Instruction Books

My husband started using this book before I did..... as I preferred to speak to the people and learn that way.
NOW I WISH I had started sooner using this very book myself!

I does teach you all the necessary vocabulary easily!

THUMBS UP!

Wish it was available on Kindle!

To reiterate what a previous reviewer had pointed out, the "Teach Yourself Indonesian Complete Course" includes just the textbook, whereas the "Teach Yourself Indonesian Complete Course Audiopack" includes both the text book and compact discs. Contrary to what Amazon.com suggests, you need to only buy the "Teach Yourself Indonesian Complete Course Audiopack" to get the full benefits of the program.

I purchased the "Teach Yourself Indonesian Complete Course Audiopack" several days ago, and after having had the opportunity to peruse the material for a bit, I must say that I am very impressed with what I have seen thus far. The material is presented in such a way as to make learning Indonesian effectively and effortless.

For example, each chapter begins with a dialogue in Indonesian that pertains to everyday activities, such as eating out or asking for directions. Below the dialogue is a box filled with pertinent vocabulary words from the preceding dialogue. Next is an English translation of the dialogue to ensure that the student fully understands the meaning of the Indonesian dialogue. Succeeding that is a section entitled, "How the language works." Here, grammatical concepts and contexts of the vocabulary words relevant to the dialogue are discussed. Finally, several exercises are included in each chapter to reinforce the lessons taught. Do not worry, the answers are in the back!

The compact discs mesh perfectly with the material in the chapters. Native Indonesian speakers act out the chapter dialogues, thus providing the student with the opportunity to practice their listening skills and learn how to properly speak Indonesian. The speakers on the compact discs clearly enunciate so there is plenty of time for the student to practice their Indonesian out loud if desired.

Overall, the "Teach Yourself Indonesian Complete Course Audiopack" is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in learning Indonesian. As a student of Indonesian myself, I highly recommend this product for its exceptional effectiveness.

This book is very easy to use, being well laid out and organized and introducing vocabulary in manageable pieces throughout each chapter. Another nice thing is that the book alternates 50-50 between formal situations and casual situations so you can become familiar with both styles of the language. So far the book is fun and motivating and makes me want to study much more than my other books do.

This book is very detail & percise. It makes it easy to learn the language with ease. It is written with a manner that is simple to follow. Authors took there time to make sure all of the contents was clear & correct. Step by step instructions to make it easy to learn & understand. I give this book 5 stars & I recommend it to anyone who want to learn Indonesian language very fast & correct.

I'm half way through this course and it's pretty easy to use, and the topics and dialogues are relevant and interesting. There is material on the cd's to help you get accustomed to hearing spoken Indonesian, which is great if you live somewhere with very few Indonesian people like I do.

I have two minor criticisms:

1) During the dialog practice there is often not a long enough pause on the cd to allow you to finish saying your part of the exchange. This is not a big deal if you have an ipod and can easily pause and rewind with little trouble. But it's a bit of a hassle when you're using a home stereo and you have to pause it.

2) Sometimes the dialogues contain a couple of words that are not in the vocabulary key for that dialogue, and sometimes not even in the glossary at the back of the book. That has caught me off-guard a few times when I didn't have my dictionary with me.

But all in this is the best introductory course I've seen, and a much more interesting way to start off than using Yohanna Johns's "Bahasa Indonesia" (which looks better for long term serious study).

In a recent interview with Samantha Bravo the author of TEACHING LIFE answers some questions about his writing of the book:

Bravo: In TEACHING LIFE: LETTERS FROM A LIFE IN LITERATURE, each letter to Kelly addresses a different aspect of education, literature and life. How did you decide which topics to address? How do you think the book's organization of these topics affects the reader?

Salwak: The topics suggested themselves to me as I moved ever deeper into the project. I knew I had to write "When a Parent Dies," for example, because the day after my father's funeral I returned to my class to discuss "Hamlet" and saw my father sitting in the back of the room. The chapter on "Marriage" suggested itself because I was struck by how many of my colleagues across the country wrestle with balancing the academics with family life. Many questions emerged over the years from discussions with my parents, both educators, as well as from my students. Overall I answer questions that many teachers (and students) ask of themselves and that I continue to ask of myself.

Bravo: Why did you choose to format the book as a series of letters?

