presentation of multiple styles definitely caught my eye as I fanned through the book the first time; I was hooked! The introduction is very well written, and each page thereafter imparts a wealth of information that is simply a joy to read.

I love "power" words - single words that encompass my thoughts and feelings - and kanji characters are a beautiful way to express them. I found 'Designing with Kanji' in my effort to design my next tattoo. When I did not find exactly what I was looking for in the book, I contacted Leza and she promptly responded with the characters I needed. Great book - great woman!

I have been an admirer for Oriental Culture, and willing to understand Chinesse and Japanese writing. This book is an excellent source which explains a lot of Kanji symbols, and has several notes about interesting facts about it. I recommend it to all people looking to introduce themselves into this enigmatic and wonderful language.
Antonio Sobalvarro

Easy to read, follow, and use right away. Shows formal, modern, flowing, and stylish character sets. Describes the root, meaning, and nature of common Japanese words and phrases. The calligraphy is excellent. I only wish it was longer and more encompassing. Among other things I use this book as a supplement to Write Your Name in Kanji text by Nobuo Sato to write the characters more elegantly.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

We had recently seen "The Last Samuri" so I was in the frame of mind to learn more about Japanese history and culture. I found this book on the Breakfast table one recent morning. The introduction and explanation of Kanji was clear and concise. This book provided a great beginning to the subject of how a culture influenced a language and how a language influenced a culture. I couldn't put it down for an hour or so. I'll refer to it often.

I have been wanting to teach myself to sing for several years, since I can't afford voice lessons, and have tried several books on the subject. This one is by far the best. I first tried books by William Vennard and Richard Miller and found that they were meant for advanced students, not beginners. There are other books for beginners, but they aren't usually meant for classical singing, more for pop (and I find that the authors don't really seem to have much of an understanding of the human voice). I don't know how he does it, but Brown manages to make normally difficult concepts easy to understand. Part of that is because of the CD that comes with it. It helps give a better understanding of what he's trying to explain. I would highly recommend this book for anyone trying to learn how to sing classically.

While the title makes it seem as if the book is some kind of vocal therapy book for medical patients, singers rejoice, this is a thorough manual on the art and mechanics of singing.

While I would never encourage a serious singing student to learn from just a book, if you just can't afford a singing teacher, this is the book to buy! Of course, it may not catch your eye immediately. It doesn't promise you vocal prowess in just 10 easy steps. It doesn't claim to be a revolutionary new method and it does not bask in its own ill-conceived glory like so many other books out there. It is simply a book of time tested foundational knowledge on the instrument of voice.

Each chapter is concise and is backed up by many references, examples and excercises. It is beautifully written and covers all aspects of voice from breathing and posture, to what it takes to be a proffesional singer. There was not one moment in reading the book that I felt like this might have been teaching me incompletley or incorrectly.

It is expensive, but you do not expect to spend 20 dollars for a master class with Pavarotti. Likewise, do not waist 20 bucks for the self proclaiming and inferior vocal instruction books out there. Oren L. Brown knows what he is doing and knows how to articulate it. This book is a culmination of so much knowledge on voice production that I am quite certain that it will improve any broken voice seeking to be fixed.

It's no secret singing is a personal universe of mystery that somehow remains unveiled no matter teachers, discipline, technique, etc. With all other instruments you can actually SEE what's going on in the process of learning. With the voice, everything is how "you feel" about it. You can not see your vocal chords to realize you have a good or bad habit...
The secret is then how to LEARN to recognize if what you feel is right about the way you sing or not. It shouldn't be so hard; you either -for example- feel exhausted after singing an aria or whatever, or feel you can keep on singing for the rest of the day without fatigue. That should indicate something! But the problem is to be able to reproduce great singing sensations in an everyday basis. That can certainly be a lifetime challenge. This book helps pointing out towards sensations associated with freedom and flow of a natural voice; Brown is all about this, in search of a more "primal" sound, connected to the way we speak. Not everything is as simple as that, and singing, depending on the repertoire, etc, etc, needs to a certain extent, some kind of artifice beyond the speaking natural sound of our voices. But this book will put you on the right track if you have been wondering about tensions with the way your vocal production occurs. Highly recommended for connecting singing with a more mundane experience in which emotions need to be part of your singing. Great simple exercises can reveal so much, and in that respect it is a fantastic book. Highly recommended.

