Clay Books

Pelevin's fantastic The Clay Machine-Gun (in Russian the title of this novel is Chapayev and Emptiness) is a great introduciton to the Russian post-soviet (and, believe me, quite postmodern) literature. It incorporates an element of philosofical mystification into a dual story-line construction with wit sparkling like a crazy diamond. Have you ever wondered, who is constructing the story line you are reading, the author, or Roland Barthes, or you? and what is, at the same time, constructing you? here we are, Chapayev!

What fascinates me most is how brilliantly the novel captivates the twists of the post-soviet Russian frame of mind, at the time where the whole world as we knew it has gone to bits, and in this loosely associated cultural field ideas and artefacts breed, while reason sleeps. The time is out of joint.

On the meaning of the universe, the concept of reality and the truth of one's existence - this book really is one of the best things I've read in a very long time. It is also one of the strangest books you're ever likely to pick up, filled with Murakami style pasta-making anti-heroes.

The story begins in Lenin's Russia with a murder, a heap of cocaine following a series of events where the plot pivots between modern day Russia and a revolutionary red army camp. This absurd story throttles right ahead until the very last page which includes one of the best and most fulfilling endings ever.

Written in a insane dialog, Pelevin manages to create a first class thriller about mistaken identity with meditations on metaphysics. In short if you are a Delillo/Murakami/HTS (Hunter S Thompson) fan, or just a reader of truly great literature then this is for you.

Pelevin gets deeper into reality--or maybe just questioning reality-- with each novel. I love that every plot point, even name and character could be completely crucial, or could not matter at all, simply depending on what you get out of the novel. His delicately detached protagonist (aptly named Voyd) reminds me of Murakami Haruki's pasta-making anti-heroes (who in fact turn out to be heroes after all). Most importantly, perhaps, I could probably read this book again and get something new and different out of it.

I read it in Russian. It's an amazing book. I am ordering an English translation out of curiousity. In my opinion, it is beyond translation (you will still have a lot of fun but unless you know Russian history and culture you will miss a lot of its power!) There is so much subtle beauty and deep meaning... + icredible humor -- even though it is a very profound piece of art, that explores the most mysterious puzzles of life. READ IT!

I'm rarely impressed with "absurd" books - in many of them, the plot and the message seems to disappear in all the weirdness, and the authors often seem to take easy ways out. Not so with Pelevin. This contemporary Russian writer has written a delightfully weird and sometimes hysterically funny book - I still haven't figured out what exactly it is he's trying to say, but I have a feeling there's something there...it's an impossible book to describe, but one that leaves you wanting to recommend it to everyone. Try it.

My son requested tis book as he worked with miniatures before and wanted more. It looks wonderful and I'm glad I found it for him. It is to be a Christmas present and I'm sure he will love it.

I found this book very informitive and well laid out.

This book is great for those who are fascinated with the art of making miniature food. Sue Heaser explains things clearly and tells you what products to use to get that "professional look". Good sized pictures make it easier to understand the steps involved in creating miniature food using different types of mediums. Check out Sue's other great books. She's definately tallented when it comes to sculpting with polymer clay and teaching others how to do the same.

A great book! This book's main strength is that it clearly shows the author's techniques for creating different colors and textures with polymer clay that are seen in real food. Appealing to beginners, the book covers the basics of working with polymer clay, including mixing colors and which tools you'll need. The book also shows techniques for making dishes and even cutting boards from which to display your work. Truly a must-have for the budget-conscious beginner or enthusiast!

This is an excellent resource book for miniaturists. Contains some different and fresh ideas other books of a similar nature do not have. My only criticism is that the step-by-step photos could be larger. Otherwise, a very good, thought-provoking publication.

I have used this book since it's publication and it is a wonderful classroom resource for anyone involved with handbuilding in clay. The examples are authentic--you know they really were made by children. The project ideas are very timely and especially geared to younger children. A must for any visual art library.

This book has been very helpful for myyoung children's clay classes. We successfully completed several projects from this book and everyone was happy: teacher, kids, parents. It was fun seeing the older kids come over from their wheels and be jealous of the little kids' projects. The book has also been a source of joy to me since the animal projects we did in class were so much fun, I continued the projects long after class was over.

The writing is clear, sometimes sparse, but the pictures are good. I also appreciated the associated learning that can accompany the projects (or vice versa).

