Miniature Books

Although I'm a scientist, I harbor profound interests in a wide array of arts. I bought this some time ago just because the subject has always attracted me--ever since, at age four, I used to put on marionette shows for my grandmother with my six-year-old sister. The book is a breathtaking coffee table volume. The illustrations are gorgeous, the facts are interesting (the range of puppets is as comprehensive as the range of the theater arts), and one gleans a very solid understanding of the evolution of the art form from Blumenthal's comprehensive, largely chronologic, development. Buy this--whether to display or, in fact, to read--and you won't be disappointed. That is, unless you don't care a whit about puppets. But who among us was not moved by Ernie and Bert and such?

Travellers to, and scholars of, Japan have always marvelled at the wonderfully intricate and romantic Bunraku puppet theatre tradition.

However, few writers in the English language have ever gone beyond the form of the art which is known to us today to look at the root and branch of puppet tradition in Japan. Yet, though the Bunraku tradition can be said to be the ultimate evolved form of Japanese puppet art as a whole, in ignoring the traditions which gave raise to it students of the art are unable to appreciate some of the aspects of the art to their fill extent. This is why this work by professor Law is of such great import to the world of Japanese theatre arts. In deconstructing a single puppet theatre tradition - the Awaji Island school (possibly the oldest in Japan and probably the branch of the art from which most if not all later schools emerged) - right down to its most basic elements, the reader is made acutely aware of the fact that puppet arts did not spring into being, whole and immaculate, in the nineteenth century as some descriptions of the rise of Bunraku might have it, neither were they the product of the partnership of Chikamatsu Monzaemon and the Takemoto Theatre as other schools of thought maintain. Professor Law shows her audience quite clearly how and (the probable reasons) why puppet arts became important to the Japanese people and - which is more - why they retained their popularity long into the Early Modern era when such arts were being almost universally discarded or marginalized on the continent. She reminds us of the socio religious aspects of the art which have become so divorced from the very touristy puppet theatre traditions which form the of the Bunraku Association and presents to the reader physical evidence of the survival of other, older traditions which are equally deserving of study as the monotheistic National Puppet theatre (and, one might argue, which are far more deserving of recognition because of the way in which some of these traditions even now teeter on the brink of oblivion - driven there by the academic indifference of a century and more).

In brief then. A most marvellous book, which has opened up the world of Japanese puppet arts in a way never attempted before.

Clearly the most important work in this area of study for many decades.

In every way shape and manner, this book presents a sensible and balanced approach to the craft.

I was once a student of this unsung master of puppetry in North America. I could not give his book any higher recommendation than that it will serve as a masterpiece with which to gain entrance to the ancient world of puppet making.

Richard Dell dellrichard35@hotmail.com

"Quilts for Red-Letter Days" by Janet Kime is a pattern book that will inspire all quilters who are looking for a small quick project to celebrate various holidays from the traditional to the offbeat. Clear directions, color photos, and full-sized patterns all help to speed your chosen project to completion. Several techniques are used including Seminole piecing, rotary cutting, foundation piecing, shadow quilting, applique, patchwork, string piecing, beading embellishments and hand embroidery, even iron-on! There is something for everyone from beginner to expert. Even though this book was written in 1996, it is still fresh today. Each quilt is a 12" square and some of the designs are seasonal (instead of for a specific day) enabling you to decorate with them for a longer period of time. With 37 choices, you are sure to find several that will spark your imagination and creativity. You won't be able to make just one!

This little Gem of a book;only 2 3/4 X 3 1/4 inches and 127 pages packs a much greater impression of what America is all about than its tiny size would suggest.
America has been the guiding light in Freedom,Hope,Liberty and Justice throughout her short history. If one were to base their impression of America on how she is portrayed by much of the World's media,including that of America;they would have a totally misguided idea of what America means.
A read and reflection on the ideas put forth here describe what the true meaning of America really is.
Yes,there are many ,both inside and outside America who criticize and even hate America and all it stands for. Most of this hatred comes from countries,people,cultures and idealogies that are in complete opposition to everything that America stands for. Their experiences and history have been momentous failures and it must be that elements who adopt them can only develop hate for America and all that she has accomplished.
It is interesting that the text of this book was edited by someone with a name like Tara Ann McFadden,about as Irish as you can get.But then,aren't all Americans people who,either personally or are descendents of people who fled other countries where oppression and despair were the order of the day.

