Arts Books


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Arts Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Arts
The Chalk Box Kid (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))
Published in Library Binding by Random House Books for Young Readers (1987-11-12)
Author: Clyde Robert Bulla
List price: $11.99
New price: $9.99
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

The chalk box kid
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-29










the chalk box kid

The Calk box kid









Crcc the walls where about to fall down Gorge ran to the other side



The Calk Box Kid by Clyde Bulla was about a kid named Gorge likes to plant and draw flowers .One

day Gorge moved to a knew town and a knew school but Gorge did not make any friends .Gorge did

not talk to anyone. Gorge got bulled by this kid named Vince because he said'' you think you school is

better then ours just because it bigger



My favorite part was when Gorge stood up to this boy named Vince. Vince was the meanest person in the whole entire school.



I think the author's purpose was to teach us to make friends, be nice to others, and to have fun at school.



I think a lot of kids should read this book because I give this book five stars. You learn some things like how to be a good friend and how to treat others like you want to be treated.
By Eugene



Crcc the walls where about to fall down Gorge ran to the other side



The Calk Box Kid by Clyde Bulla was about a kid named Gorge likes to plant and draw flowers .One

day Gorge moved to a knew town and a knew school but Gorge did not make any friends .Gorge did

not talk to anyone. Gorge got bulled by this kid named Vince because he said'' you think you school is

better then ours just because it bigger



My favorite part was when Gorge stood up to this boy named Vince. Vince was the meanest person in the whole entire school.



I think the author's purpose was to teach us to make friends, be nice to others, and to have fun at school.



I think a lot of kids should read this book because I give this book five stars. You learn some things like how to be a good friend and how to treat others like you want to be treated.
The Calk box kid









Crcc the walls where about to fall down Gorge ran to the other side



The Calk Box Kid by Clyde Bulla was about a kid named Gorge likes to plant and draw flowers .One

day Gorge moved to a knew town and a knew school but Gorge did not make any friends .Gorge did

not talk to anyone. Gorge got bulled by this kid named Vince because he said'' you think you school is

better then ours just because it bigger



My favorite part was when Gorge stood up to this boy named Vince. Vince was the meanest person in the whole entire school.



I think the author's purpose was to teach us to make friends, be nice to others, and to have fun at school.



I think a lot of kids should read this book because I give this book five stars. You learn some things like how to be a good friend and how to treat others like you want to be treated.
By Eugene

The Chalk Box Kid
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-19
When you read this book you will be amazed! This book is amazing
to me and probably to you to.I mean I love this book it's amazing I hope you will like this book very,very much if you want to find out more information you'll have to read it!!!!!

The Chalk Box Kid
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-26
The Chalk box kid teaches you a lesson about how to deal with life when
you move. It shows you that you can make a place your own. It was a wonderful book.Gregory creats a chalk garden. As 3rd graders we give it 5
stars!

The Chalk Box Kid The Greatest Book Ever
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-24
This is my favorite book ever because it was about chalk and I like to write with chalk.

The Wonderful Book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-24
I like this book a lot because I like to write with chalk.I would also like to have a garden.

Arts
Christmas With Elvis
Published in Hardcover by Celebrity Press (1999-10)
Authors: Jim Curtin and Renata Ginter
List price: $35.00
New price: $24.95
Used price: $14.70

Average review score:

ELVIS
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-17
This is dificult as it was bought as a Christmas gift for my 86 year old mother in law, who is the world's greatest Elvis fan! This was one thing she didn't have. However, after scanning through it, and loving him myself, I would have bought it for myself as well! It's very well done with so many wonderful pictures that seem to make him jump off the pages. A great find of a great man.elvis

Christmas with Elvis
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-03
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to read about Christmas at Graceland and how generous Elvis was. What was the most important to me is the photo of Elvis at Christmas, 1976.

A True Gift to the Elvis World
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-16
Yes this book is truly the best gift anyone can give the Elvis world.
I have to admit that this is the "BEST" Elvis publication to date.
The photos are beautiful, touching, warm, and holiday-oriented and the information is fantastic.

A great package all the way around from cover, to size, to quality. This was money well spent!

Jim Curtin (who I have found to be the top author on Elvis books along with his writer Renata Ginter), is truly top of the line in his publications.

I did notice that Curtin's books lack the fabrications that ALL other Elvis books have. No BS in his books and what a relief!

It is quite nice to sit down and read something nice on Elvis for a change, rather than have to put up with made-up stories and information about his sex life, his drug addictions, his death, his fetishes. God let the man rest in peace.

