Book Description
Churches and cathedrals were originally built to be read. They are alive with images and symbols--all of which are packed with meaning. But today few people, from regular visitors to tourists, truly understand the wealth of meaning in what they find there.
How to Read a Church is must reading for anybody who wants to know more about what they see in a church or cathedral. It explores the principal features of churches and what each represents. It also explains: " the significance of church layout " the importance of such details as the use of colors or letters " the identity and significance of people and scenes " the symbolism of animals, plants, colors, numbers, and letters " the meaning of it all
In addition to exploring these brick-and-mortar motifs, the author also reveals fascinating and unexpected details such as how to 'read' the priest and the congregation, and he shows the varied ways that church architecture and appointments reflect the Christian year. From major themes to small but vital details, How to Read a Church will serve as a fascinating guide to the history, meanings, and messages of these beautiful buildings and the treasures they contain.
Customer Reviews:
Informed, well-written.......2007-06-07
This is a well-written, religiously neutral excursion of the visual symbols and elements of the Christian church, more or less as it exists today and leaning somewhat to the Anglican church. It is not a history of Christian church architecture or symbols through the ages though the author seems to be fairly conversant with the relevant art history. It is no more or less than a brief description of what is behind what you'd see in an English church, with accounts of the lives of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Peter and all the rest, in case you know absolutely nothing.
The charming churches the author is most familiar with are relics, and efforts like this one that may in some way preserve them are good. They, the churches of the past, are as much like America's mega-churches as flowers are like asphalt. I don't know if they have mega-churches in Europe. I don't think so. They, the mega-churches, help us envision the utter banality of the age to come. And what a long way we have traveled since Chartres.
The author is studiously non-evangelistic, which is good, but one feels the absence of faith in or hope for anything beyond the obvious at all. It is really a rather light-hearted anatomy of Christian churches lacking souls. Without the inner aspiration to meaningfulness, without the generations of people who at least sometimes wished to live as Christ taught, it's all rather hollow.
Interpreting art and architecture.......2007-06-05
Ever wonder why some saints in paintings and sculpture have square haloes? Why columns have foliate capitals? And what are all those hand signals? Richard Taylor explains in How to Read a Church, written not as a scholastic thesis but as a general guide for lay persons. The basic layout of churches, the number and placement of stained glass windows, the grouping of figures and how to identify who's who - all of this can be helpful in figuring out what the builders and decorative artists were trying to convey to those viewing and appreciating the results of their labors. The book works as a resource, and does not have to be read from cover to cover. Individual chapters, such as that on styles of crosses, can be read separately and perused at leisure. Nice resource.
Terrific resource.......2007-03-07
Taylor's book is a terrific resource explaining a much misunderstood subject. Churches are indeed designed to be 'read'; to be, in the words of another reviewer, "a feast for the senses." Taylor explains that classical church architecture reflects the understanding that a church is a ship (the word 'nave,' referring to the interior of a church, is from the Latin 'navis' for ship) sailing the faithful to a New Jerusalem, led by their 'captain' priest. Rich eucharistic symbols like the pelican, a bird which feeds its young with its blood, are explained in detail. Were more people to absorb the lessons of this book, we perhaps would see an end to the artless, crude church designs that have dominated over the past 40 years.
a misnomer of a book.......2007-01-10
While the contents of the book are most interesting the author does not deal at any length with the specifics outlined in the title. The bulk of the text deals with in-depth explanations of various bible characters and stories. The couple of line drawings towards the end of the book show captions to explain various parts of the garmets illustrated but NOT all of them are explained and then other descriptive words are introduced which are not shown on the illustrations. I did read the entire book and it was rather a disappointment.
Point of Clarification.......2006-06-17
I've not yet finished the book, but early on Mr. Taylor mentions that the "Catholic Church 'banned' the Latin Mass in order to increase participation by the laity.
Whatever the high points of this book may be, the Church never "banned" the Latin Mass. In fact, the Second Vatican Council, which ALLOWED for some parts of the mass to be translated into the vernacular, also encouraged local parishes to catechize (educate) their members in the basic Latin prayers of the Mass so they could participate. It appears that it was easier to translate the mass into dozens of different languages than it was to get Catholics to learn a few phrases and prayers in Latin. At any rate, the Latin Mass is still celebrated with great enthusiasm and beauty in parishes all over the world (unfortunately some of them are schismatic, but many are in communion with Rome). As for the vernacular mass, "full and active participation" is a rarity in most parishes.
Pope Benedict has reiterated this call for Catholics to learn some of the basic prayers in Latin so that in this truly global society we may pray together with one voice.
