Arts Books

Jim Clary's "The Last True Story of the Titanic" is the real deal. With the same meticulous eye for detail that he puts into his maritime paintings, Clary gives the reader the best picture yet of what actually happened on that fateful night in 1912. Leaving little to conjecture, he builds the components of his story from both common and little known facts, as well as eyewitness testimony from survivors. His writing style is highly readable yet technically accurate, a fact which will satisfy both casual readers and the most critical Titanic junkies. The accompanying illustrations and paintings by the author are simply the icing (no pun intended) on the cake.

This is an excellent and true account of the events as we can determine. An excellent read. It presents the facts of that fateful night and sheds light on the myths.

Enjoyed the view of a maritime artist who delved into a lot of detail that many others ignored or considered unimportant. The sweat that went into the building of the Titantic is fascinating. I found the uncaring attitude of the passengers and crew while the ship was going down amazing.

James Clary's book like the word "titanic" itself, is of enormous magnitude. To chronicle the events of this great disaster, and to do so in such a detailed, thoughtful way is truly an outstanding feat. I learned so much from the book, and was especially impressed with the painstaking research, and the crisp rhetoric.

This book delivered exactly what I was looking for regarding what really happened to the Titanic. Although Mr. Clary goes into significant detail, the book is never bogged down by facts and figures. It is with a unique blend of fact finding and a keen writing skill which made me feel as if the author were there himself as the story unfolded. Break out a bottle of champagne. This book will defiantly be christened as the final word on what actually happened to the grandest ocean liner ever known!

A great introduction into a way of thinking foreign to the western mind. Well worth the time invested in reading it. A true value at twice the price.

A great introduction into a way of thinking foreign to the western mind. Well worth the time invested in reading it and a treu value at twice the price.

Book in impeccable condition. Fast shipping. Haven't read it yet, but am looking forward to reading.

If you could read Beauty, then this book would be where you would find it. As odd as that sounds, it's truly the way I felt after just one chapter. I felt like I had experienced beauty incarnate. The chapters that follow are equally engaging, peaceful and they stick with you. This book is what I consider to be uncommon, common sense!

I hesitated to buy this book because I thought it might be "too Buddhist" or too sentimental. Do not be deterred by these reasons. I have treasured it, recommended it, and as a minister leant it out with great joy to people from all walks of life, rich and poor, highly literate and plain-spoken. It is one of those books that cuts through a lot of folderol and gets to the inmost heart, giving folks something nourishing and simple like a good breakfast for the soul.

The best part(s) of this book are the stitching techniques demonstrated right along with the sample quilt(s). You're able to see how the stitching will look as the quilt comes together. Beautifully done with excellent diagrams and photos. The historical information is also very good. A great book to have for your quilting repetoire.

Just received this book and it exceeds my expectations. Made my selection due to the reviews of this book and thanks to all for the comments because this is a great choice. I wanted a book that gives basic instruction on making crazy quilts plus some of the more frequently used stitches,and thats just what I got. Author gives 20 pages to show different stitches and their various possiblities on a project. Inspiring photos, and suggestions for applications of crazy quilt method. This has been a find for me, doubt anyone will be disappointed with this books and all it has to offer. enjoy.

I prefe the books by Judith Montano. This was well written and illustrated. It was for the beginner, ideas were limited.

In my opinion this is the BEST book out on making Crazy Quilts. I have four others but this is my favorite. You'll love it.

Good comprehensive book on crazy quilting -- from basic construction of crazy quilt blocks to stitch diagrams and materials suggestions. Also includes drawings of how stitches would be used in crazy quilt blocks.

Although Lang's Origami Insects & Their Kin is several years old, it still stands as the premier origami book, and it still is a masterpiece because it offers many detailed true-to-life models; two spiders, butterfly, dragonfly, ant..., and ends with a scorpion, and for around $11.00, this book is a steal.

I did fold one model from the book, nope, not the ant, LOL! but the praying mantis, and it turned out great, just like the real thing, so much so, that I almost squashed it. Wait! I think I did squash it, Ha Ha Ha!!

Out of all the books in my collection; this is the only book i still haven't completed all the projects. All projects in this book are for Advanced skilled. Most require complex folds that takes much time and effort to complete. The results are INSANE! The level of detail of these bug is unreal. Mine have been mistaken for real bugs on several occasions.

Anyone feeling like they want to take it to the second... or third level this is a must to have!

This book is the best one for the paperfoldinging advanced beginners, this have many advanced origami and the results are very great.

I was able to fold one of the models in this book (the ant.) I aspire to fold the others someday, after much, much more practice with easier books. They look really cool, so they give me a goal to aim for, but I am not certain if I will ever get there.
Five stars because they are great designs.