This book is very good. It makes the (singing) voice clear to understand. Just by simply reading this book, you will start to have wonderful insights about your own voice, which this book is all about.

Mr. Brown has written a powerfully informative book about all aspects of the voice. His book provides many interesting case studies, is very enjoyable to read, and includes factoids like "the Western and European singing style uses a low larynx." My one gripe is that the CD is not usable as a practice aid. Every exercise is demonstrated so briefly that you won't get a warm-up at all after singing along. If you don't have a piano, and you want to practice vocalizing at home with a piano recorded on a CD and exercises that methodically start on consecutive pitches, try the Jeffrey Allen book/CD set. That set includes techniques such as messa di voce, also demonstrated (more briefly) in Mr. Brown's CD.

Arthur Hull hits the nail on the head with his book, Drum Circle Spirit. Without this book to use as a guide, I would feel lost!... I call it simply "REQUIRED READING" for those who care about their community and friends who wish to drum in a group setting. It empowers most anyone to begin and conduct their own drum circle. THANK YOU ARTHUR!

This book is the bottom line, the base of the pyramid. All others I have read-and I have very many-rest on it. It explains the why, the where and the how of different types of drum circles and how, when one is called upon to do so, to facilitate them so that they live and create music on their own. While there are many facilitator "tricks" and techniques, the message is always that the circle is not to serve as a platform for a facilitator performance, but that the facilitator's job is only to get the music the circle is making past places where it starts to self destruct and back into solid playing. There is a great deal of anecdotal information about how specific difficult situations were handled as well as examples of wonderful, joyful exhuberance. If you are new to drum circles, and especially if you need or want to facilitate them, this is the FIRST book you buy.

As a Christian wanting to start a church-oriented drum-circle, I was somewhat concerned that this book would be full of propaganda that would run counter to my Christian values. (Making it annoying to read at the least, and at worst, difficult to convince other Christians in my church of its value.) While some of the author's values come through (especially with references to "tithing to Rhythm Church" and the like) there's nothing in here to really offend any particular religious belief. There's no "we can heal the world with drums, just think good thoughts and good things will happen to you" message here. It's practical advice on how to bring out the best in a group of drummers.

Arthur's numerous anecdotes are entertaining and informative. They really conveyed the spirit of what Arthur does with his drum-circles.

I'm very anxious to get started applying what I've learned (and will continue to learn) from this book, and it has convinced me to attend one of Arthur Hull's Facilitator Playshops. Arthur's teaching in the book is very clear, presented in small, easily-digested steps, and most of all, very encouraging. The whole book shouts, "You can do this, it isn't that hard!"

I've very pleased that Arthur has taken the time to share his hard-earned wisdom with the rest of us. If you're wanting to start a drum-circle, work with kids through rhythm, or any such activity, you can't afford not to own this book.

This book and CD set has wonderful examples of drum circle games and exercises. He and his facilitators also share their drum stories and let us know how fun it can be to be an "Arthurian" facilitator! Get a bunch of friends together and PRACTICE these games!(It REALLY comes to life after attending one of Arthur's facilitator playshops!!!)

This guy is a modern Trickster! At first you wonder, is this guy a joke? Then as you read more, you realize, yes he is, thank god! But be aware; this is a book about building community; if you want a book about drumming, look to Mickey Hart.

"Easy Watercolor" was truly inspiring. It contains a wealth of experience set out in an easy to follow format. Not only does it include all the basics but it teaches many great techniques. The content gave me confidence and the artwork gave me inspiration.

