Paul Smith: You Can Find Inspiration in Everything*: (*and if you can't, look again!)

Book Description

Unlike any other fashion designer at work today, Paul Smith has managed to combine a flair for eccentric, subversive detail, a dedication to the highest standards of craftmanship, and a business and marketing sense that has made him simply the most successful designer in British history. But this publication is not a fashion monograph; it is not a catalogue of suits. Rather, imagine Paul Smith's brain on a page: cleverly original and often humorous thoughts and ideas, perfectly executed, not just on the back of a man or a woman, but in shop windows, in advertising campaigns, in toys, photographs, and souvenirs brought back from travels throughout the world that became the inspiration for the look of a season. Words and images crash together in striking contrast to reveal the passions and amusements of a designer committed to both modesty in his pursuits and stunning innovation. Designed by Alan Aboud, Art Director for Paul Smith for more than a decade, and with a slipcase designed by Jonathan Ive (famed designer of the iMac), this publication will bring together observations, images, and, in its own unique design and production, all of the extraordinary qualities possessed by Paul Smith himself.

Customer Reviews:

Watercolor for All.......2001-07-11

It is a very well written comprehensive guide to watercolor painting. It helps the beginner learn the art of watercolor painting . The paintings are invaluable tools to help you learn. It feels like it gives you a one-on-one lesson in art class. It is a fabulous book!

Oh my.............2001-02-05

Graeat! Quite inspiring. Got me painting more than ever. A must have for anyone interested in painting. Love it!!!

Good Basic Skills Guide.......2000-04-10

After seeing the number of painting books by Smith I took to him to be an authority. I found it straight forward and easy to follow. Lots of instuction and tips. A bit above the understanding level of my 7 year old daughter but perfect for me to graduate from painting by number. Seems to cover just about all one would neeed to know in order to take up the past time.

Book Description

Perhaps the most picturesque of all international cities, Paris is the quintessential walker's paradise, with architectural delights down every winding street. It is the city of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, of the Louvre and Monmartre. But, within its 20 concentric arrondissements are many surprises too, from glass office towers to jewel-box mansions to massive public buildings. The monuments, private houses, museums, hotels, and myriad other structures that make up the widely various neighborhoods of Paris have been captured here as never before, by photographers Jorg Brockmann and James Driscoll.

Each of the 1,000 photographs is accompanied by detailed and informative text recounting the history, significance, and the current state of each building. There are also neighborhood maps and fascinating sidebars and appendices, all adding up to an unprecedented view of a uniquely beautiful city that has captivated the imagination of world travelers for centuries.

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous.......2007-06-27

I love it!! It's very comprehensive and detailed, and the pages are big enough to accomodate all of the photographs and text. The quality of the book itself is also good.

For all Paris 's lovers.......2007-03-20

This book was given to me,along with the London's one.
One does not need to be an archictect or a professionnal builder to appreciate this masterpiece.
In the last 100 years, Paris has eluded any massive destruction and as such has kept its historic,poetic and romantic characters.
The book is precised,well mapped,and the photos are top notched.
It would not be easy to carry around while visiting Paris! however one can list ahead of time the buildings of interest.
the book is photographed and written, by three Americans, which makes it even more interesting ,with their artistic objectivity and a view with a non parisian or gallic optic.
well worth the investment,and a real treasure.

Who could have seen .......2007-01-11

all 1,000? No way. Too big to have as a travel companion but so many memories that it should be owned by everyone who loves Paris.

Ah Paris.......2005-12-17

This book is as wonderful as One Thousand Buildings of New York. Paris, like New York, is just full of amazing buildings, each one more interesting than the next. This book is comprehensive and covers an incredible amount of ground. Each building comes with a nice B&W image, along with a short, but well researched synopsis. I find myself going back to this book time and time again, just to admire the wonderful architecture. I recommend this book to anyone with a love for Paris, or just good books.

