This book is one of my most well-loved non-fiction books. It is written by a woman who both understands the dance and is able to explain it to outsiders. I got this book when I was just starting to learn dance, and it's given me an invaluable perspective on the origins and meaning of Bharata Natyam. The ancient history of temple dance is fairly small, but the 19th and 20th century information is both copious and vivid. She also does a great job in explaining the components of a formal recital, and other parts of the dance form.

I've looked around for 6 months for this type of guide book so was very pleased when I saw it in the giftshop of the Detroit Institute of Arts. They wanted $37 so Amazon's price of $20 is GREAT. The book is a succinct overview of the Christian saints and their imagery. If you enjoy Medieval or Renaissance Art, you've got to get this book. It gives you a tremendous cross-reference to identify the images to the saints. For example, if you see a wheel in the painting, you can look it up in the index. This will lead to Saint Catherine and gives a history of her. This is an in-depth and scholarly approach to Christian iconogarphy with lots of helpful pictures. Indispensable reference book!

This book, published in 1996, seems to be the standard for information about Knowles, Taylor, Knowles pottery. It has an extensive section on history of the pottery, includes a section on the various marks or backstamps (with photos), and covers production both in Ohio and in California.

The book has a wealth of photos of the various lines made by KTK, and includes a wonderful group of images of the famous Lotus Ware, as well as info on the well-loved whiskey jugs. An especially nice feature of this book is that the pricing information is included next to the photo of a piece, which is much more convenient than having to look things up in an index in the back. However, be aware that online auctions have changed the values of some KTK pieces somewhat, so the pricing info here may be a little high. Nonetheless, this is an excellent book for the collector's reference library.

I have collected RS/ES/OS/CS ceramics for several years and without a doubt M.F. Gaston's books are the best available

This book was published in 1997, but values are updated for the year 2,000. Wonderful 224 page book contains more than 600 large, full color, sharp photos. Major topics range from bar ware, clocks, dresser accessories, to smoking, statutes, tableware and vases. It contains much text on the origins and development of Art Deco, and each section contains useful information. It also includes facts on reproductions, manufacturers and marks and a comprehensive bibliography. Art Deco collectors will enjoy and refer to this volume often.

I teach courses on culture and cross-cultural communication to teachers from many different countries and cultural backgrounds. I have used Jan Gaston's book five times over the years as a source for these teachers to gain creative ideas on how to teach culture. This book is always well received. The ideas are easy to understand, adapt, and use with students from different cultures. This book might be 15 years old, but the ideas in it are timeless. I have tried a variety of different books. But, this is one I keep coming back to.

Yo leí este libro pues me hice fanática del musical. Es un excelente libro, pero me decepcionó un poco que el musical no se apegara del todo al libro original.
Muchas de las cosas que en la obra musical quedan sin explicar, o sin entender, en este libro quedan resueltas.

Excelente elección si deciden comprarlo.

This book is great! A must have for all phantom phans.

This colouring book version of James Rice's Mardi Gras classic, "Gaston Goes to Mardi Gras," is fun for the whole family. It can be used as a way to explain some of your family's traditions, or to prepare children for a family trip. The pictures can be coloured, cut out and used for party decorations. The story reminds me of my childhood, and the Carnivals of days gone by. Rice presents a short, but comprehensive overview of Carnival, and the major krewes, balls, and parades. I highly recomend this book.

If you loved the Phantom of the Opera and love Leroux's style of writing and stories, this book is for you! It combines into one volume awesome stories by one of the best authors ever. A must have for all mystery fans.