The book is filled with profound words from many people from many walks of life,many years both past and present,many who were born in America,many who were born elsewhere and even some who still live outside America,but understand what America is all about.
You will read ideas by people who represent what is the true meaning of America.Their names and dates are given;but the quote I believe
to be the most appropriate is the one on page 120 ,and is Anonymous .It could be by anyone who understands and loves America.

"When God made the oyster,he guaranteed his absolute economic
and social security. He built the oyster a house,his shell,to
shelter and protect him from his enemies...But when God made
the Eagle,He declared,"The blue sky is the limit-- build your
own house!"...The Eagle,not the Oyster is the emblem of
America."
The book ends up with a quote from John Adams (1735-1826) American President.

"I pray Heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house,and all that shall here after inhabit it.May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof."
--Engraved on the fireplace of the White House State Dining Room.
This idea has guided America since the beginning and is still her guiding light. Keep this thought in mind when you hear those who want to remove the words "In God We Trust" . With what would they replace them with?

This delightful, contemporary and classic treasury of quotations about the joys--and perils--of travel includes insights on the journey from famous travelers--words of advice and thoughts about going there, getting there, and coming home--from Spalding Gray, Anne Tyler, Isak Dinesen, John Steinbeck, and others.

I have read many books by O. Henry and think that the ironic twists that each story has leaves you laughing or thinking at the end. The Ransom Of Red Chief...haven't we all known someone(a child) like this at sometime in our life???Next time your child threatens to run away, give them this book!

This is a pretty, well-organized knitting journal. It strikes the right balance of fill-in pages with blank pages. There are quite a few pages of knitting graph paper in two sizes for designing your own patterns. There are needle charts for logging which needles you already own. I especially liked a section that allows you to fill in patterns you saw that you would like to (someday!) knit. I think I could fill all those pages immediately with those patterns I'm always searching for in back issues of magazines. Interspersed throughout are brief knitting quotes, including the charming little poem used to teach children to knit. All in all, a very practical and pleasing "blank" knitting book.

This book was splendid! It was georgeously created, and it the care the author and editor put into the making of this book shows on every page. The thing that makes this book unique is that every painting is shown IN COLOR--not black and white sections taking up half the book, etc. The paintings are also put on the page in a way that makes you focus on the genius of each and every one. It makes you realize that Renoir truly was a genius in his time. He was an original and stylish painter, and this book is a great tribute to him and his art---as well as a book that anyone, with art history knowledge or not, would enjoying having on both his/her coffee table and as a book to read and treasure!

This is the rule book that covers and expands upon the basic rules sold with the miniature starter kits. Included is detailed information and background on each of the major factions, units in those factions, and playing strategies. There is "history" information that details how the Earth and space colonies got to their current states in 2175. Also there are some stories within the pages that really help to give a "feel" for the future setting in Rezolution.

I am really impressed with the game system. It's fast and furious compared to a lot of other miniatures combat systems on the market. The game system lends itself to lots of variation is strategy between players. It also works off a "you move a unit, then I move a unit" style of turn system, so you won't find yourself getting bored while waiting for your opponent to move all their figures. The rules are easy to pick-up and I've been able to get friends playing smoothly within about 10-15 minutes. In addition to the regular combat there are rules for computer hacking which can be used for completing mission objects or it can be used to try and take over your opponents robots if they have any.

Also in the book are pages that give painting tips and ideas for designing terrain for your battlefields. Typical battlegrounds are 4'x4'. There are plenty of pictures of their miniatures to give you and idea of painting schemes and terrain ideas as well.

I highly recommend this game for anyone who enjoys miniatures combat, especially if you are looking for something in the cyber-punk genre.