Wood Books

Whether you are a fan of Edgar Tolson's work or of woodcarving in general, this is an essential book to have if you are interested in folk art of the 20th century. The thorough research done on Edgar Tolson is fascinating and through his art and career the world of 20th century folk art is examined. From key folk art collectors to various museums and institutions, the 20th century folk art movement was created and sold to the buying public. By the time the "important" artists were established all of the "important" early work was already in the hands of a few collectors and the museums. It's no accident that Tolson's work ended up in a prestigious Whitney Biennial and his artwork sky-rocketed in price. The same with Howard Finster. By the time his work was presented as being important to the general public, a narrow group of collectors and critics had already hoarded the first few thousand of his numbered pieces which the critics then deemed as the most important of his career. And the story continues to this day with collectors / critics buying early key works, then recommending them to the general folk art buyers. This book is perhaps the best analysis of why and how a folk artist becomes "important" in the 20th century. It may or may not sour your view on 20th century folk art but is a great read either way. As with all art or decorative objects, if you just buy what you like and ignore the critics, you'll be happy. Who's to say 10, 20 or 50 years from now if anyone will even care about "20th century folk art."

Ms. Julia S. Ardey has put together an extraordinary work -- filled with stories and pictures of a poor Kentucky man who whittled stuff to which other folks took a liking. My grandfather Edgar Tolson will always remain an elusive character both in life and in death hard to explain and to understand. As all great artists he was not one dimensional. Ms. Ardey did a fine job of grasping enough bits and pieces of his life, through the eyes and hearts of those who knew him, to give a reasonable representation of who Edgar Tolson was and why he whittled. Ms. Ardey interviewed scores of people and personalities who all have their own opinion of Edgar Tolson the Man and Edgar Tolson the Woodcarver and the times in which he lived. Ms. Ardey managed a remarkable feat in compling those interviews into an a very good work. She included many pictures that give insight into an artisan and his art. Many pictures capture Edgar's soul in his eyes -- others show a family life of just real folks who just have a Daddy that whittles in the living room and lets the shavings fall to floor. As a granddaugther of Edgar Tolson, beloved Kentucky woodcarver, I am very pleased with the work Julia S. Ardery managed to put together on his life and extraordinary talent. With a family as large as he had I am sure that this book will be debated into generations, however, it is a real good starting point at which to kick off the debate of fact or fiction. The papaw I knew was a wonderful minister; he loved his God, knew his bible and had a passion for sharing the Biblical Truths of his God with others through his work. He managed to reach the very far corners of the earth with his renditions of Adam & Eve in Garden of Eden, Their Fall, and Noah's Ark among a few--how many ministers can stake that claim. He carved what was upon his heart to carve. He was discovered by others who marketed it to a world who craved his carvings and what they represented to them. I am so pleased that Ms. Ardery managed to compile so much ! of his life and work into this book. It makes for really good reading and gives the reader the opportunity to linger with story and photo's of Edgar Tolson and his artwork long enough to gain an understanding of why so many are so drawn to it, him and living upon this earth. Thank you Ms. Ardery for a job well done.

easy read involving jimmy buffet fans ....... a little far fetched in spots but i enjoyed it... its the story that describes my wifes and myselfs parrothead life

I see a bright future for Nikki Wood.She draws you into her vivid and reviting scenes.A real page turner.A must read!!!You don't want it to end.I can't wait for the next volume by this very talented writer.I am so happy to be reading the begining of a wonderful riseing star in the world of literture.Write on Ms.Wood I CAN'T WAIT!

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who values a good and original story. I hope Greg Giovinco writes more books in the future!

In reading this novel, Giovinco displays imagery that lacks in this day in age. His engagement through his plethora of words gives each reader the chance to relate in different ways to individual characters. The suspense and thrills throughout the book keep you constantly gasping and urging you to keep reading. This strategy makes this book so sucessful, you're almost guarenteed to recommend it to your friends. Giovinco definately grasps what writing is meant to be, his vision is shared throughout his work and makes each reader all the more engaged.

Although often found in the crime section there is a lot more to this little known gem than simply murder and mystery. Of course there is enough of the aforementioned to keep the reader gripped from the very first of its concise chapters but what makes this book all the more enjoyable is the subtext that exists describing a confused and bitter man on a "self-finding" journey attempting to find clarity and ultimately happiness in his life. But does he find it?

Paced to perfection, and by no means a "heavy" read at only 220 pages, Thomson has produced a hugely engrossing novel, and in turning a genre on it's head shows considerable promise for the future of crime writing. If you are looking for a crime novel that asks a little bit more of the reader then this is the one. Buy it now!!!

