Arts and Culture Books

I thought this book was an excellent read, although I wish there was more to read, but the visuals in the book make up for it, because Saber is totally awesome. You get a great insight of what goes on inside this mighty artist's mind, and you get to realize what kind of a good person Saber is. Then the amazing stories, including the one how he was able to do the Los Angeles river piece is great. Nothing else to say but that it's a good book, and I guarantee to read it.

The book was overall good and exciting with lots of laughs. Its kind of a kids book sort of speak... for graff writers. Mostly short storys and tons of pics. It can also be finished in one day, although i took two.

It starts out by going into sab's upbringing, which was acually interesting, kind of all makes sense. youll know what i mean when u read it.

Than it quickly dives into some of sab's legendary illegals and stomping grounds for AWR and MSK. It also grazes into a few other peoples lifes and tells some things that most people dont know.

I only wish he told more. I guess i feel that i got the short story of it all and i was in for the long. Im also very dissapointed that he never really got into king AYERS story, kinda just skipped over him.

all in all, its a book worth picking up for the price.

to sum it all up:
amazing artwork. deep, funny look into the life. in kind of a short story form.

It a great book filled in with great artwork. It shows why SABER is a KING.

Nice book, great stories and smart texts. Lot of pics and all you can ask to a book about an artist.

This was a pretty good graff book. I have others where the text part of the book was pretty aweful, where the writer(s) just basically say how great they were and how much better they were, or they were the first to do everything, etc. This was more humble and it complemented the pictures, instead of coming across as ingnorant/ selfish. I'm from NY and had little exposure to the LA scene, and this was a really good book, even though it is basically on Saber, not all LA writers. I recommend it.

For those who have a copy of Volume 1, Ships of the Star Fleet, covering most Star Fleet's capital ships (Cruisers & Frigates), Volume 2, this volume will be largely familiar in format and execution.

It is a well-executed work loosely following the format of works such as "Jane's Fighting Ships" with extensive additions regarding the rationals and political processes involved in the development, construction, histories and records of the classes and individual vessels of the classes of Perimeter Action Ships (circa 2290-91) covered by the volume.

I have both Volumes (1 & 2), and they have provided me with quite literally hundreds, if not thousands of hours of rapt enjoyment. I dearly wish that more volumes were available. As it is, I want dearly to buy a second copy of this one as well as Volume 1 (to replace my now somewhat dog-eared and damaged from years of being poured overe for hours at a time), if I can find another copy of Vol. 1.

I unhesitantly, heartily recommend this work for the library of any Star Trek (emphasis on the Kirk, Spock & company-era movies) enthusiast, especially if you (or they) are interested in the type & quality of information that allow you to absorb what's offered in the books and, at your heart's desire, extrapolate from what's already there into your own overview of what would be happening in the Star Trek: The Movies universe including such things as "how would I employ these assets in how I choose to intrepret the social, political and military environment in this era?"

What else can I say? It's a great book for those interested in this kind of information, including, of course (but not limited to) those who have Volume 1.

Bravo!

Craig A. Bassett

I wish that there were more of these books out there. I was suprised to discover a whole new starship class I've never before heard of. A must have for Star Trek fans all over!

The books in this series really go into the nuts and bolts, almost reading like current military texts. It non-canonical for those who care what Paramount thinks. I highly reccomend it. Also, please be advised that they have their own timeline, similar to, but not identical to Paramounts. It also ties in w/ the original Tech Manual. If anyone has a web address for the publisher, Mastercom Data Center, please post it or email me.

Since checking this page, I now learn this book is a stand alone issue. How sad. If similar publications had been produced, I would have puchased the entire series. A brilliant idea, and extremely well presented. A serious must for anyone interested in Star Trek.

The website for Mastercom is:
http://www.mastercomdata.com/

Sadly, Robert Klepper died in 2000, at the age of 32. A very nice fellow and an important film historian. Do pick up this worthwhile book, and mourn the fact that there will be no more from him.

