Arts Books

This book really helps me learn all the ballet steps and poses. Anyone can read it and understand it. It teaches different styles, such as Cechetti, Russian, etc. I highly recommend it for any ballet lover at any level. This book is an EXCELLENT tool.

If you are a learning (or even trained) dancer,, you should definitely buy this book. Teachers- you should keep a copy in your studio library. My old dance teacher introduced me to this dictionary, and I continued to use it in my college dance classes and when I taught dance on my own.

It's small enough to slip inside your dance bag, so you can take it with you to class. It's a fabulous resource for terminology, which is priceless to learning dancers. Because, there's nothing worse than going to a class when the teacher is of a different methodology. This one features several, including the more popular methods, like Cechetti. There are also some drawings to help you understand more clearly.

This book will help you learn all your arabesques, positions, and more.
A great tool!

It helped me visualize my eight body positions in order to put them in practice. It also helped me with spelling of different positions.

This book best serves those who have had enough experience with ballet to be able to understand the terms within the definitions themselves. Almost all ballet terms in this book contain other ballet terms within the definitions, and pictures are minimal (positions of the feet/arms, body in space, head, stage terms). If the dancer is not familiar enough with ballet terms, technique, and form, then this book can be overwhelming. I recommend this book to all teachers as well as teenagers who are serious about ballet (it's a must have). For younger students (9 years old and up), I recommend any ballet book that contains basic terms as well as pictures showing proper form/execution of these terms (pictures will also include proper alignment and proper turn-out as well as a clear explaination on how to work toward both).

First published in 1950, this ballet reference guide has stood the test of time. Who's it for? Ballet students and teachers, choreographers, or any ballet enthusiast. Here's what the book covers:

-descriptions and definitions of over 1100 ballet steps (in alphabetical order)
-how to say the darn words (worth the price of the book alone!)
-illustrations showing you body positions for the more common ballet steps and movements
-cross-references to other names for similar steps/positions that vary from the Russian, French and Italian schools

A must have book that can easily be toted around, I doubt most readers will regret buying it. Other ballet resources I recommend include The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution for practitioners who have trouble with their feet.

After graduating from film school, I had no idea how to start my career as a writer in the film industry. "The Writer Got Screwed" not only showed my how to start my career, but showed me the different kind of careers which exist for Writers in the Entertainment Industry. Most books don't explain what WRITERS working in the entertainment industry need to know: THIS BOOK DOES. If you want to work in the legal department of a studio, take classes in copyright and contracts. If you want to work as a writer in the entertainment industry, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.

Very few books explain how to start your career, the different forms of representation (agents, managers, and attorneys), how to protect your work (copyright registration vs. registering with the WGA), how to protect yourself (contracts-what do they mean?) and give lists of available resources (scholarships, WGA approved agencies, production companies, legal resouces/attorneys) for writers working within the entertainment industry--"The Writer Got Screwed" delivers on all of these areas. Whether you are working in film, television, feature animation, soap operas, or interactive, "The Writer Got Screwed" provides interviews with writers who work in these areas and valuable, RARELY FOUND, information regarding how these started their careers. This book is a terrific, must-have book for anyone who wants to write for the entertainment industry, and now is joined by a companion website at [...].

This book is one of those needles in a hay stack. It's not out there like all the other books for writers. But if you find it... you have found gold. It is written so that it is easy to understand and has tons of great information in it. A must have.

There are a lot of books out there on writing for the entertainment industry, but this was the one book that got me started. A lot of writers tend to pass around gossip and poor information, but this book set me straight from the beginning, and is now joined by Wharton's website/blog: brookewharton.com(rated in top 10 for film blogs). This is the one book that anyone writing for film or television should START WITH. I'm mystified by a previous reviewer who said that Wharton doesn't talk about the WGA (there's a whole chapter on the guild), and also that she doesn't discuss acquisitions vs. development (it's called spec sales vs. assignments in the 1st 10 pages of the chapter on writing for film). Clearly this person couldn't have read the book. If you need real answers, buy the book.

Given all the 5 star ratings, I expected better. Not that this isn't a good book, but it depends on the reader's sophistication. If you don't know anything about some of the basic legal and business aspects of the publishing biz, this book is a good start. On the other hand, if you're a detail oriented person who really wants to dig in deep into this subject, you may find the content a bit light.