Back to the book - Mr. Taylor's premise is dead on; Churches were meant to be read - to create a feast for the senses and create an atmosphere of awe and sanctity. i look forward to finishing the text, and perhaps using it as a textbook for a class.
Book Description
This unique book gives beginning muralists everything they need to paint large, beautiful murals that fool the eye and stir the soul.
Charles Grund takes the fear out of painting large murals by starting with the very basics. Full-color, step-by-step instructions give decorative painters and do-it-yourselfers the confidence and control they need to:
-Choose subject matter and source material -Create working sketches -Select materials and prepare the wall surface -Scale the design to fit the wall -Achieve proper perspective -Transfer designs to a wall
In addition to detailed chapters on the essentials, this guide includes 11 step-by-step projects with a range of themes suitable for almost any room. Projects feature scenic vistas with rolling hills, blue skies and classical architecture; floral garlands, vines and swags; trompe l'oeil objects; woodland scenes; animals and garden birds; and playful themes for kids' rooms.
Customer Reviews:
something better.......2006-04-21
Although this book was visually nice to look at I found it lacked in teaching me how to paint murals. I have stumbled across a great site that has free tutorials on it. I hope you find this helpful. The site is [...]
Great inspiration.......2005-08-16
We went to a home tour which included murals by Charles Grund. Wanting to finish one I started, I thought I would be inspired to complete it with a look at more of his works.... and I was!! I only wish there were more tips for painting techniques included.
an OK how -to-book.......2005-07-20
As a decorative artist I can say this book has it's good and bad points.It has some good step by step action for begginers, but it's just bluh.The colors are bluh, Mr Grund knows how to paint though, and teaches You a couple of tricks,but never the less, it is lacking something.LIFE.The paintings are all well done, yet they aren't really alive.But at the same time,everything is nicely done, well researched,maybe it's just how the pictures are photographed...It is a good reference book to have, but not too inspiring.
Joseph Brown's opinion:.......2003-05-26
This is a good book that gives the general idea of how to paint a mural but technique is only lightly touched upon.
Book Description
Clear, step-by-step instructions for 50 stunning mosaic designs are included in this guide to mosaic creation for the home. Novices and seasoned mosaic artists alike will enjoy this fresh take on the art form and the thorough demonstrations of core techniques—from choosing materials and utilizing correct tools to applying grout and making the best use of color. Designs include magical nursery murals featuring castles, jungles, or pirate ships; bathroom panels depicting refreshing ocean scenes; and trompe l'oeil views perfect for kitchens. Suggestions for using found objects, such as pebbles, shells, and old pottery, to add further interest and originality to the finished piece are also included.
Product Description
It is rare for such a perfect instructional book to come along. In this comprehensive guide, the author reveals how to create image and emulsion transfers by providing both detailed instructions and descriptive illustrations that will make you a master of this intriguing process in no time. From the basics to the most innovative techniques, everything is explained and showcased in dozens of full- color images created by the author and 20 internationally known transfer artists and photographers.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Tutorial.......2006-09-07
This is a great book- full of artistic pieces and knowledge on how to recreate your own work! I wanted this book for a long time, found it on Amazon and paid a fraction of what I would have paid in the store!
Timeless Information.......2006-03-17
Though this book was published clear back in 1997, the information is timeless. I tend to shy away from older how-to books, but this is a great book to add to your art and craft library. I wish all how-to books were this thorough and informative. You get your money's worth here.
The only book on this you will ever need!.......2005-12-15
I've been wanting both of her books for awhile now and I finally splurged and got both of them (the Polaroid Manipulations book that concentrates on the SX-70 manip process).
When I first flipped through this book I was blown away and amazed by the content. This book is the number one resource for helping you along with your Polaroid transfers and emulsion lifts. It is HIGHLY informative. The author guides you step by step and even provides some background information on how the processed were discovered. She also offers a lot of inspirational material in an advanced techniques section of the book. At the end of the book there are artist galleries with drop-dead-gorgeous work!
I recommend this book highly to anyone who wants to get into the alternative processes with the Polaroid medium. Don't hesitate... get a copy today!
Very well constructed.......2004-01-16
This should be in every Alternative Artists(Photographer) library. Well written, excellent examples and very comprehensive. You should be able to flourish in the medium after experiencing this book. Kathleen has consolidated a concise book that brings it all together. A value to all.
Great information and images.......2003-01-15
Very useful book for those of you starting out with image transfer or emulsion. Easy to read with a great artist section.