I bought this book last year and love it and use it all the time. I get films from libraries all over the country and look up the movies that come in. I bring it with me if I am going somewhere that I will be awhile and read each review. It has a permanent place on my coffee table. If you love silent films, this book is a must.

This is the best index of silent film that I've ever seen. The reviews are bold independent and informative, if not always completely objective, Mr. Klepper is not afraid to have an opinion. This is a reference that I keep going back to.

I have owned "Silent Films, 1877-1996" for two years, and use it as a constant reference. (If you are a fan of TCM "Silent Sunday" or are a fan of silent movies and would like a guide to watching or purchasing silent film, this is the first reference to which I turn.) This does not cover absolutely every silent film, but there have been very few which I did not find information upon here. "Silent Films" also covers actors, directors, and other cinematographical information. The price tag is high, but for the silent movie buff it is indeed worth the price. I journal my silent movie viewings on its pages to keep a record. "Silent Films, 1877-1996" has gone from investment to treasure.

Robert Klepper has a remarkable love and knowledge of silent film. His understanding of the historical place of any movie he reviews is impressive and thoughtful. The book is a standing resource for any film enthusiast. In watching these films some of our favorite practices are to look for scenes that more modern films either steal (or pay omage to - depending on your thinking) and to pay attention to stunts that no actor or actress will ever have to duplicate in a more advanced film age. These are things that Robert Klepper also makes notice of and shares with his readers. I find his rating system to be reliable to my own standards and his humor to be very welcome - though I think some readers might miss some of it.

I do cherish this particular book and guard it heavily - no one is permited to borrow it. (I am usually pretty generous with my shelves.)

I assure you that the book is well worth the price -it is an excellent resource to the novice or the expert.

J

You simply CANNOT beat Spectrum for the wide variety of art it displays and the quality. I hope to grace it's pages some day! I own this copy and #10.

Any interested in science fiction and fantasy art will find all the masters represented here, from Michael Whelan and Brad Holland to Linda Bergkvist and Daren Bader. Each artist's works are rendered in full color and includes contact information plus notes on clients, medium, and picture size. A jury selected the 2005 Spectrum winners, surveying over 4,000 works both individually and in light of overall fantasy artist accomplishment to cull the best: the result is a winning pick of top winners any involved in fantasy art will find compelling and superior.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This is a dandy of an issue. It really allows the artists to be able to showboat thier talent in a fabulous format.

As always, the annual Spectrum compiles hundreds of samples of the very best of 2004's fantasy art. The work is divided into categories that reflect the generally commercial origin of each work: ads, comics, books, etc. Every category displays a range of subjects and style. Lush realism predominates, including two of Royo's fantasy pinups. Other styles appear, too, including ink paintings by Vess and Kaluta, Justin Sweet's Rorshach-like watercolors and some raw, expressive work from the "Blood" comic.

Some of the most remarkable work appears in the sculptural (dimensional) category. That group includes a few pieces based on standard comic superheroes. Works by Davis and Northey are clever, and one by Loroux is clearly a work of great affection. A political piece by Ross, in the editorial grouping, displays chilling wit.

With roughly 250 artists represented, and multiple works by many, there's an exciting assortment of topics and approaches. Although I recognize only a few of the names, the quality and wit meet very high standards throughout. I recommend this to anyone that values fantasy images, as a spectator or as a creator.

//wiredweird

I discovered my love of science fiction illustration about ten years ago when I perused a book by an artist named Boris Vallejo. Different epochs in time, different places in the universe, epic battles, astonishing spacecraft, beautiful women, courageous warriors, gothic weapons...all fused together into simply beautiful, dramatic art. From Vallejo I followed what I presume is a pretty common route of exploration: Frazetta, Chesley Bonestell, and assorted others, and then compilation books like "Infinite Worlds" and "Tomorrow and Beyond" and then the "Spectrum" series. Unfortunately I discovered Spectrum too late and didn't get in until Spectrum 7. The earlier editions are out of print, and used they are selling for prohibitive amounts, often into triple digits. They did do a reprint of Spectrum 1, which I bought in a heartbeat and I keep hoping there will be reprints of the other editions.

