Arts Books

I was going to give this book four stars, but I was going to be unfair with it. This is not a guide to create a lean enterprise, it was not meant to be one and I was going to judge it as if it was.

This is a great introduction to the Toyota Production System and lean philosophy, by nobody else but the architect of the system.

It had been a long time since I read such a dense book about any subject. If you are interested in getting started in the Lean methodologies then this book is a must read. If you work in a manufacturing plant or are in management then the insight on this book will be valuable for the rest of your life. I recommend it to my boss along with the Toyota Way because I think we need to start implementing all the techniques and management principles, specially when it comes to Human Resource management and policies, that made the Toyota the world leader it is.

A+.

The book is very good. But I am charged for an additional 10 euros by the mail delivery company for which I was not informed on the website.
So be careful when buying a book from here.

A "must read" for anyone in manufacturing. It is the basis for all modern manufacturing, and for any business process or flow. The author describes the two pillars of the Toyota production system as autonomation and just-in-time. He explaines the six rules associated with the kanban. He also describes the seven wastes and the value of asking "Why" five times. The book is very easy and quick reading, and provides a complete backgroung to the Toyota development and success.

Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production
Great tool for understanding basics and roots of TPS

"Toyota Production System" was published in 1979 in Japanese and, in English in 1988. It is the source material on the toyota production system and, in my view, it is often good to go back to the source. Sadly, I found this book disappointing. The writing style is clunky (perhaps a poor translation) and the book lacks structure; being more of a semi-random collection of points than a development of ideas. Nevertheless there is some interesting stuff in here. The honesty that this is a long slow process (taking Toyota 30+ years) is refreshing, and I hadn't realised that Mr Ohno ranked kanban (with quick changeovers) as the core of the system and essential to success. Often in lean kanban seems to be a bit of a side issue: here it is vital. Also there is an interesting analysis of some of Henry Ford's early writings compared to TPS. This would be good material for a student essay. However, for the philosophy of TPS you will get much more out of "The Toyota Way" or "The Toyota Way Fieldbook"; and for the tools of lean go to "Lean Production Simplified" or the many other books in this area. Overall this book is a bit of a let-down I am sad to say.

As everyone has stated, this is a good book with lots of good information. One thing to know about it, however is that the information is presented more in a 'conversational' style than an 'encylopedia' style. If you are looking for a traditional 'field guide' type style with color-coded cross-references and the like, you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you don't mind a more casual presentation of the information - and it is that way in this book - then this one is for you. In other words, you'd be more inclined to pick up this book for some casual reading than you would a traditional field guide.

I live in southeast Alaska and this is the book I have been looking for years. I love it! It goes into such depth, but it is simple to understand.
I enjoy hiking and like being more informed of who/what has also pased this way before me. Great Resource for anybody who enjoys hiking. The photo's are excellent.

I usually check out tracking and reading sign books from the library because I would rather spend my hard cash on backpacking gear, fuel, and tires to get up and down those rocky roads, but this book was one that I had to buy. Most tracking guides have sketches and if they have photos they usually are not very good quality. This book has amazing photos that will aid you in scat and sign identifying. It is a great book for begginers and just a pleasant read. I would have to agree with another reviewer that he does tend to focus on northern or eastern animals. Learning about Mule Deer sign would be more pertinent than learning how to read Moose sign. There is also another book on Amazon that is PACKED with photos and has more photos of dens, tracks and sign. I would have to rate that book higher than this one, if I had to choose one, but this book definately earns 5 STARS!

This book provides an excellent introduction to reading animal tracks. In the first chapter the author explains why we should try to understand the tracks around us in the forest, and what we might see. He then delves into the kinds of observations we need to make, such as trail widths and trail patterns and scat. The rest of the book is divided into chapters by animal family, including chapters for rodents, rabbits, weasels, dogs, cats, bears, and hoofed animals. There is also an extensive bibliography and index.

Each chapter is comprised of short articles about the specifics of tracking the individual animals that make up the family covered in the chapter. Rezendes provides a short informative description of the animal with a color photograph. The descriptions cover behavior, range, and diet. Rezendes also includes black and white photos of the animal's feet, both front and back. The next section of the article covers tracks and trail patterns, and it includes illustrations or diagrams, photographs, and typical trail width and stride measurements, as well as a lot of information to help you sort out this critter's tracks from all the others out there. He also includes short sections on signs, such as dens, food caches, kill sites, and scat, also with photographs or illustrations.