The past three years I have had the privilege of chairing an exhibition of K-12 student work in clay for the NC Pottery Center located in Seagrove, NC. This year my grant was generous enough for me to present each teacher who participated in our exhibiton a copy of Ellen Kong's book, The Great Clay Adventure. Each receipient was thrilled and eager to begin new clay projects with students.

We at the Pottery Center feel confident that distributing this incredible and inspiring book across our clay rich state of 100 counties will definitely stimulate our next generation of potters!!! Thank you, Ellen Kong!!

The concise, clearly worded directions are easy to follow. No wasted words; no partial explanations. In the photographs accompanying each project, I like the mix of student and mature work. Also commendable are the explanations of how basic handbuilding techniques can be combined to produce lively ceramic art. All in all, The Great Clay Adventure stimulates the imagination. I highly recommend this book for clay artists, art teachers and school libraries.

Barbara McKenzie, Ph.D.
Professional Potter
Instructor, Durham Arts Council

I have been looking for just the right book to help me get started doing workshops with children in my small town. Today I came upon "The Great Clay Adventure" and I am delighted. The pictures are clear and colorful, the instructions easy to follow and 'extensions' given at the end of each chapter will enhance the total clay experience. I will add this book to my library and will use it often.

With the growth of interest in juries since the OJ and Kevorkian cases, it is about time that someone wrote a truly well-researched work on how juries actually work, and why. This work is long overdue. Conrad does an excellent job in developing the history of the criminal jury, and explains why criminal juries have the "prerogative" of nullifing laws that are unjust or unjustly applied.

Whether liberal, libertarian or conservative, it is hard to argue that juries have to follow the law no matter how unjust the law is. Now, there is a well-researched and well documented book explaining how and why the jury's nullification power became a part of American law. It is about time.

Just before a jury retires to deliberate in a criminal case, the judge tells the jurors that they "must follow the law--even if they do not agree with it." This book shows that such an instruction is very misleading. A ton of evidence is presented to show that juries are supposed to "check" the government by returning "not guilty" verdicts whenever they conclude that the person on trial is being treated unjustly. Our second president, John Adams, said "it is not only the juror's right, but his duty, to find the verdict according to his own best understanding, judgment, and conscience, even though in direct opposition to the direction of the judge."

These days judges influence the outcome of trials by counting on the average citizen's ignorance and by "excusing" any citizen who knows about the doctrine of jury nullification. Interestingly, a single vote can make a big difference. Because a unanimous vote is necessary for a conviction, a single juror who votes his or her conscience (and withstands the peer pressure to go along with the others) can obtain a hung jury. The person on trial may be retried again, but prosecutors will surely think twice about the matter before expending more time and money on the case.

The author explains how jury nullification got a bad wrap and convincingly answers the common objections. I was surprised to learn that defense attorneys can be punished for mentioning seemingly important pieces of information at trial. For example, if someone used marijuana to relieve nausea stemming from AIDS, the judge typically "bars" any mention of the person's illness as "irrelevent." The jury never hears about it. That does not sound like a "trial by jury" to me

Many have heard how juries bravely refused to convict people accused of assisting runaway slaves in the 19th century but few know the full history of jury nullification. Clay Conrad aims to remedy that ignorance in this excellent book from the Cato Institute. Starting with cases from hundreds of years ago, the history of jury powers is meticulously detailed with all the major episodes covered including recent events such as the Laura Kriho conviction. Jury independence is shown time and again to have been on the right side of issues such as slavery, prohibition, the labor movement and draft resistance. The modern jury power movement is also examined.

This isn't just a history book, though. The author looks at constitutional issues, studies of jury behavior, and also addresses many of the criticisms of jury power. The most widely repeated criticism is that jury nullification was largely responsible for the lack of convictions in the South of whites committing crimes against blacks. Conrad makes a strong case that it was racist judges, police and prosecutors as well as the practice of preventing blacks from serving on juries that resulted in so few convictions.

The book is rounded out with a chapter full of interesting tactics on how lawyers can introduce nullification arguments in court.