My request is to have all the publishers publish books ONLY by Jim Curtin and Renata Ginter from now on.

Just imagine, no more bad Elvis book would be ever pushed on the public again! That would be Elvis heaven!

How the King of Rock and Roll spend Christmas
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-05
Hey people who know Elvis Presley fans or are you an Elvis Presley fan and don't have this book, buy a copy of the book. In chapter 22, the author Jim Curtin tells the people reading the book that he met Elvis Presley in 1976. This is the first and only Elvis Presley spend Christmas.

And there are aslo pitcures in this book. And one looks pretty funny. It's a Elvis Presley t-shirt from the 90's, and there is a pitcure of an animated Santa Claus tells a person on a phone, "No, No, I said Elves, Send Me Fifty Elves." He has Elvis Presley look alikes but wants elves. (Page 152). I laught at A Very Funny Christmas. Which is on chapter 15. Some of you people might or might not know that Elvis Presley was once poor. And you can read about how he spend his poor Christmases.

I guess you are never to old or young to learn. In 1965, Elvis Presley decide to dress up as Santa Claus and had children on his lap telling him what they want for chirstmas. And when he had bigger children, he tried to get a hold of his laughter, but couldn't and got out of a mall, without people seeing him laugh.

You can aslo read Christmas Quotes by Elvis Presley. Like when he tells that he believed in Santa Claus until he was age 8. He had learn that it was his parents doing the role of Santa Claus. Why do parents use Santa Claus as a excplaimn to children at christmas who brought the presents fr them, and at Easter, when tell it was from the easter bunny, when it really was from them? Isn't that a lie? This is a great book to read whether it's Christmas or not.

A actual surprise!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2001-08-02
I came across this book in a local used book shop.
For some reason this book was not sold outright in the main bookstores.

My first initial reaction to this book, once I flipped through it, was:
too bad: some of the printing is not high quality.
But hey, once I looked through the book and read some of the stories, my second reaction took over:
wow the contents are really nice!
as an Elvis fan, I loved the collectibles and as a result I bought another copy off the net.
one is for my library and the holidays and the other I use as a collectible guide.

This is a GOOD book (a real good one) and its done by someone I really didn't know anything about, nor had I heard of him.
But I did do a check on him, once I liked his book, and he did 6 other books on Elvis.
I will see if this man, who proclaims to be the world's foremost Elvis expert, is the real thing, or another self proclaimer like the "fantastic four" (Lichter, Dowling, Tunzi, Guralnick/Jorgensen)

A hint though: from what I see in this book, this man may actually be the REAL DEAL!
he has quality and intregrity.

Arts
Collage Techniques: A Guide for Artists and Illustrators
Published in Paperback by Watson-Guptill (1994-08-01)
Author: Gerald Brommer
List price: $27.50
New price: $15.38
Used price: $12.47
Collectible price: $29.88

Average review score:

Not what I was looking for.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-26
I was very disapointed in this book. I was under the impression that it would not only be instructive but that all of the work in it would be Gerald Brommer's. It was neither.

Great Start
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-16
This is a good book for beginner and intermediate collage artists. It contains basic historical and theoretical information, as well as basic application techniques. You may also consider Nita Leland and Virginia Lee Williams' book CREATIVE COLLAGE TECHNIQUES. The techniques are challenging and open ended, so they truly encourage you to be creative.

from AUSTRALIA
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-08
This is the best reference available as at this date on collage. It is also one of the most inspiring art books I have read. I cannot recommend it more highly. The artworks provided as examples are of the highest quaility. Thank you, Gerald Brommer.

Collage Magic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-05
What I particularly liked was that all the illustrations were of first rate work.So many different approaches. An excellent text and motivational advice on materials and the object of collage as a genuine artistc outlet.

A good resourse for the beginning collage artist
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-03
Brommer approaches collage from an fine art point of view. Most other books I have looked at tend more toward the scrapbook and/or kitchy altered art genre. He has an excellent section on art paper preparations and basic design.

Arts
The Continuing Mission
Published in Hardcover by Star Trek (1997-11-01)
Authors: Judith Reeves-Stevens and Garfield Reeves-Stevens
List price: $35.00
New price: $14.99
Used price: $1.16

Average review score:

Splendid!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-27
This book tells it all, breaking everything down about the show, you name it, this book tells it.
A wonderful way to celebrate an anniversary!

