French Modern: Art Deco Graphic Design (Chronicle's Art Deco Design Series , Vol 5)

Book Description

The fifth volume in Chronicle's Art Deco design series, French Modern is a sophisticated celebration of this exceedingly popular design period. As the birthplace of Art Deco, France offers a unique perspective on this extraordinary artistic movement. From fashion and wine to culture and industry, all aspects of French life in the '20s and '30s are displayed and interpreted in this rich compendium of highly stylized designs, including magazines, posters, brochures, and retail packages. Stunningly illustrated with a wealth of original artifacts, some never before seen in the United States, this affordably priced and exquisitely designed book will be an essential acquisition for collectors and designers alike.

Customer Reviews:

Buy This One; Buy 'Em All.......2003-02-04

This is another first-rate collection of deco commercial art that you wouldn't see elsewhere, and it proves that graphic design was in a kind of golden age at the time. The work here is rich and appealing, as in all the books of the series, and if you're a designer, you'll find it very inspiring as well, and a handy reference tool.

Book Description

In Acorn Lake, Minnesota, Lillian Anderson has reached the end of childhood still believing her much-adored mother’s worldview that life is a floating-wedding-cake fantasy fueled by love—that’s it, just love. She believes it even while naming every new pet right away, because anything without a name is likely to get eaten. She believes it in spite of knowing she needs to head home when hunters are hiding behind duck blinds with their shotguns loaded and the safeties off.

But clearly, not everybody is playing by the same rules as her mother, Marion, a resolutely optimistic roller coaster of a woman, equal parts mom, little girl and sexual goddess. Especially not her father, Jack, an easily ignited alcoholic with a talent for making the entire family feel as if they’re living beneath a clenched fist. When Lillian isn’t tiptoeing around her parents, she’s learning about life—and sex—from her two brothers and Mitzy (“My sister is the kind of girl who thinks letting Buddy Franklin fuck her in the Hoffmans’ hayloft is the same thing as a date”), and from her father’s mistress, Betty Boop, who tells her, “Once you learn how to cook and sew, hordes of hungry men will show up on your doorstep dragging gunnysacks full of mending.”

In a family scratching its way down a small-town social ladder, Lillian barrels from childhood into her early twenties with no illusions about her future, biding her time and honing her shorthand. But as she’s struggling to get on her feet and get out, her family’s house—built long ago on landfill hauled in to cover the marsh—is literally going under.

This is the irresistible debut of a writer with a hypnotizing gift for place and voice, and a singular talent for capturing the best and worst of rural life; in eleven linked stories she delivers up a character with the grit and sheer exuberance needed to appreciate the best and overcome the worst. Rich in emotion and brimming with wit, A Brief History of the Flood speaks to the question of whether it is possible, or even desirable, to leave the most troubled of family histories behind, and offers clear-eyed evidence that familial love, in even the most inclement circumstances, finds purchase in us, and persists.

Customer Reviews:

Pearl.......2003-09-25

In this mosaic of stories, Lillian comes of age and matures beyond her years, almost against her will. With an alcoholic father and a fragile, flighty mother, Lillian, with her siblings, struggles with her troubled family, and yet they all fiercely love each other, flaws and all. While this isn't a conscious feeling, it does crackle beneath the surface and colors the actions of everyone. Lillian navigates a lonely path encompassing sexuality and a yearning to be free. With a crisp voice and a vivid portrait of Acorn Lake, Minnesota, "A Brief History of the Flood" waxes almost nostalgic as it nudges the reader through these various tales that deliver a surprising portrait of a family unbalanced.

It's all about the writing, the writing, the writing.......2003-09-23

This book literally found me (and I must say that I am really glad it did.) I am still unsure how this slim little gift of a novel made it into my hands, but according to the Amazon.com reciept, it is a gift from the author so I figured: What the hell, I'll read this and see what I think. So, I cracked open the cover and was wonderfully entertained right up until the end.

