Bell Books

Cornelius tells the stories found in the stars in an entertaining, informative way. Each constellation is studied in detail-- from the meanings (greek, arabic, or otherwise) of the star names, to a description of the objects visible through binoculars, to the myths associated with the figures. This book is a must-have for any amateur or professional astronomer.

I tend to be very wary of astronomy books. I enjoy going out at night and looking at the night sky, but don't like to get a whole lot more technical than that. After having learned to identify some of the constellations, this book provided me with the perfect next step. It gives you just enough background knowledge to make your tour through the sky infinitely more enjoyable. The author presents simple and easy to understand information on both classic and modern constellations. I would recommend it as the perfect "not too technical" book about the lore surrounding the night sky.

This is an incredibly entertaining book. Looking at the cover, one can tell they are not looking at just another comic book artist. Opening the book one sees the first glimpse of Ditko, a five page black and white story called "Stretching Things". The story is a look at a man grown bitter by his handicap, so much so that a possible cure to his condition does'nt bring a happy ending, but a descent into evil. This is'nt your average "comic book artist". The book is a entertaining yet somber look at the career and art of Steve Ditko. The author touches lightly on his pre comic book days, perhaps too lightly in that the interesting tidbits of his life that the author gives us wets the appatite of the reader but leaves us wanting. The book quickly jumps into his career as a comic illustrator, Eisner, Foster and Jerry Robinson being his early inspirations.
The book has a nice balance between text and what most Ditko fans really want to see, his art. There are nice full page splashes of art opposite the beginning of each chapter. The chapters covering his time at marvel and charlton are laced nicely with art of Spiderman, Dr.Strange, Captain Atom, as well as his later Charlton work with pictures of Blue Beetle and The Question. There is a very interesting chapter on his time working at Warren, the publisher that put out the "Eerie" and "Creepy" magazines of the late 60s. This is interesting in that it shows some of Ditkos "wash" technique, a water/ink brushwork style of art of which Ditko was a master. The book covers his time at Marvel and the historic clashes with Stan Lee that drove him to work at other companies such as DC where he created characters such as "The Creeper" and Hawk&Dove and Charlton where he had more creative reign if less pay.
The book goes into Ditko and his objectivist philosophy which he would incorporate into his work often. Such work as "The Question" and his "Mr. A" are examined at length, and holds the reader captive and left wanting more. The efforts of Ditko to keep his work uncompromising are as epic as any Ayn Rand novel. There are a lot of treats for those looking for rare and often unseen Ditko art. The last thirty pages of the book are dedicated to nothing but Ditko art and sketches. A chapter on Ditkos relationship with comic fandom has plenty of examples of his "fanzine" work.
Stories of comic book artists who didnt recieve proper credit or compensation for their work are frequent when talking about gold and silver age artists. The book is, if anything, as much an indictment of the industry as it is a look at the artist. The battle over who owns art(and in some cases who "stole" art), over who created what and who didnt are exposed with jaw dropping effect. With Ditko however, the stain on the industry looks even greater by comparison than it does when held up to giants like Kirby or Superman creators Seigal and Shuster. Ditko doesnt come off as being "handled" or "paid off" or "swept under the rug" like so many companies did with artists who were vocal about creative rights. He comes off as an artist who kept his integrity intact, a rare character trait in any era. Ditko was about the "work" not about the money. One cant help reading this book and walk away looking at Marvel, DC, or Stan Lee in the same light.
The end result is both a sad and heroic tale. But Ditko is not easily defined, and when the author tries to do just that in the last chapter, he misses the mark. The author seems conflicted in the end, longing for the Ditko of old, bemoaning the increasing amount of "telling" text in his art rather than "storytelling". He wants to both exhault and scold Ditko for his uncompromising attitude at the same time. The author talks about how Ditko found Marvel/DC just churning out the same old bland retreads of characters come and gone, unwilling to be innovative. He complains about how Ditko spent too much of his story on the villians juxtaposed with Ditkos objectivist vision of "Hero" as opposed to the flavor of the day, the conflicted, or "anti-hero" that had gained popularity. Yet the author makes statements about how Ditko had "become chained by the trappings of the superhero genre". It's not hard to see that Ditkos work was a scathing commentary on the "anti-hero" and on what superhero comics had become in general. He comments on the decline of Ditkos storytelling abilities. This is a thankfully short bit of editorializing on the authors part to be sure. Yet the author, by trying to define what Ditko is, or had become fails to allow for the possibility that Ditko might have been evolving into something that has no definition. An artist, a master at visual storytelling, an essayist, a commentator on society, one might even say a political illustrator. Combining all of those, one comes up with something that has'nt been seen before or since. Something that eludes even the author. Something new, creative, sometimes polarizing, but definately original and always undefinable. I couldnt begin to put a name to it, all I can say is that it's pure Ditko. This book tells and shows an incredible story. I wish it was a hundred pages longer. A must have for any comic collector.