I purchased this book after moving out into the country because I wanted to identify the critters that visited at night leaving their tracks in the snow around our house. I found Rezendes' approach captivating and easy to understand, even as a beginner. Rezendes explains how tracks can tell us much more than just the identity of an animal- -through a careful study of tracks, you can determine how fast the animal was moving, whether it was browsing, being chased, or chasing another. This book is a highly informative reference; it's also a delightful read on a blustery winter afternoon.

I am an old guy-pushing 60-and have examined books on tracking ever since I was a child. No other book compares to this one. I purchased it based on the positive Amazon reviews and on this book they were right on the mark. I mean, this guy not only provides excellent photos of tracks, he has photos of the ANIMALS' FEET! What a simple yet sensible idea! I very much like his philosophy of tracking, his emphasis on looking at the whole picture of the impact an animal makes on its environment. Good job, Mr. Rezendes.

This is a wonderful book filled with photo's of vintage Halloween collectables. Divided into sections giving great descriptions and approximate current values. What a great resource for novice or seasoned collectors! Glad to have this as good reference.

An excellent reference book. Price fluctuations in the market make the price guide portion of this, as with any collectibles book, simply a guideline only, to be use for comparisons only. This volume is excellent at showing you what you have and don't have. Well written descriptions with excellent photographs. Adds to the fun of collecting, sets you up to look for items you have not yet found. This book also tells you if have found something good or just plain ordinary, collectible or not. If you are a serious collector, you might want this book available to you on your treasure hunting trips. Useful year round. Another thumbs up from us.

I bought this book at the same time as Timeless Halloween Collectibles. They're definitely companions.

This book is larger. The colors are less vivid than "Timeless" but there are so many more of them. I couldn't be more delighted with the volume and the clarity of the images.

I like the detail of the old time decorations that I remember but find them unaffordable. This book easily satisfies the joy of reliving times gone bye. There's something for everyone.

This book tells you what to look for (and what to avoid) in the facinating world of vintage Halloween collecting. The photography is great, and the prose is informative and entertaining. Even if you're not an avid Halloween collector, the "haunting" images from these bygone days are truly works of art, full of whimsy & fun. For the serious collector, the price guide is an absolute must have.

So far this is the best book I've found on Vintage Halloween in the sense of information, layout and the broad spectrum of items covered. It is evident that Mark Ledenbach is truly passionate about his collection. The photos are high quality and well laid out. The information is thought provoking and facsinating to any Halloween enthusiast. I do wish there were more item information regarding usage or other interesting tidbits, however this book does give the reader what it promises.
A must have for the Halloween aficionado.

Absolutely amazing, excellent for anyone who enjoyed watching the west wing, great to read, surprized it was so big when it arrived, but I'm not complaining there's just more to have in there then. I do love the fact that there are quotes from the actors, about the show and there other cast mates. This is an excellent buy! Worth every penny!

The item showed up just as described and within a reasonable time. I was notified that it had shipped. Excellent transaction. Excellent item. I would order from this seller again.

Being a newly minted "Wingnut", I recently went out and purchased the first 3 seasons of The West Wing of DVD and then set about finding a good companion guide to go along with them. After sifting through the good, the bad, and the ugly, I settled on this excellent 342 page tome. While only covering the first 2 seasons, this 9" X 11" book is chock full of beautiful color pictures and enough extras to rival the DVDs themselves. Accept no substitutes and add this one to your TV library. I can only hope that a volume II (covering seasons 3 & 4) will be published when season 4 is shortly released on DVD. Plenty of time for us all to brush up on our Latin (post hoc, ergo propter hoc). R.I.P. John Spencer.

I thumbed through this book in a bookstore and by the time I got home, I realized I had to own it and I was online ordering my own copy. This book is more than just a rehash of the first two seasons. We are treated to a real behind-the-scenes tour of what goes into filming the show. Talk about your West Wing trivia!

The asides from the actors on the characters they play are filled with gems of inside information. For instance, what do Brad Whitford and Janel Moloney think the roles of Josh and Donna are all about; how does Martin Sheen get the cast to treat him like the President and why is this adulation so important; and why is Allison Janney everyone's favorite? We are treated to a tour of the West Wing to fully understand the layout of the staff's offices and the dynamics of the characters in relationship to each other. Then, the decorations in the offices are explained, and nothing is so minor to be included by chance.