This coverage of the making and cast of the show Xena: Warrior Princess is downright hilarious. Granted, I have an odd sense of humor, but you can tell that the author went out of his way to make this as entertaining as possible. There are lots of spiffy pictures, and two sections of large, full-color photos. The cast bios are particularly interesting, in my opinion; many things you might not know about these crazy actors/actresses (ie. apparently, Ted Raimi is a fantastic swing dancer; who'd have guessed, oh, wait, I always have...never mind). There are little mini-interviews and comments scattered throughout the pages, along with amusing production anecdotes, and episode synopses in the back (paired with commentary by Lucy Lawless/Xena). My only complaint is that this book only covers the first couple seasons. Perhaps there's an upgrade version that I missed, and if not, there should be. I highly recommend this book for even the casual Xena: WP fan, and particularly the rabid ones, though if you're a rabid fan, you probably already own this...

....being a hardcore nutball Xena fan ranked for me - but only for a short while - among the highest!But then,now that I've embraced this pleasure wholehartedly, let's put things like this: if anyone wants to understand the ideological linings of postmodernity, understanding the Xena phenomenon provides one of the shortest roads, and if anyone wants to study XWP one has to begin gathering extra information here. I would recommend, however to order this book with Ariele Dorfman's & Armand Mattelart's _How to Read Donald Duck_, if the purpose is scholarly; if you just like Xena, order the two neverthless.

Robert Weisbrot's paperpback book `Xena: Warrior Princess, The Official Guide to the Xenaverse' is an entertaining and informative presentation which chronicles the first two seasons of the immensely popular television series that lasted six delightful seasons.

Making good use of the same format used in his episode companion for the Hercules series, he provides not only a synopsis of each show from season 1 and 2 but also loads of behind the camera information providing the reader with a thorough grasp of what is involved in bringing the Xenaverse into existence.

Definitely an enjoyable and informative read sure to be treasured by Xena fans everywhere. The only question I have for the author is "When are you going to complete what you've begun and release a follow-up covering seasons 3, 4, 5 and 6?"

What can I say? If you love Xena, you gotta have this!

This book is great. I have the Warrior Princess Costume all ready! Lucy Lawless Looks sharp on the front cover of this book and I got this with my staff at the Joyce Warner House... I really have to say is that it has great pictures! :) <3Cheeeeeyyyyaaa!Young Xena Warrior Princess

After you've acquired John Truby's "Anatomy of Story" and Robert McKee's "Story", you MUST get William Akers' "Your Screenplay Sucks!", or you're not a serious writer. What good is it to write a great script if no one reads it. Mr. Aker practically guarantees your screenplay will be not only better, but will be read.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3OV2MIYRQTQHS This is a great book. Seriously. Buy it.

GREAT BOOK! Unlike most of the other screenwriting books out there, this isn't a how-to guide for writers who have never before tackled a screenplay; rather, this is an in-depth checklist for writers who understand the basic tenets of screenwriting or, at the very least, have finished a draft of their script. It goes through, point by point, the 100 most common mistakes screenwriters make... making it super-easy to put your screenplay through a rigorous rewriting process so your script can be as tight, solid, and sellable as you can possibly make it. If you're serious about making it as a screenwriter, this rigorous rewriting bootcamp may not be able to sell your screenplay for you, but it'll whip you and your script into the best shape possible!

I'm relatively new to the craft of screenwriting, but I'm passionate about creating a great work that has a legitimate chance at making it to a theater near you. It seems that the trademark start for every aspiring screenwriter is to stock up on a library of books that explain screenwriting from every imaginable angle; only to find a few that truly make the difference. Rare are the books that stand out as "Must Haves", and Your Screenplay Sucks! 100 Ways To Make It Great, is a "Must Have".

Although people write for different reasons, it's relatively safe to assume that most people attempt to write a screenplay because they want to sell it. They want to see it on the big screen. The logic that should then follow is to make your screenplay the best it can be at all costs. In reality, this doesn't often happen. In my opinion, if near perfection is not your goal or if you are writing solely for the money, then screenwriting is probably not your ticket. However, if it's your passion, this book is an indispensible companion to realizing your dream.

While I think of this book as the ultimate checklist, the truth is that it's far deeper than just a checklist. It's like having a coach with you at every step of the writing process; from initial concept, to rewrites. Each topic Mr. Akers discusses is clearly explained (often with examples) and communicated in an entertaining and humorous fashion. Also, the topics are broken up in such a way that finding answers and explanations take no time to find.