As the other reviewers have mentioned, this is just amazingly beautiful and exciting art. Some images are total exotica, some progressive and avant garde, and some appear to be well within classical conventions. Almost all of these artworks are astonishing and will have your imagination just buzzing. Most are paintings, many are photos of sculpture and other media. I find myself gasping as I flip the pages, saying "Unbelievable!" You really just have to see this work to fully grasp it. I implore my six year-old to look at the pictures, hoping to inspire neurological pathway formation with the colorful pictures of the stuff of our wildest dreams , but I slap her little paw whenever she tries to touch! Spectrum books are a peanut butter-free zone!

I personally do not see this edition (12) being that different from its predecessors in terms of content. Every volume I have is first-rate and a stone-cold must-have. This is exactly in that tradition in terms of quality and quantity of art.

Why the four stars instead of five: Okay, I should have griped last year. With Spectrum 11 they switched over to a cheaper cover. It is a shiny cardboard cover which will get dinged up and scuffed over time. The book loses its high-quality outer lustre with the downgraded binding and I think the Fenners (the wonderful people who produce this series and several other magnificent books) have made a significant mistake by allowing this to happen. As someone who went through a twenty-year phase of haunting used bookstores I can testify as an expert: this cover does not come close to matching the quality of the work (and paper, for that matter) on the inside. These books deserve the high quality cloth "buckram" covers which earlier editions had. Those covers will last forever and preserve these works as the historical momentos which they are indeed. If the price has to be raised a few bucks, so be it. I suspect demand will only go up; people who appreciate this type of art obviously are discriminating, and they will gladly pay for the extra attention to quality. Please, put Spectrum 13 back in a high-quality cover. Otherwise, keep up the fabuluous work.

Really nice collection of all sorts of fantasy art..from the cliche "dragon with muscle man" stuff to really really abstract images.Even has a few nice sculptures! Get it!

As with every year, the Spectrum series has proven itself to be an indispensible resource for any fantasy art fans. It doesn't matter if you're a casual fan, like myself, or an art connoisseur... There's something in here for you.

Spectrum 8 is more or less just like previous Spectrum books. The art is broken down into sections (Books, magazines, unpublished, etc.) and each section has a Gold & Silver award for the best pieces of art in that section (based on what the Spectrum jury thinks). You can spend hours looking through this book, only to pick it back up again a month later and spend another hour or two reading through it.

I suggest you purchase the hardcover edition and stash it away in your bookcase, because you'll be looking through it for years to come.

this book is such a great collection of artwork with artists ranging everywhere from well known designs such as those from the resident evil, spawn and a little of the sandman comic to many unknown artists who are just as highly talented. they use every different medium in this book, each with their own distinct praises. some of this artwork inspired me to start my own drawing and painting again, that's how good it is. i highly recommend this to any true fan of fantasy art.

I just got my copy of "Spectrum 8". What a great collection of fantastic art. The series gets better with each volum and I like the fact that sculpture pieces is also included. I can spend and hours just observing the colors and details of the images, not to mention the fact that Moebius is finally recognized as 2001 Grandmaster. Well worth the price I paid for the hardcover. I don't need to mention much about the reproduction quality of the artwork, because it is superb. Enough said.

There's a lot of imagination and talent in this book, and with such a varity of styles it's sure to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Personally, I enjoy the edgier, more contemporary material, but there is also plenty of more traditional "faries and unicorn"-type stuff as well. I especially like seeing some comic book covers being treated as the art they are, w/o the title covering up a good chumk of the work.

All in all, a GREAT collection! May it inspire you to write, drwa or create something outstanding of your own...

