Instruction Books

I initially set out to find more sources of music for a different style of playing than I am used to. I would say if you are just starting out this is not the book for you to start on. Having the CD to verify that what you play sounds similar to what you here is extremely helpful. The amount of material in the book is enormous for the price, and provides a decent variety with regards to types of celtic songs (jig, hornpipe, etc.).

Considering the level required to play it, the amount of material provided, and the extras (CD, little anecdotes) this book comes off with a great amount of knowledge to impart. And, will challenge you as well as expand you music library.

This book has excellent arrangements for the guitar regarding Celtic music. It also enjoyable to play, fingerings are realistic and not impossible to play like some other arrangements I have came across over the years.

I'm a guitar teacher
The book is not for begginers but if you have a good right hand technic
and reading tabs or and notes this is a great book with wonderful irish tunes.
most of the tunes are in standart tunning and some in drop D and some in special tunning.
some of the tunes sounds like a classical pieces not so irish but beautiful on their own right.
the notes are an exact transcription of the wonderfull CD.
any one who buy this book and learn it good would have a great recital to perform with. buy this book cause this author is a great musician and teacher!

As I've been teaching myself to play the guitar over the past two years, I've purchased and used many books of music. I've found that Celtic music is pleasurable for me to play. This is my favorite music book so far. It is very well done. There is a nice variety of songs, slow and fast, happy and sad. One of the pleasures of this music is the emotion felt in playing certain selections.

The range of difficulty is from fairly easy to moderately hard. This is a book that can help you grow in skill while having fun and making a joyful noise. I appreciate that every song has both notation and tablature. Most of the pieces are in standard tuning. Many are in drop D tuning and there is a section of DADGAD songs.

I don't think that the author(s) or editor(s) are credited, which is a shame because I'd like to buy more books from the same person or team.

I love it because it is thorough and precise. The tab is accurate (it isn't always with some books) and the music notation complete. There is even a key at the top of the page to give you the tuning if it is altered. The tutorial, while sounding a little sterile is very clear and extremely well executed. Other reviewers, I believe, are understating the level of difficulty somewhat. Having studied classical guitar, I found the pieces here well within reach, but I find it a stretch to say that they would be aproachable by a beginner, even an advanced one. Now, why I hate it: From reading Weiser's (the author) bio I learned that he is a classically-trained guitarist only a few degrees separated from Segovia himself (impressive)and that his intention with his arrangements of Celtic music is to foster greater acceptance of it in classical circles. That's a noble enough cause, but when I reflect upon the arrangements here I have to say that some of them are almost too Baroque-sounding for my finger-picked, steel-strung and down-tuned taste. If, for example, you were looking for a John Renbourne or Martin Simpson-type of experience with this book, you may be disappointed. I think not, though. Predispositions aside, his version of Jock O'Hazelden is very nice and will fall quickly under your fingers. His Morrison's Jig is spot-on how a fiddle tune should sound and his Carrickfergus is richly harmonized. I've returned to this book again and again. If you want to learn some Celtic music for guitar, the sheer volume of material contained here makes it worth the investment.

Don't be fooled by the cheesy cover on this book! Inside you will find the beginning of an impressive, well written, well edited epic tale. James Higuchi has created a universe of richly detailed characters, living in a well thought-out world. The Centurion (and later books) will appeal to readers of both science fiction and fantasy - and even to those who aren't into either.

It's refreshing to read a book of this nature that has concentrated on the story and characters, rather than cheap thrills offered by many other works in this genre. Highly recommended.

The Centurion is the first book in a multi-book series. It lays the foundation for everything to follow and describes the central character's (Jason) early life and circumstances. Not since "Tales from Nevryon" by Samuel Delany has such a powerful story with gay characters been published. I strongly encourage everyone to read these books.