What I love most about it, though, is that if this book is used properly, it will greatly reduce unnecessary rewriting. I'm not talking about the inevitable rewrites that you'll have to do. I'm talking about the ones that make you throw your laptop or Smith Corona(???) across the room - not to mention the loud expletives that will have mothers within a three mile radius covering their children's ears in shock.

Most importantly, if you want to write with the confidence that your story structure is tight; that you didn't forget to give your bad guy a "Bad Guy Speech" and that every one of your scenes means something BEFORE you've finished your first draft, just plunk down the dollars, pounds, euros, yen, rubles or whatever currency and buy this book. You'll be thankful it was written and happy you bought it!

I have been writing screenplays and weirdly getting paid for it for years - i wish I had had Will Akers book when I was stuck. He has practical, been there - done that - knows what works advice. LISTEN TO HIM! He will help you move ahead. And he is entertaining to boot....

I purchased this book as I was begining treatment for Depression and even though it may have "nothing to do with zen", the message of the book does bring a zen-like peace when I read it. I would recomend this book to anyone going through tough times.

This book is a great example of good things coming in small packages. At only 142 pages, it can easily be read over a long weekend and the only reason you'll stop reading is when you stop and reflect on what's inside. Prentiss presents some great elemental concepts of thinking and perspective in a clear, easy to read manner.

I will admit some of the descriptions and anecdotes were a bit tough to grasp at first, but when Prentiss tells the story of his reaction when his new car got scratched everything in the book seemed to fall into place for me. When that happened, I actually went back to page one and it was as if I was seeing through some kind of fog for the first time.

For me, this book is a great first step - I've since picked up several other books on Zen thought and Buddhism and I hope I'm as happy with learning from them as I am with this great little book. Prentiss' book has also inspired me to act on a daily basis - to create good habits and to stop playing the victim card so often. This book will stay in my permanent collection and I will be purchasing copies for my friends and family soon.

I love this book! It's small, yet profound. One of the best books I've ever read and I read a lot! I've bought several more to give to others. If you are thinking about getting a copy - get one and then once you read it, you'll probably want to get more for your friends/family. I also recommend Thich Nhat Hanh's books- very very good.

Once in a while, along comes a book that simply 'blow's your mind'and at the same time increases your understanding about life like nothing else does. The Zen art of happiness is just such a book.
Before I read it I used to wonder why adverse occurances in my life happened. In fact I used to dwell constantly about them making myself unhappy into the bargain.
The author, Chris Prentiss asks the reader to start off by accepting the premise that these so-called 'adverse events' are perfect for us and exactly what we need to work on in order to strengthen our weaknesses.
Not only that, he maintains that 'the Universe' (some would say God) knows our every word, thought and deed and responds by sending these occurances to us.
He maintains that we constantly contravene 'Universal Laws'(example is the law of cause and effect)that are as real as gravity and unlike man-made laws, never change and are applicable to everyone no matter where they live on the earth.
The book is only 160 pages long, but is packed with information that feels 'intuitively true'.
I am now into my fourth time of reading and I am still as excited by his work as I was the first time.
If you want to become happier by making sense of life, then get this book that I rate as one of the best I have ever read.

I think this is a great little book. I am a Christian... where as some Christians think reading a buddhist book goes away from Christ, many of the topics and practices of the buddhist are very Christ like. Where the author may speak about the energy of the universe, I just see that as God. Great reminders here to remove our focus off ourselves and think of our neighbors... and isn't that also what Christ taught! Great book for anyone trying to grow in who they are... I will read this one over and over.

I just received this book and I have already started on the Stained Glass Window Afghan. I saw pictures of one another crocheter had completed and it was so gorgeous I just had to make one for myself. The other projects in the book look beautiful too, so I will probably be making some of them later on. The window afghan is coming along just fine. There are a few printing mistakes in the pattern, but nothing to really confuse you too much. I was able to interpret the designer's intent with no problem. Enjoy, and you'll have some really fine creations using this book.

When this book arrived, I went through it from cover to cover. I was very impressed by the patterns. There are so many that I want to make. Much more than I usually find in a pattern book. I recomend this book to anyone who enjoys crocheting afghans.

This book features Awesome blankets that anyone would want in their apartment!! The book also features instructs, what yarn was used, so that if you want to make it just like it is in the book, you can. It also rates every blanket by skill level, so you will not start something that might be too difficult for you. My only complaint is that some of the blankets aren't that big when made. You may want to buy extra yarn if you want a certain pattern to be bigger.

Buy, love it, start making blankets for all your friends.