A Worthy Tribute
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-28
This book is something special in that it combines the usual prose of a "Making of..." with a wealth of large-size images and illustrations as well as a detailed guide to the seven seasons of TNG. Included are sections on "Generations", "First Contact" and, in the newest edition, "Insurrection". Although some of the images are already known from The Art of Star Trek, this is another great look behind the scenes. More than the rather loosely arranged images in the The Art of Star Trek, this book really tells the story of a series that is developed through seven seasons.

The Continuing Mission is probably the best book about TNG with all of its aspects. It was obviously written to be entertaining in the first place, so it never gets too profound. Nevertheless, we learn a great deal, for instance, where Guinan's name comes from, how many writers mingled together the script for "Yesterday's Enterprise", or how a shuttle may become a big starship. The only slight criticism I have about it is that the text is mostly separate from the images. Although there are captions, I would have liked to know more about several of the images.

The sub-title of the book is "A Tenth Anniversary Tribute", and it is a worthy tribute in any respect.

Inspirational, Dedicated, Essential - A Fine Tribute to TNG
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-06-04
This book is essential reading for any Star Trek fan. Even if you may not be a big fan of TNG (I myself prefer DS9), this beautiful tribute will surely improve your understanding of the days before, during, and after the creation of TNG series.

The text is written in a very amiable, intimate and lively manner, obviously showing the authors' love and dedication to the TNG world. Content-wise, the book is utterly fascinating: there is everything from the stories behind the casting ("But he's bald!"), to the creation and incarnations of the spacecraft of the show, to interesting anecdotes both clever and funny, highlighting special episodes, audience reaction, notes on production; even clear and non-technical explanations of various financial aspects of producing TNG and the movies. Absolutely nothing comes across as overly technical.

The book is divided into chapters tracing each season and movie involving TNG cast; each "season" also includes episode-by-episode synopses by the side - very helpful not just as an episode guide, but as a way of guiding the reader throughout the TNG journey. In fact, one of the best things about this book is its strong sense of chronological unity - reading the book from front to back, you are surely and rapturously guided through the entire TNG history - it feels like getting to know an old friend anew.

The book is made even better by the tons of colour photos throughout - ranging from pictures of props to sets, to ships, production designs, cast, scenes, costumes, production... it's just fantastic.

A lot of intelligence and dedication has gone into producing this book. I really can't praise it enough except to say: now I admire Star Trek: The Next Generation even more.

Essential for your Star Trek collection!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-09
A pure celebration of Star Trek The Next Generation! A tenth anniversary tribute that does justice to the show and to all three movies through it's date of publication. It give some very good details on all the shows, some insights from a lot of the people that made The Next Generation. The pictures and drawings are stunning to say the least. If you're a fan of Star Trek, this is definitely essential to your collection.

If you own one book about TNG, let this be it.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-04
First of all, this book is huge. Really. It is tall and wide as well as being hefty. It does the amazing task of covering 7+ years of television history regarding the show responsible for renewed interest in science-fiction.

The history is indeed an interesting one. Many tidbits are revealed, and if you are a trivia junkie, it will fill the endless void nicely.

The pictures are great, as well as commentary and brief interviews of folks. The only thing I felt that could have been done better were episode summaries. They fell by the wayside a bit; but the sheer volume of information contained in the book makes up for it.

It is well-constructed, and has lasted repeated flipping and reading. That and its size make it an excellent coffee table book. People who have no interest in Trek pick it up and are fascinated by the information. It makes a great gift, for yourself or the TNG fan in your life. Or even, the television trivia buff as well.

Arts
A Dash of Style: The Art and Mastery of Punctuation
Published in Hardcover by W. W. Norton (2006-04-25)
Author: Noah Lukeman
List price: $23.95
New price: $4.95
Used price: $4.94

Average review score:

Superb
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-04
I purchased this book because I wanted to learn how to properly use commas, colons and semicolons. But, I learned more than just proper usage from this book. Lukeman, as the title indicates, discusses how punctuation can be employed to create style and effect in one's writing. He also warns of the pitfalls that one can fall into when using punctuation. All through out this book he illustrates his points with excerpts from other literary works. As a plus, this book was neither boring nor difficult to read. On the contrary, I found it quite interesting and easy to get through. While not as entertaining as Eats, Shoots & Leaves, by Lynne Truss, I did find the material more substantive and valuable.

a dash of style
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-12
Noah Lukeman's books on writing, I believe there are three total, are the last word for any aspiring writer anywhere--I can't recommend him enough! :)

Not your typical grammar aid book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-02
This book offers readers a chance to approach the complex world of proper grammar usuage in a manner that is both educational and personal. The chapter construction is easy on the eyes and non-threatening. In the past, grammar books have been text oriented, with less emphasis on making the subject accessible to struggling writers. This book makes learning grammar a cinch!