Excellent story of two people from different races that never should have met...but when they did, a love was discovered that also never should have been.
The Centurions were given 40 years to live and the Legatio many lifetimes. The Legatios used to love and care for the Centurions who fought battles on their behalf. Unfortunately, over the course of time, the Legatios grew tired of burying their beloved Centurions. In order to shield their hearts from heartbreak the Legatios grew hard,cold, and then cruel and haughty towards the Centurions.
Enter Jason...kept in solitary confinement by a mother who dispised him, he was born of a Centurion. He never knew of their conflict or world.He never knew another man or had even seen another man.
The Centurion who rescued him,showed him kindness. Jason's love grew and he wanted to live with the Centurions - even though he was part Legatio.
Beautiful story of a tender love, a sacred love and an innocent love that may be enough the rift of centuries.

This one is easy to read and engaging. You learn about the Centurion and Legatio cultures as you get to know Jason. Makes you curious and want to know more, with erotic touches thrown in here and there. Definitely one of the best gay sci-fi fantasy stories I have encountered. And what is even better than finding this one terrific read is the fact that this book is just the beginning of a great series that grows more complex and interesting as you further explore Ares with Jason.

The Centurion Cycle a series of epic proportions begins with the three part first book titled "The Centurion". It opens with the start of a war between two great powers, Qul Tos ruled by the Ice Queen, Regent Eleanor against the Domus Empire led by its famed Centurion General, Agamemnon. At stake is the fate of their son, the young man Jason, who, because of his cruel mother has been forced to live most of his life exiled in the Labyrinth Tower, more of a prison than a home. For 21 years Jason lives without the company of other men, a naïve, almost feral, youth, unaware of the world around him until the day the besieging Centurion army finally discovers the secret of the Labyrinth as save the young man from certain death.

Out of all the Centurions, it is Philip Helios, a military commander, who takes over the guardianship of Jason, bringing him home to the capital of Domus, the heart of the Empire. There Jason tries to understand what it means to be a Centurion and a man, dealing with the unfortunate twin curses his people bear, the shorten half lives of the Centurion and the long fragile lives of the Legatio.

Jason, a hemophiliac Legatio, tried to aspire to become just like his warrior saviors even with his blood sickness. And though he fails on numerous occasions while attending school at the famed Academy, he never gives up on his dream or on love as he develops his first crush on his weapon's instructor, Varrus.

It is Philip however who proves to have the strongest hold on Jason's heart. On the day of Jason's 21st birthday, after both he and Philip have been forced to flee the Academy and return back to Qul Tos the two express the ultimate sign of their love for each other and are forever transformed by the sharing of their anima, the living elixir of their souls that is responsible for both their strengths and their weakness, turning themselves into the Angel and Demon of prophecy, forever bound together through love.

This is a phenomenal Christian based book for families who want to approach the 'big' talk with their kids. It is NOT your basis anatomical guide on the birds and the bees. Rather it is an indispensable guide on how to connect with your kids early and keep the lines of communication open so that as sexual issues or questions arise, they are comfortable enough to approach you, and you are comfortable enough with them to discuss it. Many great ideas and suggestions in talking to your kids about sex and life in general. LOVE IT!

Family psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman and sexuality educator Kathy Flores Bell present A Chicken's Guide To Talking Turkey With Your Kids About Sex, a straightforward guide for parents and educators about teaching young people about the first period, first nocturnal emission, dating relationships, STDs, molestation, and much more. A Chicken's Guide To Talking Turkey With Your Kids About Sex offers useful advice in down-to-earth terms concerning what needs to be taught, how to build a bond of trust and support, and how to sound fully credible when promoting abstinence in a culture that is media-soaked with sexual imagery, as well as more basic tips concerning trials of puberty such as proper hair and skin care, oral hygiene, and more. Highly recommended.

A wonderful guide to helping your child grow into adulthood. A "no-fear" approach to the truth about body changes, peer-pressure and relationships. It is the responsibility of the parents to make sure their own children knows the facts. It's not up to the schools, folks. God made our bodies, this book acknowledges his wonderful creation.