Ms Henderson has taken from many, many sources to present a succinct analysis of myths from the past, works by many scholars, and today's world in order to show the need for all of us to have myths in our lives. Beginning with George Lucas' journey to creating Star Wars, moving into the cultural milieu in which the films were made to the that which the audiences brought and continue to bring, the author gives us the "reasons" for the motivation and then success of the 3 and later 6 movies done by Lucas. The book is well-illustrated with scenes from the movies, storyboards of its development, and art representing other myths, stories and legends of many cultures and times. A fantastic book for anyone looking for the core ideas of Lucas and his greatest work.

If you enjoy any of the books by Joseph Campbell and are a Star Wars fan, then this is the book for you. It covers everything from Greek mythology and Zen Buddhism to the Cowboy archetype and the uniforms of World War 2. Most of the artwork is incredible (many pics from the "Art of Star Wars" books), and there are tons of detailed photos from the Smithsonian tour, which I was lucky enough to catch at Houston's Museum of Fine Arts many years ago. I only wish they had waited a few years until the entire Prequel Trilogy was completed before they published this book!

Within this book I would say this incredible look into the mix of Mythology, History and Star Wars that I have ever seen. A great companion Book to the "Magic of Myth" exhibit.. and it would make a great companion book to the Joesph Campbell books "The Hero with a Thousand faces and "The Power of Myth."

Basically giving the impression of the origin of the Star Wars Films. How Lucas was influenced with all these ideas and made the films what they are today. How timeless the story really has been. Also available is some of the pre production artwork from the Classic Trilogy.

Excellent book with amazing pics of the props and unusual images from the movies from the OT. Fantastic!!

If you've been lucky enough to see "The Magic of Myth" in one of its many permutations, this book is a great supplement to and a wonderful reminder of just how cool that exhibit was. If you haven't seen the exhibit, this book is still great to have for it's back-story on the origins of the trilogy.

I'm not the most well-read person around so it was a lot of fun to learn how Lucas' characters and story were shaped by (or copied from) myths and legends of other times and cultures. Reading this book has led me to explore some of the material that Lucas borrowed from in creating Star Wars. I'm a big SW nut, but it's nice to get my head out of the SW universe and out into other forms of art and literature.

If you don't feel like reading, this book is also full of GREAT photos from the trilogy.

I keep this one on the shelf next to Joseph Campbell's "Power of Myth." It is a nice complement to Campbell's book.

After reading Stepping Out of the Bubble a year ago, I went back and read it again for a second time. I was able to pick up even more information this time around that helped me understand and overcome some of my own internal conflicts. This is a book you can read at any point in your life and always find information that pertains to that particular moment. Krehbiel has a way of explaining things that others may consider unexplainable. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or just a guy like me, this book can and will change your life.

James P. Krehbiel's Stepping Out of the Bubble was a fascinating read. I found myself underlining various passages. His explanation of how we get stuck in the bubble (comfort zone), and how we find our way out is powerful. It provided me with hope as I move through my own personal journey. I found myself experiencing an emotional reaction to many of the case examples and concepts he explored. He definitely hit some "hot buttons" in my life. But Mr. Krehbiel also provided specific guidelines and tools for stepping out of the bubble. At one point he says, "Courage can be defined by those who live outside the bubble as opposed to those who live in it. I like to compare stepping out of the bubble to wading into the water."

His chapter which includes ideas on multidimensional thinking is appropriate in today's political climate. He indicates that true dialogue takes into consideration the appreciation for differences in opinions. He makes some profound statements about pop culture's affect on the lives of today's children. He also gives parents tools and resources for assisting their children in bettering their behavior. The book ends with a resounding "yes" to life with a hopeful, powerful way of perceiving and reframing life's problems. This was an excellent book!