Definitely a book for all writers!

A great user-friendly punctuation book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-22
As an incoming freshman entering college, I wanted to find some way to improve my writing. The aspects of my writing were fine, but sometimes it felt short of fully emphasizing an idea, or just connecting sentences better. So I picked up this book (I'll admit, the only thing that caught my attention was the cover at first) and I learned more about punctuation from this book than I ever did from elementary school!

The good and bad examples of good punctuation usuage ultimately helped me understand how to correctly use puncation to improve writing. Also, the author explained the differences and similarities between the punctuation marks quite well. The examples were interesting; the danger of overuse and underuse of various punctuation kept me glued to the book; overall, a must read!

Excellent complement!
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-13
This compact new book on punctuation uniquely complements standard college writing guides like THE BEDFORD HANDBOOK, now in its seventh edition, the all-time bestselling college textbook. The Bedford as well as several other college writing handbooks, such as THE HARBRACE HANDBOOK, I have used in my teaching cite punctuation examples mostly from nonfiction works.

This book's uniqueness arises from its approach: illustrating punctuation "rules" with examples drawn mostly from literary works. Moreover, the author points out how literary masters flout "rules" to create special effects. The works cited include excerpts from numerous writers such as Mark Twain, William Faulkner, and Joyce Carol Oates.

Excellent book for fiction writers.

C J Singh


Arts
Dinosaurumpus!
Published in Hardcover by Orchard (2003-03-01)
Author: Tony Mitton
List price: $15.95
New price: $6.98
Used price: $4.07

Average review score:

Love this book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-02
Very fun with great words and rhymes. My son can't get enough of this book. We read it everyday before bedtime. Highly recommend!

Wonderful book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-28
After checking this book out from the library multiple times, I figured my 5 and 3 year olds needed a copy for themselves. This is a lyrical, funny and memorable story that should please everyone!

Great Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-27
My daughter loves the rhythmical bounce to this book! It's like reading a song! Very Fun!

Awesome
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-14
My girlfriend and her son absolutly love it. It must be read with a little bit of a rhyme

Dinosaurumpus
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-07
I bought this for my grandson's birthday and haven't given it to him yet. I am sure he will love it. Its a very cute book.

Arts
Dooby Dooby Moo
Published in Hardcover by Atheneum (2006-08-08)
Author: Doreen Cronin
List price: $16.95
New price: $2.20
Used price: $0.73

Average review score:

Love these books
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-07
These books are so cute. Brand new and received in less than a week.

Dooby Dooby Moo
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-08
Another hit in the school lilbrary. Tis author is just absolutely funny. Again, this a difinite read if you are in a bad mood. Item arrived in excellent condition.
Thank

More mischief down at the farm
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-26
Those wacky animals of Farmer Brown's farm are at it again. This time Duck has convinced his fellow barnyard residence that they should try to win the first prize trampoline at the County Fair talent contest. The animals begin rehearsing their acts, while the clueless Farmer Brown becomes suspicious. To prevent the animals from getting into trouble while he goes to the fair, he takes the animals along, allowing them to compete in the contest. The competition doesn't go as planned, but Duck saves the day with a smashing performance.

Good for adults and children
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-29
Doreen Cronin is a superb story teller for children, and also the adult reading it to them.

ONE OF THOSE BOOKS THAT IS SIMPLY FUN TO READ
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-02
Farmer Brown (is every farmer in the world named "Brown" or McDonald?") is watching his critters quite closely. There are strange things going on. He notes that Duck has removed an add from the paper announcing a local talent show. First prize is a Trampoline! His toubles begin.

This is one of those works that is absolutly ideal to read aloud to a class of children. There is singing and the pigs actually do an interpertive dance. Practice goes on every night in the barn. The art work is great, the situations and story is hillarious and, best of all, the kids I read it to all love it. It is a book that I really do not get tired of reading, as is so often the case.

In the end, the show is saved by no other than Duck. The animals win the contest and win the Trampolline. Farmer Brown's troubles have indeed, just started.

Recommend this one highly. You really cannot go wrong with this one.