Average customer rating:
- The not instant story of instant photography
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Land's Polaroid: A Company and the Man Who Invented It
Peter C. Wensberg
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin (T)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Insisting On the Impossible : The Life of Edwin Land
ASIN: 0395421144 |
Customer Reviews:
The not instant story of instant photography.......2007-01-27
Across America and the developed world the name Polaroid remains familiar. Over a certain age the product identification of Polaroid Land Camera has recognition. But among that older group, probably not one in ten will know that the Land part of the product name was the name of the man who invented the cameras. More to the point, the man who envisioned the concept of instant photography and worked for decades to invent instant film. Who founded a company during the Depression unlike any other in America. Who was second only to Edison in the number of patents he held. Who was a true American icon.
Edwin Land played a large part in his own anonymity. He valued his individual privacy only slightly less than his family's, about which he was adamant. He sought the limelight, or at least accepted it, only to promote his inventions at crucial moments.
Peter Wensberg tells this sometimes technical story with the skill of a novelist, with a structure that evokes from the reader a genuine excitement about a man who not so much discovered the future as he did imagine it, and then invented it. Wensberg compellingly gets us inside Land, to whatever extent that was possible, to illustrate a true genius driven to go forward, leaving behind the beaten path, or indeed any path at all.
In Land we see the familiar pattern of genius, of people like Linus Pauling or Richard Feynman - an early identification of their quest, a self confidence both underlying and overriding, and the implicit knowledge that the quest will not be had within convention. Just as important, Wensberg gives an account of Land's technology that illustrates the decades of hard work that go into the consumer technologies we take for granted.
Land, though often reticent and inaccessible, inspired men, and very early on women. He caused people to leave good jobs for the opportunity to work for his unique company. He got from people far more than they thought they could give, and often in an astonishingly short time.
Land pioneered fair wages and equal treatment at a time when people would take any job at any pay under any conditions. His defense work in World War II saved countless lives. He committed his company to diversity long before that notion reached a level of political necessity.
This is a story about an American at his best.
Average customer rating:
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Polaroid (MA) (Images of America)
Alan R. Earls , and
Nasrin Rohani
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0738536997
Release Date: 2005-08-30 |
Book Description
Edwin Land and Polaroid, the company he created in the 1930s, have spawned many bold scientific innovations over the years. Most of them led quickly to unique commercial products. Best known for revolutionary instant photography systems, Land and Polaroid also achieved miracles in light-polarizing technology that is embedded in many of today's consumer products. During World War II, Polaroid manufactured and created a large array of products for the U.S. military; later, Land's top-secret cold war initiatives led to crucial intelligence breakthroughs. Polaroid features images of signature innovations, scientists, and photographers who pioneered the use of Polaroid film.
Amazon.com
If the pace of your life or depths of your depression leave you lacking in body and soul, this book can help you feel whole again. Jennifer Louden encourages you to assemble and draw on personal rituals, journals and sanctuaries that can add comfort and breathing space to your life. Some are obvious (herbal baths, flowers) or seem too silly, New Age, or time-consuming to tickle every fancy (blow bubbles in traffic jams, chant affirmations). Many more seem sublime and creative. But that's her point: pick and choose what works best for you, but do take some actions to make your life happier.
Book Description
Provides an illuminating explanation of the origins and meaning of romantic love and shows how a proper understanding of its psychological dynamics can revitalize our most important relationships.
Customer Reviews:
much needed.......2005-11-20
I am another who bought *another* copy of this book...someone borrowed mine and I never got it back. Sometimes we need reminded of the little things. This is full of ways to do that and some may sound silly but it works. Have it on gift lists for a few people I know.
writing instructor for healing and self-discovery.......2005-02-28
I keep buying this book over and over - I have given it to friends in crises and at turning points. I can't say enough good things about The woman's comfort book. It is a resource that you will never tire of!!
A treat!.......2003-05-20
I must have given this book half a dozen times as a gift to friends or family members who were in need of a little nurturing, or who needed an excuse to spend a little more time on themselves. This book has dozens of ideas for activities to help you through a day, and even a little categorized index to look for a project based on how you're feeling at the moment.
A real treasure! Give it to a loved one by itself, or in combination with a nice journal or blank book and a couple of fun pens (I recommend purple), and she will know you care about her. Better yet, buy one for yourself.
Wonderful book!.......2000-03-29
This book helped me through a very difficult time in my life. It offers simple ways to learn to treat yourself well. Often women don't give themselves the time they deserve---this book definitely helps. Every woman should own a copy of this book.
