Book Description
The “Wu Family Shrines,” one of the most important cultural monuments of early China, comprise approximately fifty stone slabs from the so-called Wu cemetery in Shandong province. Depicting emperors and kings, heroic women, filial sons, and mythological subjects, these famous carved and engraved reliefs may have been intended to reflect such basic themes as loyalty to the emperor, filial piety, and wifely devotion; centuries later, they vividly bring to life the art, social conditions, and Confucian ideology of the Eastern Han.
This generously illustrated book examines the stone slabs and their rubbings as artifacts with a complex cultural history from the second century to the present, and addresses questions about the traditional identification of the structures as Han dynasty shrines of the Wu family. Written by a team of distinguished scholars in the fields of Chinese art and history, the book includes a novel examination of Han burial items in relation to burial belief, pictorial carvings, and funerary architecture.
Book Description
Dictionary provides Arabic to English translations.
Customer Reviews:
How to use the Arabic-English part?.......2007-03-19
The fact that this dictionary is in romanized Arabic is a positive aspect for beginning learners of the language. Beginners can make much more progress with the aural-oral aspects of the language and understanding of the grammar if they can learn the language in a familiar orthography. Also, since the Arabic script is basically phonetic (unlike Chinese, for example), the written form can always be learned later.
On another positive side, in both the English to Arabic and Arabic to English parts of this dictionary, there are many useful examples of how entries are used in REAL sentences. This is very useful to the learner, and helpful in expanding one's vocabulary and general idiomatic knowledge.
Unfortunately, this dictionary has a couple of major problems, as I see it, at least for the learner. The first thing is, in the English to Arabic portion, it gives the "third person singular form of the perfect verb", which seems to be standard, but I think for the learner's sake, the third person singular of the IMPERFECT form of the verb should also be there. It does not appear to be the case in this dictionary. One needs BOTH forms to be able to conjugate verb forms in both of the Arabic "tenses".
Secondly, the Arabic to English part of this dictionary appears to be a version of some very old dictionary that has been "resurrected". Instead of doing whole words with their attendant vowels, only consonants are given, so when you go to look up a word, you have to first think what the first two or three consonants are in the word, and then begin your attempt to find the word.
Unfortunately, most of the words I tried to look up in romanized Arabic were not in the dictionary; very common words, in fact. So I am not sure what the authors are thinking of with this half of the dictionary. Quite frankly, I don't understand how it is used, and there don't seem to be any instructions on how to do so. Of course I am just a beginning student of the language, so maybe I am missing something here. It makes me want to contact the authors for some sort of explanation.
I think the Arabic to English portion of this book should be arranged like, for example, like the Erwin vocabulary lists at the end of his course on Iraqi Arabic. (an excellent work on learning Iraqi Arabic, by the way.) (The Alkalesi book "Modern Iraqi Arabic" is also quite good.) In other words, put the romanized Iraqi words into a "normal" dictionary format instead of whatever this book presents with the three consonants. I know for this learner, this is a very difficult book to try to use to look up words in romanized Arabic.
Dialect.......2005-09-18
This is a very useable resource. From a pragmatic perspective, if it works, don't fix it. I agree it is difficult to deal with romanized script at first, but I'm leaning it.
If you are going to to spend time in Iraq or working with the dialect, this book fills a gap left between Hans Wehr and other MSA materials, and the basic Iraqi phrasebooks which are so easy to find. Highly recommended for all professionals in this field. The written examples included for each definition are particularly helpful, and give one a feel for how dialogue is structured in Iraq.
Very good dictionary of DIALECT.......2005-04-24
As much as I like to see words in the orginal script, you are unfortunately at a loss if you do not already know the basics of the dialect when you see the words written in Arabic script. As others have noted, probably the best way for dialect to be represented is either by a set of roman letters or by an internationally accepted script based on Arabic. Since the latter is a bit advanced for most non-native Arabic or Farsi speakers, the system in this book is the best alternative.
To illustrate, take the basic word for "coffee," a simple, universal concept in the Middle East.
In MSA, it's Qahwa
In Hijazi and other Gulf dialects, it's Gahwa
In Syria and Lebanon, it's 'Ahwa.
But in arabic script, they are all spelled the same.
If not for the romanized pronunciations, how would you know, unless you already had experience with those dialects?
Well, I have spent a year in Iraq and will soon spend another, so I look forward to putting this resource to good use.
Useful.......2005-02-06
I agree with another reviewer...it's more helpful to have everything written in Arabic. And, while the dialect is technically not a written language, there are ways to write it...modifications that have been made to aid in the pronounciation of the dialect while still using Arabic letters. That would be MUCH better.
excellent - for linguists, too........2004-04-30
Spoken Iraqi dialect is never written. Written Arabic is actually a different language, a scholastic artifact. Buy this book if you are working through a colloquial course or building vocabulary lists for specialized work with real Iraqis. Information not found ANYWHERE else.