Arts
Draw Cars
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (2001-10)
Author: D. C. DuBosque
List price: $18.15
Used price: $18.14

Average review score:

A challenge for drawing enthusiasts!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-16
The book shows you step by step how to draw cars.

This is a helpful book whether you are drawing for the first time or have been doing it for years!

It goes from simple shapes and line structure all the way through shading and adding detail.

Definitely a must for anyone who wants to add cars to their visual story telling or even an automotive design student.

Just remember to be patient with this book.

It takes a while to get the hang of it.

Once you do, you'll be fine!

My nephew loved this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-14
This was a 9th Birthday present for my nephew. It kept him entertained for hours! He loved the book and still uses it almost daily after 8 months.

Good for those interested in drawing
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-05
This book has many examples of step-by-step drawings. The only drawback might be that there is very little explanation. You learn mainly by copying the examples. It has a great selection of different cool cars and vehicles to draw. Equally good for young teens or adults.

An Amazing Book !!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-10
I have the 1993 publication of this book, and it's amazing. It teaches you how to draw cars in general, not just the ones shown in the book.

Worth Spending Money
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-17
Hi!!The book is wonderful for beginers.It helps you get the basic right.Almost all aspect are covered so that you can start sketching cars on your own like side view,3d view.Gives detail information for drawing tyres.This book has helped me a lot and I would recommend this book to everyone without any hesitation.

Arts
Dynamic Art Projects for Children: Includes Step-By-Step Instructions and Photographs
Published in Spiral-bound by Crystal Productions (2005-09)
Author: Denise M. Logan
List price: $24.95
New price: $24.95
Used price: $22.46

Average review score:

Fantastic Resource
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-21
I am an art teacher and have never recommended a book before. This one is unique. The projects are fun and colorful and the students love them.
The directions are clear, with student examples and step by step directions with photos.
I highly recommend this book.The lessons can coordinate with what is going on in the classroom. I used the reptiles and birds project with second grade while they were studying them; planets with third grade, geometric mobiles while they were studying geometry, etc. Most lessons can easily be adapted to a different grade level or for a student with special needs.

awesome ideas!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-29
I just received the book and love it. I am a seasoned classroom teacher that loves to teach creatively. This book has great ideas. I will be teaching exclusively art soon and can't wait to try some of the projects. It has some awesome ideas that I can use with kindergarten thru fifth grade. It has lots of ideas for reinforcing math, science, and social studies topics. Let me know when Ms. Logan comes out with another book. Thanks again! j bolus

Great Resource!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-18
Thanks and praise to the author of this easy to use art teacher resource. The projects are well illustrated, materials easy to get your hands on, very age transending, as well as greatly varying in technique, mediums and style. Most projects can be easily altered and personalized with little to no effort. I have personally enjoyed doing the projects as I prepare to teach! Well done, Ms. Logan, and please! give us MORE! - Ruth Bringol, art instructor

Fab Art Projects
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-08
I teach art for 3-10 year olds. This book can be scaled down for younger kids or you can use the directions as is for elementary ed kids. The projects are bright and dynamic and not the same old stuff. Great book!

Great Teaching resource for Primary Grades
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-25
As a 2nd Grade general teacher -- one with absolutely no background in art -- reading this book was an revelation! The amount of detail about art techniques has made it possible for me to use as "how-to" manual. Not just to do the projects set forth in the book, but to take a technique and a specific medium and use it to meet the needs (and standards) of my young students. This has been one of the most satisfying purchases I've made from Amazon in a long time!

Arts
Dynamic Karate
Published in Hardcover by Kodansha America (1966-12)
Author: Masatoshi Nakayama
List price: $35.00
New price: $129.95
Used price: $1.74
Collectible price: $35.00

Average review score:

Excellent reference for beginners through advanced
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-24
This is an excellent reference book. It covers all the basic hand/arm and foot/leg techniques. The stop action photos are helpful in showing the complete movement of a technique. The text is written very clearly in easy to understand terms. That's one of the reasons I always recommend this book to my beginning adult (Shotokan)karate students. My students always tell me that they find it very helpful, especially when practicing at home and needing a reference to guide them. This is a "must have" book for any level karate student.

JKA textbook!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-14
THE book on Shotokan Karate as taught by the Japan Karate Association. Besides having hundreds of pictures and explanations of techniques, it is filled with numerous action pictures of the Masters of The Japan Karate Association from the 1950's and 1960's era.

Simply put, a MUST have for all Shotokan Karate-ka!

