I have always been a fan of Boris and his methods of coming up with a painting. But what has really interested me in his work is his portrail of the human body. Now that I have seen his book and witnessed his love for the human form, I see why his paintings look so real. The models he uses are believeable in the poses they do. I recomend it to people who have a love for the human form and also a love for Boris' work. It is also good for practing drawing the human form as I have used it for so many practice sessions.

This is a very good book with great pictures, the only reason it didn't get 5 stars was because there was no obese, skinny, or male "hindsights". If it was truly a pictorial of "hindsights" it would have more diversity in it. The pictures that are in it are of perfectly formed bums, which is good, but so is diversity.

Great work. Once again Boris Vallejo deliveres a great series of work. It was in a word amazing. Another smash!

The famous fantasy artist Boris Vallejo has produced here his photographic "homage to one single body part." In doing so, he expresses his "undying fascination with the human body" in this "tribute to female beauty."

This book contains nudity that would exceed an R rating in a motion picture.

Derrieres. What can I say about them? My guess would be that you either find them interesting to look at . . . or you don't. If you are in the first category, read on. If in the second, look elsewhere.

There are more angles and ways to picture derrieres than I would have imagined before reviewing this book. As a result, there is minimal repetition in the images portrayed here.

Mr. Vallejo primarily photographs to create images for drawing his illustrations. So for the most part these images don't have a lot else going on. They are basically partial body studies. As such, they are unretouched and unfiltered so you see the flaws very clearly (whether scars, stretch marks, blemishes, or whatever). A few have props or interesting poses, but for the most part you can imagine you are taking close-up views of classical statuary from the midpoint of the body in the rear.

As usual, Mr. Vallejo does not name, identify, or number the pages so it is hard to refer to the individual works. I will do my best here in order to give you a better view of what's in the book.

Most of the models are Mr. Vallejo's usuals (including his wife) and are body-builders. But there are also some nonbody-building women in the collection of images. Certainly, body-building seems to have a large impact on the shape and tautness of that area of the anatomy. He uses very few models here, so the images do get a little repetitive from that perspective.

The images are in both color and black-and-white. The images on the facing pages sometimes have interesting dialogues with one another, and sometimes the dialogue doesn't quite work.

The book would have been better with a little more editing. With about 30 fewer of the weakest images removed, a fine essay, and some references to the images, this would have been a five-star book. You can simply skip over those weaker images (once you identify them for yourself), and make the book more interesting for yourself.

Here are my favorites (as best I can describe them without being too lengthy, and in the order they appear in the book):

on point (standing on toes like a ballerina) (b & w)

streamers dangling from head with hand on hip (b & w)

elaborate dragon tattoos on back and derriere (color)

lying on hip on the beach (color)

dress pulled down around thighs (b & w)

wet derriere (b & w)

turned to right with hand on hip (color)

brunette with hands on back of neck with two dimples above the derriere (color)

fully dressed blonde in tight white pants and tall boots (color)

brunette with pearls and gloves (color)

brunette with dark glasses and standing against red background (color)

holding metal bar vertically (color)

cover on head, one shoulder raised against blue/purple background (color)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I suppose what makes this book most unusual is that it addresses a part of our anatomy that it is hard for us to see, except on others. Does that change our perspective? I think so. I suspect it makes us more objective.

After you finish viewing these images, my suggestion is that you take some body part that appeals to you (whether eyes, ears, neck, arms, or whatever) and take a few days to notice them on everyone you see. This will be good experience in helping you become more observant, as well as letting you develop your taste. After you have done this with one area, try it with another one. Keep doing it until you find yourself capturing the personality of people better through what you can observe in these ways. Be sure to consider posture as one of your views.

Get past the surface, to the reality within, through careful observation!

While overall the photoes were terrific, I was a bit turned off by the few images of the woman in jeans and boots. A bit too "hicky" for my taste, and all you really saw was...well, a woman in jeans. Also, it appears all the "tushes" are of women. Sometimes I get tired of people only thinking the female form is beautiful. Men are beautiful too.