This book offers a refreshing look at watercolor painting regardless of the reader's skill level. Detailed instructions are written and illustrated in a most comprehensible manner. The illustrations are step-by-step providing the artist with the insight of the author's years' in watercolor! It is the most all-inclusive, easy to follow art instruction book that I have ever encountered. I recommend it for beginners, intermediate and advanced watercolor artists. IF YOU HAVE A DESIRE TO EMBRACE WATERCOLOR PAINTING, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU.

This book is not what it claims to be - "easy watercolor." It's definitely more along the lines of "intermediate - or more likely professional - watercolor." Though Moses shares a good deal of her ideas and techniques, the book does not go so far as to answer the challenge of how get to the point of having a painting worthy or even remotely necessary of these techniques. Her how-tos jump, not range from, a ridiculously simple watermelon slice to a street scene in France. This is, all the while, assuming you already know how to draw professionally, seeing as how you've jumped from a slice of watermelon to a deluxe French street. Tutorials will jump from a simple wash of one color to a deluxe painting with loads of colors and intricate details, none of which have been explained or shown in between the process.

The author's own paintings are quite far from captivating; a great deal of things are out of proportion and unintentionally unappealing. Her only two paintings of humans, for instance - one of a little boy, and one of her father - share the exact same pose and the exact same disproportions.

There are, however, helpful value scales, examples of washes, gradations, and principles, if only for the more advanced artist. Which brings me back to my original point - this book is not _easy_ watercolor, and I doubt many beginners that aren't highly skilled aritsts already will find it the right step between knowing nothing and knowing it all.

At no time in my life did I ever have the desire, let alone the
ability to paint a picture, except possibly a house.
For whatever reason, I have the book and find myself
addicted to following the easy steps the author has compiled.
Once I had started reading chapter one, I found myself working
to the end of the book in one sitting, which gave me the
confidence that I certainly needed to get started with the
paint. After several mishaps, I moved through the book while
painting and I gained even more confidence. Although I am just
a beginner in the art world, I find this book easy to lean on
so to speak in moving from one area of the painting to the
other. I consider it a must for anyone wanting to get started
in the watercolor field of art. If it helped me, it certainly
can help anyone, even those of us who have trouble drawing a
straight line.

This is one of the better books of it's kind that I have found.

Ms. Moses doesn't try to snow people into a false sense of I know it all and you don't.

The instruction is easy to follow and very detailed.

One is benefited greatly and can be helped in the development of their own style.

This is a dream to read because Ms. Moses goes out of her way not to talk over your head.

I have read it from cover to cover and still am learning.

Art is a passion which has beginnings and this has been a great start for me.

If your kids are really into cutting it might be ok but I think that the steps are not clearly defined.

I use this book in my classroom as we are working on geometry and fractions with students. They love the connection between math and art!

I used the ideas in this book with my gifted students, age K thru 3. They loved it and really came up with some wonderful pictures. It is a good art project that also brings in math.

This is a wonderful book for the kindergarten class I am currently student teaching in. We made the spring flowers while teaching circles, half circles, and quarter circles. It also made a bright spring bulletin board.

If you know someone who likes to do art, this is a great book. You need to have the time to organize the necessary pieces to create these pictures. The end result is always successful for children.

Although some reviewers list this book as over 500 pages, it is actually only 144 (see Amazon's Book Description). It has excellent illustrations, however, there is very little text. The introduction is approximately 15 pages and each illustration is accompanied by a short paragraph of text. If you are searching for visuals this is definately a good choice. However, if you are looking for information you may want to purchase an additional book (or different book). I am a art history student looking to broaden my knowledge of Egytian art and this is a great first step for those looking to do the same.

Wonderful Book
This book is a gorgeous and lavish catalogue of selected, exquisite, and little-known works of Egyptian art dating from the Old-Kingdom. I truly love it, and I recommend it to anyone interested in ancient art. I particularly loved the special devotion to fragments of statues and small works of art not usually seen, but as beautiful if not more pronounced than the usual art seen in other books. An masterpiece of art in itself.