Lillian Anderson is a strong-minded, fiery, wise-beyond-her years-girl who tells the story of her family, her perpetually run-down house and her life in rural Acorn Lake, Minnesota. Lillian begins narrating the story at the age of eight and it continues virtually seamlessly, with Lily's steady hand on the pulse of her family until the age of nineteen. Lily's mother, Marion is a neurotic, manic depressive personality who always has some wierd project in the works. Jack, Lily's Dad, is an alcoholic but no one ever talks in such negative terms. Marion seems to be able to put a positive spin on everything that's wrong, even her husband's years of substance abuse. Oldest child, Randy, (age twelve when the book begins is the dyed-in-the-wool peacekeeper of the family. Mitzy, the middle daughter, seems to see her mother for what she really is and is very bitter about it. Mitzy has no trouble saying what's on her mind and even at ten years of age is tired of ignoring the pink elephant in the living room. I am amazed that Lilian seems to be the only sane one in the family and has learned, (certainly not through example) to take care of herself. She has learned to become a mother figure for the youngest, Davey who is too young to understand the extent of the chaos in the family.

I love coming of age stories and this one was a very good one. It reminded me very much of ELLEN FOSTER by Kaye Gibbons and AMY & ISABELLE by Elizabeth Strout. The writing and the imagery and the lanuage of A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FLOOD were very high caliber. I will be watching for more from this author.

I wasn't bothered at all by the fact that this book was originally chopped up into several short stories. The stories came together so well and the novel made such an impact that I can't imagine it in any other form. Bravo to a wondeful new writer.

Simple, Honest Story Telling.......2003-08-07

The perfect choice for a book club looking for an undiscovered gem, this is a delightful read that is lean enough to consume in one sitting, or savor over a few days. It's a coming of age story told through the eyes of young Lillian Anderson, a girl growing up in the sixties in a small town in Minnesota. Chapters are short bursts of her life: her Mother's dramatic mood swings, her Father's alcoholism, first sexual experience, first job, first crush.All told with an honest intimacy that at times feels less like a novel, and more like someone's diary entries. Her heroine at times reminded me of Astrid in "White Oleander", and if that was a book you liked you'd probably enjoy this one as well. A well written, comfortable first novel.

Great writing, but why short stories?.......2003-07-11

I concur with the opinions expressed by the other reviewers. I casually picked this book up at the library as part of a stack of summer reading. It's such a joy to start a book with no expectations whatsoever and be so tremendously satisfied. I am a bit puzzled, however, at the author's choice of the short story format. Why write a series of short stories and then package them together chronologically this way, so that the result is an "almost" novel? Because each story is meant to stand alone, there is some repetitiousness in certain descriptions of people and places--yet we are obviously intended to read them as a whole. I'd be interested to know whether the stories were written and/or published individually, and, if so, in what order they appeared. Are you out they Ms. Harfenist? Please enlighten us!

Looking for a Summer Book Club Pick?.......2003-07-01

A Brief History of the Flood is that rare book that can't be put down, and one you'll want to read again and again. Like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, each chapter fits together with a satisfying click to reveal an insightful picture of an unforgettable family of unique characters. Read the excerpt and I guarantee you'll be captivated by Harfenist's voice, wit, and the wisdom that comes with understanding how we all grow up survivors of imperfect families. If you liked Mary Karr's memoir, The Liars Club, you will love this book. It may be billed as fiction, but it has the unmistakable ring of truth. Ironically, A Brief History of the Flood turns out to be a life preserver--reminding each of us how our unique childhood journeys help determine our destination in the world, and how understanding the past can buoy us in the present.

Background of Terror: Through history and religion in short brief!

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Background of Terror: Through history and religion in short brief!
Ole Borum Kristiansson
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0595417000

Book Description

Ole Borum, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark 1945,from the education in International Marketing, (MBA) and as Examined Exporter, the interesting for other culture, through religion and history, has take a part in his life.

He has written International Check-book, regarding Marketing on export market. The yellow regarding Counter and Barter trade.