I was lucky enough to interview this artistic genius many years ago, and it's great to see that his talent keeps expanding. Boris has a passion for the derriere, epitomized by his paintings but also perfectly represented in this collection of his photographs. If you're a fanny fan, this book is for you.

This is a fascinating book, all its back history making it more so, and remarkable to think it was written in 1946.

For its time it is truly shocking and extremely graphic. Even by today's standards it is pretty explicit.

However, for all that there really isn't much to this novel. It only takes a couple of hours to read and as such is a 'pleasant' diversion but the book lacks substance. It only took 10 days to write as a bet and that shows in places. Having said all that it is a worthwhile read and a real eye opener.

Glad I read it, wouldn't go back to it, won't make it onto my all time list but conditionally recommended.

This book is one of most important mile stones in Boris Vian's literal life, and a must read for B.V. fans. The book is banned in many countries because of its direct approach to sexuality and racism. It is a short book and one may read it in couple of hrs, I recommend it to viewers. I dont want to state my personal thought about the book not to effect th readers about the book. My advice would be to read it and attain some knowledge about the life of the writer to have a structural thought for the book

i have read this book in his original native language as well now as in english . Both are terrific . It reads well in english becasue it takes place in the US . Vian was underated ... 5 stars still underrates him

I have read the other reviews and based my purchase on them. I was greatly disappointed by several big "holes". First, there is no full alphabetical listing of vowels and consonants, upper and lowercase letters. Second, there is no phonetic pronuciation in either the English or Russian halves. You would have to be a second year student to know the pronunciations already OR have to try and write out each word letter-by-letter. Not useful at all for carrying along on a trip to the CIS or Russia.

Easily the best Russian dictionary I've ever used, and I've been using them for 50 years. There are so many examples of how the word is used that it's fun just as a casual read. You'll learn a lot more than just a simple definition.

This dictionary is the best one available for all anyone who is studying the Russian language. It is easy to use and has all the abreviations and everything else you could need.

The banning of "Dr Zhivago" in the USSR because of the main character's ambiguity towards the Russian Revolution - the Doctor was not actually against it - made this book a useful example of the absurd lengths the Kremlin was willing to go to impose censorship. Its reception made it a useful teaching tool in the West to help people understand this aspect of the Soviet Union. Unfortunately it got so overpraised during the Cold War that the weaknesses of the plot and the often pedestrian writing tend to shock those readers expecting another Tolstoy or Dostoevsky. Writers like Nabokov and Graham Greene tried to offer some sensible criticism at the time, about this novel, as literature, and their comments are worth looking up. Even today in Russia Pasternak is still revered for his poetry rather than this novel.

I remember as a Soviet Studies student in college (1980's), "Dr Zhivago" was always assigned in the History of Russia classes, not the Russian Literature courses. For literature we read (and thoroughly enjoyed) "The Master and Margarita" by Bulgakov. This darkly ironic satire of Stalin's pre-war Russia also works as a universal novel, a commentary on life that any sensitive reader can enjoy (I recommend Mira Ginsburg's funny, lyrical translation published by Grove Press - I've read it six or seven times). Bulgakov finished the book in 1940, when he died, and it sat in a draw until published in the 60's. Readers may also wish to try the short stories of Zoshchenko and the poetry of Anna Akhmatova, for some real 20th century Russian literature that can stand the test of time, not just the duration of the cold war.

There ARE enjoyable passages in the book, but after a while the poor conception and execution of the novel as a structure become apparent. I agree with the other reviewers who have noticed this. Keep an eye out for the reference to Stalin as a "pock-marked Caligula," and the single reference to Leon Trostky as "Lyobochka," both very daring at the time (they show how far we have come, too, since 1991).

This book truly does take on multiple genres. It is an adventure story about a man's quest through the trials and tribulations of the Russian revolution. It is also a political novel in that it comments on those very events going on around that individual, Yuri Zhivago. It is also and primarily a romantic novel about the loves and lives of various individuals caught up in an extremely tumultuous time and waht effects those events and preceedings have on their very souls.