Salwak: To avoid the risk of coming across as "preachy" or dogmatic. That's not my style. Writing letters "to" a former student was an indirect way of reaching my potential reader. Also, this format helped me to establish a warm, personal tone that is the voice I try to maintain in the classroom. I am speaking to teachers, yes, but I am also speaking to students as well as to the general public - and I don't want to alienate them.

Bravo: In the book's summary it says that "'Teaching Life" is an effort to impart lessons to the next generation
of teachers." Would you also agree that these lessons are equally benefiting to students who read this
book? What sort of insight should a student expect to gain in contrast to a teacher?

Salwak: Yes, most definitely. Letters as personal as these permit the student to slip away from present concerns, open the door, and step inside the secret life of a teacher. Happiness is a gift, not a right, and most of us as teachers have been so gifted. Perhaps some students themselves will carry from the book the thought of entering this noble and personally rewarding profession. At the very least I hope they will find here some useful suggestions for getting all they can from their educational experiences.

Bravo: You say that Kelly has become a metaphor for all your students. Could you explain this in more depth?

Salwak: Every semester my classrooms are filled with Kelly's - bright, eager-to-learn men and women who are giving me three hours a week of their most precious possession - their time. What I say "to" Kelly in the letters I say to all of my students: make the most of your allotted time, seek the best in everything you do, and keep growing. My challenge is to find a way to connect with them, to encourage them to care about the material, to think about some of the deep issues of life, and to have a good time while doing so. That's part of what keeps me coming back day after day, month after month, semester after semester. Though Kelly didn't live to realize her potential as a teacher, my experience of knowing her and thousands of students like her continues to inspire me every day.

Bravo: Thirty years after Kelly's death, why did you believe that this was the right time in your career to publish "Teaching Life?"

Salwak: There were many months, even years when I didn't know when (or even IF) I would complete the book. Coincidentally I did so while approaching my 35th year of teaching. To borrow from Samuel Johnson, I believe that into every teacher's life there comes a "time to be in earnest." This is such a time for me.

"Teaching Life: Letters from a Life in Literature" is sure to leave an indelible mark on you, whether (or especially if) you are a teacher (first-year or veteran) or simply a lover of books, literature, and learning. I doubt I will ever be as well-read as the author, or acquire such rich and varied life experiences. But reading this book has inspired me to try. Reading this book was also a way of renewing my own vows to my students: to honor and respect their time, to be an example of curiosity and knowledge, to listen and learn from them. When I finished the last page, I was eager to find a quiet place to sit and reflect on everything I'd read. I'm sure I'll continue to do so for a long, long time.

After having been a college Professor for over 16 years myself, I thought I knew all (or at least most) there is to know about my profession. Dr. Salwak's book has provided me with a tremendous amount of knowledge and inspiration. I am humbled by the realization that there is still much to be learned and very appreciative by the warmth and insightfulness with which the book is written.
This book is a masterful piece of literature that can be of tremendous inspiration for readers pursuing a number of different careers.
Letters from a Life in Literature feels like a warm cup of tea in a cold rainy day. I highly recommend it.

I am an elementary school teacher and School Board member for the Claremont School District. I had the privilege of listening to Dr. Salwak give a presentation about this book. The parallels between educating the college student and grammar school student were striking.

As a classroom teacher for over 20 years, I deeply appreciated this book. Dr. Salwak's perspective and insights gave me a new look at teaching. The advice to any educator and the interplay between instructor and student are thoroughly enlightening. His light touch on the role of pedagogy in education during a time of increased concern over test scores portrays many of the highs and lows involved in teaching. Many K-12 school districts adopt curriculum where all teachers must be on the same page on the same day regardless of their class's composition or achievement. Such an approach is anathema to instilling the love of learning that is portrayed in this book.

Dr. Salwak is an antidote to the factory worker approach to teaching. His passion for education and his passionate reflections on teaching should be required reading for all policy makers who shape education. The letters addressed to Kelly also include good advice for students and their families. His love of reading is a great model for his students and all of us.

Letters from a Life in Literature is a must read for anyone who loves books, values education, or is involved in learning. Dr. Salwak is a shining example of the "lifelong learner" so many schools and college want to produce. This book is a real treat.

This book has an incomparable value to me that is hard to explain with words. It has provided me with very valuable insight that I certainly could not obtain from any other source. As a future teacher, it was very important to me to experience through Dr. Salwak's words all what this wonderful profession of teaching involves. Before reading the book, I certainly thought of teaching as my career goal, but now, I have come to realize that it is my vocation and my passion.