Sorkin claims he doesn't have a political agenda. He asks his staff to write a pro-con memo on each episode, and he is most comfortable when two people disagree. If the points are good, he incorporates them into the show's dialogue. You have to be a West Wing fan, and a pretty serious one at that, to fully appreciate this Official Companion, which brings to light the fine points of all that went into creating the first two seasons of this amazingly written and performed show.

I have seen the "West Wing" books that feature scripts from selected episodes. But this book includes every episode from the first two seasons, told in story form. Plus chapters on each of the actors and their characters, the background on the making of the show -- if you're a fan, this is a "must have". I just hope that there will be, at some point, additional volumes to cover the third, fourth and fifth seasons -- and so on.

I enjoyed reading the book, though I haven't put it to test, yet. It's clear, passionate, well-structured, and interesting to read. Its shortcoming, for me, was that the author concentrated primarily on action movies. Yes, "Tootsie" was included, but most of the examples, including the "tutorial" at the end, focused on quick action movies. I think the principles do apply to a broader range of movies, and I wish the author had reviewed also some more reflective movies in the vein of "Searching for Bobby Fischer," for example.

I'm a novice screenwriter and found myself completely encapsulated in this book. I wish I had it a year ago when I started my journey into screenwriting. The book in itself is the best classroom for getting at the core of your story and characters. I followed all the strategies and worked them through my script. What happened in the process were all my neurons firing with new ideas and twists. I was coming up with many versions of my script. It was exciting!

Far to technical to be useful for the beginning writer (im sure there are the exceptions out there). This seems to be broken down for the experienced writes struggling with their current projects. It has dozens of schemes to create characters and their scenes. In depth but lacks the simple straight forward inspiring tips and goals to send the new writer a' writing instead, it sends them scratching their head...or hiding under the cover depressed about themes and persona's.

His books and DVD's dwelve deep into his writing tools. I, like many, have read most of the books, and this is one of the top three I return to review. Mckee, Truby, Seger, Wright, and Tobin are all worth reading. Jeff's book is the most important, because it's crucial to find the spine of a story, and Jeff's tools are the best for finding it. All mention it, but Jeff's tools allow one to touch the heart of the story, so you write from the inside-out instead of the outside -- the most important, and the most difficult part of learning to write.

I have read many screenwriting books, but Jeff Kitchen's book is the one I always use on all my script development and script analysis projects. This book teaches you invaluable tools that transforms the way you construct your screenplay. Jeff Kitchen demonstrates the tools through hands-on approach, breaking down popular movies such as Training Day, What Women Want, Minority Report, Blade Runner, The Godfather and Tootsie. He also takes you through the process of developing a script from scratch using the tools. This book will definitely transform the way you approach screenwriting and transform you as writer. If you want to master this craft I highly recommend this book. It's awesome!

...oh and check out his other book Script Analysis and the 5 DVD set.Script Analysis: The Godfather, Tootsie, Blade Runner Jeff Kitchen's Full Day Seminar

Palumbo is a writer turned psychotherapist. He saw all his own problems writing, and understood others also had them, and found his new voaction counceling other authors at various stages in their careers. As such the book differs from most other writer's guide books. He focuses on the internal processes of writing: self-doubt, negative judgement, hopelessness, loneliness, lack of ideas, etc. And he does give very valuable advice. Basically, he tells us to turn our weaknesses into strenghts. We can use anything in our writing, even our procrastination and depression. An idea that actullay goes back all the way to Nietzsche.
Thios book will not write anything for you, but it will help give new clarity to your thoughts about writing, and in that way help you with your writing.

One of the most humane and heartening books on the perils of the writing life I've come across, it's hard to recommend it highly enough. I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could.

Based on his own career as a writer and as a therapist, Palumbo knows all the secret agonies serious writers face; and he has, through experience, gathered wisdom for dealing with all of them. He imparts this wisdom in gentle, down-to-earth chapters that always stress the real over the theoretical.

I came across this book at just the right time (recommended, I think, in one of Elizabeth Lyon's terrific writing guides) and now I don't know how I ever got along without it. I have a copy next to the chair where I work; I will refer to it often, and recommend it heartily.

Just what the doctor ordered for writers who wrestle with the demands of the writing life, which is all of us. Palumbo is a healer, and this book now lives on my nightstand.

Eric Maisel's "Living the Writer's Life" is one of the best books I've found on the writer's life, right up there with Rachel Simon's "The Writer's Survival Guide". Palumbo's, unfortunately, is not so spectacular, although it definitely has its merits.