A long time fan of Leman's work and appearances, I was thrilled to see that he had a book on a subject I have been dreading discussing with our 9 year old son. Leman's humor and good-sense parenting advice reminded me that teaching your kids about sex begins long before "the talk" becomes necessary - it is the way you raise your children, with limitations, without instant gratification, and in the way you respect your own spouse that speaks volumes to our children about sex. Hooray for Leman! I am so glad that there is someone who can guide me in a Christian way on a vast number of subjects while still making it a fun read.

This book is excellent! You don't even have to wait until your kids are older to read this book. The practical suggestions they give begin with pre school age children, and continue up until your kids are 16 and 17. I highly recommend this book as a must-read for any parent!!

I gave this book to my mom for her birthday. She is a big Chihuly fan and loved the book. It came quickly and in good condition. The pictures are beautiful and the introduction tells all about Chihuly's life and work as an artist.

I was introduced to Chihuly through a special on my local PBS station many years ago. I couldn't remember his name, but I always remembered that he was the brilliant man with the unorthodox style. His vision and his artistic talents are immense. This book is absolutely mesmerizing and gorgeous with page after page of color photos. From the "Chihuly Over Venice" project to his designs for the set of the opera "Pelléas et Mélisande" for the Seattle Opera. This book truly is a feast for the eyes and the soul. Chihuly is a master of glass and this book proves it.

From the front page to the end this book you will be mesmorized. For those familiar with Maestro Chihuly's work this is a bible, for those that just come to learn about his creations this book is a must have. I feel that Dale Chihuly is one of the most talented artists of this century. His vision and creativity are so outstanding in a world of modern art sometimes too bare and conceptual. The book is an array of picture after picture of Chihuly's work. Splendid details can inspire from a decorator to a fashion designer, every page is a microcosmo of creativity. If I had to travel the universe with just a suitcase full of books, this is absolutly one of them.

Among the thousands of art books on the market, Kuspit's exhaustive look at Dale Chihuly's career in glass is a bargain for the Amazon price. Filled with gorgeous color photos of Chihuly's unique work, and intelligently written, this book will grace any art lover's shelf.

This book is beautiful! I visited the botanical gardens in St. Louis and saw some of Dale Chihuly's work close up. I've never seen anything like it. What an incredible art form this is. This book brings back the same feelings I had while looking at his work in person. The pictures in this book are breathtaking. The great thing about this particular book is that it has pictures of his work located all over the world. Many of the pictures have a location listed and some of them have Mr. Chihuly's comments on the piece and how he felt about creating it. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a general book on his work. I have it on my coffee table in the family room and everyone who opens it up, can't put it down. Every turn of the page brings a "WOW" or "Incredible". Truly a `must have' book for your collection.

Ken Perlman's book has been around for almost 30 years and, with the sentimental exception of Pete Seeger's "How to Play the 5 String Banjo", is clearly the leading "how to" book on this unique style of play. However comprehensive and well written a book is if you don't get the earliest lesson down pat you're gonna be dead meat when things speed up down the road. If you don't have a competent teacher and are trying to learn from any book alone clawhammer, more than any other picking style, will beat you into the ground.

Fortunately for those of us too cheap to hire an instructor Perlman has produced a 2 DVD (originally VHS) set that bests most teachers for clarity and continuity in following the text of this excellent book. I can't recommend highly enough just how effective the book and DVD combination is. You'll save years of struggle and have a great time learning this most fascinating style of play. A great book made much better with the available video.

This book takes you to an incredibly advanced level from the very basics. It is hands down the best instructional book I've ever read- not just for clawhammer, but out of all books I've read for guitar, Dobro, autoharp, etc... You will be a wonderful frailer if you buy this book and stick at it.

Pete Seeger's famous little book got me started frailing and picking, but it was this book that really taught me how to play clawhammer. I can't recommend it highly enough. Besides teaching the basics, Perlman presents a full repetoir of well-known traditional songs- enough for a couple of sets. I can't recommend this book (and Perlman's other banjo books) highly enough.