This is my ideal book - after the first page I didn't want to stop reading - ended up reading it over two days on holiday. It is well constructed, with surprises and twists. The author, Allan Thomson, has a facility with language, making the time you spend with the text enjoyable. His obvious interest in, and experience of, the details and settings of the story make for a thought-provoking time as you enter the world of crime and justice in three countries.

Not only a who-done-it, but a how and why as well.

This book is a MUST HAVE. The stories are touching and inspiring - bringing both tears and laughter. The author is a talented, gifted perosn and it is very evident in her writing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for inspiration and guidance for their life.

This book was easy to read, while still having great depth and meaning. The stories are funny, sad and tales of daily life--all with words of inspiratation. Awesome book--I'd recommend to anyone!

This is my absolute favorite book to buy for the new babies, older siblings of new babies or birthday kids on my list. The illustrations are fantastic and include a few flip open to GIANT illustration pages as the never-fully-revealed Tickleoctopus teaches each member of the depicted cave family something formerly unheard of in their lives (to smile, to laugh, to play, etc). At 6 months my neice was already responding to the visuals and my vocal play on the great writing as well. Kids are never too young to be introduced to books. This hardcover has a cut-out edge that kids love to hook their little fingers around while being read to. And while the writing includes some made up EXCLAMATIONS(!) of the cave people era ("Om Nah Gah! Ooglies Ooglies!") that may take modern day folk some time to get used to reading aloud, you'll learn to love them and the story itself. May it never go unpublished!!!!

This is one book kids will remember. It is very creative and funny. The made up names seem to stick with you. Highly recommend for children 3-8 YOA.

I truly enjoyed the biography of Tiger Woods by Bill Gutman. I thought it gave good insight into what makes him the champion that he is. It is the story of one family's search for the American dream and the glory of finding it. It details how the dreams of Tiger's faher became his own. All the sacfrifice that he and his family made are detailed and makes his accomplishments all the more spectacular. I think this is a great read for all those who are fans of drive and determination and not just for those who love golf.

This is an exciting, and compelling biography about the hottest player on the PGA Tour. This biography begins from when Tiger was two years old, and already hitting plastic golf balls in his front-yard. From not being allowed to play on certain golf courses, to being paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to play in tournaments, Tiger Woods is the jump-start that the PGA Tour needed. The bond between Tiger and his father grows from when Tiger won his first tournament as a youngster to his record setting performance at The Masters Tournament. This bond is seen throughout the entire biography. This biography is thilling, and threaded with compassion. Definetly for the avid golfer.

When I started reading [TIME OUT] I couldn't put it down. I lived every page; marveled at the descriptions of scenes, people, animals, foods, smells - a culture so different from out own. Lindley J. Stiles The book has an immediacy and anticipatory quality that is compelling. I started to read it and could hardly put it down. I burned the midnight oil tellling myself I'd quit after the next page. Anita Swetland Every word, line, page, and chapter drove me to the next. An exceptionally readable book. Richard Matlhare (Botswana)

Woods has simply served up her experience, no frills, no congratulations.. . . She paints a picture of the village which can be both beautiful and dark, not always the storybook pastels of the overly quixotic Peace Corps posters and recruiting office. . . . We are shown the frustrations of dealing with corrupt school officials, the witchdoctor-related murders for body parts, the unsuccessful attempt by a village woman to escape her drunken and bellicose husband (she was later found hanging in a tree) and Woods' own physical problems. There are the alarmingly dangerous bus rides with besotted drivers, deaths by snakebite, tuberculosis. We're shown the omnipresent racism of southern Africa when Woods' African colleague, Kele, is forced by a white Zimbabwean owner to leave his campground.. . .Woods' prose style is concise but not pithy, not unlike the "twenty-five words or less" she might have given her students, yet her twenty-five words work.

I found this book to be very good for a timechart history, and its format was understandable and clear. It also provides a good list of airshows and museums for aviation worldwide in the back. An interesting book to have.

This is an amazing book that comprehensively covers the history of aviation. A must have for any aviation enthusiast, aviator or non-avaitor.

Where to begin? The menu suggestions and variations are so helpful. The pan seared tuna w/cilantro vinaigrette is so easy and a smash at my dinner party--they all thought I had prepared for days, ha! The coq au vin blanc is so rich, tasty and a very impressive dish to serve--made a true MEMORABLE MEAL. This books is a must have!

I love this cookbook because it is not just easy to use/follow, but the recipes have lots of twists so you can make the same dish a few different ways. It is great inspiration for entertaining...but also a wonderful treat for just a dinner for two.

I have her first cookbook, Memorable Meals, and it is WORN OUT from all the usage so I'm so happy to add to the collection of recipes.

I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to take some of Nancy's cooking classes and am happy to have the recipes all neatly bound in this beautiful book.