One of Palumbo's best-conceived ideas is that in order to be happy with our writing, we must learn to enjoy the process for its own sake, not simply for external rewards such as sales and good reviews. I particularly like his view of writing as meditation, "a hushed, private space"--a calling more than a career. Palumbo talks about the problems all writers face, and it might help you to realize that you aren't so alone after all.

As much as I loved the good parts of Palumbo's book, however, there were definitely some parts I didn't like. For example, I took real issue with some of his claims regarding bipolar disorder, particularly his claim that bipolar is nothing more than an unhelpful label. As someone who HAS bipolar disorder (a genetically-inherited, biologically-based *illness*), and whose life was very much aided by the proper medication, I can say that such "labels" can be very helpful indeed! If you're worried about somehow losing your creativity if you medicate and calm your manic phases, I can personally testify to the fact that in many cases medication makes it much easier to actually sit down and take advantage of your creativity, rather than taking it away.

It is clear that Palumbo has some very strong feelings on certain matters, and every few chapters these feelings detract from the usefulness of the book. He bashes would-be writers who haven't yet written anything, comparing them to someone who says that they've always wanted to give heart surgery a try one of these weeks (the analogy holds merit in that writing requires skill, but falls apart in that writing requires more learning-by-doing, and can at least be attempted, explored, and practiced by the unskilled!). If there's one thing I took away from Maisel's book, it's that every writer was once a would-be writer. And the line between "wanna-be" and "would-be" isn't something we can assume just by looking at someone.

I don't recommend this book to the novice or "would-be" writer. Unlike Maisel's book, it's likely to give you a few skewed ideas about creativity and your own role in writing. On the other hand, it has a lot of very useful suggestions for writers who have some experience and are looking for help with the ups and downs of their craft. Palumbo has written lots of scripts and screenplays, so he has plenty of advice that is of particular use to those writers dealing with Hollywood.

For many years I experienced writer's block, lonliness, doubt, fear of rejection and just plain fear. Just like the summary on the back of the book. I am glad that I am not alone and it made me realize that is part of the the writing life. This book gives hope and support that yes you can make it as a writer maybe not the riches in terms of money but maybe to quench your thirsty soul. Dennis Palumbo doesn't give away all his secrets(of course he still has a practice to run as a psychotherapist) but enough answers to make you realize yes you are not nuts or crazy but simply a writer. A good reference book to keep by your writing desk whenever you feel down or have the inevitable writer's block.

Truly an excellent guide to the romantic comedy genre and how to write within it. Perfect for an intermediate writer who wants to branch out into this kind of screenwriting; could even be useful for short stories and novels, because the ideas translate well. Very well written, entertaining, never boring, and always enlightening. Loved it and consider it a must-have in my screenwriting/writing library.

I recommend this book for all writers - not just screenwriters. He has a way of making it so clear all the clever ways not to fall into the usual traps of a typical scene.

Whether you are writing a book or a movie the information he presents how to establish relationships between characters is tremendous. It's also a fun read.

I refer to it often when building characters, relationships, and their world.

This IS the book for anyone interested in writing a romantic comedy. Simple and easy to follow with great examples from films we love. It's all about the chemistry. If you want to write an emotional picture...this is the book for you. Writing the Romantic Comedy is your ticket to writing a romcom that sells!

I've been working on my text for a while and struggling with
it. Once I start reading the book I knew I was in right hands because page after page I immediately start finding out answers for my questions. I gained time and saved much of my energy for writing the better. Definitely value of my money.
ILKSEN BAS f/36

As a writer, this book woke up my muse and honed my funnybone. A completely easy-to-read how-to-write book ... what a bonus! The book is perfect for writers in other genres and anyone looking to write humour and comedy.

Well this book is the next best thing to interviewing an experienced animator about what it takes to make it as an animator and the reality of success and failure, any aspiring animator must have this book and read it.

I got this book on the personal recommendation of the author and what can I say that hasn't already been said by other reviewers! David Levy has written an exemplary guide to the world of animation. Not only does he offer his own experiences, he also draws on veterans from all over the industry for their advice. The result is a very refined and concise guide to not only the industry, but also animating in general. Every sentence has been written with a purpose, so the book is best enjoyed over several days or weeks.