This novel is as well written as many classic Russian novels are, and is even more of an interesting read to someone who is familiar with those works. There are references constantly to Dostoevsky, Pushkin and the like. The novel builds on all of those authors and shows how those authors have truly influenced the lives of the characters.

Another interesting aspect of this novel is that Boris Pasternak seems to have truly taken on his alternate persona of Yuri Zhivago when writing this novel. Though written in third person you often get the idea that this novel is actually being written by Yuri about the world around him. This idea is further entrenched by the collection of poems at the rear supposedly written by the good doctor himself.

The style of this novel is that of an excellent piece of poetry. It does what so much great russian literature does, which is to combine philosophy and deep thinking about the world with a lovely poetic description. This novel can speak to you on many levels, it can make you think deep thoughts, or you can simply let it carry you away on a tide of emotions. The choice is up to you but either way do not pass this novel up.

"Doctor Zhivago" is one of the best Russian novels of all times. While not legally available in Russia until 1988, Pasternak won the Nobel Prize (which he declined to receive) very soon after its publication in Italy, in 1957. Its high-critical appeal rests primarily in its myriad stylistic developments and lyrical descriptions. On the surface, "Doctor Zhivago" may seem like a realist story in the Dostoyevsky-Tolstoy tradition, the story of Zhivago, a poet and physician, beautiful Lara Guishar, and their love for each other, in the tumultuous times of World War I and the Russian Revolution. However, the novel is much more than that. Pasternak, we must remember, was primarly a poet, and, indeed, "Docotor Zhivago" is a poet's novel, for it is lyrical, musical, and enchanting as beautiful poetry. The novel seeks to redefine man's place in the cosmos, and boldly says that man is not above nature, rather part of nature. That a young boy may feel the same longing a wolf cub does when its mother has died serves to illustrate this point. Unlike many modern novels that thrash away at religion and folklore, this novel seeks to encompass them, redefining convincingly what is lasting and important in life. At one point Zhivago says, 'Man was born to live, not to prepare for life' and Zhivago (like Pasternak in real life) finds a way to lead a rich and full life in the repressive Soviet society. We can compare "Docotor Zhivago" to the style of D. H. Lawrence, while its rich use of simile is reminiscent of Bruno Schulz's "Streets of Crocodiles." "Docotor Zhivago" is sad, somber, and beautiful, but above all it is an epic. While the innumerable coincidences and long nature descriptions may give trouble to some, most seriour readers will find their hearts throb and ask themselves again and again through its pages, "Is it as good as I think it is?"

"Storm" is a rather disappointing follow-up to the excellent "Messiah." Starling brings back his heroine, Kate Beauchamp, and also a brief portion with the fascinating Red Metcalfe. But, how many years have passed since the "Silver Tongue" case? All of a sudden, Kate has a son who is in school, and we have no real idea of how long Metcalfe has been in the slammer. That's a pretty big "hole" in the opening of this rather plodding thriller.

The serial killer in this one has a sad history of extreme child abuse from both his father and mother, and the mother's lover. Starling has a keen sense of characterization in this regard, but once you get into the book, the killer's identity is pretty obvious.

Although the corresponding storyline of Kate's surviving a ferry disaster is original, it seems to take up too much of the time that should have spent on the murders. They are graphic, but not as graphic as in "Messiah," and the motivation/pattern is not as interesting as the Silver Tongue's agenda.

This book doesn't move as well as its predecessor, and doesn't have the visceral impact. However, it is a book that holds your attention, if at times you find yourself disliking Kate's whining and stubbornness. She's not the most ideal heroine in the world, but her flaws and imperfections aren't as extensive as Red Metcalfe.

I hope Starling continues the series, though; they have been enjoyable.

If you haven't yet, do yourself a favor and go read Messiah first. And then pick up Storm. You won't be disappointed. (You might also want the background of Messiah that is referred to repeatedly in Storm.)