Book Description
Beene by Beene is a journey through Geoffrey Beene's life in fashion, a 40-year exploration that was, by turns, visionary, witty, irreverent, iconic, and timeless. His work was of such powerful clarity, such complete complicity between form and function that it actually teaches us-as all works of art do-how to look. A defining American artist, Geoffrey Beene towers in his field.
Pamela A. Parmal provides a chronological survey of Mr. Beene's career as a fashion designer and discusses the evolution of his work. Chapters focus on themes or influences-Woman, Body, Fabric, Comfort, Geometry, Sport, Culture-that were a constant source of inspiration to the designer. Beene won the attention and admiration of other artists, and here we see his work through the eyes of renowned photographers and illustrators, even filmmakers and choreographers.
Geoffrey Beene died in September 2004, before this book could be published, but he was intimately involved with its creation, including the editing of the text, the photo selection, and the book design. The book itself is as tailored and soignée as Mr. Beene's couture, as it looks back at his long and distinguished career.
Average customer rating:
- Great photos, but not much biography on Mr. Beene...
- Great photos, horrible text.
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Geoffrey Beene: The Anatomy of His Work
Brenda Cullerton
Manufacturer: Harry N Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Fashion Design
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Beene by Beene
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Beauty and the Beene
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Halston
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Gres
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Balenciaga and His Legacy: Haute Couture from the Texas Fashion Collection
ASIN: 0810931419 |
Customer Reviews:
Great photos, but not much biography on Mr. Beene..........2001-02-20
As this is one of the few books available on the artistry of Geoffrey Beene, it is both a welcome addition to the world of fashion-photography books and sadly, a very weak treatment of the how-and-why of his work. The photos are oversized and some are gate-folded, but there are not nearly enough to cover the breadth of more than 30 year's design that is Beene's history. He is and always will be apart from many American designers. His is a mixture of the ease/casual feel of sportswear, and at the same time, the epitome of the couturier/dressmaker's craft. Aerodynamic, sleek, modern, iconoclastic are just some of the words used to describe his vision. However, the publisher neglected to go into greater detail as to why Beene is described as such. It would have been helpful to read of his early days working in Paris couture workrooms picking up pins and assisting with the production of toiles. Such is one of the many stories that surround the Beene legend. The quotations from Beene himself are somewhat informative, but someone should write a definitive biography of his life and work in greater detail. A nice book to look at, but not much more.
Great photos, horrible text........1998-10-28
I'm surprised that Booklist calls the text of this book "witty and informative." I found the text to be the major weakness of the book. It's vague, rambling, and completely UNinformative. I didn't learn about Beene's background, education, training, or business. All I got was a lot of fashion-speak garble about his brilliance and genius. The writing is just really, really bad.
The most interesting part of the book is the final section, which is entirely quotes from Beene himself. The photos are lovely, but 120 is too few to give a good overview of Beene's work; he has been designing for 30+ years and must have designed hundreds or even thousands of garments by now. This book shows too few of them.
Overall, this book was disappointing.
Average customer rating:
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John Le Carre (Twayne's English Authors Series)
Lynndianne Beene , and
Lynn Beene
Manufacturer: Twayne Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
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20th Century
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General
| Criticism & Theory
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ASIN: 0805770135 |
Average customer rating:
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Solving Problems in Technical Writing
Peter White
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
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ASIN: 0195053311 |
Average customer rating:
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Decoy Ops: Fighting Street Crime Undercover
Charles Beene
Manufacturer: Paladin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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| Crime & Criminals
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ASIN: 087364669X |
Book Description
An eye-opening look at how and why street-crime decoy units work, complete with photos of actual decoy ops in progress.
Average customer rating:
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Dining in Spain
Gerrie Beene , and
Lourdes M. King
Manufacturer: Tuttle Publishing,US
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Baking
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ASIN: 080480138X |
Customer Reviews:
Cheeky Spy Fun - a Pure and Simple Blast.......2007-08-21
I can remember distinctly when Danger Girl came out, one of the premier series of Image's "Cliffhanger!" imprint (along with Ramos' "Crimson" and Madureira's "Battle Chasers"). Danger Girl didn't last long - only seven issues came out before the series proper was cancelled, but what a ride it was. Danger Girl, created by writer Andy Hartnell and artist J. Scott Campbell (of Gen 13 fame) follows the exploits of a group of female spies and adventurers on the trail of some superpowerful artifacts; the only problem is, a superpowerful criminal/political organization, The Hammer, is after them as well. Super high-octane spy fun ensues as a result.
