Arts Books

Whether you've been a crocheter for a hundred years or 100 days this is an excelleent book.

This is the best basic book one can buy. The companion knitting book also falls into the same category of BEST BUY!

If you think you have seen it all as a crocheter, then buy this book! Because there are so many amazing things contained in a book that doesn't appear to be that big (138 pages). I just received it in the mail (thanks to fast and free supersaver mail!), and so I have not tried any of the techniques out. But I have not been so happy with a new book in a long time. I was trembling with excitement, looking over so many things I have never seen before! There are variations on basic stitches that were completely new to me, such as the rib stitch version of slip stitch (p 13), (Yes, I know this shouldn't be such a big deal but I just haven't ever seen that before, and I thought I had seen and done everything as a crocheter), variation of square in double crochet (p 20), Afghan Tweed Stitch (p 29) (This is a tunisian stitch that I have never seen before. It looks pretty cool), etc etc. I also thought it was extremely cool that they covered hairpin lace (4 pages of info, with variations and joining techniques), flower looms (2 pages of info, with joining techniques), and broomstick lace (2 pages worth). To top it all off, the book devotes many pages to showing different techniques for embellishing with crochet (embroidering on crochet, crocheted trims, crocheted edgings, crocheted insertions, crocheting with beads, etc.)

This book is a veritable crochet explosion of technique and inspiration. I highly recommend this to 2 types of crocheters: ambitious and creative beginners and those crocheters who are more advanced in skill and think they have seen it all. If you know someone who crochets, this would make a wonderful gift.

Mrs. K. Kerr

I saw this book at my library and just to had to have one for myself!! It is my favorite reference book!! It doesn't miss much!

this book is a great reference, had originally gotten the book from the library. well had to own it... its so easy to follow the instructions and the pictures are really good too.

I have briefly looked over some biographies about Marilyn Monroe and have got upset, but this book is the most touching I have read. There is not much truth that is told about the great baseball legend Joe Dimagio and his love for Marilyn. However, it is the Hollywood industry that makes up lies and untruths about her in ruining her image. We need to give credit to the author for being a caring and generous man who deeply respects Marilyn's memory. She would be in approval of this book because it can help her rest in peace. People need to know the truth and should really get to know that she is a good lady.

More than 600 books have been written about Marilyn Monroe since her death in 1962. While most of them have focused on the theories surrounding her apparent suicide at age 36, author Gary Vitacco-Robles focuses his new book on the actress' last home. Cursum Perficio: Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood Hacienda/The Story of Her Final Months reframes and redefines Marilyn through the context of her efforts to establish a secure home following a childhood spent in a succession of foster homes. The author theorizes that the actress was trying to correct her past by putting down roots of her own. While several previous authors depict her final months as tumultuous, Vitacco-Robles provides evidence that suggests Marilyn was trying to pull her life together and give it some personal meaning. During the spring and summer of 1962, Marilyn embraced her newfound domesticity by pulling weeds in her garden, writing recipes in her copy of The Joy of Cooking and actually using the pots and pans in her kitchen. The book contains actual photographs of the house, interspersed with realistic renderings of the home by artist Brandon Heidrick. The author divides the photos and illustrations with floor plans for each room and includes pictures of an architectural model that depicts the entire property as it appeared in 1962. After she purchased the 2,300 square foot house, Monroe began extensively researching authentic Mexican design, landscaping and furnishings in an effort to slowly transform it into the home of her dreams. She arranged for an 11-day trip to Mexico where she painstakingly selected fabrics, tapestries, painted tiles, pottery and art. Monroe met the native artists who had made by hand the objects that she would later display in her home. Vitacco-Robles is donating a portion of the royalties from sales of this book to Hollygrove Children and Family Services, formerly the Los Angeles Orphans Home Society, where Marilyn Monroe lived as a child.

There has been some confusion about the second edition of this book and the sales information on this site. According to the publisher, Iuniverse, the hardcover edition offered here is actually a "second edition" released in October 2003, although the release date printed is still listed as 2000. This is because it is a "re-do" under the same title previously released by the publisher. The new second edition cover for the paperback and hardcover depicts Marilyn standing beside the gates of her home and sell respectively for $20.95 and $30.95. The first edition was only published in paperback with a different cover for $11.95. The publisher says that vendors will continue to sell the first edition paperbacks until supplies depleted. The second edition contains new images, new chapters, re-worked chapters and information not included in the first. Having seen this book, the quality of photo reproduction in this new version are far superior than in the first. It also includes professional, "photorealistic-style" illustrations by artist Brandon Heidrick depicting the interior and exterior of Marilyn's home and furnishings. The images serve as a "virtual tour" of Marilyn's last home similar to the author's website.