I enjoyed each and every single chapter in this book, from the interesting classroom anecdotes to the sad and reflective moment that the death of a father represents. However, I think that for people like me, whose journey into the wonderful profession of teaching has just began, the chapter about "Transition" is a must read because it explains in detail the challengeable "transition from feeling like a student to living fully as a scholar-teacher." The book also covers other important subjects for early teachers, such as the art of lecturing, reading, and, the most important (I think), how to connect with students.

I would definitely recommend this book not only to anyone in the teaching profession but to everyone who wants to learn more about life from this wonderful professor and person: Dr. Salwak. As his former student, he has changed my life in ways that I would never imagine and I am pretty sure that anyone who could have the chance of reading this book will certainly agree with me that his knowledge and wisdom are without comparison.

I heard about this book through CNN and read some of Lisa's story's on line. Upon receiving it I immediately went read through three of the fables.

I was delighted that these fables caused me to think on my own and come to some conclusions appropriate for my current circumstances, and yet realize that others reading the same fables could apply them to their own circumstances too.

This is a book I will carry around on my person. When my nieces and nephews ask me to read them a book, or tell them a story, I will pull out this book. The fables carry their message gently and with a genuine respect for those who are different. I also like that at the end of each fable, there is no "preachiness" quality to it. The ending causes the reader to reflect and come to their own conclusions.

Excellent book for young and old!

This is a wonderful book... the stories are imaginative and engaging. I've given this book to family and friends and it is on my short list of 'presents for the impossible to buy for'.

A dear friend who has wonderful taste in books introduced me to Lisa Suhay's book "Tell Me A Story". I wasn't immediately convinced to buy it but my friend directed me to one of Lisa's articles on-line and I knew I had to buy this book. Now my only regret is that I didn't buy it sooner, what a beautiful book. "Tell me a Story" is truly a work of art inside and out.

I have only read 3 of the fables so far and each time I fall more in love with this book. The stories really make me think about myself and the world around me. I have found through discussions with other readers that we each gain something special and individual from the stories.

I am looking forward to sharing this book with friends and family. It is a book I can feel confident about sharing and know others will love it as much as I do.

This is a wonderful book of fables. Beautiful characters that I will never forget ! These days when I experience a stressful situation I go looking for guidance in Suhay's world of fables. And I always find an "answer". Friends get ready for this will be the gift I give to you this year ;o) ! Thank you Lisa Suhay !

A good friend of mine with excellent tastes in books recommended this to me. I ordered it and as I read it I love it more and more. As I continue to read the book, I find ways to adapt these fables in my current life. I think this is a wonderful book for both adults and children. In fact, I have a young son who I am looking forward to sharing these fables with as he grows. Thank you Lisa Suhay for a wonderful book!!!

How do you compliment a master? There is none except "thank you."

In a real sense Bruno is a man that should have been born in another time. His sensitivity to the human figure and his love for fired earth is the stuff of a true Renaissance man. He captures the imagination and brings life out of clay.

What is most inspiring aspect of this Italian born sculptor is love to teach and share his skills, tips and tricks with other aspiring sculptors around the world. Sculptors like me. No studio library is complete with out all of his books and tapes.

Bruno works with slabs of clay smashed on the floor and then quickly forms them into layers of mass that are shaped into the maquette. His attention to proportion makes him the artist that others have sought to imitate, and none can completely duplicate.

The first time I browsed the book, I was blown away by the beauty of Bruno's work.
The second time, I was disappointed because of the limited explanation and technical descriptions.
But once I understood what this book was really about, I loved it.
It really is a documentary of Lucchesi at work. You can witness him working. The book is very visual.
You will not learn sculpturing, but you will get the chance to see an accomplished sculptor and his creation.
The book does not tell the why's, you can see the how's.

My copy is now really filthy, with stains of terracota all over it. I keep it by my working bench, and quite frequently, in the middle of my work, I open it to see how Bruno does it.

My recommendation is to buy this book in addition to "From Clay to Bronze " of Lagland.

I found this book to be a wonderful tool for the beginner or advanced sculptor. It leads you step by step and, as a 3rd-year sculptor, the techniques Lucchesi provides have greatly inspired and helped me improve my own techniques.