You don't have to be an Egyptologist to appreciate the exhaustive research that went into the compilation of this catalogue that accompanieD a blockbuster exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

The amazing work of Old Kingdom (c.2650 - 2150 B.C.E.) artists is splendidly displayed on glossy fact filled pages.

The aim of the book is to capture the many artifacts of the old kingdom. in this regard, its aim is not to be informative by being detailed on the old kingdom history - there are many books which attempt to do this.

having stated the aim of the book, i should judge it on the quality of the pictures: they are superb!! one of the best pictures i have seen, especially considering that they are indoor pictures! the grain is non-visible, this makes a difference for such a relatively pricy book.

Many of the pictures fill the whole page and this creates a striking image! It is a great buy if you want to collect good pictures on egypt!

One minor disappointment is that they omitted some of the most interesting pictures or artifacts of the old kingdom, which you find in other books. For example and most importantly the bas relief of king djoser at the ny metropolitan museum. yet, i probably know why..

This magnificent volume devoted to the approximate 500 years that made up Egypt's Old Kingdom period(2649-2150 B.C.), is truly unsurpassed in information and artifacts that were brought together from collections in Egypt, France, Italy, Britain, the United States and elsewhere for a unique travelling exhibition titled: "Egyptian Art In The Age Of The Pyramids". As a lover of all things to do with Ancient Egypt I was amazed by this wonderful work that had as its focus not the frequently photographed treasures of Tutankhamen or the Valley of the Kings but instead on this much earlier period of Egyptian history that saw some of Egypt's most wonderous works of art and building accomplished.

For those not able to see the exhibition this book is a wonderful guide and source of information that can be enjoyed by people just developing an interest in early Egypt and also by those with a fairly advanced knowledge of this civilisation and its wonders. I was amazed by the terrific attention to detail and especially by the fact that many of the items featured have not been widely seen or examined in detail before. The volume begins with some detailed maps of the different regions of Egypt in the Old Kingdom period so that the reader can get a feel for where the various items featured originated from. A brief run down on the six dynasties of the Old Kingdom and their history including the Pharaohs who reigned during them is also included and certainly helps to give the items a proper time frame and place in the overall history of Egypt. The first chapters of the book cover specific areas of interest and vary from a detailed examination of the incredible Step Pyramid of King Djoser through various tombs of officials and court dignitaries to an examination of royal statuary, furniture of the old Kingdom, and the excavations that have taken place at old Kingdom sites. Each of these chapters contain a detailed commentary of the topic under discussion by various world wide experts and each include breathtaking colour and black and white photographs, maps and drawn ilustrations of tomb reliefs and wall paintings. The text in these chapters is clear and concise and easy to follow while still being incredibly informative with much background information included. These chapters really are a great introduction to all facets of cultural and religious life in the Old Kingdom.

The second section of "Egyptian Art In The Age of The Pyramids", deals with each individual artifact that was included in the travelling exhibition. Each item is accompanied by a beautiful colour illustration photographed often against a neutral background for maximum effect and also includes any other available photos that may have been taken when the piece was being excavated or from the site it was found in . Each item also has a detailed description and a background history and includes which dynasty of the Old Kingdom it comes from and who the reigning Pharaoh was at that time. Measurements and the loaning museum are also included to give a very detailed run down on the modern origins of each piece. The marvel of the items as stated is that both well known and quite rare items are included in the volume. We get to see such diversely famous pieces as the blue tile wall decorations from the under ground chambers of the Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser, and the majestic twin statue of Pharaoh Menkaure and his Queen, through to the extremely rare Silver and Turquoise inlaid braclets belonging to Queen Hetep-Heres, the mother of Pharaoh Cheops, and the extremely touching statue of Queen Ankh-Nes-Meryre nursing her young son, the boy Pharaoh Pepi II. Less well known pieces such as vivid wall paintings from some of the nobles tombs, wooden statues of farmers and alabaster vases in the shape of monkeys from unknown sources really bring to life the everyday existence of both the priviledged and the general population during the six dynasties of the Old Kingdom.