I see I'm in the minority on this book, and I'm sure I'll get a bunch of "unhelpful" votes from people disagreeing with my opinion, but I found this book really frustrating for the amount of steps that are just so difficult to get through. To be honest, until I got this book, I'd never really had major difficulties with any origami I've done, I've been folding for over 30 years, I had even folded Lang's previous monster the Cuckoo Clock from The Complete Book of Origami, Montroll's Stego and other such complex models. I've done plenty of insects before (I loved the mantis in his Origami Zoo book) but the majority of the ones in this book just drove me nuts. He clearly loves sinks and those in particular often just really tripped me up for the complexity of the layers you were having to sink. There were a few that I simply could not figure out, they just seemed totally inexplicable how you were supposed to get those layers properly reversed. I'd try such models again and fail again, and I personally just do not find that enjoyable to put so much time into something only to get totally stuck and unable to continue. Sure, it happens once in awhile regardless...but with this book it became commonplace. For me, what makes an origami book great is the ability to take extremely complex, interesting models and diagram them in such a way that a reasonably competent folder can accomplish them with a concerted effort. And this book definitely missed that mark.

I'd certainly recommend you avoid this book until you have quite a few years of experience folding and can easily handle any type of model, and advanced steps like reverse folded sinks, etc. But I'd also suggest you consider whether you are the type of folder that doesn't mind spending an hour or two on something and have nothing to show for it, but is able to move on and try again (and again and again...) I am used to messing up a model on the first try once in awhile but there are models in this book I tried several times and honestly felt like I just could do over and over and still not figure out. I personally just don't have quite that level of perseverance, so this book tends to sit on my shelf while I do other, not necessarily easier models, but ones that at least have more reasonable steps to get from point A to point B.

The finished models in this book are great, they are clearly identifiable species, not just generic fish, crabs, etc.
What really makes the book stand out, however, are the folding sequences. The steps flow with a natural rythm, and every tricky step is clearly explained. Because the authors have created unique bases for each model, the results of a given step are often pleasantly surprising.
I have a pile of origami books, and this is my favorite so far by a pretty wide margin. When I finish folding everything in it, I will probably fold them all again because they are so much fun.

This book is well written with easy to understand diagrams. The models range from easy to extremly hard, but most of the animals are high intermediate.Most of the diagrams are so specialized that they can't make other models from the base, but the end result is an elegant model that isn't bulky like other models of this difficulty. I have most of Montroll's and Lang's work,and this is one of the best.The deep sea angler fish is my favorite with a full set of teeth. The binding is breaking apart because I've used it so much. Overall this is a book with the best models!
(Watch the binding of the Dover books!)

This superb book contains an enormous range of origami models representing various forms of sea life. These range from sea urchins and starfish through to the Blackdevil Angler Fish and the almost impossible to fold Chambered Nautilus Shell. I have in my time folded most of the models and my favourites include the Angler Fish, Goldfish and the Murex shell which is wonderful in a textured foil.

Most of the models will require some folding experience, even the easier ones and the most difficult ones like the Atlantic Purple Sea Urchin and Blackdevil Angler Fish are really for experts only, but most folders of intermediate level and upwards will find something to enjoy. It is definitely a book which will help you to develop your folding skills but be sure to have plenty of paper on hand!

Each section includes an interesting introduction to the natural history of the life forms it is covering and the book is well laid out with clear computerised diagrams. It's an origami book I've come back to again and again over the years and which remains one of my treasures. I recommend it.

I've owned this book for a number of years and only recently have I been able to fold most of the creatures in it. This book is definitely not for greenhorns, but if you look closely at every single diagramme in the book, and interpret them exactly and are very careful, every model in the book is foldable. The end result is gorgeous paper sea creatures that can impress basically anyone--yourself included. I've been amazed at how beautiful the things I'm folding from this book turn out.

This is one of my favorite Origami books ever. If you are thinking about getting it you should. This book will appeal to any body, from beginner to advanced. I love the models in this book. It contains various models of many genera and cover many of the marine phylums such as variety of gastropods, cephalodops, crustaceans, and many fish from Angler Fish to sharks to Sun fish.

Didn't know how much I needed this book until I bought it. Love the section called "What's On Tonight." Just go to the current universal time and check it out. Like it says on the cover, "TV Guide for world band radio." Slick. Or if you found a great frequency look it up in the "Blue Pages" and find out who is on at a particular time. It even has a section dedicated to what's on in English. I was happy to find my receiver was highly rated. If you aren't happy with yours check out the reviews.

Like I said, "It's a must have."

Many interesting articles and reviews on various receivers, antennas and more. The book's value to me lies elsewhere though. I'm using a 70's model Realistic DX-160 (analog tuning) radio. For me, the sections on worldwide broadcasts in english, and the "blue pages" - essentially a map of broadcasts by frequency (2.310Mhz-21.850Mhz) are extremely helpful. I haven't even looked at the section: "what's on tonight?" - features a guide to hour-by-hour listening to worldband programming / shows in english. I need to get reading...I mean listening. This guide is an excellent value.