Growing up, my Grandmother (who bore striking resemblance to Spiderman's Aunt May) used to hand me a few comic books in a brown bag whenever I would come and see her. On one of these occasions I was introduced to the world of Steve Ditko's Spiderman in reprinted form, issued by Marvel. Through Ditko's art, I received what was to be my first taste of "the heroic" as a child. Those faces, imagery, movements - stunned me into adoration for this character who I was to lose interest in as soon as he became another "block-figure" under Romita's direction. Over the years, I became an avid comic collector, but the crown of my collection continued to be Ditko's work in all categories and genres.

Many years after I stopped buying comic books (focusing my efforts on meeting women like Mary Jane and Gwen Stacey instead!), a philosophy professor of mine, who was once a Jesuit Priest, offered a suggestion to me. He thought that I might enjoy a book by a novelist named Ayn Rand. The book was Atlas Shrugged.

Never did it occur to me that there was a connection, outside of my love for heroes of the uncompromising sort, between Ditko and Rand. Until one day, I decided that there might be a connection after all and I did a search online. What I came up with was Mr. Blake Bell's website on Steve Ditko and all the pieces fell into place. Since then, I have eagerly awaited the publication of this book.

Now, I am not a total supporter of Mr. Bell's viewpoint nor portrayal of Steve Ditko, which at times delves into the same sort of slander and nonsense that I have seen from his other supposed friends and supporters. It's the "I love your work...but" mind-set. Somehow, the new Liberals & Conservatives can't get over a radical, Objectivist thinker/artist like Ditko. And in this sense, Objectivism being closer to Classical Liberalism than anything else. Even the term "Randian", spread throughout this book has been disavowed by both Ayn Rand herself, and her supporters. Blake uses it to further push, albeit less noisily this "Ditko-Brainwashed" by Rand perspective. He also does a very admirable job of often putting Ditko up on the pedestal that he deserves to be on, and for this, I am grateful to Blake and his efforts.

Another huge Ditko fan, Alan Moore, likens Ayn Rand and Ditko's philosophy to Nazism. What a shame as Mr. Moore seems to follow a very similar "libertarian/Objectivist" outlook on most issues that I have heard him speak on. (check out the interview on his "religion" for a good laugh")

In any event, Blake's book does a decent job of explaining Ditko's philosophy of life, and his creative motivations. The negatives are less important than the well-structured, well-researched, well-rumored (unfortunately) and all around interestingly critical read.

I commend Blake on tackling the subject of a man still alive. I feel saddened though that Mr. Ditko can't have one proper dedication made to him by a peer or a fan that doesn't read like a "kiss and punch" at the same time, but his hero Ayn Rand experienced the same in her lifetime, so perhaps all makes sense in the end.

I was a put off by the cover, which when compared to much of the life-affirming art inside, clearly denotes Ditko as a bit "off" so to speak - paranoid even. Yes, we all know what the cover should have been as a proper tribute - Spiderman holding those steel beams up over his head a la Atlas. But then that tribute already exists in the work that Mr. Ditko created, and in the character of this extraordinary man. It did annoy me though. Steve Ditko is a hard worker, a man of integrity, and someone who deserves to see one crystal clear "thank you" before his days are done. I had hoped that this book might have been it. It came close though, but as Steve would point out, close is never enough. A is A after all.

Please understand that by my review, I do not see Steve Ditko as flawless. Certainly, his writing style and diatribes did not move me to become interested in Ayn Rand's philosophy, nor would they, had I not read The Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged first. Ditko's words were often too preachy and came off as more of a "lecture" than a narrative. However, it was when his characters were involved in "the doing" that I most closely identified with Ditko. His art and plotting spoke more than his words needed to. Steve is clearly a frustrated visionary, as most artists and creators are. The betrayals that Blake covers in the book make us know the "why" of it. So we can understand the mind that created Ditko's Objectivist hero, "Mr. A" and the world that needed him as vindicator. But that doesn't change that the fact that his best work came from a quieter, less rancorous time in his career.