An outstanding and in-depth architectural survey.......2004-05-03

Kathy Borrus' One Thousand Buildings Of Paris isn't for the casual tourist of Paris, but is designed for the avid enthusiast of both the city and its architectural wonders. Recommended for both the architectural art library and the in-depth travel collection, this volume cover the range of Paris architectural history and style, with photographers Jorg Brockmann and James Driscoll outlining commercial, residential, and public spaces alike. An outstanding and in-depth architectural survey.

Average customer rating:

Great view of Paris
Please
An Exhibition Book That Does Justice to the Exhibition
A long-awaited but disappointing retrospective

Brassai: The Eye of Paris
Anne W. Tucker
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0810963809

Amazon.com

Brassaï: The Eye of Paris is both the catalog of an exhibition of Brassaï's photographs organized by the Houston Fine Arts Museum and a valuable biography of the artist. In 1932, only three years after he purchased his first camera (a Leica), Brassaï published a portfolio of 64 photos titled Paris by Night that caused an immediate sensation. His lively eye (seen in an enigmatic photograph at the beginning of the book) captured fresh, unique images of the city and its citizens. Fascinated by the underworld, he moved easily among gangsters and prostitutes in bars and bordellos; he was equally at home among the fashionable and wealthy, and just as devastating in his depiction of them. He used magnesium flares for low-contrast shadows, catching his subjects in natural poses at significant moments. The wide range of Brassaï's work is suggested by his formal nudes, which have an affinity with Edward Weston's, and his informal portraits, which remind viewers of Diane Arbus, who admired his work. Brassaï was a central figure in the intellectual and artistic circles of Montparnasse that made Paris the most exciting city in the world during the 1930s. In a long essay that includes lively anecdotes of the photographer's relationships with Picasso, Henry Miller, Kertesz, and many other luminaries, the author re-creates the aesthetic and philosophical ferment of the period. Brassaï: The Eye of Paris recognizes the artist's talents in five different media--photography, filmmaking, sculpture, writing, and drawing--but focuses on what he is best known for: lyrical and penetrating photographs of the City of Light. --John Stevenson

Customer Reviews:

Great view of Paris.......2007-03-31

The pictues are outstanding and the commentary very interesting. It is an excellent value and a great look at Paris in the Pre-WWII era.

Please.......2000-12-01

I am surprised that this book has gotten such mixed reviews here -- it is the definitive book on the subject. The essays are full of new information and elegantly presented. The design of the book, bleeds and all, remind me of the particular way Brassai made his books (which is why we care about Brassai today). The reproductions look like the original prints! The book is smart and real.

An Exhibition Book That Does Justice to the Exhibition.......1999-11-30

I saw this exhibition at the National Gallery of Art and bought the book. The exhibition blew me away and so did the book! It is the best exhibition book on photography I have seen. The print quality of the photographs is superb and the text is excellent. This book is a lesson in photography, political science, and sociology.

A long-awaited but disappointing retrospective.......1999-11-27

For lovers of great photography, one of the real gaps for a long time has been a monograph on this master of Euorpean street photography, whose images of Paris in the 30's in particular are among the greatest of their kind. Since the unfortuante deletion of the magnificent mid-80's reissue of PARIS BY NIGHT there has literally been nothing available except an over-priced paperback from Germany (I beleive) that has made its way to US museum bookshops and the like. What great news it was that Abrams, who are one of the best houses for this sort of thing, was publishing a major catalogue to accompany the travelling exhibit now at the National Gallery in Washington. The book was delayed several times earlier this year (no doubt to the chagrin of the museums the exhibit has already passed through) and has finally arrived in time for Christmas.

It is sad indeed to report that the book is a total disappointment- at least so far as the images themselves are concerned:

One: The source material and printing of the picutres are truly second-rate - without richness, luster, or dimension. Many look like photocopies from magazines or other books. They are oddly glossy but flat. Compare these to the incredible matte reproductions in PARIS BY NIGHT and the contrast between what can be done with with what is here is nearly heartbreaking.