Traditional Japanese Karate
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-09
Kicking Theory: Nakayama says, "If sufficiently mastered, kicking techniques can have a more powerful effect than attacks with the hands." "To counteract the shock of hitting with a foot strike, place the supporting foot firmly on the ground an fully tighten the ankle of the supporting leg." "Attempt to absorb the shock with ankle, knee, and hip of the supporting leg, and keep the upper body well balanced and perpendicular to the ground." "To achieve maximum effect, kick with the whole body instead of with the leg alone. Pushing the hips forward during the kick helps achieve this goal."

Punch theory: "Notice that the muscles at the front and side of the abdomen are strongly tensed, linking the chest and hipbones firmly together. When the hips are properly set and the body is correcly supportted by the thigh muscle, the standing position is firm and stable. This table foundation enables the power of the hps to flow to the chest, shoulder, and arm. Power can be concetrated only when the hips, chest, shoulders, arms, wrists, and fists are firmly linked, and all necessary muscle function fully."


1. R Punch: Step L 45, L inward block, R step forward into a horse, R chop to kidney, two hand grand to R shoulder, pivot and throw to ground, R knee ribs and R punch to face.
2. R Punch: Step R 45, into a Left cover, L knife block, R chop to neck, L bear claw to face, R upcut to solar plexus.
3. R Punch: From a L Cover, step back into a horse, Pivot to the right and lean to the R, L knife block and grab, pivot L and lean to the L, and R chop to the neck.
4. R punch: Step R 45, R chop to the temple, R knuckle down opponents lead arm, drop down into a low horse, and R hammer to groin.
5. R punch: Step back R cover, L outward block, L punch, and R reverse punch to face.
6. R punch: Step backward into a low R cover, L rise punch to chin deflect opponents R with L forearm during the lunge, R knife hand safety to your left side of head.
7. L punch: R cover, L upward block and grab, R invert knuckle punch behind L ear, and R wheel kick to ribs.
8. R punch: R cover, step L 45, R upward block and grab, R wheel kick to solar plexus.
9. L punch: R cover, R upward block, R downward backknuckle to face, R snap kick away.
10. L punch: L cover, R inward block, grab and pull, R side kick to the ribs
11. R punch: R cover, Step L 45, L inward block and R vertical finger to solar plexus or armpit.
12. R punch: R cover, upward X block, R grab, L chop to the throat
13. R punch: R cover, upward X block, L grab and pull down, R step in, R chop to the throat

The best karate book. Timeless
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-23
I began in 1957. I obtained my first copy of Dynamic Karate in 1966. After almost 50 years of practicing karate I have not found a better book. The book explains and illustrates proper form, proper techniques, proper stances and proper torque to achive maximum impact. All Karateka should read it. It is a must for instructors. I am no great fan of Shoto-kan. However,the application of the basics is universal and timeless. This book will help any karate student attain proper form... and form is power...regardless of the type of karate studied. This is important in an age were there are so many bogus teachers that have no concept of form, body dynamics and real fighting. You'll stop falling on your front kick after you read it!

Japanese Karate Bible
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-28
In a skillful conceived layout, Masatoshi Nakayama's book, Dynamic Karate lacks nothing in providing teachers and students with the smallest of details needed to master Karate.

The author's credentials for presenting the basics for a wide variety of Karate techniques include being a student of master Funakoshi Gichin who took the foundations of "Chinese Hand Techniques" and built Karate-do (empty hand ways), which is the style presented in this book.

The first part of this enlightening book, which deals with the fundamentals in great detail, devotes considerable text and images to assure the reader understands the importance of stance and balance. The section on using the hands and feet as weapons, which shows alternate techniques as well as the currently preferred technique, is clearly written and diagramed. The fifty chapter, which is devoted to punching techniques, provides insight on theory and practice. This is followed by a related chapter on the theory and practice of striking techniques. Chapter 7, which is devoted to kicking techniques, includes some fantastic images of kicking dynamics. Placed as almost an after thought, Chapter 8 provides great text and images of blocking techniques. In this chapter, considerable effort is made to make the reader aware of the differences between proper and improper form.

In the final part of the book, the reader is treated to the applications of the techniques describe in all the previous chapters. The book ends with chapters on basic training, calisthenics and exercises. Note that there are no chapters on forms; Nakayama presents forms in separate publications.

There are other great books on Karate (Tae Kwon Do by Richard Chun) but there are none better than this. If I could only afford to buy one book on Karate, this would be my choice.


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