As an amateur Egyptologist I would dearly have loved to see this original exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art however having missed that this splendid book is a perfect way to enjoy the wonderful artifacts that were included and to learn in a detailed but user friendly way much about Egypt during the Old Kingdom. "Egyptian Art In The Age Of The Pyramids", is one of the most tresured books in my personal library and I highly recommend it to all readers interested in ancient history and in early Egypt in particular. This volume itself is a true treasure just like all the precious items it so lovingly features in its pages. Enjoy!

This has to be the best book ever for anyone who is shy either in or out of the bedroom. Don't think that this book is only for partnered people, there are plenty of exercises on being an exhibitionist for your own private fun. And believe me when I say that when you have showed off for yourself you won't be able to wait to show off to others.
This book also gave me greater appreciation for my own body. Flaws and all. Never does she say that you have to be this great beauty to be a show off.
So if you are a "good girl" like me with a "bad girl" fantasy this book is the key to unlocking it.

I have owned several copies of this book, specifically to GIVE to people who I feel would enjoy it.
No matter how shy or "vanilla" you are, you can certainly spice up your sex life, and probably your self-esteem, by heeding the simple for-beginners suggestions found inside.
Towards the end, the book does delve into some pretty "advanced" topics such as play parties and being a stripper. But there's much to learn here even if you don't want to take it that far. It's not about being all-out kinky and wild and crazy - although if you want to be, this book could be a great start.
But the focus here is really about finding your own personal comfort zones, determining your own fantasies, and feeling sexy YOUR way. No pressure here, just encouragement and support.

This is the BEST book I have read on Exhibitionism-if you're shy. This is a terrific book and Carol did a great job with it!! I was really impressed! It has changed how I think-I think my shyness was tied in with my closed-mindedness? Well give this book I try either way!! :)

Carol Queen is now a famous sex educator who describes herself as a recovering shy person. In 13 chapters and 3 appendices she helps us understand what holds us back from exploring and fully enjoying our sexuality and offers exercises we can use to move into a more fulfilling passionate life with ourselves and with others. This book will not teach you how to strip or how to seduce someone until you feel comfortable with yourself first. An excellent book that offered me some advice I have tried to put into practice in my own life. I'm getting a little less shy every day and it feels good.

This was my first read by Carol Queen, and I'll definitely be looking for more. Her down-to-earth attitude and very sincere, nonjudgmental, and open-minded approach to writing, sex, and a potentially touchy subject is very impressive.

She's covered nearly every aspect of shyness pertaining to self-image, sexual exploration, and body image; this book isn't just about dressing up and showing cleavage. And let's clarify that it's not just geared toward a female audience either. Queen talks directly, soothingly, to all those wishing to expand their sexual and self-confidence horizons.

I was only amazed to find how far along the spectrum I am myself coming from such shy and conservative beginnings. I was expecting practical steps and creative ideas for "coming out" on my own only to realize just how much of an exhibitionist I already am. And that also credits how Queen begins with exibitionism in private and for oneself, establishing a comfort zone for the individual where it should be begun.

I wish the book included more advanced exhibitionism techniques, or maybe more modern ones. Queen could've ventured into the realm of exhibitionism acted out online in all the various forms, how to begin, safe places for exercising your turn-ons, etc. Still, Queen covers the full spectrum of self-growth and comfort with exhibitionism so comprehensively that there are definitely creative ideas and issues addressed even for the more advanced. Enjoy!

Explore your mind and become truly aware of yourself with these golf tips to help you open up your game. There are also great exercises to help you relax.

Excellent mind training for golf and applicable to other aspects of life as well.

This is likely the best book I have read about the sport of Golf so far.
A great book, that is well worth the money (and time reading it more than once). The excercises in the book are great and easy to follow with amazing effects.

Although I see several different philosophies woven into the authors work, what you call it doesn't matter. Reading this book is an essential for any golfer. You will learn things about yourself you didn't know, why you play golf....and, it will be an aid to improving your game. I have not practiced all the exercises, but just by reading the book, my swing and thought process has changed. My swing is more free, my thoughts are more free, and I am free from worrying about the result. I can't wait to read "Extraordinary Golf" next.