As a bluegrass player this book totally demystified the process of clawhammer. I highly recommend getting the DVD with the book. I was up and running in no time. I'm still working thru the book as we speak, but I feel like a I have a good grip on it. Ken starts off very slow and dissects the action and rythmn of clawhammer banjo. The best part is that this book keeps giving, plenty of tunes and much to learn after you get the basics.

This book is the most well organized, clear, and fun book on clawhammer I have ever encountered. If you are a clawhammer banjo teacher, as I am, this book is absolutely essential for you and your students. I especially apprecite Ken's attention to detail, the accurate rhythmic notation (which is often less then desirable in clawhammer books), and the generous amount of songs within the book. If there's a clawhammer equivalent to Earl Scrugg's book, this is it.

I agree with every word written in the previous reviews: this is a stunning work and one of my most prized possessions, ranging across manuscript illumination from the very earliest known through early to late Middle Ages and Renaissance, and geographically also ranging much more widely (i.e. outside Europe) than any work I've come across.

I paid £37 for it in the UK when it first came out ($75), and still thought it was an absolute bargain. So I am mystified why it is suddenly available (October 2007) at a fraction of the price: this must be being sold at a loss - or are Taschen simply offloading all unsold copies to Amazon? It might be worth Amazon specifying if this indeed the same as the original edition. You'll note that the cover picture is slighlty different from the one you get when you follow the link to the more expensive 'other editions' (even if the text content and reviews are identical).

Illumination has fascinated me since I was a boy. This is the best book I have seen of illuminations. The scope includes books in Greek, Latin, Old Church Slavonic, Persian, and Mayan. The printing is superb. Detailed descriptions tell who did the work, who patronized it, who owned the book, where it is now, and so forth. Great for browsing for enjoyment and as a source of inspiration. I expect this book to be a favorite for many years to come. Anybody who enjoys calligraphy and illumination would be delighted to own this book.

This book is worth every penny! It has fantastic HUGE pictures full of great detail. As an artist who specialises in ancient illuminated manuscripts, I value this book above all others in my personal library. So many great manuscripts are represented here. Truely high art!

This book deserves a seven stars score, as it is magnificent in every sense: Paper, Colour palette reproduction, basic and reliable information accompanying every depicted facsimil, and specially because of the scope of the compendium, involving manuscript examples from arabic countries as well as a XIII century mexican manuscript (The Borgia Codex currently held at the Biblioteca Vaticana) This collection shows (as rarely done by supossedly comprehensive treatises) that Mesoamerican, Chinese and Arabic cultures do also possess a very rich medieval heritage, characterised by a colourful tradition in art production. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in Medieval illumination, as well as for those modern illuminators concerned with applying only authentic medieval colours (mostly inorganic compounds) in their manuscript reproductions and finally, this book serves also as a comprehensive guide for visiting great libraries and museums all around the world where some of these manuscripts are exhibited (Do not forget to visit the Condé Museum and The Marmottan-Monet Museum in France).

"Masterpieces of Illumination: The World's Most Beautiful Illuminated Manuscripts from 400 to 1600" is essentially a reprint of "Codices illustres: The World's Most Famous Illuminated Manuscripts 400 to 1600." The former is one of many 25th anniversary Taschen editions, and bears the series logo on its dust-jacket and bright green cover (rather than the classier illumination of the Limburg Brother's Anatomical Man that adorns the cover of the latter). "Masterpieces" is also slightly smaller (9 ¾" x 12 ½") than the original (10 ¼" x 13 ¼"). There are a few other slight differences between the two editions: different endpapers; white paper for the appendix in "Masterpieces," ivory in "Codices"; and slightly darker illustrations in Masterpieces (only noticeable if you actually compare the editions side by side). Otherwise the two editions are virtually identical.
This is a truly wonderful book. It contains discussions and representative illuminations from 167 of the most famous and influential extant codices, books of hours, psalters, Bibles and histories from Europe and Asia (23 or the 167 are from Persia, turkey and India) during the 1200 years in which manuscript illumination flourished as an art form (and at the end of the text proper are samples from yet another 29 manuscripts). The full-color and often full-page illustrations are beautifully and accurately rendered, and the accompanying descriptions are both authoritative and unusually informative. The appendix contains artist biographies, along with a comprehensive bibliography, glossary, and index. In short, this is more than just a coffee-table book; in fact, I use it in my university course on manuscript illumination (along with Christopher De Hamel's excellent "A History of Illuminated Manuscripts," which forms the perfect companion piece to this volume.).
At the current retail price ($29.95) this book is an absolute steal. If you only get one book on the subject of manuscript illumination, this should be the one!