What's surprising about this comic is, with a hokey premise like the one above, just how rip-roaring good it really is. At first blush a product of the mid-1990s "Bad Girls" craze (the main characters are attractive female spies in revealing costumes...hence the title), Hartnell and Campbell combine an obvious love of a good old-fashioned action yarn with pieces of 70s and 80s nostalgia - references to and influences from many pop culture institutions abound, including Star Wars, He-Man, James Bond, G.I. Joe, and many more. There are also ingenious homages to Raiders of the Lost Ark: a car-chase scene near the beginning of the volume (including a very familiar covered cargo truck...) and the climactic scene at the end are pitch-perfect tributes to that seminal action film that will leave readers smiling. Campbell's artwork is another reason to give this comic a chance: walking the fine line between cartoony and stylized, his characters are expressive and relatable, his backgrounds detailed, and his grasp of anatomy highly intuitive. Very much recommended.
It's definitely been done before and probably much better..........2007-02-08
But the attitude, dialog, and art in this series truly wins me over in a way that no other graphic novel has. I'll admit to not at all being a comic book junkie, but I do have a collection of close to fifty. I've never read a comic that sucked me in as fast as this one does. The vibrant coloring, extremely cliche and lame one-liners, and incredibly gorgeous women make this a very fun, very enjoyable read for any kid over 13.
I'd definitely rate the content of this book a PG-13 though, because there are a LOT of shots which show off 98% of the girl's bodies. Truth be told, those shots weren't really necessary for me because I enjoyed it for the action and humor, but I suppose there had to be a draw for the average, acne-ridden, comic book reading teenager that they wouldn't get from other comic books. And Abbey and the girls definitely do not disappoint in this area.
As a fan of a like-minded TV show called She Spies, I love this comic and would recommend it to anyone I know to be a fan of light fun reading. The action and humor is none-stop in this book. The only thing I didn't really like was the sub-plot involving "mysterious" male character "Zero". He really WAS a "zero" in my book as I couldn't bring myself to give a crap about him.
Anyway, if you ask me, this series is begging to be turned into a summer blockbuster film and I've actually begun writing a script for it. Probably doesn't mean squat since I'm not at all affiliated with hollywood, but the fact remains that I'd really like to see this series get the big-screen treatment.
To me, this graphic novel perfectly embodies what comics are meant to do. It pulls the viewer into a whole other world for the span of about an hour.
Superbly Entertaining.......2005-06-09
What's included:
Introduction by "Evil Dead" Star Bruce Campbell
Introduction by Danger Girl Creator/Artist J. Scott Campbell
Danger Girl Preview
Danger Girl 1-7
Cover Gallery containing all regular and variant covers
5 Page Danger Girl Sketchbook
Danger Girl is a wonderful world of action and adventure told through beautiful artwork and a story that is just plain fun. It follows adventurer Abby Chase as she is recruited into the female secret agent team known as Team Danger Girl in their attempts to stop an evil terrorist threat to the world from a neo-fascist organization called The Hammer Empire. This trade collects the first and really only good Danger Girl story as most of the one-shots that followed where done by different artists and were not up to par.
Like all the Image books of the 90's, most people paid attention to Danger Girl because of J. Scott Campbell's artwork as he was already famous from the comic Gen 13. But unlike previous Image comics that relied on art, Danger Girl and the other Cliffhanger Comics, Battle Chasers and Crimson, actually had a story that was bearable to read.
Danger Girl is heavily influenced by Campbell's love for the movies, and fortunately his love for downright entertaining movies such as Indiana Jones and Back to the Future. While the story resembles Charlie's Angels, True Lies, or a James Bond film more, it holds the feel of all those entertaining and fun adventure and spy movies by not taking itself too seriously.
A particularly enjoyable element to the comic is the "Previously in the pages of Danger Girl" page that begins each issue of Danger Girl. In just one page, the creators recap the last issue, throw in some funny captions, and always use a "cliffhanger" by warning of our heroes' "apparent DOOM!" These recaps have the campy feel of old TV shows like Bullwinkle and the Adam West Batman when they would preview the next episode.
What adds to the story-telling is Campbell's artistic style that is influenced by animation which gives the characters movement and expression rather than just magazine poses. Campbell also uses many widescreen panels along with well-timed close ups to show that he really had the cinematography of the story in mind when creating Danger Girl to make it feel like an action movie.
The weakest part of Danger Girl: The Ultimate Collection is the 5 page sketchbook in the back. It is interesting to see some inner-workings of Campbell's art, but it is not nearly enough for fans of his work. These sketches and many others can be found in "J. Scott Campbell's Danger Girl Sketchbook."