Boris Starling returns with his second novel. Again, he deals with a deranged serial killer who is quite elusive. This time around, Kate Beauchamp is our detective and Starling gets into her mind smartly. Here, Starling weaves a story with two tragedies, the sinking of a ferry Kate was on, and the serial murders. At first it seems crazy to follow the two so closely, but the many ties, beginning with Kate's father and friends, between the two produce a tightly woven tale. Starling also gets inside the head of this young woman, particularly with her mental and emotional reactions toward the sinking and the killings.

What I like about both this and Messiah is the thought and story behind the serial killers. They are not "run of the mill" psycho stories. Without giving much more away, I will say they are more than thought provoking. In addition, the stories themselves are so addictive that I found myself, like I did with Messiah, wondering which of the many characters the killer could be, and I was stuck with 150 pages left with nothing to do but sit down and hurry through it to find out. I was not disappointed, and absolutely surprised with the many twists this took.

With plot and decent character development like this, who needs much more in a good thriller?

A ferry filled with passengers sinks under mysterious circumstances leaving those who survive, including detective Kate Beauchamp, with nightmares that haunt their lives. A vicious serial killer slays and brutally mutilates his victims. A black adder becomes an enigmatic clue. A Greek myth plays itself out in real life. These disparate events converge to bring Kate and her estranged father, marine accident investigator Frank Beauchamp, together on the streets of Glasgow in an attempt to solve an eerie and baffling case.

Boris Starling has developed a strong and realistic protagonist in Kate Beauchamp and a bizarre, demented, and cunning murderer in the Black Adder. The puzzle of how and why the ferry "Amphitrite" was sunk and the frantic hunt for the identity of the Black Adder move along seemingly parallel paths. The revelation which ties the two together comes as a surprise and a shock. Both investigations are full of tension, suspense, and strange twists. This is a whiz bang thriller which will keep you guessing in anticipation right down to the final pages of the book.

I missed Starling's first book, "Messiah," but that book is going near the top of my must read list. If it has the impact of "Storm," I'm in for another good read.

I really got a shock at some of the reviews of this book. About ten years ago, Shapechangers was one of the very first fantasy books I ever read, and despite moving on to more sophisticated, perhaps better written members of the genre, this book still remains one of my all time faves (as does the whole series). Particularly startling to me was the lack of feeling for Alix, who I've always loved very dearly as a very strong, amazing character. I think one of the reviewers of Shapechangers was quite correct when they pointed out the role of noblesse oblige in The Chronicles of the Cheysuli. I never really liked Carillon or Duncan (I always loved Finn too much, just as later in the series I preferred the Corin's and the Kellin's to the Brendan's) but I had to respect their integrity and sense of responsibilty. If anyone found some of the choices made by the characters in this series a little strange or too treacle-y (as one reviewer found Alix's marriage), perhaps they had not yet formed a coherent conception of tahlmorra and what it entails in the lives of the Cheysuli. I normally don't get attracted to prophecy-type fantasy, but the Cheysuli prophecy was strong enough to sustain me across the eight books of this series. Of the series, the first and the last books remain my favourites. I think Shapechangers seems even more poignant after having read the others - poor babe didn't know what she was getting herself in for! No seriously, the simplicity of Shapechangers and the focus upon Alix was very beautiful (the later books necessarily being broader in scope), and I thank Jennifer Roberson heartily for providing me such a heroine (a very human heroine, at that!) in my early youth and for providing me with the dream of Homana and the Cheysuli full stop.

the chronicles of the chysuli have been one of my favourite fantasy series for years. this book is one of the best, along with daughter of the lion; this series feature strong believable characters, men as well as women, and a prophecy spanning a century. plus, the two warring magic races - the use of magic - it's all written so well and the story is so gripping... i only wish there were more.

this book was so good. It is impossible to put it down! The characters are so real, the emotions are so real, the only thing that doesn't seem real is the setting and sometimes the things that the chacters do. I've just read the whole series, and this is the best of the bunch. However, After u read this one, you just have to keep going until you know what happens at the end. The only problems with this series, and that is that the author tends to skip bits and pieces of the history. You even learn a new language (sort of) These books seem like they should keep going after the end, and I truely regret that they don't. Read this one . . . and keep reading!