Conrad's book is superb! He examines the history of the right of "jury nullification" or "jury independence" (the right and obligation of jurors to judge the LAW, as well as the FACTS in any case). Like most people, I knew relatively little about this right, which today is usually never mentioned to actual sitting jurors. Conrad traces the history of the use of this right, which was well known and legally recognized until very recently by the courts. Part of English common law, it was used extensively from the 1200's until the 1930's. From "seditious libel against the crown", to the slavery issue, to Prohibition, Jury Nullification was used to acquit defendants whenever the jury felt that the specific law was unjust or the penalty was grossly unfair. Thus, jurors had the right and obligation to judge the LAW and the case FACTS in order to render justice - regardless of any instructions from the presiding judge and the courts. This is a remarkable book, easy to read and filled with interesting facts that every American should know. I recommend it highly.

A fascinating study of the often-ignored history of jury nullification in America. Today we mostly think of this phenomenon in the context of the O.J. Simpson trial, or the juries that refused to convict racist killers in the South during the Civil Rights era. As the author points out, that's a small part of the jury nullification picture. The Framers considered such injustices well worth it in light of the jury's ability to frustrate the actions of would-be tyrants. Such discretion on the part of juries has its downside, of course -- but so does the unbridled discretion of prosecutors, which is generally considered to be a Good Thing by many of those who fear giving the same discretion to juries. As Conrad makes clear, it's not obvious why this should be the case.

I went to high school with Howard (Julian) and there are things in the book that friends didn't even know that he was going through, yet her persevered. This is a great read for athletes, teens going through something or employees that need to understand more what it means to be a team player. This book shows how to be a good teammate not only in sports, but in business and in life. Great Read from a great Chicagoan.

This is a book for anyone with dreams, or for someone who just wants to be a better person.

Howard Griffith is a first-class football player. In my honest opinion, Howard is the most underrated football player in the NFL. Year in and year out he is busting his butt for guys like Terrell Davis and Mike Anderson, and not complaining about it. This man made Terrell Davis. And hopefully he will get his pro-bowl before its all over.

Enough about him as a football player, on with the book. In this book, Howard talks about his life and the trials he has been through. This is a story of a man who never lost sight of his goals. While he has had a tough life, he never gave up, and always does his best to help his team - even if that means taking blocking assignments and never getting the ball. "Laying It On The Line, Notes Of A Team Player" teaches people to better themselves... ...to better the world. With his actions speak louder than words attitude, he teaches independance, how to be a person free from following others and just being the best person you can possibly be. He teaches about responsibility and maturity, and taking life seriously.

Reading this book was a turning point in my life. Before i read it, I was, simply stated, and punk kid. This book taught me the importance in doing your very best at everything you do and how important things like you education are to you. He shows you how you can be indepent but still conform, not to stick out. After reading this, It opened my mind really. Before hand I was quick to judge just about anyone that didn't believe exactly how I felt. Now I think empathatically, and am not so quick to judge. I know it's irrelavant, but its amazing what certain situation you can be put in can change you life around in a totally different manor.

Props to Howard Griffith with this truly inspiring story. This is a perfect book for anyone with dreams, and that is willing to work. Howard Griffith's book deserves every 5 stars I gave it, maybe more (if I could). Simply stated, this book can change you life.

This self-proclaimed bookworm ranks this book as one of her all-time favorites. To those who aren't necessarily interested in football, to those who don't understand football, and for those who don't even know what football is, believe me when I say, you will undoubtedly connect with some, if not all of this autobiography. Indulge yourself in this down-to-earth, eye-opening, and often comedic drama that chronicles the ups and downs of life, as it relates to Griffith's chosen career of football. I see this book as more of the spiritual journey of a young man's life, explained through the metaphor of football. It could easily be a training development manual for any business consisting of more than one person - it's all about teamwork and the success, respect, honor and glory that can be achieved if all involved are confident and secure with their individual roles and truly understand the concept of "team." If you need to be "pumped up" and inspired about anything you're trying to accomplish in your life right now, I suggest you purchase this book - it just may be the medicine you need.

This a truly remarkable account of Griffith's story and the obstacles that he's faced to get where he is today(the best fullback in the NFL). There were so many points in his life that he could have given up--but he didn't. Don't think that it's your "typically" sports book--it's not! This book is for anyone that aspires to fulfill their dream. I highly recommend this book. Kudos to Griffith!!!