Stepping Out Of The Bubble by James P. Krehbiel, Is an outstanding book on Counseling Therapy. Krehbiel, is able to put life patterns and fears into perspective so that the lay person can fully understand the mystery that most think is behind counseling. His approach to show that so much of what we seek answers for is within ourselves and with the right counsellor we can become free and step out of the Bubble or Bubbles that a lot of us are in.

This book should be a gift to every teen and their parents, no home should be without it.

"Stepping Out of the Bubble : Reflections On the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy by James P. Krehbiel is an amazing and outstanding book that provides help and direction to the many people that are suffering from problems described in this book.

I was amazed at how many of the problems and challenges, that the author writes about, are problems and challenges I have seen many people suffer with.

The counseling theory and practice information in this book provides a direction for people that have a problem and are willing to go to counseling and risk moving forward in their journey toward finding personal growth and development, and eventually stepping out of the bubble.

Many people have problems and challenges that they never seek help for and they and their loved ones continue to suffer. This book goes a long way in bringing the thought of counseling to people and helping people to better understand the counseling process.

To author James P. Krehbiel thank you for writing your great book. I am convinced your book will help many people and because of your book many more people will step out of the bubble. I recommend this book very highly and also feel it would be a great college text.

For me, "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" was reminiscent of the renowned books of author, M. Scott Peck, in the style of presenting profound insights into sensible, easy-to-understand language and clear ideas an average person can relate to. Practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and author of "Stepping Out Of The Bubble", James Krehbiel proficiently shares a portion of his expertise, condensing great weight into accessible and workable solutions for a more fulfilling life's plan.

The "bubble" represents our security and comfort zone, but it is also the inner place where we store the pain of our past experiences and the unpleasant reality of that not being made conscious which keeps us bound in unhealthy and self-defeating patterns. Staying within this bubble limits our emotional responsiveness as we numb ourselves to the coexistence even as unresolved issues unconsciously filter forth. To step outside of the bubble is to courageously examine the contents in all honesty and to face life's reality outside of the bubble. Once outside the bubble, one can move forward to experience life in more emotional depth, fullness and passion. "Being a fully functioning individual is about being true to whom you are and letting things be the way they are," explains author, James Krehbiel.

With brilliant and compassionate understanding, Mr. Krehbiel briefly details methods used and pertinent case examples within his therapy practice. "Self-regulation is a goal of therapy. I educate people in the fact that all the answers are ultimately within." "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" strives to do the same, by giving information on how we become trapped in the bubble and how beneficial the making of conscious choices to leave, can be.

Some of the many topics included within this book are: being assertive, characteristics of an "authentic" person, the integration of each of our different personality parts, the difference between true guilt and false guilt, setting boundaries, addictions and addictions to "manic" relationships, awareness (staying in the moment or mindfulness), grounding, honoring one's inner voice, panic attacks, OCD and mood disorders. The section regarding kids and parenting was exceptional, in my opinion, and I found many points about discipline that made much sense. Also appreciated was the section relating to religion (dogma) versus faith (spiritual) as well as what needed to be said about pop culture.

I enjoyed reading "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" and would recommend it to anyone. It is enriching and inspirational.

This book shows how the liberals run the media and all radio talk shows. It is very clear to me when I turn on the radio and hear nothing but liberal talk. I am so sick and tired of this, but now Mr. Farah shows me why this has happened. He shows how all liberals hate God and country.

Mr. Farah shows, in detail, how Bush won the greatest military victory in history in Iraq, thus saving the world from destruction by a madman. He proves that only conservatives can save the world and take back America!

God Bless America. Shame shame to the liberals. Long live George W. Bush, Rush Limbaugh, David Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Neal Boortz, Michael Savage, Matt Drudge, Glenn Beck, Laura Ingraham, Bill O'Reilley, Mike Gallagher, G. Gordon Liddy, Karl Rove, Ann Coulter and FoxNEWS !!!!