This book contains many nude photographs done in ways that would cause the book to receive an R rating if it were a motion picture.

Boris Vallejo is well known for his fantasy illustrations of strong men and women. To create those illustrations, he often creates photographs of his models rather than having them pose for extended periods of time. This book contains many images that he has used for that purpose. For long-time Vallejo fans, part of the interest in this book will be seeing the models he was using. This allows you to see more clearly what Vallejo adds through selecting the models, posing them, and employing his illustration style.

Since these images were created as intermediary subjects, they do not have the usual focus on composition, lighting, or personality. As such, these vibrant people often come across like partially decayed statues done in marble by a long-deceased Roman or Greek sculptor.

The most interesting part of the photographs themselves is that they reveal aspects of the human form that you have probably not seen before. Most of the models are female bodybuilders (including Mr. Vallejo's wife and sister). Most of us have an image of what bodybuilders look like in a competition. These photographs are less extreme, taken when a model is usually not "pumped up" to competition shape and with less extreme poses. Because there is little use of filters (and no retouching that I noticed), these people reveal their warts and scars as well as their muscles. I found the contrasts to be fascinating. Rather than making the images less attractive, the contrast for me made the most beautiful sections of the model's body even more idealized. In many cases, it's a jaw line, or a neck, or part of the curve of the shoulder that draws your attention. But by being in very good shape, there's a lot of muscle that creates slightly exaggerated curves in many places against taut skin that makes for very appealing shapes.

In some situations, the models pose with all kinds of fantasy gear, including weapons. This actually enhances the contrasts in favor of seeing the person has more powerful -- to hold such a dangerous weapon while unclothed requires great self-confidence.

I also came away from this book having a greater appreciation for Mr. Vallejo's illustrations. They are much closer to real life than I would have ever imagined. I had always found them to seem exaggerated, and thus unfairly dismissed them as overdone. But his illustrations are not much more than an idealization of the real thing, as portrayed here.

I would normally tell you what my favorite images are from the book. Since there were no names, titles, dates, or page numbers, it is hard to reference them. From a photography perspective, the image of the pregnant woman was clearly one of the best. I found that his female photographs were more appealing than his male ones, probably because the models were less distorted by muscles. The women seemed healthy and vibrant, rather than muscle-dominated. But that's probably just a matter of personal taste.

After you finish this book, perhaps you should think about how you can use photography to help you accomplish important tasks in your life. Where would it help to have real-life models? Where can a photograph record reality better than any other method, including your memory? If you move 20 years into the future, what would you miss if you had not photographed it?

Be open to appreciating people and beauty in new ways!

Boris Vallejo is well known for his fantasy art. Specifically for his incredibly muscular voluptous and scantily clad ladies. Although, he also is responsible for the incredibly buff males who wear just as little clothing (look for his work on Conan: the Barbarian)
Teamed with his wife, Julie Bell who is a body builder and accomplished artist in her own right (you will see many pictures of her nude in this book), the two have published tons of illustration books. These books attract all different fans, from those who just use them as soft porn to those who really appreciate the illustrative techniques, and fantasy enthusiasts of all sorts. Most people who looked at these books have to go at some point, usually in discust, THERE ARE NO REAL PEOPLE WHO LOOK LIKE THIS!
Well...um...I said that too, and looking at this photography, I have to munch those words. (Pass the ketchup?) The beautiful black and white photography of these incredible hardbodies proves that yes there are some real live people who really do look like fantasy superheros/heroines. (Except honestly, the breasts on the women are usually, but not always smaller, since breasts are mostly fat)
Then there is the irony of this book, in that we are being presented with larger than life looking bodybuilders, seemingly so perfect, but they are presented to us very candidly, with scars and freckles and body hair. It's wonderful. I think fans of Boris Vallejo will really appreciate this book.

Most people who are familiar with Boris Vallejo's work know him as a fantasy illustrator. He is on of the best in his field, producing strong, graphic images of physically impressive people. I was surprised to discover that most often Vallejo works from life, or photographs of models.