All in all, Danger Girl is a fun comic that strays away from the superhero theme and actually puts a little comedy into a "comic" book. The art is great and the story is entertaining. Take Danger Girl for what it is and don't take it too serious because it doesn't take itself that serious.
Dangerous curves ahead..........2004-03-27
The tone of Danger Girl falls somewhere between a wry pastiche and loving celebration of all things 'spy' - at once ultra-cool, and uber-camp, spectacular and cliche, tantalisingly sexy and good clean fun. The stylised, gorgeously colorful pages positively ooze action, and the cinamatic layout draws you the delightfully exciting and improbable world of Abbey Chase, renowned explorer and rogue. Like any Bond film worth it's salt, the plot kicks off with a (literally) explosive opening sequence in which Abbey, with Indiana Jones' determination (and Lara Croft's bosom) chases down a lost artifact and is introduced to covert crime-busting team, the Danger Girls - fronted by the mysterious 'Deuce' (a witty and adroit caricature of Sean Connery).
It seems as if every page that follows is riddled with references to other spy and action thrillers, from shiny gadgets to pithy one-liners (usually delivered mid-battle, or following a sticky demise) and constantly treads the line between gentle ribbing and heartfelt admiration - it seems pretty clear that this is the world that J. Scott Campbell would inhabit if he could (probably with his own island fortress and buxom bodyguards). Its hard not to grin at the pure exhilarating pace, peppered with set pieces that would honor any summer blockbuster, and I frequently chuckled with delight at the plot-refreshers between each chapter (in my head they were narrated by James Earl Jones, and prefixed with 'Previously, on DAAAANGER GIRL!).
Having been indoctrinated into the team, we chase Abbey and her Danger Girl chums as they battle across Europe in defiance of the evil Hammer Empire - a neo-fascist regime with dreams of world-domination (seriously, are there any neo-fascists out there content to just read the paper and watch Jeopardy?). Cue car chases, romantic interludes, gun, knife and fist fights and of course plenty of heaving chests crammed into leather catsuits. Every frame is furiously detailed and, as I mentioned earlier there is sufficient skin on display to induce the loosening of collars - though in a James Bond-ish, PG13 kinda way. Aside from the pneumatic qualities of its Heroines, the artwork is simply superb, and its gratifying that every page is treated with the same glamor and sharpness.
In keeping with its big-budget movie cousins, the plot really isn't that unique, and the twists and turns didn't leaving me shaking my head. Still, it all fits perfectly as a 90 minute popcorn-munching ride, and this edition features some bonus artwork (cover art, conceptual sketches etc), plus a forward by Bruce 'Evil Dead' Campbell which sets the tone nicely.
If this was a film it would be produced by the Wachowski brothers, Directed by John Woo and star Jenna Jameson and Angelina Jolie. As a graphic novel, I heartily recommend it to comic-fans, newcomers alike, and anyone else who could use a bit of Danger in their lives.
Differences.......2003-10-31
What are the differences between this Danger Girl title and the upcoming one: Absolute Danger Girl, except the price? In other words will the latter feature everything or nearly everything that this collection offers? So that it follows, is it worth buying both titles? Please note that I have taken into consideration the exorbitant price of Absolute Danger Girl and I still wish to own it if it happens to have mostly new material that can not be found in Danger Girl: The Ultimate Collection.
Book Description
Get Thee to a Punnery proves that the pun is mightier than the sword . . . and here are sidesplitting puns of every color, stripe and persuasion to suit every whim. Even if you don't know that your humerus is your funny bone, this is the book for you.
Customer Reviews:
Well Done!.......2007-01-07
Virtually a brand new copy that arrived in a timely fashion. A pleasure to do business with.
Puns from the Pun Pundit himself.......2004-05-22
The only thing more fun than reading Richard Lederer's book about puns and wordplay is going to one of Richard's lecturers and watching the words fly fast and furious. Sometimes, Richard appears on NPR, but until you can hear him live, "Get Thee to a Punnery" will be the best way to sample his intellectual brand of zany humor. This is one of those books that is just great for reading and laughing outloud, grabbing the arm of the nearest person and pointing to some really funny stuff. If you like word play and puns, this is the Mother Lode.
The punniest book you can find.......2002-11-01
I've had this book for 10 years and everytime I'm with a new crowd of people I bring it out, and soon after people are rolling on the floor. The funniest sections are "Prinderella and The Cince" and "Ladle Rat Rotten Hut". If you practice enough to read these aloud everyone will be amazed and entertained. The only down side is that there are alot of "un-funny" sections, but there are jewels sprinkled within, and for the price I would definitely recommend this.
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- Small Rocks Rising (Western Literature Series)
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Books Index
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