By Subject Books

STRUCTURES OF NATURE

In "Structures of Nature", the University of Richmond Museums has assembled a collection of Andreas Feininger's black-and-white photographic tributes to the beauty of patterns in the natural world. Though best known for his nostalgic slice-of-life snapshot of the crowds at Coney Island (1949), Andreas Feininger possessed a remarkable talent for capturing both the scientific and the artistic in something as minute as the veins of a single leaf to the regimented chaos of an untamed forest. In recognition of the equal strengths of both these aspects, his work has been shown in both the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Natural History.

Elizabeth Schlatter, Assistant Director and Curator of the Structures of Nature exhibit a the University of Richmond, initiated this project a year after Andreas Feininger's death in 1999. The collection is presented in three installments: Sea Creatures, Spirals & Symmetry; Micro & Macro; and Plants & Patterns. Her introductory essay on the life, background and influences on Andreas Feininger's nature studies concisely explores the photoartist's intended matrix of connections that exist amongst the eternal structures of both organism and ecology.

On Sundays, Paris comes to a halt and Parisians take time to celebrate, well, that they're Parisians. In the spring and summer, especially, outdoor leisure predominates, and the romantic illusions that we Americans treasure of the City of Lights come closest to being reality.

At least, that's how this book's Introduction by Noël Simsolo paints it. And I'm inclined to believe him. Certainly, Willy Ronis' very impressive photography seems to support the argument. Or, more precisely, the argument seems to support Ronis' images, since it's the images that this book is about. Ronis is an important and skilled photographer, and the Smithsonian and Motta Editore of Milan have done a fine job in selecting four dozen of his images for this book. They're a great portrayal of Paris at rest. And because the images are monochromatic, the fact that they span four decades (1947 to 1993) can easily be forgotten. Classic Paris always seems to be in black and white anyway, and Ronis' timeless, seductive work draws us in easily.

this is an amazing book- some of the best surf pictures (in my opinion) during one of the most visually inspiring era's of surfing. the pages are arranged in such a way so as to not distract you from their content, the printing is awesome and there's not a single shot not worthy of a poster size above your bed. this book will not harsh your mellow- it will make you want to move to lucadia, ride only a single fin & get a job wrapping surf wax for .25 cents per bar....

This is a great great collection of folk-tales that embody many virtues: honesty, sharing, etc. The wonderful index emparts a user-friendly code that enables works of fiction and folk-lore readily available.

Matthew Chan has taken one of his best books and improved it 10 fold. The subject 2 mortgage handbook has been completely revised and put into Audio Format for everyone. While i own the Subject 2 handbook, I have found the Subject 2 mortgage crash course to be better overall. Matthew has given us all the great information contained in his book and even added more information and updated hints, tips and suggestions. Whats great about this course is the price. Most audio courses that contain this much Information usually cost around $300-$400 or more. This was a true bargin for me. I also enjoy the ability to listen to this in the car or anywhere on the go. Another Great Audio Course. Too bad there's not a lease option Audio Course(hint). I give this course a 10/10

Joshua Houghton

"Turtle Island" is a excellent little book that not only provides a brief history of Ascension Island, but also wonderfully portrays the author's experiences of life on that remote spot about which few know or care. For sometime, I have been fascinated with this place and "Turtle Island" gave me a window on Ascension that is valuable, as realistically I will probably never get around to visiting the island.

Filled with interesting anecdotes about life on Ascension and the work of visiting biologists studying the migration habits of the Green Turtle, "Turtle Island" is a quick, entertaining, and informative read. The thoughtful author has also compiled a "webography" to assist those readers who desire more information about Ascension Island via the Internet.

This book has been very helpful in teaching basic math skills without the use of pen and paper. Its designed to help with memory skills, and speed. I would highly recommend this book to parents.

VOICING OUR VISIONS: WRITINGS BY WOMEN ARTISTS. Mara Witzling, ed. New York: Universe Publishing, 1991. Illustrated, 400 pp., softbound, $16.95.

Letters, poems, journal entries, lectures and articles by twenty painters and sculptures of the modern period have been brought together in this long overdue anthology of women artists' concerns. Editor, Mara Witzling points out in the introduction the fact that standard collections of artists' writings give the impression by exclusion that women artists have left no written record at all. On the contrary, there is a rich and diverse body of primary source material to inform us about the challenges that have preoccupied women balancing personal and professional lives or carving out careers without the support and recognition lavished on their male colleagues. Witzling presents selections from this material, much of it previously unpublished, devoting a chapter to each artist including a sensitive discussion of the artist's life and work, a black-and-white illustration of a representative work, and a brief bibliography. Witzling is sophisticated in her choices and in the overview she provides. In the introduction, she outlines different forms of women's writing--from private diaries to expository essays --and suggests qualities peculiar to each genre. The first-hand accounts offered are delightful, poignant or informative, and critical for the self-worth and self-definition of our female students who aspire to be artists now and in the future.

Sue Taylor is Associate Curator of Prints and Drawing, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Voicing+Our+Visions:+Writings+by+Women+Artists-a012120434

If, like me, you're fascinated with grand hotels of the past, and especially with those that have managed to survive, you will enjoy Wentworth by the Sea, The Life and Times of a Grand Hotel. Dennis Robinson's book is much more than the history of a hotel; it is the story of New Castle, New Hampshire, from its settlement in the 1600's to modern time. The building, development, and ultimate salvation of the Wentworth has had much to do with this unique island village and its dynamic, fascinating people. The book is artistically done, with more than 250 pictures and drawings from all eras. Well written, it is filled with facts, legend, and lore told in an engaging manner that has its reader beginning at the front cover and following straight through to the end as if reading a novel. A terrific addition to New Hampshire's seacoast history!

No poem or account in this book is an easy read. They all have teeth to tear at your heart. Ms. Claman has collected works from both well-known and first-time writers to show - no - drag the reader into the eyes and minds of people who have experienced abuse. More than anything in the world, I wish this kind of collection was unnecessary. But since abuse still exists, I'm very glad that Elizabeth Claman, and her contributors, have come together to make this book. Read only if you're ready to make this journey with them. There is a section with a great deal of hope at the end, so skip to that if you're beginning to feel there's no end to the pain. (Note: I am a contributor, but I feel that I would write the same way if I had not been chosen.)