Joseph Farah (founder of WorldNetDaily) takes the reader through a smooth and easy to read history of the current mainstream/lame-stream/established media. Farah explains in detail how the established media has become the way the are and why they have lost so much credibility and why they are losing credibility on daily basis.

Before reading this book there was not much respect for any news media. After reading this book it (and it is an easy read) quite a bit of respect for the "true" function of the news media has been restored.

Farah is honest about himself, who he is, what he has done in the past good or bad.

Everybody, not just Americans, should read this book! I dare say that a lot of Americans will learn a lot while reading it. Non Americans might be jealous once they learn how the government and the news media was meant to be in the US.

One book that must be read and understood to help save our Country! Joseph Farah (WorldNetDaily founder) takes the reader through the history of the mainstream/left biased/established media. Mr. Farah explains in detail how the established media has become the way they are and why they have lost so much credibility. This is an important read that exlains first hand the abuse of power that takes place towards citizens of the United States when the left is in power. Never has there been a more important time to read and understand this book with the elections approaching.

Joseph Farah takes us on his journey to make a major contribution and a lasting difference in our free press. In the process, he reminds us what the true purpose of a free press in a free society has always been: to serve as a watchdog to government; to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. He demonstrates the importance of the press as a fourth estate, which helps the people hold the government accountable, while also pointing out the flaws in the modern trend of "fair and balanced" news.

The author leaves no doubt that he is indeed a Christian, but he does very well in calling attention to the unfairness of labeling himself or WorldNetDaily as "conservative" or "right-wing." While the viewpoints in the publications of WND do resemble more what you might expect to read in early America, versus our increasingly postmodern America, this is simply traditional. That is, after all, the entire point of this book: to tell the tale of the New Media Revolution, and all the while call us back to a proper understanding of our free press in this free society; an understanding that is unfortunately absent in the big indoctrinating press of today.

Given the nature of the book, I believe that freedom loving Americans the world over should appreciate this book; and with a wonderful endorsement from Rush Limbaugh right on the back cover, this book is especially hallowed for Americans with conservative sympathies.

This should be required reading for all journalism students, professors, writers, editors and anyone interested in being more informed about the direction media is taking. It is a must read.

There seem to be two kinds of animation books: the "just the facts, ma'am" kind, and those filled with endless anecdotes of the lost golden age. Shamus Culhane's book falls between them and yet hits both extremes. He doesn't clean up history or trim the facts to fit the legends. Which is to say it's unexpurgated (which means uncensored) told in a rollicking, stream of consciousness you are there style.

It's also the untold backstory of animation, as well as a peek at numerous cartoons which have yet to make DVD. Shamus Culhane created the best Woody Woodpecker cartoons including "Barber of Seville," very different from but equally intriguing as "The Rabbit of Seville" (Chuck Jones/ written by Michael Maltese), as well as darkening the doors of most of the then current studios. Not only that, but it's absolutely crammed with photos, character sheets and other animania so as to render the book a visual feast. Anyone with even a passing interest in cartoons or looking for a good read will be delighted to find Culhane's book which is, ironically, one of the few animated histories of animation.

This book was recommended to me by another web/multimedia developer. He told me that I should read it, that it was the web industry in a nutshell. The main difference is the web has a very compressed time line. I first read the book over a year ago... it still reads like prophesy.

This is a "must have" for anyone who wants to create animation. Although not a how-to book, it has an incredible amount of insightful and useful information that is pertinent to those starting out or thinking about starting out their animation career. Shamus writes his animation life story in a way that will entertain and enlighten you. Many of his adventures and experiences are as relavant today as when they happened to him long ago during the Golden Age of animation. The author gives you a ring side seat as he is introduced to animation and evolves as an animator and producer. This was a book that I wish had no end; it actually made me sad to reach the final page.

This book is a must.It is extremely useful for those who want to animate cartoon characters.Shamus description of his life which he shares with the animation history is a very brilliant and inspirated storytellig.This is the book that all animator's should buy. It contains all the valuable information about american animation and all those wonderful pioneers who created the most amazing industry in the world: animation.Do not hesitate! Just buy this book and you will love it. I bet!