I've been confused about the second edition of this book and the sales information on this site. Having spoken with the publisher, Iuniverse, I learned that the hardcover edition offered here is actually a "second edition" released in October 2003, although the release date printed is still listed as 2000. This is because it is a "re-do" under the same title previously released by the publisher. The new second edition cover for the paperback and hardcover depicts Marilyn standing beside the gates of her home and sell respectively for $20.95 and $30.95. The first edition was only published in paperback with a different cover for $11.95. I understand that vendors would continue to sell the first edition paperbacks until supplies depleted. I have both the first edition and second. The second edition contains new images, new chapters, re-worked chapters and information not included in the first. The quality of photo and illustration reproduction in this new version are far superior than in the first. All around, it is a better product and a great, new look at a lasting legend!

When I first received my copy of Cursum Perficio: Marilyn's Brentwood Hacienda, I wasn't sure what to expect. Much to my surprise, I was enthralled and fascinated by the details of Marilyn's final months, so eloquently chronicled by Gary Vitacco-Robles. Void of any media hype and speculation about the cause of her death, Vitacco-Robles explores how Marilyn searched and found the perfect place to call home...a respite from the choatic life she led in the media spotlight.
You will journey with her as she went on shopping sprees for furnishings and ornaments in a quest to make the only home she ever owned a reflection of herself.
The book contains a vast collection of actual photographs, as well as impressive photo-recreations of the home's interior as it looked in 1962 and now.
I applaud Vitacco-Robles for a superb testamant to the woman so many longed to know. This book reveals a whole other side of Marilyn that has never been revealed.
A MUST HAVE for any Marilyn enthusiast!

This is a must read for anyone who grew up watching The Twilight Zone. It's a comprehensive, behind the secens look at the spine-tingling tales that helped shape our way of looking at the world through a different dimension.

I highly recommend this rarity of a book! My favorite part was the 8 page interview with Bill Mumy who played in three episodes of THE TWILIGHT ZONE "Long Distance Call," "It's a Good Life" and "In Praise of Pip." - Three of my favorites. I really enjoyed the never before scene pictures of him as well. Also, another perk for me was the pic of Terry Burnham who starred in the episode "Nightmare as a Child" which would have to be one of the scariest episodes as well. I got a kick out of Bill and Terry both being in THE TWILIGHT ZONE since they both starred in one of my favorite childhood movies FOR THE LOVE OF WILLADEAN. All and all, this book is a must to THE TWILIGHT ZONE fan! It's chocked full of everything you could ever want to know about the episodes, behind the scenes and more! I just love this book and found out information on so many of my other favorite episodes. This was one of the best shows ever created for television and this book does it justice. Rod Serling would be proud of it, indeed! It's beyond another dimension!

This is a great book of the behind the scenes with many photos and insights from those around Rod Serling during the creation of the series and effects on the world because of it.

Any book about The Twilight Zone has big shoes to fill. Marc Scott Zicree's The Twilight Zone Companion is the bible of The Twilight Zone and, moreover, one of the great books about a television show--any television show. Still, give Mr. Stanyard his due, this is a pretty good book.

Wisely, Mr. Stanyard has followed a different path that Zicree. After a few early chapters on history and analysis of the show, the bulk of the book is taken up by interviews. Over 150 pages of interviews with nearly 40 people involved in the show on various levels, from relatives like Carol and Robert Serling, to writers (Matheson, Hamner, etc.), actors, producers and directors. The last pages are a series of "appreciation essays" written by various people who feel their lives have been impacted by the show as well as speculations by people who knew him of what Rod Serling might have achieved had he lived longer.

Mr. Stanyard has also included a number of interesting photos and a few documents like letters and contracts. Most of the photos are backstage photos from the author's own (inherited) collection. This actually poses a bit of problem. Since the photos Stanyard received cover only a fraction of the episodes, there is a lot of repetition from certain episodes and a whole slew of some very great episodes that have no pictures.

In fact, if I were going to nail down one weakness in the book, it's repetition. Besides the pictures, the interviews also end up being somewhat repetitive as many of the people interviewed have very similar words of praise and descriptions of the show. We're all fans of the show but, with rare exception, the interviews are variations on a theme with not as much enlightenment as I was hoping for.