I'm a student working in wax, but the most important concepts in this book are definitely cross media; it was a good buy. I mainly use the book as a reference tool and posing guide -- it is a great problem solver. There can't be many issues in posing or proportioning that a beginner won't find help for somewhere in this book. Ms. Malmstrom has such a talent for photographing sculpture that you almost feel like you have the actual piece in front of you. And Mr. Lucchesi's work... it's tough to imagine a day so bad that his sculpture can't make you feel more at peace.

This is a super book, very informative and easy to follow. It answered many questions I had, and introduced many new (to me) ideas.

I have an extremely large collection of watercolor instruction books since I love to try new approaches. This book is one of my favoriteS. Many(most) watercolor books are just self praise books with not much useful instruction. I find Mr. Hendershot's book to be extremely informative and well written. I find myself referring to this book often.

Hendershot's book is, as stated, not for the beginner, but what he has here is something that I think the beginner could use and would find greatly inspiring.
His own style is quite beautiful, and if you are looking for it, a more than passing hint at A. Wyeth can be found in his work. Artists interested in His technique will / may find something similar in Hendershot (though Hendershot definitely has his own amazing view, also Andy ain't going to talk soon, so this may be as close to it as one gets).

It is not merely a technique book either, it is practically a monograph for Hendershot. Reproductions are quite amazing.

Having communicated with the publisher, there are "no plans" to republish this book. If you find one here, grab it!! The one at the local library here can now have a rest, as My copy has arrived

This is by far the best watercolor book I have seen. This book is not for beginners as the author points out at the beginning itself. Maybe that is why it is so much more interesting for advanced beginners and beyond as he quickly and methodically takes us through a progression of splendid techniques for painting trees, grass, barns, buildings, still life etc. As a lover of landscape paintings, I find Ray Hendershot's paintings simply a joy to study. I am really happy I got this book.

While not a beginner's book, Hendershot's book offers straightforward advice on creating realistic textures. I was surprised how easy it was to add realism to my work. I enjoyed the subdued palette. Raw umber and paynes gray figure prominently in my palette now. As other reviewers have wrote, Hendershot's book has helped me create my best work to date. A treasure!

I am a novice watercolor painter. I've bought several instructional books, but have found this one to be the best. Mr. Hendershot's instructions are clear and easy to follow. The techniques I've learned have dramatically improved the quality of my paintings. The paintings used in instruction are beautiful and fun to paint. I will always use the techniques I've learned from this artist. I only wish he would do another.

The beauty of this book is that so many letters, reviews, interviews etc. about/by so many artists are conveniently gathered in one place. On the whole, there isn't anything in here that you can't find elsewhere, such as in biographies of the individual artists. For example the letters contained in the opening section on "Post-Impressionism" from both Cezanne and Van Gogh are included in just about every biography on them.

The over-riding reason for buying this book is that so many are collected together. So, even for an artist that you might not like enough to go out and buy their biography, atleast you get an insight in to their thoughts/motives etc. In some cases this may spark your interest in a previously less favoured artist and appreciate their works from a new perspective.

Chipp covers all the main "isms" of modern art from Post-Impressionism (Cezanne) onwards. Each movement opens with a treatise detailing the main theories/artists/concepts/techniques that made it unique. This is followed by a comprehensive selection of articles/letters/interviews etc. concerning the main players i.e. the section of Expressionism includes writings from Nolde, Kandinsky, Kokoschka, Kirchner, Marc, Klee and Beckmann. One of my favourite pieces is by Stuart Davis. He's responding to a critic's recent review..."in your review you speak of your enthusiasm for my work and call me a "swell American painter". This attitude on your part I heartily approve, but you further state that my style is French and that if Picasso had never lived I would have had to think out a style of my own. Now is that nice Mr. McBride?" and off Davis goes in his defence. Superb.

Rather than reading about these various "isms" via the well meaning but often biased views of a expert art historian, here you get the views from the artists themselves.

For any art historians dealing with the modern art period this book has to be essential. And for general appreciators of art, as well as artists themselves, this book contains a wealth of information, and pays dividends to both intense study or just random browsing.

Since it's first publication in 1968 this book has formed the foundation of any respectable art library. I just checked the bibliography of more recent books on art history - this book is referenced extensively. In my opinion, if anyone is looking for an interesting and enjoyable introduction to the world of "Modern Art" they could do a lot worse than start here. And given the way that any one "ism" owes it's existence to the "isms" that came before it*, this almost reads like a novel.