I have used Passport for almost twenty years now. Before the internet it was the best way (and only practical way) to keep track of schedules and frequencies and still is since my PC can't be everywhere my radio is. It also is a great resource if you are shopping for a shortwave radio as all major sets in all quality and price ranges are reviewed. There is also alot of general information for shortwave listening and information on future trends. No world band listener should be without the most current version of this book.

This is a must own for any shortwave listener, form newbies, to professionals. I've barely scratched the surface of all this book has to offer. My Favorite feature is the "blue pages". The blue pages have frequencies down the side, and times along the top, you just find the frequency you're listening to and intersect it with the time, and you've got the station you're listening to.

For all the information here, I can't believe this book didn't cost twice as much! Reviews, radio listings, a glossary of terms, etc. Passport to World Band Radio, 2008 really expanded my radio experience by opening my eyes up and tuning my ears into what all else is out there!

This book is extremely well written for new and experienced quilters alike. It has fabulous photographs of quilts and also instuctive designs in photographic form.
A must as a browsing book or as a book to use and to learn from. Also a book to enhance your handquilting skills

Quilting is my passion and this book 'feeds' it. Clear pictures and instructions, exciting use of colour and shading, personal comments by Jinny Beyer. The quilts in the book are not simple to make but can be regarded as a personal challenge to achieve the desired finished product. A satisfying reference book for all aspiring quilters, even if you do not decide to make any of the featured quilts.

I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE CONDITION AND SPEED WITH WHICH THIS BOOK WAS RECEIVED

I purchased this book earlier in the spring. I look at it almost everyday. I have taught myself how to hand piece and I never for one moment thought that I could. This book is a treasure, if you have the patience to teach yourself and have this book, you will learn to do exquisite work. I also purchased the CD from Amazon and have used it but not as much as the book-it would all depend on your individual learning style. The CD does a wonderful job of explaining and showing you how to create the stitches; I enjoying having both but now find myself using the book more than the CD. I also purchsed the perfect piecer from Jinny Beyer's site (althought at the time I am writing this Amazon has one listed)and this tool is a MUST HAVE if you are going to learn to hand piece in my opinion.

The book is beautiful, well written, includes some historical prespective (but not too much) you will not be sorry you purchased this book.

I quilt on my own--without benefit of classes or working with anyone else--much of the time. This book has helped me tremendously! Unlike most pattern books, the book tells the details of what it means to sew a certain type of stitch, suggests materials and tools, and even has quotes from older sewing and quilting reference books. Instructions for each process are available in as much detail as I have needed. Plus the pictures are beautiful and it's an added bonus to have patterns in the book, as well. I highly recommend this book.

This is one of the best books around on marketing your book on the internet. It presents all of the latest techniques in considerable detail, including information on the effectiveness of web pages, blogs, virtual book events, and the importance of the right keywords. The author has developed the concept of a virtual book tour, and explains it in the book. She also discusses press releases, podcasting, online syndication (ezine articles) and email newsletters.
The book is up-to-date and there's no doubt about her expertise in the area. She has written several books on the subject and runs an online marketing company. She also puts out an excellent newletter about marketing your book.
The information on building a website is detailed and particularly good and would be of tremendous value to anyone considering a website.
For anyone self-publishing a book, or getting published by traditional publishers, this book would be invaluable. It contains information that is difficult to find in other books, and it is very up-to-date. Highly recommended.

How can you level the playing field for your book to get any attention in the book market? The answer is through the Internet and more than half of the books are sold outside of the bookstore. Great quotations are highlighted throughout the book for inspiration like "Eight-seven percent of blog readers are book buyers." (Page 95)

Penny Sansevieri covers the gamut of Internet marketing tools like websites, keywords, search engines, e-commerce blogs, podcasts, Internet Press Releases, virtual book events, autoresponders, email newsletters, Ebooks and cultivating your relationship with Amazon. Each chapter is loaded with ready-to-apply URLs and insight. She writes with experience and authority about a topic where she is intimately familiar.

In fact, Sansevieri lays out her goal on page 169 saying, "I want RED HOT INTERNET PUBLICITY to be different. I want you to put down this book with not only a mountain of inspiration, but a plan as well. Book marketing isn't an easy task. It takes time, effort, and lots of sweat equity and most of all, it takes a plan."

Get this book--and let the planning (and success) for your Internet marketing of your book begin.

If you are looking for a load of websites to help promote your book, then look no further..."RED HOT INTERNET PUBLICITY" by Penny C. Sansevieri is the book for you...This book takes the place of a publicity agent and will save you thousands of dollars you would have had to dish out to such a person...This book is also crammed with information on blogs, how to create your own website, affiliate programs, getting your site listed in search engines, getting people to buy, and much more information you will need to know to sell your book...I would like to end this review by saying, "Thanks Penny for your great book."