Still, for a fan of The Twilight Zone this is a difficult book to pass by. There are enough pleasures here to make spending time with this volume worthwhile. For newcomers to the series, I would suggest Zicree's book first.

First the plus: The interviews with cast and crew are extremely valuable. While the stars may drag on and on about the smallest thing and half of what they say isn't anything informative, the interviews alone are worth the purchase price. The photographs are the best you'll find in any book. Superbly reproduced from the author's private collection and he chose the best.

Now the negative: the history of the series is more of a salute than fact and what little he does feature isn't accurate. His bibliography cites only half a dozen sources and sadly this includes a web-site and Marc Scott Zicree's book which is loaded with errors.

While the author did not do any homework, don't let this book get away from you. Photos and interviews are a must. In short, it is not a perfect companion to consult, but it is a coffee table book.

Only reason I say this is the second best book ever written about Twilight Zone, is because Amazon.com offers the best book. THE TWILIGHT ZONE: UNLOCKING THE DOOR TO A TELEVISION CLASSIC by Martin Grams Jnr. which covers the entire series with 800 plus pages of behind-the-scenes trivia, exclusive interviews with cast and crew and a detail level will exceed anyone's expectation. If you are looking for a book that covers "everything" about the TV series, the Grams book is the one to invest.

Closing comment: Both this is the Grams book floored me. Exceeded my expectations and are worth the purchase price. Only books on Twilight Zone to ever do that and I have every book about Twilight Zone ever written so I know what I am talking about.

An excellent book on an excellent group. The author has meticulously researched his body of work and provides wonderful details together with photographs and links.

I do not order much from the internet, except I do find Amazon to be great. I have ordered serveral book, and they have all arrived in a very timely manner. The purchased have been very easy and there has never been a mix up on payments, they have also been prompt in emailing to let me know when we can expect our merchandise. I thank you for providing such a wanderful website were we can get great prices and good service too. JML California

You could build a library with all that's been written about The Doors over the past 40 years. This makes it hard to find anything new, but Ben Fong-Torres has done that here. Several never before published photos (including Jim dressed as an Indian for Halloween at age 7!) and interviews with Jim's father, brother & sister (his mother was unfortunately too ill to participate) make this a must for any Doors fan. Also has lots of commentary from Ray, Robby & John and others who were closely involved with the band.

Rock writer nonpareil Ben Fong-Torres has done an excellent job in this very fine work about the Doors. Lots of never seen before pictures and what a great treat that we finally heard something from Morrisons relatives, especially the rear-admiral. Im pretty sure those fat royalty cheques that started pouring in from 1974 has mellowed the old warriors heart over the years, but still you believe that somewhere deep inside, he was proud of his son achievements. It's a book that you can't put away, so if you start reading it early, you most likely will finish it the same day.

The Doors by The Doors and Ben Fong-Torres

Hyperion Books

Forty years ago The Doors broke on through and romanced the public with poetic nightmares combined with a jazz influenced brand of blues driven rock and roll. We all know about Jim Morrison, the bands wildly erratic front man who lived either on the edge of a stage or at the edge of his own mortality. The three remaining Doors members John Densmore, Robby Kreiger and Ray Manzarek give their take on what it was like to ride the ascending success and ultimately the burn out and downfall of comet Morrison. Ben Fong-Torres has the daunting but enviable task of coordinating the vast treasure of photos, interviews and fresh quotes into a time line narrative that takes the readers from the beaches of California to the graveyard in France. What Oliver Stone got wrong in his 1991 movie, "The Doors" Fong-Torres is determined to set straight in this retrospect. Even though it was Jim who gained the most publicity as charismatic singer and lyricist he was the first to correct anyone that would garner him with more than one fourth of the credit for the bands success. The corresponding biographies of each member help to re-tell the now famous stories but also add a more personal insight and explanation of these now legendary tales. It's always been my contention that actually being in such a famous band it is impossible to truly appreciate or understand your own impact. The Beatles never had "The Beatles" to appreciate or enjoy like the public did and the same thing goes with this remarkable group. The Doors were just trying to write some songs and score with the ladies of Venice but after these four individual and creative elements combined a funny thing happened resulting in pure rock and roll legend. It's all here in beautiful detail and imagery, from the band's first rehearsals and the ground breaking shows at the Whiskey, the Ed Sullivan snub, Miami madness to Jim's controversial departure from the United States and ultimately the planet. This is a beautiful coffee table styled book that chronicles all of The Doors phenomenal successes and internal struggles. Just as with The Beatles "Anthology" book the surviving members have assembled to tell their remembrances and share some never before seen photos and antidotes. This leaves Jim's creative and prophetic lyrics along side his infamous quotes behind as both his contribution towards the book and his path to or bread crumb trail back from the other side.

