Lighting Books

I am a student at University of Nebraska-Kearney and for a class Mr. DeLuca's book was our textbook. He created a book on what could be a very techinical and boring subject that is VERY easy to understand. By adding humor in the writing he makes you want to keep reading. The techincal knowledge is all there and presented in a very structured manner without even realizing it. All methods are descirbe in a manner that they can be applied to all most all lighting applications. It was the FUNNIEST textbook that I have ever read and one that I will remember the most of. THis is one that definately won't be sold back!

This book contains valuable information on HOW to prevent an outbreak of illness in health care facilities, hotels, motels and anywhere the public is involved. Information an also be extrapoltaed for home use.

Lenghtening the Day is a survey of the history of lighting technology from ancient lamps and candles to the discharge lamps and flourescent lighting of modern times. However, the bulk of the book focuses on developments within the last couple of centuries. Bowers offers the reader three kinds of analysis: a historical overview of when, how and by whom different types of lighting were developed, a technical understanding of how different lighting technologies work and a glimpse at how they were received by the public and what it was like to live with them. One of the most interesting things about the book may be its analysis of the transitionary period, roughly 1830's to the end of the nineteenth century, between candle lighting, modern gas lighting and the advent of electric lighting.

Overall, the book is informative and entertaining. It is also well illustrated with exploded diagrams, reproductions of etchings, and a few pages of color images. Keep in mind that it's a survey; so while it will give you a great overview of modern lighting development it won't go into as much detail as some books, such as "Dark Light" by Linda Simon, which more specifically chronicles the anxieties that accompanied the use of modern lighting.

This is an Award Winning catalogue which shows the exhibits which were collected during Captain Cook's expeditions to the Pacific. They have been in storage for many years at the Georg August University of Gottingen and have now returned to storage for an indefinite period. It was a unique opportunity to view long unseen artifacts. Excellent.

Andreas Feininger was one of the great photo writers of the 1970's and likely other periods since he produced a large number of books. This book is so all-inclusive on the subject that it takes a while to read but it is worth it since, as he puts it, he gives away many of the secrets that other photo writers browse over. He is very much a thinking artist and seems glad to give knowledge away to others. This book should be reissued by Dover of some such old book publisher.

Here's another excellent memoir for the library of any movie fan or historian. Cameraman Joseph Walker was one of Hollywood's fine artists and true gentlemen. In this well-written volume, done in collaboration with his wife, Mr.Walker presents a lively account of his youth during the early l900s in Los Angeles, where his interest in the new field of wireless communication led to his organizing and operating the first wireless radio department in a major LA department store. It was this undertaking that led to his association with Dr. Lee DeForest and the Wright brothers, and to radio adventures in Mexico. But it was his fascination with motion-picture photography that led him to become a newsreel and free-lance cameraman and finally the premiere studio cameraman who filmed 18 of Frank Capra's 24 features, plus some 125 other films at Columbia and other studios. He was known for making women look their best on film. Experiences during his long career are vividly detailed, and the personalities and idiosyncracies of those involved are affectionately recalled. And along the way, other inventions, including a zoom lens and other optical devices springing from Joe Walker's ingenious mind are described. About 80 photos from Mr. Walker's scrapbook are included. Hollywood had only one golden age, and only one Joe Walker, and though both are gone now, this book lets us share their times once more.

Excellent book. It presents photos of streets and squares in the day and at night to compare their ambience and atmosphere. The tecnical speech is exactly what needed to be.

Lighting has as much or more about how we feel towards a building, area, or room as anything else. In fact, we do not see a wall or a painting, we see the light coming from it. If that light is too bright, too dim, or the wrong color we see something different than we do under other circumstances.

This book is an explanation of what we see in things. It begins with how the eye works, how it changes with age and goes on to the nature of light, texture and spatial depth. From here he moves into the architectural area. First he talks about the different ways we percieve the things we see. Then he goes on to the Luminance Brightness Rating that gives a numerical relationship that allows for the comparison of different surfaces and other technical aspects of using light in architectural areas.

I would rank this as an intermediate level book aimed at the working architect or the advanced student.

Could a painter produce great paintings without understanding the nature of his paints? A photographer doesnt work in oils or water colors, but in light. Read this and Michael Freemans other book, "Image" and your understanding of what makes a great photograph will soar. Freeman organizes this around 3 types of light, natural, photographic and others. He then explains different lighting equipment and arrangements. Try Laurer's "Design" for the further understanding of composition. The examples from photography and painting are fabulous.

Lighting a Candle is a heartfelt book of quotations and wisdom that are categorized into four parts. Part 1 addresses "Awakening", and is useful for people who are just beginning their spiritual path. Part 2 addresses "Trials and Tribulations" will bring you light and hope when you are faced with life's difficulties. Part 3 is "Love, Grace, and Interbeing" where you know you are at all times connected to Divine help in your life, as well as bringing to light your interconnectedness with all others. Part 4 is "Action and Service" where you are brought inspiration as you serve from your heart.

The beautiful quotations come from varied spiritual teachings, Eastern and Western traditions, spiritual psychologists, wise philosophers, as well as twelve-step recovery programs.

One of my favorite quotes in this book comes from Mother Teresa: "In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." Highly recommended for its beauty, truth, and the positive influence it will have in your life.
Barbara Rose, author of, `Individual Power' and `If God Was Like Man'