*Regardless of Dali's utterances about Surrealism being a unique movement, unfounded by anything that came before, just go and have a look at the works of Hieronymous Bosch to see that wasn't the case.

Recommended!

Even if you are not interested in the arts but simply in thought process- I think you will find this book very interesting. You could say this is the history of modern art without pictures (although there are some pictures)- bringing the reader facinating insights into how different types of artists came to their philosophies of art, and of course, the world. Documented through personal letters, manifestos, and articles, the varity of different thoughts and beliefs catapolts just what art can be. To me it shows that art is a never ending universe of ideas- all connecting but all very individual just the same.

I just wanted to respond to the person before me. It sounds like contemporary art is way over your head. Please do not waist our time with long reviews about things you clearly do not understand.

How often had I looked at a painting of Van Gough and wondered what exactly was this great man thinking when he conceived and painted such a picture. Now by reading thru this excellent book, I can claw into the mind of artists themselves.

Not only educational, but inspiring. I not only learned about each artist and what when on during their time of certain artworks, but I was able to get inside their head. The words of the artist's in their letters were captivating. I was caught up in the reading. I especially enjoyed Matisse and Kandinsky. Kandinsky is very spiritual about his writing and gives a deep explanation of colors. Anyway, it is a great read. It was required for my history course, but I enjoyed it. Not very many in my class could understand what they were reading. I guess you not only need intellect, but sophistication. I liked it!

Books written by people who have gone beyond merely mastering their craft are always fascinating. I had to find my copy used, unfortunately, but I will have it on my shelf for the rest of my life. If art classes were taught seriously, this would be 1 of 3 important texts.

Many of us procrastinate because we can't "see" where we're going. We can't imagine it. But everyone has an imagination that can be brought to play. But how? Think with a pencil. Yes!

For those of us who are visual learners, this very straight-forward book on drawing is a wonder.

Often what holds us back from going forward on a journey is our inability to show someone where we want to go with a concept.

This elementary instruction offers the encouragement that makes it possible to seal a concept on a napkin.

With practice, such handy visualization comes easier and communication much more thoughtful.

Highly recommended.

In the field of rapid visualisation, there are only two books I would often recommend to others:

For left-brainers, i.e. people who are naturally logic-oriented: get hold of 'Thinking with a Pencil' by Henning Helms;

For right-brainers, i.e. people who are naturally creative &/or imagination-oriented: get hold of 'Rapid Viz' by Kurt Hanks;

Both books cater to all those who wish to use a simple drawing as a tool for thought & communication. They explain how to draw &/or sketch quickly as well as how to use graphic illustration as a thinking tool & as a means of organising & presenting ideas on paper. This, in a nut shell, is essentially the process of rapid visulaisation.

The only difference between the two books lies in their approach to the process, even though both have a free-hand style.

'Thinking with a Pencil' has a more structured approach, with a slant toward technical drawing. It has almost 700 technical illustrations.

'Rapid Viz' has a more free-form or creative approach, with a emphasis on speed & simplicity. In essence, it's more wholistic in terms of the process. It has some 900 illustrations & is also packed with ideas, games, puzzles & exercises to guide the reader.

As an engineer by training, I have owned the first book since the late sixties & the latter book since the early eighties. During my engineering days, the first book has been my field guide.

I have found that both books are written for the novice in mind. They provide easy-to-follow step by step instructions.

They are the only two true classics in the field!

Thinking with a Pencil is the best book I have read on how to make your concepts into recognizable sketches that can convey your ideas to other people. You do not need to know how to draw to use Nelms's ideas. I had a copy of this book, gave it to a graphic artist, and now want another one myself. Please, publisher, reprint it again.

...this is the sort of book that causes its readers to long for it well after it has been loaned to a friend for good. Once you break through the "I'm not a drawing sort of person" wall with teh helpful advice of Henning Nelms, you are empowered to communicate your thoughts in a more powerful way.

I would love to see this book back in print, or in a new edition that extends the concepts to the digital age and teaches us also to "Draw with a Digital Pencil."

What a lovely book. The photos are absolutely superb. So clear. Love the photo's of the owners wearing them. Such a diverse range of designs. The skill of the designers & the jewellers who made them is just brilliant. If you love jewellery this book will not disappoint you.

