When I first looked at this on the Amazon web site I was not sure about getting it because the pages you can see look to be designs from Egypt and I wanted more then that. I sent for it anyway and it has wonderful designs in full color plates from China, Japan, India, Russia, the Renaissance, Medieval jewelry designs and others. It has just a little bit (a few pages) of everything from ancient Egypt to 18th century France.It will be more then helpful in helping me decide what I like. I am sure this will be one of my most used books and as always I am happy with Dover for making it at a price I can afford.

This book is indispensable for any good library in mystical theology. It is a classic in the area of discerning the true nature of mystical experiences. It is particularly useful for giving practical rules on discerning supposed apparitions and revelations. It systematically outlines the consistent teaching of doctors and saints on the nature of phenomenon associated with prayer. It recognizes the importance of modern science for recognizing the various psychological and physical factors that can mimic mystical experiences. Though written around the turn of the 20th century it is still very relevant for the questions one encounters today. I would recommend this book for any priest or serious student of mystical theology.

I picked this one up at a used book store years ago, and it has been a source of inspiration ever since. The dishes are beautifully photographed. Note that there isn't a photograph of each one, but the ones that are pictured are chosen wisely. For example, it helps to have a photo of Lobster Clarence, since the presentation of that dish is essential, and quite impressive, if done well.

I have cooked a lot of the recipes in this book, with great success. I think, however, that the strength of this book is in the entrees. These recipes are definitely the most fun for me, and the variety is wonderful, including fish, shellfish, meats, game, and half a dozen ways of doing tournedos. Whether you are daydreaming gourmet dinners, or planning an upcoming meal to remember, you'll find the perfect entree.

The soups and desserts are pretty much typical of French Classic cooking; the vegetable dishes are a bit more interesting and diverse. All seem well-chosen to accompany the entrees.

One of the things I like about Escoffier is the freedom he gives you to adapt the recipes to your own needs & interests. Each recipe gives you all that you need to know to make the dish as written, but in many of them (e.g., Pork Roast a la Paysanne) there is room to add your own touches. The book is well organized, and you'll find the glossary quite useful.

Bon appetit!

I would recomend this book to my classmates for the further studies

Whether you have a casual interest in the life and/or works of Ingres or you are a dedicated admirer, you are sure to find yourself enjoying this book. There are approximately 40 pages of text mingled with relevant b/w illustrations, some by Ingres, some by a variety of other artists including Picasso, Raphael, Poussin, Delacroix, Courbet, and Matisse. The author compares Ingres to Picasso because of his ability to take on many forms in his artwork while remaining true to himself. He also discusses the tension between Ingres and Delacroix over visible brushstrokes and the use of color. Ingres is described in this book as being "one of the greatest draftsmen of all time" and it is easy to understand why when examining the colorplates. There are 151 illustrations in all with 40 plates in color. Included in the colorplate section are _Bonaparte as First Consul_, _Bather of Valpincon_, _Oedipus and the Sphinx_, _The Turkish Bath_, _The Dream of Ossian_, and _Grande Odalisque_, among others. Each colorplate comes with an extensive commentary by the author that includes historical background and an analysis of the work's artistic merits. This is absolutely a great buy for *anyone* interested in Ingres.

"Racinet's Full-Color Pictorial History of Western Costume," by Auguste Racinet, is a marvelous collection of illustrations that record trends in European clothing. The cover and title page boast that the book contains 92 plates showing over 950 costumes from the Middle Ages to 1800. The copyright page notes that this book is a selection of plates from the 6-colume "Le Costume Historique" published in 1888.

Depicted are costumes from France, Spain, Italy, Russia, and other nations. Many different types of people are depicted: soldiers, clergymen, nuns, noblewomen, peasants, etc. The plates of military dress are particularly interesting; in addition to showing knights' armor and other clothing, the illustrations also show many different weapons. Horses in regalia are shown in addition to human figures. Also depicted are musical instruments.

The pictures include both individual figures and scenes depicting costumed figures in social interaction. Some famous people, like Elizabeth I of England, are depicted. There are some really colorful and ornate items, like elaborate ladies' headdresses. I really liked the illustrations of kilted Scotsmen. Along the way are some curious sights, such as a bizarrely dressed and masked Venetian penitent. Overall, this book is a marvelous and educational visual feast.

Wonderful book! A must have for all artists and craftsmen, this book features colorful ornaments throughout history, covering most major periods and styles. As an artist I found it very inspiring and handy. All the designs are easily copied and can be reused in any project you choose. My own copy, which I own for a few years, still looks new and fresh thanks to the quality of the paper and printing. If you buy this book and find it useful, you can also get 'The grammar of ornament' by Owen Jones, which is very similar in concept, content and quality. However, Racinet's book is higher on my list.

One of the best collections I have ever seen of Renoir's work. It comes complete with a biography of the artist and everything you could expect from an art book by Harry Abrams, but is both larger and less expensive! Whether you are an avid collector or someone who is just giving Renoir a test drive, you will find this book spectacular.

An excellent collection of Renoir's works. Very clean and detailed. Great for art study.

These little blank books are a attractive and practical. They come in several designs besides the Renoir cover, and are always appreciated by children and adults alike. I often give these as small gifts or rewards. My young son uses them for his piano assignments and I carry one in my purse so that I'm never without paper for phone numbers and the like. This is a great value!