This is a good book for beginners as well s advanced lots of beautiful afghans well illustrated and instructional as well.

I'll get this out of the way right now, the cover afghan is AMAZING. Utterly gorgeous. There are several others in the first section of the book that my jaw dropped upon first glance, so really there are some lovely afghans in here.

Yes, the romance section is a little blah, but I think of it more like there being something for everyone in this book. Whether it's daring or traditional, you will find something that fits your style.

I'm just getting back into crochet after knitting and spinning stole me away for several years, and this is one of the first books I bought to beef up my crochet library. Truly a solid addition to your shelf, my only gripes being I like books that are spiral bound and I wish that the blocks (when called for) were charted so I could just follow along visually.

This book is an indispensable companion for huge fans of the ALIEN series, especially those who, like me, think that ALIENS is the pinnacle of the franchise. But even if you're just a casual fan of the series but a major lover of science fiction, this is a great book to have.

The most amazing part of the book is the long essay on combat between capital ships in space. The essay is a very hard-science fiction oriented piece that addresses a lot of the issues with ship to ship combat that are taken for granted in works like Star Trek and Star Wars. It addresses issues like combat between two ships in orbit around a planet, cloaking against a starfield, space mine arrays, directed energy weapons, railguns, and the use of decoys in space combat.

The rest of the book is equally believable in its portrayal of futuristic warfare, and it does an excellent job of giving background information on the world of ALIEN without holding the reader's hand or revealing everything. The pictures, drawings, and schematics are nothing short of amazing.

The book delivered exactly what it was supposed to. The equipment described were mostly from the second movie, which was expected since the colonial marines only made an appearance in that one. I was expecting a few more vehicles and weapons that were not shown in the movie. The arsenal of the marines appeared to be very limited. Whatever the case, this is a good book for fans of the movies and sci-fi fans who like big weapons. The section on the aliens themselves was kind of brief, being mostly accounts from Ripley.

I loved the quotes between the sections. The ones where other Marines are "telling what they heard". You get bits and pieces and everything gets exaggerated and blamed on the Company. It's funny "because we know better." And the descriptions of the APC and dropship are great. Too bad we don't get to see them more in the movie.

Not much more I can add that others haven't other than to push the point home. This book is a technical sci-fi fan's dream come true. The level of detail and realism put into this book rivals that of the Star Trek technical books, and even surpasses them on some levels. This book is painstakingly researched and is an official and authorized explanation of the weapons, ships, tech and much more are covered in this book.

Just about everything you could want to know about the technical aspects of the Alien and Aliens universe are here. You can know exactly how a pulse rifle or a power loader works. You can see the inner workings of a dropship. You can see the full capabilities of the Sulaco. You name it, and it's there. You even get entries for military equipment that was not in the movie, but still part of the Alien universe.

Did I mention Alien? Yeah you get a ton of information on the Nostromo as well as details on the escape shuttle and equipment they used. You also get extensive details on androids as well (from both movies). They even go so far as to explain how faster than light travel works. Not only do you get all this, but you get some awesome information regarding the alien itself.

The book itself is very well made considering it's labelled as a paperback. The cover is a thicker card stock and glossy on the front while the pages are made from a quality paper as well. The book quality is like what you would find on the Star Wars technical books or better. Definitely bigger than those books.

I wish all sci-fi technical books would go into this much detail with their subject matter. This book is pretty much the standard I look for in other technical manuals. If you ever get a chance to find this one and are either a big Alien fan or just a big fan on these types of books I recommend getting it. For some of you even with the high prices (I think the original list price was around $20) you see in auctions and here you might still find this book worth it.

this book provides a great deal of information on the Colonial Marines from "Aliens". all of you potential Aliens video game modders out there must get this book. it has served as an excellent reference book for all my "Aliens versus Predator" modifications. with several illustrations, it also provides the artist with valuable "Aliens" info. even the curious Sci-Fi geek will find this book thoroughly interesting.

One of my favorite parts of this book is called 'meet the colors', and it deals not just with the primaries, secondaries, and tertiaries, but also with neutrals, earth tones, white, gray, black, and metallics. Each section discusses the characteristics and affinities of its color(s) as well as symbolism, emotional associations, and so on. A budding jewelry designer would find this a gold mine of ideas not just for mixing and matching bead colors, but also for creating dynamic and enticing product descriptions that are more than just a drab recounting of the item's colors and traits.