As a professional book reviewer and avid reader, all I can say is: It's about time that a story like Griffith's gets some "air-time." LAYING IT ON THE LINE is uplifting and inspiring, while dispeling many of the myths about players in the NFL. It highlights the positive aspects of professional sports and reveals important ways in which team sports can develop one's mental and physical "game." Griffith is a living example of what it means to be a true champion, on and off the field. This book's a winner!

This is a really neat technique that I've yet to try. I am constantly adding to my polymer clay book collection and this was the only one I found on the uses of liquid clay. Very good instructions and lots of ideas in here. The liquid clay is something anyone can make themselves in the colors you want.
Great used book too. I was very, very pleased.

This book is just wonderful :)

I had it only 24 hours but I know it is the best written creative book I have so far.
I sculpt with polymer clay and new ideas are always welcome and I truly did find some really good ideas.
SUPER!!!

I borrowed this book from the library, and had to purchase. The most useful book on liquid polymer clay I've seen to date. VERY detailed instructions and photos for projects, with inspiration for your own. Superb!

I have been a polymer clay artisan for many years, and just recently became curious about what I could do with liquid polymer clay. This book was VERY useful in supplying me with information about the many uses of liquid clay. It is easy to read and is structured in a way that you can start at page one and go from there, or simply look up the technique you are most interested in.

I was most impressed with the MANY step-by-step photos offered along with the written instructions for the different projects and techniques. Concise and comprehensive. It does a superb job of covering the lessons presented. However, there are a couple of techniques mentioned in the beginning of the book that I would like to have seen explored in more detail (like using a heat gun to quick-set liquid clay).

Highly recommended for anyone who is already familiar with regular polymer clay and would like to explore a new direction. Moderately recommended for complete newbies - it does leave a lot of questions unanswered if you are totally unfamiliar with using polymer clay.

If you've never used Liquid PC, get this book and get started! As a PC artist, I found the uses of liquid PC staggering. The world of the PC artist is a very sharing and caring environment. That's one of the reasons I enjoy the craft so much as the artists are all very generous with their techniques and knowledge. The authors of Liquid Polymer Clay are no exception and have a wealth of tips and tricks within the pages of their book. Novice and Advanced artists alike will benefit from the Mitchell sisters' wealth of knowledge. Kudos to you both!

The Forever War

MADE IN HERO: THE WAR FOR SOAP poses as the chronicle of a journalist who sets out to cover yet another incidence of violent rebellion in an impoverished, developing country. In this case, that's a mythical place called Hero. But beneath the plot, there are undercurrents. The story is just as much about addictions - to violence, but also to nostalgia, rootlessness, martyrdom, and not least - to coffee. The interplay between the epic and the ordinary is refreshingly human. A very satisfying read!

The national pride is soap - is it a sign of really good soap, or a sign that everything isn't as good as it seems? "Made in Hero: The War for Soap" is a novel following James Teheda through strange circumstances as he ends up in a tiny nation only known as Hero, holding strong to its nationalism yet torn apart by violence. Making parallels to real world events and criticizing them all the same, "Made in Hero: The War for Soap" is a deftly written satire, highly recommended for community library literary fiction collections.

Made In Hero was recommended to me for it's lyrical prose and it's modern take on an ancient tale. After first picking up the book, I had a really hard time putting it down. Hugh manages to be both compassionate and critical of her characters by imbuing them with a deep sense of humanity. At the same time, she spins through them a compelling allegorical tale of good versus evil without sacrificing their abilities to love, to dream, and to live. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading Hugh's future work.

Hog Pilots, Blue Water Grunts: The American Military in the Air, at Sea, and on the Ground

Hugh's story echoes conflict across the globe. Sometimes fratricidal, sometimes driven by larger forces, sometimes irrationally awaiting it's full draught of bloodletting before "enough". The narrator, Tejeda, captures the addiction that journalists who cover war have experienced. Great story telling.

This is a wonderful story, written in a magical realism style evocative of Gabriel García Márquez.

Readers of García Márquez' One Hundred Years of Solitude will find Hero reminiscent of Macondo: An otherworldy, untranspicuous place that is at the same time curiously endearing. A city that exists simultaneously in antiquity and modernity, that thrives despite itself, and that is populated by an unseemingly proud, stoic people. And also one that could disappear without a trace from the annals of memory in a sudden swirl of dust and sand.