Excellent adventure into an art form using precious metals and jewels to make the perfect man made crowning glory. The text and photos bring a historical context to enjoy the art and creativity this subject requires. The gems , the glitter and imagined glamour make this book a must have along with Geoffrey Munn's definative text published earlier "Tiara's : A History of Splendour" .

I was lucky enough to SEE the exhibition at Vic and Albert in London and that is where I got this book. Tiaras were absolutely fabulous and the book transportes the magic and splendor very well. I gave this book to a friend who owns antique jewellery shop and am thinking about getting another copy for myself.

Wow! I just got this book, and G.Mann's huge other tiara book. This one is based on the exhibit that was done at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and contains not only old tiaras, but modern ones done just for the exhibit. There is very little overlap between the two books, so I was not disappointed. The photos are huge, clear, and show lots of detail. There's also lots of good information. The other, bigger book is a better deal at $47, but this one's no slouch either, and the price and size would make it a great gift.

[...]

I recived this book as a gift. It was one of two books on tiaras by G.C. Munn, this book gives you a look at what kind of Tiaras are being made and worn by todays Women. The Photos are of good quality and sharpness You can see the Craftmanship in each piece.
If you ever wanted to have your own Tiara this is the closest thing to it.

This is perhaps Goldsworthy's most elegiac and moving book, a profound meditation on time and change. If you like his work, you won't be disappointed. This volume and "A Collaboration with Nature" are wonderful and permanent sources of inspiration.

I had viewed the DVD "Rivers and Tides" which is a tour of Andy Goldsworthy's artistic endeavors. It is very compelling and left a lasting impression. I wanted more and discovered, to my delight, that a large number of Andy's creations shown in the DVD were documented in the book "Time". There had to be photographs of Andy's work since most of them are not permanent in either time or space. In the DVD, we see the creation process as it occurs and then it may dissolve or move. In the book, it is "frozen" in time and space and can be appreciated as a work of art. I recommend seeing the DVD first so the book's contents can be appreciated even more.

Andy Goldsworthy's artwork is utterly ephemeral and fleeting, and perhaps because of this, utterly transfixing. There is something of the ancients in the way Goldsworthy puts together stone, or wood, or leaves--or even in the way he lays himself down on a dry patch of ground in the rain so that when he gets up, we see a sort of reverse shadow of his body. There is an astonishing intellect at work here, and a soul which sees the value in what some art snobs might term "mere beauty."

Goldsworthy's many mediums are covered in "Time," which features sumptuous photography by Terry Friedman. We see perfectly constructed stone cairns--some pyramidal, some only half done and all the more startling for what isn't there as for what is. We see ruddy sandstone arches four times the height of a man. But Goldsworthy's most consistently inviting work is done not in stone, but in the ephemera nature leaves for him everywhere he looks. Goldsworthy's work is sometimes so fleeting as to question the very nature of whether it constitutes art when it lasts only minutes or hours. The frost shadows, for instance, are simply photographs of the still-iced patches of grass over which Goldsworthy stood in the early morning, then stepped aside so that a photograph could be taken. Of course these are gone within minutes as the sun warms the now-exposed grass. Is this art? Merely the fact that you question it shows your engagement with the work--Goldsworthy fosters a kind of subtle dialogue between reader and artist and the dialogue is consistently engaging. Another heat-destroyed piece is the thinnest imaginable sheet of ice, laid against a moss-covered rock, and Goldsworthy's handprint visible on it. As it thawed, it buckled and disappeared and we see its disappearance in the photographs. It's lovely, it's witty and it is, improbably art.

Other things disappear, too, but not from the sun's warmth. There is a "stick hole" Goldsworthy built early one spring which he and Friedman came back to photograph throughout the summer until the final photograph shows it utterly covered with the lacy ferns which grew up around it. There are the perfectly circular or perfectly ovoid leaf rafts Goldsworthy stitches together, then sends on their way down a meandering stream, having their path photographed before they disappear. There are the piled of rocks he constructs leading into the ocean so that the tides swallow them up--each stage meticulously recorded on film.