Steve Ditko took the philosophy of Ayn Rand, and lived by it for most of his 80 plus years on this earth. His is truly a man of unbending will and godlike stature. In that time, he has created some of comic/media's most memorable, heroic figures. He's taken ideas and given them life. And while Stan Lee stands in the light with the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, there is someone in the shadows judging him, perhaps dressed in a fedora and trench-coat, and that man is Steve Ditko. And we hope he stands next to his creations, a much more real, much more heroic Spiderman, The Question and Doctor Strange, along with all his other children.

You have my thanks Mr. Ditko for a job very well done, and to you Mr. Blake Bell for bringing all of this to light. And yes, even to Stan Lee, for all his failings, he had some bloody good taste in art and men.

Few comic artists have left their mark on the comic book industry like Steve Ditko. With his groundbreaking work on Spiderman and Doctor Strange with Stan Lee, his signature style art connossieurs find recognizable no matter who inked him, and then his remarkable hermitish existence away from the front lines of comicdom, he is a shining star much like B Traven (Treasure of Sierra Madre).
Steve Ditko began his career in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, born to a family with a strong work ethic and artistic background. Naturally gifted, he was self taught and after being discharged from the service, he joined the Cartoonists and Illustrators School to be mentored by Jerry Robinson and the staff of the school. His first sale was to Stanmor Publications (written by Bruce Hamilton), and from there, his unique style and visual sensibilities took him to an artistic peak at Marvel Comics in the mid 1960's. Working with Warren, DC, Charlton, Marvel, and a variety of smaller publishers, the creative output of Steve Ditko was hampered later in his career by his philosophic leanings towards Randism and objectivism.
That, perhaps is the saddest truth in Black Bell's "The World of Steve Ditko". What could have been a charmed life working on Spiderman, Doctor Strange, and his own creations, turned into an introspective look inside that gradually crept into his most celebrated stories. His work became telling, as opposed to story telling, and with that, any appeal Ditko may have had to contemporary publishers was diminished.
As a comic fan and historian, I find that "The World of Steve Ditko" is a wholly remarkable book. What really stands out are a couple of facets. Firstly, Bell is a strong advocate of Steve Ditko. His admiration and defense of Ditko's talent is clear. Secondly, the life and art of Steve Ditko that could have been shared with comic fans and historians that will never be seen is presented with a factual bent that leaves readers with a sense of sadness as opposed to celebration.

Bell relates the stories of co-workers who have been rebuffed over a thematic representation, or financial arrangement gone wrong. Greg Theakston tells of seeing priceless art being cut up. What is clearly missing in the book is the voice of Steve Ditko, but that is not the fault of Blake Bell. It is to his credit that he presents a strong image of a creative genius overwhelmed by his craft, who loses sense of balance and purpose. Ditko is Ditko. That much is sure. But is he the man behind Spiderman, or The Question?, or Hawk and Dove? Or Mr A? Is he just a man who was imbued with a talent few can hope for?
That is the question we are left with after reading this brilliant treastise that defines a man by those who have encountered him at his low and high points without his co-operation. If he were to have been consulted, and he would have agreed, we might have a different story. Perhaps the voice of Howard Roark might be more suitable.
Artists through the decades have struggled with the questions Steve Dikto has embraced whole heartedly. Some have accepted standard tenants of belief, while others have moved towards Randism, monotheism, polytheism, atheism, or hedonism. His is not a new story, but rather one of many who continue to enthrall us.

The graphic design and artistic samples throughout the book are stunning. Rare images culled from scattered files and collaborators collections decorate the book. I love the unpublished Spiderman covers, and actually like them more than the published ones (AAF 15 for example).
The life and influence of Steve Ditko will always be debated. In many ways, he is the opposite of Stan Lee who easily took the spotlight. The comic book industry needs both.

If you read this Mr Ditko. Thank you.

Tim Lasiuta
www.fantagraphics.com

I ordered this book after reading a 3-4 page exert from Wizard. WOW! I couldn't put this down. It left me with a completely different opinion of Mr. Ditko. While it doesn't change how much I love his art, he is a very different individual while he stands on certain principles at the same time.
Highly recommend this book!

This book is one in which is encourageing to all. It contains quotes from people of our time. These people are representations of "us," and are meant to be heard. In this book, we hear the voices of people of our time. These voices become a part of us. This book captures the motivations, thoughts, and lives of famous and real people.