Matt Parish

Good Book, I wish it were updated & re-released!

Okay. So I bought this back when it came out in 1995. I remember reading it and thinking, "SO, there IS a fan out there that knows almost as much as I do about Madonna!" Although there is a lot of opinion expressed throughout the book and some missing detail, it is a book worthy of your shelf or coffee table. It may be outdated since Madonna has morph like fifty million times since this book was published. It still is a great book to ahve around, even if for camp purposes.

Finally after all these years we have a book that tells us everything we ever wanted to know about the queen i love my copy since i got it a few weeks ago i've read it fron to back and found out some truly interesting things that i never even knew...hell i always thought i was an expert on Madonna but after reading just a few chapters i realised how little i knew about one of the most contoversial, and diverse women in the business today all the info in this book just go to show there will never be another that could come close to filling her shoes or have the global impact shes had
there never has been, never will or could be another MADONNA!!

There are literally thousands of books that have been published over the years about everyone's favorite Material Girl. Regrettably, the vast majority of these books are incredibly sloppy and aren't even worth lining my birdcage with. But the "Encyclopedia Madonnica" is very unique. This is the most accurate book ever written about Madonna which is also the most informative and detailed. The author, Matthew Rettenmund who wrote this for fans from a fan's prospective speaks to the reader in both an entertaining and enlightening way. You will learn so much about a woman who everyone already thought they knew. My only complaint is that this lists the documentary "Blast 'Em" as part of Madonna's filmagraphy. I'm not sure why the author did that because "Blast 'Em" is not a Madonna movie or a movie that she agreed to appear in. It just includes clips of her being stalked by photographers and as a fan I looked for this movie for years simply because I wanted to have every single movie that she appeared it. When I finally got it I was very disappointed to learn that it was not one of her movies and perhaps it was simply an error on the author's part. If you're a fan who wants to read about Madonna there are really only 3 books you need to get. Besides the "Encyclopedia Madonnica," I also highly recommend I Dream of Madonna & The Madonna Scrapbook.

Matthew Rettenmund certainly has done his research. Encyclopedia Madonnica is the most informative book about the Material Girl that has ever been published. After reading this book, you will truly know everything there is to know about the most famous woman in the world. Well-written and organized, it's also chock full of often hilarious tid bits and witty rejoinders. Mr. Rettenmund should do an updated version of this book, to cover the years 1995 to the present. If you love Madonna, then you simply must own this book, along with Michael D. Craig's "Who's That Girl? The Ultimate Madonna Trivia Book!

My 2nd bio this month on Grant. I had seen some recent favorite movies of his. I'm certainly not an unbiased Grant fan; I have always loved his movies. I liked this book because of so many direct quotes by him. Assuming thsee are factual it gives you a great insight into his shy character which I had missed some of in the first bio I read. He was a great actor but had a sensitivity side that I had never seen. Nicely laid out. I'm more a fan now than I was!

"Evenings with Cary Grant" is the most incredible book. A sort of documentary on paper, Nancy Nelson uses an interview/intercut format and cleverly weaves a narrative through the most revealing and often amusing anecdotes. Cary Grant talks and then Gregory Peck. Katherine Hepburn says something, and then we hear from Audrey Hepburn. As one reviewer said, "When you get to the end, you feel as though you've lost a good friend." Nelson uses no conjecture or supposition. All her sources are primary. An announcement in a recent Sunday "New York Times" said that Nelson will speak about "The Cary Grant Few People Knew" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on June 15. I've got my ticket!

Like other reviewers, I'm a big Cary Grant fan. I usually hesitate to read about the personal lives of actors because they often lead disappointing lives. But Nelson's collection of stories and personal accounts from Grant's friends introduced me to the wonderful man behind the handsome movie star. I'm looking forward to watching his movies again after reading this book -- there is information from him and co-stars about some of the films that will make it fun to watch them again.

It is no easy thing to become so successful in one's career and yet be universally loved and respected as Cary Grant was in his lifetime.