Awareness. It is something I never really experienced before playing golf. Being in the now and enjoying the sensations of the game will definitely be my goals for the upcoming season. Reading this book is like having a hypnotic session. You can start to see inside and outside of yourself and become amazed at how you work. I only wish that I was taught these things 20 years ago when I first started playing.

I have never really painted with watercolours until I read this book and it made the transition into this medium with ease. I heard constantly that is medium is difficult to control etc. The techniques described in this book broke that myth for me and I have been using it to compliment my photographs.

Cathy Johnson is a down to earth and talented instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed working through "Painting Watercolors" and it came highly recommended to me. I used this book as my basic guideline for studying watercolor and I greatly improved by doing all of the exercises she recommends. She is a very natural teacher and I found it very easy to follow her demonstrations. I am encouraged and feel as if I am really on my way to becoming the kind of artist I always wanted to be.

Great book, perfect for ideas. Detailed easy to follow. Poor delivery service from the seller.

If you are looking for a good start-up book you can plan on this being the one. Her easy going style belies the amount of information and great try out activities that establish basic necessary techniques. True--no book can do everything and eventually one would want a supplement but think purchasers would be generally pleased with this user-friendly book. It is not a cookbook (thank goodness) but rather in a format that will establish a base and encourage and confirm to a budding artist that he/she really can paint.

I like all of Cathy Johnson's books, but this one is my favorite. It is very practical, understandable, and well illustrated. Although anyone would enjoy it, this book is especially beneficial to someone just beginning to paint with watercolors. It deals with the basics. I love it.

The text is written in modern English which is easier to read and comprehend than some of those ancient scrolls translated from german or some other archaic language. In addition to the information of technique and method, I especially enjoyed the lengthy resource lists for rated (according to level of difficulty)musical compositions for flute.

The book is dictionary-like in terms of weight and feel. The pages are filled with well-written standard type font. I mention this because I have become weary of those pamphlet-thick 'modern music method books' and their clip-art laden, nearly empty pages that are too often mass produced and marketed as an only source of published information.

The author also addresses, in great detail, some of the well and lesser known flute debates(such as the flutest/flautist conflict), the history of flute (with photos from the Dayton C. Miller flute museum/collection, where the author is also the currator), development and changes, and those other topics and issues some(those only superficially dedicated to the wonders of flute) might consider trivial.

I originally borrowed this book from the library. I have since added this title as a must have for my personal music book collection. If you are looking for a recently written, detailed, modern exploration of the flute, by an accomplished authority, this publication is a smart choice!

Nancy Toff has left nothing out of this grand book -- the history, anatomy, selection, and care of the flute in its popular and more esoteric forms; an extensive discussion on the development of not only classical and modern technique, but also personal style; building a repertoire and creating or finding performance opportunities; the history of flute music, and authoritative suggestions for building a sheet and recorded music library; countless charts and reference materials -- all has been included that a flute player, whether amateur or professional, student or teacher, could and would want to know and reference in the course of their playing career. And if one happens to find anything not included, I feel confident that Ms. Toff would personally see to correcting the matter immediately. An absolute must; look no further, oh wearied flutists (as Ms. Toff insists you are to be called, and not flautists, based on a well-researched etymological conclusion), for your redemption is at hand.

Nancy Toff does an exceptional job with this complete and well-rounded reference book for books. Any information that one could hope for about playing the instrument, buying the instrument, or listening to the instrument is included. The author also does well to give many perspectives on many flute issues, reasoning them out for the reader. The second half of the book on the history of many composers is exhaustive and complete. The catalog of repertoire pieces in a table format with available publishers is invaluable for any performer. Really a must own.

I borrowed this book from the library. I love the pictures of different flutes of different era. You can see how flute evolved through hundreds of years. Truly amazing.

I find this book absolutely helpful but I just want to say that what a pity that only paperback is available. It would be nice to have hardback version..