Penny Sansevieri has cut to the chase with her amazing new book Red Hot Internet Publicity. It is easy to read but more importantly easy to understand!. It will give you the basic" what to do" and "what not to do" in a quick informative way. I have just recently used Penny's advice for my national internet launch of my new book, Thou Shalt Not Whine...The Eleventh Commandment and achieved a #1 Bestselling ranking on amazon.com within 24 hours. Thou Shalt Not Whine: The Eleventh Commandment: What We Whine About, Why We Do It and How to Stop My advice would be to definitely read Penny's book before you start advertising on the internet or else you could end up becoming a real WHINER and not a WINNER!

This book opened my eyes to a whole new world of book marketing. Gone are the days of traditional approaches like expensive press releases to mainstream media outlets. We are now living in a world where book promotion can be much more effective and much less expensive thanks to the online strategies outlined in this book.

Stacie Vander Pol, author of Top Self Publishing Firms

I bought this for my 7-year-old for his birthday, and it's very cute. He is reading it on his own (with a few prompts for some of the dinosaur names, but he's a dino buff so he knows most of them already). It's funny, creative, and quite entertaining. It will be a big hit with your dinosaur fan!

I am having to buy this book a second time because we have lost our precious first copy and my 2 1/2 year old BEGS for it CONSTANTLY. He simply cannot get enough of this book. It's his absolute favorite. He loves the rollicking rhythm and rhyme. It really has a rock-n-roll reading beat to it, and my son loves repeat some of the musical words such as "Booma lacka, Booma lacka Whack! Whack! Whack!" He loves the illustrations of the dinosaurs, since he's big into dinosaurs at the moment. But even if your child is not into dinosaurs, he/she will love hearing this book or reading this book aloud. And I have to admit, because the book flows off the tongue with such entertaining, dancy rhythms, both my husband and I LOVE to read this book to our son. It's so important when you're a parent, to buy books you yourself can stand to read over and over and over to your child, and not get bored. "Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp" is one book I enjoy reading to my son EVERY TIME.

This is one of my son's favorite books. He's a huge dinosaur lover and I remember reading him this book all the time...still brings it out now and then. If you have a dinosaur lover, you'll love this book.

A good picture book to read to a 9-month old who doesn't want to sit still is hard to find, but this book is fantastic. The book just reads so fluently like you can't keep up with turning the pages!! Both the words and the pictures are so lively, bright and fun ... it totally absorbs you into the dinosaur stomp:-)

We first found this book at the library and found ourselves checking it out time and time again. My daughter is two and a half, though she first fell in love with this book right around the time she turned two. After months of checking it out, I decided it was time to buy our own copy.

It's full of clever rhymes and ideas about dinosaurs and lots of dinosaur identification in a fun way. The pictures are great and the words are even better. Boys and girls alike would enjoy this. My daughter knows all the words to it now, but I still enjoy reading it to her frequently.

This is a wonderful book to use to teach word choice. There are some passages in the book that one of my students, age 8, said gave her chills. It is a charming story that also helps the students understand the themes of selflessness and being kind to others.

sophie the spider goes out into the world to do something great, to create a masterpiece. she settles herself in this boarding house and attempts to help out the people who live there, but none of them accept her gifts and scream at the sight of her. sophie eventually finds a new mother who doesn't scream at the sight of her, but welcomes her. the mother is poor though and sophie sees an old blanket covering the mother's baby. sophie decides to make a new blanket for the baby, her masterpiece. the pictures are beautiful and the story touching. a great addition to the bookshelf.

A friend of mine purchased it for her niece and wanted my opinion. I'll admit that I not a huge fan of children (single, 25 year-old here) or kid paraphernalia, but this is an amazing book! I've gotten copies for several people I know who are having a baby and everyone loves it. Such a sweet story that still gets me a little choked up.

"...Sophie is not just a spider, she's an artist". With just this beginning sentence we are introduced to the very caring character of Sophie, a house-hold spider who sews the most beautiful webs in spider history. When Sophie becomes a mature spider, she decides to go out into the world and share her talents with everyone she meets. However, the world does not want Sophie to share her talents wit them and after consistence swats and shooing, Sophie decides that she's had enough. Yet, one day she meets a young woman who is expecting a baby. She is very poor and has nothing to cover her baby with when he is born. Sophie, now old and frail, feels that she can still do some good for this woman. So she musters up all her strength and begins to make the young woman and her baby a blanket... a masterpiece... a gift of love.

I recommend this to anyone who has a fear of spiders or is trying to teach more compassion to their children related to any subject. Beautifully illustrated and a very touching story.