James "Shamus" Culhane is not a name that is instantly recognizable to the general public, as is Chuck Jones, but his contributions were every bit as significant. Like Jones, he can be maddeningly arrogant and dismissive of the efforts of his fellow animators, but the truly annoying thing is that he is often right. Culhane worked at virtually every major cartoon studio during its "Golden Age", and generally improved the output of every studio with which he was involved--however briefly. He turned the Fleischer's version of Popeye into a fluid, living character, whereas before Popeye seemed to move like some sort of animatronic figure at Disneyland. He directed one of the few bright spots at Walter Lantz, a Woody Woodpecker cartoon called "Barber of Seville" (which garnered an Academy Award nomination). He also takes us where few other books in animation dare to go--the early days of cartooning for television (did you know he was one of the first producers to make animated commercials for TV? The Ajax elves were his). He even attempted to get in the ground floor of the TV animated series market, though his efforts did not succeed.

This is a must-read, if for no other reason than it avoids rehashing the same material covered again and again by previous books, and gives us an insight into the inner workings of an animation studio as few other books do.

This book was a complete joy to read! I'm going to have to restrain myself from a writing a long, glowing review here. I'd rather you get the book and read it instead.
Author, David Van Deusen takes you from the inception of his brilliant idea to publish his newsletter, "The Walnut Times," dedicated to The Dick Van Dyke Show, to his eventual interviews and friendships with the cast and creative crew. This is no exaggeration. As you will see to your own envy (and certainly to mine), David has literally become friends with the people who brought us this classic TV show, earning nicknames from Carl Reiner and Dick Van Dyke! Ever dream about being in Rob and Laura's living room or kitchen? Me too. David's gone one better; he's actually been there - and they were home!
I very much enjoyed David's relaxed, unembellished writing style. You'll flow along effortlessly from one wonderful experience to another, sharing David's anxiety, trepidation, and exuberance all the way. David worked hard to bring about "The Walnut Times," and he shares it all with us in "To Twilo And Beyond! My Walnut Adventures With The Dick Van Dyke Show Cast." He lets us in on phone conversations, snail mailings, emails and all. The interviews are thoughtful and insightful.You won't want to put this book down until you've finished it.
Every true fan of The Dick Van Dyke Show should buy this book. It doesn't matter who your favorite character or star from the show is, they will be represented here, either by interview, a chat with their family members, or reminisced by those who loved or worked with them. If you love The Dick Van Dyke Show, you will love "To Twilo And Beyond."

David Van Deusen is the #1 fan and authority on the Dick Van Dyke Show. He not only writes about all the characters but also has worked to get to know each cast member and anyone associated with the show. Many "look back" books are just a compilation of the facts, but David has put his entire heart and soul into this project. He also publishes "The Walnut Times" which is not only the official but only newsletter on the Dick Van Dyke Show. We don't see TV like this anymore. And it is great to see a book like David's that helps us relive that past.

Take a very pleasant trip "To Twilo And Beyond" by opening up this 202-page book, written by David Van Deusen (the "other DVD"), who is one of the world's biggest fans of the everlastingly-entertaining 1960s television series, "The Dick Van Dyke Show".

I, myself, just might rank as one of the most-ardent admirers of that TV sitcom, too, having seen each episode many times (which is easier to accomplish now than ever before, what with the fact that all 158 episodes of the series have been made available on the DVD-Video format through the superb efforts of Image Entertainment Inc. and Paul Brownstein Productions).

Keeping this book right next to those DVD boxed sets is a wise thing to do. They complement each other nicely. In fact, Mr. Van Deusen even appears on camera within one of the Dick Van Dyke Show full-season DVD boxed sets (the Season-Two collection). David produced and hosts a bonus featurette located in that set, called "The Making Of 'It May Look Like A Walnut'", which includes interviews with cast members as they reminisce about creating that enduring and well-remembered 51st filmed episode of the Van Dyke Show.