Perhaps the most transformative art in the book is the mud wall displayed on the cover. Goldsworthy applied mud to walls and floor in such a way that when the mud cracked and dried, it showed the meandering, snakelike pattern he'd put into it. It has become something entirely different solely through the passage of time. This book is filled with surprises and delights, and will have you utterly absorbed, charmed, and astonished. I can't recommend it highly enough.

What a work of creative and artistic genius!

What to say about such an amazing work? For the first few times I
mainly absorbed the photos of his works, with only reading the
little captions and it wiped me off my feet. After a few rounds
of these I decided to read all of the writing in the book that
accompany the works he made and it totally blew me away. This
book has definitely altered something deep inside about the way
Ilook at nature, change, the seasons and time in general.

Time, as the title of the book suggests is the main topic of the
book and Andy Goldsworthy's art in general or at least his
approach and intention towards it. The body of work presented in
numerous photos and with corresponding writing in the form of a
journal covers the whole range Goldsworthy's work. For example
works made from stone, wood, leaves, snow, ice,...

As a result it gives an excellent overview and introduction of
his work and via the numerous writings a very deep, personal and
detailed insight into how he approaches different places, how he
reacts to change and works with the weather. The writing is on
par with his work. Very clear, direct, honest and poetic.

His insight into the concepts of time and change and seasons and
nature is truly breath taking. The introduction he wrote for the
book is a wonderful example illustrating this. Part of it can be
read by using the "Look inside the book" feature of Amazon.

Spending time with this book really cracks ones mind wide open
about time, change, nature and seasons and how to look at it and
perceive it.

And honestly I don't know what's more amazing. These amazing
and unbelievable pieces of art. Or the incredibly crisp and poetic
writing, deepening so much ones understanding of the works and
give insight into Goldsworthys view and approach and thoughts. Or
simply that out there somewhere a human being is walking this
earth with such an amazing understanding of time and nature and
able to transform this into amazing art an writing.

If the idea of Goldsworthys work is for him to work with time and
change and nature and to further his awareness of these concepts
and make sense of them in the most beautiful way then that is
exactly what this book excells marvelously at for the reader.

Andy Goldsworthy's work inspires me to look at nature in a very deep way.
His use of the environment and natural materials provokes me to look at how I can
incorporate more natural materials into my own work. I am in awe everytime I open up the book and look at the images. I especially like red clay and the way it went through it's own process through time.
a gem, a timeless exploration of our natural world!

this dvd is very well made,lots of beats to practice (years of practice actualy),
Tommy teaches you every beat first,then plays it slow and fast,wow!! very easy to follow.i highly recommend it!!!

Not only is this package a great deal, it's a great deal on two must-have products. The book is written in the same casual, personable manner in which Tommy speaks on his DVDs, which keeps things lively and light even as the grooves get progressively more difficult. I am a neophyte drummer, but Tommy's clean charting style makes everything seem easy. Furthermore, the play-along pieces on the DVD are perfect; playing along with your favorite artists is one thing, but this DVD allows the beginner to really feel as if he or she is part of the band rather than just robotically following another drummer. Finally, Tommy's emphasis on grooves over fills (which come in time as your creativity and skills develop anyway) ensures that the student isn't distracted by the flashy stuff before learning the real business of rock-solid drumming.

If you're even remotely interesting in learning to play drums or expanding your existing drumming skill-set, buy this package deal NOW before the publishers realize it's worth three times the price.

I saw Tommy Igoe with his Big Band at Birdland in September and was blown away by the music and even more so by the fun the guys were having. I came across his Groove Essentials (Book, DVD, and CD) bought it,and have both been having fun, and improving my playing. You get a DVD of Tommy working more grooves than most drummers will ever know. The book gives you charts and variations of these grooves and the CD (encoded in MP3) allows you play extended versions of the grooves laid down on the DVD, minus the drums so you can play along.
You also get some insight as how a professional approaches learning and playing percussion, done with humor (sometimes a little wry) but he communicates an obvious joy in the technique, art, and teaching of the drumset.

Tommy is good. This is done by really talented teacher and cool drummer. If you are interested primarily in blues as much as I am, the is another one I really liked Blues drumming techniques and musicianship with Dave Russell 4 DVDs set This set teaches essentials and to my opinion should be sold in a set with every drum set. The presentation is very clear and still inspirational and it is something that every beginner is needed.

This is a very inspiring dvd, a clear book and a good cd! Tommy is very inspiring and a good educator!

Bob Pen The Netherlands