As for content and art this book is fabulous, but I was kind of expecting more prints. The layout they chose for the book is interesting and I don't really find it necessary other than for a wow factor. To me it really didn't add anything to the prints inside, but to be fair, it didn't necessarily take away either. This book defiantly features what I enjoy best about Amano's art.

A good buy for Amano fans or any artist interested in graphic art and/or inking.

I bought this book for my boyfriend, who is a huge fan of the series. I cannot speak from my own experience with it, but from his near fainting reaction upon receiving it, I would say it is definitely worth the money. From what he has said, the artwork is incredible. I would recommend it for any fan of the series or the art.

The art in this book is detailed, beautiful, and breathtaking... I was blown away by even the pictues which were only sketches.

I recommend it highly to fans of Vampire Hunter D... as well as anyone who is an art fanatic or art book collector... or even just someone who loves Vampiric things in general.

This book is HUGE, which it should be to show off the fantastic artwork. Loved it! All Vampire Hunter D fans should get it, just don't expect it to fit in your book shelf.. lol! Pay close attention to the dimensions in the item description. It also comes in a slip case to protect the book.

The kind of book one wants to open and roll himself or herself all over the pages. Huge size, excellent paper, amazing printing quality, and I can go on practically forever. Much better than the Japanese edition which is small and most pictures are not even full size, but cropped. (Yes, I am crazy enough to own both editions!) Amano is a genius. His lines and forms are flowing, his colours mesmerizing. Invest in what will hold you spellbound for hours.

This is my bible for watercolour colour. It is far and away the best book on the subject, not just because it sweeps away all kinds of wrong thoughts, but Schink shows the different palettes used for different styles of painting in a simple, constructive way.

Christopher Schink is a terrific teacher and communicator in this lovely, and invaluable instruction book. Complete with many colorful examples and exercises, this world-class painter uses work from many different exceptional painters, along with a few of his own, to show how wonderfully expressive your own work can be by utilizing some of these techniques. He also shows and shares his deep understanding of what happens to color as it's mixed and layered, etc. And at the bottom of it all is the message that painting is about communication of ideas, and not simply a series of techniques! This core message is the most valuable of all.

If you can only buy one water color text book, buy this one. For a change this painter focuses on teaching you more than just tecnical skills. He gives you excellent information on color history, and analysis of other watercolorists work. Deals with problems you may run into and provides great visual examples. Handles subjects like controlling pictoral space, simultaneous contrast, and well as composition and design. This is book to study, not just look at the pictures!

I found this book to be most interesting on the topics of Colour, Tone, etc. Mr Schink goes on to apply the initial principles he outlines at the beginning of his book, to show how different effects and appearances can be created, even from the same basic composition! It was a fascinating read, and provides a good point of reference for me.

Christoph Schink is an award-winning artist who shares his unique look at the art of watercolor and using color and light. The book does not just deal with juxtapositions of color or of mixing pigments; the author goes into the compositional effects of color choices, with examples of changes if you use value (dark to light, color becomes diminished) or if you use all pastels or colors close in range on the color wheel. In addition, there is a section on how the masters employed color in famous paintings, and a section of example works by other artists. This is valuable--the inclusion of other artists makes the book appealing to a variety of painters; not everyone responds to individual artists, so the wise author of painting books is one who generously shares the canvas with his colleagues. You are guaranteed to find some inspiration in the gallery. This is a nice large format book that shows off the colors on the pages well. Excellent.

Not only is Hilary Page a fine artist, but she writes wonderful books that explain art technique.