In my opinion, it's very difficult to think of any other single television program in the history of that medium that is as downright satisfying and warm and "real" (and just flat-out good) as "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961-1966; CBS-TV).

"Leave It To Beaver" (1957-1963) probably comes the closest to the Van Dyke Show in all of the above-mentioned regards, in my own personal opinion. "Beaver", like Mr. Van Dyke's series, is a TV show I never get tired of watching. And I doubt I ever shall.

The cast of the Van Dyke Show will forever remain one of the very best ensembles placed on a TV soundstage -- Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Carl Reiner, Richard Deacon, Jerry Paris, Ann Morgan-Guilbert, and Larry Mathews.

Mr. Van Deusen has developed friendships with all of the surviving cast members, which he warmly relates in this book. I envy David greatly. :)

Perhaps the best and most accurate reviews for this publication come from some of the actual members of the Dick Van Dyke Show cast. The two endorsements below sum things up pretty well:

"By doggedly going about contacting everyone ever connected with 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', David Van Deusen has unearthed information and anecdotes about those good old days and the good, young actors and directors who made it work. He has given me a second look at things that I was too busy to look at the first time around and I thank him and his book for affording me that rare and pleasant opportunity." -- Carl Reiner

"For any fan of 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', this book is a MUST read. David {Van Deusen} has captured the soul of each character to a 'T'. You will not be able to put this book down until you finish reading it. Enjoy all the wonderful memories!" -- Rose Marie

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Thank you, Mr. Van Deusen, for helping to keep the memory of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" alive as we proceed well into the 21st century. And I'd be willing to wager a closet-full of Kolac's and Lolac's walnuts that people in the 22nd century will still be watching (and enjoying) that TV series too. For, no matter how many years that go by, Mr. Van Dyke's program will never grow stale. After all, a truly fine wine only gets better with age.

Have you ever tripped over an ottoman? Or a MOUNTAIN? Ever get an overwhelming urge for walnuts (and then found you had no thumbs to help get them into your mouth)? Ever have one of those days when you keep hearing "Uhny Uftz" while tripping the light fantastic in Herbie's Hiawatha Lodge at Lake Sissy Manunu?

No??? Well then obviously you haven't seen the greatest TV show in the HISTORY of TV shows!!! The DICK VAN DYKE SHOW! And maybe this book is not for you. But for the majority of us intelligent, classy, sophisticated connosseurs of fine entertainment, this book is a MUST!

The author takes you behind the scenes of the Dick Van Dyke Show via interviews with it's top stars and crew. But these are no flashy Entertainment Tonight interviews -- these come straight from the heart, from someone who is a long-time fan, with an exuberant awe and appreciation not only for the brilliance and genius of each individual's talent, but a genuine loving curiosity about the stars and crew as fascinating individuals in their own right.

You will travel vicariously, via your host David Van Deusen, to places most DVDS fans never get to go -- on the set of the Dick Van Dyke Show, backstage at the TV Land Awards, the Dick Van Dyke Show Reunion, and even to Rose Marie's house!

This book was written with a lot of love -- and it shows! You'll feel it with every word. Sit back, relax and dig in!

Oh, and watch out for that ottoman! . . . and mountain! . . . and those damn walnuts! . . . Still got your thumbs? Great, they'll be helpful in reading this book!

What a wonderful book David Van Deusen has written. He loves this show and has such great respect and admiration for the cast and creators of "The Dick Van Dyke Show". He has allowed us to catch a glimpse of what it's like to set up a publication, meet many favorite stars and the troubles that arise in trying to meet them and the great adventure of writing it all down. This is a great read for anyone who loves classic television and "The Dick Van Dyke Show". David Van Deusen has been aptly named the Head Walnut. Thumbs Up!!!