Originally Vallejo used a professional photographer, but he became interested in photographer and began to do his own work. He brings to his black and white photographic images the same intensity that he uses in his illustration. No doubt due in part to his interest in body building Vallejo's perception of beauty is a bit different from the photographic norm.

Vallejo's women are not the slim ephemeral beauties that inhabit the fantasies of your average, slightly flabby, American male. These women are people to contend with, who hand swords and armor with the same facility we do Palm Pilots. Using these strong thewed yet remarkably sensual women (and men too) Vallejo creates images of refined quality with a startling sense of natural form and flow. They lack the excessive strain that sometimes appears in photos of body builders.

Vallejo uses medium format cameras to create images of extreme detail, and is unafraid to include the scars and bumps along with the lush sensuality of skin and hair. As such there is a dimensional effect which can be hypnotic. Some might quibble over whether this is fine art photography, but these are striking, unforgettable images.

The amazing world of Boris Vallejo is condensed down into this picture book of god like bodies and fairytail fantasy scenes. Shown are some of his movie work, clothing ad work, Franklin Mint and his most favorite subject, his wife, Julie Bell.

There are some comedy moments of his works as well, including a portrait of the then president of the United States, Bill Clinton. He explains that some of his works have been described as too relvealing esspecially of his wife Julie. But as the pictures show when one gets over the fact, they are quite beautiful.

A book mainly for the older reader, artist or Vallejo fans only.

I love this book because it has lots of beautiful paintings from the author. I like this book more than the Titans. The artworks from Titans doesn't stand out or look as clean as the ones from in this book. This book has pictures ranging from mythical beings and animals, to futuristic designs. The disadvantage about this book is the non appealing art cover and its high price. Overall, it's an excellent reference book.

I have no idea what the person from dallas is talking about. I loved this work of Boris. I espsecially loved the Sections on the mythical beasts, and women of wonder. This is my best Boris book yet. I challenge any artist to match boris in the worlds of magic and fantasy. A definate must for all boris and fantasy fans.

Although this book is quite limited in it's perspective, it does offer both candid and posed tips on modern Russian culture. Mr. Yeltsin's copious jottings reveal his personal taste for style and political power. The writings also reveal some of the cultural challenges that plague the Russian people such as; peer presure among adults for consumption of vodka and the need for modern business people to find a moral code that will promote sound national and international business practices. The extensive political reporting which Mr. Yeltsin has voiced would indicate that Russian self-government is still in the developing stages and has many hurtles to pass. However the outlook is hopeful and not blindly so. One leaves the text wondering how we might come to learn more of President Putin's own style of politics. An interesting read for anyone studying modern Russian culture, this book is by no means an authoratative overview on the culture.

Yeltsin's memoirs are without doubt interesting and necessary source for everybody who's looking to understand what really has happened in Russia during 90s. But unfortunately this is only half or even less of that what Yeltsin really could tell us. First of all, this is not of course Yeltsin who has written this book. Real authors are Valentin Yumashev, who is also author of Yeltsin's previous memoirs, and Tatyana Dyatchenko, Yeltsin's daugther. Reading this book you could find almost in every chapter how authors had tried to save Yeltsin's face for history. They succeeded if reader is not well informed about Russia. But for them who have lived this through, Yeltsin's book is too one-sided and not really trustful piece.

No wonder that this book attracted such negative reaction from 'experts' in Russian politics. What seemed almost to everyone as illogical, bizarre behavior of a senile tsar suddenly becomes clear, simple and logical. Yeltsin describes day by day his struggle for power since he started his presidential race with support of only 3% of popular support. As one reads the book it becomes evident that Yeltsin always had a very clear and realistic picture of what was happening around him. He could let people believe that he was too sick and weak to rule, watched who, how and when tried to get the power. Like a good hunter Yeltsin stoke deadly blows on his foes when they truely believed he was under their control. Yeltsin analyzes the situation, decides who's his friend or foe, plans his actions and acts without remorse. The book reads like a novel that unfolds the secrets of Russian under carpet bulldogs fighting.