If you aren't pleased with the results you are getting when mixing colors, do read this book.

If you are a watercolorist, the Guide to Watercolor Paints by the same author is valuable reading as well.

I'm new to watercolor painting and suffering from the beginner's consequence of too many books and too many paints. I wish I would have bought this book first, much time and $$ would have been saved. Her suggestions for testing each tube of paint to learn unique pigment qualites, pigment colors, color theory, color schemes, primary colors, complements, and optical mixtures have proven invaluable.

The excercises included are easy to follow and serve to instill her unsaid mantra. Learn your paints learn your paints learn your paints! I've had this book for several months - still working through some of her excercises and foresee that I will continue to refer to this book many times in the future.

After reading Hilary Page's book, it occurred to me how painting classes should maybe start with lessons on color rather than charcoal drawing. Her detailed explanation of color is grouped in three main aspects: objective color (measured by instruments), optical color (perceived by eye) and practical color (working with pigments). The theoretical aspects are then proven in practical examples which are also used for demonstrating her watercolor techniques, producing some very pleasing artwork.

Details on pigments are particularly valuable. Pigment properties like clarity, tinting strength, purity, value range, degree of opacity, consistency related to the degree of sediment, wet-on-wet behavior, staining when rewetted etc. will be new to many. Knowing such details will help you prevent some strange "accidents" that can spoil your work.

Rare books on color point out the difference between the pigment-color contrasts and the light-color contrast. Hilary Page is very specific regarding these contrasts: she shows two types of color wheels and two sets of primary and complementary colors. She also explains "spectral reflectance curves" that give us an insight to understanding why printers use "balanced" primary colors.

A book on color naturally requires high quality print without any color distortion and this one doesn't fail here either.

I just finished reading this well-thought-out and completely researched watercolor book. I am still new to water colors and am challenged and frustrated by this medium. Page's chapter on the history,nomenclature, and categories of pigments was incredibly interesting and will become a permanent edition to my water color reference library. I have seen many variations of color wheels in my 35 years of teaching---her watercolor pigment wheel is based on her own palette, and includes placement of saturated, unsaturated, and neutral pigments. I slso found the chapter on optical color effects fascinating.

As a professional watercolourist with over twenty five years of experience and an advanced understanding of colour I can tell you that this is an excellent reference book. Definitely a great tool for art instructors. Even though the writer sees it as a book for beginners I feel that the complexity of the subject will probably be overwhelming for beginners.

This is a well-compiled, approachable and fun collection of Klezmer songs. If you're looking to get into Klezmer music this is great place to start. Be sure to get the recordings as well, as they provide some great musical insights that can't be reflected on the page.

This is a very impressive book. The book is filled with hign quality music. I've been frustrated for years trying to find a certain sound, and here I've found the sound I've been looking for.

I don't like to think of this music as "Jewish" music because I think it has universal appeal. The music of eastern europe and especially the balkans has been largely ignored by music publishers. I hope this book starts a trend toward acknowledgement of the richness of the many cultures of this part of the world.

I had checked this book out of my local public library and had to get myself a copy. This is a great compilation of klezmer tunes, lots of variety. But more, the lengthy introduction gives a context for the various types of tunes, the scale that they're in, and hints on rhythm and instrumentation. I'm a non-performing dabbling accordion player who grew up playing piano. This is a great book for me and probably for a much more sophisticated player.

This is a wonderful book. The musical notation is clear and easy to read, which is important since the music is fast and complex. This book gives me great respect for Sapoznik's musical taste, since there is not a single song that I do not like. It has interesting historical information for most of the songs and also briefly covers the history of Klezmer. It is a wonderful addition to any music library.

I'm a pro player, and I've used many of these tunes in performances on stage and at functions for many years.

If you want to get a nice background on the Klezmer tradition, get the book and also the cassette or CD with the same title.

Listen to these priceless original recordings which have been cleaned up from the original scratchy 78s, and study the style, with lead sheets which are accurately transcribed.

Enjoy. And thank you, Henry Sapoznik.