Second: What is with the recent tendency to print photographs in an oversized, right-to-the-edges format with no sense of border or space to let the composition breathe and no sense of frame lines. The bleed-over simply kills the impact of many of these photogrpahs. It's a ruinous way to present great imagery. (It afflicts Abrams' new Bill Brandt book as well but to a lesser extent because the printing of that book is so much better.)

Third: There is very little that is new here. For such a major undertaking it comes across as a routine collection of well-known images, a greatest hits, that ends up delivering little emotional punch or insight into this great artist. Compare this to Abrams' own exhaustive works like Walker Evans: The Hungry Eye and you'll see what I mean.

Book Description

The Living in... series takes you on an armchair visit of the houses, gardens, museums and palaces of the world's most beautiful countries and cities. From Norway to Istanbul, from Portugal to London, discover the neglected treasures and hidden delights of regions which still harbor secrets to enchant even the most world-weary traveler. And for those inspired to visit, each volume includes an exclusive traveler's guide.

In Living in Paris, José Alvarez provides the context-historical, literary, artistic, etc.-while Christian Sarramon and Nicolas Bruant provide 400 color photos of the buildings, the interior design, the neighborhoods, parks, gardens, shops, ateliers, museums and hangouts preferred by those who live in the city of lights. The book ends with a lengthy Visitor's Guide listing addresses, phone numbers and descriptions for hotels, shops, restaurants, stores and more for each neighborhood.

Customer Reviews:

The Next Best Thing to Being There .......2007-02-13

Beautifully illustrated, this book takes you on a well organised journey through the main districts of Paris but also informs on a differnent asthetic level such as the essential spirit of this city as seen through its architecture and its culture. The grande old history from the baroque and ancient regieme onwards is elegantly sought out with a particularly interesting chapter containing old master craftsmen at their trades and where you might find them. This is a book that you can simiply sit down with and devour in a glutonous way. I found this book, when sitting in one of those well heeled, and gracious bookshops, that sell good coffee and deadly cakes! Long story short - Amazon to the rescue and I am now enjoying the glories of it's pages right from my armchair. For anyone who plans to visit Paris (like myself)and/or anyone who loves things of days gone by, and wants to do so in thier mind.... give this a look. It's cheaper than an airfare and nearly as good.

Armchair and Reality Paris.......2006-06-07

I bought this book when it first came out, as a friend was leaving that very day to go to Paris. It kept me going until I was able to make my first visit in 2003. I have made two more visits since then.

I still go back to it and tell friends about it. It is one of the best photographed Paris books that I own. It brings you and your armchair right into the best of it...and allows you to savor the beauty. Voila!!!

Ah Paris.......2001-04-25

I'm surprised the other reviewer only gave this 3 stars. I think the photograghy is sumptuous and the text is quite lovely. These are the spots I remember and go back to in my imagination.

It's The Pictures, After All.......1999-12-16

The photographs within these covers are gorgeous - it's a perfect souvenir of Paris. In fact, if you buy this, you can think about leaving your camera at home. The text, translated from the French (original title 'Art de Vivre a Paris') is a bit gushy, and you might wonder, as I did, how much has indeed been lost in the reinterpretation. Never mind. Living In Paris has been in and out of print, so when it's available, get it! It's still cheaper than taking 5 rolls of your own shots to the Fotomat. And these are the pictures you'll wish you had taken.

Average customer rating:

Disappointed
a lovely book and a good idea for a present
nice photos, atrocious text
like walking on the streets in France
Great Combination of Photos and Text

Entrez: Signs of France
André Aciman
Manufacturer: Artisan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Designage: The Art of the Decorative Sign

ASIN: 1579651704

Book Description

The signs of France are a gateway into a country proud of its artistic heritage—a past that reveals itself in every nuance of daily life.