Hugh has woven an intriguing tale that is a joy and pleasure to read. Highly recommended!

It is a good book, but it's a little intermediate for me. I did get some good ideas though.

The artist covers aspects of metal clay from beginner to advanced, with tips that reveal secrets that often are left out by other authors or instructors. If your looking for a metal clay book that will allow you to create objects of art and explain the details, then this is the book for you. The artist is well known for her work in PMC and uses this book to explain in detail (visuals are also GREAT) the techniques used to create jewelry from an elementary level to an advanced level. I highly recommend this book for every artist interested in creating metal clay jewelry and art objects.

Techniques are wonderfully written in a step by step visual instruction format. Easy to understand from beginning metal clay through detailed finished jewelry. Persons of all levels of skill will find this book helpful.

Whether you are a first time user of precious metal clay or
familiar with the medium; you will enjoy this book. The projects are well
illustrated and clearly presented. Tammy's insistence on finding what's around the house to use in her work will have you looking at your surroundings in a whole new way!
The "Tips" were overall my favorite part of the book. Tammy shares tips and hints to make your work better. Everyone will learn something new.
Projects, tips, a fun writing style all make this a great introduction to precious metal clay the no muss, no fuss way. Good Job!

Having already had the fortune to attend one of Tammy Garner's Metal Clay classes in person, I can say that reading her book "Metal Clay in a Day" is just like having her in the room with you, passing on helpful tips and techniques to create fantastic metal clay jewelry! The book takes away any intimidation a beginner might have about working with metal clay, because the projects are well laid out, don't take very long to do, and look great when they're done. I was particularly impressed with her tips on everything from where to buy practical yet inexpensive tools, to finding unusual textures for clay stamping all over your house (she made a beautiful pendant simply using the texture of a toothpaste cap!). This book will leave you eager to get your hands on some metal clay to try her projects out yourself.

i have always enjoyed lee falks hero the phantom. it is nice to see many writers views on this character. there are 17 short stories and i enjoyed every one of them. it is good to see even though lee falk is no longer with us,his hero is still kept alive. thank you.

The reason I bought this book is because I've long been a fan of the Phantom via its comic strip even since I could remember. I have to admit that I've been hooked to the Phantom as far as I know, and couldn't get enough of him! Oh, WOW!! I also hope to obtain more novels of the 'Ghost Who Walks'!!

An ok anthology this one. A limited resources type publisher, so it is a trade paperback sized book, but a cheapish one.

The story average here is 3.24, hampered by the fact that a couple of the entries are not up to professional writing standard. If they were, this would be close to your solid 3.5 book. As it is, I'll give it a bonus for the cover, and actually having a go at a superhero anthology, which is certainly worth something for fans of the Phantom.

The other thing is that some of the takes can see The Phantom as grim and humourless, and far more aggressively violent than the comic strip version - perhaps taking their cue from Moonstone comics work, which appears to be like that.

The best work here is at the end, barring Henderson, Murray and Oliveri.

Phantom Chronicles : 01 White Knight - Mike Bullock
Phantom Chronicles : 02 The Ghost Who Dies - Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith
Phantom Chronicles : 03 Debt Of Honor - C. J. Henderson
Phantom Chronicles : 04 The Fastest Animal - Ron Fortier
Phantom Chronicles : 05 Truth Or Consequences - Jim Alexander
Phantom Chronicles : 06 Stranger From Walker's Table - Will Murray
Phantom Chronicles : 07 The Servants Of Set - Michael Oliveri
Phantom Chronicles : 08 Here There Everywhere - Nancy Kilpatrick
Phantom Chronicles : 09 Bad Medicine - Mike Bullock and Ed Rhodes
Phantom Chronicles : 10 House Of Ghosts - David Bishop
Phantom Chronicles : 11 The Promise - Grant Suave
Phantom Chronicles : 12 Not That Kind Of Girl - Trina Robbins
Phantom Chronicles : 13 Lessons Learned - Richard Dean Starr
Phantom Chronicles : 14 Reflection Of the Ghost - Dan Wickline
Phantom Chronicles : 15 A Ghost Without Yesterday - Dan Michelinie
Phantom Chronicles : 16 The Hungry Swamp - Martin Powell
Phantom Chronicles : 17 The Ghosts Who Walk - Craig Shaw Gardner

Rescuing Diana and her driver, from Aid robbers.