If you don't understand the Terror problem in the world today you like million feel completely perplexed at a sudden turn of events.

The purpose of Background of Terror, is precisely to shed some light and to contribute the Middle East Terrors and War from a western point of view.

This is exactly what this book is all about.

A Blanchard memorial: Being a brief account of our ancestors so far as the writer has been able to trace them through the various branches back to colonial ... with a short history of our own family

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A Blanchard memorial: Being a brief account of our ancestors so far as the writer has been able to trace them through the various branches back to colonial ... with a short history of our own family
Arthur William Blanchard
Manufacturer: Mohawk Print
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008BB7OY

The Brief Compass: The Nineteenth Century German Novelle

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The Brief Compass: The Nineteenth Century German Novelle
Roger Paulin
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Israel | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

German | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

German | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The Novelle has always invited theoretical definition, as demonstrated by the important statements on its form and function by Goethe, Heyse, et al., reproduced in an appendix to this book. But Roger Paulin's purpose is to relate such theoretical discussion to the tradition whence the Novelle sprang, to examples of the genre written outside Germany (by such as Poe as Turgenev), and to the wider context of German literature in the nineteenth century. In short, he regards the Novelle both in terms of literary context and of individual practice, rather than as an abstract concept.

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A Brief History of Camouflage
Thaisa Frank
Manufacturer: Black Sparrow Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

United States | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Sleeping in Velvet

ASIN: 0876858574

Book Description

Fiction. Short Stories. Thaisa Frank writes of lives that brush up against one another, but cannot fuse because of their characters' reluctance to be known, reluctance to be loved. A BRIEF HISTORY OF CAMOUFLAGE traces loss of love, elided empathy, and persistent memory in the cycles of knowing and not knowing one another. "My mother fell asleep right away and an ineffable membrane opened between us. I felt her heart and breath, fueled by mysterious powers, love beyond her knowledge of it." (from "Night Visit"). Frank is also the author of SLEEPING IN VELVET and DESIRE, both available from SPD.

A Brief History of Male Nudes in America

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A Brief History of Male Nudes in America
Dianne Nelson
Manufacturer: University of Georgia Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

United States | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Collected here are 15 stories that explore themes of kinship. From a father attempting to kidnap his son from his estranged wife in "Ground Rules" to a teenage daughter hearing her mother making love in an adjacent bedroom in the title story, Dianne Nelson's characters reveal the haunting and sometimes comic dilemmas inherent in human relationships.

A Brief History Of Printing In England: A Short History Of Printing In England From Caxton To The Present Time

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A Brief History Of Printing In England: A Short History Of Printing In England From Caxton To The Present Time
Frederick W. Hamilton
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1430443782

Book Description

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

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Cool Book

A Brief History of Shorts
Joe Boxer Corp.
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Textile & Costume | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0811810046

Customer Reviews:

Cool Book.......2002-07-02

Ever since I can remember I have been wearing Joe Boxer boxer shorts. Reading this book was very interesting learning the history on what I have worn for the past 10 years ( I am 17 now)

I sag showing my joe boxers and reading a book written by the company of my favorite boxer company is great. A great read for something different.

Keep wearing your boxers proudly guys!
Chris

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A Brief History of Shorts
Chronicle Books LLC Staff
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Humor, Comics & Pop Culture | Bargain Books | Stores | Books
Beauty & Fashion | Health, Mind & Body | Bargain Books | Stores | Books
ASIN: B000H2N2RE

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A brief history of southern Alberta: "The short grass area"
F. W Gershaw
Manufacturer: s.n
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Canada | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007HMBOE

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Does not disappoint with either the laughs or the heart

A James Bond Angel and lots of kitty cartoons!

Another wonderful "Rose is Rose" book!