Steven Rothfeld has been recording these images for decades, capturing the milky cornflower blues and faded yellows, the hand-lettered, the neatly printed, even signs made from blown glass and wooden carvings. Their uniqueness and the beauty and sensibility of these signs reflect the visual sense of identity that is France. Rothfeld's gallery is accompanied by acclaimed author André Aciman's text, transporting the reader fully to another world.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2003-10-31

I was disappointed with the book. I was expecting the book to have pictures of many beautiful wrought iron signs that are common in France. However, it only had one. Most of the pictures are plain text signs.

a lovely book and a good idea for a present.......2002-03-02

This book brought me back to the streets of the France I know. It is a perfect book to give as a present, the photos are excellent, the text is discrete and often brings a smile... the whole book is a delightful walk throughh the streets of France and a gentle and fun exploration of French life.

nice photos, atrocious text.......2001-12-11

The images are fine, but the text is the equivalent of hearing one of those obnoxious, ignorant and loud tourists babble endlessly about their bigoted views. Being a lover of France and having lived there for over 30 years I got this as a gift. It was only when I started to read the text that I started to think "hey, wait a second... what the hell?" Thankfully, not even insultingly dumb text can scratch the belle france. As the locals would say, "merde!"

like walking on the streets in France.......2001-12-02

This book offers us a walk through French streets, we are shown the signs on the streets, the shops, the doors. The photos are beautiful and the text adds meaning to our discoveries without ever taking too much place. I have lived in France and this book brought it all back.

Great Combination of Photos and Text.......2001-08-08

This book begins with a marvelous gimmick--the cover opens like the shutters of a window--but the contents far transcend this appealing trick. Rothfeld's photographs capture the beauty and sadness of old signs; they also reveal the pleasure of a well-composed artwork. Equally impressive, Aciman's text is lyrical and effective. It does a terrific job of not simply describing the photographs but instead giving a quick, sharp insight that makes you look at the photo in a new way. This is a truly rewarding book.

The Land of Ludwig II: The Royal Castles and Residences in Upper Bavaria and Swabia (Prestel Museum Guides Compact)

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The Land of Ludwig II: The Royal Castles and Residences in Upper Bavaria and Swabia (Prestel Museum Guides Compact)
Peter O. Kruckmann , Prestel , and Christopher Wynne
Manufacturer: Prestel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 3791323865

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European Photography Guide 6

Manufacturer: European Photography
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 3923283423

Book Description

The seventh edition of this essential directory offers the most comprehensive view of current European photography and photo-based art. Presenting over 2,600 individuals and institutions in 32 European countries, the guide includes detailed listings and descriptions of galleries and museums, magazine and book publishers, critics and journalists, schools and workshops, and associations complete with contacts. Organized primarily by country, an exhaustive index allows for complete cross-referencing. Each entry includes basic information such as addresses, phone and fax numbers, contacts, email and web addresses, and detailed information relevant to each category. This new and totally updated edition also includes information on grants, awards, festivals and fairs--and, for the first time, extensive coverage of auctions and bookstores. "European Photography Guide 7" is an incomparable resource for photographers, gallerists, curators, collectors, and world-travelers.

Astrophotography II: Featuring the Techniques of the European Amateur

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Astrophotography II: Featuring the Techniques of the European Amateur
Patrick Martinez , and Charles Miller
Manufacturer: Willmann-Bell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0943396131

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Barcelona Palimpsest

Manufacturer: Triangle Postals
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 8484781763
Release Date: 2001-08-31

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European photography guide

Manufacturer: European Photography
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 3923283059

Herrenchiemsee (Prestel Museum Guides Compact)

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Herrenchiemsee (Prestel Museum Guides Compact)
Prestel , and Elmar D. Schmid
Manufacturer: Prestel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 3791323784

Book Description

Justin has everything going for him, living a life of privilege amongst the city's hip and beautiful. Yet this whole world is turned upside down by a chance encounter with Aasha, his mysterious first love. What starts as a random meeting in a bar explodes into a dark and dangerous adventure ripping Justin away from the comfortable world he has always known and exposing a co-existing world of magic he has only ever seen as a glimmer in the corner of his eye. A world of rogue seers, sexy sword-wielding heroes, hard-to-kill ghouls, and lovelorn sorcerers. Now, a man who has prided himself on having no hassles or responsibilities is forced into a role he may have been destined to play.

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