Everyone ought to have this book!.......1999-11-18
This book was referred to me about 6 years ago by my psychologist I was seeing at the time. It is the most wonderful book I have ever owned. Guidance on how to comfort your self, mind, and soul from what you will need to get started, whether it is a candle, bubble bath, etc. To how to do the comforting! I have given a copy to all of my girlfriends! (I highly recommend all of Ms. Louden's books) Enjoy!
Average customer rating:
- Apache Skies
- To Die For...
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Apache Skies TPB
John Ostrander
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Blaze Of Glory: The Last Ride of the Western Heroes
ASIN: 0785110860 |
Customer Reviews:
Apache Skies.......2007-01-06
John Ostrander pens a very traditional Western tale here; his efforts are livened up marvelously by the art of Leonardo Manco, who turns a simple tale of vengeance into a visual extravaganza. The art makes a mockery of the cover price.
I loved John Ostrander's run on DC Comics' Suicide Squad, so I had no hesitation about picking out Apache Skies as part of my recent "Wild Wild West" focus when it comes to graphic novels. But, in a nutshell, the plot involving the Rawhide Kid tracking down Apache Kid's murderers--most especially the notorious Billly Tyler who is protected by his railroad tycoon father--unfolds in fairly predictable fashion, up to and including a final confrontation on a moving train travelling across a rickety wooden bridge. Things are slightly complicated by the fact that Rawhide Kid has a rival in revenge; Apache Kid's beautiful but deadly widow, is also out hunting widowmakers. But again, their reluctant collaboration on the project--a pact made literally while under fire--leads to the usual bickering standard to these sorts of partnerships. Things get more interesting and unpredictable when the pair are sidetracked by a different mission: liberate some Apache children who are to be packed off to a school that will assimilate them into Anglo culture. And then we have our fiery finale.
This story needed something more to shake it up a bit, and that doesn't happen. Luckily, the painted artwork more than makes up for a risk-free plot. The colours--the brown and steel of the clothes and weapons, the skin tones, the blood-soaked puddles--it all brings the action to life in dusty streets or while riding the rails. I guess if I want Ostrander complexity at its finest, I will reread Suicide Squad #s 53-57. Here the emotions are worn on leather sleeves, statements are made with bullets, and justice is done simply and swiftly.
To Die For..........2003-03-30
Leonardo Manco is one of th best unknown artists the world of comics has to offer. I followed his early work in Hellstorm when it was in still rough on th edges, but over the years he has evolved into an artist that is worth delving deep into his magic. His work on Blaze of Glory was excellent. His pencils, sharp and crisp, truly capturing the essence of the wild wild west. In the sequel, he shifts gear and goes for the painted approach rather than the pencils and he just keeps getting better and better.
Apache Skies takes off at a time later than its first part, Blaze of Glory. While, the first had an all out cast of heroes, the showcase here is mainly on one, the Raw-Hide Kid. Following the death of his partner, the Apache Kid, Raw-Hide seeks retribution on his friend's killers. Little does he know that Apache Kid's widow is alson on the hunt of those same men. Only when the two head on for a collision course, does the story pick up. Vengeance, anger and the fight for freedom are the driving forces of this chapter of Marvel's Wild West saga. John Ostrander creates a believable human story, but does not appreciate the buddin interaction betwen his two main characters. Delving deeper in this would have created a whole array of how even more exciting the road could have been.
Manco saves the day with incredible art. One thing that can be said that could be held against him is the fact that the colors are kind of on the darker side. You would need a good light to appreciate the details of the painted captions. Manco scores big with this one. Ostrander should leave more leeway for the new up and cominf writers to take over the helm of writing another piece of Western history. In the third part of this trilogy starring the Raw-Hide Kid, the creative team goes through a complete overhaul. It's sad not having Manco take over the art chores, but then again, like any excellent talent, he doesn't wish to be stereotyped as a Marvel Western artist.
All in all, this book captures the darker times of the Wild West. It's more than fair enough to say that it is treat not for just comic readers, but anyone who appreciates a good Western story.
Books:
- In A Mexican Garden: Courtyards, Pools, and Open-Air Living Rooms
- Inside the Bungalow: America's Arts and Crafts Interior
- Inside the Not So Big House: Discovering the Details that Bring a Home to Life (Susanka)
- Interior Graphic Standards
- Interior Lighting, Fourth Edition
- Isaak Levitan: Lyrical Landscape
- Lake|Flato: Buildings & Landscapes
- Learning Construction Spanglish
- Learning from Las Vegas - Revised Edition: The Forgotten Symbolism of Architectural Form
- Life in the English Country House: A Social and Architectural History
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