Once the reader has gained something of an understanding of the colors themselves, Ms. Deeb discusses various ways of creating color schemes. She delves into both theory-based color schemes and more fluid designs based on seasons, emotions, and symbolism. Ms. Deeb includes a handful of things that make these discussions more than just theory, and more than just another lesson in artistic color theory. First of all, the book is filled---and I mean FILLED---with photographs of beaded artwork that make abundant use of color, and the author discusses the use of color in each one.

The author is also remarkably good at including beading-specific information, and not just as asides. For instance, she always takes into account the addition of different types of metal or colors of cord or thread when working with beads. She discusses which metals fit into which seasonal color schemes. She details the ways in which thread, cord, and beading wire coloration affect the appearance of bead colors. She takes into account whether beads are faceted, rough, or smooth, as well as their shapes, and in particular what sort of finish is used.

Most of all, her passion for beading and color shines through on the pages, giving them a vibrant energy reflective of her subject. I can't imagine someone coming away from this book without at least a dozen ideas spinning around in their heads.

This book is a absolute necessity for anyone working with beads. This book is sure to be a vital and well-worn fixture on all bead tables - it already is on mine! Margie clearly understands the magical and complex interactions of color and light and she presents her knowledge to the reader in glorious and vivid detail. The book rates a top review just for its eye-candy value alone but it is much more than that. If you have never worked with a color wheel before you will gain a thorough understanding from this book. And if you have worked extensively with color for years, you will still come away from this book with new insights and inspiration. The book is written in a user friendly manner and the illustrations and artwork combine very cohesively with the text. The result is an absolute treasure of a book.

_The Beader's Guide to Color_ by Margie Deeb is not just for beaders, it is for anyone (sewers, interior designers, quilters, or jewelry makers) who wears or uses color.

The major sections of the book are:
- Color Theory & Design
- Theory-Based Color Schemes
- Emotional & Symbolic Color Schemes
- Inspiration & Technique

Each section has numerous subsections, such as "Blue & Cyan", "Color & Design", and "Color Harmony" (and others) in Color Theory & Design; or "Natural", "Luxurious", and "Clashing" (and others) in Emotional & Symbolic Color Schemes. Each subsection typically covers 1-4 pages, making this an excellent book to browse through or to read in smaller parts.

And I am quite glad that the book is broken up into so many subsections, as there is a HUGE amount of information, with a lot of depth to it too. I still find something new to think about or consider each time I read it, and I've owned my copy for at least two years now.

Some of the things that I am personally very grateful for are:
- Explanations of both the artists' pigment color wheel and the ink color wheel, the differences between the two, and frequent reference back to the color wheels in the Theory-Based Color Schemes.
- TONS of very professional and detailed photographs of beading projects done by Deeb and many other artists. There are wall hangings; jewelry with glass beads, seed beads, stone beads, metal beads, and combinations of those; loom-woven and freehand seed bead projects; tabletop pieces such as vases or bowls. Some projects are center on a single large bead or stone, some revolve around a certain type of bead or stone, and some focus not on the feel of the overall piece. Some pieces are very structured and geometric, some are organic and portray flowers, leaves or animals, and some are very freeform. Whatever your particular style or project, you will probably be able to find a palette or a photograph that you can relate to.
- The pages devoted to some of the individual colors. While you may not always agree with Deeb in what emotions and connotations each color evokes, it will still be worth your time to consider WHY you don't agree and what the color mean for you.
- Demonstrations of how the mood and feel of a piece can change just by going to warmer, cooler, brighter, or dimmer colors, and why it's important to decide at the beginning of a project if you want something that is eye-catching all on its own, or that will blend well with something else.
- Numerous Delica seed bead palettes as examples of what can be done with each color scheme. While I don't use seed beads myself, the examples help me understand how to take theory and turn it into something real.

The only criticism I have of the book is Deeb seems to have a preference for purple; purple, mauve, and lavender seem to be in a disproportionate number of the example palettes. However, that is a very minor criticism.

I would probably have had to take at least one or two college color-theory classes to gain as much as I have from this book. I would recommend it without reservation to anyone who uses color for personal adornment (clothing, jewelry, etc.) or for their surroundings.

Last month during a beading class, both the instructor and a classmate mentioned this book when I said something about how I always struggle with color. I was eager to purchase it, and am really pleased with all the information it gives!

As other reviewers mentioned, Margie Deeb spends a great deal of time talking about color theory, and she does so in an easy-to-follow way. She also talks about how certain colors evoke certain moods and feelings, and provides many color photos of examples so you can see what she means.