In my opinion, this is the book of the new Millennium. It contains very valueable information for people of all ages. This book will be talked about by many, because it contains quotes from people we consider to be todays "role models." The people in this book represent who we are and what we've become. This book represents a voice of us which speaks of hope, inspiration, and encouragement to all.

I've been reading several books on the history of mathematics lately. This one is the best! It makes concepts so clear by the marriage of text and illustrations. For example, I've read about Thales solving how high the Great Pyramid of Cheops was in two other books. This book used four diagrams and several pages of text to clearly explain how Thales answered his own question. Author Julia Diggins goes into depth on geometry but on a level children can understand.

Proceed slowly, letting your children try to solve a problem before reading about its solution. For example, pose the problem of drawing a perfect circle using a string. Once they have solved the problem or given up, read that part of the book. Then go to the beach or a park and use a volleyball pole and a rope to draw circles in the sand with your feet.

Then set them to figuring out how to divide a circle into six equal parts using the string. After they solve or give up, read that part of "String, Straightedge, & Shadow." Let them follow the instructions and illustrations in chapter six to reproduce the results. Play with a Spirograph, too.

Since this book is out of print, try to locate it at a thrift store or library sale; it is worth the effort. But I hope I find it before you.

This is a wonderful book, filled with great stories and information. I have gotten it from the library and used it with my Montessori elementary class, and am searching for a copy of my own.

The information in this book really works. My dog is totally healthy and I know many of my friends who are using the recommended methods to either heal their pets or keep them healthy. It's probably the only book out there on preventive medicine for our animal family members.

As a Vet. I would highly recommend this book. It has certainly helped me in my practise.

A facinating book. In the issue surrounded by bitterness and blame-casting to this day Dr.Bell managed to write an objective and unbiassed book wich sheds a light on a lot of important and relevant issues. His writing style will make you read this book from cover to cover and crave for more!

Bombing. Arson. Riots. Murder. Fear. Euphoria. Hope. Despair. Religious fanaticism. Sounds like the Mid-east at the turn of the century, right? The only question is, which century? Author, J. Bowyer Bells' book, "Terror Out of Zion," chronicles the chaos in Palestine/Israel from the late 1800's to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. The story is one of unparalleled violence. Recent events show, little has changed.

Bell shows how Anti-Semitism in Europe from the late 1800's onward fueled the Zionist Movement making Jews determined to establish a national homeland. Nazism caused the movement to gain strength. As Hitler gained power Jews had two choices: immigrate illegally into Palestine, or Auschwitz! Palestinian Arabs, who had lived in the Holy Land for 2000 years, greeted their new, Jewish neighbors with pogrom like activities including riots, looting, arson, and murder.

Through it all, the British attempted to maintain order throughout the "Mandate." Both Arabs and Jews were confident the authorities would ultimately see the rightness of their position. However when the British kept the door closed to, "The Promised Land," even to the survivors of the Holocaust, Vladimir Jabotinski, Avraham Stern, Menachem Begin etc. took up arms. Bells account of their ruthless, but highly successful terror tactics makes interesting reading. They are a blueprint for what's happening today.

We have come a long since Britain attempted to police the "Mandate" with, "constables," armed only with, "staves." Caught between two groups who both claimed God's blessings, Britain tried to ignore the problem and hoped it would go away. When it did not, they left the problem to the U.N.

The U.S. has assumed Britain's role as arbiter in the mid-east. Little has changed. Both sides are still convinced of the rightness of their cause. Both still hate with an intensity borne of decades of bloodshed. Only the weapons are different. Biological/chemical weapons, suicide bombings, and most recently, commercial airliners have replaced revolvers and homemade bombs for the terrorists. America now responds with strategic bombers and cruise missiles. While the level of violence has increased dramatically, we are no closer to a solution.

Americans who mistakenly think the conflict began on Sept. 11, 2001 should read Terror Out Of Zion. What Bell does not answer is who is right? When is an individual or a group justified in taking up arms? What level of violence is justified? Do the ends justify the means? What is the distinction between a terrorist and a freedom fighter?

Terror out of Zion is a historical expose on events that are directly related to what's happening in the world today. Enlightening, detailed and informative I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an answer to why the world stands on the brink of World War III today.

This is a great book with some very interesting characters. It was so good I read through it in a single afternoon!
Lucy, Gordie, and Lamont are afraid their third grade teacher, Ms. Tingle, is getting married and moving to Ohio. They must find a way to stop her, but how? The action in the story flows quickly and finds the main character, Gordie, in all sorts of sneaky situations (something completely new for him). The "suspense" continues right up to the end when the students can stand it no longer and confront Ms. Tingle. Lucy, Gordie, and Lamont are often comical characters as they try to "save" their third grade teacher from her impending marriage. I would recommend this book over and over and over to young readers. It is a great read!