Thanks to the author for focusing on the good of the man and ignoring the rest. He was a good man and that is enough. Ms. Nelson does a good job in giving us an idea of who the man really was--a gentleman who was loyal to his friends, if not his wives...but in the end, even THEY still loved him after it was over.

My only disappointment (not the author's fault) was to find out that Cary Grant hated "Arsenic and Old Lace," one of my favorite movies.

I absolutely love old movies,old stars, new movies and their stars, but I LOVE Cary Grant!!! So I wanted to get a book about him and I always check up on the author and how much they knew about the person they are writing about,and when I saw this book and I had to get it.This Book shows the life of Archie Leach (we know him as Cary Grant)his life growing up,and his rise to stardom,his love life,his friends, and his wonderful sense of humor.I was so happy to find out that the man we all fell in love with was the same in real life that he was onscreen.I don't want you to have to read a long review but I just wanted to say how much I love this book and the writers style.Every body should own this book.It's worth reading more than one time.

As much as I really love this book, I'm afraid that I could only give it five stars, since that's all Amazon allows for it.

I had this book when I was a kid of about 8 or 9, and I'm finding just as much pleasure in coloring the pages in it now as I did back then.

When I was a kid, I never cared for coloring books featuring well-known cartoon characters, or characters from children's shows like Sesame Street, Blue's Clues, or Barney. To me, those kinds of coloring books came with restrictions on how to color. Bugs Bunny is always to be colored grey. Oscar was colored green. Barney was to be colored purple. You could color other items in the pictures any color you wanted. If the character was playing with a ball, as long as the ball had no distinct features identifying it as a tool used in a specific sport (like baseball or basketball), then you could color it any way you liked.

With this coloring book, and others like it, there are no rules. You can color it any way you feel comfortable coloring it. I remember spending countless hours coloring in it, while listening to an audio cassette tape recording of a movie I liked, that I recorded from the TV. Sometimes when I look at the pages in this book, I can picture myself back to when I was 8 or 9, sitting at the little desk we had in the dining room for me, listening to the cassette tape.

A lot of the mandalas are great for coloring again and again. I may order another copy or two, just to recolor some of the mandalas I've already done. I also have a program on my computer that allows me to draw my own mandalas, and sometimes I'll turn to this coloring book, as well as the other three in the series, for inspiration or ideas.

I highly suggest getting this coloring book for anyone who still likes to color, or if you have kids who are like I was, and really don't care for coloring books featuring cartoon characters. This book is really more of a challenge to the imagination than any coloring book featuring a specific set of characters. It's an easy, yet difficult book to color. The spaces in the mandalas are big enough for children to color, with a few smaller areas that might be hard for children, yet not so for adults. The real difficulty here is deciding which color to choose.

Very few Mandalas to color for $10.00. I bought this as a gift but I would be embarrassed to give it. Way overpriced!

This book completes the series of Mandala coloring books by this author. Well worth the money spent.

I teach an alternative high school class and these designs have helped my students focus and relax at the same time. Anyone who works with troubled teens should have these at their disposal...one more item to add to your bad of tricks!

I think this will be fun to color with my granddaughter. We love to color things together, and we love designs. Thanks.

The two set series is absolutely awesome! They provide detail pics and pics of actual existing garments. I purchased these two books based on other's reviews and was very pleased when I found out what was inside the pages. I return to these again and again for historical reference, inspiration and pleasure.

Purusing these two books is a delightful experience. Anyone with an appreciation for fashion and clothing created in the 17th - 20th centuries will be amazed at the care and keeping the pieces in the Kyoto Museum's collection have received. The close-up photography reveals the marvel of the handwork and creation of each design, and each piece is a wonderful representation of its era. And the price of the set was unbelievable!! All around, a wonderful find and a keeper.

I own the one volume book in paperback.
In comparing the two books side by side they are nearly identical!
But the two volume set is missing 14 pages that appear in the copy that I own! Most of the images are just close-ups of the garments, one set is a period illustration from Diderot, but some are garments completely omitted. The 20th century fashion is all complete though.
So you have a toss up choice, larger photos or more photos. otherwise they are identical!

4 out of 5 stars because of those missing pictures.

This set of books is absolutely stunning. I paid NZ$150 (around US$90)at a bookstore here in New Zealand and volume 1 alone is worth every penny of the sale price.
If you're interested in historical costume, you won't regret this purchase.

Due to the publisher not anticipating the demand for this set of books it took me just over a year to acquire my copy. It was more than worth the wait. The photography is stunning. If you have an interest in costuming
add this book to your collection without delay.