She also provides a fantastic overview of how to use a color wheel. For instance, I knew about using a color wheel by looking at the squares and triangles where three or four colors meet, but I didn't realize all the other ways you can use a color wheel to find complementary colors. For me, this information alone was worth buying this book for.

Another strength of the book is that she provides bead numbers for Delica color palettes. This was very interesting, but I tend to use size 11 and size 15 seed beads more frequently, so I'm not sure if the color numbers will help me as much as a future reference. Her inclusion of these color schemes is still great, though, since they give me something to base a design around.

The only downsides (and they are small ones) is that the sample projects are not really to my liking (they tend to be things like wall hangings) and that the writing can be a bit overkill when she describes the moods that certain colors evoke. Overall, though, I would definitely still purchase this book since it contains so much information and is reasonably priced and because I bought it more for the color theory than for the included projects (and I know we all have very different tastes). It's definitely worth the cost of the book!

A definite must have book for all Delica beadworkers AND for those that really want a useful, classic book on color theory applied to beading. Deeb's book uses Delica beads (and their appropriate numbers) to provide stimulating examples of the best uses of color for a multitude of designs. However, you don't have to use seed beads to appreciate the HIGH quality of this book when in comes to color wheels and color theory. What I learned in one or two semesters of fine art in college design classes is in a few well-written pages of this book followed with examples that you can apply directly to bead/jewelry art. Deeb's writing style keeps you interested and clearly describes how the color wheel works. Plus her beadwork designs are exciting (so are those from her other books - a few pieces of her artwork from those bead books are in here) and tempting to try in other color combinations using her recommendations for producing stimulating beadwork. This book is an excellent reference or guide to help make your own projects sizzle with color.

If you can get past an idiotic short introduction by Bill Murray, you'll enjoy a wonderful experience. Billy Collins has created true poetry that will make you think and laugh.

I heard Billy Collins speak in Wellington early one chilly Sunday morning. He commented that he was amazed anyone would want to get out of bed and listen to him on such a cold day ...he wouldn't! Of course we all thought it worth the effort, nothing beats hearing a really superb poet reading his own work superbly.I heartily recommend this cd, it's always in the most played pile near my cd player and on my ipod,so that I can listen to him any time.
A great selection of his work and interesting pre-ambles before each poem.

As always, Billy Collins is above and beyond in his poetry readings. Great humor, great heart and an accessibility rarely found in intellectual circles! You will fall in love with him and with poetry all over again.

This is a figure of speech of course - once upon a time... never mind, but you'd burn your dinner or if it's cooked, then the food on your fork will miss you mouth, if you try to cook or eat as you listen to Billy Collins read. It's a treat.

My high school students fell in love with Collins. Even the chronically apathetic perked up during his reading... use this in your classroom, and follow it up with selections from Poetry 180. You'll be glad you did.

Exhaustive variations, small printing and illustrations, pages jam-packed with examples. Good for the price; some readers will probably prefer a more modern volume. Talented author. Worth a look.

This the best cartooning book around. A classic. A must for entry level cartoonist or professional.

I'm always looking for the perfect book of whatever variety, & speaking as a former library employee, a cartoonist & art teacher, Jack Hamm has written THE book on cartooning. It is so packed with examples & not so much text, as it should be, it has tips & then TONS of examples. The style ranges from early American cartooning style to 50s/60s modern style. Fantastic examples of different expressions, hand positions, walking positions, drawing women, all of it. All good. If you want a great guide for old fashioned American cartooning, this is the one to get. Then get the Preston Blair book from Walter Foster.

This book is full of great ideas and tips. There's plenty for the beginner, like little tutorials on highly-stylized eyes or noses or mouths, or straightforward examples on common poses, but it's not just a book for beginners. There are a lot of highly-finished drawings as well, and examples of moving from simple to more complex drawings. Plus tips on various penciling and inking techniques, and various cartoon genres. All in all, there are literally thousands of examples and sketches, enough material to keep anybody busy for a long time. I've pulled this book down from the shelf more often than any of my other numerous drawing books, and I've filled page after page with exercises based on the material. A classic and worth far more than its price.

If you're a cartoonist this is a book you have to have. It has been in publication for quite a while but nothing better has been created in the way of a great, all-purpose reference book. I've gone through a couple copies of this book and no matter how many times I looked at it I was still able to come up with ideas. Whether you're just starting out or have been doing cartoons for years you should have a copy of this book.