3 out of 5


The only female Phantom's son is jealous and goes for the doppelganger act.

2.5 out of 5


In a big surprise, The Ghost Who Walks breaks a pirate leader out of jail.

3.5 out of 5


The Phantom comes across Diana and a young assistant who have been attacked by Aid robbers.

3 out of 5


The Phantom is involves in an anti-ratzi castle spy operation.

3 out of 5


The sixteenth Phantom has some land pirates to deal with in the Old West.

3.5 out of 5


Pirate and cultist, a hard task for The Ghost Who Walks, with many hostages to rescue.

3.5 out of 5


The only female Phantom comes out of retirement for Jack the Ripper.

3.5 out of 5


The Phantom has to stop an athletic poisoner.

2 out of 5


A girl will be pleased to see the big purple variety that walks.

3 out of 5


A slaver ship to deal with, for the Phantom.

3.5 out of 5


An actress looking for work ends up as a stand-in goddess in a nazi Xenium plot.

3.5 out of 5


Another impostor tries to kill the Phantom, this time a hitman with honour.

4 out of 5


A dodgy German is dealing in super ammo, but a tough woman helps out The Phantom.

3.5 out of 5


The Ghost Who Walks comes to New Orleans, to help an old friend who runs an animal shelter.

4 out of 5


A trap is laid at an old hotel for the Phantom, but he does have help.

3.5 out of 5





3.5 out of 5

As a dyed in the (purple) wool Phantom fan, any collection of NEW Phantom prose is welcome. The quality of the 17 stories easily matches the comic book series published by Moonstone.

With a forward by Valerie Falk, contributions from Phantom scholars Ed Rhoades (consultant/artist/author), Will Murray (Doc Savage/Shadow) and accomplished authors David Michelinie, Mike Bullock, , C J Henderson, Ron Fortier, and Craig Shaw Gardner, the variety is outstanding. Disney artist extraordinaire Ruben Procopio's art is a good addition to the tales.

It's hard to pick out a favorite, but many capture the spirit of the Phantom very succinctly.

Can't wait for the 2nd volume.

Tim Lasiuta
www.moonstonebooks.com

These stories are bringing The Phantom back to life and doing it very well. There is one story I found to be a long stretch, but I'm not reviewing stories, but a volume of stories. In this volume the Deep Woods call, The Ghost Who Walks remains undying, justice prevails over the darkness of the world, and even when The Phantom seems helpless, he is just about ready to make his next move. A must for any Phantom fan! Quoth the Raven...

If you only buy one book on Polymer clay make sure this is it! More history and information than I could have ever found out. By far one of my best investments.

I checked this out from the library last night--and HAD to order a copy for myself this AM. It has all the projects I'd thought about doing and haven't done yet plus many more to inspire me. One of the best PC books yet.

I have just about every book published on polymer clay, but I have to say this one is the most unique. Most books cover the same things, using different projects to demonstrate techniques. Ms. Gikow presents many techniques and projects never covered before. Most, if not all, are 3D objects. She tackles subjects such as hinges and clasps and points out using a mold to form your object doesn't necessarily mean your object has to look like the mold. She encourages experimentation and creativity. I can assure you, this book will show plenty of wear and tear in the not too distant future.

As a polymer clay artist for three years now, I eagerly await every new book on the subject. Jacqueline Gikow's book was worth the wait. It is beautifully organized and sumptuously illustrated with lovely pictures and helpful drawings (the best I've ever seen in a craft book). The projects she suggests are wonderful, but in fact the book is far more helpful as inspiration than simply as a "how-to" book. I highly recommend this book for intermediate to advanced PC crafters and artists. Congrats, Jacqueline!!

I'd thought this was going to be a book mostly about vessels, but this book is so much more! The author starts with some basic information about working with the polymer clays, and then digs right in to some of the most advanced ideas about what this clay can do. Top notch work by some of the best polymer artists. Vessels, yes, and bowls and boxes and vases and bottles. But also miniature books, ocarinas, flutes, clocks, a foot stool, lamps... incredible work and wonderful pictures. The instructions are clear and include measurements when necessary. The projects and pictures will give you tons of ideas for making your own functional and beautiful pieces. I'd recommend this one to any polymer clay fan - what a font of inspiration to keep in your clay room.