There is no need for me to analyse this book further. If you have even a slight interest in animation either as a career or out of curiosity, go and buy a copy for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

I buy this book without having a clear idea of what to expect from it.
After reading the first chapter I realize that this book was one of my best choices and help me a lot in my business life even when at that time I'm was not an animator.

If you had the doubt about if get into this art-industry field fits on you. This book let you know if becoming an animation artist is your choice for life.

Easy and fun to read, David share generously his experience and knowledge about industry, networking, career path and all those animation wise advices.

You'll love this book, Is for me a kind of Animation Artist gospel in the animation Bible.

A fantastic book that gives you concrete areas on which to take action. Both practical and inspirational, this book will help you combat creative inertia. Just buy it...it's way more helpful than a few lattes or a movie ticket plus popcorn...

This is a definite keeper. The insights and insider tips, the personal stories and motivational powers of this little book are not to be underestimated. I'm about halfway through and just finished the chapter on "independent animation projects". It's like being reborn, knowing that others have gone through the dark tunnel and sweated their way through personal projects using every spare second they have.

I would recommend this book to anyone needing a motivational boost or info on how to succeed in the animation industry. It's insightful and personal, the latter point being where most of its educational value perspires; especially when giving interview tips, how to play it safe in the workplace, not burning bridges, personalities, choosing which battles to fight and which to lose..

I haven't read anything about samurai jack yet... which im kind of hoping is in the book. still... half of the book to go, so who knows.

thumbs up

I am one of the many artists that appear in this beautiful book. I will always appreciate the fact that my own offerigns appear with so many that are clearly a continuing inspiration to myself and many others.

I highly recommend this book! It is filled with page after page of glorious visual journaling -- so many different styles and techniques -- definitely something for everyone. This is a book not to be missed and a must-have for your library.

I wasn't an art journaler... at least I wasn't until I stumbled onto this book. I picked it up in a bookstore, and was instantly enthralled. This is what a book about art journalling should be -- lots and lots of great illustrations. These are clear, and colorful, and detailed enough that you can read the writing on the most detailed pages. Best is the wonderful assortment of styles of journalling reflected in this collection. Collage, sketching, watercolor painting... there is something to inspire the most amateur of journallers, as well as the most advanced of artists. This is definitely a book I'll be looking at over and over again. It'd make a great gift along with a blank book for someone, too!

If you haven't seen this book already I think it is one of those Must-own-book because there is so much to look at that you'll never be finished with it! It's filled to the brim with many talented artist and it holds a big range of diverse visual journaling styles! There are collages, doodles, sketches, writing and photos on page after page with views inside the private Art Journals from people all over the world!

This book has +300 pages and almost no text - but very many (1000!) pages (though some are photos of the whole spread and those counts as two pages). You can read what the artist has written and journaled about on the pages and you understand that you are not alone in you angst and artistic fears!

It's an art book that probably will inspire anyone to do a little art journaling (but probably a lot). If you're experienced in the mixed media field you will totally want to keep this book as a reference guide and inspiration tool for different styles, artists and prompts. If you're new to Art Journals and collage I think you will be curious about starting after just a few minutes!

I'm glad I bought it and it will be taken down from my book shelf many many times in the future.

I absolutely loved this book! as a visual journaler I am always looking for inspiration. This book has so many examples of interesting journaling styles that immediately started getting my juices flowing!

If you are looking for a step by step book, this is not it. If you want to see other people's pages or to get inspiration, get this book, you won't be disappointed.

If you want to be a children's creative, get this book. It is an invaluable resource. (It's the key to my getting my book published.)

A fabulous tool for those who want to be a childrens book author. Alot of info about the publishing companies, what they are looking for , if they accept unsolicited work etc... A wonderful and useful book, recommended for anyone trying to break into that genre of work.

What is our obsession in the industry for dead tree? Sure, it is great to hold a book in your hand, but why must I lug around many pounds of books for essential reference when I would happily pay the same amount for locked PDF?

I am mobile right now, moving from Europe to Asia to America. Lugging this book around is not fun.

Pleasseee, get over the obsession with killing trees and provide a PDF option.

This is a great resource. It lists lots of publishers and details about them.

This book is instrumental in providing much needed information regarding the childen's writing and publishing industry. It is a must for all writer's of children's literature. There is a ton of information in it to guide you as the writer/author to submit your manuscript to the appropriate publisher. You can find exactly what you are looking for in this wonderful book.
Cheryl A. Martin, M.A. Author of "Woman Reclining"Woman Reclining