Like all the reviewers here have said, Mannnig is a wonder, a joy, a world treasure. His role in the primary American cultural movement of the 20th century, popular Jazz of the 1930's and 40's, is still yet to be fully appreciated, this book will hopefully go far towards that end.
As the leader of Whitey's Lindy Hopper (as has been said by author Millman, his title would be that of Artistic Creator today) he was the creative vision and force of a dance company that, indeed, served as ambassodor of that cultural movement around the world. Whitey's Lindy Hoppers animated the mesmerizing vitality of the music, simultanesouly thrilling audiences and inspiring the musicians themselves.
May yet Frankie and the Lindy Hoppers be recognized for what they were, the progenitors of popular mass youth culture. From Bandstand to the Lockers, to Soul Train, to breakdancing and all of Hip Hop movement, think of all the change and impact in the world that modern youth culture has brought, not just in music and dance but, fashion, sexuality, politics to globaliziation. Every aspect of modern civilization, really. And, Frankie Manning was the creative genuis who helped put in all in motion. Get the book, celebrate the man, and go out and dance.

If you have not had the chance to meet Frankie in person this is a great way to get to know the man who many swing dancers as myself has grown to love and admire. In person you would not see a 93 year young man but someone who is full of life! He always greets you with a smile and has a beautiful sense of humor. I have learned so much from him and admire him for being an example of how to live a full and wonderful life!

It's definetly a book I recommend for you to read even if you are not a swing dancer. And if you aren't one when you start reading the book, I won't be surprised if you start taking swing dance lessons after reading the book!

I made personally Frankie Manning and he is a sweet guy. Being myself a swing dancer, I enjoyed reading his unique journey through time. It is not a fiction, but a true view of swing dancing from a master. if you like the book like I did, read also books from Norma Miller (one of his partner). Thank you Frankie !!

If you love dance or swing music read this book. I even had Frankie sign my book at a dance in NYC. Well written and fun....the real deal.

If you have ever met Frankie Manning then you know that his sheer joy transcends his own physical presence to the point that it can fill a whole room! Frankie is truly an amazing and beautiful individual. Luckily for the reader this makes for a very inspiring book, which aside from being autobiographical in natures and having biblical stature in the Lindy Hop community, it's extremely entertaining to the dancer and non-dancer alike.

My only complaint is that it was so good that i never wanted it to end!

This book helped me understand that I needed to make new room for play in creative life. Some writers seem to be born with playfulness built in, and it helps them hugely. My most successful writing has always come out of short playful moments, which is what got me going as a writer of children's books early in my working life, and what draws me back to it in the last few years. In the meanwhile it's taken me embarrassingly long to grok that the best "serious," "adult" fiction often comes from deep playfulness, improvising wildly, and frankly, just making stuff up! That's not all there is to creative writing, but there's nothing without it, seems to me. The chapter in Free Play about Limits is especially useful. It's about how boundaries generate and enrich creative work. Every great game draws its power and excitement from that basic paradox. Nachmanovitch discusses these kinds of things mainly from an improvisational musician's point of view, but it turns out to be the most useful book I've found on the real creative stages of writing--and given me more of them than I used to have! Nutty to Meet You! Dr. Peanut Book #1

A detailed, thoughtful exploration of the creative process and the requirements for true improvisation. Filled with references to both Western and Eastern ways of thought. A book of substance.

I found myself saying YESYES!!!! many times in reading this book. I would highly recommend anyone involved in the act of creating, where it be music, acting, painting,cooking, writing,etc to buy this gem of a book. The writer obviously has walked in the shoes he speaks of. It is a great support for those times you are feeling blocked or like you want to forget even trying to create anymore.

THis publication is a descriptive diatribe on the "cosmic" nature of improvisation. It is not a manual that "teaches", but rather a collection of bits & pieces of information that are collaged together. There are good points in the book and it is extremely well written by a PHD holder who obviously is an expert in the field.

I was hoping the book would be more of a manual of "how to" but it was still very useful as a "mind opener"

I am a musician,and improvisation used to be a mystery. I wanted to do it and was amazed with what other musicians could do but didn't know where to start. It is no longer a mystery to me, and I know of many musicians who would like to discover the joy of "Free Play". This book explains exactly how we are already improvising in our everyday life,and if we examine how we do it, then we will be able to apply the principle to music. Great explanations !!