An excellent read! A story about a class of third graders performing a play that their beloved teacher, Ms. Tingle, wrote herself. The character development is exceptional. Lucy is bossy, continually bragging, and wants to be Snow White in the play. Gordie, who is the prince in the play, can't stand obnoxious Lucy and dreads kissing her in the school play. Mr. Wilson, who is the computer teacher, spends a lot of time with Ms. Tingle, which leads the third graders to believe that their teacher is planning to get married in December and move to Ohio. Fearful that they might loose their favorite teacher, the children in room nine must come up with a plan. Lucy plots with Gordie and his friend Lamont. The suspense of finding out if their scheme will work or if Ms. Tingle will leave, keeps readers going. I read the book straight through just because I couldn't wait to find out how it ended. As a teacher, this would be a fun read aloud, especially to a group of third graders!

After deciding to become a Sociology major in my junior year, I rummaged through my roommates books trying to find a book that I could use in one of my classes. I read this book because of its unique title: God knows how many "required books" I've had to read in my lifetime. It's like a Chicken Soup for the College Student Soul and an easy and must read for any college student deciding on a any type of social sciences major or a high school student planning on becoming one. My favorite parts are this one section on how Bell breaks down the concept of romantic love and the beginning part where Bell justifies that the meaning of learning and life is by figuratively "staying awake."

As a freshman at the State University of New York at Geneseo, I was introduced to this book by an upperclassman--a sociology minor, reading it for his 'Social Problems in Public Policy Class.' He told me that he wished he would have read it as a freshman, and he thought that I would benefit from its contents. Well, he was absolutely right. In fact, it has now become my standard gift to younger friends and relatives as they prepare for 'college' life. Fantastic work Ms. Bell!

This beautiful book consists of warm Christmas pictures, KJV Scripture, Christmas hymns, quotes, excerpts from the Graham's old newsletter "Decision", and eight of Ruth Graham's beautiful poems. It's a life-changing, heart-rending book about Christ's love that can be enjoyed no matter what time of the year, and I could not recommend it highly enough! Blessings to the Grahams for this treasure!

I first heard Billy Graham on the radio when I was a young girl. And I have been inspired by him ever since. He is a wonderful man. This beautifully illustrated book is a treasure! And I never knew that Rev. Graham's wife Ruth was a poet. Her poems are touching and Rev. Graham's writings are inspiring.

Also recommended: Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--an inspiring holiday story.

Are you familiar with the Bolton Priory Cottage? We lived there when there was only a dirt road access. We spent much time with the owner/resident of the big Priory, who was born in the cottage. A French family - he was head of J.P. Morgan at that time. Cottage dates to 1740. It was so special and appropriately filled with my Mother's fine antiques (she was a member of the Historical Society) that it was included in the Westchester Historical Society house tour. (By then, the road was paved and a few houses were built on the road). Before the stables were converted into a private home, Jules Martin, the French caretaker of the main house, played boule with his friends and drank red wine every Sunday on the grass between the stables and the cottage. I have the iron fireback that was originally in the large fireplace of the main house. My sister was married on the grounds under the beautiful wisteria arbor of the main house. Is the skating pond still there, with the stone hut for warming? We gathered watercress by the pond. My parents, Louise and Anthony Winkler-Prins sold the cottage in 1962 when Dad,then with the State Dep't, was transfered to Germany. A doctor bought it. The leaded glass windows in the beautiful livingroom plus the built-in oil painting above the fireplace were only part of a very special interior with fine carpentry and all fireplaces were well enjoyed. Friends still wistfully say it was the most charming home and setting they have ever known. Are you able to update any information on The Cottage, as it was known, for me? I truly enjoyed what I accidentally came upon today on the screen!! My name is Elizabeth Winkler-Prins Max and I'd love to hear from you whenever. I miss Pelham!

I have read this book nearly forty times -- before it was published. (????) I am the author! While I would love to tell you how excellent it is, I suspect that only one person in the world MAY share that view (and I love her!).

In any event, it is published out of pure love for the subject matter and I absolutely invite questions, criticisms, comments, commentary and additional information on the topic: bbell@stblaw.com. The subject matter of the book is dealt with extensively at www.historicpelham.com.

Best regards,

Blake