High-Spirited Rose Is Rose: A Collection Of Rose Is Rose Comics
Pat Brady
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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Rose Is Rose Running on Alter Ego (Rose Is Rose)

Rose Is Rose: 15th Anniversary Collection

Red Carpet Rose: A Rose is Rose Collection

Rose is Rose Right on the Lips: A Rose is Rose Collection

The Irresistible Rose Is Rose

ASIN: 0740723677

Book Description

What happens when a cartoonist incorporates story-line suggestions from readers and merges them with innovative artwork lauded by other cartoonists as among the finest drawn today' You get Pat Brady's Rose is Rose-the strip that's earned Brady legions of loyal fans and a nomination for Cartoonist of the Year four years running from the National Cartoonists Society.High-Spirited Rose is Rose is the fifth collection featuring the high-spirited high jinks of the Gumbo family-Rose, her husband, Jimbo, and her cherished son, Pasquale. We can count on the imaginative Rose, who lightens her household load by occasionally assuming an alter ego, Vicki, a black-leather-clad biker babe. This collection features original artwork sure to please fans. More than any strip today, Rose is Rose challenges its readers to relive their childhood feelings of wonder and awe. Brady began his beloved Rose is Rose strip in 1984. Today, the strip appears in more than 500 newspapers daily.

Customer Reviews:

Does not disappoint with either the laughs or the heart.......2002-09-09

High-Spirited Rose Is Rose is the latest collection of the "Rose is Rose" newspaper comic strip. An enjoyable romp with a loving mother who has a wild side that she imagines in biker leathers; an energetic young boy with his very own (highly protective) guardian angel; and the mild-mannered father who has his hands full just keeping up, High-Spirited Rose Is Rose offers the reader an emotional, joyful, exuberant, and celebration of everything from life's simple little pleasures to the daily struggle to balance independence, freedom, and personal responsibility. Very highly recommended reading, High-Spirited Rose Is Rose does not disappoint with either the laughs or the heart.

A James Bond Angel and lots of kitty cartoons!.......2002-05-02

I read this boook in a couple of hours. And I admit to read this again in a couple of days. The book as three major subjects, a guardian angel on disguise, a lot of litle fun cat stories and just fun cartoons. It is very unique on its way.

Another wonderful "Rose is Rose" book!.......2002-04-16

I've been a hug fan of "Rose is Rose" for several years now and this book continues the tradition. The book centers around the Gumbo family - Rose, Jimbo, Pasquale and Peekaboo. There are a couple other characters as well - Pasquale's Guardian Angel, Vickie the Biker (Rose's alter ego), and selfish cousin Clem.

The family's mild mannered adventures in everyday living are both sweet and endearing without being overly sentimental or sarcastic. They laugh, play, fight and makeup without ever forgetting they're a family and that's what is important. I think this volume has some of the funniest strips yet with Clem acting as the high priest of the snowball arts and Peekaboo's quest for sardines.

Book Description

Do you refuse to take the top newspaper on a stack (even if it's perfect)? Insist that the toilet paper hang "over"? Wait for the phone to ring at least twice before answering? You're not alone. Laugh and gasp at classic and unconventional quirks and idiosyncrasies revealed about food, money, sports, bathroom, clothing, sleep, germs and more. People do the darndest things!

Customer Reviews:

Crazy is as Crazy Does.......2005-10-20

I got this book a couple days ago, opened it up, smiled as I read about a guy who won't wear his shorts again for a very long time if he has a bad day at golf. I guess they're sort of bad luck shorts. I smiled, because I'm a bit like that. If I have a bad day I want to erase it from my mind, so whatever I had on when I say, crashed the Explorer into the next door neighbor's tree (true story) I won't wear again, ever. Yep, really bad day clothes get the old heavy ho, straight into the dust bin.

Fortunately most of my days are good, so I won't have to be doing a Lady Godiva bit in the cold winter weather.

This book is chucky jam full of people's stories about their little idiosyncrasies. Kid's aren't the only ones who do the darndest things. Big people are funny too. For example, I can't stop reading a book. Once started, no matter how awful, I plod on through to the end. Needless to say, I only start books I think I'll like. But movies are different. If I'm not satisfied with what's going on on the big screen, if it doesn't grab me, I'll get up and walk out. I won't waste my time in a bad movie, but I'll keep on with that bad book, go figure.

It's good to know that I'm not the only obsessive out there. Okay, I knew there were others, I just didn't know there were so many and that many of those idiosyncratic people could be so funny. If you are looking for something to grab when you head into that room with a bathtub in it, this book is perfect for that. You can pick it up and start reading from any page. A lotta laughs here. Also if you're looking for a gift in the ten to fifteen dollar range, look no further.

Reviewed by Vesta Irene

Everybody's a Little Crazy, I know I Am.......2005-10-19

I leave for work every day in a hurry. I only work ten minutes away via my aging VW Beetle, but I invariably get out the door with only seconds to spare. I get to the car, start it, then wonder, did I lock the door, and out I get and back I go to check. Every single morning. Of course, the door is always locked, but I always double check. On the plus side, I've never been robbed.

I'm a vegetarian and I eat with chopsticks, but they can't match, always one black and one read. My Japanese friends think I'm bonkers. And when I said I eat with chopsticks, I don't mean occasionally, I mean every day. If I can't eat it with chopsticks, I don't eat it. I'm a big fan of spaghetti marinara and you'd be surprised how easy it is to eat with chopsticks. Just takes a little practice.

So this little book was right up my alley, because it's full of people who have little quirks just like I have. Like the man who eats every dinner by candlelight, even if it's just cookies and milk. And the man who staples his money together and the man who won't wear any clothes that advertise their brand name on them, because the only thing he want to advertise is himself. Then there is the fisherman who won't fish unless someone else baits his hook and the man who holds his breath during elevator rides.

I could on and on, as this book is full of short clips about quirky people and I say that in a nice way, because we're all a little quirky when you think about it. I know I am. And I know you'll just love this book. There is a hundred and sixty-nine pages in it and a laugh on every one.

Reviewed by Stephanie Sane

Laughed my arss off funny!.......2003-06-14

What a great kicker for the middle of the day - opening this book and getting an histerical glimpse into my fellow man- and woman-kind - their wild and weird behaviors and habits. The best chuckles I've had all month.

Final words on the subject - Great stress reliever. Gotta have just for the laughs. (Wouldn't I have LOVED to been on that book's research team!)

Myshelf.com Book Reviewer.......2002-05-03

Within minutes of first opening Judy Reiser's AND I THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY! QUIRKS, IDIOSYNCRASIES, AND MESHUGAAS I found myself laughing out loud at the confessions revealed. In this delightful novel, you will find a treasure chest of some of the funniest, strangest, warmest, and touching ideas I have every heard of. What I found that made this book unique was that all the stories are based on true facts collected by the author. Over 2000 interviews were conducted in order to create this book and its sequel.

After reading this book, I must admit I felt better knowing other people shared some of my own habits. In fact, in reading some of these ideas, it made me want to go out and give them a try! This book is designed to help make you realize it is perfectly acceptable to do things differently. Readers will find themselves breathing a little easier knowing they are not alone in their belief that they know the correct way to hang toilet paper. Another thing I found fascinating was this book is designed to be read as little or as much as your schedule will allow. You will be glad to hear there is no set age limit in reading this book. Its content will be well received by anyone from the ages of 6-106.

Laughter is one of the key elements required to deal with life's everyday struggles. I feel this book is just what the doctor would order to ensure you have a double dose of happiness to add to your daily life.

Especially for amateur students of human nature.......2001-08-16

And I Thought I Was Crazy!: Quirks, Idiosyncrasies And Meshugaas is a hilarious collection of odd behaviors that are surprisingly endemic among humankind - little things like always making coat hangers face in the same direction, insisting that the toilet paper hang toward the front of the roll, and so on. Intended for mirth and amusement, yet at the same time absolutely true, And I Thought I Was Crazy! cheerfully embraces the bizarre little mannerisms and habits that help us cope. This book makes for good light reading, especially for amateur students of human nature.

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